Patty LaRoche. 2023. Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection www.alittlefaithlift.com AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
I’m not sure how I came up with this idea, but I think that my life would be less stressful if I didn’t get frazzled about anything that couldn’t have frazzled me 30 years ago. Take gadgets, for example, and their ability to frustrate:
Delayed Amazon deliveries
A slow internet Passwords Fast-food restaurants that use kiosks Pinterest ideas that never turn out like the pictures
Yellow, blinking lights that fail to blink
In the list above, all of these modern inventions are intended to make our lives easier, yet when they fail to do so, I become frustrated instead of being thankful for the times they do work. Why is that? In Luke 17:11-17, we read of 10 outcast lepers who were healed by Jesus. Lepers were no small deal. They were considered permanently unclean, so they could not worship in the temple. They could not hang with their families and were cut off from society. Jesus curing them was no minor miracle.
Still, only one thanked him, and in no insignificant way. That leper fell at Jesus’ feet and loudly praised him for this miracle. Jesus questioned why the other nine just went on their merry way while only one stayed behind to show gratitude. Being thankful was important to Jesus.
Typically, I love thanking people and look for ways to do so. Still, I need to do a better job of thanking God. Take this morning, for example. I had countless reasons for which to be grateful: life itself; opportunities to pray; a phone call from one of our children; a car that started; great friends; inspirational, Christian Instagram posts; Kleenex (allergies); and short lines at the post office. The list was endless, but only now, while writing this, am I thanking God.
In the Bible, the word “thanks” or “Thanksgiving” appears over 100 times, and no season reminds me of the need to show gratitude more than Easter. Without the Resurrection, we would be hopeless. The Bible would be just another history book, and Christianity would be pointless. None of us would have a chance to spend eternity with Jesus.
The next time I’m frustrated because my internet is weak or my Pinterest macaroons look more like a blackened pizza crust, or I’m spending 15 minutes pushing the wrong buttons, trying to order an Egg McMuffin, I need to remember what’s truly important. Actually, I need to remember Who is the most important…and maybe fall at His feet when I do
Fort Scott Community College President Dr. Jason Kegler held another Community Conversation on March 27, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the college.
These public discourses are to allow the public to have some knowledge of the challenges facing the college.
He referred to a recent FSCC Trustees board meeting where it was announced that the college is in much better shape and no longer at risk of not making payroll through June 30th.
At a recent employee meeting, he used the analogy of “just bobbing with our heads above the water,” Kegler said.
There are still definite challenges, but they can see the surface better than they could in the past, he said.
The audience at the March 27 Community Conversation led by FSCC President Dr. Jason Kegler.
Nursing
A recent update was given to the Kansas Board of Nursing after FSCC voluntarily ceased admitting new nursing students.
Vickie Laderer, Sonia Gugnani, and Darcus Kottwitz requested to the Kansas Board of Nursing that FSCC begin readmitting students for the fall 2024 semester, and was approved.
“This means one of our long-standing programs is no longer on hiatus,” Kegler said. .He said this represents a huge positive direction from being on ‘life support’ and ‘in trouble’ in December.
Dr. Kegler pointed out that FSCC’s nursing program used to be better than Pitt State University, but FSCC has lost the overall standard of excellence. He said there are still pockets of excellence, but the college needs to get back to having excellence across the board.
An audience member asked if the nursing program would be in a new location. Dr. Kegler said they hope to have them back in the lower level of the Hedges administration building. He said if anyone wants to help paint, there will be some opportunity to help.
Anne Dare asked if students had said they wanted to come to nursing but have been put on hold. Dr. Kegler said he wasn’t aware that had happened. He said they are working on a plan to make sure it is communicated to students that they will be accepting nursing students again.
FSCC Is Here To Stay
Dr. Kegler said he doesn’t want the local community wondering if the college is going to be here in the future. “We are going to be here,” he said.
An audience member asked if current students needed to enroll in another college as a backup. The president said he has no reason to believe a student would need to have a backup enrollment. He pointed out that FSCC has gone through one of the toughest times and has done so without laying people off.
“We have a long way to go before we truly need to be concerned about whether our doors are going to be open for students the following semester,” he said.
Dr. Kegler suggested that if people didn’t get a chance to attend the last board meeting, they should go to the YouTube channel and watch the agricultural presentation that highlighted the programs associated with the agricultural department.
FSCC President Jason Kegler speaks to the audience at the Community Conversation on March 27.
Four-day School Week
The college is switching to a four-day school week because students are asking for it. Several high schools are also going to four-day school weeks, and students from those schools are very interested in the flexibility that type of schedule allows. The college will still be open on Fridays, but the majority of courses will be Monday through Thursday.
An audience member said that the 4-day week was important for students because it allows them to take on more work responsibilities to help pay for college.
Softball Question
An audience member asked if softball would still be running this fall and accepting scholarships. He said it should continue to be fully functional in the fall.
FSCC’s Image
Dr. Kegler asked what the community thinks of when they think of the image of FSCC.
Some of the things that were mentioned:
Affordability for large families
A good stepping stone to a 4-year degree.
FSCC used to represent a lot of community involvement
The building we are meeting in used to be a lawn, but it is providing a lot of value to the community now.
Audience members mentioned that they would be very interested in taking some adult education classes and suggestions were made to gather survey information to see what people were interested in.
Jerry Witt mentioned that the community doesn’t know the faculty like they used to and there might be opportunities to “sell the faculty” so the community knows more about them.
Rodeo Team Member in Top Third In the Nation
Dr. Kegler said FSCC has a bronc or bull rider in the top third of the nation. “He was recently injured but his time is good enough that he should qualify for the national finals,” he said.
Future Students and Community Involvement
Aggie Day had 1,250 potential students visiting the college, he said.
Dr. Kegler said that in August the school is hosting a move-in day and asked if the community would come in to help greet the students, hand out water, and make people welcome.
He asked what it would take to get the community involved in the college.
Someone asked about a public relations person to let the alumni know what is happening at the college. Dr. Kegler said there were some other priorities first but that it was a good idea.
Dr. Kegler said the college would need help mowing, cleaning the residence halls, and painting and suggested that people interested in helping should contact the college.
He asked alumni why they attended here. Some of the answers:
Because it was close.
Dual credit when they were in Fort Scott.
They were paying for their own college and it was a good investment.
Their dad made them come because they were going to quit after going to Pitt State.
There was some discussion about how the community could be more informed about what was happening at the college. An audience member suggested that the community could be more active in seeking information about the college. Dr. Kegler said it was a two-way street. The college should try to do a better job of putting information out there, and the community can do a better job of seeking out information about what is happening.
Dr. Kegler said Dick Hedges used to come to work at the college, then run home and put on overalls and go drink coffee with members of the community at the sale barn. Dr. Kegler said he doesn’t drink coffee, but that type of relationship is what the college needs to be building with the community.
He asked if people would like to continue these conversations after the one planned for April. One person suggested continuing and another suggested taking a break.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis today announced $1,809,677 in investments in renewable energy and efficiency projects to lower costs, generate new income and create jobs for Kansas farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses.
“USDA is committed to ensuring rural Kansas is benefitting from the clean energy economy,” Davis said. “These investments will expand access to renewable energy while creating good-paying jobs and saving Kansas communities and businesses money.”
The details of the Kansas projects are:
A $189,554 grant will help purchase and install 45.6 kW and 107.5 kW solar arrays for Concrete Service Co. Inc. in Barton and Ellis counties. This project will generate 225,623 kWh per year, enough to power 20 homes and save $19,628 per year.
A $39,532 grant will help purchase and install energy efficient improvements including new HVAC systems, resized ducting, heaters, and a waste oil heater for Niece Products of Kansas Inc in Fort Scott. The project is expected to save 1,943,100 cubic feet of natural gas, 1,160 gallons of diesel, and 85,293 kWh of electricity, the energy equivalent of powering 65 homes. The project is expected to save the company $41,037 per year in fuel, gas, and electricity costs.
A $62,027 grant will help purchase and install a 34 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Route 66 Hardware of Baxter Springs. The project is expected to generate 45,594 kWh per year, enough to power four homes and save the company $6,233 per year in electrical costs.
A $181,925 grant will help purchase and install three rooftop solar photovoltaic renewable energy systems, an 83 kW and two 17 kW systems, for American Bank at their Baxter Springs and Galena locations. The project is expected to replace 174,829 kWh per year, enough to power 16 homes and save the company $28,369 per year in electrical costs.
A $219,284 grant will help purchase and install two solar photovoltaic renewable energy systems, a 72.80 kW system and an 84.24 kW system, for US Assets Recovery LLC of Galena. The project is expected to generate 216,915 kWh per year, enough to power 20 homes. The project is expected to save the company $35,220 per year in electrical costs.
A $9,360 grant will help purchase and install a 6.24 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Brian Jordan’s commercial property management business in Galena. The project is expected to replace 8,395 kWh per year and save the company $1,352 per year in electrical costs.
A $16,380 grant will help purchase and install a 10.92 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Liberty Hall LLC of Galena. The project is expected to replace 17,009 kWh per year and save the company $2,450 per year in electrical costs.
A $20,659 grant will help purchase and install a 14.08 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Clark Repair of Baldwin City. The project is expected to replace 20,697 kWh per year, enough to power two homes and save the company $2,621 per year in electrical costs.
A $51,250 grant will help purchase and install a 41 kW solar array for Hi-Plain Farm Equipment Inc. of Dodge City. This project will generate 55,068 kWh per year, enough to power five homes and save $3,870 per year.
A $156,183 grant will help purchase and install a 137.16 kW solar array for Blake Koehn, an ag producer in Grant County. This project will produce 250,279 kWh per year, enough electricity to power 23 homes.
A $21,734 grant will help purchase and install a 15.96 kW solar array for Rick’s Auto Repair LLC in Gray County. This project will generate 27,415 kWh per year, enough electricity to power two homes.
A $22,028 grant will help purchase and install a 114.72 kW solar array for Country Feeds Co. in Gray County. This project will produce 184,860 kWh per year, enough electricity to power 17 homes.
A $70,565 grant will help purchase and install a 60.48 kW solar array for Nichols Ironworks LLC in Haskell County. This project will produce 89,498 kWh per year, enough electricity to power eight homes.
A $46,966 grant will help purchase and install three solar photovoltaic renewable energy system rated at 6.32 kW, 10.66 kW, and 15.40 kW for RVH Properties LLC of Dennis. The project is expected to replace 71,585 kWh per year, enough to power seven homes and save the company $5,599 per year in electrical costs.
A $60,494 grant will help purchase and install a 34.1 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Summit Center LLC of Emporia. The project is expected to replace 54,287 kWh per year, enough to power five homes and save the company $7,744 per year in electrical costs.
A $68,957 grant will help purchase and install a 59.2 kW solar array for Rusty Feather LLC of Canton. The project is estimated to replace 74,896 kWh per year, enough energy to power seven homes.
A $12,187 grant will help purchase and install a 7.5 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Ports Farms LLC of Chanute. The project is expected to replace 10,030 kWh per year, enough to power one home. The project is expected to save the company $1,522 per year in electrical costs.
A $106,850 grant will help purchase and install an 81 kW and 40 kW solar arrays for Fusion Bank of Pratt and Larned. The project is estimated to replace 180,047 kWh per year, enough energy to power 16 homes.
A $110,625 grant help purchase and install an 80 kW and 31 kW solar arrays for Mix-America Redi-Mix Inc. of Hutchinson and Lyons. The project is estimated to replace 65,060 kWh per year, enough energy to power six homes.
A $61,745 grant will help purchase and install a 40 kW solar array for Hutchinson Transportation Company Inc. of Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 65,060 kWh per year, enough energy to power six homes.
A $56,540 grant will help purchase and install a 47 kW solar array for Custer County Concrete Inc. of Great Bend. The project is estimated to replace 54,199 kWh per year, enough energy to power five homes.
A $67,717 grant will help purchase and install a 75 kW solar array for Doug Bradley Trucking Inc. of Salina. The project is estimated to replace 97,201 kWh per year, enough energy to power nine homes.
A $78,250 grant will help purchase and install a 25 kW wind turbine for St. Francis Feed Yard LLC in Sherman County. This project will generate 123,965 kWh per year, enough electricity to power 11 homes and save $8,895 per year.
A $34,750 grant will help purchase and install a 21.4 kW solar array for Ricky Totten, an agricultural producer in Oxford. The project is estimated to replace 29,494 kWh per year, enough energy to power two homes.
Would you like to make an impact in your community while broadening your skill set, connecting with people, working close to home, and receiving good pay & great benefits?
As Uniontown City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk you can do all this and more! This is a 40 hours per week position with above average wage and benefits, including:
Paid Time Off: 10 Holidays, 1-4 weeks Vacation, 12 days Sick Leave, & More
Retirement Plan: participate in KPERS (Kansas Public Employees Retirement System)
Health & Life Insurance available
Wage Scale: minimum $15.00, may be more depending upon experience
Personal Requirements:
You must be a Motivated, Self-Starter
High Attention to Detail
Basic Computer, Accounting, and Secretarial Skills
Ability to Maintain Confidentiality and Discretion
Live Within 10 Miles of Uniontown
Valid Driver’s License & Pass Pre-Employment Drug Screen
The Clerk position entails performing all duties as defined by Kansas State Statute and City Ordinances: receive and disperse monetary funds and maintain financial records; complete various administrative reports; grant applications & administration; prepare, mail and apply payments of monthly customer utility billing; assist residents via phone or walk-in; attend and record minutes of all city council meetings, write monthly community newsletter; other duties as required (a more detailed job description and list of duties available upon application).
Apply in person at Uniontown City Hall, call 620-756-4742, or submit your resume via email to [email protected] . Applications accepted until position filled.
Key Apparel is seeking a motivated person to join our Embellishment Team as a Print Coordinator. This position will work primarily with screen printing and heat transfer processes with an opportunity to learn embroidery. As part of the Embellishment Team, you are responsible for embellishing uniforms, hats, outerwear, and other accessories.
A Print Coordinator should have an eye for detail, be comfortable on their feet and moving product, be able to navigate graphic design software, and be able to create expertly designed prints that fully meet the customer’s expectations. You should have the ability to work efficiently while staying on top of multiple projects. Prior experience is not required, but a willingness and excitement to learn is!
Compensation/Benefits:
Key offers competitive compensation including a highly competitive benefits package.
Please submit your resume to: [email protected], or stop by and pick up an application at our offices located in the Industrial Park at 400 Marble Rd in Ft Scott.
The Bourbon County Coalition will have a regular April meeting on Wednesday, April 3, at 1:00 p.m., in the Conference Room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott.
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
April 3, 2024
Welcome: 2024 family swim pass applications to the Aquatic Center are available at Buck Run and The Beacon.
Member Introductions and Announcements:
Program: Operations Manager with the new mental health facility.
May program: Amanda Classen, K-State Research Community Vitality Agent
June program: Tara Solomon Smith, QPR Suicide Prevention
Open Forum:
Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be May 1, 2024.
The Starlite Family and Consumer Education Unit held its March meeting at the Presbyterian Village Meeting Room. Before the meeting the members stuffed two hundred plastic Easter eggs for the Tri-Valley clients.
President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order. Vice President Joyce Allen led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Ten members and one guest were in attendance. They reported that they had volunteered for thirty-eight hours and had recycled one hundred and ninety-five pounds.
Terri Williams read a Thank you note from Preferred Home Living and also presented the Treasurer’s report in Doris’s absence. Karen Peery presented the Council report. She announced that the FCE Recognition Day will be May 2nd at the Neosho Vallely Event Center in Erie, and that the Spring Tea will be held April 11th at First Southern Baptist Church in Fort Scott. Bourbon County is providing salads and has been requested to bring the recipes also. Karen also reported that Deb Lust had been named the Heart of FCE recipient for the SE Kansas. The Council had awarded a $200 scholarship to Mackenzie Robertson. Karen also reminded us that the State FCE meeting will be October 7-9 in Chanute and that she is looking for footed glasses for the table decorations.
Glenda Miller presented the Citizenship spotlight. She highlighted Vietnam War commemoration day which is March 29th.
Old Business consisted of Discussion about the Operation Christmas Child, Karen Peery announced that she will obtain the boxes for us and Glenda announced that she had copies of suggested items for the boxes if anyone needed one.
Betty Johnson moved that the meeting be adjourned, LeAnna Taylor seconded the motion, motion carrier. After the meeting Terri Williams present the program on “Make Active Habits Stick.” Glenda Miller and Terri Williams provide refreshments of Irish brownies, pretzel shamrocks, mints, candy Easter eggs, nuts and water for the club.
TOPEKA – On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America. The Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Highway Patrol advise travelers to plan ahead as traffic is expected to increase.
“Remember that the shoulders of highways and interstates are for emergencies only,” said KHP Capt. Candice Breshears. “Finding a safe and secure location to view the eclipse is a must for all travelers to make it to their destinations safely.”
Travelers should be patient, avoid distractions and practice safe driving habits.
“Pay attention to the roadway, not the sky,” said KDOT Director of Safety Troy Whitworth. “Be on the lookout for other drivers who may be distracted. Traffic will most likely be heavy before, during and after the event in the locations where the eclipse can be viewed. So, plan your travel accordingly.”
Kansas is not in the direct viewing area of the total solar eclipse. It will begin in Mexico and enter the U.S. in Texas, and parts of 14 additional states will experience the total solar eclipse as it travels northeast across the country. Then it will enter Canada.
According to the National Weather Service, a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon’s elliptical orbit is towards its minimum distance from Earth, making the moon appear larger than the sun. This allows the moon to completely obscure the sun, and a shadow is cast on the Earth’s surface.
Use specialized eye protection to view the sun during this time. Check the weather and plan accordingly – make sure to dress properly and be prepared for potential weather incidents when driving long distances. For information on Kansas road conditions, go to www.kandrive.gov or call 5-1-1.
TOPEKA – (March 27, 2024) – Six grant programs serving victims of crime across Kansas are open for application, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced today.
More than $2.5 million in grant funds were awarded last year from six state programs through the Office of the Attorney General. Funds are used to assist local and state crime victim assistance organizations across Kansas in providing direct services to crime victims, as well as in developing prevention programs to address violence.
Grant opportunities are open in the following programs:
Child Exchange and Visitation Center Program (CEVC) – This fund seeks to provide supervised child exchange and visitation to children and families at risk due to circumstances relating to domestic or family violence.
Human Trafficking Victim Assistance Fund (HTVAF) – This fund was established by the Legislature in 2013 (K.S.A. 75-758) to provide training regarding human trafficking for law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas, and to support the care, treatment and other services for victims of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of a child.
Child Abuse and Neglect (CVAF-CA) – This fund seeks to provide for ongoing operating expenses of programs assisting child victims.
Crime Victims Assistance Fund (CVAF) – This fund seeks to provide for ongoing operating expenses of programs assisting crime victims and establishing and maintaining new programs providing services to the victims of crimes.
State Protection from Abuse Fund (PFA) – This fund seeks to provide temporary emergency shelter for adult victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and their dependent children, counseling and assistance to those victims and their children, or educational services directed at reducing the incidence of domestic violence or sexual assault and diminishing its impact on victims.
Child Advocacy Center Fund (CAC): This fund seeks to provide for ongoing operating expenses of Child Advocacy Centers.
More detailed information on the application process for each of the grant programs can be found at www.ag.ks.gov/grants. Applications will be accepted through the Grant Management System located on the website. All applications are due on May 3, 2024.
Awards will be made this summer. These grant programs are administered by the attorney general’s Victim Services Division and the Victim Rights Coordinator.
Sending on behalf of Chamber Member Advance Bourbon County…
WLW Returns!
Saturday, April 13th, World League Wrestling returns to Ft. Scott, KS at the historic Memorial Hall! This event for the public! This free event still requires a ticket and you can pick up free ticket/s at locations listed below.
Thanks to the awesome people at Advance Bourbon County / The Hall Events for their work in making this event happen and thanks to the businesses for their sponsoring April 13th’s event –
Findley Auto & Body LLC
Sleep Inn & Suites
No Limits Rehabilitation
5 Corners Mini Mart
Lyons Realty Group
Peerless Products
Bourbon County Cars
Kale Nelson State Farm
Brumback Motorsports
Pearson Towing
Fort Scott American Legion Post 25
H2 Painting LLC
H2 Logistics
Aunt Toadies
Linn’s Sanitation Services
Ron Hurd Construction
Jeff Allen Electric
City of Fort Scott
Again – we want to send out a HUGE THANK YOU for all the businesses above and Advance Bourbon County for getting this event free for the public to attend!
It’s time to fill up Memorial Hall and have a great night of pro-wrestling!
