Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Explanation of 4-H Club Communications Project

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Jennifer Terrell, K-State Extension Agent

4-H Communications

In the communications project, Youth will learn to interpret verbal and nonverbal information, develop effective public speaking skills, enhance written and spoken communication, defend a point, design a presentation and much more!

There is 4-H Curriculum that can be purchased for anyone interested in the communications project. Here is a breakdown of what youth can learn at different levels:

Ages 7-8:

  • Learn responses to bullying

  • Decode a message

  • Write a letter

  • Give a project talk

Ages 9-11:

  • Give and receive directions using directional and transitional words

  • Write a speech and critique it

  • Write a press release 

  • Create and give a demonstration or illustrated talk

Ages 14-18:

  • Discover what causes a communication gap

  • Create and give a demonstration or illustrated talk

  • Plan, research, outline and present a speech

  • Debate an issue

  • Prepare a resume and interview for a job or office

In addition to the curriculum, youth are also offered the opportunity to attend project meetings held by volunteers. Each year, youth are able to demonstrate their hard work locally at club meetings, 4-H Day, the county fair and depending on age and placing, the Kansas State Fair.

The communications project is a great opportunity for youth to learn important life skills. For more information about this project or the workshop, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, 4-H Youth Development for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

Opinion

Saul Invented the U-Turn by Carolyn Tucker

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Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

Keys to the Kingdom

About 2009, when our daughter married and moved to Texas for a couple of years, we purchased a GPS. Prior to this, we had always traveled on our family vacations with Jimmy as driver and me as navigator. You’d think traveling by GPS would result in a foolproof trip. Not. I can still hear the annoying voice of that “woman” saying, “Recalculating, recalculating. In 600 feet, make a U-turn.” I’m glad she wasn’t a real person, because I actually hated her when she said that.

In Acts Chapter 9, we find Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus. He was on his way to arrest the Lord’s followers and ultimately kill them; he’d been successful in overseeing the stoning death of Stephen. Saul was a highly-educated and zealous man who was deceived in thinking he was doing God a favor. Well, he was doing the devil a favor, so God put a stop to it.

Saul was conducting his life in the wrong way. There’s no scripture to prove this, but I believe God had previously tried to get Saul to go the right way, but he wasn’t paying attention. God loved him and needed him to make a U-turn in order to preach the Good News. So, as Saul was making his journey, a light from heaven came down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting Me?” Jesus said, “Get up and go and you’ll be told what to do.” Saul then picked himself off the ground and discovered he was blind, so his friends led him on to Damascus.

When God told Ananias to go to Saul and lay hands on him so he could see again, Ananias reminded the Lord of what an awful person Saul was and the terrible things he had done. But God could already see Saul as Paul and said he was His chosen instrument to take the gospel message to everyone who would listen. Long story short, Saul made a U-turn, had a name change, and a lifestyle change.

Have you had a Saul/Paul experience? Saul was on his way to Damascus, and Jesus got a hold of him and he turned around. You’re on your way to hell unless Jesus has gotten a hold of you and you’ve made a U-turn. You cannot take an alternate route to get to heaven. Jesus said”…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me“ (John 14:6 NLT).

Jesus doesn’t want anyone to go to hell, but that’s a choice we make for ourselves by rejecting Him. Jesus will do everything He can to get your attention. He had to knock Saul down and blind him, but Paul would tell you he‘s grateful he made the decision to make a U-turn. The Cathedrals recorded a song several years ago entitled, “He Made a Change.” The last line of the refrain could have been sung by the Apostle Paul: “If He can make a change in me, He can make a change in you!”

The Key: Pick yourself up, take Jesus by the hand, and make a U-turn. Now.

Art, Entertainment

Iola’s Bowlus Center Features Smithsonian Institute Museum Until Oct. 10

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The Bowlus Fine Arts Center announced today, that they will be the first stop in Kansas
for the “Smithsonian Crossroads: Change in Rural America Exhibit.” The “Crossroads” Kansas tour is
sponsored by Humanities Kansas in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street
program.

The Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit will be housed in the Large Rehearsal Hall from August 29-October 10, 2020. Admission is free.

“Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” offers small towns a chance to look at their own paths to highlight the
changes that affected their fortunes over the past century. The exhibition will prompt discussions about what
happened when America’s rural population became a minority of the country’s population and the ripple effects
that occurred.

The exhibit covers themes such as: Identity, Land, Community, Persistence and Managing
Change with photographs, hands-on activities, and audio and video clips provided by the Smithsonian in the
“Crossroads” exhibition to tell the history and culture of local rural life in Kansas and spark conversations about
our state’s future.

“Through a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street program, Humanities Kansas
is able to bring the resources of the nation’s premier cultural institution to Kansas,” said Julie Mulvihill, executive
director of Humanities Kansas. “The six communities were selected because of the inspired plans provided by
local organizations to use the national exhibition as a springboard to explore local stories of innovation and
adaptation.”

As a requirement for selection, a local companion exhibit was to be established. “Allen County: From Trails
to Rails to Highway and Back,” will take you on a journey with a fictitious family who found their way into the
South East Kansas territory in 1856. The historical fiction is told by way of the diary writings of Jerimiah Wilson
and his subsequent children in the later years. Working with the local newspaper and the writings of local
historian, Larry Manes, this diary will be printed in the format of a special newspaper section in the proceeding weeks of the exhibit opening, along with extra prints to be available at the exhibition. The exhibition layout will bein the chronological order of the diary. Certain passages highlighted in the printing will be displayed on the walls with surrounding supportive photographs, articles, and artifacts. The diary writings take patrons through the
many crossroads experienced throughout Allen County’s history and will invite the viewing patron to imagine
what will be the next chapter for the Wilson family as the next generations come to their crossroads.

The Allen County Historical Society (ACHS) and the Bowlus Fine Arts Center submitted a joint proposal in
April 2019 to Humanities Kansas to be considered for selection as one of six Kansas communities to host
the nation-wide exhibit. With 32 communities from across Kansas submitting proposals, our proposal was
selected, as were five other Kansas communities: Alma; Independence; Greensburg; North Newton; and
Norton.

In addition to the six sites hosting the Smithsonian, ten communities will create their own exhibitions and
programming to explore what it means to live rural in the 21 st century, the relationship between rural, suburban,
and urban, and the progress and persistence needed by communities of all sizes to thrive. Participating
communities include Colby, Council Grove, Dodge City, El Dorado, Ellinwood, Hays, Lebanon, Olathe, Onaga,
and Satanta.

Humanities Kansas sponsors the “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” initiative in partnership with the
Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street program, a one-of-a-kind cultural project that serves small
towns and residents of rural communities. To learn more about the “Crossroads” statewide tour visit
humanitieskansas.org.
For more information about “Crossroads” at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center visit www.bowluscenter.org or call
620.365.4765.

ABOUT HUMANITIES KANSAS
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of
Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants,
and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights.

Government, Kansas

Efforts To Land Space Command Headquarters in Kansas Announced

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Efforts to Land Space Command Headquarters in Kansas

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced her strong push to land the new U.S. Space Command headquarters in Kansas. 

 

Four Kansas communities have submitted proposals to become home to the headquarters of the U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM), which is responsible for military operations in outer space. Derby, Kansas City, Kan., Leavenworth, and Wichita have responded to requests for information from the federal government with proposed development sites in their communities. 

 

“I have directed my Cabinet to use all resources necessary to support the selection of Kansas as the headquarters for the U.S. Space Command,” Governor Kelly said. “Our strong teams of state and local economic development professionals have the tools available for the attraction, growth, and retention of the U.S. Space Command headquarters. Kansas is the perfect place for this facility, and we are prepared to do the work to get it here. We look forward to further discussion with the U.S. Air Force as it works toward a decision on the U.S. Space Command headquarters’ location.” 

 

The interested Kansas communities are in the National Security Crossroads, a bi-state region with unique national security assets and talent. This would allow U.S. Space Command to quickly leverage this critical national security infrastructure and skills in establishing its permanent headquarters in Kansas. 

 

The four proposals address facility space requirements, workforce needs, proximity to a military installation, and other vital elements necessary for the successful operation of the U.S. Space Command headquarters. Each community has unique assets and attributes that would make it an attractive and practical location for the USSPACECOM headquarters, employees, and families. 

 

“There’s no question Kansas is the best place in the nation for the U.S. Space Command headquarters,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our central location, talented and educated workforce, existing military infrastructure, the advanced network of higher education institutions across our state – the list of advantages is unmatched. I am confident that Kansas is the most strategic choice for the Space Command headquarters’ location, and we look forward to supporting these four outstanding Kansas cities throughout the process.”

 

Each proposed site in Kansas offers impressive assets, including an educated workforce, quality-of-life amenities, and robust infrastructure attractive to businesses and organizations. Along with its strong military and aviation presence, Kansas also boasts a longstanding record of enthusiastic support for military service members and their families – both active duty personnel and veterans as they transition from military to civilian life. 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Laura Felt Celebrates 80th Birthday, Card Shower Requested

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Laura Felt. Submitted photo.
Laura Felt will celebrate her 80th birthday on September 16.
Her family is requesting cards be sent to her in celebration of the day.
Please send cards to 1440 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Laura Felt is the mother of Rick Felt, Troy Felt and Rhonda Kellstadt; grandmother of Kathy and Kenny (Rick), Scott, Tyler and Haley (Troy) & Clayton and Cade (Rhonda) and great-grandmother of Blair, Smith, Carver, Waylon, Easton and Knox.
Fort Scott, Government

FS Design Review Board Meets Sept. 9

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The Design Review Board will meet on Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. at the City Hall Commission Meeting room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to discuss a Certificate of Appropriateness for signage in the downtown area for the walking trail, and a Certificate of Appropriateness for signage and alterations to a building at 113 S. National and any others matters to be brought before the Board. This meeting is open to the public.

This meeting will be made available via the City’s you tube channel at City of Fort Scott.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Sept. 8

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: September 8, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

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.

9:00 – 9:30 Jim Harris

9:30 – 10:00 Executive Session, Non-elected Personnel (Interview)

10:00 – 10:30 Executive Session, Non-elected Personnel (Interview)

10:30 – 11:00 Executive Session, Non-elected Personnel (Interview)

Obituary

Obituary of Merleen Dean

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Merleen Della Dean, age 76, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Friday, September 04, 2020, at her home.

She was born on April 7, 1944, in Canastota, NY, the daughter of William Harris King and Emma Wilma Kolar King.

She married Stephen Dean on January 28, 1961, in Peterborough, NY. She worked as a teacher’s aide, cooked for various restaurants in Parsons, KS, and ran her own daycare.

Merleen enjoyed gardening, cooking, watching Fox News and the Hallmark Channel, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of Eastern Star and the Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband Stephen of the home; a son, James Dean, Ft. Scott; a daughter, Julie M. Van Becelaere and husband Ted, Monticello, MO; a sister, Karen King, Jamestown, NY; 5 grandchildren, Will Dean, Jerry Eddings, Micky Eddings, Rex David Lawhorn, and Rebekah Van Becelaere; 7 great-grandchildren, Cody, Canton, Will Jr., Ariel, Kenzly, Noelle, and Rex James; and 5 step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Lois Kilroy; and her parents.

Pastor Larry Stevicks will conduct funeral services at 11:00 am Wednesday, September 9th, at the Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Emmanuel Baptist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

CHC Fort Scott Reno Plans

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Residents who use the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas for health care in Fort Scott, will see a reconfiguration of the spaces in the future.

CHC/SEK  is located at 405 Woodland Hills, in the former Mercy Hospital building.

“We will be adding retail pharmacy space where the gift shop was (near the east entrance of the facility),” CHC/SEK President and CEO Krista Postai, said. “X-ray will be to the right as you walk in the clinic. We’ll also be adding new x-ray equipment into the main clinic…(There will also be) a break room and small meeting room created for staff. We will be creating a ‘women’s center’ within the clinic and moving the mammography equipment into the clinic to save women the long walk down the former Diagnostic Imaging Hallway.  ”

Krista Postai. Submitted photo.

The move is designed to be more convenient for patients, she said.

“We’re still involved in several other construction projects right now, but are working on final designs and talking with plumbers, electricians, etc. about the renovation,” Postai said.

“This is the new layout for our clinic only,” she said. “I have not seen a floor plan for the entire medical mall.”

The timeline for the reno will be made in the next few weeks, Postai said.

Also currently at the former Mercy building is the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department, located on the south side.

This fall, Fort Scott Community College leased 30 rooms at the west end of the building for student housing, as part of their plan during the COVID-19 Pandemic. They have made rooms for students at the main campus at 2108 S. Horton, should students need to be quarantined.

On the north side of the building is I Am Rehab LLC a physical therapy clinic.

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County Local News