This is our new asphalt emulsion storage tank that was delivered yesterday to the public works facility. It is a 7,000 gallon tank that will handle a tanker load of material. It is a companion tool to work with our Total Patcher machine.
This will allow us to make our own asphalt for our SSMP and for filling potholes. This is the new norm for making street and highway repairs and it includes the latest technology in the development of asphalt emulsions.
We will have at our hands, the binder necessary for 250 tons of asphalt that will be heated and constantly agitated for proper care of the emulsion. It will also save us 24 trips to the plant in KC with our truck and patching machine…. that is 24 days of patching instead of driving to KC and back without the cost of transporting the material.
This tanker will put repairs in our hands, instead of an asphalt plant, and at a much cheaper price.
I am very proud and thankful to the governing body for making this purchase.
The tank is being paid for with sales tax revenue. The tank was ordered in March, but as with everything these days, delays caused by material and labor shortages resulted in it just now arriving. It is too late in the season to fill the tank, but it will be erected and ready to go for next season.
Nice thought, but sometimes you have to look pretty hard for that lining. Take last week, when Dave and I decided to take our tandem kayak on an early morning, fun excursion around the lake. We had not kayaked for three years, so we went over our check list several times.
Look at the weather report. Check
Key to unlock the padlock that connected the kayak to our dock. Check
Waterproof case for my phone. Check
Pedaling flippers for navigation. Check
Oars. Check.
Seats that attach to the kayak frame. Check
Life jackets. Check
Fishing pole and lure. Check
Let the fun begin.
And it would have, were we 30 years old, but 70+ year old knees do not bend well, so just trying to lower ourselves from our dock into the kayak was not an exhibition of athleticism. After pushing off, we began circling. Yes, circling. Something was wrong with the toggle that operated the rudder that allowed us to go straight or turn.
“My arm really hurts when I reach behind me like this,” Hubby said, trying to jiggle the wires that support the rudder. Perhaps we really are too old for this activity, I told myself.
While circling, I realized that I had left my phone on shore, but since I didn’t really need it (unless, of course, there was an emergency and I had to call 9-1-1 which always is a possibility), we would go without. Every time Dave leaned backwards to correct that rudder-thingy, he would groan. Perhaps I would need that phone after all.
Once Dave fixed the rudder, we took off…just not for long. “I forgot my fishing pole,” said you-know-who. After returning to the dock to retrieve his pole, I was instructed to peddle and operate the rudder with a hand toggle. Dave would peddle and catch fish.
“Stop peddling,” said Captain Dave, not long after taking off. “I’ve caught a fish.” Only it wasn’t a fish. The lure had snagged something at the bottom of the lake. The next snag was an actual fish, but when Dave tried to remove the lure from its mouth, he cut his finger on the barb. “I’m bleeding,” he said. His injuries were mounting.
When the clouds rolled in, covering what had been a clear sky, we were at the other end of the lake. Our fastest peddling could not outrun the downpour, so at the end of our “fun” excursion, we were drenched. Walking uphill from our dock to our house, I was groaning, but Dave saved the day with this comment: “Well, at least you won’t have to water the grass.”
Is that the best? Little had gone the way we had planned, even with our check list, but none of this was a big deal. I mean, maybe we were wet and bleeding and our bones hurt, but so what, right?
Dave’s comment helped me help my attitude. I needed to look for that silver lining. I needed to know Who is in charge of my day. I needed a Proverbs 17:22 adjustment: A joyful heart is good medicine… I’ll take that over a 9-1-1 call any day.
This is part of a series of features on the 26 new educators in USD 234. School starts on August 18 for Fort Scott schools.
Sydney Crapson. Submitted photo.
Sydney Crapson, 22, is a new first-grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School in Fort Scott.
She attended Fort Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University graduating in May of 2022 with an Elementary Education Unified degree.
She is a first generation college graduate, and this is her first year of teaching.
“I have spent my entire life around children and have always loved being with them!,” she said.
Her hometown is Walnut.
Her mother, Karen, is a para educator at Girard High School. Her dad, Brian, does body work on cars and is a part-time farmer.
“I have an older brother named Bailey who is a ranch hand and lives with me in Fort Scott,” she said. “They have been my biggest supporters and I am so thankful for them!”
In her spare time she loves to read and collect books, fish, golf and sew.
“I also love animals and spend most of my evenings walking my dog,” she said. “I have lived in this community for four years and have worked at a local small business for the majority of that time.”
“Growing up, I had many amazing teachers,” she said. “All of the good ones that stick out to me made sure to take the extra time to get to know me as a person rather than just another student. Because of that relationship, they had such a strong and positive impact on my life and I knew I wanted to be that person for someone else.”
“My third-grade teacher is the main person who inspired me to become a teacher myself,” she said. “She took the time to really notice me as a person and helped me through a very difficult year when I felt like I had no one. I will forever be grateful to her.”
“The best part of teaching for me is being able to see my students grow. The excitement on their face when they finally understand or have discovered something new is heartwarming!”
“I think the most challenging part of teaching for me is spending almost an entire year with the same students and then having to let them go in May,” she said.
Sierra Sprague. Submitted.
Sierra Sprague, 24, is a new K-2nd Grade Low Incident Special Education Teacher, who will be at Winfield Scott Elementary School in Fort Scott.
Sprague earned a Bachelor in Sports Management with an emphasis in business and a minor in marketing then went back and earned a masters in Elementary Education Unified degree.
Last year she was a 4th-5th Grade Resource teacher in De Soto. Her hometown is Olathe, and she is married to Nick Sprague.
In her spare time she loves to find new books and explore coffee shops.
“My husband is the Family Pastor at Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, so I do a lot of activities there for the youth,” she said.
“Growing up my mom was a counselor in the school district, so I grew up at the school many nights and summer days,” she said. “In kindergarten we had a kinder city and that is where my love for teaching started.”
However, she started her college major in business, but changed to teaching, she said.
“A lot of my teachers had a part in making me want to teach.They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. One teacher I remember was Ms. White, in 6th grade she told me that I could be whatever I wanted but I had to be willing to work for it and be ready for any obstacles that came.”
“The best part of teaching is seeing the smiles of kids, when they just figured out something that they were struggling with”
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Old Fort Genealogical Society, and Historical Preservation Association of Bourbon County announce another carpool tour that will be on Saturday, August 13th at 8:30am. The format of the tour will be by carpool where attendees will provide their own transportation, stopping at the National Cemetery where the tour will be guided by local historians.
The tour on the 13th of August will be visiting the National Cemetery. Fort Scott National Cemetery was created during the Civil War and has continued to include all military since then. Local historians will walk you through the cemetery noting persons, telling reasons for memorial stones, and giving important information about the military campaigns our men and women were involved in while defending the United States and our allies. Volunteer Historians will include Ken Lyon, Brian Allen and Arnold Schofield.
The tour will leave The Old Fort Genealogical Society at 221 S. National Ave. (Memorial Hall) at 8:30 am and will finish by 10:30 am. The cost is only $5 per person and pre-registration is required on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those interested may register online at fortscott.com, click on Events, then Bourbon County Tour. A waiting list will be maintained if the tour reaches capacity. For questions or more information, contact the Old Fort Genealogical Society by calling 620-223-3300 or emailing [email protected].
Commerce Department Launches Rural by Choice Champions Program
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland today announced a unique opportunity for rural communities throughout the state – the Rural by Choice Champions Program (Rural Champions). This one-year pilot program will create a network of grassroots individuals who will tackle critical community projects and identified needs integral for rural prosperity. Rural Champions, which was made possible through a collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation, will help drive success when there is a lack of capital or other resources to complete the project.
“We are continually looking at ways to keep and attract individuals that want to live and work in our rural communities throughout the state,” said Lt. Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland. “Through this program and other initiatives, such as our Grassroots Economic Development Program and Rural Opportunity Zones, we are focusing on removing barriers to success in rural Kansas.”
In 2021, Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP), in partnership with the Kansas Sampler Foundation, outlined the recommendation for Rural Champions in its Power Up and Go report, an effort begun by former Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers prior to his appointment as State Treasurer. The need for the Rural Champions program was identified through surveys and interviews of more than 600 rural Kansans under the age of 40 as something that would “move the needle” toward success.
In order to apply, communities describe current activities, challenges that are stifling progress and how a Rural Champion would benefit advancement. Twelve communities will be selected for the pilot program and will receive a stipend for wages for the Rural Champion. Projects could include anything that the community designates as critically needed, including, but not limited to:
a new childcare facility or rehabilitating a building to support a childcare center;
health and wellness projects such as a trail system or shared bike program;
rehabilitation or construction of new housing units; or
entrepreneurship development.
Eligible applicants, which must be located in counties with less than 40,000 population, include:
Cities or Counties;
Economic/Community Development Organizations;
Community Foundations;
Local Chambers of Commerce or Tourism groups;
Nonprofit organizations including 501(c)3 or 501(c)6;
Main Street organizations or affiliates; or
Federally recognized tribal communities.
“The program was designed to help revitalize rural communities,” said Trisha Purdon, Director Office of Rural Prosperity. “The Rural Champions will play an integral part in identifying projects – and then making them happen. Every community is unique, and this program provides the flexibility to develop a project that fits their goals.”
Rural Champions will receive direct guidance and technical assistance from the Office of Rural Prosperity to ensure project success. The Office of Rural Prosperity will assist with the development of a rural community playbook to share with other communities for future projects.
Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 16. An informational webinar will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 18. For more information and to register for the webinar, visit our website at https://www.kansascommerce.gov/orp/ruralchampions/. Rural Champions will be announced in late September and will have one year to complete their projects.
Questions can be directed to Kerri Falletti at [email protected] or 785-207-5206.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the Patterson Family Foundation:
Where you come from says a lot about you. But what you do says even more. The Patterson Family Foundation is a family-led foundation extending the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson to improve the rural communities we come from through healthcare, education, economic opportunity, and beyond. Learn more about the Patterson Family Foundation and how it can help your community at https://pattersonfamilyfoundation.org/
Kansas Gas Service Offers a Chance to Win $100 for Digging Safely
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. –Thursday, August 11 (8/11) is National 811 Day – a good reminder to call 811 before starting any digging project. To promote public awareness, now through August 11, Kansas Gas Service is challenging residents to “Take the Pledge” to dig safely at BeADigHeroKansas.com for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
“Many people don’t remember, or even know, how important it is to call 811 before planting a garden, removing trees or installing sprinklers,” said Trey Pool, manager of Public Awareness and Damage Prevention for ONE Gas, parent company of Kansas Gas Service. “We hope to help change that by raising awareness about the free 811 service, which helps increase the safety of our communities.”
Why Call 811?
To prevent damage to underground facilities, harm to yourself and others, unnecessary costs and service disruptions, always call 811 to have underground facilities marked before any digging project.
A call to 811 is the safest way to know where utilities are buried in your area.
Underground lines may be found in yards or below sidewalks, driveways or streets. By making the free call to 811 or visiting Kansas811.com at least two full working days before digging begins, homeowners and contractors are connected to the local one-call center, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of their intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both.
Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. It’s easy, it’s free and it’s the law!
To learn more about safe digging and sign the Safe Digging Pledge, visit BeADigHeroKansas.com.
AboutKansas Gas Service
Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 647,000 customers in Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state, in terms of customers.
Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States.
Kelly and Thaddeus Perry opened their store, Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store on July 31 in Bronson, Kansas-population 309.
The store is located right on Highway 54 that runs through the town.
Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store, Bronson.
The mom and pop operation has people sign a guest book when they come in. “This is for Kansas Tourism,” Kelly said. “There have been a ton of people coming in.”
“We sold over 200 pounds of (her homemade) fudge in the first three days we were open,” she said.
Kelly Perry runs the cash register at the store.
Mama K’s fudge, made by Kelly Perry on site, has the capability of making 200 flavors of fudge.
“The fudge takes two hours to make with real cream and butter,” she said. “It’s from the same company that made Ozark Land and Silver Dollar City fudge.”
“We are wholesaling fudge and doing fundraisers (for community organizations),” Kelly said.
Their best seller at the store is their pork rinds, which along with the fudge is made in the back of the store.
Thaddeus said to make the pork rinds they order from a U.S. Dept. of Agriculture site.
“Then it’s cooked until done, then seasoned, then cooled and then bagged,” he said.
“It took two-and-a-half years to get to produce rinds and fudge on site,” Thaddeus said. “People have been asking us for six to eight months when we were going to open.”
Store items and freezer storage for milk, eggs and more, in Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store.
In addition to their signature products, “We now carry milk and eggs, that will be from local vendors,” Kelly said. “We will be getting eggs and frozen chickens from Freedom Farms ( a Bourbon County farm) and all our ground beef, brats, hot dogs and bacon are from Bronson (Meat) Locker.”
Fresh produce stands are front and center in the country store.
And important to locals and those passing by, is the ability to purchase local fruits and vegetables.
“The first weekend we sold 28 watermelons and 60 pounds of tomatoes,” she said.
A white board lists the meals served each week at the store. This was last week’s offerings.
A hot meal is also served everyday from 11 a.m. “until it’s gone,” she said. A list of the week’s offerings are on a whiteboard near the inside door of the store.
The Perry’s have eight employees, some part-time and some full-time.
“We just hired three new employees for the front store,” Thaddeus said.
The store is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Tri-Valley Developmental Services this week in the Industrial Park!
Join us this Thursday,
August 11th at 8 a.m.
Tri-Valley will be showcasing their new bailer, which is courtesy of Advantage Metals Recycling. Tri-Valley offers DocuShred services where they contract with local businesses for document shredding, then they bail the materials and recycle them to eliminate landfill waste.
Tri-Valley empowers people with disabilities to realize their potential as full citizens in the community, through supporting them in working and living in the communities they call home. We help them live as independently possible. And we help them belong.
