I drove to K.C. to meet with Carol, my 89-year-old friend, who loves, loves, loves Jesus. It had been a couple of years since we had met face-to-face, so she warned me that most of her teeth were missing, but until her dentures are made, this was “as good as it gets.” I told her that we weren’t competing in a corn-on-the-cob eating contest. We were just catching up. That was good enough for her.
Every time we visit, I learn how to be a better person. Carol never blames God. Not when her husband died. Not when her daughter-in-law had cancer. Not when Carol became incapacitated and could not leave her home. She radiates joy. We spent much of our time talking about God and what He is doing in our lives…if we are living as He would choose.
Her granddaughter, recently returning from her third three-year missionary stint in Poland, shared this with Carol: “You can never be lost when you are in the center of God’s will.” Carol stays there.
I wander.
My friend has children and grandchildren who call/visit her several times a week. They adore her. When I questioned what her secret is, this is what she said: “I ask myself, when I speak to them, are my words helpful? Needed? Timely? Wise? And most of all, does this person care what I think?”
Advice I need to heed.
This past week, I met with “Lauren” who visited from another state. Lauren has a faith like no other. When we were setting up a time and place to meet, I suggested we have lunch. I was not surprised with her response: “Let’s just fill ourselves up on the word of God.”
(Say what? I mean, can’t we do both?)
With little time, chomping on a sandwich wasn’t nearly as appealing to my friend as it was to me. I always leave Lauren knowing that I have been in the presence of someone anointed by the Holy Spirit. Her stories of miracles inspire me, and her ability to read Scripture and find wisdom in God’s words leaves me speechless.
Then, this past week, I met with Karen. Karen blames God. Actually, she has found so much fault with Him, she no longer believes in Him. No one could be as cruel, as uncaring, as He, according to my misguided friend. Karen is not alone.
There are many who choose to find fault in the One who could make a difference…but doesn’t. When temporary setbacks cause them to question how life is not turning out the way they want. When they pray for something they don’t receive. When life just stinks. In all of the above, they refuse to look in a mirror and accept responsibility for their part in creating the stench.
Most of the time, God-talk inspires me to be a better Christian. But sometimes it reminds me of my need to pray that I can be the same person of influence for people like Karen as Carol and Lauren are for me.
A SPECIAL MEETING WILL BE HELD FRIDAY, JULY 29TH IN THE COURTHOUSE FOYER BEGINNING AT 1 PM.
Call to Order
Flag Salute
Executive Session – 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.
“We want to invite any kids from 4 years old through 5th grade to join us at Fort Scott Nazarene, 1728 Horton St., for an action packed week where kids will discover the greatness of God’s love through music, stories and activities,” said FSN Family Pastor Nick Sprague. “Our VBS will take place next week from August 1st through the 4th for our Vacation Bible School in the evenings from 6 to 8:30 pm.”
“To join us is simple! You can register through our website www.fortscottnazarene.org/forms or you can show up at the church early and get registered on the spot! Our doors will open each night at 5:30 pm! Come join us because it is going to be MONUMENTAL!”
This is part of a series featuring new educators in Fort Scott.
There are 26 new educators in USD 234 this year.
Sarah Hendricks and Anna Kim are two new teachers at Eugene Ware Elementary School.
Sarah Hendricks. Submitted photo.
Sarah Hendricks, 22, is a new fourth grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School in Fort Scott.
She received a Bachelors in Science for Elementary Education at Kansas State University and taught second grade last year at Pleasanton.
She is from Olathe.
Her husband is Caleb Hendricks, who is the head football coach for Pleasanton.
Hendricks interests outside of school are traveling, “going on runs with my dog and watching my husband coach football,” she said.
Since a small child, she knew she wanted to be a teacher.
“It was something I knew that I always wanted to do, so it is a dream come true to be able to do this job,” she said.
“I had great teachers growing up so I always wanted to be like them,” she said.” I learned from them, but I also knew I was loved and cared for at school, I want to do the same for my students.”
For Hendricks, the best part of teaching is getting to know all of the kids and making connections with them.
“I strive to be someone who students look up to and go to whenever they may be having a difficult time whether it’s in academics or not,” she said.
“The biggest challenge in teaching for me, is knowing that I can’t fix everything in my students’ lives,” she said. “It’s hard not to bring work home.”
Anna Kim. Submitted photo.
Anna Kim, 35, is a new fifth grade teacher at Eugene Ware.
Kim is a hometown girl, that has landed back in Fort Scott.
She went to school in Fort Scott from kindergarten through high school then earned a B.A. in Cross-Cultural Ministries from Manhattan Christian College (2009) and M.A. in Teaching from Kansas State University (2022).
“I have been teaching in different ways for twelve years, primarily in China,” she said. “I coordinated a volunteer English teaching program for Chinese migrant students, taught third grade at an international school, and English as a Second Language at a Chinese elementary school. I have also taught online and been a substitute teacher.”
“My husband, Jong Kim, is running a restaurant in the Philippines, but will join us in Fort Scott soon,” she said. They have two kids, Naomi (6) and Josiah (3).
My parents, Curt and Kelly Toll, have taught and coached in Fort Scott in the past. My twin brother lives in Colorado with his wife and daughter.
Her involvement with the community centers around spending time with family. “I also attend and teach Sunday School at Community Christian Church,” she said.
How did you become a teacher?
“For my first official teaching job, the school my husband worked for in China called me in and said, ‘We need a third grade teacher!’ I said, ‘Absolutely not! Not me!’. They said, ‘You’re hired.’The first year was very challenging, but I slowly adjusted and realized I really enjoyed teaching children.
Is there someone who inspired you?
“My mom has been a teacher my whole life. She has always made learning fun and made kids feel special. She is definitely a model of the teacher I want to be.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“One of the best parts of being a teacher is seeing students grasp something that was challenging. Building pride and confidence in students is priceless. Another fun aspect is that every day is different. Kids are hilarious and unpredictable.”
What are the challenges?
“Students today face hardships at home, with friends, and on social media like never before. Teachers are not only responsible for the academic success of students, but also for their overall well-being. It is a huge responsibility.”
Submitted by: Lindsay Madison, Executive Director,[email protected] FORT SCOTT–The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited toannounce an opportunity for shoppers tosave moneyAugust5ththrough the7th. Select retailerswill be offering a Sales Tax Holiday byvolunteering to pay the sales tax forshoppers.Enjoy a 9.4% discountat these participating merchants:Angie Dawn’s Boutique,Bids & Dibs,Hedgehog.INK, Museum of Creativity Gift Shop,PapaDon’sPizza,Ruddick’s Furniture& Flooring (up to$500 ofsales/$50 of Sales Tax)Shirt ShackandSunshine Boutique.These stores offer a variety of merchandise including apparel, homefurnishings anddécor–both new and repurposed, school supplies and much more.There is noneed to cross the border during this No Sales Tax Holiday Weekend. Save money, shop local, shop Fort Scott. This shop local promotion is organized by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. Please contact (620) 223–3566 with questions.
Edward Rice McDaniel, age 88, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at his home. He was born March 3, 1934, the son of Frank and Alta Richards McDaniel. Ed served in the United States Navy for 4 years. He married Barbara Russell on June 3, 1956, in Hunt City, IL. She preceded him in death on November 30, 2017.
For several years, Ed farmed with Barbara in Illinois. They later would begin truck driving together for the next 25 years. Following driving for commercial companies, Ed turned to teaching truck driving at Fort Scott Community College for the next 15 years until retirement. He enjoyed cattle, horses, and vegetable gardening.
Survivors include a daughter, Cindy Remlinger, Ft. Scott; a sister, Anna Belle Lambird, Newton, IL; 7 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Gretchen McDaniel; a son, Edward McDaniel; 2 brothers, Robert, and Jerry McDaniel; and a sister, Geneva Matar.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 pm Friday July 29th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Cremation will take place following with burial later in the Brockville Cemetery, Newton, Illinois.
Memorials are suggested to Elks Lodge #579 for Christmas Baskets and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at cheneywitt.com.
Dave Gillen and Patty Mowen are the co-directors of The Beacon Food Pantry of Bourbon County. Submitted photo.
The Beacon Food Pantry of Bourbon County is seeing an increase in need.
“We have seen a uptick in new families this summer,” Dave Gillen, director of the pantry said. “New families have been the larger families. I believe with the increase in prices of everything their money does not go as far. “
The pantry is running low on a few things and are paying more for things they must purchase for food baskets.
THE BEACON IS IN NEED OF A FEW ITEMS:
Specifically, the Beacon is in need of boxed marcaroni and cheese, Ramen noodles, boxed cereal and spaghetti noodles.
The Beacon is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It is closed Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
The phone number is (620) 223-6869.
It is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott.
The Beacon is a not-for-profit organization, a food pantry serving Bourbon County, Kansas, that also provides financial assistance.
Updating Kansans on Recently Launched 9-8-8 Mental Health Crisis Hotline
This week, while visiting mental health care centers in western Kansas, I provided an update on the 9-8-8 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that went live earlier this month. The lifeline is a nationwide network of crisis centers linked through a 24/7 toll-free number that connects callers in crisis to immediate intervention services and care with trained counselors. In 2019, I introduced the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act to establish 9-8-8 as the new hotline.
I also want to recognize the dedication of members of the Kansas legislature who worked tirelessly to implement this legislation on the state level, making certain Kansans have access to this critical service. As with the implementation of any new law, there are sure to be challenges and changes that need to be made. I will work with my colleagues to make certain this hotline is being implemented according to statute and address any changes needed to best serve the American people.
Promoting Kansas as the Air Capital of the World
This past weekend, I led a delegation of Kansans, along with the Greater Wichita Partnership, to the Farnborough International Airshow. This was the largest delegation of Kansans ever to attend. The Farnborough International Airshow is one of the world’s largest aerospace events, hosting leading innovators from the aerospace, aviation and defense industries and showcasing the talent and innovation of key industry leaders and stakeholders from across the globe. As an Appropriator and a member of the Commerce Committee, I am a lead advocate for the defense, aviation and aerospace realm. The goal of our significant presence at the airshow is to bring new business, partnerships and opportunities to our state.
For nearly 100 years, Kansans have promoted and embodied a culture of innovation in aerospace, which not only improves the lives of Kansans but reverberates across the aerospace industry as a whole. Wichita is home to more than 450 world-class suppliers and is the number one manufacturing city in the nation, solidifying its roles as the cornerstone to forging the future of aerospace. Years ago, we recognized that if Wichita was going to remain the ‘Air Capital of the World,’ we needed to expand and grow our current businesses. Hearing firsthand the strengths and talent that we can offer is extremely beneficial to garnering more partnerships with our already top-tier companies. Opportunities like the Farnborough Airshow allow us to showcase our talented workforce, innovation and growth that Kansas brings to the aerospace industry.
Calling on President Biden to Change His Energy Policy
On Wednesday, I was on the Senate floor to call on President Biden to prioritize American energy and decrease dependence on foreign powers for oil production. This follows the President’s recent travels to Saudi Arabia to discuss the country’s oil and energy production.
Kansas is an energy producing state and could play a key role in increasing domestic energy production for our country. Through this, we could increase supply and cut costs at the pump. But instead, President Biden chooses Saudi Arabia for assistance. The United States has the resources, the expertise and the domestic demand to be an energy independent nation, and Kansas has the opportunity to be a participant in that.
A far more enduring and stable solution for affordable energy prices to fill our vehicles, to power our homes or to operate our farms is for the President to support an all-of-the-above domestic energy strategy.
Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hearing
On Wednesday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing regarding ongoing issues with the Electronic Health Record Modernization program, which faces substantial delays and cost overruns. Given the actual cost estimate of this project, we must determine what is needed to make the system function safely and effectively, as well as questioning the VA on why solutions are not being implemented. The Office of the Inspector General has issued 14 reports, including two new reports last week, sounding alarms about many aspects of this program. The VA already considers the system unsafe to roll out in a large, complex medical center, and the path to making it safe is still unclear. A frank discussion about the reality of this situation, and how to fix it, is required. Our veterans and employees of the VA deserve better than what they have received to date.
USITC Rules to Suspend Duties on Select Nitrogen Fertilizer Imports This week, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) voted to not impose antidumping and countervailing duties on urea ammonium nitrate fertilizer from Trinidad and Tobago. Eliminating these duties on fertilizer imports provides the most immediate opportunity for a near-term, partial remedy to the high cost of fertilizer U.S. farmers are facing. Over the past few months, I, along with Congressman Tracey Mann, have sent multiple letters urging the ITC, the Biden administration, and Commerce Secretary Raimondo to provide relief for farmers by not enacting new duties on nitrate fertilizer. While I applaud the ITC determination, I also continue to urge the Biden administration to eliminate duties on phosphate fertilizer products from Morocco and reverse anti-energy policies that are driving up the cost of natural gas, which in turn, affect the price of fertilizer.
Questioning FDA Commissioner Califf During Ag Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing On Wednesday, the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee held a hearing on food safety and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). During this hearing, I questioned FDA Commissioner Robert Califf on the status and timeline of returning FDA staff to in-person work. After two and a half years, the country has returned to normal following the COVID-19 pandemic, and Kansans expect their government to do the same. I also worry that remote work is causing issues to fall through the cracks at the FDA. In addition, I conveyed my concern about the fact that it currently takes three to five years for new food ingredients to be approved by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. In FY2022, I worked to secure additional funding to improve this process, and I look forward to the FDA taking steps to improve the timeliness of reviewing and approving animal feed ingredients.
Meeting with Kansans in Washington, D.C. Flinchbaugh Kansas Food and Ag Policy Fellowship This week, I had the opportunity to meet with Kansas students who are serving as interns in Washington D.C. as part of the Flinchbaugh Kansas Food and Ag Policy Fellowship Program. This program was established in honor of the late Professor Barry Flinchbaugh, an educator and agricultural policy titan who was well-known in Kansas and across the country. Through the program, Kansas students have the opportunity to gain valuable experience at the state and federal levels in food and agricultural public policy. But Professor Flinchbaugh was more than a policy expert; he was also a personal friend to me – and a mentor and friend to many young Kansans who he met during his time at Kansas State University, where he taught for nearly a half-century. His students benefitted greatly from his wisdom and empathy, and I am touched to see his legacy live on through this fellowship program. Special thank you to J.W. Wells, who is participating in this program through my office, as well as Parker Vulgamore, who is participating through Senator Roger Marshall’s office. I look forward to continuing to see the benefits of this program for our future Kansas leaders.
Leadership Sorghum Class V
On Tuesday, I met with Kansans who are part of the Leadership Sorghum Class during their visit to my Washington, D.C. office to discuss the current issues they see impacting this industry. I enjoyed meeting with these Kansans from all across our state and hearing their insights on current challenges facing the sorghum industry. During this meeting, we discussed the importance of crop insurance, as well as the challenges posed for our farmers by high input costs and rising interest rates. I appreciate the insight these members shared with me during our meeting, and I look forward to continue representing the interests of our Kansas sorghum farmers and advancing our shared priorities on the federal level.
Fort Hays State University Faculty & STEM Teachers
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of visiting with faculty and STEM teachers from Fort Hays State University during their visit to my D.C. office for a Capitol tour. It was great to meet with those who are so instrumental in shaping our next generation and who are encouraging young Kansans to pursue careers in the important fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Thank you to Dr. Janet Stramel, Paul Adams, Bill Weber, Earl Legleiter, Karisma Vignery, Nicole Voss, Emma Reif, Keagan Shubert and Nathan Stark for taking the time to visit with me and for the tireless work they do to prepare young Kansans for rewarding futures in STEM.
Kansas Young Republicans
Earlier this week, I met with members of the Kansas Young Republicans during their visit to Washington, D.C. Thank you to these young people for stopping by and providing an update on their organization’s mission to get young people involved in politics and to cultivate the next generation of Kansas leaders. As someone who first interned in Washington, D.C. in order to gain valuable experience in public service, I am always glad to speak with future young Kansas leaders who are seeking to benefit our state and nation through public service.
Visiting Mental Health Care Centers in Western Kansas KVC Hospital
On Friday, during a visit to western Kansas, I toured the site of the new KVC Hospital that is expected to open in January 2023. The hospital will provide youth in-patient psychiatric services and treatment programs for children ages 6 to 18 who are struggling with depression, anxiety or other mental health needs. Through this new hospital, young people in western Kansas will have greater access to medical and behavioral health services, benefitting an additional 600 children and teens. Thank you to President Bobby Eklofe and Clinical Director Sarah Berens for hosting me during my tour and to all the staff at the KVC Hospital, a non-profit organization, for investing in our rural Kansas communities and providing much-needed services to young Kansans.
High Plains Mental Health
Also during my time in Hays, I met with Walt Hill and Kaley Conner of High Plains Mental Health to discuss the important work they are doing in the western Kansas region to provide access to mental health services for Kansans in the surrounding communities. In July, High Plains Mental Health was among the first six community mental health centers to achieve Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) status in Kansas.
The vital work they are doing is crucial in making certain that all Kansans have access to mental health care. I congratulate High Plains Mental Health on achieving CCBHC status, and I look forward to continuing to work with them in the future to increase access to mental health care for Kansans.
Visiting Hoisington
This week, I also had the chance to visit Hoisington to meet with Kansans and stop at several local businesses and organizations in town, including Cardinal Pharmacy, the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce, Ehler Chevrolet (formerly Manwiler Chevrolet), the Municipal Building, First Kansas Bank, Caleb Schultz Insurance Agency and Clara Barton Hospital. While in Hoisington, I was pleased to see Marla and Gene Mooney, owners of the Cardinal Pharmacy, along with their daughter Mallory, who is working at the pharmacy for the summer, as well as pharmacy employees Victoria Childs and Megan Thompson. It’s always great to see familiar faces during my visits across Kansas.
Attending the Clay County Fair
On Saturday, I attended the Clay County Fair in Clay Center where I visited with Kansans about their current views on what is happening across our country and here in our state. It was great to see old friends and meet new ones during my time at the fair. While there, I had the pleasure of visiting with Russ and Paige Taddiken of Taddiken Land & Cattle.
Now Accepting 2022 Service Academy Applications
As students are preparing for the upcoming school year, I want to remind them of the opportunity to apply to a United States Service Academy. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, September 2, 2022. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board, which will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C. office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
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