While preparing breakfast the other morning, I placed the biscuits on the baking sheet. Then I started making the gravy while waiting for the oven temperature to preheat to 375. After several minutes, I glanced at the temp light and noticed the oven wasn’t even turned on. When stuff like that happens, it’s really annoying. A raw or half-baked biscuit isn’t fit to eat. I intended to turn on the oven, but I got sidetracked. When I discovered my error, I quickly fixed it ‘cause you can’t eat gravy without a biscuit!
Anything that’s halfway finished or halfheartedly performed is either a huge disappointment or just flat worthless. For example, what cowboy wants to eat bloody jerky? What person in his right mind would eat half-baked chicken? I thought about the way some Christians live with a halfhearted commitment to God. If I was annoyed over the biscuits, just think how annoyed God is when His children are half-baked.
Christ delivers a severe warning to all believers in the last book of the New Testament: “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” (Revelation 3:15,16 NLT). The term “hot” represents those who genuinely love and obey God with all their heart and are on fire for His Kingdom. The term “cold” indicates unbelievers who admit they’re lost. “Lukewarm” represents Christians who have no real commitment, obedience, or power, and are satisfied with their half-baked lifestyle.
In the Old Testament, we find that Caleb wholly followed the Lord. While some who believed in God were content to simply follow, Caleb went full throttle after God. “But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it” (Numbers 14:24 NKJV). Those who wholeheartedly obey God and seek His presence will always enjoy His blessing upon their lives.
In 1 Samuel Chapter 15, the Prophet Samuel gave King Saul a message from the Lord. He was to completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation (all the men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys), including King Agag. Long story short, King Saul spared Agag’s life and kept the best of the animals and anything else that appealed to him. Sadly, King Saul did not wholly follow the Lord, and God rejected him because halfhearted (partial) obedience is not obedience at all.
When you search your heart and find you’re between hot and cold, you can quickly fix it by repenting. You shouldn’t be satisfied to live as a lukewarm Christian. Jesus’ words are very clear: “You must love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, and ALL your mind“ (Matthew 22:37 NLT). The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to help those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.
The Key: Get rid of your lukewarm half-baked biscuits and wholeheartedly serve the Lord.
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
Call to Order
Flag Salute
Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
Eric Bailey, Road & Bridge Report (gravel for Evergreen Cemetery)
Eric Bailey, Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual non elected personnel to protect their privacy
Jim Harris, Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
Resolution 07-21 Bond Refinance
Jim Harris, Discussion regarding dates/times of commission meetings
Will Wallis, Magnitude of New Strain of Corona Virus
County Counselor
Public Comments
Commission Comments
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
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
KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
Submitted photos of Kansas National Guard with Senator Marshall. Submitted photos.
Today, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. visited with and thanked members of the Kansas National Guard protecting the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Additionally, the Senator delivered over 100 Chick-fil-A sandwiches for lunch, enough to cover all on-duty Kansas National Guard members.
“It is certainly an honor to be here in our nation’s Capitol and the Library of Congress with so many of my friends – troops from around the country. My dad was in the National Guard, my brother in the Air Force, myself in the Army Reserve for seven years – I have an appreciation for what it is like to leave your family behind and come do your job. So, I am truly grateful for them for keeping us all safe and sound. I am truly grateful for all the family members back home who made the sacrifice of sending your loved one here as well. And I just want to say thanks to the employers back home who make it possible for our National Guard and for our Army Reserve to come make the Capitol safe again. Thanks to everybody,” said Senator Marshall.
George Marcus Warren, 98, of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away Thursday morning, January 21, 2021. He was born November 16, 1922, in a barn near Muskogee, Oklahoma, the son of Rupert Marcus and Clara Alma (Price) Warren.
At age four, George and his family moved from Muskogee to McCune, Kansas in 1926. George graduated from McCune High School, President of his class, in 1941. After high school, George moved to Long Beach, California where he worked as a riveter for Lockheed. Later, he moved back to Kansas City, working as a riveter for Mid America Aviation. While working there, George enlisted in the Naval Air Corps as a pilot in the Test Flight Division in Hawaii. After World War II, he enrolled at Pittsburg State University where he was Phi Sigma Epsilon president. He graduated from PSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
After graduation from PSU in 1949, George came to Uniontown, Kansas, and took up farming with his dad Rupert. On October 13, 1956, George married the love of his life, Wilma Carolyn Bilyew. Two sons, Mark Edward and Joseph William were born to this union.
George served the Uniontown community on various boards. He was a member of the Uniontown United Methodist Church, serving as Chairman of the Board for several terms. He also served as President of the Uniontown Ruritan Club, and served on the Farmers Home Service Agency Board, Bourbon County Soil Conservation Service, Farmer’s Co-op Board for Fort Scott and Uniontown, and chaired the committee that unified schools to form U234 and U235. George also coached T-ball, Little League, and Pee Wee Baseball.
Wilma Preceded George in death on February 15, 1994. After her death George continued to serve the Uniontown community as a public servant. In 2013 George Attended an Honors Flight in Washington D.C.
George is survived by his two sons, Mark Warren and wife Mary, and Joe Warren and wife Lorequita, both of Uniontown; a sister, Anna Rose, also of Uniontown; five grandchildren, Sarah Walls and husband Cedric, Alison Weston and husband Chris, Wes Warren and wife Joanna, Kyle Warren, Glaizel Mae Warren, and two great-grandchildren, Stella Mae Walls, and Russell William Warren.
In addition to his wife Wilma, George was also preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Bill Warren, and a grandson, Cory Warren.
Rev. Carl K. Ellis will conduct private family services 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at the Uniontown United Methodist Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Friends may see George and sign the book at the funeral home, and are invited to the graveside service at 12:00 noon on Tuesday at the Uniontown Cemetery following private services.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Uniontown Community Ruritan Club and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
GUIDED TOURS OF THE FORT DAILY, 10 AM & 1 PMThe Fort Scott National Historic Site is open daily 8 am-5 pm for touring on your own, but arrive at 10 am or 1 pm on any day and take advantage of a guided tour with a park ranger! The guided tour lasts approx. 1 hour.
1/23 – Pickleball from 8-10 am at Buck Run, open to anyone wanting to play! Always check the FB Group page here for any location changes or cancelations. Tuesday, Thursday & Saturdays
1/22-23 – Livestock sale at the Fort Scott Livestock Market, both Friday & Saturday, click here for their FB page.
1/22 – Karaoke Friday Nights at The Boiler Room Brewhaus! Experience or beginners, it does not matter! Let’s have some fun with music & drinks! Click here for their FB page.
1/24 – Kansas City Chiefs play at 5:40 pm, watch the game, or order carryout from a local restaurant! See below for Luther’s BBQ Tailgate Package! Holmtown Pub, Sharky’s, Luther’s & other restaurants will be open for the game, click here for our restaurant member listing.
1/26-28 – KANSASWORKS Virtual Job Fair, click here for flyer.
1/28 – Chamber Coffee, 8am, to be hosted by Stutesman’s Action Realty at one of their commercial listings, 306 E. 23rd St.
1/29 – National Kansas Day, Local retailers and restaurants will be participating in this celebration by giving a 10% Discount off your purchase for shopping or dining by wearing any Kansas or Sunflower attire! Look for the Participating Flyer.
1/30 – Real Estate & Personal Property Auction of the Roxine Poznich Trust, 10am, 1519 E. Pine St. by Chamber member Anderson Auction Service. Click here for all the info.
Radio Auction by KOMB FM 103.9 every Thursday & Friday through February at 2 pm! Get your bid # and view the items on their website here. In addition to calling in your bid, you can also bid online this year and even “Buy it Now” ~ or bid by text to 620-724-7962.
FITNESS FOR EVERYONE IN FS!
Many fitness options are available…
SPIN classes now offered by Smallville Athletics, every Mon & Wed at 5:15 pm, and Tues & Thurs at 6 pm. $5/class or $50/mo. unlimited.
Total Body Fitnesswith Karen Reinbolt at Buck Run Community Center, Mon & Wed 8:15 am $20 for 8-week session.
Zumba with Monalynn Decker at Buck Run, Mon, Wed, Fri 6 pm, $40 for a 12-week session.
Indoor Fitness/Gyms at I AM Rehab + Fitness, Smallville Athletics, and Buck Run!
The Chamber posts a “JOB OF THE DAY” posting on our Social Media accounts as requested by area employers or as we notice them in the newspaper and various employment websites.
Shop local retailers celebrating Kansas Day, January 29th, 2021
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces participating retailers and restaurants will be offering a shopping promotion to celebrate Kansas Day on Friday, January 29th. Patrons wearing apparel with Kansas or a sunflower will receive 10% off their purchase. Participating stores will have a Kansas Day poster in their place of business.
Kansas Day commemorates The Sunflower State being the 34th state to enter the Union in 1861. The Chamber encourages shoppers to celebrate Kansas Day and thank a local store owner for doing business in our great state.
In addition to this local shopping promotion organized by the Chamber, Kansas Tourism invites Kansans to Give a Toast to the Sunflower State on Kansas Day and post their own tribute to the 34th state to social media using the hashtag #ToTheStarsKS
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.
Governor Laura Kelly’s Statement on Kansas House Passing Abortion Constitutional Amendment
TOPEKA – The following is Governor Laura Kelly’s statement in response to the Kansas House of Representatives’ passage of an amendment to the Kansas Constitution to reverse the Kansas Supreme Court’s decision that abortion is a constitutional right under the state.
“I’ve always believed that every woman’s reproductive decisions should be left to her, her family, and her physician. While I know others do not share my belief, I don’t think those supporting this amendment are aware of the consequences it will have for the state of Kansas and our reputation.
“We already know how this ends – North Carolina’s notorious bathroom bill cost that state nearly $4 billion in economic development – and this amendment has the same potential to do irreparable damage to our COVID-19 economic recovery efforts and our long-term prospects to recruit businesses and workforce talent.”
January 25, 2021
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday, January 25, 2021. The meeting will be held via Zoom from Fort Scott Community College.
5:30 p.m. Regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom link
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Audit Report – Terry Sercer, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on December 14, 2020, 6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 9
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
E. Approval of Gordon Parks Museum Board Membe, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 44
A. Approval of Basketball Game Management Payments, 44
B. Approval of Volleyball Game Management Payments, 45
ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 46
A. Correspondence for Review, 47
REPORTS, 49
A. Administrative Updates, 50
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 63
ADJOURNMENT, 64
1
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• January 25, 2021: Board Meeting
• February 15, 2021: Board Meeting
• March 22, 2021: Board Meeting
• March 26, 2021: Aggie Day
• April 1 – 2, 2021: Good Friday – Campus Closed
• April 19, 2021: Board Meeting
• May 1, 2021: Graduation
• May 17, 2021: Board Meeting
• June 21, 2021: Board Meeting
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
To view the entire board of trustees packet, click below
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting, December 14, 2020
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins (via Zoom), Dave Elliott (via Zoom), Kirk Hart (via Zoom), Bill Meyer (via Zoom), and Robert Nelson (via Zoom for executive session and closing of meeting)
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk (via Zoom), and staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:40 pm. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda.
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the sale of the she-shed constructed by Construction Trades program students at CTEC.
B. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the disposal of all broken, damaged, or non-functional technology equipment.
C. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to accept the cloud based phone system proposal from Allegiant.
REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from Miami County Campus, Student Services, Student Affairs and Athletics, Instruction, Finance and Operations, Development, and the President.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to executive session for thirty minutes beginning at 6:25 pm for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property. At 6:55 pm a motion was made by Hart, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to return to open session.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 6:57 p.m. by Meyer, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote.
To view the entire board of trustees packet, click here.
In the second game of the First Annual Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament, the Uniontown Eagles once again faced the Altoona-Midway Jets. Both teams fought hard and won against the Jets.
The Lady Eagles beat Altoona 59-27 on Thursday night. Karleigh Schoenberger scored 18 points, had 8 boards and 2 steals, and shot 5/5 from the free throw line. Danielle Howard followed closely with 16 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. Sammie Hampton had 5 rebounds and 5 steals, and Aiden Holt had 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. Kaydra Woods also had 2 assists, as well as 3 steals.
“Our team has been looking forward to this tournament since the season began,” said Coach Miller. “Tonight we earned the right to compete in the championship game. We’ve got what it takes, but it will take all we’ve got.”
The boys’ Varsity team also defeated the Jets 59-42. Jake Harvey scored 20 points and had 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. Clay Sutterby had 14 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 steals. Drew Perry had 5 assists and 6 steals, and Luke Perry had 3 assists.
“I thought we had stretches where we played pretty well tonight against Altoona. They are a good, young team that is improving every week,” Coach Hays said. “We were able to get out in transition early and that kind of got us going. Prairie View has some really good athletes, so we are excited about the chance to play those guys.”
Jim Harris, Bourbon County Commissioner, District 2.
Bourbon County Commissioner District 2 Jim Harris was sworn in on January 11, 2021.
” I plan on following through with my campaign promises,” Harris said. ” I believe it’s time for the Bourbon County citizens to be heard and for the government to represent the people with respect and provide transparency to our government.”
“I believe we have to visit with folks to fully understand what services they want and don’t want,” he said. “We are hoping to have a town hall meeting in March, if we can get warmer weather.”
“I would like to continue holding town hall meetings this year to give me the opportunity to visit with folks and to understand their concerns,” he said.
He said he enjoyed having a town hall meeting in Gunn Park, but if not perhaps the Empress Event Center, in downtown Fort Scott.
“I hope with our town hall meetings, folks will get involved in a positive way,” he said.
The commission is collaborating with other entities to provide services.
“We are working with the City of Fort Scott and our health care providers to continue providing long-term health care,” he said.
“I am excited that we have a new BEDCO (Bourbon County Ecomonic Development Council) committee with high expectations of moving forward with economic growth. If we can grow and expand our tax base and ensure efficient, responsible spending we can lower our mill levy.”
” We have begun working with the City of Fort Scott with shared services to reduce the cost of operations and to discontinue duplicated services,” Harris said.
“Another area of concern is our infrastructure, mainly bridges, that we must continue to fund and make necessary repairs to keep our roads open. We currently have a ten-year road program and I plan on requesting we put together and ten-year ditching and bridge replacement program with adequate funding.”
Since being sworn in, he has one appointment added.
“To date I have been appointed as a member of the Lake Advisory Committee,” Harris said.
” In closing, I want to express my thanks for the folks that elected me,” he said. “I will always be accessible and be a humbled servant of the folks that are my boss which is the citizens of Bourbon County.”
