Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Lavender Festival IV Tomorrow

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The Lavender Patch Farm. Submitted photos.

The Lavender Patch Farm,  2376 Locust, Fort Scott, was started in 2010  by Betsy and Davin Reichard, and this year marks the fourth time they have invited the community to a festival in summer.

Lavender Festival IV, which celebrates all things lavender, will be happening Saturday, June 19 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“The Lavender Festival celebrates the beginning of the lavender harvest and invites guests to enjoy the beauty of the lavender fields, surrounding wildflowers and prairie grasses, and other special activities of the day,” Betsy said.  “Admission is $5 for 13 and up and includes great music, games, and children’s activities around the Lavender Patch. ”

“Festival activities include you-pick lavender and wildflower bundles ($5), enjoying time with family and friends while listening to music, playing some games, watching demonstrations, going on a lavender tour, a hands-on children’s fairy garden, partaking of lavender foods that will be for sale – ice cream, lavenderade, or a pulled pork sandwich with lavender seasoning for lunch,” she said.

The Lavender Patch Festival 2019. Submitted photos.

“There will be lavender distilling (for essential oil) demonstrations throughout the day,” Betsy said.  “The lavender gift shop will be open to take home memories and lavender creations.”

“Remember to bring your camera and take as many photos as you like,” she said.

The couple’s loyal staff and many volunteers make the festival a fun event, Betsy said. They also staff other days the farm is open, most weekends in June and July.

“As a Kansas agritourism farm, guests can visit our working lavender farm when we are open,” Betsy said.  “Come pick a bundle and smell the lavender; relax and reconnect with friends and the outdoors.  Enjoy our lavender fields, surrounded by wildflowers and prairie grasses, then take home some lavender memories from our gift shop.”

Clumps of lavender plants on the Lavender Patch Farm, 2019. Submitted photos.

Check the website www.thelavenderpatchfarm.com for details.

For more information:

See their Facebook page

Or

The Lavender Patch Farm, 2376 Locust Road, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Or

[email protected]

Or

(620) 223-1364

Bourbon County, Business

BEDCO Changes Names

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Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc. Gets New Name

BEDCO is now Bourbon County REDI. The Board of Trustees voted to change the name at their June 17th meeting, recognizing a new direction for the organization. The “REDI” acronym stands for “Regional Economic Development Inc.” The organization is also in process of transitioning from a 501(c)(6) entity to a 501(c)(3).

“We wanted a name that reflected our passion for the whole county, and all segments therein,” explained Rob Harrington, the new Executive Director for the organization. “We have outlined strategies to deal with economic challenges experienced by all demographic and geographic interests in Bourbon County. We will also be working on a new look and feel that reflects who we are, and our vision for what we want to become,” said Harrington. “The 501(c)(3) status will give donors the opportunity to deduct contributions on their taxes, and create eligibility for more grants and programs,” explained Harrington.

Gregg Motley, President of the Board of Trustees, noted that the hiring of Harrington was deliberate and thoughtful, with the process spanning several months, and the consideration of 24 candidates from around the United States. “Our Human Resource Committee worked together closely to ensure the process had integrity, and identified the most qualified candidate,” Motley said. “During his first month, Rob has proven the process worked. We hired the right fit for Bourbon County.”

Additionally, The City of Bronson appointed a new representative. She is Kelly Perry, co-owner of Perry’s Pork Rinds, and one of the new owners of Hound Nutrition in Fort Scott. “We are pleased that Kelly has joined us,” Motley said. “She is young, energetic, and understands the economics of Bourbon County. She is a great addition to the Board.”

Bourbon County REDI, formerly known as Bourbon County Economic Development Council, was formed in 1992, and reconstituted in 2020 by a change in bylaws to accommodate the new economic realities of the 21st Century. The board is made up of 13 members, representing all cities, schools, and geographic segments of the county. There are two at-large Trustees. The Trustees are: Gregg Motley, President, Jim Fewins, Vice President, Mary Pemberton, Treasurer, Misty Adams, Mike Blevins, Heather Davis, Jess Ervin, Ted Hessong, Bret Howard, Lynne Oharah, Mark McCoy, and Kelly Perry. Rob Harrington, Executive Director, is Secretary of the Board.

Opinion

Prayer Chain Negatives by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

“When all you see is your pain, you lose sight of God.” The movie The Shack was recommended to me by several Christian friends. Others pointed to its lack of Biblical truth and refused to watch it. I opted to focus on its elements that line up with my personal faith. The quote written above was one of those moments.

A marriage counseling couple from Detroit came to visit my husband and me. Our friendship began in the late ‘70’s and has continued to this day. They shared how difficult it is to reach others for Christ who choose to host a never-ending pity party. Just recently, after eight years of off-and-on meetings with one particular couple, our friends told the husband and wife that they would continue to pray for them but could see them no more.

“Eight years?” I asked. “I wouldn’t last eight sessions. Did you give them homework and ideas for things they were to work on?”

The answer was yes, every meeting, but nothing changed. Our discussion turned to John 5:6 where Jesus approaches a paralytic and asks, “Do you want to get well?” I’ve written articles on this verse before, and our friends said this couple was an example of individuals who do not.

If you are involved in a prayer chain, chances are you have been introduced to these types of people. I’m not trying to be insensitive, but week after week, year after year, their names appear, their symptoms varying from illness to work issues to family disputes. Tom Ehrich, an Episcopal priest and writer for “Religion News Service,” called complainers “narcissistic.” “Whining makes me the center of everything,” he wrote. A little drastic, in my opinion, because at least these people are seeking prayer. What’s wrong with that?

Nothing, until that becomes their identity. I have two friends whose lives are relentless trials and setbacks, yet they never complain and continue to trust in God’s goodness. If they add their names to a prayer list, things are pretty bad. But let’s face it, some people don’t want to do their part to get well.

Do you remember the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead? Lazarus exited the tomb bound with graveclothes and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to the witnesses, “Loose him, and let him go.” Simply being raised from the dead was not enough. Lazarus needed to be unbound. The victim mentality allows Christians to remain in graveclothes that keep them wrapped up in their circumstances. They have made a declaration of faith in Jesus Christ but choose to attach themselves to defeat, refusing to change their focus to 1 John 4:4: He (God) who lives in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world.

These grumblers suffer from spiritual amnesia, rarely following up with thankfulness by crediting God for pulling them through their difficulties. That’s because their “rescuer” is people or a prayer chain or, like in my friends’ counseling experience, someone else willing to listen to the wife’s litany of gripes. (And yes, if you are wondering, that marriage ended in divorce.)

My heart aches for people who choose to focus on their misery. Most of the time, my prayers for them have nothing to do with their circumstances but all to do with them seeing how their complaints have become their label. Look again at the quote from The Shack: “When all you see is your pain, you lose sight of God.”

The remedy comes in Colossians 3:2: Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Board Agenda for June 21

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June 21, 2021
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701

The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
June 21, 2021.

The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall at Fort Scott Community College.

5:30 p.m. Dinner at 5:00 followed by regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m.

THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on May 17, 2021,
6
C. Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims, 7
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS, 54
A. Approval of Property/Casualty/Auto/Excess Liability Insurance, 54
B. Consideration of 2021-22 Meeting Dates, 57
C. Approval of Tentative Memorandum of Agreement with FSCAPE, 58
D. Consideration of KASB Worker’s Compensation Member Participation Premium
Agreement and Loyalty Credit Program Agreement, 60
E. Consideration of Mercy Amended Lease for Student Housing, 66
F. Consideration of Proposed Continuation Agreement Between Iowa Department of Education and Fort Scott Community College, 69
G. Discussion of Fort Lincoln School Rock Fossils, 70
H. Consideration of Apartment Flooring Bids, 71
I. Consideration of Apartment Painting Bids, 76
J. Approval of CAMP Laptop Purchase, 81
K. Approval of Consortium Memberships and Dues, 82

ITEMS FOR REVIEW, 84

REPORTS, 85A. Administrative Updates,

86
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 94
ADJOURNMENT, 95
1
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
• June 21, 2021: Board Meeting
• August 9-11, 2021: In-Service
• August 12, 2021: Fall Semester Begins
• September 6, 2021: Labor Day, Campus Closed
• October 18, 2021: Math Relays
• November 22 – 26, 2021: Thanksgiving Break, Campus Closed
• November 30, 2021: Graduate Assessment Exam
• December 7 – 10, 2021: Finals
• December 17, 2021 – January 4, 2022 Christmas Break, Campus Closed
Sincerely,
John Bartelsmeyer, Chair
Alysia Johnston, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
2
ROLL CALL
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Dave Elliott
_____ Kirk Hart
_____ Bill Meyer
_____ Robert Nelson
3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
4
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA CONSENT AGENDA

B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1) Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on May 17,
2021.

C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT, BILLS and CLAIMS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report and the Bills and Claims Report.

D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
1) Additions
a) Jason Middleton, Assistant Baseball Coach, effective May 26, 2021
b) Sean Moore, Assistant Baseball Coach, effective June 1, 2021
c) Richard Embry, Resident Assistant, effective June 1, 2021
d) Keith Willis-Auger, Resident Assistant, effective June 1, 2021
e) Dalton Brown, Resident Assistant, effective June 1, 2021
f) Kyle Pugh, Resident Assistant, effective June 2, 2021
g) John Horton, Assistant Track Coach, effective June 15, 2021
h) Gunnard Twyner, Assistant Football Coach, effective June 1, 2021
i) Chris Larsen, Lead IT Technician, effective June 7, 2021
j) Kelly Davis, Assistant Football Coach, effective July 1, 2021
k) Marivel Chavez, MEP OSY/K12 Advocate, effective July 1, 2021
l) Adriana Holguin, MEP OSY/K12 Advocate, effective July 1, 2021
m) Magdalena Rosales, MEP OSY/K12 Advocate, effective July 1, 2021
n) Tino Rosales, MEP OSY/K12 Recruiter/Advocate, effective July 1, 2021

2) Transfers
a) Jake Harvey, from Assistant Baseball Coach to Financial Aid Coordinator, effective July 1, 2021

3) Separations
a) Mark Emerson, Assistant Track Coach, effective May 15, 2021
b) Caitlyn Wiswell, Assistant Rodeo Coach, effective May 15, 2021
c) Gonzalo Gonzalez, Assistant Baseball Coach, effective May 31, 2021
d) Sean Davidson, Assistant Football Coach, effective June 4, 2021
e) Michael Page, Custodian, effective June 4, 2021

RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved
as presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bartelsmeyer Elliott Fewins
Hart Meyer Nelson
5

Fort Scott Community College, Government

FSCC Board Minutes of May 17

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
May 17, 2021
PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Dave Elliott, Kirk Hart, Bill Meyer, and Robert Nelson (via Zoom)
ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Juley McDaniel, Board Clerk, faculty, and staff
Chairman Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm in Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall. The meeting was opened
with the Pledge of Allegiance.

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Bartelsmeyer praised the maintenance and custodial crews at FSCC,
noting they are often behind the scenes but big contributors to the success of FSCC. “They’re not mentioned enough.
Thank you.”

CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Elliott, and carried by unanimous vote to approve
the consent agenda.

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the COVID\ mitigation recommendation of FSCC’s COVID committee with the intent to amend for a provision for students and/or employees in settings that require a mask.
B. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of Zoom Room equipment from SKC for $114,391.46.
C. A motion was made by Elliott, seconded by Hart, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of a mini excavator from OT Truck & Tractor Sales for $30,900.

ITEMS FOR REVIEW: The Board reviewed letters of correspondence.

REPORTS:
A. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Miami County Campus,
Student Services, Athletics, Instruction, Finance and Operations, and the President.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 6:28
p.m. by Elliott, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Too Hot for Your Health?

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Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.

It has been a scorcher the past week to say the least. The cooler temperatures this week will certainly be a welcome relief. However, we’ve just passed the Summer Solstice which means the official start of summer has begun. More hot days are on the way!

A priority in the summer months is not becoming overheated. Too much heat is not safe for anyone. It’s even riskier for older adults or if health problems are an issue.

Getting relief from the heat quickly is important. Initial symptoms of heat stress can include feelings of confusion or faintness. Being hot for too long can cause several other illnesses under the umbrella of hyperthermia.

The National Institute on Aging offers these definitions for different levels of heat stress along with recommendations should related symptoms occur.

A sudden dizziness can happen while a person is active during hot weather. This is known as heat syncope. If a beta blocker type heart medication is being taken at the time or you are not used to being in the heat, you are more likely to feel faint. Resting, putting your legs up and drinking water should make the dizziness go away.

Heat cramps are common – a painful tightening of muscles in the stomach, arms or legs. Cramps may accompany a high level of activity. The skin may feel moist and cool with the body temperature and pulse remaining normal. Find a way to cool down, drink plenty of fluids avoiding those with alcohol or caffeine.

Swelling in the ankles and feet when you’re hot is a symptom of heat edema. Put your legs up to help reduce the swelling. If that doesn’t work fairly quickly, check with your doctor.

Heat exhaustion is a clear warning that your body is no longer able to keep itself cool. You could feel thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated and nauseated. There may be a lot of sweating involved. Body temperature may remain normal, but the skin may feel cold and clammy. The pulse will likely be rapid. Again, rest in a cool place and drink plenty of fluids. If you don’t feel better soon, get medical care. If not careful, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Medical help is needed right away. Those who are dehydrated or may be dealing with chronic disease or alcoholism are at most risk. Signs of heat stroke include: Fainting (may be the first sign); becoming unconscious; a change in behavior (confusion, agitation, staggering), body temperature over 104 degrees F; dry, flushed skin and rapid pulse or slow pulse; and not sweating even if it’s hot.

Each year, most people who die from hyperthermia are over 50 years of age. Health problems and some drugs taken for chronic disease can contribute to hyperthermia. Being overweight or underweight can also be an issue.

Older adults can have a tough time dealing with heat and humidity. The temperature outside does not have to reach 100 degrees F to put them at risk for heat-related stress.

Pay attention to the temperature and humidity reports as we head into summer. Be safe, drink plenty of fluids, and keep cool!

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Government, Kansas

Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lake Due to Blue-Green Algae

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

 

Active Advisories

Warning

Marion County Lake, Marion County (upgraded 6/17)

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Norton County

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County (new)

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

Jerry Ivey Lake, Saline County

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (new)

 

Watch

Milford Lake Zone C, Geary County

South Lake, Johnson County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County (new)

 

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

 

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid

direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.

  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

If you observe a scum, a paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments, or the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

Government, K-State Extension

Reunification Month For Families

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Governor Laura Kelly Signs Proclamation Recognizing Reunification Month

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that, to recognize Kansans’ continuous efforts to strengthen families and communities, she has proclaimed June as Reunification Month in Kansas.

“All Kansas kids deserve a permanent, loving home,” Governor Kelly said. “This Reunification Month, I ask Kansans to join me in thanking our welfare agencies, courts, schools, businesses, individuals, and all those who put in the work to reunite the children in our foster care systems with their families.”

The proclamation states that reunification with their family is the preferred outcome for children placed in foster care. The care, love, security, and stability of a family unity provides a solid foundation for personal growth, development, and maturity.

From July 2020 to April 2021, 1,516 children were successfully reunified with their families in Kansas.

The proclamation reads:

“TO THE PEOPLE OF KANSAS, GREETINGS:

WHEREAS, reunification with family is the preferred outcome for children removed from their homes and placed in foster care; and

WHEREAS, for most children in foster care, reunification with their family is their best option for a permanent and loving home; and

WHEREAS, from July 2020 to April 2021, 1,516 children were successfully reunified with their families in Kansas; and

WHEREAS, all children need the care, love, security, and stability of family unity – including parents or guardians, siblings, grandparents, and/or other extended family members – to provide a solid foundation for personal growth, development, and maturity; and

WHEREAS, reunification takes work, commitment, and investment of time and resources by parents, family members, social workers, foster parents, service providers, attorneys, courts, and the community; and

WHEREAS, Kansas has been a leader and example in celebrating the accomplishments of families who overcome an array of challenges to reunify safely and successfully; and

WHEREAS, the State of Kansas encourages service, civic, and religious organizations as well as child welfare agencies, courts, schools, businesses, and individuals to join in commemorating Reunification Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities that recognize the importance of supporting our families and communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Laura Kelly, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF KANSAS, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as Reunification Month in Kansas and I urge all citizens to join in this observation.”

View the proclamation here.

Bourbon County Local News