A Conductor Concocter by Patty LaRoche
My husband’s mother, Phyllis, worked for decades as the office manager of a car dealership. Buyers dealt with her when they purchased a vehicle. One day, a man sat down at Phyllis’s desk to finalize the details of his purchase. Phyllis noted that his last name was “LaRoche.”
“LaRoche? Seems like I’ve heard that name before,” she chuckled.
“Do you follow baseball?” he answered.
“I do.”
“Well then, that’s probably it. My brother Dave is a pitcher for the Angels.”
Dave’s mom started laughing. “You could have fooled me. I’m Phyllis LaRoche. I’m Dave’s mother.”
Some people will do anything to be recognized or valued, a theme repeated in my upcoming book. If you’ve ever stretched the truth to appear qualified, needed, or superior, you know what this is like.
In the New Testament, we read that Barnabas had sold his property and presented the disciples with the money he made from the sale. We can imagine the accolades and high-fives given to Barnabas for his generosity.
The married couple Ananias and Sapphira wanted in on the praise. They too sold their land but kept back some of the profit for themselves. There’s nothing wrong with that, except they lied to the disciples and said that they gave it all, a lie that cost them their lives.
God doesn’t want big-shots; He wants people of humility. In The Best of Lee Strobel’s “Investigating Faith,” he writes this: “Humility involves an appropriate acknowledgment and realistic assessment of oneself. If you’re a skilled piano player, you don’t say, ‘I’m no good on the piano.’ That’s being out of touch with reality. On the other hand, the pianist should recognize that this talent is a gift he’s received from God.”
“John,” an American atheist who owned at our condominium complex in Mexico, showed up one year with long hair and a story about how he, in a few months, would lead an orchestra in his hometown in the United States. Impressive, right? Everyone was talking about his conductor opportunity. I ran into John one day and congratulated him on being selected for his upcoming debut. He began demonstrating his “a-one-and-a-two-and-a” pretend-baton movement while shaking his long hair from side to side. He definitely was into his new role.
A few days later, his wife and I were chatting. I asked if she was impressed that her husband had been chosen to conduct an orchestra. She seemed surprised. “He wasn’t chosen. He won it in an auction. He just outbid the other bidders.” A small detail John failed to share.
One of my favorite quotes on humility comes from Pastor Rick Warren. “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less…” No one knew this better than Jesus. After Jesus fasted for 40 days, Satan appeared to him and gave him three chances to exalt himself: change stones into bread so he could eat; throw himself down from a high building and be saved by his angels; or worship him (Satan) and be given all the world’s kingdoms.
Jesus wasn’t about to do any of those things. His purpose was to show others the way to Heaven, not to call attention to himself. One demonstrates humility, the other, pride.
Dear Lord, let me remember that in everything I say and do.
Obituary of F. Cedric McCurley
F. Cedric McCurley, 88, a beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on June 28, 2023, in Springfield, MO. Cedric, known affectionately as Ced, was born in Chanute, KS to Hubert and Louise Anderson McCurley. Ced spent his formative years in Fort Scott, KS. In 1961, Cedric married Elizabeth Jane Higgins, daughter of Ed and Margaret Gorman Higgins, in a ceremony held in Mound City, Kansas.
Ced is survived by his devoted spouse and their loving children: Eric (Karen), Scott; Kent (Linda), Mason, Chloe; Greg (Patti), Catherine, Michael, Daniel; Heather Trinca (Peter), Olivia, Spencer, Caroline. He also leaves behind his sisters: Bernie Simmons, Ann Johnston (Charles); sister-in-law, Kathy McCurley (Doug); and brother-in-law, Doug Ropp (Patty), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Lucille Langdon and Elaine Ropp, his brother Doug McCurley, and brothers-in-law Joe Langdon and Ronnie Simmons.
A private inurnment will be held at the Fort Scott National Cemetery to honor Cedric’s memory. The family kindly requests no memorials or gifts, but appreciates the support and condolences received during this difficult period.
FSCC President Interviews and Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees
The FSCC Board of Trustees will be holding a special board meeting at 6:00 pm on each of the dates below. The special board meetings are being held to conduct interviews with finalists for the president
position. Although a public meeting will be called to order, the board will adjourn to executive session each time for the purposes of conducting each interview. No action is expected to follow any of the executive sessions.
July 5, 2023 Jason Kegler
July 6, 2023 Vincent Loffredo
July 10, 2023 Tiffany Evans
Each candidate’s on-campus interview will follow the schedule below:
10:00 Tour of campus
11:30 Lunch with Executive Council
Dick Hedges Administrative Building (closed meeting)
1:30 Community Forum (will be streamed – check for link on our webpage)
Bailey Hall Round Room (south side)
3:00 Employee and Student Forum (will be zoomed for employees – watch email for link)
Bailey Hall Round Room (south side)
5:30 Dinner with Trustees
6:00 Interview with Trustees
Kobach statement regarding Governor’s decision not to enforce SB 180
In response to the Governor announcing she will not comply with the changes commanded by SB 180, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach released the following statement:
“The Governor has stated that SB 180 changes nothing with respect to drivers licenses and birth certificates. That is nonsense. The Legislature passed SB 180 and overrode Governor Kelly’s veto specifically to ensure that those documents reflect biological sex at birth. The Governor doesn’t get to veto a bill and then ignore the Legislature’s override. She is violating her oath of office to uphold Kansas law. We will see her in court.”
Wayward Bettys At Crooners June 30
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Spectacular Display and Other Fun Is Planned for July 3 in Fort Scott
The annual community fireworks display will be July 3 at Fort Scott Community College, 2108 Horton Street. Cars will be lined up on Horton for viewing the display.
Shaunn Pytlowany, lead pyrotechnician with Premier Pyrotechnics will be once again be orchestrating the fireworks display for Fort Scott.
“This is our second year of a multi-year contract,” Pytlowany said.
The display will be shorter this year, but more spectacular.
“We have been asked to provide a 15 minute show, to shorten it, so there will be more going off at any one time,” Pytlowany said. “Which will make it more spectacular.”
KMDO, KOMB, 103.9 radio station will be broadcasting music to listen to while watching the display.
There will be 512 aerials exploded with display heights of between 275 to 600 feet, depending on wind speed and humidity, he said.
Pytlowany and his crew will start setting up the display at 7 a.m. on July 3 and under normal circumstances set up will be complete between 8:30 and 9 p.m.
He has provided displays for local football and soccer games, cities, weddings, family reunions, and at the LaRoche Baseball Complex for the Wounded Warrior Project. The Premier Pyrotechnics company has provided displays for the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, he said.
He has worked at Premier Pyrotechnics, based in Richland, MO for nine years, but has been fascinated by them for 40 years, he said.
“I was always interested in the design, manufacturing process and of course the explosion,” he said.
Sponsors
Advance Bourbon County, a local non-profit, took over the organizing and paying for the display from the Elks Club this year.
This year the cost of the event is $12,000.
Helping to sponsor the fireworks event is Fort Scott Gun and Pawn Shop, the City of Fort Scott, Tall Grass Building System, the American Legion, the Elks Club, Brian Bowman Construction, Engstrom Construction, the Kiwanis Club and A-1 Towing.
Prelude Fun and Food
There will be local vendors selling food and drinks: Juan Some Grub, Fort Scott High School Swim Team-lemonade tent, Valley Flavor, Tiger Ice Sno Cones, Doggone Dogs, and Los Tres Pollitos, Aaron Judy, one of the organizers said.
Additionally, there will be corn hole and other yard games for people to use, he said.
These will be set up in the area between the FSCC John Deere Department (the old armory) and the 4-H Building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
Fort Scott’s Rules For Fireworks
During the event, there can be no fireworks discharged from 18th Street and Horton Street to 23rd and Horton, according to Fort Scott Police Department Chief Jason Pickert.
“They cannot be discharged on the community college campus or on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds,” he said.
Fireworks can be purchased until July 4.
Until July 2 they can be discharged from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. On July 3 and July 4 they can be discharged from 7 a.m. until midnight.
FS Design Review Board To Discuss the 1st Colored Infantry Mural on July 10
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING TO DISCUSS THE 1ST COLORED INFANTRY MURAL ON MONDAY, JULY 10TH , 4:00 PM AT CITY HALL
Keep Your Independence Day Safe with a Few Tips from the Experts
Enjoy a Safe, Fun Celebration with Family and Friends
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Office of the State Fire Marshal and Safe Kids Kansas would like to share some important safety tips to ensure that all Kansans have a safe and fun Independence Day this year.
In 2022, there were a total of 102 injuries caused by fireworks in Kansas. The person igniting the firework was most likely to be injured, and the hands were the most common body part to be injured. Over half of the injuries that occurred from fireworks that happened on July Fourth were from burns. There was a 43 percent decrease in reported injuries from 2021.
Each age group saw a decrease except for a slight increase in 0-3 year-olds. The highest incidents of injuries were caused by mortars or artillery fireworks and other fireworks like parachutes, fountains and spinning items. This data was collected through voluntary reporting from Kansas hospitals and administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
“Remember that fireworks are explosives and should be handled with care,” Cherie Sage, director of Safe Kids Kansas, said. “Children should not light fireworks, including sparklers, which burn at a temperature hot enough to melt glass. We encourage parents to let their little ones use glow sticks instead of sparklers and leave the rest to grownups.”
Grilling is another favorite part of many summertime gatherings. Make sure grills are used outdoors only, away from the home and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Keep children and pets away from the grill area and never leave your grill unattended. Clean your grill regularly to prevent grease fires.
“We want everyone to have a fun and safe celebration on Independence Day,” Doug Jorgensen, state fire marshal, said. “Taking a few simple precautions if you’re lighting off fireworks or grilling can ensure that your family and friends are safe and injury free this fourth of July. If possible, go to a public fireworks display, and let the trained professionals handle the risks.”
Here are some tips to keep your celebrations safe:
Have adults supervise children and pets around grills and fireworks.
Designate a child-free safety zone around grills and areas where fireworks are being lit.
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
Fireworks should only be handled by adults. Consider giving children glow sticks, which also help you see little ones after dark.
Have a water supply ready, such as a bucket of water or garden hose.
Dispose of used fireworks carefully, as they may reignite.
Keep a first-aid kit available and nearby.
Ignite fireworks outdoors on a flat surface.
Light only one firework at a time.
Never stand over fireworks when lighting or holding a firework in your hand when lighting the fuse and wear eye protection.
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
Never attempt to make your own fireworks.
Bottle rockets are illegal and M80 type of “fireworks” are considered explosives, and it is a felony in Kansas to possess, manufacture or use, as well as being extremely dangerous. The use or sale of these banned fireworks and explosives is considered a crime under Kansas law. It is also illegal in Kansas to shoot fireworks on or under any vehicle, on any public roadway, within 50 feet of a fireworks stand or where fireworks are stored, and at gas stations or any place liquid gas – including propane – is stored.
Always refer to the local ordinances as to whether fireworks are allowed in your area as well as what types. Some cities or counties have restricted dates/times or types of fireworks that may be sold or discharged.
In addition, out of respect for veterans when it comes to the individual discharge of fireworks, please keep in mind the noise and stress (PTSD) your activities may cause near VA facilities.
For more information on fireworks safety, visit firemarshal.ks.gov/216/ or safekidskansas.org/
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 29
Courthouse Closed and No Bo Co Commission Meeting For Independence Day
There will not be a Bourbon County Commission Meeting held on Monday, July 3, 2023.
The Courthouse and Transfer Station will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day
Share your knowledge and expertise at the 2023 Kansas Prevention Conference!
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