When it became apparent that Covid-19 was nothing to mess with, some people ignored its warning signs. One went so far as to host a party simply to prove he was fearless in the wake of this pandemic. Others, knowing they should be quarantined, conducted business as usual. Selfishness at its finest.
It reminds me of a story I heard years ago. It began with a mouse looking through a crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife opening a package; what food might it contain? He was aghast to discover that it was a mousetrap! Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning, “There is a mousetrap in the house, there is a mousetrap in the house!”
The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, “Mr. Mouse, I can tell you this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me; I cannot be bothered by it.”
The mouse turned to the pig and told him, “There is a mousetrap in the house.” “I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse,” sympathized the pig, “but there is nothing I can do about it but pray; be assured that you are in my prayers.”
The mouse turned to the cow who replied, “Like wow Mr. Mouse, a mousetrap; am I in grave danger? So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected to face the farmer’s mousetrap alone.
That very night the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey was heard throughout the house. The farmer’s wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see that it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer’s wife.
The farmer rushed her to the hospital. She returned home with a fever. Now, everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup’s main ingredient.
His wife’s sickness continued so that friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig. The farmer’s wife did not get well. In fact, she died, and so many people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide meat for all of them to eat.
I think this parable is one we all should consider. In Matthew 7:12 Jesus states, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” The moral of the story is this: the next time you hear that someone is facing a problem and think that it does not concern you, remember that when the least of us is threatened, we are all at risk.
USDA is making the awards under theHigher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. The funding will help significantly increase the use of biofuels derived from U.S. agricultural products and prioritize climate-smart solutions that will help rural America.
“Investments like these increase energy options for Kansas consumers,” Fischer said. “By expanding the availability of higher-blend biofuels, we’re also expanding an important market for Kansas farmers.”
Today’s announcement includes investments in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas and Wisconsin.
The projects involving Kansas include:
TA Operating LLC will replace 28 dispensers and two storage tanks at two fueling stations in Salina, Kan. and Gary, Ind. This project is a $190,000 USDA investment and is expected to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 1,104,682 gallons per year.
Three G Energy Inc. will replace four dispensers at a fueling station in McPherson, Kan. This project is a $117,000 USDA investment and is expected to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 894,742 gallons per year.
Magellan Pipeline Company LP will install a 25,000-barrel storage tank, piping, pumps, gauging, manways, tank insertion heater and insulation, and small biodiesel mechanical building at a location in Kansas City, Kan. It also will install a 10,000-barrel storage tank with piping, pumps, gauging, manways tank insertion heater and insulation, and small biodiesel mechanical building at a distribution facility in Brookline, Mo. This project is a $4,884,077 USDA investment and is expected to increase the amount of biodiesel sold by 223,661,458 gallons per year.
Background:
Today’s announcement marks the one-year anniversary of the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program. To date, USDA has invested $66.4 million for projects that are expected to increase biofuels sales by 1.2 billion gallons annually.
Through this program, USDA helps transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities offer higher ethanol and biodiesel blends to customers by sharing the costs to install fuel pumps, equipment and infrastructure. For more information on the program, visit www.rd.usda.gov/hbiip. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM WITH NO PUBLIC ATTENDANCE (PUBLIC
ATTENDANCE VIA YOUTUBE)
Call to Order
Flag Salute
Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
Eric Bailey – Road and Bridge Report
Health Insurance Contract
SEKAAA – Appoint Representative to the Board
County Counselor Comment
Susan Bancroft, Finance Director 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 would jeopardize such security measures.
Donnie Ray Moore, age 71, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, August 19, 2021, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. He was born May 21, 1950, in Prescott, Kansas, the son of William Lee Moore and Virgia May Alice Milton Moore. Donnie graduated from the Prescott High School. He then went on to serve with the United States Navy. Following his military service, Donnie returned to this area where he was employed by various farmers and stockmen. Donnie married Zo Ann Jackson on September 29, 2006. She preceded him in death on March 25, 2008. Donnie enjoyed fishing, hunting and watching sports on television. He was a great fan of NASCAR, the KU Jayhawks and the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.
Survivors include a sister, Pat Oakes (Mike Olson), of Buffalo, Kansas, four nephews, Clay Oakes (Kelly), Jamie Oakes (Angie), Danny Oakes (Jillian) and Ronnie Moore (Sheryl); a niece, April Oakes; five great-nephews, three great-nieces and six great-great-nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, William Moore, Jr. and a nephew, Rex Moore.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, August 26th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Prescott Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 P.M Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Donnie Moore 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.
Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff to Honor Firefighter Josh Schwindt
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly directed flags be flown at half-staff at all state grounds, buildings, and facilities on August 20, 2021 in honor of Morton County firefighter Josh Schwindt, who was fatally electrocuted while searching for survivors of a rollover accident on August 16, 2021.
“Today, I directed flags be flown at half-staff to honor Morton County firefighter Josh Schwindt,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “My condolences are with his family, loved ones, and fellow Morton County firefighters during their time of loss. Josh’s commitment to protecting his community and his service to our state will not be forgotten.”
Josh Schwindt will be interred during services held on August 20, 2021.
Local realtor, Bailey Lyons, was recently featured in the August 2021 edition of Top Agent Magazine.
Lyons has been a realtor for three years in Bourbon County and launched her own real estate business at the beginning of 2021.
Her business has grown over the years from repeat business and word-of-mouth introductions of friends, family, and neighbors, she said.
The real estate market is strong right now, Lyons said. “You can strip that down to basic economics. Supply is low, driven by the historically low number of active listings, contrasted by incredibly high demand, thanks in part to low interest rates.”
Lyons Realty Group’s new office is at 8 E. Wall St., in the recently restored Tribune Building. The office is part of the LaRoche family’s investment in the block of storefronts at Wall and National Avenue.
She can be reached via phone at (620)266-9448, or email at [email protected].
Katie Hueston is the business’s office administrator and Chelsea Harrison is a recently added real estate agent.
“Top Agent Magazine is the premier real estate magazine featuring the foremost real estate agents, mortgage professionals, and affiliates in the USA, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, according to a Top Agent Magazine press release. Top Agent Magazine features the top producing and most accomplished professionals in the real estate industry, offering an in-depth look at their careers and providing a blueprint for their success.
“To be considered for a feature in Top Agent Magazine all professionals must go through a nomination and interview process, according to the press release.
“ALL Candidates are then evaluated based upon production, professionalism, as well as industry and community involvement.
“It is considered a privilege to be nominated as it speaks to a certain success level all real estate agents strive for. Top Agent has set itself apart as a trusted source of real estate information and inspiration.
“Bailey Lyonsis a stellar example of the kind of prominent leaders of real estate we are proud to feature in Top Agent Magazine, according to the press release.
“It is an honor to be recognized with so many outstanding agents who are at the top of their game,” Lyons said in the press release. “I appreciate Top Agent Magazine selecting me for a feature. More importantly, though, I appreciate my wonderful clients, family, friends, and the Lyons Realty Group team for all of their support and encouragement. I love what I do every day, and I hope it always shows in my efforts.”
For more information email her at [email protected], or visit lyonsrealtygrp.com.
GRANT APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED NOW THROUGH AUGUST 31ST!
See link below for application.
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Honoring the Past and Impacting the Future
The mission of the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is to partner with and be a resource to organizations whose goal is to improve the quality of life in the Fort Scott, Kansas area. FSACF strives to create connections between donors and a variety of many worthwhile causes.
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce that the grant cycle for 2021 is here and they will be taking applications from now until 5pm on August 31st.
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation granting process is open to all qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and governmental entities.
Proposals are considered on the basis of how they improve the quality of life for citizens in the Fort Scott area and support a new or enhanced service to the community. The Foundation is particularly interested in projects that are sustainable in the future. Projects that are collaborative are strongly encouraged. Generally, grants are not for the purpose of funding core budget items, capital improvements, or the purchase of real estate.
A certain dollar amount of the awards is reserved for projects that benefit our youth.
last week and Jason Dean of the US Census Bureau Kansas Office will make a presentation breaking down the data for us on a
national, state & local level.
Chamber announcements/dollars will begin at 8:10am. The census presentation will begin immediately after, approx. 8:20am and wrap up by 9am. Jason will be around until 9:30am for additional questions regarding the census.
If attendees are not able to stay the whole time, you are welcome to leave whenever needed.
We would appreciate and encourage you to attend to hear this new data.
8/26 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by ~ Museum of Creativity
9/2 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by ~ Stewart Realty at 1519 S. Natl
9/9 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Bids & Dibs
9/16 ~ OPEN for AM Coffee – Join us at 5:30 pm for the After-Hours GRAND OPENING & Ribbon Cutting at Bartelsmeyer’s Jewelry, downtown at the new location at 22 N. Main St.
9/23 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by ~ Bourbon County Cars Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
9/30 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Pioneer Harvest Fiesta
10/7 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Gordon Parks Museum
10/14 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore
10/21 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Sleep Inn & Suites (7 yrs)
10/28 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church
11/4 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by VFW
11/11 ~ OPENING!
11/4 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by FS Compassionate Ministries
11/25 ~ No Coffee…Thanksgiving Holiday
12/2 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by FS Area Community Foundation
12/9 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Sunshine Boutique
12/16 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by The City of Fort Scott
This is part of a series introducing new Fort Scott educators.
Johnna Walls. Submitted photo.
Johnna Walls, 22, is a new fourth-grade teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary School in Fort Scott.
She graduated from Fort Scott Community College with an associate of science degree, then Ottawa University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. OU was where her grandfather, John Walls, also graduated with an education degree, she said.
Walls spent the last three years serving as a substitute paraprofessional and substitute teacher throughout the Fort Scott district.
Her family includes her parents, Wayne and Colleen Walls, and a brother, Timothy Vaughan, and now includes her boyfriend Christian Cox, and two dogs Peach and Ponch.
After working as a paraprofessional at Eugene Ware Elementary she got inspired to teach, she said. “I previously had no interest in teaching, however, working with these amazing kids changed something in me and I knew this was what God was calling me to do with my life. My first group of students at Eugene Ware inspired me to take a leap and I am thankful every day for those students.”
For Walls, the best part of teaching is the relationships.
“I meet so many amazing kids from an array of backgrounds and I am able to lead them to see the world of possibilities that are open to each and every one of them,” she said. “More than anything, I love seeing them come in at the beginning of the year and then transform into confident, capable, and thriving individuals.”
“Challenges are everywhere within the realm of teaching,” Walls said. “Yet, the challenges are continuously outshined by the numerous accomplishments and happy moments that are always popping up within the school. Challenges are simply a step in creating positive change and positive outcomes.”
Outside of her career, she travels nationwide rodeoing, she said.
“I barrel race on my horse, Rocket, while also cheering on Christian while he rides bulls.”
Carlee McCullough. Submitted photo.
Carlee McCullough, 29, is a new teacher at Fort Scott Preschool, which is a part of USD 234.
She graduated from Pittsburg State University and has one year of experience teaching second-grade at Hume, MO.
She and her husband Danny McCullough have two boys, Canyen and Callen.
“I pursued teaching because I wanted to make a difference and I’m someone who loves a challenge,” she said. “In education, you are constantly being challenged with problem-solving ways to help your students reach their full potential.”
“The best part of teaching hands down has to be when you see the light bulb or ‘aha ‘moment in your children’s eyes or on their face,” McCullough said. “It’s that moment when they understand what you have taught them. It’s so exciting because not only are you so proud of them but you can tell how proud of themselves they are and those moments are so special and so fun.”
“A challenge for me is just making sure I’m showing up each day as the best version of myself, but it’s a challenge I look forward to each day,” she said.
Outside of her teaching career, she helps on the family farm with haying in the summer, checking cattle, doctoring cattle, and weaning calves in the next couple of weeks, she said.
