You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. John 15:14
“Sally, my flight has been delayed. I’m not getting in at 9:00. I’m getting in at midnight, so I’m going to get a hotel room and you can pick me up in the morning.” My friend would have none of it. “I don’t care when you get in. I’m coming to get you. That way, we have more time together.” My arguments for a hotel went nowhere.
Getting in to the KC airport at 9:00 was bad enough, but a few weeks previous, when I asked Sally if she would be able to pick me up, let me spend the night at her house in Kansas City and drive me to Fort Scott the next day, she responded, “I thought you’d never ask.” That’s what she said. “I thought you’d never ask.”
Who has friends like that?
I know that Sally drives back and forth between KC and Fort Scott a couple of times a week, but I had no idea if this was one of her scheduled days. Good friends like her make it one, even if it isn’t. What I didn’t realize was that she and Gary, her husband, were making a trip to KC from Fort Scott just to pick me up. And now, three hours later than intended.
The fact that she made the trip is one thing. The fact that she did not make me feel guilty about it is another. This was sacrificial, and I knew it.
When I deplaned at midnight, Sally was waiting for me by baggage claim, arms extended and thanking me for letting her come and get me. Say WHAT? And the next day, when she and Gary drove me to Fort Scott, she asked that every time I fly into the KC airport, I give her first chance to pick me up. No matter what time.
Someone once said, “Tell me with whom you hang, and I will tell you who you are.” I am blessed with wonderful friends I don’t deserve. They know me well but like me anyway. We are transparent with each other. We laugh and cry together…sometimes at the same time. We empathize with each other’s disappointments and celebrate successes.
Sally makes me realize how important it is to be there for my friends when they need me (or even when they don’t). As I am writing this article, I am reminded that I need to be a Sally kind of friend to Jesus…one who spends more time “hanging” with him, one who always makes him a priority, one whom I greet with arms extended, one who is ready to do his bidding day or night, sacrificially, without grumbling or making excuses.
Look at the scripture at the top of this article: You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. My words are cheap without obedience to Jesus. If I am nudged to pray for someone in the middle of the night, I immediately should jump out of bed and get on my knees and be grateful for the opportunity; Jesus should know that I am trustworthy and will do as he asks. If I have a chance to share him with others, I cannot hesitate or decide the timing isn’t quite right or hope someone else steps in to give his/her testimony. I should never remind my Savior of what I have done for him or brag about those actions to other people.
Sally might think that the only thing she has done for me is provide transportation and a room. In reality, she unknowingly has demonstrated how much I need to learn about being a great friend, a sacrificial friend…to others, but especially to Jesus.
The Regular Council Meeting on April 11, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:05PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Brad Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Don George (KDWPT), Norman Bockover, Mary Pemberton, Betsie Binford, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
From left: Councilwoman Danae Esslinger, City Clerk Sally Johnson, Councilwoman Amber Kelly, Mayor Larry Jurgensen, KWP representative Don George, and councilmen Josh Hartman, Jess Ervin, and Brad Stewart. Submitted photo.
Don George, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism presented the grant reimbursement check to Council for the completion of the Uniontown School Pond Improvement Project and encouraged the council to apply for phase II. He complimented Clerk’s paperwork for the grant. He would like application for phase II completed by the May meeting. Mayor Jurgensen will touch base with county regarding rock and hauling.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to submit an application for 2023 CFAP Grant for Phase II of Uniontown School Pond Improvement Project
CITIZENS REQUEST
Norman Bockover asked about citywide trash service. The Council rescinded Ordinance 199 at the April 6, 2023 Special Meeting and will no longer be pursuing this.
Betsie Binford, Old Settlers’ Committee, requested permission for a street dance as part of this year’s celebration. Council said NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED and asked Clerk Johnson to check with our insurance agent on whether our liability insurance would cover or if the Committee will need an event policy.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to allow Old Settlers’ Committee to sponsor a street dance for this year’s celebration with no alcohol allowed
Mary Pemberton presented a copy of the proposed mural for the Rural Murals and Public Art Grant.
Mayor Jurgensen informed that the Dale Jackson Memorial Fire Truck for the park should be installed soon.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the March 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $349,967.37, Receipts $52,804.09, Transfers Out $4,666.00, Expenditures $52,703.68, Checking Account Closing Balance $345,40178. Bank Statement Balance $367,965.70, including Checking Account Interest of $78.70, Outstanding Deposits $64.32, Outstanding Checks $22,628.24, Reconciled Balance $345,401.78. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,223.90, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,841.76, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,499.83, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $431,967.27. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $227.98, and Utility CDs $164.51 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $392.49. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of March 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. March Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $410.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $410.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $410.00; from General Fund to Lease Purchase-Maint Vehicle $410.00; for Total Transfers of $4,666.00. Net Loss for the month of March $4,565.59, Year-to-Date Net Income $1,849.81. Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $58,162.08 (37.1%), Expenditures $39,937.71 (17.7%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $9,124.88 (24.8%), Expenditures $8,077.26 (19.6%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $29,938.79 (24.5%), Expenditures $28,626.06 (17.9%); General Fund YTD Revenue $56,480.34 (37.7%), Expenditures $51,280.83 (27.7%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $2,093.98 (28.1%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The April 2023 estimated payables in the amount of $20,298.04 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
Minutes of March 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and April 6, 2023 Special Council Meeting
City Superintendent Rich asked what is to be done about the rock post that has fallen in the southeast corner of the park. After discussion of methods to repair, it was decided to put rock in the shop until a method is decided upon.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was absent. He did submit a letter and it was included in the April newsletter. Citywide cleanup is scheduled for May 1-4. Clerk Johnson reported that someone came in this morning to report that one of the dogs at 108 Second St had her granddaughter trapped in the post office growling at her. Johnson called the dog owner and asked him to please keep his dogs on his property or under his control at all times. He said he is planning to put a kennel in the backyard, but no timeline given.
Clerk Johnson informed the council a letter of resignation was received from Ginger Ervin for her custodian/water sampler position.
The Municipal Services 2023 Budget Workshop dates were discussed.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend one of the webinar and Charlene Bolinger to attend the May 25 in person session at Iola, cost of workshop $75/person
She had previously sent CDBG grant information to council. After discussion, it was decided there is not enough time to get a preliminary engineering report or application submitted by May 1.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – A thank you note for the dish planter was received from Sally Johnson on the death of her father.
He would like to extend the culvert at Chaffin and the alley west of Franklin to accommodate trash trucks and school bus. He has a culvert but would like for the city to provide the rock.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to provide rock for the culvert extension at Chaffin and the alley west of Franklin
He also found someone to haul off the big rock at the railroad right-of-way and north of the pond.
OLD BUSINESS
Placemaking Project – Clerk Johnson has a zoom meeting with Jody and Rachel, HBCAT, on April 18. Mayor Jurgensen still trying to find time to convene committee.
American Rescue Plan Act update –The remaining $21,153.82 was discussed. It can be used for streets, repairs to the warehouse, a skid steer, or any type of governmental service. Clerk Johnson requested a new quote for materials to reskin and replace/add roll up doors for the warehouse. It was decided to use it for the warehouse. Clerk Johnson attended a webinar last week on submitting this year’s project and expenditure report which is due by April 30.
KMGA/MMGA Prepay project – documentation was mailed to KMGA on March 28.
Street repairs/resurfacing – Council directed Clerk Johnson to send out invitation for bids exactly like last year.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to nonelected personnel matters exception KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss individual nonelected personnel positions and pay rates with the open meeting to resume at 8:41PM
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to nonelected personnel matters exception KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to continue discussion of individual nonelected personnel positions and pay rates with the open meeting to resume at 8:52PM
Open meeting resumed at 8:52.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to allow Mayor to seek custodial/water sampler person and increase pay rate to $12/hour
Moved by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:53PM
The Special Council Meeting on April 6, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Brad Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Jason Thompson and Josh Beck (Green Environmental Services), City Attorney Chase Vaughn, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to KSA 75-4319-(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties to negotiate the citywide trash service contract, the open meeting to resume at 7:15 PM
Attorney Vaughn was called in at 7:03.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties to negotiate the citywide trash service contract with Attorney Vaughn still in attendance, the open meeting to resume at 7:30 PM
Jason Thompson and Josh Beck, Green Environmental Services, were called into meeting at 7:21. Open meeting resumed at 7:30.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to rescind Ordinance No. 199 an ordinance establishing trash and physical waste service within the city limits of Uniontown, Kansas; exceptions, and no longer pursue citywide trash service
The public hearing scheduled for May 9 will not be held.
Moved by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 7:33PM
Donna Lea Jacquinot Warehime, age 91, a resident of Stroud, Oklahoma died Monday, April 17, 2023 at the Stroud Health Care Center. Donna was born August 25, 1931 to Pete and Alta Herron Jacquinot in Greenbush, Kansas.
Donna met and married Dorwin R. Hall in 1951 at Fort Scott, Kansas. To this union six children were born. Dorwin preceded her in death in 1979. She later married Donald Greenfeather, he preceded her in death in 1992. She then married Ivan Warehime in 1997, he preceded her in death in 2001.
Donna was a wonderful loving wife, mother, sister, granny, nanny, and friend to countless loved ones. During her lifetime Donna sold real estate, owned a very successful business and raised six amazing children, Gary, Debbie, Randy, Robin, Troy, and Roger.
Donna loved to dance and have a goodtime, she never met a stranger and loved with all that she was. She lived in many places and had a wanderers heart. At one point she bought and remodeled many houses in Columbus, Kansas. Donna loved to take trips, especially to Las Vegas. She loved her slot machines and went to play whenever she had the chance. Donna was well loved and will be terribly missed in this world, by all that loved her. She has left an enormous void. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Stroud Health Care Center for their love and devotion, and Traditions Hospice for their loving care at the end.
Donna is survived by her children, daughters, Debbie Nash (Dale) Waxahachie, Texas, Robin Cox (Kevin) Collinsville, Oklahoma, sons Randy Hall (Kathleen) Grove, Oklahoma, and Roger Hall (Becky) Bristow, Oklahoma; 18 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, 18 great-great-grandchildren, 3 grand fur babies, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by three husbands, Dorwin Hall, Don Greenfeather, and Ivan Warehime; two sons, Gary and Troy Hall; her parents; two sisters, Margina Harris and Pat Hawkins, and a brother, Peter “Bud” Jacquinot.
Cremation was performed. A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Centerville Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas.
A casual visitation and dinner will proceed following the graveside service at the Carriage House in Fort Scott, Ks located at 301 S. Main. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com
Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones, right, and FS Water Distribution Supervisor Bill Lemke discuss the splash pad project on April 19 at the site on North National Ave. Jones is one of the initiators of the splash pad project, as well.
Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones was on the site of the future splash pad and sensory park on April 19. Jones is also one of the organizers of the project.
Dirt work has begun on the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park looking southwest towards National Avenue.The Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Committee from it’s Facebook page. On the committee: Bailey Lyons, Kelly Barr, Katie Hueston, Meredith Tucker and Josh Jones.
“It has started,” Jones said. “You’ll start seeing water lines and concrete, the above ground (part) in three to five weeks.”
The crews will be working around the annual Good `Ol Days events, the first weekend in June, he said.
Looking south from the Lunette Blair Blockhouse on Skubitz Plaza. This is the proposed site of the sensory park.
The splash pad will be a 50 by 50 foot multiple feature water site and the sensory park will be two pads, roughly 24 by 24 foot for children’s equipment that is easily accessed, with no physical barriers.
Looking north from the Lunette Blair Blockhouse to the splash pad site.
The splash pad and sensory park will be located on Skubitz Plaza at the north end of downtown Fort Scott, on North National Avenue.
Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park rendition from their Facebook page.Poster explaining the sensory park from the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Facebook page.
Bourbon County Public Works, in conjunction with Killough Construction, will begin milling Soldier Road from 69 Highway to 245th Street and 245th Street from Soldier Road to Valley Road beginning Thursday, 4/20/2023. Please expect traffic delays as the road will be down to one lane.
For students who want a career in construction trades such as welding, masonry, carpentry or heating and air conditioning, which are high demand and high paying jobs, there is a short cut to do that.
Junior or senior year students in Fort Scott High School and Uniontown High School have the opportunity to get a head start on these jobs, said Kris Mengarelli, Fort Scott Community College’s Director of the Career and Technology Center, CTEC.
“CTE courses prepare students with the technical, academic, and employment skills needed for life after high school,” from CTEC’s Facebook page. “The courses hone critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills—all valuable tools needed to succeed in today’s workforce.”
“Starting in the fall of 2023, we are….offering carpentry basics, OSHA 10 (certification training) and introduction to craft skills for high school and college,” he said. “This is typically for juniors and seniors. It’s a two-year program to get a certificate.”
“The teacher will be Michael Casner, a Fort Scott High School teacher,” he said. “He’ll be teaching dual credit classes for those three classes at the high school. Uniontown will be able to send students over to attend those classes as well. The schools will coordinate what works best.”
The target student is any interested in the trades for a career.
The State of Kansas is offering an Excel in CTE Initiative, for high school juniors and seniors for free college tuition on approved technical courses offered at Kansas technical schools and community colleges.
“The state looks at where there is a lacking workforce,” he said.
“There are some small fees that fall back on the student, but not significant,” Mengarelli said.
Following the classes for dual high school and college credit, students will have a nationally recognized certificate,” he said. “Students who want to go into construction, this makes them employable just out of high school.”
CTEC is located in Crawford County.
Destry Brown, Fort Scott’s Superintendent of USD 234 was a “key player in getting CTEC started in Crawford County,” Mengarelli said.
Brown was formerly a superintendent of schools in Pittsburg, in Crawford County and is currently superintendent of schools for Fort Scott.
Jon L. Farrell, 57, resident of Fort Scott, passed away Thursday evening, April 13, 2023, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center as a result of multiple medical complications.
Following cremation, the family will hold private services at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s School and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
MERL HUMPHREY PHOTOGRAPHY PRESENTS The 2023 Gordon Parks Museum Photo Contest
(Open to any non-professional photographer)
THEME:“Family, Home and Roots” This photo contest is inspired by Gordon Parks and his love for his family and upbringing. This is open to any amateur photographer. Photographers are invited to capture the essence of the theme.
Who can participate? Amateur (nonprofessional) photographers of all ages and skill levelsare invited to take pictures for the project.
How many photos can I enter?No more than 2.
Are there prizes? Yes! There will be a first place ($100), second place ($75) and third place ($50) prize and up to five honorable mentions. Winners will be announced at the Gordon Parks Celebration.
All photos submitted that are accepted, will be on exhibit during the 20th annual Gordon Parks Celebration on Oct. 5 – 7, 2023. All accepted photos will also be posted on the Gordon Parks Website andFacebook page.
How do I submit? Photographs must be submitted via e-mail to[email protected].All photos must be in JPEG format and limit file size toless than 2 MB.Photographers should submitattachedphoto in JPEG format, with the title, their name, address, email, and phone number.If under 14 years old please include parent’s information.
When do I have to submit my entries? Photos should be received via email byWednesday, September 20, 2023at the latest.
Anything else I need to know? The Gordon Parks Museum reserves the right to not accept or display any submitted photo(s) that would be considered to be obscene, violent or in any other way objectionable or inappropriate and/or that do not hold to the standards of FSCC policy or the mission of the Gordon Parks Museum.
It is the photographer’s responsibility to make sure they have permission to take and use the photograph subject’s image.
By entering the contest, you retain the rights to your works while granting The Gordon Parks Museum the unrestricted, royalty-free, perpetual right to use, reproduce, communicate modify and display the works (in whole or in part) for any purpose without any fee or other form of compensation, and without further notification or permission.
By participating in this contest, you release and agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Gordon Parks Museum and its employees, directors, officers, affiliates, agents, judges and advertising and promotional agencies from any and all damages, injuries, claims, causes of actions, or losses of any kind resulting from your participation in this contest or receipt or use of any prize.
Sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography 5 N. Main St., Fort Scott, KS Questions? Email[email protected] Or call 223-2700, ext. 5850
