Pray, Smile, and Crochet by Carolyn Tucker
I don’t know how to crochet and I don’t think I want to try to learn at this point. However, I truly appreciate the beauty and talent represented in crocheted items. Both my mom and mother-in-law crocheted afghans for us in the early 1980s and I still cherish them. I can only make potholders with those stretchy-nylon weaving loops and they‘re too little to keep me warm.
In Old Testament times, it was a disgrace for a wife to be childless. Hannah had been incapable of conceiving a child for several years. Her husband Elkana tried to comfort her with these words, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” (1 Samuel 1:8 ESV). She was too sweet and gracious to answer aloud, but she probably thought, “Nope.”
Because she was barren, Hannah was in the temple of the Lord at Shiloh weeping bitterly, deeply distressed, and praying for a baby boy. Her prayer was so fervent that Eli the priest wrongly assumed that she was drunk. She woefully explained that she was troubled in spirit and simply pouring out her soul to the Lord. Eli then responded, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to Him.” And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad” (1 Samuel 1:17,18 ESV).
Hannah received peace and believed that her prayer would be answered. We might say she left the temple with a photo of her baby in the picture frame of her heart. She entered the temple in an inconceivable physical condition, but she left conceiving (in her mind) a baby of her own. In reality, Hannah entered and exited the temple in the same physical condition, but her heart had made a radical turnaround. She traded her sad face for a happy face, and exchanged anxiety for peace. Hannah quit acting like she’d lost her last best friend and started crocheting a blue baby afghan. In due time, she conceived and delivered a baby boy with joy.
Hannah is a sterling example of an individual shaking off the mulligrubs. Her emotional pain drove her to seek help from Jehovah-Jireh (the God who provides). Mothers must remember it’s not our responsibility to worry and fret, or try to play God by taking into our own hands situations that should be left to Him alone. But it is our responsibility to cast our care upon Jesus, trust Him, and pray without worry. Hannah received into her heart what Eli said, and believers need to receive what God says through His Word. There are thousands of promises in the Bible, and if we’ll truly believe them, we can live joyfully as a child of the King.
Hannah illustrates the nature of faith as taught in the New Testament. She was utterly convinced that God answered her prayer as she left the temple. Jesus said, “I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours” (Mark 11:24 NLT). Hannah was no longer sad, even though there was no hard evidence that her petition was granted. “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1 NLT).
The Key: Mothers who pray in faith are teaching their children to trust God.
Today’s Christian Heights Country Store Provides Needs of the School
Today is the annual big fundraiser for Christian Heights School, 1101 S. Barbee that helps provide necessities for the small Christian school.
“We’ve done Country Store for 56 years,” Principal Larry Davolt said. “It helps us with special projects for the school. In the past a new roof, a new floor, computers, you name it. It goes beyond our little budget for operations.”
This year is it today, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is comprised of a flea market/ rummage sale, bakery, plant sale and a silent auction of donated items. And food: homemade ice cream, taco salads, hamburgers, malts, shakes, sodas, home made desserts and then the Chicken Annie’s Fried Chicken dinner at 4 p.m.
The dinner time lasts from 4 -6 p.m. and one can also order BBQ beef, salad, rolls and homemade pies for $6 for adults and $3 for children.
At 6 p.m. is a auction for merchandise supplied by area merchants and individuals.
The event is sponsored by the Fort Scott Christian Heights Parent-Teacher Fellowship.
About the school
Christian Heights is a pre-school through 12th grade Christian school.
“We’ve been here since 1947,” DaVolt said. “My motto is ‘We provide quality education in a Christian environment.'”
The school has 75 students and a staff of 10. DaVolt also teaches science classes in addition to being principal.
The pre-school is three days a week and all other school grades are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Community Foundation by Gregg Motley
Community Foundation
Bourbon County is fortunate to have one of only three community foundations in Southeast Kansas; the other two are in Crawford County. In 2007, a number of citizens of our county had the foresight to establish The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (“FSACF”) in order to encourage long-term investments in our area. Since then, the organization has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to schools, governments and charities all across Bourbon County, thanks to the vision of a number of donors.
What is a community foundation? The purpose is to create legacy investments in a city, county or region by accumulating donations, investing those dollars, and awarding grants based on the return on the investments. While donations of all sizes are accepted and appreciated, the FSACF also provides a path for individuals who have accumulated assets over a lifetime of hard work to make a planned gift that will benefit the community they love long after they are gone.
You might ask, “Why accumulate these dollars; why not donate the money as it comes in?” The answer is ongoing growth and building a legacy that continues well into the future. Some donors choose to have the principal preserved, and then direct how the annual interest that is earned will be used. Those donations allow the FSACF to support our community for many years to come; it is designed for the long-term.
During the annual grant process, the FSACF provides funds to help multiple community organizations meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. Truly, some of those grants are working to change lives every single day in Bourbon County.
In addition to those grants, perhaps one of the most important roles of the FSACF is collaboration. We are more effective when governments, charities, businesses and individuals work together to solve problems and fill needs. FSACF looks to create partnerships that pull all these elements together into a program that can address significant quality of life issues such as housing and parks.
I am so glad that many organizers and donors of every stripe loved our community enough to make the investment of their time, talent and treasure on a volunteer basis to FSACF. This type of collaborative effort is impressive; it gives credibility to our community and helps put us on the economic development map.
Bo Co Commission Agenda For May 10
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: May 10, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Public Comment
• Elected Officials Comment
• Commission Comment
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 wou
Bo Co Commission Meets Monday
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: May 9, 2022
1st District–Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 9TH AT 9AM IN THE COMMISSION ROOM
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
Drug Overdose Epidemic Survey
The Kansas Prescription Drug and Opioid Advisory Committee is conducting a public opinion survey regarding the drug overdose epidemic in Kansas. The purpose of this survey is to assess community needs regarding overdose prevention and response resources. These data will be used to develop a comprehensive drug overdose prevention plan for Kansas. Please disseminate among your personal and professional networks. The survey can be found here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Board Meeting Minutes
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Board
Meeting Minutes
May 3, 2022
- Welcome and Call to Order: Patty, Shana, David, Elizabeth, and Billie Jo attended.
- Approve March 1 minutes: Patty moved, Elizabeth seconded, and the motion carried unanimously to approve the March 1 minutes.
- Treasurer’s Report:
- Family Assistance Recap: Since January, we have helped 7 families, including 17 children, for an approximate total of $1,865.83; another request for approximately $318 is pending. Billie Jo noted that we are somewhat under budget for the year so far.
- Bank Balance as of February April 28: $54,245.32
- Families for Hope (Kim Rose) – $300.00. Billie Jo noted that following the discussion about helping with this request during the March meeting; she researched and found our amount of assistance in the past was $125 – $150 per year. However, the committee decided to donate $300 since we have not donated during the Covid seasons and this amount did not put us over budget.
- Old Business:
- Bank signature cards. Billie Jo will contact UMB to explore what all needs to happen to add David’s name to our bank account; she will also contact Sue to get her thoughts on the treasurer’s position.
- Board secretary. Shana has volunteered to be our secretary; our job is to remind her before each meeting to bring her computer.
- We need a June program (and all programs starting in August). Billie Jo asked board members to let her know of interesting topics that might make good programs for our General Coalition meetings.
- New Business:
- 2022 Swim pass program: approve applications. Members spent time perusing the 28 applications; one application needs further consideration due to Buck Run’s report of misbehavior; all others were approved. Billie Jo will contact Chasity Ware, pool manager, to ensure that all are deserving of passes. Billie Jo also informed the board that she had visited with Kelly Zellner, City Manager, to enlist help from the City with the cost of the passes. She will be giving a presentation/plea at the City Commission meeting later this evening.
- Kansas income tax filings. Billie Jo will contact Sue to ensure this is completed before the end of May.
- Open Forum: Members enjoyed visiting and discussing issues but no other business was conducted.
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting – May 4, 2022.
FSCC Hall Of Fame Celebration and Dinner This Evening
Uniontown City Council Minutes of April 12
The Regular Council Meeting on April 12, 2022 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, and Josh Hartman. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Susan Eldridge, Uniontown Alumni Association, Raymond “Skeet” George, Uniontown Ruritan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUEST
Susan Eldridge, Uniontown Alumni Association asked for permission to hold the all school reunion in the city park the evening of Saturday, September 3, 2022. They will provide insurance certificate. They request that the ban on alcoholic beverages in the park be lifted for that evening and want to know if there are any other limitations.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to allow Uniontown Alumni Association to host all school reunion in the city park on September 3, 2022, allow alcohol consumption from 5PM to Midnight, and no glass containers allowed
Raymond “Skeet” George, Ruritan – asked the council to recess to view the location for the proposed public restrooms.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to recess for 10 minutes to view 112 Second St
Meeting resumed at 7:19. Mr George asked for action to designate the location for the project.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to allow preliminary planning for construction of an ADA public restroom at northeast corner of 112 Second St
Discussion followed regarding funding for the public restroom, pickleball court, and outdoor equipment. This project qualifies for the placemaking pathway we pledged. Contact REDI for best time to submit an application for 2022 funding. ARPA funds could also be used for this.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger was absent. March written Treasurer’s Report and 1st Quarter Report were presented. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $338,643.12, Receipts $52,765.73, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $23,883.18, Checking Account Closing Balance $364,499.67. Bank Statement Balance $364,938.99, including Checking Account Interest of $29.90, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $439.32, Reconciled Balance $364,499.67. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $30,063.99, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $18,566.16, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $28,346.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $441,475.94. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $85.61, and Utility CDs $74.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $160.45. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of March 2022, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. March Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of March $25,856.55, Year-to-Date Net Income $40,756.17. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $27,812.18 (26.4%), Expenditures $25,333.54 (19.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $8,633.12 (24.2%), Expenditures $11,942.48 (29.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $54,144.38 (38.8%), Expenditures $28,296.04 (11.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $49,170.41 (38.3%), Expenditures $29,562.90 (17.9%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,814.86 (26.5%), Expenditures $397.28 (3.7%). The April 2022 estimated payables in the amount of $29,474.19 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of March 8, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent Rich reported that the storage building at 112 Second St has been removed, two gas main valves have been replaced, and the speed bumps/signs have been installed.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that 104 Fulton has been cleaned up by new owner. An issue of trash in a trailer and debris in the back yard at 202 Fourth St was addressed and trailer has been removed. 103 Fifth is being cleaned up by new owner. He has contacted our attorney twice in the last two months to get something resolved with the Smith Estate with no response back. 301 Second St #1 has a lot of clutter and debris. Clerk Johnson will contact the attorney to try to speed things up. It was suggested to schedule a worksession to continue discussion on shipping/storage containers, accessory/storage buildings, fences regulations and citywide solid waste. It will be scheduled at next meeting. Councilmember Ervin asked him to go by 301 Second St and address the collection of clutter/debris.
Clerk Johnson presented the financial audit contract with minimal increase in cost but less than anticipated in the budget.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept the financial audit engagement letter with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton
Loren Korte was here with the insurance renewal and went over changes with Clerk Johnson. Overall increase in premiums is 6.74% but less than anticipated in the budget. He will present to council if needed. Council concurred it was not needed.
Rabies clinic was April 9 with a good turnout. Thirteen dogs and seven cats were registered at the clinic. Clerk Johnson presented a list of animals registered last year that are not yet registered this year, a list of new residents that need a reminder that dogs and cats are required to be registered, and a list of those that have registered but not provided proper rabies documentation. She will go over this list with Animal Control Officer Binford to get citations issued.
Kansas Municipal Utilities conference in April 27-29 in Wichita which also includes the KMGA Board of Directors meeting and an afternoon of sessions on gas.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 3-0 to allow Bobby Rich and/or Sally Johnson to attend the KMU conference in Wichita, April 27-29, if they choose
KMGA will be hosting regional meetings this year. The one for our area will be in Humboldt on July 14. Will put on the agenda again in June. Clerk Johnson also presented a market update from KMGA.
Midwest Assistance Program would like to assist communities in the application process for USDA community facility project grants and/or loans. Clerk Johnson will contact them for more information about what is available and what would be the city’s obligation.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilman Stewart – absent
Mayor Jurgensen – thanked councilmembers and employees that attended the county commission meeting last month. Asked if fish food has been received. Clerk Johnson has ordered but it has not been shipped yet, she will follow-up. He had a request to change elected officials pay to monthly whether attend regular meeting or not which led to a discussion on protocol for elected officials censure or removal. Clerk Johnson will have the attorney draft an ordinance addressing elected officials pay and protocols.
OLD BUSINESS
Wholesale water supply – table until next month.
Pond Improvement Project – Invitations to bid should be sent/published next month and the liner needs to be ordered due to shipping times.
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – this does not need to be discussed monthly, put on the agenda quarterly for updates.
American Rescue Plan Act update – The annual report has been submitted. There was some discussion about using the funds for the public restrooms, pickleball court, and outdoor exercise equipment. We will add discussion of the funds to the worksession we schedule next month.
Street Repair – Mayor Jurgensen was thanked for asking county commissioners for a commitment to help us on our streets this year at the March 22 commission meeting. Table further discussion until next month.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:00PM
Meeting resumed at 9:00PM. No action was taken
Moved by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at
The Uniontown City Council Agenda For May 10
The Uniontown City Council Agenda for May 10
Council members:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Appoint City Clerk, City Treasurer, Court Clerk, Municipal Judge, Prosecutor, official newspaper, bank and administer oath of office
Ruritan Bathroom Project, Skeet George –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of April 12, 2022 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
KCC Inspection
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Shipping/Storage Containers, Accessory/Storage Buildings, Fences regulations, Solid Waste – set worksession date
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Financial Audit
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Wholesale water supply –
Pond Improvement Project –
American Rescue Plan Act update– set worksession date
Street Repair –
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by ________________, Second by _____________________, Approved ________ to recess into executive session pursuant to the nonelected personnel matters exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) in order to discuss performance evaluations of nonelected personnel, the open meeting to resume at____________.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott Newsletter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
…