Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee hosted The Fort Scott Good Ol’ Day’s Committee on June 1

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Chamber Coffee hosted The Fort Scott Good Ol’ Day’s Committee  

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by the Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days Committee, Thursday, June 1st at 8 a.m. on Skubitz Plaza, Downtown Fort Scott.

Shawn O’Brien, Chairman, and the Good Ol’ Days committee are excited to celebrate the 42nd Annual Good Ol’ Days festival with the theme of Back to the Bricks.

Tickets are on sale at the Chamber of Commerce for the Good Ol’ Chicken Dinner to be held Friday, June 2nd.  The Chamber is also taking entries for the Good Ol’ Days Parade planned for 6pm Friday, June 2nd.  The full schedule of events may be found on the festival website fortscottgoodoldays.com.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served along with door prizes.

 

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.

 

Entertainment, Kansas

2023 Kansas Notable Books list announced

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TOPEKA –The State Library of Kansas is proud to announce the 2023 Kansas Notable Books list. This year’s list of Kansas Notable Books continues the tradition of celebrating the rich stories and vibrant spirit of the state.

“The authors of the 2023 Kansas Notable Books not only help us gain a deeper understanding of our world, but also encourage empathy for others and reflection on our own life experiences,” State Librarian Ray C. Walling said. “Written by Kansans or about Kansas and Kansans, these fifteen books explore wanderlust, transformative collaboration, hidden struggles, inspiring resilience, and the power of love.”

Authors will be recognized and awarded medals by the State Librarian at the Kansas Book Festival on September 16 at Washburn University. The Book Festival is a free event that is open to the public. For more information on the event, visit kansasbookfestival.com.

The selection process for the Kansas Notable Books involved a rigorous evaluation by a selection committee made up of librarians, educators, and literary professionals. Their task was to identify books that exemplify quality writing, compelling storytelling, and significant contributions to the literary landscape. This year’s list features a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s literature, ensuring there is something for every reader.

A program of the Kansas Center for the Book, an affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book, Kansas Notable Books works to foster a love for reading by promoting these exceptional works across the state. Public libraries, schools, and bookstores feature the Kansas Notable Books prominently and organize events that engage readers and highlight the authors’ accomplishments. An annual grant program administrated by the State Library supports Kansas public libraries adding Notable Books titles to their collections in formats best suited to their patrons. Applications will be released mid-June.

For more information about the Kansas Notable Books program, visit kslib.info/notablebooks or contact the State Library of Kansas at 785-296-3296 or email [email protected].

2023 Kansas Notable Books

Cabby Potts, Duchess of Dirt by Kathleen Wilford, Blue Bronco Books

Easy Beauty: A Memoir by Chloe Cooper Jones, Simon & Schuster

Hell’s Half-Acre: The Untold Story of the Benders by Susan Jonusas, Viking

Justa’s Escape: A Journey from WWII Ukraine by Justina Neufeld with Russell Binkley, Wipf and Stock

Kansas Speaks Out: Poems in the Age of Me, Too edited by Dennis Etzel, Jr and Jericho Hockett, An Actual Kansas Press

Letters to Martin: Meditations on Democracy by Randal Maurice Jelks, Lawrence Hill Books

The Monster’s Bones: The Discovery of T. Rex and How It Shook Our World by David K. Randall, W. W. Norton & Company

Native American Stories for Kids: 12 Traditional Stories from Indigenous Tribes Across North America by Tom Pecore Weso, Rockridge Press

A New Guide to Kansas Mushrooms by Sherry Kay, Benjamin Sikes, and Caleb Morse, University Press of Kansas

Nothing but the Dirt: Stories from an American Farm Town by Kate Benz, University Press of Kansas

One Boy Watching by Grant Snider, Chronicle Books

River of the Gods: Genius, Courage, and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile by Candice Millard, Doubleday

The Undead Truth of Us by Britney S. Lewis, Hyperion

The Vagabond’s Way: 366 Meditations on Wanderlust, Discovery, and the Art of Travel by Rolf Potts, Random House

Winfield’s Walnut Valley Festival by Seth Bate, The History Press

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Health Care, Kansas

Focus on Mental Health in Agriculture Continues

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to an end, the Kansas Department of Agriculture reminds all those in the Kansas agriculture community that mental health needs to be a priority all year round. As farmers and ranchers face unavoidable pressure from the daily challenges that are part of agriculture, from unpredictable weather to fluctuations in commodity market prices, added stress can be difficult to manage.

Several years ago, the Kansas Department of Agriculture, along with several Kansas ag partners, developed a website to provide resources and support to those dealing with ag-related stress. The website can be found at KansasAgStress.org.

The website serves as a resource for those struggling with issues ranging from mental health, anxiety and suicide to substance abuse and food insecurity. Visitors will also find information regarding financial counseling, legal assistance, disaster recovery, and much more. As more tools are developed and become available, this website continues to be updated and serves as a hub of current information and resources. For example, KDA collaborated with Kansas Corn to add a section of mental health providers with agriculture-specific experience, called Ag Aware.

KansasAgStress.org features resources and support for every member of the family, from teens to aging adults. Unique resources are also available to assist our farmer veterans, who face the issues that come with farming, along with the possible challenges of being a military veteran.

“The purpose of this website is to help care for and assist Kansas farmers and ranchers in their well-being,” Beam said. “We encourage all Kansans to care for themselves and their neighbors in difficult times, and this site provides information about the resources available in communities across the state.”

The Kansas Department of Agriculture and the State of Kansas is committed to serving Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and the customers they serve. Together with our partners, we have made it a priority to provide support and assistance to Kansans battling ag-related stress and mental health struggles.

Kansas

Be a Local Voice for Kansas Water Resources

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Kansas Water Authority Regional Advisory Committee Membership Drive

 

 

Citizen advisors have been an important voice supporting water resource planning efforts in Kansas for decades. To support continued grassroots engagement in Kansas water policy and planning, the Kansas Water Office is currently accepting applications from individuals with an interest in serving as a member of one of the 14 Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) which are established by the Kansas Water Authority (KWA).

 

These committees play a key role in advising the KWA on implementation of each region’s water resource priorities as part of the state water planning process in Kansas. In conjunction with this process, RAC members provide input and advice to the KWA on identified regional and statewide water resource-related goals and action plans developed in support of state water plan implementation.

 

In addition, members help identify and provide input on other emerging water issues and concerns. They serve as important local links to the public in their regions through interactions with various groups and individuals, as well as communicate information on concerns and issues in their respective regions. The KWA, through the committee selection process, works to establish RACs which represent diverse groups of water users and interests throughout the state.

 

Kansans can have a lasting impact on the future of water resources through RAC membership. Interested individuals can apply at kwo.ks.gov/about-the-kwo/regional-advisory-committees. The application deadline is June 30, 2023.

 

 

If accommodations are needed for a person with disabilities, please notify the Kansas Water Office at 900 SW Jackson Street, Suite 404, Topeka, KS 66611-1249 or call (785) 296-3185.

 

Note to Editor: The Americans with Disabilities Act, (42 U.S.C. 12101) requires the Kansas Water Office to print the reasonable accommodations messages.

 

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Area News, Government, Kansas

Kansas Launches Broadband Speed Test and Comprehensive Expansion Plan

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Office of Broadband Development is developing a comprehensive strategic plan to expand broadband infrastructure statewide and ensure every Kansan has access to reliable high-speed internet. To assist in this and provide accurate data for the plan, the department is calling on residents to participate in an important online speed test and survey.

The data collected ultimately will help guide the allocation of state and federal resources to areas in need.

“Accurate, comprehensive data is critical to our state’s efforts to bridge the digital divide across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By engaging directly with Kansans to learn about their broadband capacity, we aim to secure significant funding to connect underserved areas and establish Kansas as one of the best states in the nation for high-speed internet access.”

The speed test will measure internet speed, general location and IP address, while maintaining the privacy of personal information. Participants also will be asked to complete an optional survey that provides vital insights into connectivity patterns, necessary training requirements and affordability of internet services.

“We understand that this is a busy time of the year, especially with the transition from school to summer,” Kansas Broadband Development Director Jade Piros de Carvalho said. “We genuinely appreciate the cooperation and assistance of all participants in completing these tests, which will enable us to identify opportunities for better connectivity and reach our goal of #ConnectingAllKansans.”

While this is not the first initiative of its kind, it is undeniably significant, and greater participation from residents will allow more accurate results. Participants will be asked to take five to seven tests at different times of day or days of the week.

To ensure accurate results, participants are advised to conduct the speed test while connected to Wi-Fi from their home or business networks. It is important to confirm the presence of the Wi-Fi symbol and verify that a cellular network is not being used for the test. If possible, the test should be done in the late afternoon or early evening, as this is when service is typically the slowest.

To participate, residents should visit the official website of the initiative, broadbandks.com, where they can complete a quick and simple online speed test. This test, which only takes a few minutes, will provide valuable data on internet connectivity throughout the state.

Individuals without internet access at their homes or businesses can a call or text 1 (913) 349-9555 to share their address where service is unavailable.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the Kansas Office of Broadband Development:

The Kansas Office of Broadband Development is committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet for all Kansans. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, the office aims to expand broadband infrastructure, promote digital literacy and foster economic growth across the state. For further information or any inquiries, please visit the official initiative website at broadbandks.com. For direct communication, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development can be reached at (785) 480-8555.

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Area News

MATTHEW BUCK: NEW MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR at CFSEK

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COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEAST KANSAS ANNOUNCES MATTHEW BUCK AS NEW MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

 

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is excited to announce the hiring of Matthew Buck as its new Marketing and Communications Coordinator, effective May 15, 2023.

Matthew comes to CFSEK and its affiliates, the Columbus Area Community Foundation, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, and Girard Area Community Foundation, with a unique skill set that will provide more community awareness through increased marketing and public relations.

“We are excited to welcome Matthew to the team,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “He will be a tremendous asset in increasing communication with our nonprofit partners, donors, and the entire Southeast Kansas region. His passion and dedication will help CFSEK strengthen our message and share more of our remarkable stories. ”

As a southeast Kansas native, Matthew earned a bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University in Communications, with a minor in Marketing. Although this opportunity is Matthew’s first professional experience in the world of nonprofit work, he is no stranger to supporting his community and helping people.

Matthew has been engaged with the SEK community for many years. As a Pittsburg High School graduate, he participated in several annual food drives and community outreach programs. As a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity at Wichita State, Matthew served as a chapter Vice President for two years and helped coordinate several community cleanup projects. Matthew currently serves on the Pittsburg Community Theatre board of directors as the Media Director. You can usually find Matthew on stage with PCT or cheering on the Gorillas at Pitt State football games.

When asked about his new position, Matthew said, “I am so excited to be joining the CFSEK team. CFSEK has a storied history of helping our community in a variety of ways, from grants to scholarships, one of which I received to help me pay for college. I really feel like I’ve come full-circle, and I can’t wait to continue serving the community I care for so deeply!”

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is a local public charitable foundation that awarded over $2 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2022 and has facilitated over $20 million in grants since its inception in 2001. The Community Foundation serves the region by providing donors with a wide variety of charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Ruritan Plans Summer Entertainment For Uniontown Community

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Uniontown City Park. The flower garden at the northeast corner of the park is in memory of Doris George by Carol and Hershal George.

Movies/Music in the Park, sponsored by Uniontown Ruritan Club, will provide Uniontown school district  residents with some free family fun this summer in the park on the town square.

“At the beginning of this year, we had a brainstorming session to consider various ideas for community service projects for 2023,” Mary Pemberton, one of the committee members, said.  “Mauriel Whisenhunt and I suggested something that would highlight and make use of the beautiful city park, bring people together, and provide entertainment for all ages.  One of our ideas was Movies in the Park.  That idea was well received and expanded to include music.  We decided to put on one Movie in the Park event each month and another separate Music in the Park night each month during June-July-August.”

Submitted graphic.

“Our schedule kicks off on June 9th with a Movie in the Park night,” Mary Pemberton, one of the committee members” said. Each movie night starts at 7 p.m. with games and activities such as: sidewalk games, corn hole, spikeball, dodgeball, washer toss, face painting and rock painting.  Then at 9 p.m. seating begins for the movie – this is an outdoor movie showing, so bring your own chair or blanket.”

The group has planned music entertainment on alternating evenings this summer.

“Alternating movies and music means the next event, on June 23rd is a music night,” Pemberton said.  “Music nights feature food trucks from 5 to 7:30 p.m.  Musical performances are from 7-8:30.  We have arranged for different genres of music each month – Mike Miller (gospel), Rick Hite (country/folk) and Ridge Runnerz (classic rock/country).”

“On June 23rd and July 14th there will be special performances by a mother/daughter duo who are both world class baton twirlers,” she said.  “We enticed them out of ‘retirement’ for these performances and I witnessed part of a practice session when they were refreshing their skills and working out a routine.  They are amazingly talented – you won’t want to miss this; baton twirling is an art you don’t see locally at this skill level and Kristi  and Lexie are truly awe-inspiring.”

The movies, music, games/activities and entertainment are all FREE and Uniontown school district residents are invited, she said.

“We are also giving away free hot dogs/chip/drink at the first event, a free ice cream social in July,  and free popcorn to munch on during each movie,” Pemberton said.   “Tips for the musicians and/or free-will donations are accepted, but not required.”

Food trucks will be available on certain dates.

” Food trucks include Los Tres Pollitos on June 23;  on July 14 the Ruritan Club is selling pulled pork BBQ sandwiches; and on August 11 the Hot Pink Heifer food truck is here,” Pemberton said.  “Additionally, the Sunshine Shak will be here most evenings with sweets, snacks and drinks for sale.”

The complete schedule of events can be found on flyers posted at businesses around Uniontown and on social media.

For more information contact her at 620-224-9654 or stop by 103 3rd Street in Uniontown.

Ruritan Club Music in the Park Committee members are Pemberton, Mauriel Whisenhunt and Randy Rathbun.

“In addition, several Uniontown High School clubs are helping on the event nights,” Pemberton said. “The Uniontown High School  FFA  is grilling and serving hot dogs on June 9; the  UHS Art Club is doing face painting and assisting with rock painting each movie night; UHS Cheerleaders are assisting with games and will perform at each movie night.  We also wish to thank Rhonda DeWitt with the First Missionary Baptist Church for allowing us to use their movie screen and popcorn machine.”

“Ruritan is a nationwide service organization and our club performs a variety of services or projects each year that benefit the community and residents in and around Uniontown,” she said.  “Last year we financed and built public restrooms which are located across the street from the park.”

The public restrooms are just across from Uniontown’s downtown park.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Learn About the ‘Good Ol’ Days’ at Fort Scott National Historic Site

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Fort Scott Kan. – Join a ranger for a walk back in time to the “Good’ Ol’ Days” Saturday, June 3, 2023. Programs and living history activities will be ongoing from 9 am – 4 pm. And meet at the park Visitor Center. All activities are free and open to the public. To find out more, please contact the park at 620-223-0310.

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

 

9 a.m. – Tallgrass Prairie Walk

10 a.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration

Noon – Flash Flood: Westward Expansion Discussion

1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration

3 p.m. – Democracy Run Wild: Bleeding Kansas Discussion

4 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

 

Throughout the Day:

  • What’s in my backpack? A discussion about what a soldier needs on patrol on the prairie.
  • A discussion around the Underground Railroad.

 

 

From April 1-September 30, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation.  The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 am – 5 pm Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

-NPS-

 

Food, Fort Scott

Farmers Market at Third and Main Street For Good Ol’Days Weekend

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“Good Ol’ Days will have lots of fun activities on Skubitz Plaza next weekend,” said Terri Hamilton, president of the Fort Scott Farmers Market. “So, just for June 3rd, the Farmers’ Market will be relocating to the corner of 3rd and Main Streets, in the old ATM parking lot right across the street from Landmark National Bank. We’ll have produce, crafts, baked goods, plants and meat from all your favorite vendors!”

Opinion, Uncategorized

Mightiest Warriors by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

Mightiest Warriors

 

Without fail, I am in awe and moved to inexpressible admiration when I read about King David’s mightiest warriors in the Old Testament. The heroic achievements of “The Three”  were beyond astonishing and quite deserving of a bronze star. The Bible makes it clear that their impressive  accomplishments were made possible only through God who provided the strength to be successful in battle. David said, “In Your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall” (2 Samuel 22:30 NLT). The battles that were continuously won under King David’s rule will live in infamy just like the attack of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

 

King David’s “Elite Three” were briefly described in the Bible as follows: Jashobeam was the leader of the three and he once used his spear to kill 800 enemy warriors in a single battle. Next in rank was Eleazar who stood with valiant courage against the Philistines when the entire Israelite army fled. “but he stood his ground and fought the Philistines until his hand was so cramped that he could not let go of his sword. The Lord won a great victory that day“ (2 Samuel 23:10 GNT). Next in rank was Shammah and, once again, the Israelite army fled, “but Shammah held his ground in the middle of the field and beat back the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory” (2 Samuel 23:12 NLT). In each recorded incident, God worked through one willing and brave man  to bring an astounding victory.

 

Obviously, one person can make a world of difference when God is providing His supernatural strength to him/her. On Memorial Day, let’s remember with honor and reverence all the military who stood for their Country and ultimately gave his/her all. “No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends” (John 15:13 CJB). Jesus proved His love for us when He willingly gave His all on the cross.  TPT reads, “For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends.”

 

When prompted, my father would talk about his 1944-46 tour of duty on the frontline in Germany during World War II. With clarity, he stated that he was drafted; he did not  volunteer as some young men did. He was a newlywed and leaving the USA was not on his personal agenda. Nevertheless, Dad was willing to leave every thing and everyone he loved to fight for the freedom of people he didn‘t know.

 

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all those who willingly gave their lives in military service for their Country. We can’t personally thank the deceased, but we can honor them in our hearts and attitudes. We can take the time to visit the hallowed grounds where their bodies have been laid to rest. We can also shake the hands of living veterans and thank them for their service, commitment, and sacrifice.

 

We give honor to all veterans who served and died in uniform while endeavoring to bring  freedom and democracy. Without them, our lives in this Nation and our world would be a dark and  frightening place to live.

 

The Key: May this one Nation, under God, never forget the elite men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Bourbon County Local News