“I didn’t vote for cars and computers”: Motley relays questions on the jail sales tax

FORT SCOTT — The vote on the sheriff’s $90,139.25 computer bill was also a debate over what Bourbon County’s jail sales tax is for.

“When I voted for the jail sales tax, I didn’t vote for cars and computers,” Chairman Gregg Motley said on Nov. 2, describing what people have told him. He said people told him they voted to build a jail and remodel the courthouse, and that this was his own understanding when he voted for the tax.

Commissioner David Beerbower said he wasn’t a commissioner then, and that “there’s more to it than just building a jail and remodeling the courthouse.” The resolution says the money can be used because the equipment serves the jail and public safety.

Commissioner Mika Milburn-Kee said she wants to review the fund’s balance. “I want to look at the jail sales tax because we approved a lot of cars out of it last year,” she said.

State law, K.S.A. 12-187, says revenue from the 0.4% tax in the April 7, 2015 election “shall be expended solely for the purpose of financing the costs of constructing, furnishing and operating a courthouse, law enforcement center or jail facility improvements.” The law says the tax ends once all authorized project costs are paid. The sheriff’s bill returns to the commission’s agenda Nov. 9.

USD 234 faces a proposed 53% health insurance increase. Here’s what the board could do

FORT SCOTT — USD 234 is trying to bring down a proposed 53% increase in its health insurance rates, with recommendations expected at the board’s November meeting.

“We saw a 53% proposed increase in our rates and that’s just not doable,” Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield told the board Oct. 12. Mayfield said the district had a very bad claims year, with a 140% loss ratio. Early proposals from other carriers showed no real difference from Blue Cross Blue Shield, the current carrier, and the district was waiting on more quotes.

Mayfield said the options include changing plan designs, such as higher deductibles, and using part of the district’s health insurance reserve to buy down the increase, while keeping enough in reserve. Having employees take on part of the increase was also raised. “If we could get down to probably a 15 to 20% increase based on what our claims loss was last year, I’d feel pretty good about that, even though that’s pretty painful,” Mayfield said.

Mayfield said the benefits committee would bring proposals back for the November board meeting. The board’s next regular meeting is Monday, Nov. 9.

Match Week 2026: Give Nov. 9-13 in Bourbon County

Sending on behalf of Fort Scott Area Community Foundation

Match Week

November 9-13, 2026

Match Week November 9-13, 2026

Mark your calendars for November 9 to 13 and join the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation for Match Week 2026!

Match Week is an opportunity to support the local causes, projects, and organizations that make Bourbon County a great place to live, work, and grow.

Thanks to a generous matching partnership, donations made during Match Week will be amplified, helping participating funds make an even greater difference right here at home!

EVERY GIFT MATTERS!

Whether you give $10, $100, or more, your generosity helps strengthen our community.

Choose from any of the participating funds and support the causes that matter most to you. Every contribution helps create a lasting impact!

WHEN: November 9 to 13, 2026

LEARN MORE & GIVE: www.fortscottgives.org

TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Join the community in giving back and helping Bourbon County thrive, one gift at a time.

Give More. Impact More.

WATCH & LEARN MORE ABOUT MATCH WEEK!

Want to learn more about Match Week and the impact your generosity can make? Check out these two videos!

Video 1

Video 2

Click the image below for a printable PDF copy.

Match Week printable PDF - list of participating funds

Click HERE to donate online!

Click HERE to visit the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit their webpage!

Click HERE for the Facebook Event Page!

November: Growing Grateful Hearts by Jennifer Terrell

Jennifer Terrell, K-State Extension Agent

November: Growing Grateful Hearts

By Jennifer Terrell, 4-H Youth Development Agent, K-State Research and Extension, Southwind District

November has always felt like a month that invites us to slow down. The busy harvest season is winding down, the days are getting shorter, and many of us begin looking forward to gathering around a table with family and friends. It’s also a time when we’re reminded to count our blessings and reflect on all we have to be thankful for.

As I think about thankfulness this month, I am reminded that gratitude isn’t something we’re born knowing how to do. Like kindness, responsibility, and respect, it’s something children learn from the adults around them.

Kids are always watching us. They notice how we respond when things don’t go our way. They hear how we talk about our jobs, our neighbors, and our communities. They see whether we focus on what we don’t have or appreciate what we do. The lessons we teach about gratitude often come from our actions more than our words.

In a world that constantly encourages us to want more, being thankful can feel like a lost art. Advertisements tell us we need the newest gadget, the latest style, or one more thing to make us happy. It’s easy for both adults and children to get caught up in the pursuit of what’s next.

That’s why teaching gratitude matters.

When children learn to recognize the good things in their lives, they begin to develop a different perspective. They learn to appreciate the people who help them, the opportunities they have, and even the simple moments that bring joy. A grateful child is more likely to notice the kindness of others and, in turn, share kindness themselves.

The good news is that teaching thankfulness doesn’t require grand gestures. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking a child at the end of the day, “What was the best part of your day?” or “What’s something you’re thankful for today?” Those conversations help children learn to look for the positives, even on difficult days.

Writing thank-you notes, serving others, helping a neighbor, or taking time to thank a teacher, coach, or volunteer are all meaningful ways to practice gratitude. Through these experiences, children learn that thankfulness is more than saying “thank you.” It’s recognizing the value of people and relationships.

One of the things I admire most about our community is the willingness of people to help one another. Whether it’s volunteering, supporting youth programs, lending a hand during difficult times, or simply checking in on a neighbor, these acts of generosity remind us how fortunate we are. They also provide wonderful examples for young people to follow.

This November, I encourage all of us to be intentional about cultivating gratitude in our homes. Take a few extra moments around the dinner table, in the car, or before bedtime to talk about blessings both big and small. Children may not remember every lesson we try to teach, but they will remember the attitudes and values they see modeled every day.

As Thanksgiving approaches, my hope is that we not only celebrate thankfulness for a day but help the young people in our lives develop grateful hearts that will serve them for years to come. After all, gratitude is a gift that grows when it’s shared.

Fall Is the Perfect Time to Improve Garden Soil

Fall Is the Perfect Time to Improve Garden Soil

Nothing is more important to gardening success than healthy soil. Fertilizing, watering, and tending plants are all essential tasks, but those efforts will have limited results if the soil is not in good condition. Fall is an excellent time to step back, evaluate how your garden performed during the summer, and make improvements that will benefit next year’s crops and flowers.

Soil forms over long periods as rocks break down through weathering and as plant and animal materials decompose. Healthy soil is a combination of mineral particles, organic matter, air, and water, all working together to support plant growth.

Most soils consist of three distinct layers: topsoil, subsoil, and parent material. Topsoil is the upper layer containing the highest concentration of organic matter and beneficial soil organisms. It is also where most plant roots grow and where plants obtain much of their water and nutrients.

Below the topsoil lies the subsoil, which is denser and contains less organic matter. This layer helps store water and nutrients, regulates soil temperature, and provides structural support for plant roots. The lowest layer, known as parent material, consists of partially weathered rock from which the soil developed.

One of the most important characteristics of soil is its texture, which refers to the proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles. Soil texture influences water-holding capacity, drainage, nutrient retention, ease of cultivation, and susceptibility to erosion.

In southeastern Kansas, many soils contain a high percentage of clay. Anyone who has trudged through a garden after a rainstorm knows exactly what that means. The sticky soil that clings to boots and tools has earned the nickname “gumbo” among many gardeners.

A common challenge with clay soils is poor drainage and compaction. Fortunately, one of the best ways to improve clay soil is by adding organic matter. Materials such as composted leaves, grass clippings, and well-rotted manure help create better soil structure. Earthworms, insects, fungi, and beneficial bacteria feed on these materials and gradually convert them into humus, a stable form of organic matter that improves soil health.

As organic matter breaks down, it helps loosen compacted clay, improves water infiltration, increases air movement in the soil, and creates a better environment for plant roots. The result is soil that is easier to work and better able to support healthy plant growth.

Fall is an ideal time to add organic matter to gardens and flower beds. Apply two to four inches of compost or other organic materials and incorporate it into the soil. If conditions are dry, water the area to promote decomposition. Additional applications can be made a few weeks later if more organic material is available. Over the winter months, these materials will continue to break down, leaving the soil in better condition for spring planting.

Home gardeners are sometimes advised to add sand to clay soils, but this practice can create more problems than it solves. Unless large amounts of coarse sand are incorporated, the clay simply fills the spaces between the sand particles. The resulting mixture can become dense and hard, much like concrete. For this reason, organic matter remains a far better choice for improving heavy clay soils.

Before adding any soil amendments, I recommend having your soil tested through your local Extension office. A soil test can identify nutrient deficiencies and provide recommendations tailored to your garden’s needs. For more information about soil testing or how to collect a soil sample, please contact the Southwind Extension District office.

Krista Harding is a K-State Extension horticulture agent assigned to the Southwind District. She may be reached at kharding@ksu.edu or 620-244-3826.

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – November 6, 2026

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – November 6, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 58 calls for service on November 6, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Other Agency Assist — 9:30 AM, 101 S Grant St. Complaint No. 26-01755FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Traffic Stop — 10:17 AM, 2207 S Main St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-1054BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Traffic Stop — 10:17 AM, 2207 S Main St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01756FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Threat — 10:37 AM, 211 S Lowman, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01757FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Traffic Stop — 7:59 PM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-1055BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Traffic Stop — 11:24 PM, 6th St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01758FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fire and EMS

EMS — 5:58 AM, 315 Scott St #203, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Fire / Alarm — 12:14 PM, 316 W 10th, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS — 4:00 PM, 900 E 3rd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 6:21 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS — 11:53 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: AMBU.

Other Calls for Service

Check Vehicle — 12:48 AM, 125th. Disposition: HBO.

Check Records / Criminal History — 8:06 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

27,28,29 Checks — 8:22 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: NR.

Vin Inspections / County — 8:36 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: NR.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 8:45 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 10:06 AM, 1819 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Alarm / Burglary — 10:07 AM, 1222 195th. Disposition: 22.

Other Agency Assist — 10:32 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Codes — 10:53 AM, 748 S Judson, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 11:33 AM, 1123 E Elm, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 11:33 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 77.

Theft — 11:40 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Warrant Service / Arrest — 11:43 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 2:18 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 2:57 PM, 946 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: 22.

Traffic Complaint / Traffic Lights/RR Crossing — 3:47 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 6:29 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Noise Complaint — 8:16 PM, 2224 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Juvenile — 9:13 PM, 2224 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Extra Patrol — 9:29 PM, 501 Couch St. Disposition: 77.

Check Subject — 10:32 PM, 3rd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Public Assist — 10:50 PM, 16 N Caldwell, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Building Check — 11:08 PM, 1625 E Oak. Disposition: HBO.

Noise Complaint — 11:52 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 1:09 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:18 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:23 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 2:20 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:21 AM, Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:50 AM, 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 6:24 PM, 2402 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 6:43 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:03 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:24 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:29 PM, 1920 S Main St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:39 PM, 2403 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:46 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:25 PM, 2402 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:45 PM, 205th. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:52 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:56 PM, National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:01 PM, 5th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:05 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:10 PM, 10th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:12 PM, Locust Rd, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:49 PM, 6th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:24 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Total Calls for Service: 58

Documents:

Uniontown City Council Meeting – Nov. 10, 2026, 7 PM

The Uniontown City Council will hold its Regular Meeting on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Uniontown Community Center.

Agenda

  • Call to Order / Roll Call (Kyle Knight, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Bradley Stewart, Jess Ervin)
  • Special Considerations/Projects
  • Citizens Requests
  • Financial Report — Sally Johnson
  • Approve Consent Agenda
    • Minutes of October 13, 2026 Regular Council Meeting
    • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
  • Department Reports — Codes Enforcement (Doug Coyan), Superintendent (Bobby Rich), Clerk Report (Haley Arnold), Codes Update, City Facebook Page
  • Council & Committee Reports — Knight, Kelly, Pemberton, Stewart, Ervin, Mayor Jurgensen
  • Old Business — Dog Ordinance, Park Cameras, Waterway Project
  • New Business — possible executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), to discuss performance of non-elected personnel
  • Adjourn

October 13, 2026 – Regular Council Meeting Minutes

The Regular Council Meeting on October 13, 2026 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Amber Kelly, Kyle Knight, Bradley Stewart and Jess Ervin. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Betty Dennis, Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson and City Clerk Haley Arnold.

Special Considerations/Projects

None recorded.

Citizens Request

None recorded.

Financial Report

Treasurer Johnson presented the September 2026 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $203,270.62, Receipts $40,711.86, Transfers Out $1,624.00, Expenditures $32,183.25, Checking Account Closing Balance $210,175.23. Bank Statement Balance $210,265.27, including Checking Account Interest of $42.59, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $90.04, Reconciled Balance $210,175.23. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $43,961.17, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $24,783.10, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $51,537.46, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $330,456.96. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $449.97, and Utility CDs $2,134.74 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,584.71. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of September 2026, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. September Transfers from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Total Transfers of $1,624.00. Net income for the month of September $6,904.61, Year-to-Date Net Income $9,429.77. Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $98,252.43 (75.9%), Expenditures $74,212.80 (56.3%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $31,433.11 (87.1%), Expenditures $21,906.27 (51.3%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $91,932.28 (73.9%), Expenditures $81,956.65 (57.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $117,130.29 (79.5%), Expenditures $125,529.00 (53.4%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,054.18 (83.0%), Expenditures $6,149.50 (55.0%). The payables for the period of September 9, 2026, through October 13, 2026, reflected payables in the amount of $33,521.01.

Johnson stated that a new category had been added to the financial statements for QuickBooks payroll taxes, which were automatically deducted from the bank account. She indicated that she would prefer to return to processing payroll manually at the beginning of the new year due to some conflicts with the QuickBooks payroll process.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to start doing manual payroll at the beginning of 2027.

Consent Agenda

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of September 8, 2026 Regular Meeting
  • September Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & October Accounts Payables

Department Reports

Codes Officer Doug Coyan reported that a letter had been sent regarding the property at 101 Washington, and some improvements had been made. A letter was sent to the resident at 202 4th Street to notify them of the upcoming annual citywide cleanup and to offer additional assistance with the cleanup if needed. Court proceedings were held with the resident present. However, no progress had been made on the property since the court date. The next step is to await the next court date. Coyan reported that the property at 504 Sherman had nuisance debris covering the front porch and extending into the yard. An apparently inoperable vehicle was also present on the property. Council agreed to send a letter addressing these issues.

Councilman Knight expressed concern about a potential safety hazard involving a camper trailer that had been parked along the road at 506 Sherman for an extended period of time. Coyan will contact the owner regarding moving the trailer.

Treasurer Johnson reported that Animal Enforcement Officer Betsie Binford had experienced some success trapping and rehoming feral and stray cats to help address the stray cat population in town. Johnson asked Councilwoman Kelly whether she had experienced any further issues with stray cats at her residence. Kelly reported that the situation had improved recently.

Councilwoman Kelly asked about the status of the property at 401 Fulton, noting that maintenance was needed. Codes Officer Doug Coyan will contact the property owner by phone or letter to address the concerns.

Superintendent Rich stated that the books currently stored in the shop need to be addressed. Council and Johnson discussed options for organizing and managing the books. Ervin stated that a schedule would be established at a later date to recruit volunteers to sort and catalog the books so they can be removed from the shop.

Clerk Arnold informed the Council that the annual FFA Trunk-or-Treat event would take place on October 31 and asked if any Council members were interested in handing out candy. Councilman Knight volunteered to participate with his children.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to give a $200 allowance to spend on candy for the trunk-or-treat.

Clerk Arnold informed the Council that CRWD2 would be increasing water rates effective January 2027. Johnson reminded the Council that the City’s current water rates include an annual 3% increase.

The Council discussed the possibility of creating a Facebook page to share community information and updates. Clerk Arnold will conduct further research and present the findings at the next Council meeting.

Arnold stated a community member requested that Flock cameras be installed near the school in response to recent thefts in the community. The Council discussed the request and declined to move forward with the installation at this time.

Council Reports

Councilman Knight – expressed concerns regarding the safe operation of ATVs, dirt bikes, and golf carts within the community. The Council discussed past incidents, procedures and regulations adopted by neighboring communities regarding recreational vehicles, and current Kansas laws governing their use. Following the discussion, the Council requested that Clerk Arnold include a flyer with the next utility billing to remind residents of applicable Kansas laws and safety requirements for recreational vehicles.

Councilwoman Kelly – informed the Council of an incident at the pickleball court in which children allegedly threw a paddle at the storage units, resulting in a dent in the side of the building. The Council also discussed concerns regarding the proper handling and care of pickleball court equipment and supplies.

Councilwoman Pemberton – absent

Councilman Stewart – none

Councilman Ervin – none

Mayor Jurgensen – updated the Council on his progress and research regarding SCW cameras, including their quality and performance. He stated that he would continue researching and planning for the potential use of these cameras. Jurgensen also reported that he had spoken with Kelly Electric regarding the installation of electrical service in the park for the Christmas in the Park. The project is expected to begin in the near future.

Old Business

Dog Ordinance Review – Clerk Arnold informed the Council that they are still awaiting the attorney’s review and recommendations regarding any revisions that may be needed.

Waterway Project – Mayor Jurgensen reported that he had spoken with Ken Johnson and Hershel George regarding the Waterway Project. He stated that Ken Johnson would review the project when his current project allows him time to do so. Jurgensen requested that Clerk Arnold prepare an agreement for the property owners who will be affected by the project.

New Business

Motion by Stewart, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss applicants and conduct interviews for non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 8:30PM.

Meeting resumed back at 8:30PM. No action from executive session.

Adjournment

Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:31PM.


Treasurer’s Report – September 2026

City Accounts, Monthly Transactions: Beginning Balance $210,175.23, Receipts $26,170.80, Transfers Out $1,624.00, Expenditures $34,352.09, Ending Balance $200,369.94. Bank Reconciliation: Bank Statement $200,369.94, Check Acct. Interest $43.72, Water Utility CDs $43,961.17, Sewer Utility CD $24,783.10, Gas Utility CDs $51,537.46, Total of All Funds $320,651.67.

YTD Checking Account Interest $493.69, YTD Interest on Utility CDs $2,134.74, Total $2,628.43. Transfers: Sewer Revolving Loan – Budgeted Transfer From Sewer Utility $0.00; GO Water Bond & Interest – Budgeted Transfer From Water Utility $1,624.00; Total Transfers $1,624.00.

Capital Improvement Fund: Unspecified $56,139.93, Streets $100,533.11, Total $156,673.04. Donations/Fundraisers – Christmas in Park: Beginning Balance $210.20, Received $3,000.00, Expended $2,013.65, Total $1,196.55.

Net Income: ($9,805.29). YTD Net Income: ($375.52).

General Fund (001): Total Revenue $123,738.83 (84.0% of $147,330.00 budget); Total Expenditures $136,352.03 (58.1% of $234,858.00 budget); Income Over Expenses YTD ($12,613.20); Ending Balance $83,711.59.

Special Highway (110): Total Revenue YTD $8,171.50 (112.1% of budget); Total Expenditures YTD $6,770.84 (60.5% of budget); Income Over Expenses YTD $1,400.66; Ending Balance $6,121.29.

Gas Utility Fund (300): Total Revenue YTD $96,440.19 (74.5% of budget); Total Expenditures YTD $82,379.77 (62.5% of budget); Gas Utility CDs $51,537.46; Ending Balance with CDs $7,561.05.

Water Utility Fund (310): Total Revenue YTD $105,396.25 (84.7% of budget); Total Expenditures YTD $94,087.37 (66.0% of budget); Water Utility CD $43,961.17; Ending Balance with CD $30,311.92.

Sewer Utility Fund (320): Total Revenue YTD $35,102.32 (97.2% of budget); Total Expenditures YTD $25,288.74 (59.2% of budget); Sewer Utility CD $24,783.10; Ending Balance with CD $10,149.82.

Documents:

Tree Care Workshop, November 10th

Sending on behalf of K-State Extension, Southwind District

Tree Care Workshop

Tuesday, November 10th
1:00pm-4:00pm

ὌD Ellis Fine Arts Center
2108 Horton St., Fort Scott, KS

Tree Care Workshop flyer

TREE CARE WORKSHOP

Want to learn how to keep your trees healthy and thriving? Join K-State Research and Extension, Southwind District, for an informative Tree Care Workshop featuring Kody Kraemer with the Kansas Forest Service!

This workshop will cover the essentials of healthy tree care, including:

Tree Biology: Understand how trees grow and thrive.

Tree Selection: Learn how to choose the right tree for the right location.

Planting: Discover how to give your trees the best start.

✂️ Pruning: Learn when, why, and how to properly prune trees.

Ὂ7 Watering: Find out how to care for both young and established trees.

Presented by: Kody Kraemer, Kansas Forest Service

For more information, call 620-244-3826.

Whether you’re planting new trees or caring for established ones, this workshop is a great opportunity to learn helpful tips from a forestry professional!

 

USD 235 Uniontown BOE Meeting, November 9, 2026

USD 235 Uniontown Board of Education Regular Meeting — Monday, November 9, 2026

The Uniontown USD 235 Board of Education will hold its Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026, in the UJHS/UHS Commons Area in Uniontown, Kansas. The full agenda packet, including the October 12, 2026 meeting minutes and the October 2026 Treasurer’s Report, is attached: view the agenda.

Agenda Index

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

October 12, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes (summary)

The Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the UHS Commons. Board members present: Rhonda Hoener, Matt Kelly, Mike Mason, Brian Stewart, Kolby Stock, and Troy Couchman. Seth Martin was absent. Also present: Superintendent Vance Eden, Pam Kimrey, Megan Mason, Dustin Miller, and Susan Harris.

The board approved the agenda with revisions striking the Wellness Policy informational and action items, and approved minutes from the September 14, 2026 Regular Meeting, the Revenue Neutral Rate Meeting, and the 2026-2027 Budget Meeting. The Consent Agenda was approved, including bills of $284,030.89 and the September 2026 Treasurer’s Report. No patrons addressed the board.

Superintendent Eden gave reports on the upcoming KASB Convention, At-Risk Accountability Plan, Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, Bond/Capital Projects, Vehicle Purchases, Strategic Plan, and Third-party Accountant/Audit. Oral administrative reports were given by Principal Miller, Athletic Director Megan Mason, and Superintendent Eden.

The board approved the Cardiac Emergency Response Plan; the purchase of a Transit Van for $62,607.00; a Special Education Van for $31,000.00; Diehl Banwart Bolton Inc. as the 3rd Party Audit Accounting Firm; and opening a new account at Union State Bank linked with the district’s Square account for concession card purchases.

The board went into executive session at 8:27 p.m. to discuss an individual employee’s performance, with Superintendent Eden invited into session, returning to open session at 9:00 p.m.

Following executive session, the board approved Tre Howard as UHS and UJHS Boys Assistant Wrestling Coach, Alvin Metcalf as UHS and UJHS Girls Assistant Wrestling Coach, and Ryan Jarboe as UJHS Boys Assistant Basketball Coach, all for the 2026-2027 season. The board also approved hiring Clay Price as Custodian, effective October 5, 2026. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

USD 234 Board Meeting Agenda, Nov. 9

USD 234 has released the agenda for the Board of Education’s regular monthly meeting, to be held Monday, November 9, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. at the Preschool (409 S Judson).

Full agenda: 4.0_11-09-26_Board_Agenda_PUBLIC.pdf

  1. Call Meeting to Order — David Stewart, President
  2. Preschool Tour – 409 S Judson
  3. Flag Salute
  4. Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
  5. Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
    • Board Minutes, 10/12/26
    • Financials – Cash Flow Report
    • Check Register
    • Payroll – October 20, 2026 – $1,858,409.56
    • Activity Funds Accounts
    • USD 234 Gifts
  6. Presentation
  7. Old Business
    • Preschool Project Update (Information/discussion)
    • Facilities Naming Policy (Discussion Item)
  8. Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
  9. New Business
    • Termination of IT Services Agreement with FSCC
    • Payment and Performance Bond Requirements for District Construction Projects (Action)
    • Mentorship Agreement (Action Item)
    • Health Insurance Renewal (Discussion Item)
    • Softball Facility Improvements (Discussion Item)
    • Board Meeting Streaming (Discussion Item)
    • Board Member Expectations (Discussion Item)
  10. Public Forum
  11. Other Business – Personnel Matters
    • Enter/Exit Executive Session – Legal Matters (Action Item)
    • Enter/Exit Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
    • Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
    • Enter/Exit Executive Session – Evaluations (Action Item)
  12. Adjourn Meeting — David Stewart, President

AmericanMaid expects about 100 jobs at the former Timken plant

FORT SCOTT — AmericanMaid, a California maker of plastic housewares, is moving into the former Timken building at 4505 Campbell Drive and expects to create about 100 jobs in its first year, City Manager Brad Matkin announced Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Matkin said in a post on the city’s Facebook page that more job growth is expected in the second and third years. “This announcement is about much more than filling an empty building,” he wrote. “It is about jobs, families, economic growth and the future of Fort Scott!”

Mary Wyatt, the city’s director of business development, told the Bourbon County Monitor the company asked for no city incentives or property tax abatement. She said the company worked directly with the Kansas Department of Commerce on state tax credits.

The Monitor also reported that BNSF has approved a rail spur for the industrial park and that building it would be up to the new owner. Wyatt said the city would not be involved financially.

Timken closed its Fort Scott belt plant in 2025. Matkin told commissioners in July that a rail spur “sounds very possible.”

FSHS Students to Showcase 17 Businesses at YEC Tradeshow

Come shop and support our student entrepreneurs!

Join the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott High School, and NetWork Kansas for the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) Tradeshow.

Tuesday, November 10
6 to 8 p.m.
Fort Scott High School Auxiliary Gym

Fort Scott High School YEC Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge Tradeshow and Competition flyer

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Shop 17 student businesses featuring baked goods, candles, Christmas items, home décor, and more.
• Meet the students and learn about their business ideas.
• Vote for the Community Choice Award.
• Stay for awards at the conclusion of the tradeshow.

Under the guidance of Mrs. Dani Cummings, the new FSHS business teacher, every participating business has developed a physical product to sell. Bring a little spending money and get a start on your holiday shopping!

Just browsing is welcome, too! Asking questions and encouraging the students is a great way to support their hard work.

Click here for the Facebook event!

Invite a friend and help us give these young entrepreneurs a great turnout!

The overall local winner will advance to the state championship in Manhattan, with competition on April 21, 2027. The statewide YEC Series is coordinated by NetWork Kansas in partnership with K-State Research and Extension and the K-State Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship.

Questions? Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or information@fortscott.com.

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

Bourbon County Local News