Old, New, Borrowed, Blue by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
I suppose I had a weird mindset about my wedding in 1980. Most young girls dream about their wedding and wedding gown for years. Although I wanted to marry, have children, and a loving home, I wasn’t the least bit interested in the wedding dress. To me, they all looked alike because they were all white. I like color, especially turquoise. I know wedding gowns come in all different hues now, but back then they didn’t. Jennifer, my bridesmaid, graciously offered her pretty wedding dress and I accepted. Her thoughtfulness spared me from the agony of looking at racks of colorless gowns. I very much enjoyed planning the details of the ceremony. For communion, we used the shot glasses Dad brought from Germany in WWII for “something old.” My high heels were new (and uncomfortable), the wedding gown was borrowed, and the garter was blue.
The Bible is old, but it has never lost its relevance. Very often I will discover a new jaw-dropping revelation on an issue I’ve been wondering about. Although the Word of God has been borrowed from generation to generation, no one has ever improved on its battered (but still working) content. And if you’ve ever experienced a blue season, your faith and belief in His Word has surely pulled you through.
We find the words “old paths” in the Old Testament. The “old paths” are described as “the good way” and the Hebrews were under obligation to walk in these paths. When they strayed, they always found themselves in dire straits. “This is what the Lord says: ‘Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls’” (Jeremiah 6:16 NLT). When we go our own way (like the Fleetwood Mac song) we never find the peace we’re searching for. God’s way works because He designed it to be the only way to have rest. Living in an obedient and loving relationship with Jesus works. Not because it’s old, but because it’s the good way, the right way, and God’s way.
“Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence” (2 Corinthians 5:17 GW). This scripture is a powerful reminder that when an individual makes the decision to follow Christ, a life-giving transformation takes place. The old lifestyle of sin, brokenness and unrest is replaced by a new clean start as a forgiven and redeemed life in Christ. Spiritual newness becomes ours when we surrender everything and follow Him.
The price of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection is too high for us to borrow. To “borrow” means to take and use with an agreement to pay it back later. A believer’s new life now and eternal life later is a marvelous gift. The only thing we can do to show our appreciation is to accept Christ, love Him, and be exemplary ambassadors for Him.
I enjoy the Blues music on Beale Street in Memphis, but living with the blues is not cool. The best way I’ve found to escape the moody blues is Psalm 42:5 MSG: “Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? I fix my eyes on God and soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.”
The Key: The Word of God is old, yet new, borrowed, but never blue.
Agenda For the Bo Co Commission, May 6
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Attachments:
Bourbon County, Kansas
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
May 6, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 4/29/2024
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $409,734.00
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $290,320.88
- Public Comments
- Lynne Oharah-Unique Road West of 95th Street
- Department Updates
- Eric Bailey-Public Works
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Obituary of Emily Martin
Our beloved daughter Emily Louise Martin passed away the evening of May 1, 2024, at her home at the age of 27. Emily was born and raised in Fort Scott, Kansas. She was the baby of four daughters born to Jara and Dave Martin.
Emily was a happy child full of life and adventure. Emily had a smile that could light up any room and a laugh that was contagious. Emily loved to read, watch, and discuss all movies and books. She felt emotions very deeply and was committed to those she loved. She enjoyed many family vacations, especially to Disney World. She loved her dog Indiana Jones, which she named after one of her favorite movies. She excelled in playing the piano and singing in high school, which she carried that love for music throughout her life. She was employed as a paraprofessional where she found joy in helping the students that were assigned to her and how to help them succeed. She loved her nieces and nephews dearly, who will miss playing with Aunt Em. They loved to dress up as superheroes with her and envision saving the world. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and the community that she was raised in.
Emily is survived by her parents Jara (Eshelbrenner) and Dave Martin of Fort Scott; her sisters Breann Eden (Jonathan) of Fort Scott, Sherise Beckham (Tanner) of Fort Scott and Sophia Martin (fiancée Nick Duke) of Joplin, MO; and her nieces and nephews Kenlee Eden, Warren Beckham, Barrett Beckham, Hazel Eden, and Mason Beckham. She was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Jack and Sara Eshelbrenner of Fort Scott and paternal grandparents Max and Carolyn Martin of Joplin, MO.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, May 8th, at the Community Christian Church.
Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Tuesday May 7th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Fort Scott High School Music Department and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Farmer’s Market Under New Gathering Square Pavilion For The First Time, Today
The rain clouds kept away for the Gathering Square Pavilion Fort Scott Farmers Market Ribbon Cutting on North National Avenue today.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison thanked the T-Mobile communication business, who, a few years ago gave a $50,000 grant to start the pavilion.
The City of Fort Scott, Regional Economic Development Inc., Healthy Bourbon County Team, the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, and others helped make this vision a reality, Matthew Wells, FS City Councilman and one who spearheaded the project, said.
Wells said the new pavilion’s land sits where the original Fort Scott Farmer’s Market was 100 years ago.
City Manager Brad Matkin said the pavilion is a wonderful asset to the community….and more are coming.
REDI Director Rob Herrington said it was a collaborative effort and “Together we can make things happen.”
The ribbon cutting was celebrated on the opening day of the Fort Scott Farmers Market (FSFM), May 4.
FSFM President Terri Hamilton said the vendors are “thankful for the covered space.” She noted that there are 24 slots in the Pavillion and 32 vendors, and they are “working hard to coordinate with the new vendors.”
The activities for the day: live music, face painting, children’s games, cotton candy, Bourbon County Garden Club Plant Sale, Breakfast on the Bricks by Scout Troop 114, and of course the vendors with local produce and crafts.
The farmer’s market is open 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and 4-6 p.m. on Tuesdays from May to October.
Starlite FCE Minutes May, 2024
The Starlite FCE held its May meeting at the Presbyterian Village Meeting Room. Vice President Joyce Allen called the meeting to order. Letha Johnson led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Seven members and one guest were in attendance. The members reported that they had 26 volunteer hours and had recycled 265 pounds.
Terri Williams read the minutes of the previous meeting. Letha Johnson moved that the minutes be approved as read, Doris Ericson seconded the motion, motion carried. It was announced that Earth Day is April 22nd this year. Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’s report and announced that there was no council report this month. Deb Lust moved that we accept the Treasurer’s report, Letha Johnson seconded, motion carried. Joyce Allen recognized the April birthday which was Glenda Miller.
Deb Lust announced the Cassidy Lutz, an agent with Southwind Extension District had accepted another passion.
Old Business consisted of a reminder that the area Recognition Day will be May 2nd in Erie.
Joyce Allen reminded the members that they needed to return their insurance card.
Betty Johnson moved that the meeting be adjourned, Le Anna Taylor second the motion, meeting adjourned. After the meeting Deb Lust presented the lesson on “The Silent Killer” facts about ovarian cancer.
Refreshments of Strawberry Fluff, nuts, mints and water were provided by Doris Ericson and Deb Lust and enjoyed by all.
FS Town-Wide Garage Sale Continues Today
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Good Ol’ Days Begins At The End Of May: Lavetta Simmons Is the Parade Grand Marshal
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The 43rd annual Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days will happen May 31 through June 1 with the theme “Where Our History Comes to Life” said the steering committee chairman, Shawn O’Brien.
The kick-off is Friday, May 31, from 4:30-6 p.m. with the chicken dinner catered by Chicken Marys for $10 for a two-piece dinner including German potato salad, creamy cole slaw bread, and water.
“You can purchase your tickets at the Fort Scott Chamber office, 231 E. Wall,” O’Brien said. ” Pick up will be at the corner of Wall and Main. You can drive through on the east side at Wall Street and Scott Avenue.”
“The largest parade of the year starts Friday at 6 p.m. at 6th and Main Street,” he said. “We are delighted to announce that Lavetta Simmons has been selected as this year’s Grand Marshal. Each year, our committee has the privilege of recognizing individuals who stand out and shine in our community, and Lavetta’s unwavering dedication to Care to Share has truly captured our hearts.”
“Lavetta’s heartfelt commitment to Care to Share over the years has left an indelible mark on countless lives,” he said. “Her compassion and kindness have provided solace and support to numerous cancer victims, survivors, as well as their families and friends. Though Lavetta has retired from her role at Care to Share, her dedication to service continues as she now attends to her family, serving as the epitome of the best babysitter. Join us in celebrating Lavetta Simmons and her remarkable contributions to our community.”
“This year we will feature some great entertainment on the stage at Skubitz Plaza,” O’Brien said. “Friday night will kick off at 7 p.m. with Nathan Ast Band followed by Blane Howard. Blane returns to Fort Scott for his second show. We are excited to host him again as he always has a great show.”
The stage at Skubitz Plaza will feature free entertainment.
“We will have local artists Jericho Jones and Holly Crays on Saturday, he said. “Then finish out the Saturday evening with Left of Center which will play some great music along with karaoke. Bring your lawn chairs and come out and enjoy live music that features some great artists.
“The Red Garter show will return thanks to Kenny Clary and his wonderful group,” he said. “They always have an energy-packed show. This year they will have their show in the Liberty Theatre. We are excited to partner with a generous sponsor to host this show in the beautiful downtown Liberty Theatre.”
The Red Garter show will kick off Friday at 7 p.m. for one show, then resume Saturday at 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. with a show every hour.
“Jared Leek, owner of Liberty Theatre, an icon of the parade, will appear on the magical bike and we are so thankful for all the years that he has represented something that dates back to the start of the Good Ol’ Days”.
Many great family activities are planned for Saturday.
“We will have a bounce house at 3rd and Main Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $5 unlimited bouncing. Tulsa Gelly Ball will return this year at 2nd and Main. They have always been a family fun event. There is a cost for each participant, hide, roll, and avoid being shot at through a maze of obstacles. We will also offer free balloon artist and caricature drawings. These have been a great hit over the past few years.”
“We have some new food trucks coming in, and locals that will feature tacos, burgers, chicken, Hawaiian dishes, BBQ, fried fish, fried Oreos, funnel cakes, and much more,” he said.
‘The food trucks are always a huge hit as they feature fun options that we can’t get locally. We are excited to feature some new food that we have not had before,” he said.
Vendors and sponsors are needed for the event.
Contact by email streetfoodandcrafts@hotmail.
The steering committee chairman is O’Brien, Vice Chair Charlotte Thompson, Secretary Kayla Hall, Treasurer Cheryl VanHoecke, Fort Scott National Historic Site representative Carl Brenner, and members, Tim VanHoecke, Shaylynn Clements, Angel Wilson, and Trey Sharp.
To learn more:
O’Brien has been on the committee for 11 years and chairman for 5 years.
“I want to thank our community for their generous support and contributions,” he said. “Our festival would not be possible without so many volunteers and passionate people. The City of Fort Scott is gracious with their city workers, the Fire department and Police department and so many countless others.”
“This will be my last year as chairman, and I am looking forward to enjoying the Good Ol’ Days as I did 12 years ago strolling down the street and enjoying the food, crafts, and fun,” he said. “If you would like to become a part of the committee, please let me know as we are looking for people to join our fun team.”
Letter to the Editor: by Alan Drake, Seconds Matter – And the ER Matters
It was January 30, 2015. Billie Jo and I were attending a home Tiger basketball game. The Tigers were winning, the crowd was loud and supportive of their team, and all was good until it wasn’t! I had been blessed with good health, a great job, and a wonderful family; that was about to change!
Toward the end of the Tigers boys’ game, I lost control of my right arm; my fingers were moving but I was not moving them. My senses were hazy and my cognitive ability was very limited. Billie Jo noticed that I was having trouble, so at the end of the game, medical assistance was requested.
After a quick examination by the medical personnel who were so generous to help, an ambulance was called. With the Fort Scott fire department also present, I was transported immediately to the Mercy ER.
When I arrived at the Mercy ER, the emergency department team quickly assessed me and ordered a CT scan. The ER team also utilized the telemedicine program for a second set of eyes to make a diagnosis.
It was determined that I had experienced a stroke. Of course, time is of the essence and within minutes of the diagnosis the ER team gave me a tPA injection, which is a clot buster drug.
My condition before receiving the drug consisted of very slurred speech, a mind that did not know my birthday or how old I was, and a lack of mental awareness. I was 67 years old at this time but I tried to claim a much younger age of 51. It did not work!
A medical helicopter was requested and I was flown to the St. Luke’s hospital in Kansas City. On the helicopter ride my memory and my speech slowly returned. Upon arriving at St. Luke’s I was a 2 (minor stroke) on the stroke severity rating, down from a 12 (moderate stroke) rating at the Mercy ER. Thank you tPA!
I stayed at St. Luke’s from early Saturday morning to late Tuesday evening. I think about and thank the Lord that I was blessed with so many caring medical personnel who virtually saved my life.
I think about the ER vote to be held on May 14, with some early voting. The ER was such a critical factor in my life, and without the immediate attention and treatment that I received I know that I would have had life long challenges with my health.
I have four great grandchildren, three living in Fort Scott. I am able to play with them, support them in their activities, as well as enjoying my entire family – all because seconds and the ER mattered!
I will vote YES for the ER, not just because the ER saved my life, but because the ER will save so many other lives! Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States, and is a major cause of serious disability for adults. It is preventable and treatable, but time is critical. Every year more than 795,000 Americans will suffer a stroke.
An ER will give our citizens a better chance to survive critical situations. Life is precious!
Please vote YES for the ER, and please know the signs of a stroke.
Think FASST!
Face – Ask the person to smile. Does the face look uneven?
Arm – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one drift down?
Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does his or her speech sound strange?
Sight – Is there a sudden loss of vision?
Time – Don’t waste time. Act fast and call 911.
Alan and Billie Jo Drake
Fundraiser for Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries is Sunday, May 5 at 1st Baptist Church
Sunday May 5th from 12pm-1pm at First Baptist Church of Fort Scott, 123 Scott Ave. the church will host a bake sale fundraiser for Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries.
*This is a FREE WILL OFFERING*
Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries helps our community with:
-groceries
-gas voucher to get to medical appointments/work
-non-narcotic medications
-shoes/clothes for work
-diabetic supplies
-hygiene
-incontinence pads
-baby diapers
-wheelchair/crutches on loan
-blankets/sheets/pillows
-resource assistance
-homeless kits
-needs to establish employment
-and more
-100% of donations stay in Fort Scott and goes to helping our community.
If you can’t make it to the Bake Sale and still want to help support this resource in our community-you can feel free to reach out to Tanya Glessner or Angela Handly.
*PLEASE SHARE THIS POST TO HELP GET THE WORD OUT*
Obituary of Emily Louise Martin
Emily Louise Martin, age 27, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, May 8th, at the Community Christian Church. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Tuesday May 7th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Fort Scott High School Music Department and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
No Warning Light For The End by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Had it not been for sporadic, Christian radio and my excitement to join Dave, his daughters and their families, my drive from Kansas to Nevada (the state, not the town) would have caused me great stress. The second day of my journey, I drove 13 hours, a record for me, the frustration coming because of my attempts to dodge New Mexico’s highway potholes and, being bored, repetitively pushing radio buttons when there was only static in the airways.
On his phone, Dave was able to track my trip, so if I pulled over (like when I thought my tire fell off after hitting a pothole, causing my anti-skid warning light to come on), he would call to make sure I didn’t damage our mini-van or my body. He did put our son-in-law on the phone to tell me what to do: check under the car for leaks and the tires for alignment, and push a button to turn off the warning light. A button I never knew existed.
That being said, when I did luck out and found a radio station, I was surprised at the number of radio hosts who spent their time addressing the end times, supporting their ideas with scripture, the war in Israel, and A.I. That seemed to be the discussion for the day, and I began to wonder: Would I make it to Nevada, or would Jesus snatch me up from wherever I was in New Mexico? According to the radio “experts,” the latter was a very real possibility.
The fascinating study of end times, according to the bible, is called eschatology, and including the 1999/2000 predictions of the world’s end, I’m not sure I have read/seen as many warnings of these final days as I have since Covid. So, what are we to look for?
Matthew 24:6-14 describes Jesus’ prediction to his disciples, sort of his anti-skid warning for all of us. There will be “wars and threats of wars … famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. … You will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.”
Describing how cold our love will grow, another prediction is found in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 where Paul warns the young pastor of life’s potholes in the last days: “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.”
What a list! Yet, it is hard to deny that that is what we are seeing today. God has watched us remove Him from schools, homes and even churches. There is little regard for the sanctity of life, sex before marriage is promoted, mental illness and addictions are at an all-time high, churches compete instead of celebrating others’ successes, celebrities (including television pastors) are idolized, cellphone addiction has replaced relationships, counselors are overwhelmed with people feeling “hopeless” and “anxious,” and joy has all but disappeared, including in the Christian community.
As for what day the end will come, the one thing we do know is that there will be no warning light that we can ignore. We also know that we will not add even an hour to our lives by worrying about when this event will happen (Mt. 6:27), we always are to be ready for Jesus’ arrival (Mt. 24:44) by being self-controlled and sober-minded (1 Peter 4:7), and the Lord is patient, wishing that no one should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
So, the next time a radio host focuses on eschatology, I will find another station, one that addresses what we can do until that time: continue to grow in our faith, love more and trust in God. Or maybe I’ll just pray. Yes, I like that idea best.