8/13 ~ Care to Share Bike Run, Registration will be from 8:30-10:30am at 5 Corners, click here for more info.
8/13 ~ Bourbon County Carpool Tour – National Cemetery, Guided Carpool Tour in your own personal vehicle, click here for more info.
8/17 ~ FSCC Business Expo, 8:30am-11:30am, see flyer below ~ businesses are requested to register for a booth to welcome students & promote your business!
8/18 ~ Bread Basics Class, Southwind Extension District, 6pm, click here for more info.
8/20 ~ Splashpad Golf Tournament, 8am, click here for more info.
8/20 ~ Dragoon Charge for Wreaths Across America, click here for info.
SAVE THE DATE:
8/31 ~ Bourbon County Job Fair, hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and Southeast KANSASWORKS, INC., 10am-2pm, Employers can click here to register a booth.
9/9-9/10 ~ Fall Town-wide Garage Sale
9/17-9/18 ~ Marmaton Massacre Mountain Bike Festival in Gunn Park
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.