Area News, Government, Submitted

SEK Republican Chairs to Host Governor’s Forum

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Several Southeast Kansas (SEK) Counties have been working together to organize and host a Republican Governor’s Forum. The intent of the Forum is to educate voters and promote the SEK region. Four Republican county chairs, Don Alexander of Neosho County, Marsha Wallace of Crawford County, Mike Howerter of Labette County and Virgil Peck of Montgomery County have invested many hours in preparation for what they expect to be a big event for SEK.

The event will take place in Parsons, at the Parsons Municipal Auditorium, located at 112 S. 17th – one block west of the main north-south corridor (Hwy 59 or 16th street) in Parsons on the evening of June 16th. The doors will open at 5:00 and the Forum will formally start at 6:00.

Virgil Peck, the “unofficial chairman” of the group, said the idea came to him in the middle of the night several months ago. Soon after, he approached the other county chairs about the idea and says, “They all liked the idea and were immediately willing to join together to make it happen”.

The group first met at the Republican State Convention in Wichita last February to start the process. Peck reports that they have worked hard at planning and making the necessary arrangements to ensure that the Forum is a first-class event for SEK. He says he is very grateful to the many area businesses and individuals who have made financial contributions to cover the expenses, especially the Platinum sponsors: Monarch Cement of Humboldt, Taylor Crane and Rigging of Coffeyville and Ash Grove of Chanute. “Their contributions make it possible for the event to be free to the public,” said Peck. He went on to say that some Forums and Debates around the State have charged an admission of as much as $20 per person to attend their event. “We didn’t want to exclude any Republican voter, so we are making this happen at no cost to those who wish to attend.”

All five leading Republican candidates for Governor have confirmed their attendance and participation. They are Governor Jeff Colyer, Secretary of State Kris Kobach, State Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer, Dr. Jim Barnett and Patrick Kucera. In addition to the candidates seeking the office of Governor, several Republican candidates running for 2nd District Congress and other statewide offices will be at the event to visit with voters.

Alexander said, “This forum gives the people of SEK an unprecedented opportunity to personally meet future leaders in Topeka and Washington.” He encourages voters to: “Come talk with the candidates, shake their hands, and ask serious questions.” Alexander adds, “The forum also gives these future leaders a look at what we have to offer in SEK – so a good turnout is important.”

Howerter informs area residents that if they just can’t make it to Parsons on the 16th, they can listen to the forum live on KGGF radio (690 AM) or view it live on the internet – as it will be live-streamed worldwide. “I have run several of this type of meeting in the past. I commend my fellow chairs, especially Virgil (Peck) and Don (Alexander), they have really been doing a great job.” 

There will be free literature and yard signs from the many different candidates attending the Forum. It is recommended that attendees arrive early to get the best seats. Additionally, at 5:40 there will be a pre-forum event to introduce and hear from the candidates for Second District Congress.

Joining with the other Chairs to encourage attendance at the Forum, Wallace says, “Although it is beneficial to read about the candidates and listen to what they have to say on the radio or internet, there is no better way to get a feel for who a person truly is than to look them in the eye, shake their hand and visit with them in person.”

Bourbon County, Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Law Enforcement Now Open

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The new Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, 293 E 20th, Fort Scott.

The Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center has moved to 293 E.  20th Street, Fort Scott from its downtown location adjacent to the courthouse.

The move took place Friday, June 8, according to a press release from Sheriff Bill Martin.

As of Saturday evening, June 9, there were 46 inmates currently housed at the new center, according to Correctional Officer Wynn.

“Inmates that have been housed or assigned in other counties are in the process of being moved to the new facility,” according to the press release from Martin.

All business of the center is now handled at the new facility.

The phone numbers remain the same: for the Sheriff’s Office it is 620-223-1440, for the law enforcement center is it 620-223-2380.

 

Area News

Conard To Be Honored by Polish Government June 10-11

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Norm Conard, the director of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott,  will receive an award in a special ceremony in honor of the 10th anniversary of Irena Sendler’s death.

The recognition is for Conard’s work with Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project, which brought Irena Sendler’s name onto the global stage, according to a press release.

The Ministry of Culture and National Heritage in Poland along with Taube Philanthropies will present a special award to Conard at the Royal Castle in Warsaw, Poland, on June 11.

The award is presented in the name of Irena Sendler to Polish citizens who ‘preserve Jewish heritage and help renew Jewish culture in Poland.’

Conard is the first non-Polish citizen to receive the award.

“This is about emphasizing the history of the Jewish people in Poland,” Conard said in an interview with fortscott.biz. “Before the war there were 3,000,000 Jews after the war there were 30,000.”

Conard said he would be attending  a dinner Sunday evening with two former presidents of Poland, in addition to the award ceremony.

Following is excerpts from Conards intended speech:

“There are many people who have impacted history, in extraordinary ways. Irena Sendler stands out because of her incredible courage and undying love for children. ‘People caring about others’ was her mantra, understanding the need to ‘repair the world,’ was her motto.

“I salute the Taube Philanthropies and the Ministry of Culture for the Country of Poland, for their wonderful desire to ‘preserve Jewish heritage and to help renew Jewish culture in Poland.’

“Many years ago there was a thriving Jewish life in this country. May that again be the case, as awards like this bring out heritage and history. The two entities involved with this ceremony both believe in the future of the Jewish people in Poland.

“Almost 20 years ago, a project began in Kansas, which would change many lives. It would also lead to a close personal relationship for my students and myself, with Irena Sendler. It was our privilege to travel to Poland and be with Irena on five occasions.

“These times with her would be filled with laughter, with tears, and with a transparency from Irena that would transform everyone in the room. She also would share many, many rich thoughts and wishes. Until her death in 2008, she constantly spoke out for those people who were downtrodden and would say again and again, that we must respect all people, regardless of race, religion or creed.

“As stated many times by Irena, her one regret in life was not being able to rescue more children. She also would want me to say, that these rescues were done by her network of over 25 people, always being humble and giving credit to them. She would always give the names of those in this brave, powerful, and passionate network, who assisted her in the rescue, hiding, and care of these children and adults from the Warsaw Ghetto and the streets of Warsaw.

“… I also stand here representing three high school students in Kansas and many other students and adults who have shared her story with the world.

“For Megan, Liz and Sabrina, I say, ‘Job well done,’ but there is much more in the process of repairing the world. To Bieta, Renata and other child survivors, I say, ‘Your love of sharing Irena’s story has made a tremendous impact on Poland and the world.’ To those presenting this award, I say, ‘Your honoring of courage and valor is so appropriate in our day and time. Her story is needed as much today, as ever before.’

“In the performance of Life in a Jar, there is a line that says, “Irena Sendler was a light, a spiritual light in the darkness. She repaired the world, one child at a time, and made a difference.”

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Submitted

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening

June 8, 2018

8-9
Livestock Sale – Fort Scott Livestock Market, 10am
8
Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavilion, the corner of 1st & Main, Downtown Fort Scott, 7-8pm – Hemphill Family Band
9
Conceal Carry Class – The Bunker, 108 Scott Ave, 8am-4pm
9
Mercy Health Foundation Golf
Scramble – Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 Horton St, 9am-2pm
9
4th Annual Fort Scott Fire Department Benefit Ride, will start @ 12pm, Fort Scott Fire Department, 1604 S National Ave., and end @ Holmtown Pub, 206 N National Ave. with live band.

Click here for more information.
9
Live Band at Holmtown Pub – John Thomas Band, 9-12pm
11
USD 234 Board of Education Meeting, 424 S. Main, 5:30-6:30pm
11
American Legion Post 25 General Meeting – Memorial Hall, Corner of National and 3rd, 7-8pm
11
Fit-N-Fun Summer Program ages 6-10-Mercy HFL, 405 Woodland Hills Blvd, 9-10am
11
Summer Reading: Libraries Rock! – Fort Scott Public Library, 10-11am
11
Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 Horton St., 12:00 pm
11
T.O.P.S Meeting – BRCC, 4-5pm
12
Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County Meeting – Old Congregational Church, 7-8pm
13
Breakfast Bingo – BRCC, 9-10am
13
Summer Reading: Libraries Rock- Musician Alan Cunningham – Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 10 am
13
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church, 12-1pm
13
Adult Coloring Program hosted by the Fort Scott Public Library, 2:00 pm
13
TAG – Teen Advisory Group Meeting – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4:00 pm
14-17
Adam LaRoche 16U Baseball Tournament – LaRoche Baseball Complex
14
Chamber Coffee – Lavender Patch, 2376 Locust Rd., 8am
14
Fit-N-Fun Summer Program – Mercy HFL, 405 Woodland Hills Blvd, 9-10am
14
Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 Horton St., 12:00 pm
14
Thursday Card Players – BRCC, 6-9pm
14-15
Livestock Sale – Fort Scott Livestock Market, 10am-5pm
15
Art Walk – Bourbon County Arts Council, 5-8pm
15
Friday Nigh Concert in the Park – Hertiage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main St. Downtown, 7-8pm
15
Tumbleweed Real Country Festival with Cody Johnson & more, 7095 W. 339th St, La Cygne, KS 66040, just 45 minutes north of Fort Scott, 7-11pm
16
4th Annual TATA Benefit Ride – Care to Share, 11am

Click here for more information about registration and event.
16-17
Eastern Kansas Swine Show Series – Bourbon County Fairgrounds
16
Bike Across Kansas ends in Fort Scott!
16
Lavendar Festival – The Lavander Patch, 2376 Locust Rd., 9-3pm
16
Couples Night – The Bunker, The Outdoor Range, 1562 Maple Rd., 5-7pm
Click here for more information about the event.
18
Chamber Board Meeting – Papa Don’s, 12-1pm
18
FSCC Board of Trustees Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 5:30-6:30
18
Community Book Club – Fort Scott Public Library, 7-9pm
Click here for more information about event.
19
FSCC Livestock Judging Clinic – FSCC, 2108 S. Horton St.
Click here for more information about registration and complete details
of event.
19
Fit-N-Fun Summer Program – Mercy HFL, ages 6-10, Mercy Health For Life, 405 Woodland Hills Blvd., 9-10am
19
Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12-1pm
19
T.O.P.S. Meeting – BRCC, 4-5pm
19
City Commission Meeting – City Hall,
6-7pm
20-22
FSCC Livestock Judging Camp 2018 – FSCC, 2108 S. Horton St.
Click here for more information about registration and complete details
of event.
20
Summer Reading: Librairies Rock! – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
20
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church, 12-1pm
20
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S National Ave.,
2-4pm
20
TAG – Teen Advisory Group – Fort Scott Public Library, 4-5pm
21-24
Grand Slam Baseball Showcase – LaRoche Baseball Complex
21
Chamber Coffee – The BEACON Food Pantry, 525 E. 6th St., 8am
21
Fit-N-Fun Summer Program ages 6-10-Mercy HFL, 405 Woodland Hills Blvd, 9-10am
21
Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 Horton St., 12:00 pm
21
Thursday Card Players – BRCC, 6-9pm
21
Coffee with Doug – Common Ground, 116 S. Main St., 6-8:30pm
Save the Date:
 June 23rd – SEK Outdoorsmen Scramble
June 23rd – Ben Taddiken in Concert @ Liberty

                    Liberty Theatre Patio
June 28th – Surf Beach Bash VBS @
                    Parkway  Church
June 28th – Patriots’ Baseball Tournament
     benefiting Combat Veteran’s Organization
Opinion

God On Television by Patty LaRoche

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God has made a resurgence on television. I first noticed it on one of my favorite singing competitions, American Idol, where this season several contestants shared that their singing roots were in church. Home videos were proof. Many were vocal about their faith and gave God the glory for their abilities. I prayed for them to be the last ones standing.

When Kyla Jade sang the Christian song “How Great Thou Art,” only a few notes into the melody, the live audience erupted in applause. Their standing ovation seemed endless. No one booed or stormed out in protest when God was being celebrated. I had proud goosebumps.

As the contestants were eliminated, five were left. Alone in the green room before their performances, they were free to do whatever they wanted. When they came onto the stage, Ryan Seacrest, the show’s host, questioned how they had spent their time. More spontaneous applause followed their answer: “We were praying.” And so was I, praying that their futures may continue to be testimonies to their love of God.

American Idol was not the only show where faith was expressed. This year’s shortened competition on Dancing With the Stars showed off the talents of athletes. One of them, Jennie Finch, was a softball pitcher (whom I have admired for years). She and her dance partner, Keo Motsepe, had learned the difficult choreography, but a few days before the show’s airing, Finch was convicted the song’s lyrics were not ones she wanted her children to hear. In her words, “I want to glorify God out there, and that just wasn’t a great choice for me to do that.” Motsepe was forced to choose another song and re-choreograph the dance. One of the judges commended Finch for sticking to her convictions. I needed pom poms.

And how about Britain’s royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markel where God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit were mentioned several times! (Yes, I set my alarm for the opening television coverage.) My prayers were that everyone who watched would be touched by the sacredness of the occasion and want to know more about this holy Trinity.

The same day, when the news stations turned to the live footage following the tragic, Santa Fe, Texas, school shooting, five community leaders spoke. All acknowledged that prayer was the answer. Thank you, Jesus.

More recently we were given first-row television seats to Rosanne Barr’s firing from ABC following the disparaging remarks she Tweeted about Valerie Jarrett (a beautiful woman, in my opinion). The public scorn was fast and furious but ultimately brought Barr to her knees where she Tweeted about her Jewish faith, asking God to help use this “bad experience” to move her to a place where she can help the hopeless.

“These [are] the four steps in repentance: admitting you were wrong, making restitution, asking forgiveness from those u have hurt & at last, cracking open your heart in deep sorrow and remorse, where tears flow.” For Barr, even those comments produced no standing ovations. No one reminded the naysayers we all are sinners and fall short of God’s glory. The skeptics were out in droves, questioning where this faith has been during Barr’s long, public career and praising ABC for acting swiftly. And although I must admit her apology elicited no proud goosebumps for me (perhaps a little judgmental?), of all the television personalities whose faith has been exposed, I think Roseanne Barr needs our prayers the most.

Kansas

44th ANNUAL KANSAS BICYCLE TOUR

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(June 7, 2018) – The 44th year of the longest-running bicycling event in Kansas history—a 558-mile ride across the State—begins Saturday, June 9, 2018. BIKING ACROSS KANSAS (BAK) is an eight-day tour originating at the Kansas-Colorado line with up to 700 bicyclists, including support staff.

 

The bicyclists will start at the Kansas-Colorado line west of Johnson City. Their overnight stops will be Montezuma, Ashland, Pratt, Clearwater, Burden, Fredonia, and Arma. The cyclists’ final night together will be in Arma on Friday, June 15. The following morning, they will cycle to the Missouri border in Arcadia and cycle into Fort Scott, where they will celebrate the end of the ride with a picnic at the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

 

BAK is also routed through Ulysses, Meade, Greensburg, Coldwater, Zenda, Belle Plaine, Winfield, Longton, Elk City, St. Paul, and many more Kansas towns.

 

“2018 offers a variation of the much-requested southern route that Biking Across Kansas has visited less frequently than other parts of the state. The route will take cyclists through several scenic regions of Kansas including the wide-open High Plains, the Red Hills, the famed wheat country of south-central Kansas, and the rolling Flint Hills. Highlights along the way include the Adobe Museum in Ulysses, the Stauth Museum in Montezuma, the Dalton Gang Hideout in Meade, the Big Basin sinkhole in Clark County, the World’s Largest Hand-Dug Well in Greensburg, the Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine, and Historic Fort Scott.” said David Rohr, Chairman of Biking Across Kansas, Inc.

 

Participants will enjoy the state’s favorable cycling conditions as well as people, attractions, food, and entertainment in rural Kansas. Bicyclists will also visit residents at Parkwood Village in Pratt and Morningstar Care in Fredonia to visit with residents and share about bicycling gear, and BAK. The Spokesmen, BAK’s barbershop chorus, will serenade residents.

 

Participants represent 26 states and 124 cities in 65 Kansas counties. Ages range from 10 – 85. Quite a number of riders have participated in BAK for over 40 years.

 

The primary objectives of Biking Across Kansas are to promote wellness through bicycling, celebrate Kansas history and the beauty of its landscape, and enjoy the warm hospitality of its towns and people.

 

For more information on Biking Across Kansas 2018, visit https://bak.org/.

 

About Biking Across Kansas

Biking Across Kansas (BAK) is an annual, eight-day, bicycle tour across the state of Kansas. BAK promotes health and wellness through bicycling, the history and beauty of the Kansas landscape, and the warm hospitality of the Kansas towns and people. BAK started in 1975 and has been an annual event bicyclist and Kansas local look forward to annually.

Kansas, Submitted

Dramatic Rise in Kansas Suicides

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CDC Report Outlines State Suicide Rates

Kansas ranks 19th overall, experiencing dramatic increase

 

TOPEKA –  Suicide is a tragic reality in our state and throughout the rest of the country. Today, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released its latest Vital Signs series, which addresses a single, important public health topic each month. This month’s edition looks at suicide rates across the United States. The report details a dramatic increase in incidents of suicide in Kansas, particularly among females. The state ranked 19th overall, and fifth for overall change. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) also tracks this cause of death through its division of Vital Statistics. This information is shared with our federal partners for reports such as this.

 

“Many of us have been personally impacted by this unfortunate reality,” said Dr. Greg Lakin, KDHE Chief Medical Officer. “It’s important that everyone, whether it’s a medical professional, family, friends or co-workers, take an active role in offering help before it’s too late.”

 

The CDC report indicates the following:

  • In 2016, nearly 45,000 suicides occurred in the U.S. among people 10 years and older.
  • From 1999-2016, suicide rates increased in nearly every state, with 25 states experiencing increases of more than 30 percent each.
  • Data from 27 states participating in the National Violent Death Reporting System in 2015 indicate that more than half of people who died by suicide did not have a known mental health condition.
  • A range of factors contributes to suicide beyond mental health conditions alone, including relationship, substance use, physical health, job, financial and legal problems.

 

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) offers programs and services to address suicide. It also heads the Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council, that produced the Kansas Suicide Prevention Subcommittee 2017 Annual Report, which outlines steps the State is taking to regarding this issue.

 

“Too many Kansans are lost to suicide each year,” said KDADS Secretary Tim Keck. “It’s imperative that we continue to make suicide prevention a top priority, by promoting public awareness of the issue, evaluating risk factors and encouraging appropriate treatments and interventions.”

Suicide warning signs include the following:

  • Feeling like a burden
  • Being isolated
  • Increased anxiety
  • Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Increased substance use
  • Looking for a way to access lethal means
  • Increased anger or rage
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Expressing hopelessness
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Talking or posting about wanting to die
  • Making plans for suicide

Suicide has risk and protective factors similar to other behavioral health issues. Kansas has many resources available, ranging from prevention and behavioral health promotion strategies to guidance in responding effectively to suicidal thoughts, plans, and actions. Learn more about how to support friends, family, and neighbors after a suicide attempt. To learn more, visit the Kansas Suicide Prevention Resource Center. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for Kansas at 785-841-2345, or 800-273-8255. Free and confidential crisis counseling is available 24/7. Other resources include Kansas chat, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and Lifeline Chat.

For behavioral health, mental health or medical resources in your area, please visit the Local Resources page of KansasSuicidePrevention.org or dial 211. KDADS also offers training regarding suicide prevention. The next session will take place June 28, in Hays.

 

Entertainment, Kansas

2018 Notable Kansas Books

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The State Library of Kansas Announces the 2018 Kansas Notable Books

15 books celebrating Kansas cultural heritage

 

Topeka, KS — Acting State Librarian Eric Norris announced today the 13th annual selection of Kansas Notable Books. The fifteen books feature quality titles with a wide public appeal, either written by a Kansan or about a Kansas-related topic.

 

“I am proud to present the 2018 Kansas Notable Book list.  Choosing only 15 books is no easy task,” said Eric Norris, Acting State Librarian. “The selection committee began with a pool of over 100 submitted titles and worked diligently to identify the year’s best works by authors and illustrators from Kansas, as well as those works that highlight our history and heritage. Kansans are encouraged to visit their local public library and celebrate the artists and the artistry of Kansas.”

 

Kansas Notable Books is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book, a program of the State Library. The Kansas Center for the Book is a state affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. Throughout the award year, the State Library promotes and encourages the promotion of all the titles on this year’s list at literary events, and among librarians and booksellers.

 

An awards ceremony will be held at the Kansas Book Festival, Saturday, September 8, 2018, 9:30 a.m., at the State Capitol to recognize the talented Notable Book authors. The public is invited.

 

For more information about Kansas Notable Books, call 785-296-3296, visit kslib.info/notablebooks or email [email protected].

 

 

2018 Kansas Notable Books

 

Bad Kansas: Stories by Becky Mandelbaum (Rockport WA), University of Georgia Press

In this darkly humorous collection, Kansas becomes a state of mind as the characters struggle to define their relationship to home and what it means to stay or leave, to hold on or let go.

 

Cricket in the Thicket: Poems about Bugs by Carol Murray (Overland Park), illustrations by Melissa Sweet (Portland ME). Henry Holt & Co

Playful poems highlight surprising facts about the world of insects – from familiar ants and exotic dragonflies to cringe-worthy ticks and magnificent fireflies in this picture book for children.

 

Dodge City: Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and the Wickedest Town in the American West by Tom Clavin (Sag Harbor NY), St. Martin’s Press

Cowpokes, desperadoes, and lawmen: it wasn’t always easy to tell which was which. This rollicking tale of Dodge City brims with colorful characters. From frontier settlement to cattle drives, to a railroad town, the history of Dodge City is the story of how the West was won.

Feet of the Messenger: Poems by H.C. Palmer (Lenexa), BkMk Press Books

Between the horrors of the Vietnam War and the pacific silences of the Kansas prairie, these poems honor both the beauty of the English language and the ancient powers of poetry to speak experience without diminishing it.

 

Fireflies in the Gathering Dark: Poems by Maril Crabtree (Mission), Aldrich Press

These poems traverse landscapes, inner and outer: physical landscapes and metaphysical ones; the landscape of relationships; the landscape of age, from childhood to maturity; and the questing landscape that leads to new understandings.

 

Headlights on the Prairie: Essays on Home by Robert Rebein (Irvington IN), University Press of Kansas

These essays bring a storyteller’s gifts to life’s dramas, large and small. Moments of singular grace and grit encapsulate the lives of feedlot cowboys, long-haul truckers, and farm kids dreaming of basketball glory.

 

Ike and McCarthy: Dwight Eisenhower’s Secret Campaign Against Joseph McCarthy by David A. Nichols (Winfield), Simon & Schuster

This fast-paced account reveals President Eisenhower’s subtly clever role in the destruction of demagogue Joe McCarthy. Drawn from documents in the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Nichols presents a gripping story of a classic power struggle.

 

Kansas Baseball, 1858-1941 by Mark E. Eberle (Hays), University Press of Kansas

The early history of baseball in Kansas is the story of towns and the ballparks they built. It was a time when baseball was adopted by early settlers, then taken up by soldiers sent west, and finally by teams formed to express the identity of growing and diverse communities.

 

Kansas Guidebook 2 for Explorers by Marci Penner (Inman) and WenDee Rowe (Inman), Kansas Sampler Foundation

The ultimate guidebook for all things to see and do in Kansas features 4,500 attractions, 843 eateries, and more than 1,600 color photos. Counties are arranged alphabetically within six geographic regions as are the cities within each county. Entries include directions, hours and contact information.

 

The Man from the Train: The Solving of a Century-Old Serial Killer Mystery by Bill James (Lawrence) and Rachel McCarthy James (Lawrence), Scribner

A baseball statistician and his daughter deliver a provocative story that aims to solve a 100-year-old mass murder case. The two painstakingly scoured thousands of newspapers and records to discover and reveal the identity of one of the deadliest serial killers in America.

 

Midnight at the Electric by Jodi Lynn Anderson (Asheville NC), HarperTeen

While the stories of three women span multiple generations and thousands of miles, their lives are intertwined. Before leaving Kansas to go to Mars, Adri discovers Catherine’s journal of the Dust Bowl and Lenore’s letters about World War I. Each story weaves a unifying thread of hope.

 

The Shape of Ideas: An Illustrated Exploration of Creativity by Grant Snider (Derby), Abrams ComicArts

What do ideas look like? Where do they come from? These one- and two-page comics have been featured in the New Yorker, the New York Times, and the Kansas City Star. They are a colorful look into the creative process.

 

Stark Mad Abolitionists: Lawrence, Kansas, and the Battle over Slavery in the Civil War Era by Robert K. Sutton (Bethesda MD), Skyhorse Publishing

In 1854, Boston was in an uproar. Businessman Amos Adams Lawrence was inspired to put his efforts and considerable fortune toward keeping slavery out of Kansas. The town that came to bear Lawrence’s name became part of a bigger story of people willing to risk their lives and fortunes for freedom.

 

That is My Dream! by Langston Hughes and Daniel Miyares (Lenexa), Schwartz & Wade

Langston Hughes’s inspiring and timeless poem “Dream Variation” comes joyously to life in a gorgeously illustrated picture book. Follow one child on a walk through his small segregated town in the 1950s. Then watch his mind take flight as he images a brighter, more inclusive world.

 

To The Stars Through Difficulties by Romalyn Tilghman (Long Beach CA), She Writes Press

Inspired by the women who built fifty-nine Carnegie libraries in Kansas, the No Guilt Quilters overcome numerous obstacles to build the Cultural Center on the Plains- proving that New Hope is more than just the name of a town.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Red Ram Motel Gets Repurposed

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The Red Ram Motel on North National Avenue near U.S. Hwy. 54.

Fort Scott Community College closed on the purchase of the Red Ram Motel, 701 N. National Avenue, on May 30, 2018, for $90,000.

“The Patel’s (the former owners of the motel) donated $20,000 to the  FSCC Endowment Fund,”  FSCC President Alysia Johnston said.

The FSCC plan is to repurpose and clean up the property to be used for student housing for the college, according to Johnston. The property will become a part of the campus and therefore tax exempt.

When complete, the new student housing will be called the Greyhound Lodge.

“We are getting a code footprint on it by Ag Engineering (Uniontown), when that is done we will send it to the state and the city,” Johnston said.

Currently, the college is taking bids for cleaning the property of trees and other unwanted items, she said.

“We had at least three people interested in the Red Ram Motel sign,” Johnston said. “Rhonda Dunn (Fort Scott’s Community Development Director) suggested using it for a fundraiser.

There are 21 units at the lodge, with the possibility of 42 students.

Each room will have a small refrigerator and microwave oven.

Students can still purchase a modified meal plan if they will be eating on campus, which is across town to the south of the lodge property.

A two-bedroom apartment on the property will be remodeled for an assistant coach to live in for security and supervision duties, she said.

The current lobby area will be turned into a computer lab.

Behind the lab will be a student laundry facility and behind that will be a student lounge with adjacent student kitchen.

The old swimming pool area will be converted into an outdoor eating area complete with grills, a gazebo, and picnic tables, Johnston said.

“The cost to students will be $300 per month,  which includes everything except food,” Johnston said.

The lodge is expected to be ready for students in mid-August, Johnston said.

“It’s been fun to start the transformation,” Johnston said. “We hope to have a ribbon cutting at some point.”

Bourbon County Local News