Opinion

Warning Signs by Patty LaRoche

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Our neighborhood here in Florida is filled with warning signs. The alligator notice posted above is one block from where Dave and I live.

The “cart” sign hangs on a wall outside our local supermarket, and a neighbor’s front door holds the “I’m happy…don’t ruin it” sign. None of us are unfamiliar with notices of caution, but how about this one? “Removing consumer labels from pillows is punishable by fines.” When I was young, I feared the pillow police would show up at my door if I tore off one of those scratchy tags. (Tell the truth; you did too.)

Humorous signs now are the norm. “Children left unattended will be given a Red Bull and a puppy.” “Do not cross this pasture unless you can do it in nine seconds because the bull can do it in ten.” “Stay off the tracks. They are only for trains. If you can read this, you’re not a train.”

Most warnings, however, are not laughable. We heed them…or we pay the consequences. Especially ones God has given us. Every book in the Bible cautions us about what our bad choices can do to us…and to others. Our problem is that sometimes we don’t take the warnings seriously, if we read them at all.

For example, God gave strict instructions on how to choose the right spouse. I have Christian friends who chose their mates only after much prayer, seeking God’s wisdom because of the decision’s lifetime importance. (I wasn’t one of those people, I admit, but God blessed me in spite of myself.) With the divorce rate in the U.S. nearing 40% (one site said that every 13 seconds, there is a divorce in America), many couples—Christians included– are choosing to split.

In Judges’ chapters 13-16, we read of a tragic story in which a young man disobeyed God’s marriage order, and it cost him his life. You’ve probably heard his name, synonymous with what NOT to do in choosing the right mate. Samson. For starters, he refused to listen to his parents’ warning. I have known three sets of praying parents who convinced their children that they were marrying the wrong person. All now are happily married in a union blessed by their father and mother and are grateful for the wisdom in their parents’ concerns.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying all parents know what is best for their children. Many times wedges are drawn when personalities clash with future in-laws as they circumvent God’s best with their attempts to break up a relationship. Children need to recognize the difference in motive. They need to pray for God’s wisdom.

That did not enter Samson’s mind. Worse than not heeding his father and mother, he disregarded God’s advice and lusted after a beautiful Philistine woman, a no-no to any God-fearing Israelite, much less a young Nazarite (set apart from birth to honor God) like Samson. Suffice it to say, Samson ended up being captured and blinded before dying, thanks to the sinful woman he chose as his wife.

Readers, I think I have this figured out. Messing with an alligator might be much safer than messing with an ungodly spouse.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Lakes With Health Advisories

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Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

Seven lakes with warnings; nine with watches

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued public health advisories for Kansas lakes.

 

Warnings:

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (unchanged)

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County (unchanged)

Marion County Lake, Marion County (unchanged)

*Gathering Pond near Milford (Hatchery Supply Pond), Geary County (unchanged)

South Lake, Johnson County (unchanged)

Colby City Pond (Villa High Lake), Thomas County (unchanged)

Lebo Kids’ Pond, Coffee County (new 7/25)

 

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

 

Watches:

Lake Shawnee, Shawnee County (unchanged)

Marion Reservoir, Marion County (unchanged)

Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County (unchanged)

Rock Garden Pond (Gage Park), Shawnee County (unchanged)

Hiawatha City Lake, Brown County (downgraded 7/25 from warning)

Lovewell Reservoir, Jewell County (downgraded from 7/25 warning)

Westlake in Gage Park, Shawnee County (new 7/25)

Lake Afton, Sedgwick County (new 7/25)

Hodgeman County State Fishing Lake, Hodgemen County (new 7/25)

 

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop.  People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

 

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

 

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing, and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

 

KDHE samples publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

 

Kansans should be aware that blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

 

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

 

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Area News, Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Southeast Kansas: High Risk Warning For West Nile Virus

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High Risk of West Nile Virus Activity in Three Kansas Regions

and Positive Mosquito Pools Identified

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a high risk warning for West Nile virus infections (WNV) for northwest, south central and southeast Kansas. North central, northeast, and southwest Kansas are at moderate risk for WNV infections. In addition, mosquitoes collected in Sedgwick County have tested positive for WNV and St. Louis Encephalitis virus (SLEV).

WNV can be spread to people through mosquito bites, but it is not spread from person to person. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a severe illness leading to swelling of the brain or brain tissue that can result in death. There are no vaccines or medications to treat WNV. People who have had WNV before are considered immune.

SLEV is transmitted by the same type of mosquito that spreads WNV. While most people who are infected with SLEV have no symptoms or only mild non-specific flu-like illness, some individuals can experience serious neuroinvasive illness. Symptoms often include fever, headache, stiff neck, disorientation, and altered level of consciousness. Coma, convulsions, and paralysis may also occur. SLEV has a similar incubation period as WNV, 5-15 days.

KDHE recommends knowing your risk of WNV and take action to prevent mosquito bites and protect yourself against WNV and SLEV:

  • Visit the KDHE WNV website weekly to learn about the current WNV risk levels; http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/arboviral_disease.htm
  • When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient on skin and clothing, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Follow the directions on the package.
  • Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
  • The elderly or those with a weakened immune system should consider limiting their exposure outside during dusk and dawn when the Culex species mosquitos are most active.
  • Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
  • Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.
  • Horses can also be infected with WNV. Talk with your veterinarian about vaccinating your horse to protect them against WNV.

Most WNV infections occur in the late summer and early fall. Although there have been no cases of WNV reported to KDHE in 2019, there have been over 300 cases of the most severe form of WNV and 30 deaths in Kansas from 1999-2018. The last known case of SLEV in Kansas occurred in 2004.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides this web page with additional information about West Nile virus and preventing mosquito bites: http://www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes/.  More information on SLEV can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/sle/index.html .For questions about West Nile virus or other Arboviral diseases contact the KDHE Epidemiology hotline at 877-427-7317.

Government, Kansas

Governor Reappoints McMullen to State Board of Technical Professions   

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Governor Laura Kelly reappointed Carisa Lyn McMullen to the State Board of Technical Professions. 

 

“We need qualified individuals overseeing engineering, architecture, geology, land surveying and other practices that have a far-reaching impact on our everyday lives,” Kelly said. “Carisa has been a real asset on this board with her extensive knowledge and experience.” 

 

McMullen, Olathe, is a landscape architect and currently serves as the principal at Landworks Studio. She has worked in both municipal and private sectors. McMullen received a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Kansas State University. She has worked on numerous projects including: University of Kansas West Campus Master Plan in Lawrence, the Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport in Wichita, The Labette Community College Pedestrian Corridor in Parsons, and the Vision Iola Community Master Plan in Iola.  

 

The board registers and licenses engineers, architects, surveyors and landscape architects. The group works to provide maximum protection of the health, safety, and welfare of Kansans by assuring their practice of engineering, architecture, land surveying, landscape architecture and geology in the state is properly carried out. 

 

Per K.S.A 74-7005, each member of the State Board of Technical Professions must be a resident of the state of Kansas. Each term is four years with a limit of three successive terms.  

 

All 13 board members are appointed by the governor. Four members must be licensed engineers, two must be licensed surveyors, three must be licensed architects, one must be a licensed landscape architect, one must be a licensed geologist, and two must be from the general public. 

 

Fort Scott

Foundation Grants Applications Deadline August 31

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Fort Scott Area Community Foundation announces their grant cycle for 2019

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce that the grant cycle for 2019 is here. We will be taking applications from now until August 31st.

This year, we will be awarding over $33,000.00 to local not-for-profits for projects to benefit our community.

A certain dollar amount of the awards is reserved for projects that benefit our youth.

Maximum grant to any one project is $5,000.00.

Applications can be obtained by sending an email to [email protected].

Please use the same email address to submit any questions you might have. Completed applications must be received by 5:00PM, August 31st.

Fort Scott

Rotary New Member: Robert Uhler

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Robert Uhler Confirmed as New Rotarian

Rotary Club of Fort Scott welcomed new member, Robert Uhler during a weekly meeting. He will be serving as the club’s secretary for the 2019-2020 year.

Uhler moved to Fort Scott in 2000 and currently works as the Director of Community Development for the City of Fort Scott.

He and wife, Laurie have two children and two grandchildren.

The Fort Scott Rotary club meets every Wednesday at noon at the Presbyterian Church.

Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary’s mission to serve the local community can contact Lindsay Madison, Rhonda Dunn, or Shirley Palmer.

Government, Kansas

Governor appoints three members to the Kansas State Fair Board

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Governor Laura Kelly appointed Dylan Evans, Sarah Green, and Kathy Brazle to the Kansas State Fair board.

 

“The Kansas state fair is an important part of Kansas’ story,” Kelly said. “It’s a cherished annual tradition, and Kansans deserve board members who are passionate about our history and culture. Dylan, Sarah, and Kathy encapsulate this passion.”

 

The board acts as the showcase of Kansas agriculture, commerce and industry, and is responsible for presenting a format of entertainment and education that appeals to people from all walks of life in Kansas.

 

The state fair emphasizes the importance of family, education, public and private entities, and Kansas as a whole.

 

Dylan Evans, Lebo, is the owner of Farmers State Bank of Aliceville and DWE Livestock. Evans received his master’s degree in food science, a bachelor’s degree in animal science and industry, and a bachelor’s degree in food science and industry, all from Kansas State University. He succeeds Steve Abrams.

 

Sarah Green, Wichita, currently serves as a writer, editor, and strategic consultant, working as an independent contractor. Previously, she served as Local Foods and Rural Outreach Coordinator under the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Green participated in a graduate fellowship through George Washington University in food policy. She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas. She succeeds Matthew Lowen.

 

Kathy Brazle, Chanute, is a retired school administrator. Previously a teacher in Erie, Brazle received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physical education from Southwestern College and a master’s degree in physical education from the University of Kansas. Brazle also received an administration certification from Emporia State University. She succeeds Monica Lair.

 

The governor’s appointments to the state fair board are not subject to Senate confirmation.

 

Business, Fort Scott

Gordmans Expands Merchandise to Include Apparel in Fort Scott

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This sign seen on the door of the  Fort Scott Gordmans store window tells of apparel coming in July. The store opened earlier this year as a department store but did not carry clothing at that time. On August 10 the new clothing department of the store will be completed.

An apparel department is being added to Gordmans department store that opened earlier in 2019 in Fort Scott. The store is located at 2400 S. Main, in the strip mall on the southside of town.

“Gordmans in Fort Scott will be expanding to a full-fledged Gordmans, which will offer big brands in merchandise for the entire family at very low prices compared to department store prices,”  Blakeley Graham, Manager of Brand Publicity at Gordmans, said. “The complete changeover will be August 10, and Gordmans is planning a special in-store event that day to celebrate the expansion.”

“In addition to the home décor, beauty merchandise, fragrances, accessories and toys already available at Gordmans, there will be name brand apparel for all ages and footwear at bigger deals and smaller prices,” he said.

Gordmans is part of the Stage family of stores.

Stage has opened 74 Gordmans this year, including the store in Fort Scott. By the end of 2019, there will be over 150 Gordmans stores across the country.

Gordmans is located at 2400 S. Main in Fort Scott’s south side strip mall.

More details will be shared soon about the August 10 event, according to Graham.

 

Art, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Highlights of LibraryCon 2019

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Submitted by Valetta Canon
Fort Scott Public Library held its very first LibraryCon event on July 20, from 10 am to 2 pm at the library. It began with cookie decorating for kids with Martha Scott as Tabitha Twitchett. Children painted cookies, let them dry while listening to a story, and then consumed their masterpieces.
Martha Scott decorates cookies with children at LibraryCon.
 
Meanwhile, local authors Cathy Werling and James Collins began speaking with people downstairs, with Werling helping kids make little “buckets” to fill with kindness, in her ongoing quest to help children realize they can be everyday heroes.
Cathy Werling prepares for children with her books and activities.
Collins shared some of his humor and interesting observations, for which his book is known, and both authors sold several books throughout the day.
James Collins waits at his author’s table to sign and sell his books.
Meanwhile, Professor Allen Twitchell, dressed as historical figure Alan Quatermain, kept incoming attendees entertained.
Some people stopped by a photo station to have their pictures taken with various props or to play games from different fandoms. Many attendees grazed on chocolate molds of famous movie and television show icons, cheese balls, gummy lifesavers, and superhero graham cookies, served at the refreshments table. Also served was cold bottled water, donated by G & W Cash Saver of Fort Scott.
Nancy Linnenbrink, Kassandra Farr, Angel Farr, and volunteer Ashley Cannon hang out Anime Alley for children’s activities.
 
Upstairs, Dominic Cannon and Jo Goodbody manned a tabletop gaming table, and at 10:30 am, Susan Messer began a Children’s Literature Trivia session, which covered 20 questions on the topic and lasted for an hour. In the end, Jayce Warner won, receiving a trophy and prize.
 
In the young adult book area, 11-year-old Ashley Cannon, dressed as a character named Pidge from the animated series, Voltron, led kids in several anime-related activities, including the game “Name That Pokémon,” a foam Poké Ball craft, and a Voltron helmet craft.
In the children’s room, Taylor Qualls, dressed as Belle from Beauty and the Beast, and 9-year-old Kaylee Cannon, dressed as Joy from the movie “Inside Out” led children to color bookmarks and coloring pages, and to make a covered rose craft. They were also invited to build something with piles of building blocks or to play with a cardboard space shuttle control center and the space shuttle, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. 
Madalynn Miner and another child color in Cartoon Corner with volunteer Taylor Qualls, dressed as Belle.
 
Soon after the cookies were cleaned up, a tea party began with the Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, Alice, and the White Rabbit in attendance.
Angela Bin, dressed as the Queen of Hearts, reads an Alice in Wonderland story to the children at the Mad Hatter Tea Party.
Children chose between hot and cold tea and a variety of shortbread cookies, then listened to an abbreviated Alice in Wonderland story read by the Queen of Hearts, played by Angela Bin. Levi Bin played the Mad Hatter, Emma Bin was Alice, and the White Rabbit was played by Brooklyn Miller. 
 
Many of the tea party attendees came upstairs after the party for the kid’s activities, most of whom decided to participate in Miss Val’s digital scavenger hunt, which challenged teams to photograph everything listed for the hunt in 15 minutes or less. Two teams tied for the win. 
 
At 12:45 pm, a group of kids, teens, and one adult lined up in the downstairs computer room to show off their LibraryCon costumes for the library’s first costume contest.
First, six children in the ages 0 – 11 years category paraded before judges Angela Bin, Allen Twitchell, and Brenda Buehler. Madalynn Miner was the winner, with her Little Red Riding Hood costume.
Next, three in the ages 12 – 17 years category showed off their costumes, with Jo Goodbody taking home a trophy and prize for his king costume. Finally, one adult, Taylor Qualls, claimed her prize for her Belle outfit.
Professors Allen Twitchell, dressed as Alan Quatermain, and Harold Hick, dressed in a Star Trek outfit, pose together before heading to their respective workshops.
Also winning trophies and prizes were Kaylee Cannon for Most Unique Costume, Brooklyn Miner for Funniest Costume, and Kimberly McBoon for Most Beautiful Costume.
 
Soon after, upstairs, Allen Twitchell led a round of sports trivia, for which Brenda Buehler won the trophy and prize.
At 1 p.m., Professor Harold Hicks began a creative writing workshop with a group of young people in the event room, and at 1:30, Professor Allen Twitchell led a workshop upstairs on how to create a historical character. 
Professor Harold Hicks leads children in a creative writing workshop in the library event room.
 
The library staff have declared this first installment of LibraryCon a success, based on participation and attendee feedback, and plan to hold an event next year, likely around the same time of year.
If you are interested in being a guest author or artist, speaker or volunteer, or would like to donate prizes, food, etc. for the event, please contact the library at (620)223-2882, visit in person, or email [email protected].
Professor Allen Twitchell leads a workshop on how to create a historical character in the library’s upstairs seating area.
Kaeli Watkins, Brooklyn Miller, and volunteers Dominic Cannon and Jo Goodbody gather around the gaming table upstairs.

Obituary

Obituary of Terry Leon Hubenett

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Terry Leon “Slim” Hubenett, age 82, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.

He was born September 11, 1936, in Stafford, Kansas, the son of Claus H. Hubenett and Olive E. Blad Hubenett.  The Hubenett family later moved to Iantha, Missouri.  Terry graduated from the Lamar High School with the Class of 1954.  He then graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in animal husbandry.  Following his education, Terry traveled to ranches throughout the United States where he groomed cattle for auctions and livestock shows.  He was also active with the American Royal in Kansas City.  He later settled on the family farm near Devon, Kansas where he took care of the farm and his beloved mother.

He was a member of the Bourbon County Fair Board and donated countless hours to the upkeep of the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.  The recently constructed Hubenett Pavilion on the fairgrounds in named in his honor.

Terry is survived by several cousins including Judy Wilson, of Uniontown, Kansas, who provided for his care.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Marcia Seevers and a brother who died in infancy.

Pastor Rick Hite will conduct funeral services at 6:00 P.M. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

  Private burial will take place at a later date in the Bean Cemetery in Little River, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to the Bourbon County Fair Board and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County Local News