The Truth of Truth by Patty LaRoche
I love a healthy debate. One in which facts prevail with no ad hominem attacks.
As a former high school debate coach, there are few competitions that I remember like one in which Ryan and Ben, juniors, were in the quarter-finals in hopes of winning state. I sat in on that debate and don’t remember much of what the opponents said except they were “not legalizing marijuana.” So, when it was our team’s turn to speak and Ben spent his entire eight minutes arguing against the legalization of marijuana, I was stunned. Had our team not heard the affirmative team say that this was not part of their plan?
When it was time for the affirmative to question (cross-ex) Ben, the first thing she said was this: “Did you not hear us say we are not legalizing marijuana?” Ben said that he did. “But you spent your entire speech addressing the evils of doing so, correct?” “Correct,” Ben answered.
I was dumbfounded. What had just happened? The debate progressed with much confusion…until it was Ryan’s turn to speak.
“In today’s debate, our opponents have laid out a plan to solve a problem. They have used one site, one book, repeatedly to defend their position. The fact is, I have read that book and its author’s recommendations, but what the affirmative failed to tell you is that their author himself wrote his final chapter on how the only way his plan could work is if marijuana is legalized.”
At that point, Ryan pulled from his stash of evidence that exact quote. He concluded: “The affirmative can’t have it both ways. If they are to advocate for what this author said, they cannot pick and choose what they tell you is truth.”
I wanted to stand and cheer.
I’m sure Ryan and Ben were glad I didn’t.
There was nothing left for the affirmative to say. Our team won that debate and went on to win state. Their strategy was brilliant. They had truth on their side. They had done their homework. I
I’ve often mentally revisited that debate, especially when I run into people who opt to argue a position for which they have studied only one side. Take the Bible, for example. I know people who pick and choose what part of scripture they believe. They argue that the Bible is full of errors. Others say that there is no hell. Some believe that being a good person is enough to go to Heaven; after all, a loving God surely can’t banish someone to eternity without Him. Some claim that Jesus was a good person, but there is no truth of his resurrection. And then there’s the predictable argument: Why would a good God allow evil?
Make no mistake. I don’t claim to be smarter than those who deny the truth of scripture. What I do know is there was a day when I had denied God’s love for me, when my religion wasn’t enough to carry me through a very sad time in my life, but God never gave up on me. In 1977, He got my attention. What happened that day is nothing short of miraculous. I went from wanting nothing to do with Him to knowing He loved me, saved me, as He opened my eyes to seek Him in ways I never imagined.
Read the Book. The Bible. Read the entire thing. Read a commentary on what the Greek and Hebrew words actually mean. Countless testimonies address how simply reading Scripture changed peoples’ lives.
This is no game. I gain nothing if I am right and those who deny scripture are wrong. The only winner here is one who cares not that he/she has the smartest answer but that that individual stops arguing about truth and gives God a chance to reveal it. He did it for me. I pray you let Him do it for you.
The FS Landbank Will Meet on April 17
The Land Bank Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, April 17, 2023, at 4:00PM at City Hall.
This is an open meeting. It will also be available on the City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel.
KDOT to replace bridge on K-39 in Bourbon County
The week of April 24 the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to start a project to replace the Owl Creek bridge on K-39. The bridge is 2 miles east of the east K-3 junction.
The bridge will be replaced one half at a time, with temporary signals directing one-lane traffic through the work zone. Expect brief delays. The new bridge should be open in late 2023.
KDOT awarded the construction contract of $2 million to Bridges Inc., of Newton. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Minutes of April 11
April 11, 2023 Tuesday, 12:30 p.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special meeting with all three Commissioners attending via phone and the County Clerk and County Counselor present.
Patty Ropp was present for the entire meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with flag salute.
Jim asked County Counselor Meeks to read the letter that was prepared and is addressed to the City of Fort Scott Commissioners. The letter requested City Commissioners to vote to overturn the recent application of an ordinance to give additional guidance and regulations to building contractors within the city of Fort Scott. Jim made a motion to approve the letter as Justin read it, submit the letter to the Commission of the City of Fort Scott, and allow Commissioner Beth to read the letter at the city’s meeting if he chooses to. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:32. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Approved 4/13/2023
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 6
April 6, 2023 Thursday, 9:00 a.m.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Mark McCoy, Deb McCoy, and Lora Holdridge were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting the with flag salute.
Nelson Blythe made a motion to approve the minutes from last week’s meeting. Clifton Beth seconded, and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to approve the payroll totaling $211,174.87, the accounts payable totaling $302,712.05, and miscellaneous disbursement checks for March totaling $13,719.41. Nelson seconded and all approved.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, presented a list of new culvert permits for March. Eric also handed out a report for the fuel through the end of March. Jim asked if all the departments except for the Sheriff’s department were still getting their fuel from public works and Eric responded yes. Eric gave an update on the fuel card system stating it has been a long process but the company sent software and will be here in the near future to install it. Jim commented that public works was getting good prices on gas and diesel and Clifton agreed.
The 5-year Solid Waste Plan that is due to KDHE by May 17 was handed out to each Commissioner to review and will be presented at next week’s meeting for approval. Jim questioned if any changes were made and Eric stated that the composting was added and that MSW and C&D are up as more out of county and state customers and using the landfill. Eric discussed the process to approve the plan which includes the Commission approving the 5-year plan, posting a notice of a required public meeting which can be held at a regularly scheduled Commission meeting, and passing a resolution adopting the plan. Clifton made a motion to accept the plan, but Nelson stated he would like to read the plan and suggested approving the plan at the next meeting. Clifton withdrew his motion.
Eric asked Shane Walker in to discuss the recent storm damage. The storm that passed through Bourbon County yesterday morning had multiple trees down, several residents lost their barns, power lines and poles were down as well. An entire barn was lifted from its block foundation and set down in the middle of Quail Road. Eric thanked the public works crew for their hard work putting up signs, removing downed trees, and clearing debris to allow the electric companies to get in and restore power to residents. The barn was torn down and hauled to the C&D section of the landfill, which Eric said was approved by KDHE.
Eric thanked the city of Bronson stating John Stokes allowed the county to bring brush gathered from the storm damage to their burn pile which is an approved burn site by KDHE. Eric stated that the equipment and manhours were all tracked for the storm damage cleanup and multiple pictures were taken so that if a declaration is made by the state, they will have all their documentation in line. Shane said the state contacted him regarding the damage in the Bronson area and they did a verbal storm declaration, but said a written declaration will need to be signed to be on file. Shane said that the emergency management department has posted on the radio and Facebook for residents with property damage to contact the county so the damage can be documented and added to the countywide totals in order to try to meet state guidelines. Shane said that there was not enough road damage to qualify for FEMA. Clifton asked what the total was that had to be met and Shane said it is 5.5 million dollars statewide.
Chanute sustained significant damage with the storm yesterday morning, with Shane stating an entire block will have to be collapsed. Shane stated that 90 mph winds were recorded in Bronson and 78 mph winds were recorded in Uniontown. Shane said roof damage and walls blown out of barns were the majority of the damage they saw; however there was one house destroyed and that debris was carried over a mile away. Jim asked if we had another storm came through in two weeks if they could add damage from that to this storm and Shane said yes if it is within a certain window. Nelson asked how long the declaration can last and it was stated the resolution is for two weeks; however it can be extended by the commission. Nelson asked it we have to pass the storm declaration to get money and where does it come from? Shane said it depends on what we apply for but its mainly federal.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to move resolution 10-23 before the executive session. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Nelson made a motion to approve resolution 10-23 declaring a state of local disaster for Bourbon County. Clifton seconded the motion, and all approved. Eric said if the state’s declaration is approved then public works will get reimbursed for their time, equipment, and material costs.
Jim said that they need to have a discussion with property owners on the west side of Lake Fort Scott. 190th St. is a county road, but there are several roads that go into homes that the residents feel are either county or city. Jim said that he spoke to the Register of Deeds, Lora Holdridge, and the roads are not county, but the city says they are not city roads either. Jim stated there needs to be a meeting with city and county representatives and the residents to solve this, but the commission needs to decide how they want to handle this. Clifton said they as Commissioners have zero power outside of the room, so in his opinion the meeting would need to be held during a Commission meeting. Eric was asked to visit with Lora and the city to determine whose roads they are before the meet with the citizens. Lora Holdridge came into the meeting stated the roads are listed as access drives but that the roads do not show ownership and are not named roads. The original plat shows the city of Fort Scott. Mark McCoy said the City Commissioner on the Lake Advisory Board should be the city’s representative in this matter.
Jim said the Fort Scott Community College requested a Commissioner to attend a meeting on Monday 4-10-23 to discuss repairs to their pond. Jim asked Eric to attend the meeting on the county’s behalf.
Eric told Nelson the road issues he reported during the last meeting were taken care of last week. The road issue Jim reported on 230th St. will be corrected this week.
A five-minute break was taken and normal session was resumed at 9:34.
Susan Bancroft requested a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy. Clifton made a motion to go into a 10-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy to include Susan Bancroft, all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Shane Walker and will return at 9:44. Nelson seconded, and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:44 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Justin Meeks requested a 7-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for two active litigation issues one is a potential litigation issue and the other is a personnel matter.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to allow an executive session before public comments. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 7-minute executive session under 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 to include all three Commissioners and Justin Meeks and will return at 9:53. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 9:53 with action. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Justin Meeks asked to be allowed to approve the documents for the opioid settlement from the state. Justin stated he received the documents yesterday and the amount is under $5000. Clifton made a motion to allow Justin to approve the opioid settlement from the Attorney General’s office. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved. Justin stated the settlement checks will be sent to the Clerk’s office and that a special fund has been created for those.
Deb McCoy read a prepared statement during public comments about prior comments made during Commission meetings about rule of law and codes of regulations. Deb stated, “the cultivation of the rhetoric towards the transgressions of the law is concerning.” Deb said a remark was made that enforcement of laws are the ones that I agree with and the laws I don’t agree with I don’t enforce. Ms. McCoy further stated discretion and enforcement are knowing what is just law. As a public official it should mean acting in a manner that appears just and proper under all circumstances and respect the law. Deb talked about how Justin said federal laws trump state laws and state laws trump county laws and city resolutions and ordinances. Deb briefly discussed wiretapping and eavesdropping under the anti-wire tapping federal and state law stating it is illegal for any person to secretly record any oral, telephonic, or electronic communication that the other party reasonably expects to be private. Deb said in the beginning of March there was a meeting that had two executive sessions and when you returned to the open meeting you were instructed by county counselor to individually to speak with IT privately and then speak to the county counselor about the decision on the action that should be take. Ms. McCoy stated she didn’t recall any mention in any following meetings of action taken. Deb said it was pointed out by the District Attorney that some job descriptions coincide with the county administrator position and that should have been determined by the general bond law KSA 19-3A02. Deb stated it seems like a huge workload for one person with three job descriptions. Deb discussed the eligibility of the office of commissioner stating the Attorney General has issued a ruling about incompatibility involving the office of county commissioner and the position of a city law enforcement. Ms. McCoy said the rule of law is the most basic form, it is the principal that no one is above the law and that democracy depends on the rule of law because without law there is no order and without order there can be no democracy.
Nelson introduced himself to Deb McCoy and asked to see her statements so that he could discuss certain pieces with her. Nelson said that he was misinterpreted regarding the laws he enforces and discretion. Discretion is a word commonly used in law enforcement and he referred to speeding and stated they are not required to write a ticket every time someone speeds and that is where discretion comes in. Nelson stated there are laws he doesn’t agree with, but that doesn’t mean he is refusing to enforce them. Nelson said his job as a law enforcement officer is to protect the rights of individuals and protect freedom and safety. He protects the US Constitution and works to make sure that people who live in Bourbon County are safe from murder and theft and that is what he is working on when he leaves this room. Nelson said please don’t take any personal offence to the comments he said last week and that his job as a law enforcement officer is to protect freedoms. Nelson said he stands for the people, he protects the people, and he works for the people to protect their liberties. Deb stated we as citizens should have respect for the rule of law so that it wouldn’t make your job so huge and that the bottom line is without the rule of law, we would be chaotic, we would run amuck. Nelson said the law protects the people, and he takes that very seriously. Nelson thanked Deb for the effort it took to write her statement and come and present it before the Commission. Clifton said there was no action and that we do not have a county administrator nor will we for as long as he is a Commissioner. Jim said he agrees with Clifton’s remark and there will be no county administrator under his watch. As far as the job description they are close but until the Commission take that to the voters, there is no administrator. Clifton said there is nobody making arbitrary decisions on their own in this courthouse and if they do, he would be the first to ask that they be fired. Jim said county administrators are usually in charge of everyone and that this person has no employees. Nelson touched on compatibility of office and said that is the opinion on a statute and for a rule that would have to go to the supreme court; it is not law, only an opinion of one person. Nelson said that he will continue to serve his community to the best of his ability in both capacities as long as he can.
Clifton said that he had received a few phone calls and saw a few individuals in person and there are some really upset contractors in our community. Clifton said it is not our job to tell the city what to do but a meeting has been called for stakeholders to discuss what the City Commission passed on Tuesday night. Clifton said in his opinion we are very much a stakeholder and he will make a motion to write a response to that because what was passed is questionable regarding contractors. Clifton feels we should have an answer to what was passed considering all the county has done the past few years in regard to economic development and asked for the thoughts of the other Commissioners. Jim said he agrees that we should make a statement. Nelson asked what was done regarding contractors and Clifton responded that they have put licensing, bonding, engineering, and architectural regulations on residential and commercial contractors. Clifton said now a house in Fort Scott will cost 30-40% more to build and questioned when it comes to economic development why are we making it harder? Clifton recommended writing a letter to the City Commissioners of Fort Scott. Jim asked Clifton if he would stand up and read the letter during the meeting the city is going to hold next week and Clifton responded he would. Justin suggested holding a special meeting of the Bourbon County Commissions Tuesday afternoon to review the letter and approve it. Jim made a motion to hold a special meeting on 4-11-23 at 12:30 with some Commissioners attending by phone to possibly approve a letter written to the City Commissioners of Fort Scott regarding contractors. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton said he doesn’t want to make a big deal of this but the Commission have put hours into economic development and doesn’t want to see that move backwards. Clifton said that next week during the regularly Thursday Commission meeting there will be a CORE Communities presentation dealing with poverty in our county at 9:30.
Jim made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:18. Nelson seconded the motion, and all approved.
Approved 4/13/2023.
Tonya Barnes Begins as U234 Special Education Director on July 1
Tonya Barnes will begin duties as the USD 234 Special Education Director on July 1.
Barnes was in District Level Leadership; Emporia State University in 2015; Building Level Leadership; Emporia State University, 2010; Master of Science; Major: Special Education, Behavior Disorders K-12; Emporia State University, 1997; and earned a Bachelor of Science; Major: Elementary Education; Pittsburg State University, 1988.
She is the current director of special education at USD 282, 283, 286 in Chautauqua and Elk Counties Special Services Cooperative, since 2018.
She was director of special education from 2015-18 for Coffey County Special Education Cooperative.
From 2012-15 she was special education coordinator at the Flints Hills Special Education Cooperative.
Barnes was a special education teacher from 1995-2012 at the ANW Special Education Cooperative.
Fort Scott: The Next Step, Coming to Her Home District
Barnes is a graduate of Fort Scott High School, class of 1984.
She is married to Kevin Barnes who is teacher and coach for Woodson USD 366 in Yates Center for 32 years. They have a son, Jon Barnes who is in his first year of teaching and coaching at Fort Scott High School.
Her parents are Karen and the late Ron Billiard, Fort Scott, and her sister is Robin Hartman, Fort Scott.
Her community involvement through the years has been family focus – church activities, youth events, 4-H parent, supporting school district activities and sporting events, Kansas University basketball enthusiasts, spending time with family, and “spoiling our beloved pets,” she said.
For Barnes, the best part of being the special education director is working with the students and staff, and learning their stories, she said.
“The relationships we will build together takes time and intentional work,” Barnes said. “Our special education team has a wealth of experience and knowledge, and I look forward to learning from them.”
“The special education team (at U234) consists of approximately 30 licensed teachers and related service providers, and 80 paraeducators,” she said.
“USD 234 has approximately 22% of the district’s enrollment receiving special education services,” she said.
Her office will be located at the district office, 424 S. Main, and her time at the district office will be combined with time in the different age-grouped buildings, Barnes said.
“The biggest challenge of the position is time to be sure the most important work is accomplished, which is matching student needs with the most effective intervention or strategy, supporting teachers, providers, and paras with the knowledge, resources, time, and energy to deliver what is needed, and valuing their contributions,” she said.
The following will be her duties:
*Build relationships with staff, students, parents, patrons, and the entire learning community;
*Partner with the district’s special education team to learn the processes, successes, and strengths of the special education staff and programming in each building;
*As a team, access areas of desired and needed professional development…for best practice in providing programming to students and families, in addition to supporting their professional growth;
*Being accessible … connecting with staff… learning the culture, observing instruction first-hand to support our providers in their work of providing solid learning opportunities for students;
*Work with the…business office to learn the special education budget in USD 234 and become familiar with how revenue streams, expenditures, and funding are managed,
*Assist and support the procurement of needed materials and resources to meet student’s needs;
*Work with the USD 234 Administrative Team to assist and support special education matters in their buildings;
*Represent USD 234 in contacts with local, state, and federal agencies in matters pertaining to special education;
*Assist and provide support in securing the needed staffing for special education programs and provide induction for new staff;
*Collaborate with building teams to ensure a comprehensive curriculum is being provided;
*Work with all providers…to ensure students are receiving equitable evaluations, consistent services, and access to research-based curriculum and instruction, while maintaining best practices;
*Attend required and selected professional development opportunities to support…to provide guidance and leadership with special education mandates and new initiatives;
*Collaborate with building teams to provide the opportunities necessary for successful post-secondary transition success;
*Assist management of grants available for special education funding and the submission of staff information to maximize state special education categorical aid;
*Prepare and submit all reports within guidelines and timelines;
*Comply with legal and regulatory requirements of various governmental agencies;
*Ensure all special education programs perform within state and federal statutes, and adhere to the policies and procedures of the USD 234 Board of Education.
Kansas Department of Revenue Announces Expansion of Online Renewal System
~~iKan App Now Includes Identification Card Renewal~~
TOPEKA – Today, the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR), in partnership with PayIt, announced the addition of identification (ID) card renewal services to iKan.
iKan is the State of Kansas’ award-winning digital government platform that delivers services from numerous state agencies in a single, end-to-end experience for Kansas residents, with web, mobile, and native Apple and Android apps available.
ID renewal joins the growing list of online services available to Kansas residents through iKan, including renewing driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations, ordering birth, death, and marriage certificates, and purchasing annual park passes.
“Since starting our journey with PayIt in 2018, our commitment to serving residents with an accessible, convenient digital experience has remained a top priority,” David Harper, KDOR Division of Vehicles Director, said. “We’re proud to add another service to the platform, enabling ID holders of all ages to have the option to renew online. We will continue to invest in delivering digital services that make Kansans’ lives a little easier.”
As of March 2023, more than 1 in 3 Kansas residents are registered with iKan, and the addition of ID renewal enables iKan to serve over 10,000 additional residents each year.
To renew an ID, residents can log into the iKan platform or access as a guest, select ID credentials renewal, and provide their name, date of birth, ID number, and last four digits of their social security number to submit the request — all in just a matter of minutes and a few clicks.
To explore iKan, visit https://ikan.ks.gov/.
FS Streets Advisory Board Meets May 11 instead of today
The Streets Advisory Board meeting scheduled for today, April 13, 2023, at 4:00PM is rescheduled to May 11th, 2023, 4:00PM at City Hall.
Amended Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission April 13
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
1 st Floor County Courthouse
210 S National Avenue
April 13, 2023, 9:00 AM
I. Call Meeting to Order
II. Flag Salute and Prayer
III. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes from 4/6/2023 and 4/11/2023
IV. Department Updates
a. Public Works Director
b. 5-Year Solid Waste Plan
V. 9:15-Public Opening of Hay Bids
VI. 9:25-Public Opening of Trailer Bids
VII. 9:30 CORE Communities Zoom Presentation with Deb Factor
VIII. Susan Bancroft-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
IX. Bill Martin-Loan Bids for Patrol Vehicles
X. Public Comments
XI. Commission Comments
XII. Meeting Adjourn
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.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 13
Letter to the Editor by Loreta Jent
Dear Editor:
“Wine promises one thing – delivers another”, a quote from a recovering alcoholic. “No matter what problem you’re trying to mask or fix…..alcohol will always ensure you end up with MORE of what you don’t want.”
Ethanol, the alcohol that is in all alcoholic beverages and which is burned in engines, is a toxic poison to the body. The wine industry did a smart move, financially on their part, when it “married” the health industry several years ago.
April’s Alcohol Awareness Month is a good time to be reminded that by volume there is more ethyl alcohol in wine than in beer. To explain, each average serving of the following contain the same amount of alcohol, ½ ounce: 1-2 oz Cocktail; 3-5 oz. Wine; 12 oz. Beer; 12 oz. Wine Cooler. NO ALCOHOLIC DRINK IS SAFE!
According to researchers, such as Samuele Bacchiocchi and David R. Brumbelow, the word “wine” in the Bible is a generic word that has several meanings such as fresh grape juice, molasses, raisins, and fermented alcoholic wine. The meaning of the word must be determined by the context of the scripture.
There is one verse that speaks clearly and is easy to understand from Proverbs 20:1: “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is deceived by them is not wise.”
Sincerely,
Mrs. Loreta Jent, Education Director
National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union