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An Adventure We Dare Not Miss by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Just a few years ago, health was not an issue. There were few doctor’s visits, long walks on the beach, morning tennis matches and drives around Mazatlán. No longer. Some of us have sold our Mexican condominiums and moved back to the states, and some still spend a few weeks there each year. All of us, however, are slowing down.
Last week, nine of us met in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, for a reunion. Twenty-one originally committed to come, but most dropped out as “things” prevented them from joining the group: grandbabies being born; the failing health of a spouse; home repair issues. For those of us who made the trip, we knew that it might be our last.
Bruce and Sharon drove from Oregon. Bruce, a former basketball player and (now) coach, was relying on half of his lung capacity after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Geoff and Sherrie came from Colorado Springs, Geoff in the middle of several doctor’s appointments with no answer as to why his legs were ceasing to function. And then there were Howard and Joyce. Oh, my!
Howard turns 90 next month, and Joyce is 88. When they told us that they were flying into Denver and renting a car to drive the three hours into the mountains, we all had our concerns. When Joyce texted that they were on the edge of Steamboat, we were relieved. They were about a mile away on Lincoln Avenue, the street where our rented condominium was located. They couldn’t find us, even though Shelley and I were standing on the corner, waiting for them to spot us.
Every time Joyce told me where they were, they had passed us. “I see you,” exclaimed Joyce. “Shelley has on a white hat.” No, Shelley didn’t. After circling our block twice, Howard zoomed right past our intersection. Joyce spotted us (the real “us,” not the lady in the hat). We watched Howard make a U-turn in the middle of four lanes of traffic, zip into the handicap parking spot where we were standing, and get out of the car, without putting the car into park or turning it off. This was going to be an adventure!
I reminded everyone to drink tons of water because of the altitude. Joyce said that she didn’t like water. I told her that it didn’t matter. Altitude sickness was very real and no fun. On our first day of girl-shopping, Joyce bent over to adjust her shoe and face-planted into a pile of clothes. From that time on, she drank water.
Even though we began making plans for our next reunion, good-byes were hard. We had been blessed with a sweet connection-time that might not happen again. And here’s the saddest part: six of our friends are not Christians. They are wonderful people, but they have no desire to know Jesus. When I tell them that I will pray for them, they nod or say “thank you,” but our conversation ends there. I don’t get it.
The ultimate reunion lies ahead for all of us who believe that Jesus lived and died for our sins. 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 (MSG) should get us all excited about what lies ahead. “There will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words.” How is God so easily dismissed? Even though this Steamboat group understands how precious our time together was (and can’t wait for our next get together), even though they accept Dave and my faith, they reject the reunion that happens after we die…this heavenly banquet where the entire family of God gathers to celebrate the end of Death. Aging. Mourning. Sickness. Pain. A broken relationship. Even altitude sickness.
It will be an adventure we dare not miss.
Bourbon County Community Theatre Seeks Actors for Voices from the Grave
Bourbon County Community Theatre is still holding auditions for Voices from the Grave, an original production based on stories from Bourbon County’s history.
An open audition will take place October 2nd from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the Fort Scott high School Auditorium.Those who audition must be age 14 or over and rehearsal times will be scheduled in small groups with the Director, Regen Wells.
Voices from the Grave is from 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 26 at Riverfront Park in Fort Scott, KS. Guests will enjoy a guided walking tour of short acting vignettes centering around stories of murder and mayhem in Fort Scott. Scenes were written by the students in the Advanced Drama class at Fort Scott High School and are based off of stories from local author Brian Allen’s books about Fort Scott.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and are available from bcct.ludus.com in Fort Scott. Tour times must be pre-scheduled and run every 15 minutes. Parents must accompany children under the age of 14.
More information can be found on the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page or by contacting Wells at 620-215-3510.
Starlite Family and Consumer Education September minutes
Starlite FCE
September minutes
The September meeting of the Starlite FCE was held at the Presbyterian meeting room. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and Vice President Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the club collect. Ten members and one guest were in attendance. The members reported that they had volunteered 40 hours and had recycled 490 pounds of paper and cardboard.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Karen Peery reported that the Fall Follies will be held at the United Methodist Church in Humboldt on October 22nd at 6:00. Eight members are planning on attending. Doris Ericson presented the Treasurers report and passed out membership papers for renewal. Karen also announced that cookies for the State Meeting can be left at the Extension Office.
Glenda recognized Letha Johnson as our September birthday. She also read a Thank you letter from Macie Hueston and presented our Citizenship minute.
Old business consisted of the State FCE Meeting. Karen Peery, Doris Ericson and Deb Lust will be attending. Glenda also reminded us that our Operation Christmas Child boxes will need to be brought to our October meeting. Karen presented the time line to turn boxes in at First Baptist Church in Mound City and presented several Dollar Tree items that would go well with the boxes.
Karen presented a quilt that she had purchased for Bourbon County’s basket for the State meeting, Deb Lust moved that we donate $25 for the quilt, Joyce Allen seconded the motion, motion carried.
New Business was talking about the next year’s program books, Doris Ericson will be getting them for the club.
After the meeting the member enjoyed a presentation by Tara Solomon on “Pathway to a Healthy Kansas”.
Refreshment were of pumpkin roll, nuts and water were provided by Claudia Wheeler and Ida Ford and enjoyed by all.
Prepared by
Terri Williams
Ice Skating Is On The Horizon For Christmas On The Bricks: 1st Fundraiser Is Oct. 9
There will be an added event coming to the 2nd Annual Christmas on the Bricks event, ice skating!
The rink will be a daw to Fort Scott and help with local commerce, according to Diane Striler, who is spearheading the rink project.
The rink will be in the new Gathering Place Pavilion on North National Avenue of the Fort Scott Downtown Historic District.
Striler has been talking to people since the first of 2024 about the project, an ice skating rink with no ice (it is a synthetic surface) that is not dependent on cold weather since the surface does not need to be frozen.
An anonymous couple is donating approximately $18,000 of the $37,000 total for the rink which includes the skating surface, railing, 60 skates of various sizes, and a sharpener for the skates. Additional donors have totaled approximately $3,500, and she has applied for a Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant.
In addition to those for the rink, other funds will need to be raised to purchase materials to build a storage facility. Striler has talked to a group that is willing to build the facility. It will be used to house the skates and provide a place for skaters to check in, sign their waivers, make payments, and access the rink.
“The whole project will be funded by private donations and grants, there are no tax dollars involved,” she said.
To bring the rink to Fort Scott, Striler had to get approval from the City of Fort Scott Commission and have a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the City and the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which is overseeing operations.
The kick-off for the opening of the rink will be the weekend of Christmas on the Bricks, Dec 6-8th. The plan is for the rink to be open that weekend and the following Thursday and Friday evenings, Saturdays, and part-day Sundays through January 5th. The cost to skate is $5 per person.
“We have talked to an individual who may help run the rink and oversee individuals involved,” she said. “We would like to allow different organizations to help staff the rink and receive part of the proceeds for their groups.”
In addition, Striler has been talking with Fort Scott Physical Therapist Meredith Tucker about creating some aids to use at the rink to make it more accessible for children with disabilities.
The rink can be reused for up to 15 years if cared for, she said.
First Fundraiser For the Project
To add to the needed ice skating rink funds, the first fundraiser is 6 p.m. on October 9 at the Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main, Fort Scott.
| It is called a Puzzle, Pizza & Pub Challenge!
The first team of 4 people to complete a 300-piece puzzle, a large pizza, AND a bucket of beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) wins! The cost is $100 per team ($25/person) The event is Wednesday, October 9th, at 6 p.m. at the Liberty Theatre in downtown Fort Scott. Register a team by calling or stopping by the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or online here! Limited to 20 teams! If you can’t attend and still want to donate to the rink: click here to make a payment to the Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation, 501c3, via PayPal or Venmo @fschamberfoundation, please note the Rink in the notes! Checks may also be made payable to the FS Area Chamber Foundation and mailed or dropped off at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St with Rink in the memo. |
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Drake Steps Down From Bo Co Coalition, New Leaders Starting on Oct. 2
The next meeting of the Bourbon County Coalition will be October 2, 1:00 p.m. in the Conference room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott. The agenda is attached.
After 24-plus years of working with the Bourbon County Coalition, Billie Jo Drake is stepping down as a leader.
Travis Wilcoxen and Nick Johnson will be taking over as Co-Chairmen of the Coalition beginning with the October meeting.
Drake will remain on the board for one more year to ensure a smooth transition.
Nick Johson be chairing the General Membership meetings and will let members know at the October meeting which email you will need to use when you need to contact the Coalition.
“I have enjoyed my work with the Coalition and am confident that Travis and Nick will do a great job,” Drake said.
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
October 2, 2024
- Welcome:
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Program: Dustin Emmett, Retain Outreach Coordinator for SEKANSASWORKS.
- Open Forum:
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be November 6, 2024.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports September 26
U234 Board of Education Minutes from September 25 Meeting
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, September 25, 2024
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 25, 2024, for a special meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda with the change to reschedule the KASB Board Training to a later date.
The Board approved Resolution 24-08: Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for Financing the Annual Budget for 2024-25 with a roll call vote.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
David Stewart, Board President, adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
September 25, 2024
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Glover, Carol – Resignation – Cook – Middle School
Peters, Dee – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Singmaster, Tori – Resignation – Middle School Math Teacher
EMPLOYMENT:
Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Allen, Joe – Transportation Director
Campbell, Marjorie – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Honn, Madolyn – Part Time Paraprofessional – High School
Moberg, Katelynn – Paraprofessional – High School
Newman, Lindsay – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Pinkerton, Sammie – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Striegel, Susan – Paraprofessional – High School
Gordon Parks Learning Tree Award: Schofield and Roller
USDA Launches Assistance Network to Support Financially Distressed Farmers and Ranchers
Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Sept. 21, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the launch of the Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network, an initiative designed to provide personalized support to financially distressed farmers and ranchers across the nation. Through a series of Cooperative Agreements, this national network will connect distressed borrowers with individualized assistance to help them stabilize and regain financial footing. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) made this announcement today at the Farm Aid Festival in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
“I started my off-ranch career as a Farm Advocate, working hand-in-hand with other tireless farmer advocates. Having someone with experiences in ag finance help producers work through financial difficulties can be the difference between them losing the farm or prospering,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “The Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network underscores our dedication to farmers and ranchers receiving the tailored support they need. These partnerships also illustrate that USDA acknowledges the importance of these advocates and sees them as part of the solution to ensure program access for all farmers, ranchers, and producers.”
Network partners include Farm Aid, Rural Advancement Foundation International, the University of Arkansas, the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Center at Alcorn State University, and the University of Minnesota. Through this initiative, we are collaborating with community-based organizations to better serve financially distressed producers. Network partners will provide farm loan policy training to the community-based organizations so the organizations can work alongside FSA to help producers understand financing available through FSA, ensuring that when they visit an FSA office, the partner organization representative and FSA staff can better assist.
FSA, in collaboration with farm support organizations and land-grant institutions, will facilitate this network, which will provide the technical resources and guidance of USDA partners to experts from distressed and underserved communities. The network’s approach includes integrating knowledgeable service providers to deliver one-on-one support to borrowers so they can best make plans and understand options to overcome their financial challenges.
The Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network will address the immediate needs of distressed borrowers and provide comprehensive, wraparound services aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by financially distressed producers. Once stabilized financially, these borrowers will be better positioned to access new opportunities and continue contributing to the agricultural economy. These investments will also build a system of service providers that can better support agricultural communities for years to come. Investing in a network of agricultural financing service providers to help bridge access to FSA loans is a benefit for rural and agricultural communities.
Additional Farm Loan Programs Improvements
FSA recently announced significant changes to Farm Loan Programs through the Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans rule. These policy changes, to take effect Sept. 25, 2024, are designed to expand opportunities for borrowers to increase profitability and be better prepared to make strategic investments in enhancing or expanding their agricultural operations.
FSA also has a significant initiative underway to streamline and automate the Farm Loan Program customer-facing business process. For the over 26,000 producers who submit a direct loan application annually, FSA has made several meaningful improvements including:
- The Loan Assistance Tool that provides customers with an interactive online, step-by-step guide to identifying the direct loan products that may fit their business needs and to understanding the application process.
- The Online Loan Application, an interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet, and build a farm operating plan.
- An online direct loan repayment feature that relieves borrowers from the necessity of calling, mailing, or visiting a local USDA Service Center to pay a loan installment.
- A simplified direct loan paper application, reduced from 29 pages to 13 pages.
- A new educational hub with farm loan resources and videos.
USDA encourages producers to reach out to their local FSA farm loan staff to ensure they fully understand the wide range of loan making and servicing options available to assist with starting, expanding, or maintaining their agricultural operation. To conduct business with FSA, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center.
More Information
To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other farm records data and customer information by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.
FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Obituary of Larry Sheridan
Larry Eugene Sheridan, age 73, a former resident of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at Azria Health Care in Olathe, Kansas. He was born March 13, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Bernard Sheridan and Fern Ackers Sheridan.
Larry married Donna Marie Miller on April 1, 1978. They made their home in the Kansas City area where Larry was employed as a plant manager at Central Bag, a company that manufactured sacks and bags. In earlier years, Larry enjoyed fishing and coaching basketball. After retirement, he and Donna relocated to Uniontown, Kansas, to be near their daughter. As Larry’s health failed and he became more homebound, time was spent watching old western movies and listening to music. He was of the Catholic faith.
Survivors include his daughter, Christy Pritchett (Danny) of Uniontown, Kansas and a son, Eric Sheridan, of Independence, Missouri, and eight grandchildren, Aubree, Asenath, Brendan, Cayman, Mike, Melissa, Samantha and Shawn, twenty great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Teresa Martin of Olathe, Kansas and two brothers, Pat Sheridan of Pittsburg, Kansas and Jimmy Sheridan of Jacksonville, Florida.
Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Donna, on October 3, 2018. He was also preceded in death by a great-grandson and two brothers, Fred and Mike Sheridan.
Father Yancey Burgess will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, September 28th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Uniontown Cemetery
. Memorials are suggested to St. Martin’s Academy and 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 guestbook at cheneywitt.com.