K-State Extension, Youth

Helping Children Self-Regulate

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Cassidy Lutz
K-State Research and Extension 
Family and Consumer Science Agent 
Southwind District 
211 W. Butler 
Yates Center, KS 66783
620-625-8620

 

K-State Research and Extension Southwind District – Family and Consumer Science Agent

Helping Children Self-Regulate

Self-regulation is defined as the ability to manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. These skills develop in young children as they interact with their family, caregivers, and environments.

Children who are able to keep themselves calm during a frustrating situation, instead of having a tantrum, are using their self-regulation skills. These skills can be learned throughout the lifespan but can be extra beneficial for young children. By controlling their emotions, children can focus more on achieving their goals while keeping an open mind that stimulates learning.

Brain development plays a big role in self-regulation. Infants rely on the “survival center” near the bottom of the brainstem to maintain things like breathing and digestion. Toddlers and preschoolers start to use their “emotional center” known as the amygdala to communicate and express themselves through feelings. Young children and adolescents begin to use their “thinking center” or the cerebrum to problem solve, think before acting, and organize their behavior. Without the development of self-regulation skills, children will be stuck relying on the survival and emotional centers in their brains. This makes it hard for children to control their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

To develop these skills, the brain needs safe and meaningful interactions with family members, peers, and the world around them. This helps the brain make new connections that help with thought process and learning. To help your child(ren) develop these skills, start by focusing on building a strong connection with them. Respond warmly and consistently to their emotional and physical needs and encourage exploration and learning. Family routines and rituals are also beneficial to foster learning. This can look like family meals together, playtime, or bedtime routines. Focusing on positive rules can also encourage critical thinking. Focus on what things they should do instead of what they shouldn’t.

Practice makes perfect for children and adults alike. If your child has a hard time controlling themselves in certain environments, continue to practice what that should look like and focus on what they are feeling. If you encourage them to share openly some of the things that frustrate them, you will be able to talk through those things and help them overcome them. Practicing through play can be a positive way for your child to practice new skills. Encouraging breathing and mindfulness exercises can also help children calm down and be aware of what they are feeling. These activities help them return control to their “thinking center” of the brain, which will help them make good choices.

Self-regulation is a skill that can be developed with time, help, and support. Therapy, counseling, and parent support groups may be helpful resources for you to seek out as you support your child(ren)’s healthy development. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at [email protected] or by calling 620-625-8620.

 

Uncategorized

The Vital Roles of a Newcomer

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Amanda Classen. Submitted photo.

In small towns and rural areas, new folks bring big changes that matter a lot. When people move to different states or areas, they have all sorts of reasons for choosing those locations. Understanding these reasons is key to knowing how newcomers help places grow.

Newcomers aren’t just faces in a crowd—they’re the ones who bring new energy and ideas to small towns. Experts have studied and seen that, when fresh faces show up, it can be like a breath of fresh air for communities.

You might wonder why someone chooses to move to a specific town or state. Some come for jobs or better work opportunities, while others might move for the beautiful landscapes or a slower pace of life. Some pick a place because of family ties or friends already living there. Understanding these reasons helps communities see what makes them attractive to new folks.

When newcomers arrive, they’re like a boost for small towns. They often bring new skills, different perspectives, and lots of enthusiasm. They bring a bit of their own spice to the mix, making things more interesting. And it’s not just about them moving in; it’s about what they do when they get there.

Some newcomers dive right in—they join clubs, volunteer, start businesses, and get involved in making decisions for their community. This isn’t just good for the town; it’s good for everyone. They bring fresh ideas, help businesses grow, and make the place feel more connected; others may need a bit more of a “pull” from others in the community to come out of their shell.

 

Understanding what makes newcomers feel at home is vitally important. Maybe it’s about creating more job opportunities, inventing fun events, improving schools. Knowing these things helps make the place more welcoming and helps keep these new faces around.

 

A few ways your community can become more welcoming for newcomers:

  • Start by listening: Both newcomers and longtime residents can feel alienated by change and unwelcome in their community.
  • Create “Do It Together” opportunities: Bring residents together through common projects. It’s an opportunity to bring people together through the arts, sports, volunteering, or myriad other ways that provide a chance for neighbors to find common ground.
  • Build a community-wide Welcoming agenda: Communities can create their own welcoming plan and bring together different sectors—government, business, community, faith, etc. Remember, when new people come in, they bring fresh perspectives and ideas. And when they feel welcomed and understood, they stick about and help make things better for everyone.

In the end, newcomers can be the secret ingredient that makes small towns better. They bring new ideas and energy, making these places feel like home for everyone. When new people come in, they bring fresh perspectives and ideas, but when they feel welcomed and understood, they stick around and help make things better for everyone.

 

For More information, contact Community Vitality Agent, Amanda Clasen at [email protected] or at 620-244-3826.

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Vetoes Bills, Allows One to Become Law Without Signature

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TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly today vetoed Substitute Bill for Senate Bill 233, House Bill 2749, Substitute Bill for House Bill 2436, Senate Bill 434, House Bill 2446, and House Bill 2648. Governor Kelly also allowed Senate Bill 394 to become law without her signature.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Substitute Bill for Senate Bill 233:

“This divisive legislation targets a small group of Kansans by placing government mandates on them and dictating to parents how to best raise and care for their children. I do not believe that is a conservative value, and it’s certainly not a Kansas value.

“To be clear, this legislation tramples parental rights.

“The last place that I would want to be as a politician is between a parent and a child who needed medical care of any kind. And, yet, that is exactly what this legislation does.

“If the legislature paid this much attention to the other 99.8% of students, we’d have the best schools on earth.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Substitute Bill for Senate Bill 233.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2749:

“Kansans spoke loud and clear in August 2022. Voters do not want politicians getting between doctors and their patient by interfering in private medical decisions.

“House Bill 2749 is invasive and unnecessary. There is no valid medical reason to force a woman to disclose to the legislature if they have been a victim of abuse, rape, or incest prior to obtaining an abortion. There is also no valid reason to force a woman to disclose to the legislature why she is seeking an abortion.

“I refuse to sign legislation that goes against the will of the majority of Kansans who spoke loudly on August 2, 2022: Kansans don’t want politicians involved in their private medical decisions.

“There are some in the legislature who have forgotten that. I have not. Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2749.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Substitute Bill for House Bill 2436:

“While I agree that no one should be coerced into undergoing a medical procedure against their will, it is already a crime to threaten violence against another individual.

“Additionally, I am concerned with the vague language in this bill and its potential to intrude upon private, often difficult, conversations between a person and their family, friends, and health care providers. This overly broad language risks criminalizing Kansans who are being confided in by their loved ones or simply sharing their expertise as a health care provider.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Substitute Bill for House Bill 2436.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 434:

“I have serious concerns that deregulating sugaring — a hair removal technique that may be performed on minors — could lead to safety and sanitation problems. We have a responsibility to protect Kansans – and this deregulation would threaten the health and safety of Kansans – particularly our children.

“Under the purview of the Kansas Board of Cosmetology, sugaring practitioners are required to adhere to the same health and safety standards as other cosmetologists and estheticians. They are subject to criminal background checks and training prior to the successful completion of exams to earn state licensure. Deregulating sugaring risks contamination, improper infection control, and potential safety issues involving minors. I am not willing to undermine the Kansas Board of Cosmetology’s expertise or threaten the long-term health and safety of Kansans who receive sugaring services.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 434.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2446:

“I believe in local control and that local officials should be held accountable by their constituents, stakeholders, and businesses. This bill lacks sufficient protection to ensure local units of government are able to play a meaningful role in decision making on issues impacting their communities.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2446.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2648:

“House Bill 2648 would insert bureaucratic red tape intended to legislatively interfere with the timely implementation of necessary and important rules and regulations. Many of these regulations are for the protection and safety of Kansans.

“Kansans voted no to giving the legislature veto power over rules and regulations in the November 2022 election. This is yet again another attempt by the legislature to undermine the will of the voters.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2648.”

The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding allowing Senate Bill 394 to become law without her signature:

“While well-meaning in its efforts to protect children from content the legislature considers ‘harmful to minors,’ this bill is vague in its application and may end up infringing on constitutional rights, which is an issue being litigated in other jurisdictions over similar bills. For that reason, I will allow this bill to become law without my signature.”

###

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Spring Clean-up Update

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Downtown Division of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Downtown Spring Clean Up 2024

The Downtown Division of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce has planned a Downtown Spring Clean event on Monday, April 22nd from 4 to 6pm. The committee is seeking volunteers for this event to spruce up the Downtown Historic District.

The first 150 participants will receive a free t-shirt, courtesy of MyOneStop. Dinner will be served to volunteers following the event, courtesy of downtown restaurants.

Those who are interested in volunteering may contact Bailey Lyons, Downtown Division Chair, at 620-224-7795 or email [email protected].

 

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

 

Entertainment, Kansas

AMERICAN PICKERS to Film in Kansas

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The American Pickers are excited to return to Kansas! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in June 2024.

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques.

They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable Characters and their collections.

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics.

Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way.

The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen
before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.

The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a unique item, story to tell, and is ready to sell…we would love to hear from you! Please note, the Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public.

If interested, please send us your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to:
[email protected] or call (646) 493-2184
facebook: @GotAPick

Opinion

Letter To The Editor: Loreta Jent

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Dear Editor:

Alcohol is a manipulative thief!  It will steal your relationships, health, and money.  It is a toxic poison, a carcinogen linked to 7 different types of cancer:  mouth, voice box, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, and breast.

Alcohol producers craftily design their products to allure, addict, and cause self-blame, instead of blaming themselves that made it.

Choose today, during April’s Alcohol Awareness Month, to deny alcohol the chance to steal your health and happiness!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Loreta Jent,

Education Director National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! April 11th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Currently closed Wednesdays & Thursdays

until further notice.

Visit your National Park!

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

Downtown Veteran Banners for Order thru May 3rd, the vinyl pole banners will be a full-color, double-sided, and 30″X60″ in size, three-year commitment, click here for more information and to sign up!

State Farm Enterprise-wide Peanut Butter Drive, Kale Nelson State Farm and his team members will be accepting donations of Peanut Butter from now through April 19th, drop off unopened jars of Peanut Butter from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday at 1805 S. National Ave.

4/12 ~ Preschool Round-Up at Fort Scott Preschool Center, call Tammy at 620.223.8965 to schedule an appointment, enrollment decisions will be made by May 31st.

4/12 ~ Community Green Zone Advocacy Training hosted by Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 8:30am-2:30pm, click here for more information!

4/13 ~ Southwind District Walk Kansas Connection Event at Riverfront Park, free to the public but you MUST register for this event at WalkKansas.org, click here for more information.

4/13 ~ St. Mary’s Gala ~ Dinner and Auction at Liberty Theatre, click here for more information!

4/13 ~ Harley Race World League Wrestling at Memorial Hall, FREE to the public, 7-10pm, you can pick up tickets at the Chamber, BB County Cars, and other locations, click here for more information!

4/13 ~ Holmtown Pub Acoustic Open for Ty Ellis and The Flatliners, 7pm, click here for info.

4/14 ~ Estate auction of Bob & Sally Eckles, 1pm, 209 S. Holbrook, click here for info.

4/14 ~ Woodland Hills Competitive Jr. Golf Try Out, come earlier to give kids a chance to warm up, try-outs begin at 4pm, click here for more information.

4/15 ~ FSHS Boy’s Varsity 18 Hole Golf Match at Woodland Hills Golf Course, 1pm

4/15 ~ FSHS Softball Home vs. St. Mary’s Colgan, 4:30pm

4/15 ~ FSHS Baseball Home vs. Webb City, 4:30pm

4/15 ~ Food Fellow Workshop, HBCAT, 6pm, click here for info.

4/16 ~ CORE Friend Training hosted by CORE Community, attend this zoom training session, click here for more information and to sign up!

4/17 ~ Panel Unveiling for Holocaust Survivor and Unsung Hero Pavel Weiner at Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, click here for more info.

4/17 ~ FSCC Community Conversation with Dr. Kegler, Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 5:30-6:30pm

4/18 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Bourbon County Conservation District, 8am

4/18 ~ Grand Opening of Kansas Renewal Institute, tours available to public 11am-1:30pm, Remarks & Ribbon Cutting 12pm, click here for info.

4/18 ~ Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration – let’s pull up our bootstraps n’ round up as a community to celebrate achievements & saddle up for opportunities ahead, social & silent auction at 5:30pm with dinner/awards/live auction to follow at 6:30pm, click here to register and see the various ways you may participate!

4/19 ~ REDI on the Green Golf Tournament hosted by Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, INC., 100% of all proceeds goes to support local scholarships, check in 9am with tee off at 10am, click here to register and for more info.

4/19 ~ Succulent Cupcake Class hosted by Dipped by Ashtyn at Common Ground Coffee Co., all supplied provided, $15 to reserve your spot with the other $15 at the time of class, click here for more information and to register!

4/20-21 ~ Civil War Encampment at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, experience artillery/cavalry/infantry troops, click here for more info.

4/20 ~ SEK Childcare Provider Conference, HBCAT, 9am-4pm, click here for info.

4/20 ~ Mommy & Me Pictures & Florals, Sunshine Boutique in partnership w/photographer at Gunn Park, click here for info.

4/20 ~ Paint & Sip by Care to Share, Papa Don’s, click here for info.

4/20 ~ Vintage Thunderbirds of KC Car Club visiting Fort Scott for a Day Trip, approximately 20 vintage cars will be parked under the Gathering Square Pavilion, stop by and check out the rides, 11am-3pm

4/20 ~ Sold out: Murder Mystery Dinner, Cohn’s Cafe, but they have now added one on 4/21, click here for info.!

4/20 ~ Civil War Camp Dance, Memorial Hall, 7-10pm, click here for flyer.

4/21 ~ Rumble on the Bricks Car Show/Cruise In, Riverfront Park, 12pm, click here.

4/22 ~ Ribbon Cutting for the new Downtown Arch, 3pm, all are welcome!

4/22 ~ Downtown Spring Clean Event on Earth Day, 4-6pm, all welcome to help with planned projects, hosted by the Chamber, call or text Bailey Lyons 620-224-7795 to volunteer, dinner served to volunteers following the event! Free t-shirt to the first 150!

4/22 ~ FSHS Softball Home VS Labette County, 4:30pm

4/22 ~ FSHS Baseball Home VS Labette County, 4:30pm

4/22 ~ CORE Community Graduation, the entire community is invited to attend to help CORE celebrate this monumental achievement, 6:30-7:30pm, click here for more information!

4/24 ~ Town Hall Meeting hosted by Citizens for the ER, Uniontown City Hall Meeting Room, 6:30pm, click here for more information!

4/25 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Niece Products, 8am

4/26 ~ Tiger Color Run, USD-234 Winfield Scott & Eugene Ware, Riverfront Park, 5:30pm

4/27 ~ NICA Bike Race in Gunn Park, click here to visit their website and to get more information!

4/27 ~ 3rd Annual MarshaFest featuring Disco Dick at Memorial Hall, profits from this event will support local in Marsha’s name, tickets are on sale at Marsha’s Deli, 6 W. 18th St.

4/30 ~ Hippity Hop 5K Run/Walk hosted by Buck Run Community Center, all registrants will receive bunny ears/easter glasses/and a shirt, click here for more information!

SAVE THE DATE!

5/4 ~ Ribbon Cutting for the new Gathering Square Pavilion & home to Fort Scott Farmers’ Market, 7:45am, then the market opens for the season at 8am to noon, all are welcome! Bourbon County Garden Club Plant Sale, Live Music, face painting & more!

5/3-4 ~ Town-wide Garage Sale, now taking signups online, by phone, or in person at the Chamber! $12 to list your sale, $35 to purchase a business ad on the map! Click here for info.

5/3-4 ~ Annual Swap Meet sponsored by the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, gates open at 8am, food available and something for everyone, free admission.

5/4 ~ Kentucky Derby Party and Specials at Brickstreet BBQ, click here for more information!

5/4 ~ Bourbon County Garden Club live plant sale at the Farmers Market, 8am-noon

5/4 ~ Elks Lodge #579 Annual Fishing Derby at Fort Scott Community College Lake, registration is at 9:30am and kids fish from 10am-noon, hotdog lunch following, click here for more information!

5/4 ~ Fort Scott Christian Heights Country Store & Auction, click here.

_________________

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.

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings Mark your calendars & join us for these celebrations!

4/18, Thursday, 12pm, Kansas Renewal Institute

4/22, Monday, 3pm, Fort Scott Downtown Arch

5/4, Saturday, 7:45am, Gathering Square Pavilion, home to Fort Scott Farmers’ Market

5/23, Thursday, 5:15-6:30pm, Blissful Aesthetics

Community Green Zone Advocacy Training, Ellis Family Fine Arts Center!

St. Mary’s Catholic School Dinner and Auction!

SOLD OUT! They thank you for the support. Saturday, April 13th, Liberty Theatre

…

 

Obituary

Obituary of Lola Jean Driver

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Lola Jean Driver, age 71, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS.  She was born April 29, 1952, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Virgil Jean Wiggans and Lola Camp Wiggans.

Jean graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1970.  She married Dwight Driver in 1974.  He preceded her in death in June 2011.  Together, Jean and Dwight owned D & D Sales Trucking Company in Fort Scott.  She was also the one looking out for the rest of the family.  She enjoyed being outside, working in the yard and gardening.  She liked to read, travel, visit the casino occasionally, and play with her dogs Buddy and Petey and cats Lucky and Flower.

 

Survivors include her son, Jimmy Driver, Fort Scott; her siblings, Jimmy Wiggans, and Lavetta Simmons (Jerry) all of Fort Scott; grandchildren Adele Brown and several others; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband Dwight, she was preceded in death by a stepson Dwight L. Driver and her parents.

 

The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 PM Monday, April 15th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Cremation will follow with burial later in the Clarksburg Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the Jean Driver memorial fund 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.

Fort Scott, Legacy Health Foundation, Mercy Hospital

Community Discussion of Proposed Sales Tax to Fund an E.R.

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Mercy Hospital Fort Scott signed an agreement with Ascension Via Christi to provide equipment and furnishings for emergency room services in 2019. Ascension Via Christi ceased operating the E.R. in 2023.

The Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department ceased operations in December 2023 in Fort Scott, and since then many in the community have been seeking solutions.

To view the announcement by AVC:

December 20: Ascension Via Christi Closes Emergency Department in Fort Scott

The Bourbon County Commission recently proposed a community vote to see if they will support a one-quarter sales tax to help fund an emergency department. That vote will be on May 14.

On April 11 about 75 people attended the meeting facilitated by a newly formed group called Citizens For An ER. It was held at the Fort Scott Community College Ellis Center.

Members of the group are  Jamie Armstrong, Craig Campbell, Lynda Foster, Charles Gentry,  Mark McCoy, Randy Nichols, and Doug Ropp.

Dr. Nichols listed some of the reasons the community needs an ER and the importance to the community.

Charles Gentry then explained the ballot proposal, explaining that the additional sales tax would add 25 cents for every $100 spent, so a $10 meal would cost 2.5 cents more. The tax would start on October 1 and run for 5 years.  Voters could choose to terminate it before those 5 years are complete, he said.

Approximately 75 people attended the meeting at Fort Scott Community College’s Ellis Center on Thursday night.

Mr. Gentry said there are three ways an emergency department can be set up:

  • As part of a hospital.
  • As a remote operation for another hospital that is within 35 miles.
  • As part of a rural emergency hospital (REH).
Charles Gentry speaks to the audience about the sales tax measure on the ballot. From left are Craig Campbell, Doug Ropp, Randy Nichols, and Gentry. Mark McCoy was the moderator. Armstrong and Foster were absent.

If the county cannot establish an emergency department within those 5 years, the funds could be used for emergency medical services or for property tax reduction, Gentry said.

Mr. Gentry clarified that the group presenting was supporting an emergency room. They weren’t supporting a sales tax other than a means to the end of creating an emergency room. He made it clear that their job was not done once a vote occurred. They intended to monitor, report, and hold the county accountable for spending the money to achieve the goal of an ER.

He said that this sales tax does not guarantee they will be able to bring an E.R. to Fort Scott, but he was confident that without this, Fort Scott would not get an E.R.

Craig Campell spoke about the Rural Emergency Hospital Act, which was passed to help make rural hospitals sustainable. Currently, Fort Scott does not qualify for REH status because the hospital was closed before the cut-off date in the act, but there are some bills to extend the date to make Fort Scott eligible. The REH designation would allow the rural hospital to bill at 105% and would also be subsidized by several hundred thousand dollars per month.

In the first quarter of 2023, there were 128 out-of-town transfers from the Fort Scott  Ascension Via Christ Emergency Department E.R.  Without a local E.R., the first quarter of 2024 saw 292 transfers by EMS.

Since the only entities that could run an E.R. in Fort Scott are existing hospitals, there is less risk of the money being spent on something like $1,000,000 that was paid to Noble Health.

The donation agreement with Legacy  Health Foundation stipulates that maintaining ownership of the hospital building requires maintaining the property, making it available for non-profits, and developing an acute care hospital on that site. If they do not do those things, the building returns to the county.  Three years remain on the agreement.

 

The next community discussion will be at Uniontown on Wednesday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Meeting Room.

 

 

401 Woodland Hills Blvd. The emergency department is located on the south side of this campus.
Opinion

Follow The Leader by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you taller, nicer, richer, more popular, more creative, less wrinkly.”  If you know scripture, you know that’s not how Matthew 4:16-17 reads.  Jesus is choosing his disciples, and when he sees Simon and his brother Andrew fishing, he tells them to follow him and ends with “and I will make you fishers of men.” And here’s the cool part.  Immediately, they put down their nets and followed Jesus.

Just down the shore there was a boat. In it was a man, Zebedee, with his two sons, James and John. They had finished fishing and were mending their nets. Jesus called out to James and John, and they too, stopped what they were doing and followed Jesus.

Immediately.  Not after they ran home to explain to their wives that fishing would no longer be their #1 profession and they had no idea how they would support their family.  Not after they asked their friends’ advice on the prospects of following a complete stranger.  Not after they skinned and fileted the fish they already had caught.  Not after Jesus explained to them how this “fishers of men” profession would play out.  Nope.  None of that.                                         Immediately.

Yesterday, here at the lake, I watched from my deck as two fishermen patiently trolled in their boat near our dock.  I could hear them discussing the fish they hopefully would catch as well as the bait needed to be successful.  They were in no hurry.  If it took all day, so be it, and if today wasn’t the jackpot, there was always tomorrow.  It’s no wonder Jesus chose fishermen to be in his inner circle.  They inherently had characteristics necessary to share his way with others: patience, dedication, determination, focus and willingness to learn.

Jesus saw these men not as they were (dirty, smelly, uneducated) but as what he could turn them into (disciples who would give up everything to follow the Messiah).  Jesus wants to do the same for us.  But first, we have to choose to follow, to sacrifice what we consider important, to change our goals, before he can make us fishers of men.

Those future disciples had no idea how much their decision to follow Jesus would change the world.  The Bible is filled with how their imperfections, fears and inabilities were made perfect, fearless and capable, following Jesus’ resurrection.  Until then, they just followed…and sometimes, not well.  They listened as Jesus preached yet failed him when he needed them most at his crucifixion. They questioned what honors they would get in Heaven and panicked when Jesus asked them to use their faith to feed the crowds.  Still, except for the betrayer Judas, they all followed, and because of that, the Church was born.

Somehow the Church has done a great job of making Jesus-believers, but a horrible job of making Jesus-followers, people who sacrifice much (all!) to demonstrate their love for him.  In Jesus’ day, crowds too “followed” him, some to be healed, some out of curiosity, some because they hated him, and some because they believed in the faith about which he spoke.  There comes a time in all of our lives when we have to make a very personal decision to follow Christ, even though in this world of “every man for him/herself,” to follow Jesus, to be conformed to his image by growing in holiness, can be a lonely place.

Jesus has extended the invitation.  How shall we respond?

Fort Scott, Government

April 16 Agenda for the FS City Commission

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION  

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

April 16, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1. Call to Order
  2. Roll Call

Matthew Wells,     Tim VanHoecke,     Melissa Guns,     Dyllon Olson,     Tracy Dancer

III.    Pledge of Allegiance – T. Dancer/Mayor

  1. Invocation – M. Wells/Commissioner
  2. Proclamation – Spencer Lee
  3. Approval of Agenda

VII.    Consent Agenda

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1358-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates – March 27, 2024 – April 9, 2024 – $464,041.39
  2. Approval of Minutes from April 2, 2024, and March 26, 2024, Special Meeting.
  3. Request to Pay – Hofer, Hofer & Associates – Application No. 1 – Gunn Park Shower House and Restroom – Current Amount Due – $58,065.30
  4. Request to Pay – Environmental Process Equipment Company (EPEC) – Cell #2 -Phase 2 Aeration Upgrade – Final Retainage – 10% of Total – $82,661.80 – Flater
  5. Request to Pay – Ray Lindsey Company – 55% Due With Shipment (per contract) – Invoice #2024084 – Supply and Removal of Smith & Loveless Grit Equipment – $333,856.05 – S. Flater
  6. Request to Pay – Schneider Electric – Invoice #0001010681 – Client Service Contract – April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025 – $12,543.00.
  7. March Financials

VIII.   Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the          entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and                      limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

  1. Appearances – Must be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting you                      

            wish to address the Commission. You will be scheduled on the agenda to speak on your topic.

  1. Payton Coyan – Temporary Street Closure – Luau Event – May 18, 2024 – 10:00AM

to 11:00PM – North National to Oak – Market Street, North National to Old Fort Blvd. to North Main and Old Fort Blvd (alley entrance).

  1. Cherri Walrod – Core Community Bourbon County
  2. Scott Christiansen/Transportation Director, Jamey Whitney/CEO and Casey                               Brown/Community Engagement Coordinator – BB Go Transportation – Southeast                        Kansas Community Action Program, Inc. (SEK-CAP).
  3. Diane Striler and Cory Bryars

 

  1. Old Business
  2. RESOLUTION NO. 12-2024 – RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR          REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURE – KNOWN AS (110 W. OAK), FORT SCOTT, KS 66701 –             Tabled from April 2, 2024 – Owner to return with requested information for the Commission.

 

  1. Vacate Old Ford Street – Tabled April 2, 2024, for further information
  2. Discussion of Tourism Grant – B. Matkin
  3. New Business
  4. Public Hearings
  5.     CASE NO. 1045 – Zoning Change C2 to R2 – Requested by Jason Marbery –           Intended use is to build four (4) duplexes – Recommended by Planning Commission March        27, 2024.                                                                                                                                     
  6.   Action Items
  7.  Consideration of Purchase – Two (2) New Teledyne Ozone Analyzers (Teledyne API       M465H) – $15,120.00 – S. Flater
  8.  Consideration of Addendum No. 2 – Wastewater Evaluation and Design Contract –            Project No. 21-303 – Additional Consultant Services from Earles Engineering & Inspection,        Inc. to Finalize Plans and Bidding for the Davis Lift            Station overflow pump and force             main – $18,000.00 – J. Dickman
  9. Consideration of Inspection Proposal – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. –                     Project No. 22-049 – Horton & 6th Streets – KDOT Cost Share Project – J. Dickman
  10. Consideration of Bids – Project No. 22-049 – Horton & 6th Streets – KDOT Cost Share     Project – J. Dickman

XII.      Reports and Comments

  1.    City Manager Comments – Land Bank (Staff Request submitted by M. Wyatt)
  2.  Engineering Comments
  3.   Commissioners Comments
  4.   City Attorney Comments

 

XIII.    Executive Session

XIV.     Adjourn

 

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