Facts You Might Not Have Known by Gregg Motley
Over the course of my 47 years of adulthood, it seems that more and more people and institutions make important decisions based on feelings and assumptions. Evidence can be found in the nature of our news media; it appears that they are constructed to pray on the emotions and gullibility of Americans. Knowing this, my response is to dig harder and deeper for data and facts upon which I can hang my hat to make responsible decisions as a family man, businessman, and community volunteer. It makes no sense for me to make important decisions without knowing what it is real.
Accordingly, here are some facts about Kansas, Southeast Kansas, and Bourbon County you may not have known:
Politics: In 2018, which is the last state data available, Kansas had 1.84 million registered voters, with 25% registered Democrats, 1% Libertarians, 44% Republicans, and 30% unaffiliated. Bourbon County breaks out like this: out of 11,992 registered voters, 23% Democrat, 1% Libertarian, 43% Republican and 33% are unaffiliated. Both major parties lose a few percentage points to the independent minded Bourbon County voter.
Of the 105 Kansas counties, only two are majority Democrat: Wyandotte and Douglas. With a high number of unaffiliated voters, one can see why it is the perception of the candidate, not the political party, which often determines the holders of statewide office.
Sales Tax: I have frequently heard people bark at the high sales tax rate, particularly in Fort Scott, not without some justification. In the two approved Community Improvement Districts, one can pay up to a 10.4% tax rate. That pales in comparison to sales tax of 11% or above in various other Kansas jurisdictions, including Hiawatha, Ottawa, Junction City, Overland Park, Cunningham, McPherson, Leavenworth, Chanute, Salina, Goodland, Hugoton, Liberal, Topeka, and Kansas City.
Children: The statewide infant mortality rate (number of babies per thousand births who die within one year) from 2015 to 2019 was 5.9, compared to 5.6 in Bourbon County. Many Kansas counties had a zero death rate, including Woodson County in Southeast Kansas. The highest rate was experienced by Comanche County with an astounding 24.7 death rate. The highest in Southeast Kansas was Allen County at 8.4. Our wealthiest county, Johnson, had a rate of 4.0.
Few logistics make a bigger difference in the education of our children than pupil/teacher ratio. In Bourbon County, our schools lowered that ratio from 13.4 in 2020 to 12.9 in 2021. We compare favorably to the statewide average of 14.7 and every county around us except Linn, which recorded a ratio of 12.3. Mighty Johnson County reported a ratio of 16.2, one of the highest in the state.
In my search for who we are in Bourbon County and what is real, I have found that we compare favorably in most statistical categories. There is no reason for us to carry around an inferiority complex or feel insecure around outsiders. We can relax and welcome visitors and promote our county every chance we get. After all, you and your neighbors are the best assets we possess.
Afraid of the Dark by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
I grew up in the country and I never thought of being afraid as I walked at night from the detached garage up to the house. Neither one of my folks taught me to be scared of the dark, but they did teach me to respect God, people, lightning, certain animals (like a horse, a sow with piglets, a dam with her puppies), state troopers, etc. Having respect and being afraid is not the same thing. However, I’ve always been downright scared when I’ve seen a cruiser with lights flashing in my rear-view mirror. Like a cat on a hot tin roof, I immediately knew I was guilty of speeding. But when I respect the speed limit, I never think about being pulled over and given a ticket. Being afraid is a very unpleasant experience and sometimes we actually bring it on ourselves, e.g., daydreaming with a lead foot.
“Now when all the people [Israelites] saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off and said to Moses, ’You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.’ Moses said to the people, ’Do not fear [be scared], for God has come to test you, that the fear [respect, esteem, worship, veneration, honor, love] of Him may be before you, that you may not sin.’ The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was” (Exodus 20:18-21 ESV).
When the people rejected the opportunity to draw near to God, I believe they missed out on receiving something supernatural from Him. There’s no logical reason to stand far away when we can snuggle in to receive help, strength, and comfort in His presence. As believers, we’re to live in constant pursuit of His presence. The reason believers fellowship with God through His Word, pray, listen for His gentle voice, and follow His leading is because that’s how we stay in close contact with Him. Living in God’s presence is how we change from glory to glory week after week. “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord — who is the Spirit — makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT).
There may be times in your life when you feel confused, afraid, discouraged, or lonely, but keep pursuing God. Be like Moses and walk straight into the thick darkness and, if you don’t give up, you’ll find God right in the middle of it (ref. 1 Kings 8:12). No matter where you are or what‘s going on, God is there with you. King David said, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there” (Psalm 139:7,8 NKJV).
There are times when life can be so dark you could slice it with a knife. Sometimes it’s so dark you can’t see your hand in front of your face. Sometimes it takes a long night to truly appreciate the gorgeous sunrise. But every time you’re troubled you can always come into God’s presence. Even in the middle of the thickest darkness, God will take your hand and lead you to the light. “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). Just as King David wanted Mephibosheth in his presence (2 Samuel 9:3,5-7), God wants His children in His presence. What a comforting privilege to be wanted by the Great I AM!
The Key: Don’t be afraid of the dark because God is waiting for you in the middle of it.
Nevada Hospital Earns High Rating
NRMC Earns 5-Star Rating
Nevada Regional Medical Center recently earned a 5-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the highest rating a hospital can achieve. The overall star rating is based on 48 quality measures in five different categories.
To earn a 5-star rating, NRMC met or exceeded the national benchmark in all 5 categories, which include:
mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care.
“We are most pleased with the recent news that NRMC has been
designated a 5-Star Hospital,” says Jason Anglin, NRMC’s Chief Executive Officer. “This has certainly been a team effort, as everyone has pulled together to consistently provide our patients with excellent care and quality services. Nationwide, only about 14% of hospitals achieve a 5-Star Rating.”
Nevada Regional Medical Center believes that their continued commitment to “Caring with P.R.I.D.E.” (Professionalism, Responsibility, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence) has helped them earn this prestigious 5-star rating.
About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed
acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned
recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care
services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff
represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s
services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, wound care services, and general, vascular,
thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by
specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.
Sections of Broadway and Wall Street Closed August 1.
The Street Department will be closing sections of Broadway starting at Wall Street going south.
This will begin on Monday, August 1st, 2022 at 7:00 am.
Chip and seal work will begin in this area and go south on Broadway.
The City asks that any vehicles parked on Broadway be removed so the work can begin.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
Fort Scott’s USD 234 Enrolls Next Monday
Fort Scott’s School District is set to begin the new year and has 26 new teachers and five new administrators.
The district scheduled student enrollment for August 1, with the first day of school, August 18.
“USD 234 does still have paraprofessional, coaching, and HVAC positions open,” Dalaina Smith USD 234 Assistant Superintendent, said.
A series featuring the new teaching staff will be featured in the next few weeks on fortscott.biz.
New USD 234 Administrators are Nick Johnson, Fort Scott Preschool Principal; Krystle Mayginnes, Winfield Scott Assistant Principal; Shelly Charter, WS Principal; Zach Johnson, Fort Scott Middle School Principal, and Destry Brown, Superintendent.
To view prior profiles of these adminstrators:
Destry Brown: New USD 234 Superintendent
New School Administrator Series: Shelly Charter
New School Admin Series: Zach Johnson
Winfield Scott Assistant Principal: Krystle Mayginnes
Smith’s role as assistant superintendent is new, even though she is not new to the district.
“At this time we don’t have an anticipated number of students,” she said.
USD 234, is anticipating operating a normal school year for 2022-23, “although…the district admin team will be working to ensure that there is a plan in place in an effort to be proactive,” regarding aCOVID-19 outbreak, she said.
USD 234 will be hosting in-person enrollment on Monday, August 1, 2022.
Here is the process.
Building staff will be on-site to assist families with the enrollment process during the following times on Monday, August 1:
What’s Happening in Fort Scott July 29 Newsletter
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God-Talk by Patty LaRoche
This was a big week for God-talk.
I drove to K.C. to meet with Carol, my 89-year-old friend, who loves, loves, loves Jesus. It had been a couple of years since we had met face-to-face, so she warned me that most of her teeth were missing, but until her dentures are made, this was “as good as it gets.” I told her that we weren’t competing in a corn-on-the-cob eating contest. We were just catching up. That was good enough for her.
Every time we visit, I learn how to be a better person. Carol never blames God. Not when her husband died. Not when her daughter-in-law had cancer. Not when Carol became incapacitated and could not leave her home. She radiates joy. We spent much of our time talking about God and what He is doing in our lives…if we are living as He would choose.
Her granddaughter, recently returning from her third three-year missionary stint in Poland, shared this with Carol: “You can never be lost when you are in the center of God’s will.” Carol stays there.
I wander.
My friend has children and grandchildren who call/visit her several times a week. They adore her. When I questioned what her secret is, this is what she said: “I ask myself, when I speak to them, are my words helpful? Needed? Timely? Wise? And most of all, does this person care what I think?”
Advice I need to heed.
This past week, I met with “Lauren” who visited from another state. Lauren has a faith like no other. When we were setting up a time and place to meet, I suggested we have lunch. I was not surprised with her response: “Let’s just fill ourselves up on the word of God.”
(Say what? I mean, can’t we do both?)
With little time, chomping on a sandwich wasn’t nearly as appealing to my friend as it was to me. I always leave Lauren knowing that I have been in the presence of someone anointed by the Holy Spirit. Her stories of miracles inspire me, and her ability to read Scripture and find wisdom in God’s words leaves me speechless.
Then, this past week, I met with Karen. Karen blames God. Actually, she has found so much fault with Him, she no longer believes in Him. No one could be as cruel, as uncaring, as He, according to my misguided friend. Karen is not alone.
There are many who choose to find fault in the One who could make a difference…but doesn’t. When temporary setbacks cause them to question how life is not turning out the way they want. When they pray for something they don’t receive. When life just stinks. In all of the above, they refuse to look in a mirror and accept responsibility for their part in creating the stench.
Most of the time, God-talk inspires me to be a better Christian. But sometimes it reminds me of my need to pray that I can be the same person of influence for people like Karen as Carol and Lauren are for me.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 29
Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Agenda for July 29
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Friday starting at 1:00 pm
Date: July 29, 2022
1st District- Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Ashley Shelton
A SPECIAL MEETING WILL BE HELD FRIDAY, JULY 29TH IN THE COURTHOUSE FOYER BEGINNING AT 1 PM.
Call to Order
- Flag Salute
- Executive Session – 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.
Fort Scott Community College Business Expo is August 17
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Nazarene Church Plans VBS August 1-4
“We want to invite any kids from 4 years old through 5th grade to join us at Fort Scott Nazarene, 1728 Horton St., for an action packed week where kids will discover the greatness of God’s love through music, stories and activities,” said FSN Family Pastor Nick Sprague. “Our VBS will take place next week from August 1st through the 4th for our Vacation Bible School in the evenings from 6 to 8:30 pm.”
“To join us is simple! You can register through our website www.fortscottnazarene.org/forms or you can show up at the church early and get registered on the spot! Our doors will open each night at 5:30 pm! Come join us because it is going to be MONUMENTAL!”