The World of Enticements by Patty LaRoche

Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Hubby Dave bought a new gizmo from some promotional ad he saw on his phone. Actually, against my suggestion of buying one to test it out, he bought four because they were “such a great deal.” Supposedly we will get 200 more television stations with this device. Really? My philosophy is that five stations are too many, but 200?
Hubby was excited to see how his new contraption worked, but quickly he realized that a degree in nuclear science is required to fit all the pieces together. He decided to wait until his future grandson-in-law (with an electrical engineering degree) showed up to see if he had the answer. He did. We now have a plunger-looking antenna suctioned to our front door with a cord draped to the back of the television.
Of course, the Amazon description omitted this one, little detail: the television had to be near a window. Ours is not. It is, however, about four feet from the front door. Thus, the most convenient place to attach the plunger. Hubby says that I’m making a big deal out of nothing. Our house is “full of cords.” You know…cords that plug in the refrigerator, coffee pot, blow dryers, etc. (none of which, however, drape across a room and suction to a window or door). I reminded him of this.
We live in a world of enticements. There’s always something faster, smoother, cleaner, prettier, easier, quieter, bigger, or more efficient. Seldomly do they live up to their hype or reveal the problems that come with them. We know this, but we take the bait, anyway. It’s no different with sin.
The first time I read in scripture about Satan tempting Jesus to prove he was God’s son, I wondered why Jesus didn’t just send a bolt of lightning to his enemy’s head. If you remember the story, Jesus had fasted and prayed for 40 days when the enemy appeared and tried to entice Jesus. (I struggle with four hours, much less, 40 days.) Satan began with a physical temptation, telling Jesus to turn stones into bread. Jesus had to be hungry, and the tempter knew right where to target Jesus’ weakness. Jesus responded that man doesn’t live by bread alone but by “every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Satan focused on the physical, but Jesus focused on the spiritual.
Satan’s next attempt was to transport Jesus into Jerusalem and placed Him at the highest point of the temple (roughly the equivalent height of a 41-story skyscraper). Satan said, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down.” He then quoted Psalm 91:11-12 (“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone”). Satan used those scriptures out of context because we are not to intentionally put ourselves in danger and expect God to protect us. Jesus used scripture correctly and quoted Deuteronomy 6:16: “You shall not tempt the LORD your God.”
Satan pulled out his last offer. He took Jesus to the top of a mountain and “showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory” (Matthew 4:8). In other words, Jesus could have everything he wanted for his own personal power and position. Once again, Jesus turned to scripture: “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve’” (Matthew 4:10).
The message to us is clear. We need to know the Bible if we are to ward off temptation. Trying to take on Satan without scripture’s directive is like ordering television gizmos without checking out the fine print. Chances are, it will be a lesson we don’t want to learn.
Unofficial Uniontown City Council Special Meeting Minutes of Sept. 18
The Special Uniontown Council Meeting on September 18, 2024, at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Clerk Sally Johnson.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to review applicants for non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 5:20 PM
Meeting resumed at 5:20PM.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to hire Angela Hixon as City Clerk, start date of October 7, 2024
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 5:25PM
Obituary of Alvin Pellett
Alvin Elwood Pellett, aged 94, passed away on September 6, 2024, in Decatur, Texas. Born on July 25, 1930, Alvin affectionately known as Al, was raised on a farm, and learned the value of hard work early in life. His strength and determination were evident when he played football at Ft. Scott Junior College. His athletic prowess continued in the Air Force, where he also served in Vietnam as a reconnaissance analyst. His commitment to his country was a significant part of his identity and remained a source of pride throughout his life. Al was not only a veteran but also an avid sports fan, often spending time with fellow veterans at the VFW, where he forged many lasting friendships. In retirement, he and his beloved wife, Brenda, settled in Rhome, Texas, enjoying a quieter life together.
Alvin is survived by his wife, Brenda Pellett, his son, Daniel Pellett, and his daughter, Bari Gaylor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Pellett Jr. and Bertha Pellett, his brothers Harlan and Loren Pellett, and his sister Eloyce Parker.
A service to honor Alvin’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 26th at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the V.F.W., an organization that was very dear to Alvin’s heart. Donations 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 gues
Susan Eldridge Retires After 41 Years at Union State Bank
Union State Bank announces the retirement of Susan Eldridge, who has been an integral part of our team since May 1, 1983. Susan, who has served primarily as the bank’s Cashier, will be retiring after an impressive 41 years of dedicated service.
Susan Eldridge’s tenure with Union State Bank has been marked by her unwavering commitment to excellence, customer service, and community involvement. Her extensive knowledge and steadfast dedication have greatly contributed to the success and reputation of our institution. Her retirement marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
To honor Susan’s remarkable career and celebrate her contributions, Union State Bank will be hosting two special receptions in her honor:
- Uniontown Reception: Tuesday, September 24th, 2024
- Time: 1 – 3 pm
- Location: Union State Bank, 204 Sherman Street, Uniontown
- Fort Scott Reception: Thursday, September 26th, 2024
- Time: 1 – 3 pm
- Location: 1009 S. Clark Street, Fort Scott
Both receptions will offer an opportunity for friends, colleagues, and community members to extend their best wishes to Susan and to join us in celebrating Susan’s remarkable career and to wish her well as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement.
For further information, please contact Stevia Ratcliff at (620) 223-0066.
About Union State Bank
Union State Bank has been a cornerstone of the Uniontown and Fort Scott communities, offering personalized banking services and financial solutions for decades. Our commitment to exceptional customer service and community involvement remains at the heart of our mission.
Outpost 13 West Opening on September 23

The Bowman family, Cindy and John and their son Alex and his wife Carissa, own both Brickstreet BBQ and across the street, the NuGrille Restaurant, at the corner of National Avenue and Oak.
In 2021 they purchased the property west of Brickstreet BBQ to save it, Cindy Bowman said.
On September 23, they will open Outpost 13 West, a Southwestern cuisine restaurant at 13 West Oak Street.

The Bowmans found after they purchased the it, that it is a 152-year-old historic building.
The oldest record found for the building was 1862, according to records found with help from personnel at the Old Fort Genealogical Society of Southeast Kansas Inc, located at 221 S. National.
The Oulds family built it as a livery stable that was used by the government military, at Fort Scott, and was the corral, used to contain the animals that the U.S. federal fort needed.
The 3,000 square feet building by 2021 was in “pretty bad shape,” said John Bowman.


The arches are a noticeable architectural feature in the renovation.
“The arches are original, but they were closed in and we reopened them,” Cindy said.
The venture will be a build-your-own Southwestern cuisine food line, “you pick it, we will build it,” Alex said.
Southwestern cuisine includes tacos, burritos, etc. with choices of meat and toppings.

In addition, there is a separate bar that serves ice cream, slushes, and desserts.

There will be 15 employees in the new business, with some being moved from Brickstreet BBQ to help.
September 23 will be the official opening of Outpost 13 West.
Hours of operation will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
To contact the restaurant: 620.224.2419. or [email protected]

About the original building owner
The Bowmans found that before S.A. Oulds came to Fort Scott in 1852, he went to South Australia to the gold mines and made $150,000 there. “He returned to his family in Ohio where he farmed, then traveled south and west to this location where in 1862 he started this livery stable in Fort Scott,” Carissa said.
Cindy said that concrete posts have been added to the front of the building, so vehicles can’t get too close, as a safety measure.
KDOT employees celebrate service anniversaries
The Kansas Department of Transportation expresses its appreciation for employees celebrating state service anniversaries in October. KDOT is proud to acknowledge them for the long-term dedication they have provided to the state of Kansas.
Those celebrating 35 years:
- Lora Kowach, CIT Program Manager, Longford
Those celebrating 30 years:
- Kevin Hennes, Public Service Executive II , Topeka
- David Schwartz, Special Projects Engineer, Topeka
Those celebrating 25 years:
- Brian Briggs, Database Administration Supervisor, Topeka
- John Cukjati, Engineering Technician Specialist, Hutchinson
- Perry Huffman, Highway Maintenance Supervisor, Oakley
Those celebrating 20 years:
- Dominic Harrington, Highway Maintenance Superintendent, Hoyt
- Michael Hernandez, Network Service Technician III, Topeka
- Roy Whitcomb, Highway Maintenance Supervisor, Kincaid
Those celebrating 15 years:
- Leah Ogden, Public Service Administrator I, Topeka
Those celebrating 10 years:
- Jaylon Ashburn, Equipment Operator Specialist, Troy
- Jennifer Cavanaugh, ROW Property Appraiser II , Topeka
- Kevin Diers, Equipment Operator, Osage City
- Mark Massey, Applications Developer II, Topeka
- Chelsea Milner, Engineering Technician Senior, Burrton
- Lisa Mussman, Public Information Officer I, Phillipsburg
- Brian Varnadore, Equipment Operator, Alma
- Karen Williams, Equipment Operator Senior, Mapleton
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports September 19
Wall Street from Scott Avenue to Main Street Is Closed
LMC 2024 National Discovery Award Winners
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FSHS Thespians Host 7th Annual Royal-Tea & Friends Party
The Fort Scott High School Thespians host their 7th Annual Royal-Tea & Friends Party from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 12 in the FSHS Commons and Courtyard.
Children can join their favorite princesses and princes, queens and kings and other members of the royal court. They are invited to take photos with favorite characters as they make crafts, have treats, and play games. Over thirty Fort Scott High School Thespians will be dressed in character and leading the event. New this year: the inclusion of superheroes, villains, and other cartoon characters. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume as well.
Tickets for the Royal-Tea & Friends Party are $5 per child and all must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets may be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door.
Featured characters are the stars of the FSHS Fall Musical – Frozen Jr. They include Junie Fisher as Elsa, Chris Newman as Anna, Theodore Bowman as Olaf, and Mykael Lewis as Kristoff. FSHS performs Frozen Jr. on Nov. 12 and 14 at 7 p.m. and on Nov. 16 at 2 and 7 p.m.
For more information, please see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Angie Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Brickstreet BBQ on September 19
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