The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, Thursday, September 28th at 8 a.m. located at the Yeager Building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd. Coffee and light refreshments will be served in addition to door prize drawing.
The Pioneer Harvest Fiesta will kick off with the parade through Downtown Thursday, October 5th at 6 p.m. Then, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 6 through October 8th, the event will feature one of the largest steam and gas engine and tractor shows in the four-state region as well as corn husking, straw baling, rock crushing, and sawmill demonstrations. The Fiesta will also include a flea market, quilt show, food vendors, and live entertainment.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.
ANNOUNCING THIS WEEK’S
CHAMBER COFFEE
Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by
Pioneer Harvest Fiesta
Thursday, September 28th
8am
2102 S. Huntington Blvd
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, Thursday, September 28th at 8 a.m. located at the Yeager Building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd. Coffee and light refreshments will be served in addition to door prize drawing.
The Pioneer Harvest Fiesta will kick off with the parade through Downtown Thursday, October 5th at 6 p.m. Then, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 6 through October 8th, the event will feature one of the largest steam and gas engine and tractor shows in the four-state region as well as corn husking, straw baling, rock crushing, and sawmill demonstrations. The Fiesta will also include a flea market, quilt show, food vendors, and live entertainment.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.
Click here for their website!
We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Facebook Twitter
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Click here for their website!
We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Facebook Twitter
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Border Security is National Security
On Sunday, border patrol agents apprehended almost 9,000 migrants at the southern border and numbers released by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) showed a record amount of encounters at the southern border in August. This week, I called on the Biden administration to take action to increase security at the southern border and for the Senate to pass the Secure the Border Act as thousands of migrants cross the border, including migrants with ties to ISIS and the Chinese Community Party. President Biden must act to ensure a stricter enforcement of our immigration laws, reinstate the construction of a wall or fencing in areas that are largely unprotected, and the administration must send a message loud and clear that our border is closed to unlawful entrants.
Addressing Failure at VA Crisis Line
On Wednesday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing on suicide prevention among veterans, progress on implementation of my legislation the Commander Hannon Act, and recent issues with the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). Although VA continues to claim suicide prevention is its top clinical priority, it is clear from the hearing, the department needs to do more in providing veterans with quicker access to high-quality mental health care, as well as make key improvements to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. This suicide prevention grant program endeavors to extend the VA’s reach into communities and provide veterans with non-clinical wrap-around support services. As Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, suicide prevention and making certain our veterans have access to the best mental health care remains one of my top priorities.
You can read more in Fox News here and watch the hearing here.
Meeting with Mental Health Advocates
On Tuesday, I was honored to receive the 9-8-8 Crisis Response Champion Award from leaders of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). After receiving the award, we discussed the barriers still facing individuals in need of mental health care and how we can ensure that Kansans, veterans, students and all Americans have access to critical suicide prevention and mental health services. I will continue to support funding for mental health and suicide prevention services through my position on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Recognizing National Service Dog Day This week the Senate passed my bipartisan resolution designating September 20 as National Service Dog Day. Service dogs provide life-saving assistance, help veterans with disabilities regain their independence and offer companionship and support to our nation’s heroes. There are estimated to be thousands of service dogs working across the United States assisting individuals with a wide-range of disabilities and ailments. I appreciate my colleagues unanimously passing this resolution to recognize National Service Dog Day. It was great to celebrate the passage of the resolution with K9s for Warriors, an organization that trains and pairs these dogs with veterans at no expense to the veteran.
Preparing for AI Innovation On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Intelligence held an open hearing on artificial intelligence and the national security implications of its development and use. The intelligence community has been a leading innovator and adopter of such technology for decades, but recent advances have changed the scale and scope of AI’s implications for national security associated with these technologies. I asked our witnesses about the importance of continuing to attract foreign talent through the Startup Act, legislation I introduced with Committee Chairman Mark Warner. I also inquired about the National Science Foundation’s National Artificial Intelligence Research Institute’s success and how it fits with research in the private sector. Artificial intelligence will have significant consequences on our future, and this was an important hearing to address how to keep Americans safe and competitive.
Meetings with Kansans Livestock Marketing Association On Tuesday, I met with Kansans from the Livestock Marketing Association during their trip to our nation’s capital. Livestock Marketing Association represents over 80 percent of all viable, regular-selling livestock markets in the United States. Livestock sale barns provide important market opportunities for producers, as well as help ensure robust price discovery in cattle markets. During our conversation, we spoke about efforts to incentivize prompt payments through electronic payments for quick, reliable money transfers. We also discussed traceability and current market trends. Thank you to Mason Winter of Winter Livestock and David and Heidi McComb of Cherokee Sales Company for visiting with me about the key issues impacting the livestock marketing industry today.
Kansas Bankers Association
Last week, I was pleased to welcome the Kansas Bankers Association to Washington. The group held productive meetings with federal regulators and members of the Kansas delegation. During our meeting, we spoke about the concerns bankers have about new rules issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as well as the impact of higher interest rates on lending. I recently joined a resolution of disapproval of the CFPB’s rulemaking on Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which requires banks to collect sensitive personal information on all small business loans. Additionally, we spoke about the importance of passing the ACRE Act, bipartisan legislative I introduced with Sen. King (I-ME) to lower the cost of credit for farmers and rural homeowners. I will continue working to build broad support for this critical bill in the Senate.
A special congratulations to Leondard Wolfe of United Bank and Trust in Marysville, Kansas, who is this year’s recipient of the American Bankers Association’s Bruning Award. This award recognizes the lifetime achievement of agricultural bankers for their outstanding leadership and dedication to providing credit and financial guidance to farmers, ranchers and businesses in rural America.
Leadership Kansas Farm Bureau Class It was great to visit with the 2023 Leadership Kansas Farm Bureau Class this week in my Washington, D.C. office. Kansas Farm Bureau created Leadership KFB with the purpose of developing their members as grassroots leaders. This year-long program focuses on creating influential, thought-leaders who will choose to engage, create change, and look for solutions, not only in agriculture, but in counties and communities across the state. I enjoyed speaking with Kansas leaders, especially those who are dedicated to preserving our rural way of life. Thank you to Jacob Brubaker of Rawlins Co; Kylee Geffert of Allen Co; Leanna Hook of Rice Co; Haley and Jason Nelson of Jewell County; Kylee Stout of Douglas County; Abby Wimer and Craig Dinkel of Ellsworth County for the conversation.
Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Secretary Calvin Reed. The secretary was appointed to his new role this summer having spent over 15 years with KDOT. Our discussion involved an update on the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, which builds on Kansas’ history of investing in infrastructure programs. We also addressed a variety of infrastructure needs across the state including highways, bridges, public transit, aviation, rail, and pedestrian/bike needs. As a member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I have secured almost $120 million in funding to go directly to Kansas infrastructure and look forward to continuing to work together with KDOT to bolster Kansas infrastructure and support economic growth in our communities.
Kansas FASD Support Network I met with members of the Kansas Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Support Network in my Washington, D.C. office. During our meeting, I was updated on the Support Network’s efforts to provide support and educational resources to those living with the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, as well as their advocacy for the FASD Respect Act which I cosponsored. This bill would expand grant programs and education efforts at the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health to specifically include fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Thank you to Kathryn and Hannah White of Olathe and Chris Melfi and Kathryn Meinhardt of Topeka for meeting with me and for their leadership on these important efforts.
Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce Last week, I met with the representatives from the Topeka Chamber of Commerce who were in Washington to discuss their priorities for Congress, including workforce challenges, immigration, and economic development opportunities. Specifically, we discussed efforts to make the Topeka airport a hub of economic activity for the community and how the federal government could be involved in this effort. The aviation industry in Kansas is strong, but there are always new growth opportunities to target, and I appreciate Topeka’s pursuit of opportunities that could lead to job growth and economic activity in their community. As the lead Republican on the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation and the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to work with local leaders in Topeka to pursue their aviation and economic development goals.
Thank you to Washburn University President JuliAnn Mazachek, Stan VanOstran, Curtis Sneden, Yana Ross, Molly Howey, Lisa Stubbs, and Josh Gonzales for meeting with me during your time in Washington.
Overland Park Chamber of Commerce
On Wednesday, I spoke to members of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce about challenges they are facing, including issues with local postal service and workforce development. We discussed the importance of technical education and how businesses could engage with local community colleges and technical schools to fill open positions, as well as the importance of having a skilled workforce available to attract business investments to the community. I look forward to continuing the discussion with Overland Park leaders about how the federal government can help the city strengthen the local economy.
Thank you to Chamber President and CEO Tracey Osborne Oltjen, Chamber EVP and Chief Policy Officer Kevin Walker, Chamber Board Chair-Elect Cindy Rock, Chamber Board 1st Vice Chair Josh Beck, Chamber Public Policy Committee Co-Chair Reagan Cussimanio for your time last week.
Kansas Tour Group
A group of 51 Kansans from Overbrook, Scranton, Lebo and more took the time to meet me near the Senate chambers before beginning a tour of the Capitol. On the tour were members of the Kansas State Bank who have been contributing to the banking industry in rural Kansas for years. It was great to visit with these Kansans, and I hope they all had a memorable trip to our nation’s Capital.
Vetting FTC Nominees Last week, I attended a Senate Committee on Commerce hearing to evaluate nominees for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These independent federal agencies have important consumer protection functions that they must execute, without acting outside of their Congressionally-provided authorities. I appreciated the opportunity to hear from the nominees and will continue to evaluate their qualifications to be members of the FTC or CPSC.
Receiving the Congressional Leadership Award This week I was honored to receive the Congressional Leadership Award bestowed by the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF). Established by the NAHF Board of Trustees, the Congressional Leadership Award pays homage to American leaders whose dedicated public service has bolstered the nation’s strength and significantly propelled advancements in aviation and aerospace. General aviation alone in Kansas, supports almost 40,000 jobs, and produces an annual GDP contribution of almost $4 billion. This relationship dates back to World War II when south-central Kansas manufactured the B-52 bombers. However, our state would not have the rich history in aviation it does today, nor hold the “Air Capital of the World” title had it not been for the aviation pioneers before us – like Kansan Russ Meyer, who was enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 2009. I was honored to accept this award and look forward to continuing to advocate to ensure this industry continues to thrive within our great state.
Meeting with National Bison Association
On Wednesday, I met with members of the National Bison Association to discuss their legislative priorities. We discussed the upcoming Farm Bill and the need for funding to support the manufacture, promotion, and distribution of the USDA ARS-developed bison vaccine to fight to Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) virus. The vaccine is essential as bison ranchers seek to increase the population and develop new markets.
Touring New Century AirCenter Center
Last Monday, before heading to Washington, I toured the New Century AirCenter (IXD) in Gardner. The New Century AirCenter is home to more than 2,700 accessible acres with a runway, FAA air traffic control tower, various instrument landing systems, and a fire station. In the Senate Transportation appropriations legislation, I procured funding to replace the aging air traffic control tower at IXD. If the money is secured, these funds will be critical to update infrastructure and technology to improve safety, accessibility, as well as increase passenger capacity. Thank you to Executive Director of Johnson County Airport Authority Bryan Johnson and Assistant County Manager Aaron Otto for the tour.
Touring Gardner Edgerton High School
I always appreciate the opportunity to visit schools in Kansas and see the great work being done by our teachers, faculty and students. It was great to stop by Gardner Edgerton High School to meet with Superintendent Dr. Brian Huff and Principal Frank Bell. Our Kansas schools equip the next generation with the skills and values necessary to contribute to their families, livelihoods, and communities. Thank you to Brian, Frank and all the staff and students who invest in our education system.
Visit with Lt. General Robert Durbin I met with retired Lt. Gen Robert Durbin, his wife Diana and their guest Angelica Padrone. Robert is a retired member of the United States Army and a dear friend. I would like to thank him for his service to our country and for taking the time to visit me in Washington D.C.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with Commissioners Jim Harris and Clifton Beth and the County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Dale Griffiths, Mark McCoy, and Jason Silvers were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Mark McCoy.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 9/11/23. Jim seconded the motion, and all approved.
Clint Walker informed the Commissioners of an upcoming meeting he read about in the newspaper. KDOT will host a meeting on October 12th at the Bowlus Fine arts Center in Iola to discuss highway projects, the IKE project, and grant opportunities. Mr. Walker also spoke about ambulance transport reimbursements to VA facilities and question why can’t local transports be reimbursed in that manner.
Bill Michaud of CORE Communities updated the Commissioners on the progress the program has made. An advisory board has been formed and includes Amy Harper with Fort Scott Nazarene, Carrie Fess with Faith Church, David Shephard, Destry Brown with USD 234, Jennifer Michaud, Jodi Davis, Josh Jones, Patty Simpson with the Housing Authority, Rachel Carpenter with Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, David Goodyear, David Gillen with the Beacon, Clifton Beth, and Bill Michaud. Bill thanked Jim for attending the poverty simulation that was recently held with approximately 45 people in attendance. Sherry Walrod has been hired as the Community Liaison and Janice Lamb as the CORE Coach. Sherry Walrod stated that she grew up in Bourbon County, the daughter of Charles and Willa Cable, and resided here for 30 years and recently returned. Sherry thanked the Commissioners investing in CORE Communities and stated part of the financial investment has allowed them to harness into Youth CORE Ministries and stated they have the administration and coaching they need. Sherry stated she has a personal coach that she has weekly meetings with who coaches and advises her through all the processes. The need to involve the entire community was discussed with Sherry inviting all who have lived or experienced poverty to help solve the problem. A launch date of November 13th is set for the first of the 20-week classes. The classes will be held on Monday nights at the United Methodist Church. There are two phases for the attendees who are called CORE Leaders. Phase 1 is the 20-week classes and upon graduation from that they will enter into Phase 2 which is when the CORE Coach will help them negotiate through things such as obtaining a driver’s license or arranging transportation. Sherry stated they will come to future meetings and offer updates. Jim thanked everyone for what they are doing and spoke about how the benefits of the work done today will be reaped 20 years down the road. Clifton stated he is excited about the program and that he felt, aside from regular county business, this is the first or second most important thing he has sent money towards as a Commissioner and feels it is a phenomenal program.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated they are finishing chip and seal on Jayhawk Road tomorrow and that will be the end of the chip and seal program for the year. Eric said they are going to move to asphalting and will start on 233rd Street then move to Garland east of the railroad tracks and on to Eagle Road. After those projects they will look at their budget to see what it and mother nature will allow them to do next. Jim said the chip and seal on Jayhawk looks good and Eric said he would tell the crew. Eric said he wanted to thank Linn County again for allowing us to use their chip spreader to complete our chip and seal projects. Eric presented paperwork to be signed for the grant we received for a bridge project on 60th and Grand Road. Clifton made a motion to accept the bridge project to replace LPA bridge 5.0-S.9 NBI structure #000061075006069 located at 60th and Grand Road. Our portion is approximately $75,000 of the $916,000 total cost of the project. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Eric said they have the rock crusher and cone crusher going and are hauling rock in the Hiattville area as well as mowing ditches and side arm mowing. Eric said a retirement celebration will be held on October 6th for Charlie Elliott who has worked for the county for 32 years. Eric said they have to do some decking work on a bridge at 175th and Valley Road so they have a cone up.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, notified the Commissioners that Emily Franks of Jarred, Gilmore, and Phillips PA will be here next week to present the 2022 audit.
Jim requested a 10-minute executive session. Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include both Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Eric Bailey and will return at 6:04. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:04 with no action. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
Jim said the City Manager contacted him this morning concerning water. Jim stated he called Brian Allen, Bourbon County Emergency Manager and local historian, about 12 wells located in Fort Scott that they are having trouble finding. Jim said they are looking at a lot of options and there are discussions being held about our water situation.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:07. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.
People across Kansas are sharing stories about lives saved, lost or affected forever due to a traffic crash during the annual Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day safety blog series.
In today’s blog HERE, traffic was moving slowly, and Caleb Locke thought it would be okay to pull a map up on his phone for directions.
“While I was accessing the map, I took my eyes off the road for less than three seconds. It was at this moment the whole line of cars in front of me had come close to a complete stop. But I was still going 50 miles an hour. As I saw my life flash before my eyes, I instantly dropped my phone, slammed on my brakes and prayed I would stop in time,” Locke said.
During his time at the Kansas Turnpike Authority, Jim Stauffer has seen a number of crashes involving wildlife, and recent KTA stats show 28% of single vehicle crashes are with an animal.
Stauffer shared an example of an incident where, “a driver on the Turnpike had a goose fly into their windshield,” he said. “It actually crashed into the car and out the back window.”
Denee Cupp’s daughter, Makenzee, died in a crash when a driver didn’t stop at the intersection of two highways in La Crosse.
“So many lives have been taken from families that are changed forever because someone was checking their phone. We want to prevent this heartbreak and devastation from happening to other families,” Cupp said.
These and other traffic-related experiences are being told in nine different blogs that begin today and run through Oct. 10, which is Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day. Whether you are in a vehicle, on a motorcycle or even walking, the campaign’s goal is for you to arrive safely every time.
To read safety blogs posted each day, go to KDOT’s blog page HERE.
Charlie Hensley is the new Transportation Director for USD 234
Charlie’s background- “Joined the Army in July of 1989 right out of high school. I was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA and assigned to 197th Infantry Division, 4/41 Field Artillery. Shortly after, I deployed to Iraq in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. After several years of active duty my term ended and I returned to Washington State where I started a new career in the Automotive Industry as a painter and Tow Truck driver. After being in the automotive industry for several more years, I joined the United States Army Reserve and changed careers again to become a United States Army Reserve Administrator, assigned to the 385th Transportation Battalion out of the Port of Tacoma in Washington. While serving in the Army Reserve, I was deployed again, this time to the Port of Kuwait where we undertook various Transportation Duties on land and at sea.”
Why Charlie enjoys this new position & what he hopes to bring to it-
“As the Transportation Director for USD 234, I really enjoy working with the community,
staff, and especially the children. Our kids, as well as the Bus Drivers’ safety is of the
utmost importance as well as getting our children to and from school. Being a bus driver
is a thankless job and I hope to change that. If we all come together, we can and will
accomplish the mission.”
Charlie & his family-
I was born in Barstow, CA and raised in Washington State. Through my years, I have had several different careers from sweeping floors to overseeing millions of dollars of Military Equipment, to include large tugs and floating cranes. I met my wife while working on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA in 2010. Moved to the Fort Scott area in 2017 and I joined the USD 234 School District working with the High School kids in 2021. Our goal is to retire in the area. Combined, we have 5 children (3 out of the home),2 dogs and 2 cats. I enjoy hunting and fishing, especially river fishing when possible.
A message from Charlie-
“With the world in these trying times, we need more smiles and less hate. Together as a community we can make a difference; separated, we will crumble.”
Submitted by
Haley Jones
Administrative Assistant/Communications Coordinator
Fort Scott USD 234
620-223-0800 Ext 1119
Oleta F. Smith , age 77, resident of Fort Scott Kansas, passed away Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Via Christi in Pittsburg Kansas, She was born September 13, 1946 near McAlester Oklahoma, She is the daughter of John T. Smith and Lillian Mildred Workman Smith,
She leaves behind a partner in crime of the home, Charles Farley, and several furbabies that she loved dearly.
Oleta worked as a waitress for years before going back to school to become a CNA/HHA, An achievement that she was very proud of.
Survivors include Charles Farley, and her sister Nancy Taylor and her husband Donnie of Kansas City, their children and their families.
Her surviving children are Connie Willis and her husband Jack of Fort Scott, KS; Rebecca Haga and her husband Bill of Waldron, AR; Lillian “Dee” Lewis and her husband Glenn of Arma, KS and Peggy Hull and her husband Kevin of Fort Scott, KS. She has 13 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she was very proud of.
Oleta has a family reunion waiting at the gate to heaven with her parents John T. and Lillian, several aunts and uncles, cousins, two daughters Nancy Stuart of Waldron, AR. and Johnny J. Jolliff of Fort Scott, KS, and one great-granddaughter Lilee of Lowery City, MO.
Oleta requested a very simple service, there will only be a graveside service with music played and family speaking at Clarksburg Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Friday, 29th of September, you are welcome to come.
If you wish to make any donations in Oleta‘s name please make them to Care to Share, an organization in Fort Scott that helped Johnny Jolliff during her battle with cancer.
Join us for a SPECIAL Saturday Chamber Coffee hosted by
Kansas Rocks
Recreation Park
Saturday, September 30th
8:30am-10:00am
2051 130th St.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a special Saturday Chamber Coffee Saturday, September 30th at 8:30am to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Kansas Rocks Recreation Park (KRRP). The Coffee will be hosted by KRRP located at 2051 130th St. near Mapleton in northwest Bourbon County. Coffee and donuts will be available as well as short rides on the trails in provided vehicles with park volunteers for attendees.
Kansas Rocks Recreation Park is a 4×4 off-road park with camping facilities. KRRP now has 35 miles of trails for 4-wheel Drive Jeeps and other off-road vehicles, mountain bikes, hiking, and UTV’s. Currently the park features over 60 shared mountain bike trails and over 380 acres of trails to explore via hiking. The park sells season passes, day passes, and hosts special events throughout the year. For more information on the park, visit ksrockspark.com or follow their
Facebook page.
When traveling to the park from Fort Scott, attendees should go west on Highway 54 for 10 miles, north on 125th St. for 6 miles, east on Tomahawk Rd., and north on 130th St., following the signs to the park entrance.
For KRRP to plan refreshments and rides, attendees are asked to RSVP before September 27th, click here to register! Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
Rayma Ridge is the owner of Rayma’s Clean Team. Submitted photo.
Rayma Ridge, 31, opened her new business, Rayma’s Clean Team LLC in June, 2023.
She provides the area between Bronson and Fort Scott with cleaning and organizing services
“Through discussion with other community members, I recognized the need for residential housekeeping services,” Ridge said. “I have been doing some form of housekeeping/ organizing for friends and family members since I was about 14 years old.”
This got her thinking.
“With many years of experience and having recognized the local demand, I decided to get my LLC and start my own business,” she said. “I began with a small amount of clientele, but I was blessed to fill my books quickly! I have the best clients!!”
Currently, she has one employee in training, she said.
Before and after cleaning of Rayma’s Clean Team. Submitted photos.
I had heard that it would be a good idea to put a sticky glue trap under the beds to catch spiders. When I was at the store, I figured the stickier the better, so I purchased the heavy-duty ones. Later, my daughter Mariam came for an overnight visit, bringing my three granddaughters and their new puppy. Brutus is an adorable mini poodle mix with little chocolate curls all over and tiny hazel eyes. During the evening, Mariam, Brutus, and I were in a bedroom when I walked out and left them. Mariam then set the puppy down and, in a flash, he went under the bed and found the glue trap. I’m glad it wasn’t his nose that got stuck. Nevertheless, it was a huge ordeal to release his hairy back foot as the glue stretched out about a mile. While laughing hysterically, we did the best we could with scissors and set him down on the carpeted floor. He couldn’t walk worth a hoot because his foot would stick every time he took a step. (More laughter.) Realizing something was terribly wrong, Brutus would just stand there. When Mariam coaxed him to “come,” his little back leg would shake like Elvis as he tried to pry it off the carpet. (More laughter with crying.) Fortunately, we finally thought of using Goo Gone.
If you think your life is hopeless because it’s just one sticky mess after another, think again. Jesus is an expert at cleaning up messes. “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isaiah 1:18 NKJV). God promises that even though one’s sins are as deep-dyed and irremovable as the stain of blood, His grace can restore a messed-up life to moral whiteness and purity. It’s amazing to think that Jesus’ blood washes away our sin and makes us clean.
I’m reminded of the song “Something Beautiful” written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. Allow these lyrics to offer encouragement if you’re wondering if there‘s any relief in sight: “Something beautiful, something good; all my confusion He understood. All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife, but He made something beautiful of my life.”
I also remember singing a hymn written by Anna W. Waterman: “Come ye sinners, lost and hopeless, Jesus’ blood can make you free. For He saved the worst among you, when He saved a wretch like me. And I know, yes, I know Jesus’ blood can make the vilest sinner clean.” Apostle Paul remarked about being the worst among sinners before He came to Christ Jesus. “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’ — and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of His great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in Him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:15-16 NLT).
Here is a key Christian truth: Christ came to save sinners from the mess of sin. Paul considered himself the worst sinner before the blood of Jesus cleaned him up and set him free. Since Jesus is no respecter of persons, He’ll do the same for you if you’re tired of your sticky mess.
The Key: Jesus’ blood works way better than Goo Gone.
