Everyone needs a Hushai by Carolyn Tucker

Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker Everyone needs a Hushai
In the latter years of our marriage, my late husband and I became only “fair-weather” bikers. We’d jump on the Suzuki Boulevard and tootle around Gunn Park, head west on old Hwy 54, or south to Garland and enjoy the warm sun and breeze. I now describe myself as a “fair-weather” mower. If it’s too windy, too cold, too muddy, or too many irons in the fire, I will not mow my 3-acre property. Consequently, these strict stipulations caused me to get behind about a month before attempting the first mowing of the season. So when I discovered the battery was dead and wouldn’t hold a charge, I nearly cried. I knew the clock was ticking and it would be raining in a few hours. What did I do? I got a hold of a friend and he and his wife brought out and installed a new battery, so I was ready to mow in just a few minutes. My problem was solved…because of friends.
I recently came across a scripture that struck me and has stuck with me: “…and Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend” (1 Chronicles 27:33 NASB). King David had everything he needed and everything he wanted. He had army commanders, chief officers of the tribes of Israel, various overseers, counselors, servants, and more wives than was wise. But even the king of Israel needed a man he could count on to simply be his friend.
Hushai is mentioned in the Old Testament books of 2 Samuel (chapters 15-18) and 1 Chronicles. He isn’t remembered today like we think of Noah, Elijah, or Paul. Most of us don’t give Hushai a second thought. But he’s surely worth studying because he was important enough to be recorded in the Bible as a friend to king David. This six-letter word is part of living the abundant life Jesus said believers could have. Do we realize that God answers our prayers many times through a friend?
Hushai is a good example of how God uses faithful individuals to accomplish His purposes and help others. Because of Hushai’s intimate trust and deep loyalty, he was instrumental in thwarting Absalom’s attempt to overtake the throne from his father David. Hushai demonstrated that the faithfulness and wisdom of a friend can be of great benefit in the everyday affairs of someone’s life.
A friend who shows up at the right place at the right time is usually the beginning of an answer to prayer. As believers, we should have our hearts tuned into God’s still, small voice as He prompts us to reach out to someone He’s placed on our minds. With God’s help, let’s determine to be better friends in the “reaching out” part. I want to have a mindset that’s devoted to others because I know how important friends are to me.
A friend makes you laugh, is dependable, and will throw you a party rather than under the bus. A friend never throws stones or kicks you when you’re down. A friend can’t be bought with money and doesn’t count favors. A friend is there when you need her/him. A friend remembers the good and forgets the bad. A friend knows all about your flaws and loves you anyway. And a friend can offer the word you’re searching for but can’t think of when you’re telling a story.
Friends are a beautiful source of love, healing, joy, and encouragement. “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense” (Proverbs 27:9 NLT). Mom always said, “Two heads are better than one.”
The Key: If you’re a friend, you’re fulfilling a very important God-given role.
Southeast Kansas Library System June Newsletter
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The SEKnFind Newsletter
June 2025
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Bo Co Commission Agenda Packet for June 30
To view attachments to the agenda:
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
June 30, 2025, 5:30 PM
- Call Meeting to Order
- Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Prayer – David Beerbower
- Approval of Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 06.23.25, 06.26.25, and 06.27.25
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of 06.24.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $14,309.50
- Approval of 06.25.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $46.32
- Approval of 06.27.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $280,889.82
- Approval of 06.27.25 Payroll Totaling $311,381.83
- Approval of 06.25.25 Payroll Totaling $323.37
- 2024 Audit Presentation – Emily Frank, Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips, PA
- Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy for job performance with ____________ attending and will return at _________PM in the commission chambers. – Beerbower
- Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy for job performance with ____________ attending and will return at _________PM in the commission chambers. – Beerbower
- Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy for job performance with ____________ attending and will return at _________PM in the commission chambers. – Eric Bailey
- Old Business
- Juvenile Detention– Beerbower
- Appraiser Contract – Matt Quick
- District 4&5 Term Limits – Clerk
- SEK Mental Health Resolution and Letter of Support– Milburn
- NRP Discussion-Matt Quick
- Courthouse Repairs
- Ealyn Taylor – Animal Control
- Zoning Recommendation-Beerbower
- Repeal Resolution 19-25
- Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
- New Business
- Turck Bypass Route-Matthew Wells
- Public Works Safety Audit – Dr. Cohen
- Fence Viewing Resolution-Beerbower
- Precinct Legal Descriptions-Susan Walker
- Commission Comments
- Adjournment
Immediately following the meeting there will be a work session to discuss the Landfill.
Future business that has been tabled in past meetings or planned for future meetings:
- Economic Development Direction
- 911 Agreement
- Precinct Legal Resolution
Doherty Health Benefits
Agenda for the FS City Commission on July 1
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
July 1, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
- Call to Order/Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
- Approval of Agenda
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1387-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of June 11, 2025 – June 24, 2025 – $489,151.22
- Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of June 17, 2025
- Public Comment
VII. Appearances
- Ronette Center – Resolution No. 12-2025 Kansas Community Empowerment Program
VIII. Unfinished Business
- Consideration to Approve Certificate of Appropriateness – 24 N. Main St. – La Hacienda – Front Door – Approved by SHPO June 12, 2025, and Recommended by Design Review Board June 20, 2025.
- Consideration to Amend Ordinance No. 3782 – AN ORDINANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING THE FORT SCOTT HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND RESOURCE COMMISSION TO THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS – Approved June 17, 2025 – L. Dillon
- Discussion of CLG Process (next steps) – L. Dillon
- Consideration to Approve Purchase of Playground Surface for Nelson Park – $36,000.00 – Recommended by Parks Advisory Board on June 12, 2025 – Matkin
- Consideration to Approve Revised Employee Handbook and Adopt Ordinance No. 3783 – AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3533, ADOPTING EMPLOYEE MANUAL – Tabled from June 17, 2025 – B. Matkin
- New Business
Action Items:
- Consideration of Approval for City Manager to Sign Airport Taxiway KDOT Grant Documents for Project No. AV-2026-16 – Agreement No. 455-25
- Consideration of Temporary Street Closure – Coates Street from Elm to Mulberry – July 4, 2025 – 10:00AM – Midnight.
- Consideration of Resolution No. 14-2025 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED USAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 18 S. HOLBROOK – Public Hearing Date of August 19, 2025.
- Consideration of Resolution No. 15-2025 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED USAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 402 N. SHUTE – Public Hearing Date of August 19, 2025.
- Consideration of Resolution No. 16-2025 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED USAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 205 LINCOLN – Public Hearing Date of August 19, 2025.
- Consideration of Resolution No. 17-2025 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED USAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 102 N. BARBEE – Public Hearing Date of August 19, 2025.
- Consideration of Resolution No. 18-2025 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED USAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 602 S. BARBEE – Public Hearing Date of August 19, 2025.
- Consideration of Resolution No. 19-2025 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED USAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 505 CLARK – Public Hearing Date of August 19, 2025.
- Reports and Comments
- Adjourn
Death Notice of Charles William Lewis
Charles William “Bill” Lewis, 79, of Fort Scott, passed away at Overland Park Regional Hospital early Friday morning, June 27, 2025.
Services are set for 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with burial following at Memory Gardens.
The complete obituary will be available later.
Obituary of Ronald Fred Taylor

Ronald “Ronnie” Fred Taylor, 87, resident of Bronson, Kansas, passed away at his home early Thursday morning, June 26, 2025. He was born June 6, 1938, in Xenia, Kansas, the son of William Ray Taylor and Helen Mae (Stewart) Taylor. He married Bonnie Mason on May 31, 1959, in Fort Scott, and she preceded him in death on September 17, 2020.
Ronnie was a farmer, and he was a Master Plumber for fifty years. He was a member of the Xenia Baptist Church, and he served on the board of Heartland Electric Cooperative for forty years.
Ronnie is survived by his son, Raymond Taylor and his wife Kathy, of Bronson, Kansas; three grandchildren, Danny, Nathan and his wife Ashley, and Maggie, as well as several great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife Bonnie, Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Brad Taylor, who died in April of 2001; and a brother, William Leon Taylor.
Pastor Randy Smith will conduct funeral services for Ronnie at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Burial will follow at the Bronson Cemetery, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Xenia Baptist Church, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
Settlement Reached in Commissioner’s Lawsuit Against the County Commissioners
The unusual lawsuit that at one point had every sitting county commissioner listed as plaintiffs on a lawsuit against the county commission has apparently been settled. A filing at 4:08 today stated the following.
COME NOW the Parties, by and through their undersigned counsel of record, and hereby provide notice that a resolution of all remaining claims and theories was achieved and this case has been resolved
The filing doesn’t detail the terms of the settlement and goes on to say that both sides expect to have all the paperwork finished up in the next 60 days.
U235 Special Negotiations Meeting Is June 30

Bo Co Budget Advisory Committee Meets on July 1
The Bourbon County Budget Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 8:15 AM in the Commission meeting room located in the Bourbon County Courthouse 210 S. National Avenue. This meeting is open to the public.
Bo Co Commission Special Meeting Today at 4 p.m.
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
Special Meeting June 27, 2025, 4:00 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer
II. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy with ____________ attending and will return at _________PM in the
commission chambers.
III. Adjournment
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their
privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which would be
deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in
consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations,
partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open
meeting would jeopardize such security measures
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.
Seniors Farmers Market Vouchers Available on July 14
Great News! The Senior Farmers Market Vouchers will be available starting July 14th.
The Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (KSFMNP) is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. The program provides annual benefits to low-income seniors to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and honey from authorized farmers at Farmers Markets in Kansas.
Benefits are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. The person must be at least 60 years old and meet financial guidelines. Applications will be available at the following locations:
Fort Scott – Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall.
Chanute – SEK Area Agency on Aging, 1 West Ash
Benefits are distributed until September 30, 2025 or until benefits are gone, whichever happens first. Applicants who qualify will receive a booklet of $5 coupons for a one-time annual benefit of $50 to purchase eligible foods from authorized farmers. For more information call SEK Area Agency on Aging at 620-431-2980.
Submitted by Kathy Brennon, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging
