AD: Joshua Jones for KS House of Representative District 4
Joshua Jones Candidate for Kansas House of Representative District 4
As election time approaches, I want to emphasize the need for candidates to remain active even after the election is over.
Too often, elected officials only engage with the community during election periods. As an eighth-generation resident of Bourbon County, I have a deep connection to this area and believe that community service and consistent involvement are key to our success.
Over the past few years, I have had the pleasure of working on projects such as refurbishing the high school tennis courts, helping acquire and donate a historic property to the Gordon Parks Museum, organizing events to raise awareness for Memorial Hall, and assisting in the development of a community splash pad.
Photo Courtesy of and Copyright by The Gordon Parks Foundation
(left to right) Josh Jones, Kirk Sharp, Gordon Parks Museum and Sarah Smith, Fort Scott Community College Foundation.
As your representative, I understand that we are all in this together and recognize the dedication required to be a positive and active elected official year-round.
My Promises to You
- **Give Back My Salary**
My belief is simple: if the people I serve benefit, then I benefit. We are all in this together. I am giving back my salary because your tax dollars should work for you.
- **Year-Round Accessibility and Transparency**
How often do you only hear from politicians during the election? During my time as Mayor/City Commissioner, I was the first to hold public forums to get citizens’ input.
This ad paid for by Joshua Jones Candidate/Treasurer
Bourbon County Community Theatre Performs Holy Mother of Bingo!
The newly formed Bourbon County Community Theatre performs its first production – Holy Mother of Bingo! by Patrick Walsh.
Performances are at 7 p.m. on Aug. 2 and 3 in the lobby of the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College. The immersive murder mystery allows audience members to play five full rounds of Bingo with prizes donated by local businesses.
Pioneer Drama describes the show this way, “An innocent bingo fundraiser at the Our Mother of Mercy church goes awry when parishioners mysteriously drop dead! The evidence suggests well-calculated murders, but who is to blame? Tensions rise as everyone begins identifying suspects. Past feuds rear their heads as the members of the parish try to state their innocence one by one. Who could be behind the elaborate spree? The disgruntled choir director? The magician turned youth minister? The ex-convict that has recently turned to the power of prayer? It couldn’t be one of the Cookie Cadets selling their beloved cookies! Everyone’s a suspect… even the audience in the zany comedy that takes interactive theatre to a whole new level!”
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and Senior Citizens. A purchase of an entire table of 7 or 8 gives audience members a discount of $2 on each adult ticket. Tickets are at bcct.ludus.com, at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, or at the door, but seating is limited and advance purchase is suggested.
More information can be found on the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page. BBCO Community Theatre, LLC is a non-profit community organization formed last year whose mission is to bring education, community, and culture to southeast KS through threatre.
The production is directed by Angie Bin along with Assistant Director Mark Bergmann.
The Friday Free Concert: The Hemphill Family Band
This Friday evening, July 19, at 7 p.m. the Hemphill Family Band will perform for the Chamber of Commerce concert series.
The band plays a variety of music and will highlight music of some specific country performers such as Bob Wills and Merle Haggard. Performing in the band will be Jack Hemphill on keyboard, Sandy Hemphill on fiddle and keyboard, Brad Hemphill on guitar, and Kristen Hemphill Weeks playing percussion.
In addition, Floyd Feezell will perform a song accompanied by Ralph Carlson. The hour-long program will occur at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main Street in Fort Scott.
Ralph Carlson, Event Coordinator, suggests that because of limited seating, audience members bring a lawn chair.
KDOT to replace guardrail along U.S. 69
The week of July 22, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin replacing guardrail on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69 in Bourbon and Linn counties. The 27-mile project area starts at the south U.S. 69/U.S. 54 junction and continues north to Pleasanton.
The speed limit will be reduced to 60 miles an hour in the work zone, with alternating lane closures for northbound traffic. The ramp from westbound U.S. 54 to northbound U.S. 69 in Fort Scott will be closed to traffic between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, July 24-25. Use alternate routes during the closure.
KDOT awarded construction contracts totaling $1 million to Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka. Weather permitting, the work should be finished by the end of 2024. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Information Officer Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
Bo Co Industrial Development Research Committee Meets at 6:30 p.m today
A meeting of the Industrial Development Research Committee will be held on July 15, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the main lobby of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave. Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Amended Agenda for the Bo Co Commission Meeting Today
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
July 15, 2024 4:00 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 7/8/2024
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $469,598.00
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $306,110.16
- Approval of May Financials
- Budget Discussion
- Public Comments
- Susan Walker, CFO-KWORC Renewal
- Brian Allen-Mitigation Plan
- Teri Hulsey, EMS Director-Ambulance/Purple Wave
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
New Teachers at U235 School District: Shrewsbury, Harris
There are two school districts in Bourbon County, USD 234, Fort Scott, and USD 235, Uniontown.
This is part of a series featuring new teachers in the districts.
Uniontown schools have enrollment for the 2024-25 year on July 25-26 and the first day of school is August 15.
Uniontown has four new teachers and one new principal.
The school has a new telephone number: 620.224.2350.
Caitlin Shrewsbury, 31, is a new third-grade teacher at West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown.
“I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Education at Pittsburg State University, as well as my Master’s of Science in elementary teaching,” she said. “I did my student teaching at WBE and I am now back in the very same classroom! I taught 3rd grade at Eugene Ware for 8 wonderful years.”
“I enjoy coaching my daughter’s t-ball team as well as teaching summer school for several years. My husband and I love to attend local fundraisers and charity events.”
Her husband, Weston, runs his own small cattle business and they have two daughters; Zaley (5) and Sway (2).
“The best thing about being an educator is the relationships you build with your students and colleagues. These relationships last a lifetime!”
“The biggest challenge I have seen lately is what they call teacher burnout. It is no easy job!”
Susan Harris, Hepler, will be the 7th and 8th-grade math and high school speech, debate/forensics teacher at Uniontown Junior High School for the 2024-25 school year.
Susan has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Education, Speech, Drama, Forensics/Debate; a Master’s in K-12 Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL); and a Master’s in K-12 Special Education. She has endorsements in 5th-9th Math, English, Social Science, and Science. She just completed her 25th year of teaching.
Prior to her twenty-five years in education, she was a hair stylist for sixteen years, owning her own salon in Hepler until she and her husband, Brian, received a grant to attend college.
It was grant designated for farmers who were suffering through the farm crisis of the 80s and 90s.
It was challenging for her and her husband to manage a farming operation while raising their three children, attending college, and working, she said.
Harris’s response to any student who says they don’t think they can attend college is that they “might surprise themselves at the challenges they can overcome.”
She says the best thing about being an educator is building up your students’ faith in their own abilities until they can overcome their own challenges.
Harris currently serves on the Hepler Library Executive Board; she was the teacher representative for the USD 101 Site Council; and she served as the local Vice-Chair and Chair of the ANW-Kansas-National Education Association (KNEA) where she attended many leadership trainings and Representative Assemblies in Topeka, Wichita, and Washington DC.
She has three children, eight grandchildren, “and one grandbaby angel.” She enjoys attending her grandchildren’s plays, and ball games, and ” just hanging out with them while they are young.”
Harris states that though she will miss her former students and co-workers, she is proud to say she is a Uniountown Eagle and looks forward to building relationships with her new students and co-workers.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports July 15
AD: Rick James for KS State Representative District 4
Rick James is a Republican candidate for the 4th district House of Representative, a position currently held by Trevor Jacobs. Trevor announced that he is not seeking another term.
Rick is passionate about protecting the conservative values of fellow Kansans. He understands that freedom is not merely a privilege but a birthright. He was raised in La Cygne, Kansas where he attended La Cygne elementary school and graduated from Prairie View High School in 1981. He entered the Marine Corps a few short days later serving a 30-year career. This career included serving in Desert Storm, Haiti, Iraqi Freedom, serving on embassy duty and as a Marine Drill instructor. He achieved the rank of Sergeant Major and was awarded the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. He also obtained a bachelor’s and a master’s Degree from the American Military University.
There was never a doubt, that he would return to Eastern Kansas. He moved his family to a small farm near highway 69 in 2008 and completed his Marine Corps career at Richard Gebauer Base in Belton. He retired a decorated Marine in 2011.
Since retiring from the Marine Corps he opened two local businesses, Semper Fi Auction Services and Bravo Realty. The Marine Corps instilled a dedication to serving his community. In 2014 he ran for the district 1 Linn County Commissioner. He served 2 full terms from 2014-2022. He did not seek reelection for a third term because, he believes there should be term limits in government at all levels.
He has a personal interest in Kansas, he was a military leader and a small Business owner. He has conservative views!! He believes in the right to bear arms, he is pro-life, he believes in a smaller government and reduced taxes.
Politicians represent the people they serve, and he takes that very seriously! He would appreciate your vote on August 6. Click here to follow him on Facebook. Semper Fi and God Bless!
Paid for by Rick James for KS State Representative.
The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for July 15
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Attachments:
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
July 15, 2024 4:00 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 7/8/2024
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $469,598.00
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $306,110.16
- Approval of May Financials
- Budget Discussion
- Public Comments
- Susan Walker, CFO-KWORC Renewal
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
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 the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Why John? By Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
Why John?
The Love Test: When serving dessert, love will always give the other person the biggest portion. I wouldn’t have any trouble giving my friend the biggest piece of raisin pie, but I’m pretty sure I’d give myself the biggest piece of French Silk. I’m just being honest.
When Jesus was dying on the cross in excruciating pain, his mind was not on himself. He knew His death would accomplish the final sacrifice for the sins of mankind. He also knew that His widowed mother would need someone to deeply love her and take care of her. John (the apostle of love) was the only disciple standing near the cross witnessing the crucifixion. Through eyes of compassion, Jesus saw His precious mother Mary also standing by the cross with three other devoted women. The first words Jesus spoke from the cross were addressed to His heart-broken mother: “When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple He loved, He said to her, ‘Dear woman, here is your son.’ And He said to His disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from then on this disciple took her into his home“ (John 19:26 NLT).
Jesus entrusted John to take care of Mary. But why John? Why not Peter, James, or any of the other eight disciples? Well, for one thing, they were all absent. Since John didn’t quit, run away, or hide from the crucifixion, his actions proved that he was compelled by love. He truly understood Jesus’ teachings on love. John grasped the fact that Jesus loved him deeply, even though he was not perfect in everything he did. Therefore, John was chosen to take Mary into his home and provide for her. Jesus wanted his mother to be cared for by someone who knew how to receive and give love.
John was not AWOL at the crucifixion. He didn’t choose the easy route and cop out because he allowed love to compel him to do the right thing. Also, God needed John the Beloved to write about what he experienced and witnessed. We’ll never know how many people have surrendered their lives to Jesus due to reading the Gospel of John. Through his authorship of the Gospel of John, the Epistles of 1 John, 2 John, 3, John, and the Book of Revelation, we have a clearer understanding of faith, truth, hope, and love.
In his writings, John referred to himself as, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” John 13:23 NLT: “The disciple Jesus loved was sitting next to Jesus at the table.” John 20:2 NLT: “She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved…” John 21:7 NLT: “Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It’s the Lord!’ As believers, we too, can say with confidence, “I am the disciple whom Jesus dearly loves.” God is no respecter of persons; we believe that because of Peter‘s message in Acts 10:34 NLT: “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism.” What joy to be loved like this!
As a disciple of Christ, John experienced and understood the importance and power of the love of God. “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face Him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world” (1 John 4:16-17 NLT). This would be a lovely scripture to memorize.
The Key: With much love, John always gave Mary the biggest piece of pie.