Find A Book For The Long Winter Nights

The SEKnFind Newsletter
December 2022

We hope you enjoy this newsletter sent as a courtesy to adult patrons of a southeast Kansas library using the SEKnFind catalog.
This selection of titles are NEW at a SEKnFind library and available for a hold.
Need assistance? Your local librarian can show you how!
Happy Reading!

New Fiction

All the blood we share : a novel of the bloody benders of Kansas
by Camilla Bruce

The family of a gifted medium who can receive messages from Beyond are welcomed by the town of Cherrvale, but no one knows about their other business, in a novel based on the true story of old West serial killers.

Never name the dead : a novel
by Donna M. Rowell

“Old grudges, tribal traditions, and outside influences collide for a Kiowa woman as forces threaten her family, her tribe, and the land of her ancestors…A cryptic voice message from her grandfather, James Sawpole, telling her to come home sounds so wrong that she catches the next plane to Oklahoma…When Mud and her cousin Denny discover her grandfather missing…and stumble across a body in his work room–Mud has no choice but to search for answers. Mud sets out into the Wildlife Refuge, determined to clear her grandfather’s name and identify the killer”

Sometimes people die : a novel
by Simon Stephenson

“Returning to practice after a suspension for stealing opioids, a young doctor takes the only job he can find: a post as a physician at the struggling St. Luke’s Hospital in east London. Amid the maelstrom of sick patients, overworked staff, and underfunded wards, a more insidious secret soon declares itself: too many patients are dying. And a murderer may be lurking in plain sight”

When Franny stands up
by Eden Robins

“Franny Steinberg knows there’s powerful magic in laughter. She’s witnessed it. With the men of Chicago off fighting WWII on distant shores, Franny has watched the women of the city taking charge of the war effort. But amidst the war bond sales and factory shifts, something surprising has emerged, something Franny could never have expected. A new marvel that has women flocking to comedy clubs across the nation: the Showstopper. When Franny steps into Chicago’s Blue Moon comedy club, she realizes the power of a Showstopper-that specific magic sparked when an audience laughs so hard, they are momentarily transformed. And while each comedian’s Showstopper is different, they all have one thing in common: they only work on women. After a traumatic flashback propels her onstage in a torn bridesmaid dress, Franny discovers her own Showstopper is something new. And suddenly she has the power to change everything…for herself, for her audience, and for the people who may need it most”

Now is not the time to panic : a novel
by Kevin Wilson

Twenty years after secretly causing panic in her hometown through the written word and artwork, along with a fellow loner named Zeke, famous author, mom and wife Frances Eleanor Budge gets a call that brings her past rushing back, threatening to upend everything. 200,000 first printing.

Anon pls. : a novel
by Deuxmoi

A debut novel by the anonymous creator of the Internets best gossip Instagram account takes readers behind the scenes in a novel that recounts her accidental rise to becoming the queen of blind-items. 150,000 first printing.

All I want for Christmas
by Maggie Knox

“A pitch-perfect holiday rom com about two oil-and-water reality-star country singers who must fake a relationship in order to win the opportunity of a lifetime, perfect for fans of Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game and Christina Lauren’s In a Holidaze”

To each this world
by Julie Czerneda

“Biologist Julie E. Czerneda’s new standalone science fiction novel, To Each This World follows a desperate mission to reconnect with long lost sleeper ships, sent centuries earlier from Earth to settle distant worlds. A trio of humans must work with their mysterious alien allies to rescue any descendants they can find on those worlds. Something is out there, determined to claim the cosmos for itself, and only on Earth will humans be safe. Or will they? The challenge isn’t just to communicate with your own kind after generations have passed. It’s to understand what isn’t your kind at all. And how far will trust take you, when the truth depends on what you are?”

The Luminaries
by Susan Dennard

“To reclaim her familys standing within the Luminaries, an ancient order standing between humanity and nightmares, Winnie must pass the hunter trials, entering a world of danger, lies and betrayal where she must protect her town, her family and her heart. 200,000 first printing. Simultaneous eBook.”

One woman’s war : a novel of the real Miss Moneypenny
by Christine Wells

World War II British Naval Intelligence officer Victoire Bennett’s mission to deceive the Germans about Allied invasion plans is jeopardized by a beautiful Austrian double agent, determined to survive in wartime England, who must choose whether to remainloyal to the British or betray thousands of men to their deaths

Sundown
by Susan May Warren

“Everyone else might believe the mysterious woman at Sky King Ranch has lost her memory, but Colt Kingston knows when someone is lying. Now he just has to find out if the lies are meant to save her . . . or protect them”

Silver Trail Christmas
by Nik James

When his business partner, Henry, is accused of murdering their troublemaking neighbor, ranch owner Caleb Marlowe risks everything to bring the real killer to justice, refusing to let Henry go down without a fight. Original.

New Audiobooks

The light we carry : overcoming in uncertain times
by Michelle Obama

“Michelle Obama offers readers a series of fresh stories and insightful reflections on change, challenge, and power, including her belief that when we light up for others, we can illuminate the richness and potential of the world around us, discovering deeper truths and new pathways for progress. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, spouse, friend, and First Lady, she shares the habits and principles she has developed to successfully adapt to change and overcome various obstacles–the earned wisdom that helps her continue to “become””

The twelve topsy-turvy, very messy days of Christmas
by James Patterson

During the holiday season, a family of three, missing someone very dear to them, find their house filling up with unexpected guests, making Christmas memories to last a lifetime

Hunting time
by Jeffery Deaver

A wealthy entrepreneur hires Colter Shaw to track down and protect his employee, Allison Parker, a brilliant engineer, who is on the run from her ex-husband with her teenage daughter, in the fourth novel of the series following Hunting Time. Simultaneous.

New Nonfiction

Cheap land Colorado : off-gridders at America’s edge
by Ted Conover

The Pulitzer Prize finalist and National Book Critics Circle Award-winning author recounts his experiences living off the grid in Colorado with vivid depictions of the diversity of people he encountered on his journey. Illustrations.

How to be weird : an off-kilter guide to living a one-of-a-kind life
by Eric Wilson

This guidebook for overcoming the monotony of everyday life shows how to embrace the joys that come with living an off-kilter life through 99 fun and philosophically rich exercises. Original.

Taking stock : a hospice doctor’s advice on financial independence, building wealth, and living a regret-free life
by Jordan Grumet

“Written by a hospice doctor with a unique front-row seat to the regrets of his dying patients, this book will remind you to take stock of life now, before it is too late. The goal of financial independence is to have the economic fuel to live a full life and avoid regret. Taking Stock is your guide to taking control of your finances and investing in yourself “

How to speak whale : a voyage into the future of animal communication
by Tom Mustill

Drawing from his experience as a naturalist and wildlife filmmaker, the author, who survived a whale encounter, examines how scientists and start-ups around the world are decoding animal communications and what the consequences of such human interaction could be.

Brain energy : a revolutionary breakthrough in understanding mental health–and improving treatment for anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and more
by Christopher M. Palmer

“Brain Energy explains this new understanding of mental illness in detail, from symptoms and risk factors to what is happening in brain cells. Palmer also sheds light on the new treatment pathways this theory opens up-which apply to all mental disorders,including anxiety, depression, ADHD, alcoholism, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, autism, and even schizophrenia”

The complete modern pantry : 350+ ways to cook well with what’s on hand
by America’s Test Kitchen

“Flexibility is at the core of pantry cooking–when every cook needs to improvise. This unique guide helps you get the most out of your own pantry by showing how ingredients add crunch, acid, umami, or spice to a dish. Whether making Gochujang-Tahini Noodles, a top-it-your-way Savory Dutch Baby, or Chana Masala, Pantry Improv tips offer hundreds of ways to adapt meals based on what’s on hand, while helping you to round out your pantry with high-flavor seasonings to turn the simplest meal into something fantastic”

Painting can save your life : how & why we paint
by Sara Woster

Weaving instruction on how to paint with her own story of discovering a passion for painting, a painter, teacher and art evangelist welcomes readers ti this transformative art form, which will help them see the world in a whole new way. Illustrations.

Data Received: Bourbon County Eco Devo Moving Forward

Rob Harrington. Submitted photo.
 Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. hired a consulting company to do local studies on retail, housing and labor in the county. That study was completed this fall.
“Last year, REDI was able to work with both Goldstone Consulting and O’Brian and Associates on the Retail, Housing, and Labor studies,” Rob Harrington, REDI CEO said. “These studies were able to provide us with the necessary data to move forward on several initiatives in 2023.”
“One of those initiatives is a Small Business Retention and Expansion Program for our local businesses,” he said. “We will be working throughout this next year to visit and create ways to help these companies continue to grow within Bourbon County. “
“We will also begin working with a group of citizens throughout Bourbon County on housing development initiatives,’ he said. “This housing committee will be instrumental in creating ways for us to not only attract developers but also new residents and marketing our communities to outside markets”.
REDI will continue to work to bring new developments in commercial and industrial business to Bourbon County by using the data from these reports as well as building on the partnerships that have grown over the last two years, Harrington said.
“All of the reports were paid for by Bourbon County REDI and we will continue to use our funds to help grow our county and ultimately work towards lowering taxes for everyone who lives and owns businesses in Bourbon County,” he said.
Landmark Bank Fort Scott houses the office of Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.

Where Is The Line to See Jesus? By Patty LaRoche

My friend Sherrie told me that she has cut back on Christmas gifts.  At one time, she gave 80 each year, not to relatives but to all the employees at the condominium complex where she lived.  She shared how much she loved shopping for something people wouldn’t buy for themselves.

Sherrie stopped when she realized that only 15 of the 80 ever said thanks, and one asked her to take back the gift and just give him the money it cost.

We all know that it’s no fun to give a present that is not appreciated, and even though we don’t give to be thanked, it is hard to reward ungratefulness year after year after year.

I wonder if that is how Jesus feels. His gift to you and me was about as personal as possible, and it certainly went far beyond the pajamas and gift cards I deliver.

He sacrificed his life for us, yet people get so wrapped up (pun intended) in the shopping and decorating, they can’t find time to even thank him for leaving Heaven to be born in a stinky, wooden trough so he could die on a blood-stained, wooden cross.

I reiterate: For you. And me.

Is Jesus anywhere in your Christmas plans?

A toddler, Spencer, was at the mall with his mother and grandfather when he noticed the long line of families waiting to get their kids’ pictures taken with Santa. Spencer had been taught that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of God’s Son, and with the innocence of a child, he turned to his mom and asked, “Where’s the line to see Jesus?”

 Both his mother and grandfather–Becky Kelly and Steve Haut–were so struck by the profoundness of this little boy’s question (and the message inherent within it) that they collaborated to write and record a song based on that experience. The recording was appropriately titled: “Where’s the Line to See Jesus?”  The words in the song are insightful:

“â€ĤWhere’s the line to see Jesus?

He was born for me

Santa Claus brought me presents

But Christ gave His life for me.

In the blink of an eye

At the sound of His trump

We’ll all stand in line at His throne

Every knee shall bow down

Every tongue will confess

That Jesus Christ is Lordâ€Ĥ”

Please don’t be like my friend’s ungrateful staff who failed to recognize the intent of their gift’s giver.  Take the time to be grateful, especially to the One after whom this holiday is named.  Happy birthday, Jesus!

CHC Shortens Hours Due to Winter Storm

CHC/SEK CLINICS ADAPTING TO WINTER STORM/ OPEN FRIDAY WITH MODIFIED HOURS 

 

As extreme winter temperatures continue to drop over the next 12 to 24 hours,  Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas will be open on Friday with modified hours from 9 AM to 3 PM at all clinic locations. Wind chills reaching below -40 degrees are expected in some areas before warming begins.

 

CHC/SEK CEO Krista Posta says, “as an essential services provider, the communities we serve count on us to be there. We’re seeing many flu cases, and some patients need access to our walk-in care clinics. Others need to keep important scheduled appointments. We are contacting our patients through our texting system and their patient portals, to let them know of the hours changes, and asking what they need from us during these emergency conditions.”

 

At the Pittsburg location, the CHC/SEK’S Apothecare Pharmacy staff have taken to 4-wheel drive vehicles to deliver needed medications to area patients. “Blood pressure, diabetes meds, you do not want to stop those,” says pharmacist Chris Reynolds.   “You want to take those continuously, and we’re here to take care of our patients.”

 

All CHC/SEK clinics will close Saturday at noon, (Christmas Eve) remain closed Christmas day and reopen Monday.

Kevin Allen Purchases Aunt Toadies Restaurant

Alisha Jamison is the new manager and Kevin “Skitch” Allen is the new owner of Aunt Toadie’s Restaurant. Submitted photo.

Kevin “Skitch” Allen purchased Aunt Toadie’s Restaurant in October but officially took over the business on Dec. 12, 2022.

Aunt Toadies Restaurant.

“My heart is on the east side of town,” he said.

Allen started his construction business and car wash on the east side of Fort Scott. Nineteen years ago he demolished a house on the west side of the Aunt Toadie’s restaurant property for the former owners Larry and Mary Jane McHenry.

That started a relationship with the McHenrys. Then two years ago he started dating their niece Alisha Jamison.

“One evening we were talking to Mary Jane and Larry and discovered they wanted to work less hours,” Allen said. “Alisha and I talked about it. She was interested in running the eating business and I am interested in eating.”

“I’ve never owned a restaurant before,” he said. But the McHenry’s have stayed on to help the transition until the end of December.

“Thankfully, Larry and Mary Jane made it a success,” he said. “It’s one more way to help out on my side of town.”

Allen has been doing work on the outside of the restaurant on East Wall since purchasing it.

Kevin Allen works on the new parking lot on the west side of Aunt Toadies on Dec. 13.

The west side of the building will have an addition, which will double the size of the eating area.

“It will be called the Lily Pad,” he said. “That will be for people who enjoy watching (sport) games on TV. Possibly with beer, in the future with dining.”

Possible futuristic plans are a pickle ball court to the north of this new addition, he said.

“You’ll be able to walk out to a pickle ball court,” he said. “Playing off the idea of chicken and pickle ball.”

On the east side of the restaurant there will be table and chairs for an outdoor eating area in warmer weather.

Inside, he has purchased a new soft-serve ice cream machine and discovered an old milk shake machine which will be put to use once again.

“We plugged it in and it went,” Allen said.

Alisha Jamison is the new manager and they are keeping the current wait staff. Matt McHenry, Larry and Mary Jane’s son, has decided to stay as cook.

“That’s a blessing,” he said. “He has worked there since he was a child.”

“I’m the taste tester,” Allen said.

The hours and menu will remain the same, but there might be additional hours on Monday and Saturday in the future.

There may be some additions to the menu because “we’ve got some good cooks thinking up ideas,” he said.

Larry and Mary Jane McHenry, left, Alisha Jamison and Kevin Allen. Submitted photo.

“I want to thank the McHenry’s  for allowing us to take over their family business,” Allen said. “We are going to work hard to keep the family food atmosphere.”

“And thanks also to Fort Scott customers for the years of patronage, we know they won’t be disappointed,” he said.

 

Warming Station At Buck Run Community Center Today

Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

Taken From Bourbon County’s Facebook page:

The city will be opening Buck Run Community Center, 735 S. Scott  as a warming shelter today. The phone number is223.0386. 

Please do not go out unless necessary and if you do, take extreme caution in driving and make sure you have warmer than usual clothing on in case of a breakdown or accident.

Power is still an issue south of town to the Garland area but crews are working as fast as possible to get it restored.

Expanding Broadband Access in Kansas

Kansas Receives Nearly $5.7M to Expand Equitable Broadband Access


TOPEKA
– Governor Laura Kelly today announced Kansas has received nearly $5.7 million to expand broadband access, adoption, and affordability, from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Office.

“Communities across the Kansas have enormous potential for a new chapter of innovation and success,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding will propel the state forward, accelerating our efforts to ensure all Kansans can fully participate in the digital world.”

The funds are part of the designated $65 billion as outlined in the federal bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021, dubbed the “Internet for All Initiative.”

“The Internet for All initiative will bridge the digital divide in Kansas and ensure rural areas have the service they need to access telehealth, education and jobs,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “I appreciate Governor Kelly’s commitment to connecting all Kansas homes and businesses to affordable, reliable high-speed Internet service.”

“Kansans use the internet to work, learn, keep in touch with family, grow a business, get health care, and more. While access to high-speed internet is a gateway to opportunity, that opportunity is not distributed equally in our state,” said Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03). “I’m proud to have voted for this new federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law that will help every Kansan thrive in the digital age.”

The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Broadband Development (OBD) will use these funds in a variety of ways. Almost $5 million will be used to deploy the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program that is part of the Internet for All Initiative. The remaining $692,000 will be used to deploy the first phase of NTIA’s Digital Equity Act.

“Broadband equity starts with access, but also includes adoption and application,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The state is committed to providing capacity and resources to ensure everyone has the access and skills needed to benefit from digital technologies in their lives.”

OBD will engage with stakeholders across Kansas to develop both a five-year action plan and a Statewide Digital Equity Plan, which will provide direction and measures to assist in deployment of high-speed affordable and reliable internet to all Kansans. Both plans will be submitted to NTIA by August 2023.

The office will hold events at 25 to 30 locations around the state beginning in January. Special attention will be paid to groups and communities that are disproportionately impacted by digital inequity. These groups include low-income households, aging populations, people with disabilities or language barriers, racial and ethnic minorities, rural inhabitants, incarcerated individuals, and veterans.

“These planning dollars will allow our office the opportunity to connect and engage with all Kansans,” said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of the Office of Broadband Development. “We will launch our planning efforts at our inaugural Kansas Broadband Summit on January 19 at Wichita State University.  This event will be the first opportunity to connect with communities across Kansas and ask for partnership and support as we coordinate efforts to connect Kansans with high-speed, reliable internet access.”

All 50 U.S. states and six territories applied for planning grant funding from the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and the Digital Equity Act program. Grant awards for all 56 eligible entities will be announced on a rolling basis.

Please visit the Kansas Office of Broadband Development website here. More information about the federal efforts is available at AffordableConnectivity.gov and InternetforAll.gov.

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Motor Carrier Restrictions Lifted For Winter Storm Relief

Governor Kelly Issues Executive Order Lifting Certain Motor Carrier Restrictions to Expedite Winter Storm Relief


TOPEKA
– As Kansas prepares for a severe winter storm, Governor Laura Kelly today issued Executive Order #22-09 to provide conditional and temporary relief from certain motor carrier rules and regulations so that assistance can more quickly get to impacted areas of the state.

The order lifts certain restrictions on motor carriers, such as some driving time limitations, to allow needed fuels, relief supplies, and other items to move through Kansas as quickly as possible. These exceptions apply only to motor carriers directly assisting State and local response efforts.

“I am issuing this order to ensure that, no matter what the coming storm brings us, supplies and relief can get to communities in need as quickly as possible,” said Governor Kelly. “I urge all Kansans to exercise caution over the coming days, to reconsider travel if possible, and to please stay safe and warm.”

Governor Kelly acknowledges and concurs with the Kansas Department of Emergency Management’s declaration of a state of emergency in Kansas. E.O. #22-09 will be in effect until rescinded or until January 20, 2023, whichever comes first. It can be found HERE.

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott Weekly Newsletter

What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

December 21st Weekly Newsletter

Above image by Kenny Felt Photography, prints may be purchased here.

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

Museum of Creativity

Holiday Hours & Events

Click here! Great place to burn some

energy over the holidays!

12/21 ~ Sharky’s North Pole Kids Christmas Party, 5-8pm, click here for more info.

12/21 ~ Blue Christmas service at the First United Methodist Church, 7pm, click here.

12/22 ~ Seniorcise – Senior Exercise at Credo Senior Living, 10:30am. Click here for more info.

12/23 ~ Friday Fun Evening – Museum of Creativity, 3:30-7:30pm. Click here for more info.

12/24 ~ Hedgehog INK! Open from 10am-2pm for your last minute shopping! See flyer below for more info.

12/25 ~ Merry Christmas from the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce!

12/26-27 ~ Everything in store at Bids & Dibs is 50% off, store hours will be 10am to 6pm on these days! Largest consignment store in Kansas! Click here for their FB page.

12/26-31 ~ All gently used books 50% off at Hedgehog.INK! Book Store.

12/26-30 ~ Kid’s Winter Art Camp, 1-4pm. Click here or see flyer below for more info.

12/27 ~ New Year’s Story Time at Fort Scott Public Library, 10am, click here.

12/29-30 ~ Kansas City T-Nuts Model Railroad Club at the Museum of Creativity, Friday 9am-10pm, Saturday, 10am-6pm.

1/1 ~ Potluck dinner at First Presbyterian Church, all welcome, guests will be the FSCC men’s basketball team, 11:30am after service, click here for info.

01/05 ~ BINGO hosted by the American Legion at Memorial Hall, 7pm

_________

SAVE THE DATE!

1/13 ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. Lunch & Learn at the Gordon Parks Museum, 12pm.

1/16 ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service at the Gordon Parks Museum, 9am-2pm.

1/21 ~ Jeff Leeson Comedy Tour, Memorial Hall, fundraiser for the Splash Pad, doors open click here for details.

1/28 ~ Grand Opening Gala at The Artificers, Ribbon Cutting 5:30pm, Gala 6-9pm.

_________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.

Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!

Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Holiday Hours at Hedgehog INK!

End of the Year SALE at Hedgehog INK!

Kid’s Winter Art Camp!

Jeff Leeson Comedy Tour @ Memorial Hall

Get your tickets here!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Bourbon County Local News