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Agenda for the June 3 Bo Co Commission
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
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
June 3, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 5/20/2024
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $238,157.83
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $406,658.57
- Public Comments
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- Eric Bailey-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
- Office 365 Renewal
- KDHE Public Notice
- 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.
Unapproved Minutes of FS City Commission Meeting of May 21
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of May 21, 2024 Regular Meeting
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held May 21, 2024, at 6:00PM (Time stamp: 0:09) in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. (Time stamps according to YouTube recording of meeting).
Roll Call
Meeting called to order at 6:00PM (Time stamp: 0:22). Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tim VanHoecke, Melissa Guns, and Dyllon Olson were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.
Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation
- Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and T. VanHoecke said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Leroy Kruger/Codes Inspector, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Robert Harrington/REDI, Tayton Majors/REDI, Mark McCoy/REDI, Michael Hoyt, Robert Coon, Kim Coon, and Jose Montanez.
Approval of Agenda (Time stamp 2:17)
- Olson requested that (2) items be added to the agenda: 1) Consideration to accept the resignation of Robert Coon from the Land Bank Board of Trustees/New Business/Action Items; and 2) Discussion of the barber shop on Wall Street/Appearances.
MOTION: D. Olson moved to approve the agenda with the requested amendments. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Consent Agenda (Time stamp 3:22)
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1360-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates – May 1, 2024 – May 14, 2024 – $488,204.78
– Approval of Minutes for May 7, 2024
– April Financials
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Public Comment – No public comment.
Appearances
Shawn O’Brien (Time stamp – 4:40) – addressed the Commission for consideration of a request Temporary Street Closures for Good Ol’ Days.
MOTION: M. Guns moved to approve the temporary closures as submitted and discussed for the Good Ol’ Days. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Shawn O’Brien (Time stamp – 8:37) – addressed the Commission regarding the request for a parade permit from the Chamber of Commerce for Good Ol’ Days.
MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to approve the parade permit as submitted. M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Patrick Wood (Time stamp – 10:22) – addressed the Commission regarding his development Broken Oak Housing Community, 1920 Huntington, by Patrick J. Wood Properties, LLC requesting that it be considered for an RHID. This current project is for 6 duplexes.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to proceed with for the “Horton Street project.” D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Robert Harrington (Time stamp 15:06) – addressed the Commission with a quarterly report of the activities of Bourbon County REDI. T. Dancer requested a written report be submitted summarizing that was presented. R. Harrington agreed to create a document.
Brad Matkin (Time stamp 23:42) – updated the Commission with graphic handouts on the WWTP in the absence of Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director.
Jose Montanez (Time stamp 28:43) – addressed the Commission regarding the condition of his business on Wall Street that was condemned for structural issues.
Robert Coon (Time stamp 37:49) answered questions asked of him by the Commission regarding his building which was condemned as well due to the safety issues of the adjoining barber shop. Jason Dickman/City Engineer (Time stamp 45:00) was requested to comment on his observations of the building. B. Farmer/City Attorney (Time stamp 47:50) stated that everything discussed is a private matter and there is no obligation to the City other than public safety which has already been addressed. Leroy Kruger/Codes Inspector (Time stamp 50:54) was asked to comment.
Public Hearings:
314 S. Eddy – Consideration to Repair or Remove Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure
MOTION: (Time stamp 1:17:06) T. VanHoecke moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:17PM. M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.
RESOLUTION NO. 16-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE(S) AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE(S) PARCEL #006-119-30-0-30-25-010-00-0 LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS FORT SCOTT, LOT 8 BLK 132 IN BOURBON COUNTY, IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS [314 S. EDDY], FORT SCOTT, KS 66701
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
- Farmer left the meeting at (Time stamp 1:17:49)
- Guns returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 1:18:03)
- Kruger/Codes Inspector spoke about the history the Codes Department had with the structures. No one was present to speak for the hearing.
- Farmer returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 1:19:30)
ACTION: (Time stamp 1:19:44) – B. Matkin requested that L. Kruger submit a statement in writing from the living relative regarding the status of the ownership of 314 S. Eddy and the statement he made for no interest to repair.
MOTION: (Time stamp 1:22:53) T. VanHoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:22PM. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
MOTION: M. Guns moved to remove the structure and accessory structure at 314 S. Eddy. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
306 S. Lowman – Consideration to Repair or Remove Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure
MOTION: (Time stamp 1:24:04) – T. VanHoecke moved to open the Public Hearing at 7:24PM. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
RESOLUTION NO. 17-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE(S) AND ACCESSORY
STRUCTURE(S) PARCEL #006-119-30-0-30-27-002-00-0 LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS FORT SCOTT, S 25’ LOT 4 BLK 130 IN BOURBON COUNTY, IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS [306 S. LOWMAN], FORT SCOTT, KS 66701
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
- Kruger/Codes Inspector spoke about the history the Codes Department had with the structures. No one was present to speak for the hearing.
MOTION: (Time stamp 1:25:29) T. VanHoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 7:25PM. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION: M. Guns moved to remove the structure and accessory structure at 306 S. Lowman. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. T. VanHoecke, M. Guns and T. Dancer voted yes. D. Olson and M. Wells voted no.
MOTION PASSED BY 3-2 VOTE.
Action Items
Consideration of Letters of Interest for Fort Scott Public Library Board (Time stamp 1:27:45) – M. Wells stated that (2) letters of interest were received for the open position. The library board met and agreed to recommend candidate Aaron Judy.
MOTION: M. Wells moved to appoint Aaron Judy to the Library Board. M. Guns seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
ACTION: M. Wells stated that the Library Director Jennifer Gum-Fowler is creating a list of Board Members and their terms to be emailed to the City Clerk.
Consideration to Accept the Letter of Resignation from Robert Coon and of Letters of Interest for the Land Bank Board
MOTION: (Time stamp 1:30:13) T. VanHoecke moved to accept the resignation of Robert Coon from the Land Bank board. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
The City Clerk clarified that the resignation of Robert Coon creates another vacancy on the Land Bank Board of Trustees. The Letter of Interest to be considered is to fill an existing vacancy.
MOTION: (Time stamp 1:31:07) T. VanHoecke moved to accept the recommendation of the Land Bank for Judy Earp to be appointed to the Fort Scott Land Bank.
- Olson asked that the motion be amended to include the language of “for a 3-year term” if the ordinance is amended. T. VanHoecke agreed to the amendment. M. Wells seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.
Acceptance of Letter of Resignation from Commissioner/President M. Guns – M. Guns read her Letter of Resignation to the Commission. Her departure is due to a job relocation for her husband out of state.
- Matkin left the meeting at (Time stamp 1:36:12)
Discussion was had about the date of May 31, 2024. M. Guns agreed to amend her resignation date to May 22, 2024.
MOTION: (Time stamp 1:27:35) – T. VanHoecke moved to accept the resignation of Commissioner Melissa Guns from the Fort Scott City Commission effective as of May 22, 2024. D. Olson seconded the motion.
- Matkin returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 1:38:02)
- Guns, T. VanHoecke, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted yes. M. Wells voted no.
- Wells left the meeting at (Time stamp 1:38:28)
MOTION APPROVED BY 4-1 VOTE.
- Wells returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 1:39:38)
Reports and Comments
- City Manager Comments (Time stamp 1:38:57)
– Solar Traffic Systems – signed by CM – only half payment required
– Diehl, Banwart and Bolton on next agenda (audit)
– Meeting with all Directors and BakerTilly for budget
– Wind storm damage – Brush Dump will remain open
– Working on FEMA paperwork for previous storm/flood damage
– Luau for the Splash Pad opening was a success, very well attended. Thank you to all City Staff who helped bring it together.
- Engineering Comments (Time stamp 1:43:36)
– Comments back from KDHE regarding the water plant that will go to S. Flater to be completed.
– Pre-Construction meeting with Heck & Wicker for Horton & 6th Street Project – start date is July 8, 2024. Advanced warning signs may go up prior for public.
- Commissioners Comments
– M. Guns (Time stamp 1:44:42)
– M. Wells (Time stamp 1:46:13)
– T. VanHoecke (Time stamp 1:47:49)
– D. Olson (Time stamp 1:49:19)
– T. Dancer (Time stamp 1:53:07)
ACTION: City Clerk directed to set up a stand-alone Work Session for the discussion of Lake Lots including a site visit by the Commissioners.
- City Attorney Comments (Time stamp 1:54:10)
MOTION: (Time stamp 1:54:43) – M. Guns moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:54PM. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.
MAY 21, 2024, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:54PM
_______________________________________________________________________
Respectfully submitted by:
Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Catholic Church Reno Update: Help Needed To Fund Artifacts Restoration
The Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church has risen from the ashes of the devasting fire that destroyed the church in August 2022.
To view the story of the fire: Fire at Fort Scott’s Catholic Church Causes Extensive Damage
People are working on the inside and the outside of the building at 705 S. Holbrook, with a target date for the church dedication of November 23, 2024, a week before Thanksgiving.
“The bricks are completed on the east (front) side,” Mark McCoy, a building committee member, said.
“It’s a lot of intricate work, not just plain bricks,” he said. “The circle in the front will be where the stained glass window from the former church will be.”
“Over the next few weeks, subcontractors will be working inside placing drywall, and completing HVAC runs,” McCoy said. “Masonry will continue brickwork on the west side then move to the north and south.”
“Father Yancy’s house is completed,” McCoy said.
Meanwhile in Wichita, the restoration of the religious artifacts that were damaged is continuing.
The Restoration of the Artifacts
When Robert Elliot, a Catholic from Wichita, heard of the fire at Mary Queen of Angels Church in Fort Scott, he contacted Fr. Yansey Bergis to offer help and assistance in any way he could.
Elliot is a seasoned restorer with over two decades of experience, he said.
“It was apparent that I would be of the most help in rebuilding, restoring, and refurbishing all of the damaged and destroyed Stations of the Cross and all of the Statuary of the church,” Elliott said. “The fire, water, and smoke damage was enormous. I knew this would be a long and arduous process estimating at least one year to complete.”
“Four stations were damaged beyond repair (so one might think) as they lay in pieces on the ground,” Elliot said. “The rest were out of view and we had no idea as to their condition. The insurance company needed a price to do the repairs. Without seeing all of the stations, I provided a modest calculation of what the cost would be. It was my desire to assist the church in its time of need.”
“He wasn’t able to analyze all the depth of restoration or the artifacts at that time,” McCoy said. “We are so appreciative of the work he has taken on.”
When all of the stations and statues arrived at his studio, they were able to assess their condition and begin to comprehend the immense task they had undertaken, Elliot said.
“Over the year we used all of the money allocated to the project to cover the cost of labor, materials, studio rent, insurance, and labor,” he said.
“I have been using funds from my personal retirement account to pay the workers and the expenses for this project since the first of the year,” he said. “We have made great progress on the project since we started a year ago, but we have a long way to go. At the very least, four to six months more.”
“It is impossible to illustrate the amount of time and detailed labor involved in bringing each of the twenty-one religious artifacts back to life so to speak. At present we have generated a little over $6,000 of the $65,000 we need. The deficit, I will have to bear alone,” Elliott said.
A GoFundMe account is set up: https://gofund.me/15feea23
“Our goal is to generate the additional monies needed to complete this important work to a high degree of excellence and craftsmanship it deserves,” Elliot said.
Here are the artisans currently working on the project:
Mary Francis Skinner, Kathy Faulkner, Dan Ochs, Michael and Hector Ibarra, Gabe and Matan Umbarger, John Suffield, Jane Clark, Ian Snyder and Eliot who is the coordinator, logistics, art director, restoration and repair, quality control, recasting the destroyed frames, and painting the statues and stations.
“We are always interested in finding skilled persons willing to offer their services,” he said.
ARCADIA, KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI BANQUET
ARCADIA, KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI BANQUET
“HUGE SUCCESS”
Submitted by Marilyn Flagg
Even though Arcadia High School closed its doors at the end of the “1965” school year, the annual alumni banquet is still being held on memorial week-end every year in Pittsburg, Kansas. The membership also includes the Junior, Sophomore, and Freshman Class of 1965. The banquet was held at the Lamplighter Inn on Saturday afternoon, May 25th and was catered by Gebhardts and served by the Stansbury
brothers of Arcadia, Ks. Open Door Mission Church Youth.
Enclosed with the invitation to the banquet this year was the 2023 Financial Report prepared by Shirley Landon, Treasurer. The 2023
Minutes were enclosed also prepared by Virginia Smith, Secretary.
These were included in the mailing to provide more time for visiting.
Social hour was 1:00-3:00 p.m. followed by lunch and business meeting. President Pat Morris of Arcadia welcomed the 42 Alumni and 25 guests. The Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag was led by Merle Engle. The invocation was by Larry Shead
At the opening of the business meeting, Pat introduced alumni officers Vice President, Tom Watt; Secretary, Virginia Smith; Treasurer, Shirley Landon; and Marilyn Flagg, Historian.
There were no objections or corrections to the 2023 Minutes or the 2023 Treasurer’s report. They stand approved as presented.
Larry Shead made a motion to move next year’s banquet to the Community Center in Arcadia. Helen Nichols and Merle Engle
seconded and motion passed. This action was taken because our attendance is getting smaller every year, cost involved, and other reasons.
Michael Sheffield led the nominations and election of officers. There were no nominations from the floor and the following officers will remain for 2025: Pat Morris, President; Tom Watt, Vice President; Shirley Landon, Treasurer; Virginia Smith, Secretary; and Marilyn Flagg as Historian.
Special recognition was given to members of the 60th (1964);
70th (1954); and 80th (1944) this year.
Those attending from the 60th class were the following: Virginia
Harris Smith; Ronnie Kellogg and guest Barbara Kellogg; Terry
Kunstel; Steve Morris and guest Raymond Kalm; Peggy O’Dell Worsley
and guest Paul Worsley; Ronnie Portwood and guest Mary Portwood; Pat Smith Morris; and Sherry Swafford Page.
Attending from the 70th. were as follows: Esther (Engle) Cousins
and guest Janice Crooks; Yvonne (Garrett) Beck and guest Susie
Arvidson; Gary Peterson and guest Patricia Peterson.
Marilyn Flagg spoke in behalf of her Aunt Mary Coonrod Bournonville who resides in Hurst, Texas with her daughter and husband. If
Mary had been able to attend, it would have been her 80th.
Fred Dixon was recognized as being a teacher in the Arcadia Grade School. Jan Steele was recognized as being the daughter of former Arcadia High School music teacher, Dick Steele.
All 25 guests were asked to stand and be recognized.
Pat Morris, chairman of the Scholarship Committee, announced the winner of the 2024 A.F. Bowlus/Betty Kirksey Scholarships as Trenton
Siemens. Trenton and his father attended and Trenton gave a speech expressing his appreciation for the scholarship. He is the grandson of Tom Watt. Trenton received $1,000. Andrew Bossung was awarded an additional “AHS” scholarship in the amount of $500. Andrew is the youngest grandson of William and Louise (Opitz) Hughes. Because this day was Andrew’s graduation, Andrew was unable to attend. His Uncle David Hughes spoke in Andrew’s behalf. David talked of Andrew’s accomplishments and how worthy that he was to receive a scholarship from Arcadia High School. David also talked of his late mother’s passing, Louise Opitz Hughes, and how the Arcadia alumni banquet was her greatest event to attend every year. Louise’s 80th was last year and she was so looking forward to the 2024 banquet.
Pat Morris introduced the officers who served on the scholarship committee. They were Shirley Landon, Marilyn Flagg, Virginia Smith and herself. There was also help from 3 other individuals from outside of our alumni. One is presently a teacher, another was a retired teacher, and the third one was a highly respected individual.
Any child, grandchild, or great grandchild of Arcadia High School Alumni may apply for a scholarship.
Marilyn Flagg led the memorial service for alumni deceased since the last meeting. Those remembered were: Lorraine (Bean) Starks; Louise (Opitz) Hughes; Marie (Hoover) Marshall; Robert W. Hamilton; Lavon (O’Dell) Rons; Joe Morris; Dr. Retha (Hoover) (Kilpatrick) (Gries); Richard Coonrod; John A. Swezey; Pauline (Coonrod) Hart; Mary (Panizzi) Granon; Gary Cambers; Carol (Morris) Davis; Merle Mayfield; Melvin Nichols; Orville Allen Darnaby; Mary Lou (Davidson) Peace; Charles Morris; and Lynda Lou DeNeve (Teacher).
Jerry Skidmore (Class of 1949) was given an award for being the “Oldest” alumni. Esther (Engle) Cousins (Class of 1954) was awarded for traveling the “Most Distance”.
The school song was led by Mary Lee Payne.
The Benediction was led by Ralph Shead.
The roll call which consisted of the following and the 1944, 1954, and 1964 classes listed above was done by Tom Watt.
1949 – Jerry Skidmore
1950 – Betty (Clarkson) Skidmore
1951 – Bertha (McClendon) Hencey and guest Dickie Hadley
1952 – Don Kauble and guest Cynthia Kauble Kreisel
1953 – Bobby Harris and guest Alisha Harris
1955 – Mary Lee (Eggen) Payne
1956 – Shirley (McKinstry) Landon
1957 – Merle Engle
Francis M. Jones and guest Karen Kay Tripp
Lilly (Turner) Sheffield
1958 – Fred Dixon
Sandra Sue Stelle
1959 – William Page
Michael Sheffield
Beverly (Swafford) Silvers and guest Vern Silvers
1960 – Hilda Cockman Page
Jerry Coonrod and guest Jan Steele
Joyce (Page) Wilson and guest Sheila (Page) Hale
1962 – Marilyn (Coonrod) Flagg
Barbara (Dawson) Swearingen
Joyce (Elliott) Maycumber
Helen (Morris) Nichols
Ronnie Smith
1963 – Richard Page
1965 – Betty (Jack) DeLoach
1966 – Jerry Morris
Larry Smith
1968 – Don Schaub
Larry Shead and guest Ralph Shead
Sherry Sisney
Tom Watt and guest Phyllis Watt
Other guests were David Hughes and Ardis Jefferies; Trenton Siemens;
and Austin Siemens.
The servers were the
Stansbury Brothers (Camryn, Sammy, Wyatt, and Timothy), of Arcadia, Kansas Open Door Mission Church Youth and Judy Stansbury.
The Obituary of Delbert Sinn
Delbert Lee Sinn, age 83, resident of Independence, MO passed from this life on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Centerpoint Medical Center, Independence, MO. Delbert was born August 6, 1940, in Fort Scott, KS, the son of George Alfred Sinn and Sophia Muriel Cordill Sinn. He is survived by one sister, Joyce Ann Sinn, Mapleton, KS. His long-time companion, Harriet Tindle of Independence, MO kept their pact to outlive him. After being told of Delbert’s death, Harriet passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024, under hospice care in Independence, MO.
Delbert was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers George Donald Sinn, Richard Leo (Dick) Sinn, and Kenneth Eugene Sinn; and one sister Carol Jean Sinn Carter.
Delbert graduated from Fort Scott High School and began his career at Mid-Continental Waterproofing Company. Later he formed his own company, Delbert L. Sinn Ceramic and Floorcovering, working well into his 70’s on remodeling projects. He also repaired all kinds of appliances and lawn equipment that family and friends dropped off at his home in Independence.
Delbert is also survived by his three daughters, Kimberlee (Paul) Mitchell, Stephenville, TX, Kristina (Mark) Deason, Fort Worth, TX, and Katricia (Tim) Bradbury, Fort Scott, KS. Delbert has 7 grandchildren, Ryan, Mitchell, Tyler Mitchell (Courtney), Jacob Bradbury, Cooper Bradbury, Luke Bradbury, and Samantha Bradbury.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, June 8th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice or Faith Church Building Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Faith Church is the home church of Katricia, who has been our father’s compassionate and consistent caregiver for many years. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report May 31
Rest, A Necessary Blessing by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Jesus wants us to rest. His kind of rest. “Come to me, all of you who are weary, and I will give you rest,” he says. The Christian life should not be a burden, yet choices we make to stay in a perpetual state of busy-ness force it to become just that.
Dave and I are in Las Vegas, and this past week we rode e-bikes to Boulder City, about 10 miles away, for breakfast. If you’re not familiar with e-bikes, they are amazing. You pedal but choose a gear (0-Race mode). Some of our crazier relatives ride only in Race-mode, but I stay in the lower gears unless there is a hill, and then I press “2” and let the bike do most of the work. I still pedal, just to pretend that I’m doing something.
On our ride, we passed legitimate bikers who had no battery pack to assist them. They struggled to pedal up the steep hills as we passed them with ease. Of course, they were getting a work out that we weren’t, but our ride was relaxing and fun and stressless. Only one time did I accidentally hit the throttle and propel myself forward, narrowly missing Dave’s bike, but other than that, our excursion was easy-breezy.
Not so with the regular bikers.
The Christian journey should be more akin to the restful, e-bike experience. At least, that’s the way Jesus would desire it to be, for Jesus-rest allows us to find solace and renewal that only he can offer. Sometimes, he even permits an injury or sickness to slow us down. In Psalm 23:2, David, the shepherd boy-turned king, wrote this about God: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.” Get that? He “makes me.” Jesus knows that we require rest, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
Still, we choose to stubbornly dig in our heels to the point of exhaustion in order to meet the goals we have set for ourselves. In that, we miss God-goals. Yesterday in our Bible study, one woman spoke about her judgmentalism towards homeless people and how God stopped her from rushing past them on the street last week when one said to her, “Love God.” She paused and asked him to repeat what he had just said. “Love God,” he restated, as if a directive from the Lord Himself.
She shared with us that sometimes we encounter angels in human clothing and instead of dismissing them because we are rushing to check something off of our to-do list, we need to recognize that God might have other plans. The woman admitted that she (pedaling through life as fast as she could?) has never stopped a stranger with those words, yet a homeless man (allowing God to do all the work?) had shared them with her.
In the article “Scripture Savvy,” Jamie Wilson writes that being still doesn’t just refer to physical stillness but also to a quieting of our hearts and minds. “It is an invitation to trust in God’s wisdom and plans, knowing that He is in control and will be exalted in every situation…Resting in God is not passive; it requires an active surrender of our lives and a recognition of His saving work in our hearts. It is a conscious decision to find our security and peace in Him alone.”
Say what you want, but in life, especially in this spiritual journey, I will take all the help I can get.
Summer School and Free Food Start in June at USD 234
USD 234 School District halls are quiet right now, but in June some students will be back for more learning.
“Summer school will be held during the month of June for students from preschool through high school,” said Superintendent Destry Brown. “Part of the summer school activities is for students with Individualized Educational Programs. We call this the Extended School Year. The other part for Kindergarten through 8th grade is an enrichment summer school for any student who wants to come. The high school kids will be working on credit recovery during summer school.”
“The elementary students and all the Extended School Year students will be at Winfield Scott. Elementary School,” Brown said. “The preschool students will be at the preschool. The middle and high school students will be at the middle school.”
“Breakfast and lunch will be served daily at Winfield Scott and the Middle School and is free to all students and any other children from birth to 18. We will also be sending food home for the weekends for any student who wants or needs it.”
“Students not attending summer school may come to Winfield Scott or the Middle School at 11 a.m.”
Winfield Scott Elementary School is located at 316 W. 10th and Fort Scott Middle School is located at 1105 E. 12th.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 30
Southeast Kansas Library System May Newsletter
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Special Kansas Legislature Session Will Convene
Governor Kelly Announces Special Session
of the Kansas Legislature
TOPEKA— Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that she will use her constitutional power under Article 1, Section 5 of the Kansas Constitution to reconvene the Kansas Legislature for a special session on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
“I am committed to working with the Legislature to deliver responsible, sustainable tax cuts for all Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “A special session provides the opportunity for bipartisan collaboration on comprehensive tax relief that does not threaten Kansas’ solid fiscal foundation. By working together, we can swiftly come to a compromise to put more money back into Kansans’ pockets.”
Governor Kelly will issue the proclamation officially convening the Legislature for a special session in the coming days.