The Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet, hosted by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 3 at Common Ground Coffee Co., 116 S. Main
Fort Scott City Commission Agenda and Minutes
Agenda for the April 3 meeting and minutes of the prior meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission.
The commission meets at 6 p.m. at city hall, 123 S. Main every other Tuesday.
I. ROLL CALL:
ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL
II. FLAG SALUTE:
III. INVOCATION: Pastor Allen Pruitt, Associate Pastor, Grace Baptist Tabernacle
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
Fair Housing Month Proclamation
National Safe Digging Month
National Service Recognition Day Proclamation – April 3, 2018
V. CONSENT AGENDA:
-
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 20th, 2017.
-
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1212-A totaling $403,509.27.
-
Resolution & Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1306 E. Wall Street – Public Hearing Date – 5/15/2018 – 6:15 p.m.
VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
-
APPEARANCE: Christa Horn – C.A.S.A. Funding Request
Rhonda Dunn – Requests for closure of streets for Good Ol’ Days event:
Old Fort Blvd. from Wall Street to National Avenue
Main Street from Skubitz Plaza to Third Street
Scott Street from Wall Street to Second Street
Wall Street from National to Scott
First Street from National to Scott Street
Second Street from National to Scott Street
Use of Memorial Hall for Baby Contest and Talent Extravaganza
Heritage Park at corner of First and Main
Parking lot behind Heritage Park
Parking lot at corner of Third and Main
Parking lot at Second and Scott
Parking lot at Wall and Scott
Parking lot at Wall and alley between Main and Scott
Parking lot between Memorial Hall and the Library
Parking lot between National and Block House (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, May 29th)
Parking lot between Old Fort Blvd. and H & H Realty Agency (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, May 29th)
Old Fort Blvd – South side from National to alley (Carnival will begin setting up here on Tuesday, May 29th)
Skubitz Plaza – (No special set up for event this year, but need Old Fort Blvd closed when tents go up Wednesday on east bound from Main. All closed Thursday and Friday.
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:
6:00 p.m. Public Hearing – Gilmore & Bell – Resolution approving the issuance by the City of Wichita, Kansas of its Health Care facilities Revenue Bonds for the purpose of financing and refinancing the acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping of an existing senior living facilities located in the City of Fort Scott, Kansas – Approval of Resolution No. 20-2018
6:15 p.m. Vacation of Alley – 16’ platted alley lying between Lots 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11, and Lots 2,4, 5, 6,10 & 12, Block 5, J. W. McMillan’s First Addition to the City of Fort Scott – 1st & McCleverty – Brenda & Kathy Ogle – Myrtle Hull – Approval of Ordinance No. 3532
VII. CONSIDERATION: None
VIII. COMMENTS:
- Director Updates: Dave Bruner – Smoke Detector program update
Kenny Howard – Airport Update
Larry Gazaway – Tourism Website Update
- Commission:
- City Attorney:
- Director of Finance:
- City Manager:
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE
SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO
(see below justification)
DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN
MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.
Justifications for Executive Sessions:
-
Personnel matters of non-elected personnel
-
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
-
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency
-
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
-
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of March 20, 2018 Regular Meeting #6
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held March 20th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Nichols and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding.
INVOCATION: Dave Martin, City Manager, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the city and all government and city officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Rachel Pruitt, Bobby Duncan, Denise Duncan, Frank Adamson, Mike Trim, Marlene Braker, Jackie Webster, Carol MacArthur, Craig Campbell, Bobbi Kemna, Dave Bruner, Jackie Sellers, Diana Morris, Patrick Wood, Max Fanning, Marci Myers, Kevin Allen, Julie Saker, Rick Zingre’, Jason Gorman, Marianne Crane, John Cowlishaw, Steve Buerge, Lindsay Madison, Robert Taylor, Barbara Woodward, Alisha Watkins, Leann Zingre’, Diana Endicott, John Embry, Paul Ballou, Rhonda Dunn, Deb Needleman, Darrell Parker, Janet Braun, Jerald Mitchell, and Jason Silvers, representing the Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
-
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of March 6th, 2018.
-
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1211-A totaling $284,110.34.
-
Resolution No. 12-2018 and Notice of Hearing With Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1602 E. Oak – Public Hearing Date – 5/1/2018 at 6:15 p.m.
-
Resolution No. 13-2018 and Notice of Hearing With Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 504 S. Judson – Public Hearing Date – 5/1/2018 at 6:15 p.m.
-
Certificate of Appropriateness – Alterations to 22 & 22 ½ N. Main Street
Parker moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Nichols seconded. Adamson, Nichols, Parker and Mitchell voted aye. Bartelsmeyer abstained. Motion carried 4-1.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
-
APPEARANCE:
Mike Trim – School Resource Officer – Mike Trim informed the City Commissioners that active shooter training was held earlier in the day at the Fort Scott Middle School. This was a five hour training that included the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Scott Police Department, EMS, and 911 Dispatchers. He stated that he feels the Police Department is better prepared than ever. He stated that he is the only S.R.O. for five schools. He believes the teachers are well trained also and have had active shooter training.
Deb Needleman & Jackie Sellers – Senior Citizens/Taxi Update – Deb reminded the Commission that in 2016 the transportation changed for the SEKCAP office. They started requiring a 24 hour advance notice for a ride and would not change this requirement. Pitt Taxi came to Fort Scott and started providing rides when needed.
Jackie Sellers stated that she works for both SEKCAP and Pitt Taxi. She said that the first month Pitt Taxi came to Fort Scott there were around 200 rides. Last month they were up to about 1,000 rides a month. Their first ride is at 5:45 a.m. to take people to work and they offer rides through 6 p.m. at night. They look to expand the evening hours to 7 p.m. at night. Bourbon County Senior Citizens has helped subsidize some of the costs for low income families and senior citizens. Pitt Taxi has filled a great need since they came to town.
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) –
City Attorney, Bob Farmer, asked to address the Commission before Mr. Duncan did. City staff has been working hard to get this issue resolved. The Duncan’s have been invited to these discussions and have now threatened a claim against the City. They have threatened to sue the City. As the attorney for the City, he advised the Commission to listen to Mr. Duncan in the allotted three minute time frame but to have no response as there is an open claim at this time. City Staff has spent many hours trying to get a meeting together but the Duncan’s have not been willing to meet. City Attorney remarked that the City did not do anything to close this building. This is a public safety issue.
Bobby Duncan – Remarked that what the City Attorney said was not true. They have discussed this issue with Dave Martin, Rhonda Dunn, and Commissioner Randy Nichols. He stated that the building at 102 S. National is safe and the structure is fireproof. He said that Fort Scott has potential to grow but it seems a downward spiral has begun and continues today. The City Commission was elected to lead and they have failed to do so. The City Commission is rubber stamping everything that the City Staff does. He said that the code footprint was not mandated by the State and was sent in error by the City. He said that the City is not progressing and will not progress by the actions they have taken. He invited the Commission and the public to a meeting next Tuesday evening and he will show everyone what is wrong with the code footprint document.
Steve Buerge – Mr. Buerge said that this is a touchy issue and he has found in working with Bedco that you can usually sit down and resolve an issue. He said that he has tried to resolve this personally and as a Bedco representative, has been unable to do so as the Duncan’s will not meet with him.
John Cowlishaw – Mr. Cowlishaw addressed the Commission and asked them to reconsider the structure at 1234 E. Elm that they deemed dangerous and unsafe at the March 6th, 2018 meeting. He missed the hearing date. His son, whose name the house is in, was unable to attend tonight’s meeting due to the death of a grandparent. He said that the electricity has been upgraded but that the inside of the house still does need some work, but he believes it is not bad enough to be demolished.
Rhonda Dunn told him that this structure has been condemned twice in previous years and that his son has owned it since 2015 and made no repairs on it.
No action was taken by the Commission.
-
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Parker moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:19 p.m. seconded. Motion carried.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:19 P.M.
6:15 p.m. Resolution 14-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1523 E. Wall Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that this structure started the condemnation process in 2009. She believes the owner is in prison. She mailed a list of improvements to a family member. She is recommending 30 days for this structure to either be repaired or removed.
A lady in the audience acknowledged receiving the letter.
Bartelsmeyer moved to give the property owner 30 days to either repair or remove this structure. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 14-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1523 E. WALL STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY APRIL 27th, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.
6:15 p.m. Resolution 15-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1601 E. Wall Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that this is the former Sugarfoot & Peaches establishment that a fire occurred in. She has been unable to make contact with the owner. She believes the structure is damaged beyond repair and asked for 30 days for the owner to either repair or remove the structure.
John Embry was present and said he has talked to Kevin Allen (Skitch) about this property. He believes that the roof and rafters need replaced and the back of the structure but otherwise it is still in good condition and rebuildable. He asked for more time to be able to work on this structure as he would like to see this building saved as it is over 100 years old.
Nichols moved to table this resolution for 30 days to allow the property owner more time to either repair or remove this structure. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE STRUCTURE AT 1601 E. WALL FOR 30 DAYS TO ALLOW THE OWNER MORE TIME TO EITHER REPAIR OR REMOVE THIS STRUCTURE.
6:15 p.m. Resolution 16-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 13 N. Holbrook Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that the property owner has knocked this structure down but has not cleaned up the debris. She spoke with him today on the phone and he is planning to remove the debris.
Parker moved to give the property owner 30 days to either repair or remove this structure. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 16-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 13 N. HOLBROOK STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY APRIL 27th, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.
6:15 p.m. Resolution 17-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 523 S. Main Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that she met with Mark McKenney as this structure belongs to the McKenney Family Trust. He will be boarding up the windows and repairing the front of the structure. She asked them to table this for 30 days and see where the structure is at that time.
Bartelsmeyer moved to table this resolution for 30 days to allow the property owner more time to either repair or remove this structure. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE STRUCTURE AT 523 E. WALL FOR 30 DAYS TO ALLOW THE OWNER MORE TIME TO EITHER REPAIR OR REMOVE THIS STRUCTURE.
6:15 p.m. Resolution 17-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 108 W. Oak Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that issues with this structure goes back to 2010. There have been no building permits issued for this structure. There has been no water or electricity to the structure for some time. The owner started to put a metal roof on but it is not finished. There are broken windows in the structure and the porch roof is in bad condition.
Mitchell moved to give the property owner 15 days to either repair or remove this structure. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 17-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 108 W. OAK STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY APRIL 4th, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.
6:15 p.m. Resolution 18-2018 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 309 S. Lowman Street – Rhonda Dunn, Codes Director, informed the Commission that there was a fire in this structure in 2015. There has been no attempt to repair this structure. She was notified by the property owner that Kevin Allen will be tearing the structure down. She asked the Commission to move forward with the 30 days to either have it repaired or removed.
Bartelsmeyer moved to give the property owner 30 days to either repair or remove this structure. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 18-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 309 S. LOWMAN STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY APRIL 27th, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.
Bartelsmeyer moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:31 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:31 P.M.
CONSIDERATION:
-
Presentation of 2018 Comprehensive Plan – Diana Endicott, Chairperson, Fort Scott Planning Commission, informed the City Commission that the Planning Commission has been working on the update to the Comprehensive Plan for quite some time now. When the plan was first updated years ago, it was quite expensive. The Planning Commission agreed to update this plan “in-house”. Each member took a chapter and updated it and then brought that chapter before the Planning Commission who either approved it or made suggestions to each chapter.
City Manager suggested having a work session before their first meeting in May to review the Comprehensive Plan.
The Commission suggested inviting the Planning Commission members to that meeting also.
-
Supplemental Agreement for Construction Engineering on the South Main (Highway 69) Widening Project and 18th/23rd Street Intersection Project – Jon Garrison, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that he is requesting approval of the two Supplemental Agreements between the City, K.D.O.T., and Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig. The City and KDOT contracted with F.H.U. to provide construction inspection services on the projects. The original inspection contract for the widening contract (6 U-0040-01) was $396,150.00. This supplement contract totals $90,548.72 which makes the adjusted contract amount $486,698.72. The original inspection contract for the intersection project (6 KA-2822-01) was $148,500.00. This supplemental contract totals $24,632.29 which makes the adjusted contract amount $173,132.29.
Mitchell moved to approve the two supplemental agreements. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRACTS WITH FELSBURG, HOLT, & ULLEVIG, AND K.D.O.T. for the following: supplement contract for the widening contract (6 u-0040-01 totals $90,548.72 which makes the adjusted contract amount $486,698.72. The original inspection contract for the intersection project (6 KA-2822-01) was $148,500.00. This supplemental contract totals $24,632.29 which makes the adjusted contract amount $173,132.29.
COMMISSION/STAFF:
-
Director Updates: None
B. City Commission:
Adamson – Nothing to report.
Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.
Nichols – Thanked the Planning Commission members who worked on the Comprehensive Plan. He appreciates all their hard work.
Parker – Thanked Rhonda Dunn for all her hard work with the Codes Department and the dangerous and unsafe structures.
Mitchell – Nothing to report.
C. City Attorney: Remarked that there was a comment made that the City was not progressing and he takes that personally. He said that he is not a City Manager or administrator, but has worked for several City Managers. He said that Dave Martin has an extremely competent staff and he has never seen anything come up that the City staff is not willing to go the extra mile to resolve.
-
Director of Finance: Nothing to report.
-
City Manager:
-
Active Shooter Training – City Manager said that he went to the training today put on by the School Resource Officer and was very impressed. He thanked Mike Trim for doing a great job.
-
K.W. Cattle Sale – City Manager said that he was asked to come out to the K.W. Cattle annual sale. He said it was amazing how many trucks were there to purchase cattle. It is quite the operation and he invited the Commissioners to go there to view the facility.
ADJOURNMENT:
Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:02 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:02 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on April 3rd, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
____________________
DIANE K. CLAY
Click here for the complete city commission packet:
New Marketing Plan For Tri-Valley
Tri-Valley Developmental Services, a local provider of social services to people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, has begun a new marketing plan.
“We don’t tell enough of all the good things we do,” Executive Director Tim Cunningham told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee attendees Thursday morning.
“A lot of people don’t know we are a one-stop shop for services they could need,” he continued. ” A lot of people don’t know we strive to make people as independent as possible. A lot of people move people, we keep them in their hometown.”
Cunningham said TVDS started in 1974 and has been in Fort Scott since 1977.
They currently serve 53 individuals at the facility at 4305 Campbell Drive in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park.
Cunningham introduced Barb McCord who is the horticulture therapist at the facility, which houses a greenhouse.
McCord told the attendees there will be no auction fundraiser this year because it happens every other year and this is an off year, but she will be having a one day sale of plants in May.
Additionally, plants raised in the greenhouse were offered as a gift, one per person, when the attendees departed the coffee social.
Cunningham said the annual Cruise Nite in Chanute has a goal to raise $25,000 this year, to provide homes for people with disabilities.
The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are Greg Motley, chairman; Needleman, past chairman; Gina Shelton, finance chair; Geoff Southwell, chairman-elect business, and resource division Chair; Alysia Johnston, workforce development division chair; David Lipe, grassroots division chair.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 30
Happenings In Fort Scott March 30-April 1
Schedule of Special Events in Fort Scott,
March 30 – April 1, 2018
Provided by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Center231 E. Wall
FRI, SAT – 8:30 am – 4:00 pm – Art Project: New Faces New Neighbors Fort Scott National Historic Site – History & Art come together. Kids have created textile works of art that
encompass the change of Fort Scott NHS throughout its history.
FRI & SAT – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Livestock Sales – Fort Scott Livestock Market – 2131 Maple Rd.
You don’t have to be a buyer to watch the sale and visit the café.
FRI & SAT – 10am-last tour leaves at 3 pm – 50 Minute narrated Trolley tours of Fort Scott, at the Chamber
FRIDAY, March 30th Good Friday
8:00 am – Water/Ways Exhibit on display- Fort Scott Regional Tourism Center – 231 E. Wall St
8:00 am – 5:00 pm – FSHS Thespian Rummage Sale – Fort Scott High School 1005 S. Main.
9:00 am – 5:45 pm – Used Book Sale – Library Events Room 201 S. National Ave.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm -FSCC “Escape the Fort” Escape Room – Contact Matt Glades at [email protected]
or call 620.223.2700 ext. 3520 to set up a time. “May the odds be ever in your favor”-Hunger Games.
SATURDAY, March 31st
8:00 – 12:00 pm – FSHS Thespian Rummage Sale – Fort Scott High School 1005 S. Main.
9:00 am – Gun Park Trail Work Sessions. 1010 Park Ave, Fort Scott. Meet at Shelter House No. 7.
9:00 am – Basic Riders Skills Course – Motorcycle Ministry at Twister Trailer, 400 N. National Ave.
This is a Non-Certification course. Everyone is welcome.
9:00 am – 10:30 am – Eggstravaganza Crafts at BRCC- Preschool to 5th grade. Crafts, face painting, snacks, and drinks. Please pre-register $1 registration fee.
10:00 am – Rhythm and Bliss at Shiney Studios – 123 S. National Ave – A fun and invigorating all levels class
10:00 am – Care to Share Bake Sale at Ruddick’s Furniture Sidewalk Sale -Downtown Fort Scott
11:00 am – 2:0 pm – Easter Bunny at Price Chopper 2322 S. Main St. Fort Scott –
Photo Opportunities for Mom & Dad – Candy for the children.
1:00 pm – Free screening of “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”, -The Empress Event Center, 7 N Main St.
1:00 pm – FSCC Hounds Baseball vs Neosho County – Doubleheader Games at 1 pm & 4 pm
6:00 pm – Sir Winston Churchill at Liberty Theatre 113 S. Main St. Watch History come to Life on Stage. Sponsored by Friends of the Fort.
EASTER SUNDAY, April 1st Happy Easter!!!
9:00 am – Near Death Experience Sermon Series begins – Community Christian Church 1919 Horton
10:50 am – Resurrection Sunday – Fort Scott Southern Baptist Church
10:00 am – Easter Brunch Buffet – Crooner’s 117 S. Main St. Reservations Required (620-224-9787)
Menu: Ham & Beef Carving Station, Made to order Crab Cakes, Shrimp Cocktail, Quiche, Scalloped Potatoes Salad Bar, Desserts and more.
11:00am Easter Dinner – Nate’s Place Restaurant & Lounge – 750 S. National. Ave.
Reservations encouraged. 620-223-3644
Click here for original flyer, then click on the image to enlarge:
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Job Of The Day
JOB OF THE DAY – FULL-TIME MACHINIST – WARD KRAFT INC.
Ward Kraft is seeking applicants for a machinist to ensure all machine shop fabricated parts and assemblies are fabricated to high standards. Qualifications include; Previous experience, Able to operate a manual lathe, mill, and CNC setup. For more information visit http://ow.ly/OMBD30jd3Vd
Holy Yearning For More by Patty LaRoche
We celebrate Easter this Sunday because Jesus died and was resurrected so that you and I can spend eternity with him. In Matthew 18:2-4 he lays out the blueprint for what we need to do.
Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them (his disciples). Then he said, “I tell you the truth unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (bolded lettering mine)
The somber words lack loopholes. If you and I want to get to Heaven, we must be like children: vulnerable; needy; dependent. Gary Haugen, author of Just Courage: God’s Great Expedition for the Restless Christian, writes that these aren’t adjectives most Christians use to describe themselves. The majority—and I include myself here—are cut out for a “more muscular” approach to the life of Christ.
Haugen’s book was recommended to me by my son, Adam. On page one, the author speaks of his college experience when he read John Stuart Mill’s 1859 essay “On Liberty.” In explaining why words lose their meaning, Mills used the example of Christians who have the ability to say the most wonderful things without believing them. I get it.
Take the words we say, for example. “It’s better to give than receive.” “Judge not, lest you be judged.” “Love your neighbor as yourself,” Haugen questioned how differently he would live his life if he actually believed those things. (I would add “If we lived like the Resurrection is real.”)
He ultimately would find out. Rejecting the safe, easy path, Haugen instead would yield himself to God’s calling and give up his job as a prosecutor at the Department of Justice to start a non-profit organization determined to rescue helpless individuals. As founder of the International Justice Mission (IJM), Haugen has spent the majority of his adult life rescuing young girls trapped in the sex trade industry, abused orphans and widows, and slaves (yes, actual slaves—more than 40,000,000!) tortured while laboring in work mills. Through some of those projects, Adam came to know this remarkable man.
Rarely do I recommend a book, but this is an exception. Page after page, I could insert my name in Haugen’s pre-conversion lifestyle description:
- I prefer safety and security and too often will miss the adventure instead of gambling on the unknown.
- I would rather be an adult than a child “where I can still pull things together if God doesn’t show up.”
- I do not have set times for prayer. (Haugen models his organization’s dependence on prayer after Mother Theresa’s who couldn’t imagine doing her work for more than 30 minutes without prayer.) When Adam joined Haugen at his headquarters, he was amazed when an 11:00 A.M. bell rang, all work stopped and everyone prayed. Why? In Haugen’s words, “We don’t do this so much as a matter of discipline but out of desperation.”
Haugen’s book is a call to action for Christians who know there is more than words, who feel a sense of disappointment in the way their life is turning out, who want their life in Christ to be more significant, more vivid, more glorious. He calls it a “holy yearning for more.” I call it “making Jesus’ Resurrection real.”
If those words describe your heart’s cry to serve God more authentically, Just Courage: God’s Great Expedition for the Restless Christian is a great place to start.
Make a difference – Adopt a highway
Make a difference in your community and help the environment at the same time – join the Adopt-A-Highway program in Kansas.
The goal of the program is to clean along the roadways throughout the state to increase safety for motorists and pedestrians as well as improve the beauty of Kansas. This helps to raise awareness of the negative effects of pollution and the positive aspects of a clean community.
“We’ve been a long time with Adopt-A-Highway,” said Humboldt Lions Club member Larry Barnett, who estimated that club members have been cleaning up a two-mile stretch of U.S. 169 right-of-way east of Humboldt for over 20 years. “We try to do the best we can to keep the highways clean,” he said.
Any non-profit group that does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or gender can join and there is no cost to the group. Members must be at least 11 years old and have adequate adult supervision. Groups have clean-ups two to three times a year and are recognized for their efforts with signs marking their sections of highway. Since spring 1990, thousands of groups have participated and a number of the original groups are still active today.
Adopt-A-Highway groups are gearing up for the annual Clean Up Kansas Campaign which takes place during the month of April. This event, as well as the program, is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation. All Adopt-A-Highway groups are encouraged but not required to participate in the statewide event.
Groups clean their sections of roadway several times a year at their convenience. Most choose to schedule a clean-up time in the spring, summer, and fall.
For more information contact the KDOT office in your area (listed below).
KDOT – Iola
KDOT – Garnett
(785) 448-5446
KDOT – Independence
(620) 331-3760
KDOT – Pittsburg
New Digital Platform Simplifies Vehicle Registration
Kansans can now renew their vehicle registration from the convenience of their mobile phone with the launch of the new State of Kansas iKan application, Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D., announced Thursday.
The iKan platform is designed to allow users to interact with multiple state services in a self-service, intuitive experience from their mobile phones, tablets, and computers. In addition to renewing vehicle registration, the application empowers Kansans to have access to their official documents anywhere they bring their phone, tablet, or have access to a computer.
“One of the foremost goals of my administration is to make government more accessible for Kansans,” Governor Colyer said. “I’m so pleased that with the launch of iKan, we now have more options to make transactions quickly and conveniently.”
Citizens who use the application will benefit from a modern and personalized experience, with the ease and convenience of having everything they need in one place. Users can receive status updates through email alerts and push notifications for services that previously would have required a drive to the closest office location and a wait in line. The ease of iKan will increase digital transactions while reducing office wait time for those who don’t choose to use the app.
In addition to simplifying the vehicle registration renewal experience, the state plans to roll out access to other frequently requested services through iKan, including vital records and voter registration in the coming months.
“Providing modern, intuitive solutions is a priority for Kansas, as we continue to transform our digital strategy to better serve our citizens,” said Donna Shelite, the Kansas Chief Information Technology Officer. “iKan gives Kansans the ability to get what they need from multiple services in a single experience.”
To launch this new service, Kansas partnered with PayIt, a Midwest-based technology firm specializing in the simplification of government transactions across the country, including taxes, utilities, court records, and more as part of their unique, cloud-based platform. PayIt has provided the myKTag app for the Kansas Turnpike since 2014.
“We’re excited to partner with the State of Kansas and see great results at home,” said John Thomson, CEO of PayIt.
ABOUT PAYIT:
PayIt simplifies doing business with state and local government through its award-winning digital government and payment platform. Along with our government partners, we are transforming the customer experience and making government more modern, convenient and mobile.
Governor Colyer Releases Statement on School Finance Legislation
“In the last two weeks, I have had many productive meetings with education stakeholders and legislators, listening to their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. I am confident that we can reach an agreement on a solution that ends the school finance litigation and serves the best interests of our children and the state of Kansas.
I applaud the work of the Kansas Senate this week to address the equity fixes required by the Kansas Supreme Court. I also appreciate the hard work of the House’s K-12 Education Budget Committee.
Last month, I shared with Kansans a framework for responding to the school finance ruling:
- We must keep our schools open.
- We need a definitive solution that ends the school finance lawsuits for good.
- Increased funding should be accomplished using a phased-in approach that will give schools time to plan and spend most effectively.
- We need to ensure the investment is sustainable without increasing the tax burden on Kansas families.
- Lastly, and I think most importantly, we must insist on accountability and improved outcomes.
As I have said before, I will support any effort that meets these objectives, keeps our schools open, and ends the cycle of litigation once and for all.
As legislators go home this evening for Easter weekend, I am calling on the legislature to send a school finance bill to my desk before they leave Topeka again. Let’s get this done.”
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 29
Cold Weather Rule to End March 31
The Kansas Cold Weather Rule ends on Saturday, March 31.
That means Kansans who are behind on electric and natural gas utility bills will be subject to disconnection of service unless they contact their utility company to make payment arrangements.
The Cold Weather Rule is in effect from November 1 through March 31 each year. It provides protection from disconnection to residential customers serviced by utilities under the Kansas Corporation Commission’s (KCC) jurisdiction. That protection ends on Saturday.
Failure to make arrangements or failure to adhere to an already established payment plan could result in service disconnection. Reconnection may require payment in full.
The Cold Weather Rule requires regulated utilities to set up 12-month payment plans for customers who cannot afford to pay their full bill. As part of this arrangement, the customer must make an initial payment of 1/12 of the overdue amount, 1/12 of the bill for current service, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fees, plus any applicable deposit owed to the utility. The balance is billed in equal payments over the next 11 months in addition to the regular monthly bill.
The KCC adopted the Cold Weather Rule to protect customers during cold winter weather by providing a reasonable and organized method of paying past due and current bills. For a complete list of utilities regulated by the KCC visit: http://www.kcc.ks.gov/aboutus/jurisdiction
More information about the Cold Weather Rule is available at http://www.kcc.ks.gov/consumer-information/cold-weather-rule. Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027.