FSCC Homecoming Evens
Humility by Patty LaRoche
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches…” Jeremiah 9:23
Dave and I were standing in line to board our flight when a fellow passenger noticed Dave’s name on his backpack label. Not quietly, he yelled—and I mean YELLED— “You aren’t the Dave LaRoche who pitched for the Indians, are you?” This fan needed no bull horn. Caught off guard, my husband nodded. The over-excited man turned to his friend standing a good 10-feet away. “Jim, you aren’t going to believe this. This is Dave LaRoche!!! Come on over and meet him.”
I turned my back and struck up a conversation with the young couple in front of me who had pivoted to see what the commotion was all about. “So, how about those Chiefs!” I said. They, like many in line, were far too young to have heard of Dave.
This was more of an annoyance than a reason to ask for an autograph. Dave, now embarrassed, answered quietly the questions of the man with the 60-foot voice. “Who was the best pitcher you ever saw?” “When did you retire?” “Who was the toughest hitter you faced?”
The security line could not move fast enough. One of my husband’s greatest strengths is his humility, a quality he instilled in all of our children.
No home run was ever hit when our kids raised their fists as they ran around the bases. None of them pumped their arms in order to get the fans to clap louder for them. The most acknowledgement I ever saw from them was a tip of their baseball cap following a standing ovation for something they did on the field.
As Dave always said, “Act like you’ve done this before, not like it’s a big deal.”
This past Sunday, All-Pro NFL player and game commentator, Rodney Harrison, stood alongside three other celebrity analysts, Harrison the only one not holding his own umbrella during the pre-game rainfall. Responses were not kind, speculating whose hand clutched Harrison’s umbrella and questioning why he was too cool to hold his own.
Let’s face it. Self-exaltation impresses no one, yet social media offers a platform to boast about our strengths or accomplishments.
Recently, a friend shared a series of pictures a mutual acquaintance posted on Facebook, each an elegant dinner she had prepared for her husband. Crab legs. Kobe beef. Escargot. Every time the couple goes to a classy restaurant, a picture of the meal is shared. But what does that do for those who will never be able to afford such flair? (How can my Taco Bell super taco compare?)
Saint Augustine had great advice: “Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.”
The inventor Samuel Morse once was asked if he ever encountered situations where he didn’t know what to do. Morse responded, “More than once, and whenever I could not see my way clearly, I knelt down and prayed to God for light and understanding.” Morse felt undeserving for the many honors received from his invention of the telegraph. “I have made a valuable application of electricity not because I was superior to other men but solely because God, who meant it for mankind, must reveal it to someone and He was pleased to reveal it to me.”
So, let’s finish where we started. Verse 24 of Jeremiah 9 completes the sentence: “…but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.
Which is precisely why I keep my super taco photo to myself.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 8
KDHE Amends Travel & Exposure Related Quarantine List
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to remove the country of Grenada. The state of Alaska and the countries of Bermuda and New Caledonia have been added to the travel quarantine list. An unvaccinated individual should quarantine if they meet the following criteria:
- Traveled between Sept. 23 and Oct. 7 to Grenada.
- Traveled on or after Oct. 7 to Alaska.
- Traveled on or after Oct. 7 to Bermuda and New Caledonia.
- Attendance at any out-of-state or in-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
- Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.
The travel and mass gathering quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.
For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.
For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel or mass gatherings if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine).
- Have remained asymptomatic since the travel.
Persons who do not meet the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel or mass gatherings.
Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
- Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
- Have remained asymptomatic since the travel
Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.
The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.
For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Oct. 6-7
Kansas Work Release Prisoner Being Sought
PUBLIC’S HELP SOUGHT IN LOCATING WICHITA WORK RELEASE FACILITY WALK AWAY
ELVIN EUGENE MORRIS
TOPEKA, Kansas – The Kansas Department of Corrections is asking for the public’s help in locating KDOC Inmate #93668 Elvin Eugene Morris. Morris was placed on escape status at approximately 7:50 p.m. Saturday, October 2, 2021, after he failed to report back to the Wichita Work Release Facility.
Morris, a 43-year-old black male, left for Walmart in the community at 4:05 p.m. and was reported missing when he did not report back to the facility following an approved community pass.
Morris is 5 feet 10 inches tall, 179 pounds, slender build with brown eyes and black hair. Morris was last seen wearing jeans and a long sleeved, button up, white shirt and gray sweatshirt. Morris is known to inhabit homeless communities in Wichita.
UPDATE PHOTO AVAILABLE: https://www.doc.ks.gov/wichita-work-release-facility-walk-away-resident-93668-elvin-eugene-morris
Morris is currently serving a sentence for a conviction in Sedgwick County for removing electronic monitoring equipment. Morris was last seen leaving the Wichita Work Release Facility at 400 South Emporia in Wichita, Kansas.
Anyone with information on Morris can call the Kansas Department of Corrections at 316-265-5211, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911.
The escape is currently being investigated. New information will be released as it becomes available.
The Wichita Work Release Facility, a satellite unit of the Winfield Correctional Facility, is an all-male, minimum-custody state prison with a population of 250.
Medicare Workshop on November 1
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Agenda For the Uniontown City Council Meeting, Oct. 12
Uniontown Regular City Council Meeting, Tuesday, October 12, 7PM
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
HBCAT – Prairie Pathways (ABC Trails) Presentation
Rurtian – Skeet George
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of September 14, 2021 RNR Hearing, Budget Hearing, Regular Council Meeting
B. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Fuel tank
Culverts
Bulletin board quotes
Building insulation
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan – quarantined, will not attend meeting.
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Building Code Effectiveness Grading – ISO
HBCAT – Health in all Policies Partner Pledge
KMGA Board of Directors Meeting and conference report
CBK request for legal action on two accounts
Gazebo
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Oak trees donation –
Pond Improvement Project –
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update –
American Rescue Plan Act update–
FEMA project update –
NEW BUSINESS
112A Second St –
Attachments to view:
Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on Sept. 14
Minutes of the Uniontown City Council
The Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing on September 14, 2021 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 6:39 PM by Mayor Jurgensen, immediately followed by the Budget Hearing, then the Regular Council Meeting. Council members present were Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Amanda Lancaster, Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPA, City Treasurer, Charlene Bolinger, Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE HEARING
No citizens were present for the hearing.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to adopt Resolution No. 2021-0914-1 to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate
2022 BUDGET HEARING
Clerk Johnson asked for an amendment to a couple line items in the general fund that would not change the total expenditures for that fund – Expenditures – Current Year Estimate for 2021 column, change Library to $900 and Remove Unsafe Structures to $7,250; Proposed Budget Year for 2022 column, change Operating Expenses to $15,300 and Library to $900. The software licensing and support for the library was not considered during the worksession. No citizens were present for the hearing.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to adopt the 2022 Budget as amended
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Audit Review – Amanda Lancaster, Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPA, presented the 2020 financial audit findings. There were no statutory violations or irregularities.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to accept the 2020 financial audit as presented.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the August Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $347,763.13, Receipts $46,926.80, Transfers Out $21,026.00, Expenditures $32,309.84, Checking Account Closing Balance $341,354.09. Bank Statement Balance $343,309.95, including Checking Account Interest of $29.07, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $1,955.86, Reconciled Balance $341,354.09. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $26,004.12, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $17,467.30, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $23,292.56, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $409,118.07. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $254.64 and Utility CDs $231.07 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $485.71. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of August 2021, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. August Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, from Water Utility to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00, from Gas Utility to Capital Improvement-Streets $12,500.00, from Sewer Utility to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00, from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Street $2,500.00, from General Fund to Lease Purchase Fund-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00, from Water Utility to Lease Purchase Fund-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00, from Gas Utility to Lease Purchase Fund-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00, and from Sewer Utility to Lease Purchase Fund-Maintenance Vehicle $500.00 for Total Transfers of $21,026.00. Net Loss for the month of August $6,409.04, Year-to-Date Net Loss $59,744.38. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $75,567.16 (75.7%), Expenditures $67,355.64 (54.4%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $23,308.69 (67.1%), Expenditures $24,884.15 (57.0%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $113,180.96 (87.6%), Expenditures $209,244.83 (63.3%); General Fund YTD Revenue $93,037.70 (81.3%), Expenditures $97,240.64 (59.2%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,012.60 (100.5%), Expenditures $3,686.47 (24.7%). The September 2021 estimated payables in the amount of $28,393.81 were presented.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Hartman, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of August 10, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Council was informed that KDHE is asking for water systems to volunteer to quarterly test for PFAS. There was discussion about PFAS and whether to volunteer; however, the deadline to let them know was August 31.
The solenoid valve had to be replaced again at the master meter. This is the third replacement since 2014. Superintendent Rich would like to stock another one in case of a future failure.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to purchase a solenoid valve as a stock part
He received one quote, from Roberts Tree Service, to remove the trees discussed last month. He would remove seven trees, trim one in the easement and remove eight stumps for $5,725.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to accept the quote from Roberts Tree Service to remove seven trees, trim one in the easement and remove eight stumps for $5,725
Rich asked if the Council still wanted him to replace two of the gas main shut-off valves. It is budgeted to replace 2-4 this year. He would like to replace the two valves near 201 Hill St. Council gave approval to replace.
He has not ordered culverts for Second and Fulton area. Shipping is costly. Councilman Stewart offered the use of his 16’ trailer to go pick up the culverts instead of shipping them. Council instructed Rich to order several culverts of different sizes.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan updated the Council on ongoing issues. 104 Washington – complaints about backyard, he has been unable to speak with them, a letter will be sent. There were several complaints about dogs the past month; he has not observed them out. 505 Washington – needs grass/weeds letter sent. 307 Sherman – one tree has been removed, the other has been trimmed; complainant has been told that they have complied with our request. 301 Second #1 – the camper has been moved. 202 Fourth – needs mowed by City. 103 Sherman – City mowed, property is in the process of being sold; prospective owners have covered broken window and will keep mowed. 306 Sherman – not mowing their ditches, needs letter sent.
Clerk Johnson went over recently released 2020 Census Data. Uniontown census increase 21 to 293.
Uniontown High School is having a homecoming parade on September 17. They would like to have First, Second, and Third Streets barricaded for the parade at Clay Street and Fifth Street barricaded just west of the high school parking lot entrance. The parade line up begins at 1:30 and the parade at 2:00
Motion by Esslinger, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to barricade First, Second, and Third Streets at Clay Street and Fifth Street just west of the high school parking lot entrance for the homecoming parade
Steve Headley has two oak trees he started from acorns to donate for the pond or the park. Clerk Johnson will ask Mr Headley how big they are. Consensus of council was to put them in the park since we are removing seven; but make sure placement would not interfere with the possibility of the splashpad. Council also asked Superintendent Rich to look into the purchase of 4” trees.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – absent
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – J Kite would like to donate his vacant lot on Second Street to the City. Clerk Johnson will check on size of lot and legal description and bring back to Council next month when more members are present. Mayor Jurgensen would also like to send a Thank You to Bourbon County Fire District #3 for their participation in the Old Settlers Picnic parade.
OLD BUSINESS
City Building Roof update – the opening for the stove pipe has been cut and the pipe installed. Project is completed. A puddle of water was found on the north side of community building near the furnace room. It was determined that the water wicked in from under the metal siding, not from the roof.
City Utility Low-Interest Loan update – two more accounts have paid in full, another account sold their property and will be billed the balance with the final bill, one account that was billed the balance on their final bill in July has not paid yet. If not paid by October 10 Clerk Johnson will submit to collection agency. Clerk Johnson played a recording of Erik Sartorius, LKM, informed cities of the progress in the investigation of price gouging. Attorney General’s office feels there may have been some violation and merits hiring outside counsel further investigate. He cautioned that even with further investigation cities may not receive any reimbursement.
American Rescue Plan Act update – Clerk Johnson spoke with Jason Solomon from KRWA about smoking/lining the sewer lines. The cost to smoke the lines is just the cost of the oil to create the smoke, approximately $200, because we are members of KRWA. He will put us on their list for some time next year, probably summer as it needs to be dry. He said once we smoke and see where the problems are we can discuss options for stopping the infiltration and that there are less expensive options than lining. He also conducted a sludge profile on the lagoons and reviewed our wastewater testing results. He said our influent biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) was 477 and the total suspended solids (TSS) was 600 in March. The effluent BOD was 24.9 and TSS was 43.2, which is in compliance. He reviewed our sewer system Ordinance No. 33 and Section 506 states “. . .admission into the public sewers of any waters or wastes have (a) a five-day BOD greater than 300 parts per million by weight or (b) containing more than 350 parts per million by weight of suspended solids. . .shall be subject to the review and approval of the Superintendent.” He suggested a conversation with the locker about the amount of blood entering our system on butchering days. He also said that overall our lagoon system is working well and no compliance issues have been identified.
She also asked Kansas Office of Recovery if the purchase/installation of culverts to improve stormwater drainage was an allowed use of ARPA funds. She was referred to the most recent FAQ Section 6 which referred to EPA Clean Water State Revolving Fund or Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. She is still researching.
FEMA project update – they are now requesting a bid to restore to pre-disaster condition (without adding riprap, that is considered mitigation). A bid has been requested from the contractor for both the ditch and the corners. As soon as it is received Clerk Johnson is to email to Ms Mitchell and call her to discuss.
NEW BUSINESS
Home Rule Day Proclamation – this year is the 60th anniversary of the implementation of Home Rule in Kansas. Home Rule gives local government, specifically cities, the power to make decisions at the local level based on the unique needs and values of their residents. LKM is encouraging all cities to proclaim October 11, 2021 as Home Rule Day and share the importance of Home Rule with our citizens.
Motion by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to proclaim October 11, 2021 as Home Rule Day
Moved by Hartman, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 8:27PM
Obituary of William Mason
William Ray Mason, age 36, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas and more recently of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Friday, October 1, 2021, in Joplin. He was born May 6, 1985, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of William Andrew Mason and Phyllis Irene Harris Mason.
Will graduated from the Ft. Scott High School. He was a self-taught musician and used his talents of singing and playing the piano and drums at area churches. He was of the Pentecostal faith. Will enjoyed traveling, cooking and spending time with his nieces and nephews.
Survivors include two sisters, Sabrina Wolfley and her husband, Dana and Christie Colbert both of Joplin; seven nieces and nephews, Zachary Mason, Justin Morrow, Alex Morrow, Keisha Morrow, MaryCybil Colbert, and True Colbert all of Joplin, and Ashley Colbert, of Wyandotte, Oklahoma and two great-nephews, Theodore and Callum. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Rev. Roger Harris will conduct funeral services at 1:30 P.M. Tuesday, October 12th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Will Mason Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Gwen Lancaster
Gwendolyne “Gwen” Jewel Lancaster, 65 of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, Missouri.
Gwen was born July 5, 1956 in Fort Scott, Kansas to Bob and Winnie (Leek) Daly.
She graduated Fort Scott High School class of 1974. Gwen married Don Lancaster on November 2, 1979.
The couple had three boys, Adam, Keith and Kyle, who were her world until the grandkids came along. She always mentioned how blessed she was to get the daughters in-law she had, and loved each one of them like her own.
Gwen worked at Newman Young Clinic for many years, and later for Mercy Hospital until her retirement. She loved her Newman Young Family and would reminisce often about all the fun memoires she had with them.
Gwen became a huge sports fan and spent countless hours traveling to different sporting events to watch her family play. She especially loved having a good time with friends and family, but especially her grandkids.
Gwen is survived by her husband, Don, of Fort Scott; her three sons, Adam Lancaster (Bridgett), Fort Scott, Keith Lancaster (Amy), Carthage, Missouri, and Kyle Lancaster (Sarah), Bolivar, Missouri; six grandchildren, Eli, Kallie, Kylie, Olive, Daly, Kodie; two sisters, Becky Davis (Don), Judy Hayden (Sam), brother, Max Daly (Laurie), Brother in-law, Tom Lancaster (Kay), Sisters in-law Sharon Daly, Debbie Baxley, and Carolyn Washburn (Gary), and numerous other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jeff Daly; sister in-law, Marsha Lancaster; and two nephews, Eric Hayden, and Joel Daly.
Rev. Rhonda Dunn will conduct services at 1:30 PM Monday, October 11th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery, Ft. Scott. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 PM Sunday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.