My Problems or God’s Promises? By Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
She rolled her eyes just like that in her last game, I said to myself. Exactly like that.
Dave and I had talked earlier about today’s game time for the Indiana Fever of the WNBA, and even though he was in Las Vegas and I was in Fort Scott, we both now were watching the Fever play.
With only two minutes left, the camera showed Caitlyn Clark conversing with two of her teammates on the bench. Caitlyn, a star on the team, is on the injured list, but she clearly was enjoying her teammates trouncing the opponent.
For some reason, the eye-rolling was a DeJa’Vu moment for me, and when the announcer said that this was the largest crowd ever for the Chicago team, I remembered hearing that before as well. When the game ended, I called Dave.
“Great game, huh?” I said.
“Not for the Fever,” he answered.
Say what?
By now, you’ve probably figured out what I had not figured out. I had just sat through the same game I had watched a few days earlier against the Chicago Sun. Dave had watched the game the Fever actually played…against the Atlanta Dream. The only things that seemed familiar to me were Caitlyn Clark rolling her eyes and an announcement about the crowd size—nothing about the game.
What is wrong with my brain?
The same week, I left my phone and glasses at my stepdaughter’s house, failed to set my timer and left pizza in the oven until it burned, forgot to buy the Brillo pads necessary to clean the blackened pizza off the oven racks, had to Google the name for the oven shelves (“racks”) and couldn’t recall the name of the Iron Dome when discussing the Israeli/Iran war.
I think I am stressed.
The American Institute of Stress notes that 75 to 90 percent of visits to primary care physicians are stress-related. Stress kills. I’m not dead, but I am anxious, even though nothing is that big of a deal.
Dave and I had been organizing a move back to Kansas where I accepted a teaching job for one year. Quality sleep has alluded me, as every night I dream of students running amok in my classroom.
We had been busy, saying goodbye to family and friends, and we were both forgetting things we needed to do to prepare for the drive home. Sticky notes helped, unless we forgot to read them.
Philippians 4:6-7 gives us direction when we are stressed: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I read that scripture and realize how I need to focus on what is going right, not what might go wrong. I am blessed with family and friends who want to spend time with me, a job opportunity where I can inspire students, the money to buy pizzas and Brillo pads, a vehicle that can safely get us home, a house to go home to, and most importantly, a Savior who stands beside me, even when I allow my circumstances to cause me angst.
I focus either on my problems or God’s promises.
We all know which one I need to choose.
Fort Scott Community College Names New President
Fort Scott, KS – It is with great pleasure that the Board of Trustees announces the appointment of Dr. Jack Welch as the President of Fort Scott Community College, effective June 30, 2025.
Dr. Welch brings to our college a distinguished background in higher education leadership and experience with FSCC and the community of Fort Scott. With his deep understanding of student success, community engagement, and academic excellence, he is exceptionally well-suited to lead our institution into its next chapter.
In this role, Dr. Welch will oversee all aspects of the college’s operations and strategic direction, working closely with faculty, staff, students, and community partners to ensure that our mission of accessible, high-quality education continues to thrive.
We are confident that he will bring vision, dedication, and collaborative leadership to Fort Scott Community College, and we look forward to the opportunities ahead under his guidance.
There will be an opportunity for faculty, staff, students, and the community to meet and talk to Dr. Jack Welch at a later date. Thank you.
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Obituary of Everett Eugene Forester
Everett Eugene “Gene” Forester, a cherished father, grandfather, sibling, and friend, passed away at the age of 72 on June 26, 2025, in Arma, Kansas. Born on September 6, 1952, in Marionville, Missouri, to the late Richard and Lula Forester, Gene’s life was a testament to his loving nature, adventurous spirit, and passionate heart.
Gene grew up in a bustling household alongside his siblings, Everett Bentley Forester (deceased), Gary and Larry Forester (deceased twins), Ernie (Jan) Forester, June Crowley, Linda Rhodes (Bill), and the late Dorothy Logan and numerous nieces and nephews. His childhood near Aurora Missouri was filled with the simple joys of rural life, which shaped his character and his lifelong love of the outdoors. Gene attended Fort Scott schools, where he formed many lasting friendships and developed a strong foundation for his future.
In his professional life, Gene initially worked at Peerless Products, where he was known for his dedication and hard work. However, his true calling was the life of a ranch hand, which he embraced for the last 25 years. His connection with the land and the animals he tended was profound, and he approached his work with the same love and care he gave to his family.
A man with a passion for horses, Gene’s adventurous streak often led him to sneak a horse or two into the house during his younger years, ensuring they stayed warm on cold nights. This anecdote perfectly captures Gene’s boundless love for animals and his willingness to go the extra mile for those he cared about.
Gene’s legacy lives on through his beloved children, Christy Boyer (Brian), Richard Forester (deceased, 1977), Bobby Forester (Jennifer), and Jessy Russell (Nick), as well as his treasured grandchildren, Dylan, JoSara, Emory, Stella, Bella, Zoey, Izzy, Madi, Emma, and Tinley. His role as a father and grandfather was the one he cherished most, and the countless memories created with his family will be held close to their hearts forever.
As we remember Gene, we are reminded of the words of Helen Keller: “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Gene’s love has indeed become a part of all who knew him.
Everett Eugene Forester was a man of great love, adventure, and passion. His life’s journey was one of connection—to his family, his friends, his faith, and the natural world he so adored. As we bid farewell to Gene, we celebrate the remarkable life he led and the indelible impact he left on the hearts of many. May his story continue to inspire us to live with love, to seek adventure, and to embrace our passions with all our might.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, June 30th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery southwest of Ft. Scott.
The family will receive friends on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of reme
What’s Happening in Fort Scott June 26 Edition
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JULY 7 BOURBON COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
To all persons concerned,
You are hereby given notice that the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, KS, through a petition filed by Bradley Plaster, propose to vacate the following:
Vacation of 60’ road of 128th between Lot 5 Sub of Lot 1 Block 8 and Lot 2 of Block 8, Hiattville, Kansas.
This road closing will be further considered by the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, Kansas at a public hearing scheduled for 5:35 PM July 7, 2025, during their regularly scheduled commission meeting located at 210 S National Avenue, Fort Scott, Kansas, in the Commission Chambers. Any person with an interest in this proposed road closing is invited to speak for or against this matter. Said road closing will then become effective upon the formal resolution of the Board.
Emily Bolinger: New Nurse Practitioner at Uniontown Clinic
Emily Bolinger, 42, is the new Nurse Practitioner at Girard Medical Center of Uniontown, as of June 1.
“I’m excited to be local and help take care of people in this community,” she said.
She attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of Missouri at Kansas City and has been a Registered Nurse since 2007. She earned a master’s degree from UMKC in 2014 and has practiced all around Southeast Kansas. Her hometown is Olathe.
Her resume includes experience in primary care, urgent care, and School-Based Health as a Nurse Practitioner at Pittsburg High School and the Bryant Student Health Center at Pittsburg State University.
At the Uniontown Clinic, her duties will be primary care that includes same-day appointments, urgent care, along with Kansas Department of Transportation physicals and sports physicals.
She and husband Dustin have lived in the Uniontown area for six years, and their son Keaton will be going to Uniontown Junior High.
“He is involved in sports and is a percussionist,” she said.
She helps out with Keaton’s baseball team and gives fast-pitch softball lessons to young girls in the community.
Bolinger played softball while at the universities in Omaha and Kansas City.
The clinic is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with lunch from noon to 1 p.m.
The former Uniontown Clinic provider, Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Hallacy, has transitioned to the Girard Medical Center Clinic at Arma, where she lives. Her last day in Uniontown was June 24.
The Business Retention and Expansion Survey Summary
Executive Summary
The Business Retention and Expansion Survey (BRES) was
conducted by HBCAT in collaboration with the City of Fort Scott
to assess the local business climate. The survey gathered 34
responses and six in-person interviews, reflecting ongoing
challenges in the region due to business closures.
Key Findings:
• Industry Composition: The largest sectors represented were Services (37.1%), Retail
Trade (22.9%), and Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate (14.3%).
• Employment Trends: 24% of businesses reported employment growth, 59% remained
stable, and 18% experienced declines.
• Workforce Challenges: 73% of respondents struggled with recruiting and retaining
workers, especially unskilled (38%) and semi-skilled employees (35%).
• Business Expansion & Financing: 18% of businesses plan to expand within two years,
while 15% reported forgoing expansion due to lack of financing.
Business Information Needs
Local businesses expressed a strong desire for more information on:
• Small business and entrepreneurial support resources tailored to the needs of startups and
local business owners.
• Workforce and job training programs to improve access to skilled labor and reduce hiring
challenges.
• Local market matching programs to connect businesses with regional suppliers,
customers, and partners.
• Access to capital and financing to support expansion, equipment upgrades, and working capital needs.
• Improved communication between local and state governments and businesses, to increase transparency and responsiveness.
Possible Actions Local Government Could Take:
1. Improve Marketing of the City – Increase promotional efforts to attract new residents, visitors, and businesses by showcasing Fort Scott’s assets, events, and opportunities.
2. Enhance Communication – Create clearer, more consistent communication channels between the City and the business community, including regular updates and outreach.
3. Develop Incentive Programs – Introduce or expand financial and regulatory incentives for new and existing businesses looking to launch or grow in Fort Scott.
4. Increase Workforce Development Efforts – Collaborate with HBCAT and other partners to create stronger pipelines for skilled labor and job training programs.
5. Address Housing as a Critical Need – Prioritize policies, partnerships, and development strategies that expand housing options for workers and families to support long-term
economic stability.
Next Steps for The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team:
1. Launch an Employer Learning Collaborative – Convene local employers to clarify their workforce needs, discuss shared challenges, and identify specific skill gaps, particularly around unskilled and semi-skilled labor. HBCAT may host panel discussions
and is seeking facilitation support to guide this effort.
2. Engage High School Students Through Mentorship and Incentives – Partner with high school business classes to connect students with the RCP Mentorship Program and Community Health Workers, and link them to financial incentives available through the
City’s small business grant program and local community college resources.
3. Explore Soft Skill Curriculum Implementation – Evaluate the existing soft skills curriculum used by SEK KANSASWORKS in other districts to determine cost and feasibility of implementing it in Fort Scott schools, with the goal of aligning with local employer expectations.
Submitted by Jody Love
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc.
Rural Community Partners
President and CEO
Office: 620-224-2563 Ext. 4
Cell: 620-215-2892
104 North National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 26
Starlite Family Community Education Minutes June 2025
Starlite FCE held its June meeting at the Presbyterian Village Meeting room. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and Vice President Joyce Allen led the members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Eleven members and one guest were in attendance. The member reported that they had volunteered seven hours and had recycled 260 pounds.
Glenda Miller recognized the June birthdays which were Doris Ericson, Betty Johnson, Bernita Hill, and Delphine Parks.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Doris Ericson gave the treasurer’s report. There was no Council report.
Old business consisted of organizing birthday cards for the senior living facilities in Fort Scott. Glenda Miller announced that she and Jack Jackson had presented the lesson on Hospice to the Hiattville Methodist Church. Twelve people were in attendance.
Under new business Betty Johnson moved that we have a bake less bake sale to replenish our treasurer account, Joyce Allen seconded the motion, motion carried. Deb Lust passed around the Fair worker sign-up sheet. She announced that clean-up of the Meyers building would be Saturday July 12th beginning at 8:00, Open class check-in will be Monday July 14th starting at 2:00 until 6:00, and that judging will be Tuesday July 15th starting at 8:00. A bake sale will begin at noon of the items entered in the prepared foods division with proceeds going towards a scholarship presented by Bourbon County FCE. Deb also announced that the Friends of 4-H Dinner and the Public Style Review will be July 8th beginning at 6:00 at the Ellis Fine arts Center.
Refreshment of Cherry Delight, nuts, chocolates and water were provided by Claudia Wheeler and Betty Johnson and were enjoyed by all. Glenda announced that there will be no July meeting and that Karen Peery will have the August Lesson on Trustworthiness.
Betty Johnson moved the meeting be adjourned, Claudia Wheeler seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.
Prepared by
Terri Williams
Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting June 26
FREE ICE CREAM AT FORT SCOTT NHS THIS SATURDAY
There is nothing that says summer more than ice cream. Start your summer off right with a free sweet treat being offered at Fort Scott National Historic Site from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Saturday, June 28. This ice cream social is being sponsored by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site in conjunction with other fort activities.
The Friends will also be selling chances to win an authentic reproduction of an 1833 Dragoon saber. A drawing to select the winner will be held September 8, 2025, at the Friends of FSNHS annual meeting. Chances are $10 each and $25 for three. All proceeds will benefit activities and operations at Fort Scott National Historic Site.
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