Opinion

A House of Cards That Will Not Stand by Patty LaRoche

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

I write, not as an expert on Christianity (as far as I know, Jesus was the only one who qualified for that title) but as one who wakes up every morning determined to love God more than myself.  Typically, that lasts for about an hour (two if I take time to read my Bible and pray).  Then I become…well, Patty.

Pretty much, a house of cards that falls flat.  Should I stack up my “pair of two’s” against almost every Christian I know, their “Royal Flush” will beat me every time. They pray, witness, disciple, memorize scripture, feed the sick, clothe the poor, write encouraging notes, remember peoples’ names and love their enemies better and more than I do. They are not annoyed by small talk or disinterested listeners; instead of whining about the state of politics, they get involved; and they are at the top of the church volunteer list.

Nope, I’m not going to compare myself to them.  Instead, I will compare myself to evil people like Charles Manson, Hitler and Jeffrey Dahmer where my three-of-a-kind trumps their one-of-a-kind.  That lasts for, oh say, about 30 seconds at which time the divide widens because now I can add pride and judgmentalism to my deck of unimpressive cards.

I need a new hand.

Correct that. I need a new heart.

While researching, I googled “hypocrite.”  Up popped some commentary that dealt with the 10 biggest hypocrites ever (and no, I was not listed).  Scrolling down the list, I gasped when I saw Jesus’ name.  The author’s rationale?  Anyone who could preach love yet condemn people to hell is a hypocrite.

A hypocrite? Jesus pretended to be something he wasn’t?  If Jesus was a hypocrite, then what are we?  Hypocrites on steroids to the umpteenth power? If Jesus was a phony, what was the cross all about?  I know of no other person who willingly would take the place of sinners (including the author of that article…and me…and you, if you’re honest) and ask only that, because of his sacrifice, we love him back, no matter what deck we have been dealt.

Who else is in our corner like he is? We never will have a cheerleader like Jesus Christ who, according to 1 Timothy 2:5, mediates for us when Satan stands in the heavens, reciting his litany of where we have fallen short (which, in some of our cases-ahem!–is more often than others). I can just see Satan puffing out his chest, and in his best accusing tone, informing Jesus that I was impatient in the express lane when the woman ahead of me had 13 items instead of 12.

Jesus responds with one word: “Forgiven.”

“Yeah, well what about this one?  Today she told her neighbor she’d pray for her but didn’t.

“Forgiven.”

No matter what Satan throws out, Jesus reminds him that he paid the price to cover my sins. I wish I could see myself the same way Jesus does. When I see five unmatched cards as I compare myself to the saintly types listed above, Jesus sees five aces (and yes, I know that’s not possible, but you get the point). Where I see myself failing as his representative, he recognizes it as part of my journey to rely more on him.  When I judge, he nudges me to remember what it’s like to be judged.  When I compare myself to others (seriously, is JayLo stunning or what?), he reminds me that I am loved, 100%, right where I am.

Who else does that?

No hypocrite that I know, that’s for sure.

 

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Paul Constans

Leave a comment

Paul Philip Constans, age 75, a resident of Ft. Scott, KS, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.  Born in Portland, OR May 15,1948 to Robert and Virginia Constans, Paul was the middle of three boys. Their Dad worked for the government, so they lived in several different cities across the country growing up. He graduated from the University of Colorado-Boulder and got his MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona. Upon graduation, Paul worked at Marion Laboratories in Pharmaceutical Sales and as Product Manager. He loved his work there and had the opportunity to travel to many different countries throughout the world during his time there. Following his retirement from Marion, he enjoyed delivering parts for O’Reilly Auto Parts.

He married Pam Walker on January 10, 1986, in Shawnee, KS.

Paul loved watching football, and he especially loved spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed.

 

Survivors include his wife Pam Constans, four children, Megan Daly (Joe) of Cedar Park, TX, Jodi Davis (Robert) of Devon, KS, Carre Constans (Donald) of Houston, TX, and Mandy Hall (Cliff) of Bronson, KS; 14 grand kids and 9 great grand kids. Also surviving are two brothers, Steve Constans (Linda) of Longview, WA, and Matt Constans (Coral) of Washougal, WA.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents.

 

Funeral Services for Paul Constans will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, November 27th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.

Private burial will take place later in the Bronson Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on November 27

Leave a comment

 

Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Nelson Blythe

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

November 27, 2023 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute Followed by Prayer
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 11/13/2023
  1. Public Comments
  2. Department Updates
    1. Public Works
  3. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk-KAC Meeting
  • 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.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 is asking for YOUR help to fill out a short survey about Child Care needs in Fort Scott!

Leave a comment

Sending on Behalf of Chamber Member

USD234 Board of Education…

USD234 is asking for YOUR help to fill out a short survey about Child Care needs in Fort Scott!

Click the link below to start the survey!

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7592853/Fort-Scott-Child-Care-Needs-Survey.

Deadline is November 29th, don’t wait!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Health Care

Dealing with grief during the holidays

Leave a comment

The holiday season can bring a wide array of emotions, and for many, that includes grief.

Grief is a profound sorrow, especially one that is caused by someone’s death.

“The key thing to remember is grief looks different for each and every one,” says Behavioral Health provider Sara Jarrett, LMSW. “We have all lived our own experiences. Because of this, and because the circumstances surrounding each person’s passing vary, none of us experience grief in the exact same way.”

Grief can be caused by many things. It could be the first holiday season without a loved one. You may have recently finalized a divorce, and your children will spend the holiday with an ex-spouse. Perhaps you’ve moved, or other family members have moved, and you won’t be together as you were in previous years. Maybe your family is alive and well, but you’ve had to set a healthy boundary to protect your peace, so you’re spending the holidays without them.
No matter the situation, grief is heavy and unpredictable. It has no timeline, and healing doesn’t always happen as quickly as we’d like.

How to deal with grief during the holidays
These nine points can help, but there’s no wrong or right way.

Trust that grief is part of healing
Time does not heal the pain associated with loss; It is what we do with the time that matters.

Grief is a process by which we heal. Experiencing the pain, rather than trying to escape it, can help us feel betterin the long term

.
Set healthy boundaries
We don’t have to force ourselves to face every holiday event or celebratory tradition. If attending a family dinner or participating in the office gift swap will bring too many painful memories this year – be willing to say no. Other people may try to convince you and tell you what you should do, but it’s okay to say no.

Focus on what you can control
We can’t control many things about the holidays, such as being subjected to Christmas music in waiting rooms or hearing co-workers discuss holiday plans. There are some things we can control. We can plan ahead and acknowledge within ourselves that this time of year is hard. We can make a list of things that make us happy and find ways to incorporate those things into our now.

Plan ahead
Often, the anticipation over how hard something will be is worse than the event. While Thanksgiving dinner may be only two hours long, we can easily spend weeks dreading it. Instead, creating a simple plan for getting through the holiday could be helpful.

Allow yourself to feel a range of emotions
The holidays can bring many different emotions. You might feel joy, guilt, and sadness all within a few minutes. Allow yourself to feel those emotions without judging yourself. Don’t judge yourself for feeling happy or laughing. It’s okay to feel however you feel.

Find a way to honor your memories
Find a special way to honor the person you have lost. For some, that may mean setting an extra spot for them at dinner. If a tradition is ending for you, journal how things used to be or share those memories with loved ones.

Create new traditions
Don’t be afraid to start new traditions this year. It’s okay to think outside the box to alter old traditions and make them work with this new phase of life.

Do something kind for others
It can be helpful to a grieving person’s spirit if we find a way to help others. Finding a way to serve a purpose in other’s lives can remind us we have more to give to the world. Feeling connected and part of
something is always important.

Ask for help
Whether a loved one has passed, a tradition has concluded, or our perspective around relationships has changed, we don’t have to do it alone. It’s okay to reach out to a friend and say, “I need you.” It’s okay to sell someone, “I don’t know how to do this anymore.” When we need help, we need to ask for help from a friend or a professional.

Talking to a behavioral health provider can be helpful when dealing with grief. Make an appointment with a CHC/SEK Behavioral Health Provider by calling 620-231-9873.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

CHC/SEK CT Department earns ACR Accreditation

Leave a comment

FORT SCOTT — Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in computed tomography (CT) for adult and pediatric scans as
the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

The location is also accredited by the ACR for mammography.
CT scanning — sometimes called CAT scanning — is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and tailor treatments for various medical conditions. Mammograms are X- ray images of your breasts designed to detect cancers and other changes in breast tissue.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation acknowledges CHC/SEK’s commitment to the highest level of ACR practice and technical standards for image quality, patient safety, staff qualifications,
facility equipment, quality control and quality assurance.
“Having CT in our facility gives the patient access to affordable scans if they don’t have insurance, or if they have high deductible insurance, it gives them the option to receive a CT
scan that they wouldn’t receive because they couldn’t afford it,” said Kimberly Wass RT(R). “On- site CT allows our clinicians to diagnose and treat sooner because it removes hospital
scheduling backlogs and transportation barriers for the patients.”

The same is with mammography. Although breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat.
Radiologist reports are received quickly and to the doctor, so the patients are notified in a timely manner of what’s going on, Wass said adding, “And, if there’s anything of concern, we’re able to ‘cloud’ our scans to other facilities. We don’t have to worry about creating a disk to be mailed, or carried by the patient if we are sending them on to a specialist or a hospital.”

CHC/SEK has CT and mammography services in Fort Scott and Pittsburg. For more information
about CHC/SEK CT and mammography services call 620-231-9873 or visit www.chcsek.org

Obituary

Death Notice of Paul Constans

Leave a comment

Paul Philip Constans, age 75, resident of Fort Scott, KS, died Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at his home.  Funeral Services for Paul Constans will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, November 27th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.  Private burial will take place later in the Bronson Cemetery.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Josie Motley

Leave a comment

Josie Kay Motley “JoJo” entered the world in Pittsburg, Kansas on Dec 30th, 2020. She was raised on a small cattle ranch in Redfield Kansas. On November 20th, 2023, JoJo ran into the arms of Our Loving Savior at the age of 2 at Childrens Mercy in Kansas City, Missouri. \

Josie lived in Redfield with her parents, Levi and Aubri Motley, siblings Piper and Dusty, and Papa Tom. JoJo was a very energetic and loving child. She loved to steal Memaws coffee, do anything she possibly could with Papa Tom, ride their pony Chunky Monkey and play with her big yellow goat. She loved going to church and participating in Sunday School. She was driven and determined. She was a big kid and could do anything that anyone else was doing and there was no telling her any different. Josie had a bright personality. People were drawn to JoJo due to her contagious laugh and smile.

 

Josie is preceded in death by her great grandparents, Sarah and Frank Kottwitz, Rollin Motley, Debbie Walters, and Max Potter, and her grandfather Dennis Brown.

JoJo is survived by her parents Levi and Aubri Motley, siblings Piper and Dusty Motley, Grandparents “Papa” Tom Motley, “Memaw” Joyce Brown, “Poppy” Lawrence Potter and “Grandma” Dennise and “Grandpa” Scott Peck, Great Grandparents “Grandpa” Roy Walters, “Nana” Kay Potter, and “Grandma” Wanda Mifflin, Aunts, “Aunt LaLa” Laurie Motley, Kendra (Howie) Butler, Jessica Motley, Autumn Potter, and Angela (Will) Crawford, Uncles Austin Potter, Enos Gingerich, and Nick Brown, many great aunts and uncles, cousins, extended families, and friends.

 

Pastor Kenny Moulder will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Friday, November 24th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott, KS.

Burial will follow in the Woods Cemetery, Redfield, KS.

The family will receive friends Friday from 12:00 Noon until service time at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to either Ronald McDonald Charities or Childrens Mercy PICU and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, K-State Extension

Buying Gifts In The Community Is Beneficial to the Community

Leave a comment
Graphic from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
This year Small Business Saturday falls on November 25th and is a day when shoppers are encouraged to buy from local, small businesses for the good of the community they live in.
Supporting local small businesses is beneficial to both the buyer and the business. Savings on gas fill-ups and time are some of the benefits to buyers for buying local, and then there are the benefits to those businesses they buy from.
“What a difference a few dollars spent per shopper can make! ” said Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lindsay Madison said. And the Chamber has been working to encourage local shoppers.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is registered as a Neighborhood Champion for Shop Small, Small Business Saturday, a program initiated by American Express, according to Madison.

Lindsay Madison. Submitted photo.

Neighborhood Champions work to rally the community to shop at local small businesses.

The Chamber has put together a Shop Small Passport that shoppers may pick up from local retailers this Friday and Saturday, she said.  “If shoppers earn three or more stamps by purchasing $5 or more, they turn in the passport at their 3rd store for an entry to win $50 in Chamber Bucks.  The drawing will take place on Tuesday, November 28th.  Chamber Bucks can be used like cash at over 60 Chamber member businesses and restaurants.”

“If you don’t already, we ask you to Like and Follow the Chamber’s Facebook page, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce,” she said.  “We have been posting a social campaign over the last couple of weeks to illustrate the importance of shopping local and what a difference a few dollars spent per shopper can make!  Some of those social posts have included the following messaging:

  • “Per score.org, for every $1 you spend at a small business, 67 cents stays in the local community. Forty-four cents goes to the small business owner and employee’s wages and benefits and 23 cents gets reinvested in other local businesses,” she said.
  • “Your $20 spent locally does more than purchase goods, it weaves a community tapestry, where every thread strengthens the whole. That same $20 circulates.  You eat at a local restaurant and tip the wait staff, the wait staff then goes and gets a haircut, the stylist then goes and buys a cup of coffee, the barista then buys a candle at a gift shop, and so on.  When you spend $20 online, that $20 is gone out of our community.
  • “Ten dollars spent at a local store can have a sizable impact. It’s estimated that over $9.3 billion would be returned to our U.S. economy if every family spent just $10 a month at a local business. That’s not even one meal’s worth of spending a month! It’s only a few cups of coffee or a glass of wine a month. What a tremendous impact we could have if everyone could commit to that.”

“As you Shop Small over the weekend, be sure to pick up your Passport,” Madison said.  “Have some fun and earn a chance to win while you’re supporting our local businesses are hit up year-round to sponsor events, support school fundraisers, and more.  It’s our turn to give back to them.”

The Chamber received a limited amount of promotional products from American Express that is being distributed to locally owned Chamber member small businesses to use during Small Business Season, said Madison.

Check out our Chamber member businesses and links to their websites here! https://fortscott.com/members/
#fortscottchamber
#smallbusinessseason
#shoplocal
#supportsmall
#shopsmall
Amanda Classen. Submitted photo.
From Amanda Clasen, Kansas State Extension Community Vitality Agent’s, weekly column:

“In 2010, American Express started the Small Business Saturday effort to help direct consumer’s dollars to local businesses. The nationwide holiday is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Some ideas to help you shop locally this holiday season may include:

  • Use a local print shop to see if they offer greeting cards or other unique gifts.
  • Support local flower shops by sending unique holiday arrangements that can be displayed throughout the holiday season.
  • Shop at local craft shows that showcase youth and Local Entrepreneurs. If your recipient likes to cook, buy a cookbook from a local fundraiser and attach dry ingredients to a new recipe.
  • Purchase from local grocery stores or farmer’s markets for ingredients in your holiday meals.
  • Purchase gift cards to local businesses, restaurants, and businesses of interest.
  • Recognize your own talents that you may have as well to provide a heartfelt gift that may not necessarily be bought at a big box store.

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Paul Tinsley

Leave a comment

Paul Everett Tinsley, age 84, resident of Bronson, KS, died Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Moran Manor Nursing Home, Moran, KS.  He was born April 6, 1939, 6 miles southeast of Blue Mound, KS, on the family farm, the son of Everett “Ebb” and Edith Marie Stewart Tinsley.

He graduated from Moran high school.  Paul married Beth Ann Glasgow on May 25, 1959, in Lone Elm, KS.  She preceded him in death on October 14, 2020.

Paul worked his entire career for the Local Union #101 Pipe Liner’s Union Kansas City.  He enjoyed raising coon dogs and hunting.  He was a lifetime member of the Treeing Walker Breeders and Fanciers Association of the U.S. and Canada, as well as the NRA.  Paul was also a member of the Mirza Shrine and Masonic Lodge as well as the Xenia Baptist Church.

 

Survivors include three children, Paula Ann Vincent, Everette Allen Tinsley, and James Bradford Tinsley; four grandchildren, David Paul Vincent, Deianeira Vincent, Danee’ Vincent, and Alex Lee Lukenbill; a brother, Kenneth Tinsley, and wife Donnell; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a sister, Wilma Johnson, and his parents.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:30 AM Monday, November 27th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until service time Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Paul Tinsley Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Jessie Neville

1 Comment

Jessie Mae Neville, age 91, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 20, 2023.  She was born December 24, 1931, to Carl Ausemus and Emma Armstrong Ausemus, the youngest of the eleven Ausemus children.  She was born on the homeplace between Hiattville and Hepler.  After her father’s unexpected death, the family moved to Hepler where she finished High School and then moved to Girard.  Her first job was at Zettle’s Bakery in Girard.

Jessie Mae married Merle E. Neville on September 24, 1950, in Girard.  While living in Girard, they owned and operated a service station and rental cabins.  To their union four children were born, Gerald, Larry, Julie and David.  Jessie Mae later worked at Key Work Clothes in Ft. Scott from 1962 to 2000.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, sewing, gardening and cooking.  She was a great encouragement to her family; you could always count on Mom.

 

Survivors include three children, Gerald W. Neville of Wichita, Kansas, Julie Ledford (Brian) of Neosho, Missouri and David Neville (Doretta) of Ft. Scott.  Also surviving is a daughter-in-law, Linda Neville of Nixa, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Darcy Sinn (Doug), Chelle Lear (C.J.), Levi Neville (Joey), Jeremy Neville (Megan), Joseph Neville, Jordan Neville, Kimberly Large, Sarah Bussey and Joshua Dillahay (Megan) and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Merle and her son, Larry, as well as ten brothers and sisters, Bertha Stone, Helen Dumm, James Ausemus, Earl Ausemus, Kenneth Ausemus, Chet Ausemus, Lavon Fosberg, Elsie Montee, Lucille McDaniel, and Leeroy “Bub” Ausemus.

 

Pastor Mark Ledford will conduct funeral services at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 25th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Turkey Creek Cemetery north of Uniontown, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to Paws & Claws Animal Shelter and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County Local News