The Truth About Lying by Patty LaRoche
The story is told of a little girl who developed the bad habit of lying. On her birthday, she received a Saint Bernard puppy but told all of her friends she’d been given a lion. When her mother heard this story, she was not happy. “I told you not to lie. Honesty is very important. Now go upstairs and tell God you’re sorry. Promise Him you’ll never lie again.”
The little girl slowly climbed the stairs to her room, said her prayers, and then came back down to play. Her mother was waiting. “Well, did you tell God you’re sorry?” she asked. “Yes, I did,” her daughter quickly responded. “And God said that sometimes He thinks it’s hard to tell a Saint Bernard from a lion, too.”
If there is any sin more prevalent than the lie, I’m not sure what it is. The book The Day America Told the Truth reports that 91 percent of those surveyed lie routinely about matters they consider trivial, and 36 percent lie about important matters; 86 percent lie regularly to parents, 75 percent to friends, 73 percent to siblings, and 69 percent to spouses.
As surprising as those numbers are, who of us hasn’t been guilty? We download illegal songs. Cheat on our tax returns. Embellish our accomplishments. Permanently “borrow” the stapler from the office. Tell our friends we will “pray for them” but don’t. And then… we justify. Not the way to make God happy. After all, He watched the downfall of man begin with lies.
Think about it. Satan introduces himself to mankind by lying about God to Eve– “You shall not die.” In other words, “God fibbed when He warned you of the consequence of eating from the tree of life.” Eve and Adam learn quickly that God means business, as they are banished from the Garden of Eden one itty bitty bite later.
In the book of Job, Satan lies to God. “The only reason Job obeys you is because you’re so good to him.” At Jesus’ crucifixion, the same liar convinces the masses to support the Romans and religious zealots who have sabotaged Jesus’ ministry. In the book of Revelation, Satan embodies the antichrist who tells a lie so believable it brings about the end of the world.
As one author put it, in Genesis he uses a lie to corrupt a godly man. In Job, he uses a lie to criticize a good man. In the New Testament, he uses a lie to crucify the God Man. It’s no wonder John 4:4 warns us: When men are deliberate liars, they prove their kinship to the devil, for Jesus said: “The devil … he is a liar, and the father of it.”
I know someone who lies to make himself feel important and then gets angry when confronted. Repentance is not part of his vocabulary. In fact, typically more lies follow in the cover-up. I wish he could have the same outcome as the store manager who heard his rookie clerk tell a customer, “No, ma’am, we haven’t had any for a while, and it doesn’t look as if we’ll be getting any soon.” Horrified, the manager came running over to the customer and said, “Of course we’ll have some soon. We placed an order last week.” Then the manager drew the clerk aside. “Never,” he snarled, “Never, never, never say we’re out of anything- say we’ve got it on order and it’s coming. Now, what was it she wanted anyway?”
The clerk answered, “Rain!”
For many, deceit holds the key to money, fame, revenge or power. I’d rather hold the key to truth and integrity.
One will keep me in bondage. The other will set me free.
The FS City Commission Will Meet Dec. 12
The City Commission will have a special meeting to vote on a grant for Memorial Hall on
Monday, December 12th, 2022, at 5:15 PM at City Hall, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.
This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will also be made available via the City’s YouTube channel at City of Fort Scott.
Bourbon County Coalition Minutes of Dec. 7
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
December 7, 2022
- Welcome: Fifteen members representing ten agencies attended. Billie Jo informed the members that the Board had assisted 23 families involving 69 children with rent and utility assistance in 2022. The Board was also able to increase the family assistance monthly allotment for 2023.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Diann Gambill, Family Resource Advocate, introduced Donna Cunningham, the new Family Strong Response Advocate for Bourbon County. The organization is able to assist with any family crisis. For more information, Donna’s number is 620-238-0009. They will be announcing the location of the Bourbon County office in the near future.
- Sandy Haggard, RSVP, is seeking volunteers for two hour shifts to help with the Red Cross Blood Drive on December 20 and 21 at Buck Run. To volunteer, contact Sandy at 620-432-0422.
- Christine Abbott, SEKansasWorks, reminded members that she is in Fort Scott in the HBCAT office on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; she can work with youth to find work, GED programs or training. They can also help adults older than 18. She noted that at present the KansasWorks website lists 63,000 jobs available in our state with only 7,000 applications on file.
- Amy Hagan, Family Resource at CHC, specializes in helping mothers who are struggling; she is also car seat certified.
- Lindsay Waterman, Lindsey McNeil, and Lisa Robertson, CHC COPE, shared that they have helped 153 people since the inception of the grant; they go into homes and also work with the homeless. They maintain a presence in the HBCAT office.
- Lea Kay Karleskint, SNAP Educator through K-State, works with third grade and up. She announced two programs she has coming up: “Eating Smart and Saving Money” in January and February at the Methodist Church and “Walk With Ease” at BRCC, also in January and February. For further information, contact Lea Kay at [email protected] .
- Tammy Alcantor, Crawford County Health Department, continues her “Baby and Me Tobacco Free” program; she will meet with the mothers at their convenience.
- Michelle Stevenson, FSECPS, shared that she is at her maximum of thirty clients and has several babies enrolled for the program.
- Nick Johnson, FSPS USD234, has 102 students enrolled; the maximum number they can handle at the present location is 120. They are required to leave some vacancies as children with needs can age into the program during the year. They continue to conduct screenings the first Friday of each month.
- Patty Simpson, FSHA: All 190 apartments are occupied at present housing 360 individuals. She does continue to process applications for the waiting list. She is willing to include announcements from agencies in her monthly newsletter if there is a need.
- Allen Schellack , Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries was unable to attend; however, the Salvation Army could still use volunteer bell ringers.
- David Gillen, Beacon, was also unable to attend; however, members were reminded that the Beacon distribution will be on December 16 at Community Christian Church.
- Program: Ronda Hassig – Lowell Milken Center. Ronda’s main jobs at the Center are writing grants and giving tours. She shared how Fort Scott was fortunate to be the sight for the Lowell Milken Center and how it came about, several stories about unsung heroes, and how students can become involved in research projects. To date, over three million students have researched unsung heroes; many have won monetary awards for their efforts.
- Open Forum: Nothing further came before the group.
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be January 4 2023, at 1:00 p.m.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott Dec. 8 Newsletter
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Gordon Parks Museum receives Plaza-Hawkins bookcase
A bookcase from the historic Plaza–Hawkins School was donated recently to the Gordon
Parks Museum by Fort Scott resident John Dobbins, a longtime tutor at Fort Scott Community College.
Gordon Parks attended Plaza–Hawkins, the segregated school for grades kindergarten through eighth located
at what was formerly 111 Hendricks St., situated on the east side of what is now the Fort Scott National
Historic Site.
“This bookcase was part of the Plaza school in the 1920s when Gordon attended there,” Dobbins said in
making the donation to museum director Kirk Sharp. “My parents bought in in the 1950s when the school
closed and the furnishings were sold.”
In 1946, the school was renamed from the “Hawkins School” as a tribute to and in memory of professor E.J.
Hawkins, a longtime educator, administrator and coach at the institution.
The school, a large, two–story building with a full basement, was razed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as
part of the urban–renewal project under way at the time. A wayside memorial of the school is located in the Fort
Scott National Historic Site recreational–vehicle parking lot behind the Chamber of Commerce building.
The bookcase, along with other artifacts from the Plaza–Hawkins School, is on display at the Gordon Parks
Museum on the camps of FSCC.
For more information or to schedule museum visits and tours, call (620) 223–2700, ext. 5850, or email
[email protected].
Kansas Virtual Job Fair on Dec. 14
Governor Laura Kelly Encourages Job Seekers to Attend End-of-Year Statewide Virtual Job Fair
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly invites job seekers and employers to participate in the last Statewide Virtual Job Fair being offered in 2022. This virtual fair is hosted by KANSASWORKS and will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 14.
“Since 2109, we have attracted more than $14 billion in capital investment from the private sector and created more than 53,000 jobs,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This type of monumental growth requires a workforce to meet the needs of these businesses. I encourage any Kansan looking for a new opportunity to participate in the virtual job fair.”
Registration is required in order to participate in the event, regardless of previous participation. The Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features a Job Seeker Training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in.
“The Statewide Virtual Job Fairs have been very successful in helping Kansans find new career paths,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “With companies hiring throughout the state, there are jobs available for anyone that is looking and our KANSASWORKS centers are ready and willing to help.”
Workforce development teams provide assistance with the job search process, creating effective resumes, job training, job placement and more. Job seekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers might request to engage in a video interview on the spot.
Candidates can participate via any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
Click here to register for the December 14 Virtual Job Fair.
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Obituary of Fredrick Judy
Fredrick Eugene Judy, age 81, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at the Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He was born March 24, 1941, in Ft. Scott, the son of Fredrick Samuel Judy and Anna Georgia Downing Judy.
Fred married Christina M. Cook on December 30, 1972, at Ft. Scott. In earlier years, Fred had worked at Klein Tools in Moran, Kansas and later Labconco in Ft. Scott. He also owned and operated his own trash service. Fred later took a job with the USD #234 where he worked as a custodian and as a bus driver. He worked full time for the school district for over twenty-five years. At the time of his death, he was still driving the pre-school bus for the U-234 pre-school program where his young passengers affectionately referred to his as “Mr. Fred”.
Fred enjoyed helping others and serving his community. He had served for a time as a Bourbon County Commissioner. He enjoyed carpentry work and camping. Fred loved spending time and traveling with his family. He especially enjoyed taking trips to Branson.
Fred put his faith in the Lord and was an active member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Chris, of the home; six children, Debra Merritt (Wayne) of Warsaw, Missouri, Carol Judy of Franklin, Kansas, David Judy (Cindy) of Cherokee, Kansas, Donna Castellani (Robert) of Pittsburg, Kansas, Tim Judy of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Brian Judy (Amanda) of Carl Junction, Missouri; seventeen grandchildren, thirty-three great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. Also surviving is a daughter-in-law, Misty Judy of Warsaw, Missouri, and a sister, Edith Hixon of Ft. Scott.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, three sons, Samuel Judy, Tony Doan and Christopher Judy and two sisters, Thelma Bulla and Ruth Dunckhorst.
Pastor Larry Stevicks will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 14th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Mt. Orum Cemetery south of Redfield, Kansas.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Young Couple Produces/Sells Locally Produced Beef and Pork: Still Waters Farm
Still Waters Farm is a new business started by Ethan and Katie Holly, who have been involved in agriculture their entire lives.
The Holly’s began their a new business in 2020 when they started selling home raised chickens directly to friends.
“We value knowing where the meat we are eating comes from and how the animals have been taken care of from birth to finishing stages,” Katie said. “It is rewarding to us to feed our friends and family with meat that has been directly raised on our farm.”
“In the past two years we have grown more in the beef and pork side of selling farm raised meats,” Katie said. “Poultry processing fees continued to increase and we were looking to stay more local with our processing. We have processed chickens on our farm the past couple of years for customers, but offer a very limited supply, once a year, of chicken.”
In late 2020, the Holly’s started selling whole and half beef shares to some friends in the area.
In the Spring of 2021 they started offering individual beef cuts at The Fort Scott Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.
“It was a goal for 2022 to open a space where customers could shop our meats year round, not just during the Farmers Market Season,” she said. “We are grateful for all the help of family, friends, and our loyal customers who have supported our small farm business to help make this possible for us.”
“This past year we have raised pigs and offered a limited supply of pork weekly at the farmers market to customers in our mobile meat trailer,” she said. “Having the mobile meat trailer at the farmers market helped us keep the meats frozen and offered a space for customers to shop from the cuts of meat we offer.”
This month, the Holly’s added a farm store on their property to sell their beef and pork products.
“This October we started renovating a small farm shed into a store front to sell our beef and pork from… a small building located right on our family farm just west of Fort Scott at 2014 Locust Rd.,” she said. “Currently parking is limited at the farm store as we finish up a few ongoing projects on the farm.”
The building is a way to retain customers through the winter months and offer space for customers to shop their meats year round.
“Another service we offer is porch delivery weekly to the Fort Scott area, which is simple and hassle free,” she said. “Our order form link is listed on our Facebook page and orders can be placed online, invoices are sent to customers, reminder texts are sent for customers to simply leave a cooler by their door, then orders are delivered directly to customers. The porch delivery service has been a favorite by many of our customers. We plan to continue this service throughout the year.”
The Farm Store will be open on Saturday mornings 9 a.m. to noon.
If there are questions about the business, contact via email [email protected] or find Still Waters Farm on Facebook for more information.
“We are humbled by the support we have had from this community and excited for the plans we have for 2023,” she said.
The Family’s Background
The young couple grew up in agriculture and have a passion for helping the next generation understand where their food comes from and the hard work that goes into farming, according to Katie.
Ethan has a Bachelors Degree in Ag Business and works as a Fort Scott bank loan officer, and Katie has a Bachelors in Elementary Education, and cares for their children while managing the daily farm chores.
Their two young children help with the farm chores of feeding and caring for the animals they raise.
The family is involved in the local 4-H program, their local church, and a few other committees within the community.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Dec. 8
City of Uniontown Agenda For Dec. 13
The City of Uniontown Agenda For Dec. 13 at city hall at 7 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Public Hearing for city trash service –
Executive Session –
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ___________.
Uniontown Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of November 7, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
KDHE Wastewater and Water Systems inspection
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
KMGA Prepay Project –
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
School Pond Project –
Placemaking Project –
American Rescue Plan Act update–open bids for ADA restroom at City Hall
NEW BUSINESS
CMB License Renewal for 2023 – Union Station
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _______ to enter into executive session pursuant to confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(4), in order to discuss confidential financial information and include Sally Johnson, the open meeting to resume at _____________.
Attachments:
USDA Loans and Grants to Create and Expand Rural Businesses
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis today announced that the Department is investing $7,168,490 in loans and grants to help create new and better market opportunities and expand essential services for rural people, businesses and entrepreneurs in rural Kansas communities.
For example:
- A $6,971,000 loan will help refinance debt held by another lender for Triple Crown Jayhawk LLC of Gove County. Triple Crown Energy specializes in acquiring, developing and operating oil and gas properties in a variety of basins in the Continental US. One of Triple Crown’s subsidiaries, Triple Crown Jayhawk LLC, owns and operates producing wells in Ness, Gove and Hodgeman counties.
- A $178,607 grant will help provide technical assistance to rural grocery stores transitioning to mutually owned business models, including the cooperative model in rural communities. The Rural Grocery Initiative will work with Kansas State University and partners across Kansas to enhance and deliver cooperative development services. The primary objective is improving the economic condition of rural areas through cooperative development. This project will assist 30 businesses and save two jobs.
- An $18,883 grant will help provide technical assistance to West Central Missouri Community Action Agency to advance its START HERE revolving loan fund and Business Acceleration Network in Appleton City, Missouri. This project will help serve microentrepreneurs in West Central Missouri and Southeast Kansas. This project is expected to assist 20 small businesses.
Submitted by
Allen Pickert
Public Affairs Specialist
State office, Rural Development
United States Department of Agriculture
1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100
Topeka, KS 66604
Phone: 785-271-2700 Cell: 785-207-1171
“Together, America Prospers”
Stay Connected with USDA:
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.