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Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary for September 28, 2026 Meeting

September 28, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda – September 28, 2026, 5:30 PM

agenda-packet (full PDF)

I. Call Meeting To Order (Page 1)
II. Pledge Of Allegiance (Page 1)
III. Prayer – Allen (Page 1)
IV. Introductions (Page 1)
V. Approval Of Agenda (Page 1)
VI. Approval Of Minutes (Page 1)
VII. Approval Of Accounts Payable – $190,321.80 (Page 1)
VIII. Executed Documents For Record (Page 1)
IX. Public Comments (Page 1)
X. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319(b) (Page 1)
- a. Subject: Employee Performance – K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1)
- b. Subject: Pending Litigation – K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2)
XI. Department Updates (Page 1)
- a. Budget Discussion – Adoption and Signing of Budget
- b. Emergency Management / Salary Grant Application / Opp Plan Discussion – Lou
XII. New Business (Page 1)
- a. Murphy Tractor Rep Roland – Milburn
- b. TEC Phone Prompts – Milburn
- c. Allen County Appraiser MOU
- d. Bourbon County Clay Request – Allen (Page 2)
XIII. Old Business (Page 2)
- a. Purchasing Policy – Milburn
- b. Construction Courthouse Move Update – Beerbower
- c. Employee Benefit County Defined Contribution
- d. KORA Policy Resolution – Clerk
- e. Transfer Station Equipment – Beerbower
- f. Transfer Station Rates – Beerbower
- g. Kenny Allen – Motley
XIV. Commission Comments (Page 2)
XV. Future Agenda Topics (Page 2)
XVI. Adjournment (Page 2)

Detailed Information Packet Summary

1. Accounts Payable Bills & Invoices – Batch Due 9/25/2026 (Pages 7–34)

The packet includes the full 28-page department summary for the accounts-payable batch commissioners will be asked to approve under Agenda Item VII.

Batch Due 9/25/2026 — Grand Total: $190,321.80 (Pages 7–34)

Non-Departmental Funds: $123,689.10 combined across 11 funds, including Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund $49,258.49 (Coastal Energy Corporation asphalt purchases of $14,261.80 and $14,194.70), County Sheriff/Correctional $22,165.99, Road & Bridge $12,930.02, Landfill $10,792.95, Bond Sales Tax–County Jail $10,120.69, Road & Bridge Sp. Improvement $8,756.50 (Schwab-Eaton bridge inspections), and Sheriff’s Trust-Forfeiture $7,200.00 (Ironheart High Performance Working Dogs K9 drug-detection course). (Pages 7–13)
County Department Operations:
- County Commission — $254.36 (Page 13)
- County Clerk — $5,986.36, including $5,572.09 in election supplies (Page 14)
- County Treasurer — $49.96 (Page 15)
- County Attorney — $14,245.36, including $13,550.55 to Fisher, Patterson, Sayler & Smith LLP for legal services (Page 16)
- Register of Deeds — $40.04 (Page 17)
- Courthouse Maintenance — $58.49 (Page 18)
- County Coroner — $7,425.00 to Forensic Medical for autopsy service (Page 19)
- District Court — $2,031.03 across 123 invoices, mostly juror daily fees and mileage (Pages 20–27)
- I.T. — $12,759.60 to Heartland Business Systems for annual email service (Page 28)
- Juvenile Detention — $11,194.00 to SEK Regional Juvenile Detention Center (Page 29)
- Ambulance Service — $298.94 (Page 30)
- Courthouse General — $12,289.56, including $7,599.65 to Evergy for 210 S. National utilities and $3,040.58 to Otis Elevator (Page 31)

2. Accounts Payable Bills & Invoices – Batch Due 9/21/2026, Previously Approved (Pages 40–53)

The packet also carries the 14-page batch that commissioners already approved at the September 21 meeting, added at the table for a total of $110,758.06.

Batch Due 9/21/2026 — Grand Total: $110,758.06 (Pages 40–53)

Non-Departmental Funds: $3,316.95 total, including Employee Benefit $1,766.96 and Addiction Settlement Fund $984.28 (Path of Ease Association mobile mechanic services). (Pages 40–41)
County Department Operations:
- County Commission — $69.92 (Page 42)
- County Clerk — $518.00 (Page 43)
- County Attorney — $10,271.56, including contracted assistant county attorney services from Clifford Wayne Lee ($3,500), Justin Meeks ($2,500) and Matthew Bonner ($3,500) (Page 44)
- County Coroner — $1,350.00 for body removal/transport (Page 45)
- Emergency Preparedness — $390.11 (Page 46)
- Dispatch — $60,500.00 to the City of Fort Scott for 2026 dispatching services (Page 47)
- Ambulance Service — $556.25 (Page 48)
- Health Board — $22,687.50, the 2026 third-quarter mill levy to SEK Multi-County Dept of Health (Page 49)
- Courthouse General — $4,004.67 (Page 50)
- Human Resources — $7,093.10, including payroll and benefits consulting services (Page 51)

3. Official Meeting Minutes Approval – September 21, 2026 (Pages 3–6)

Attendance & Logistics: Commissioners Milburn, Allen, Tran and Beerbower were present with Clerk Ann Clarkson; the meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM at 210 South National Avenue. (Page 3)
Agenda Modifications: Additions were made for a budget discussion, a court-relocation item, and an accounts-payable batch of $110,758.06; approved as amended by Milburn, seconded, all approved. (Page 3)
Financial & Payables Approvals: Accounts payable were approved in two batches — $581,360.08 that went out with the agenda and $110,758.06 added at the table — motion by Milburn, all approved. (Page 3)
Public Comments: County employee Bob Reed spoke on wages; Clint Walker addressed executed-documents procedure; Kevin Allen renewed concerns about transfer-station foam-filled tires, air conditioning repairs and partial holiday hours. (Pages 3–4)
Executive Session – Appraiser: A 5-minute executive session was held on appraiser employment; Commissioner Milburn-Kee was authorized to continue onboarding the incoming non-elected appraiser. (Page 4)
Budget Discussion: County budget consultant Matt Lawn presented 2027 budget scenarios ahead of the September 30 deadline, including a Road & Bridge overspend of roughly $240,000 and discussion of a wage increase above the 5% baseline built into projections. (Page 4)
Old & New Business: Board authorized Beerbower to sign the Apex Environmental asbestos/lead inspection agreement; approved Resolution 30-26 appointing Danielle Louk County Appraiser; adopted Resolution 31-26 reallocating courthouse lower-level space; tabled the KC Crown/HITC housing project, purchasing policy, employee benefit restructuring and KORA resolution for further review. (Pages 4–6)
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Allen, seconded, carried unanimously. (Page 6)

4. Restrictive Covenant – Former Landfill Property (Pages 35–39)

Recording Details: Recorded September 18, 2026 in Book 533, Pages 399–402 by Register of Deeds Lora Holdridge; the tract in Section 19, Township 25 South, Range 25 East is a closed solid-waste disposal area under KDHE Permit #206. (Page 35)
Terms: The covenant grants KDHE a permanent easement to monitor and maintain the closed landfill cap, requires KDHE approval before any future construction or excavation, and runs permanently with the land. (Pages 36–37)
Execution: Signed by Vice Chairman Joe Allen on 9/1/2026 and notarized by County Clerk Lora Ann Clarkson. (Page 38)

5. Resolution 28-26 – Comprehensive Plan & Zoning Code Planning Agreement (Pages 54–57)

Scope: Approves a Planning Services Agreement with Confluence, Inc. to develop a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code Regulations addressing utility-scale wind/solar, battery storage, data centers and other land uses identified under the county’s Resolution 24-26 moratorium. (Pages 54–55)
Funding: Total fee of $116,500, including up to $5,000 in reimbursable expenses — $36,000 from the 2026 General Fund and $80,500 from the 2027 General Fund. (Page 56)
Adoption: Adopted September 14, 2026 and signed by Chairman Mika Milburn-Kee and Commissioner Beerbower. (Pages 56–57)

6. Resolution 29-26 – Revenue Neutral Rate Exceedance (Page 58)

Levies a property tax rate exceeding the calculated Revenue Neutral Rate of 54.661 mills, following a September 14, 2026 public hearing at which the Board heard testimony and still found it necessary to exceed the rate. (Page 58)

7. Meeting Minutes – September 14, 2026 Regular Meeting & RNR Hearing (Pages 60–65)

Public Hearing: Staff presented a proposed mill levy of 56.678 versus the 54.661 Revenue Neutral Rate — a 2.017-mill difference representing about $294,000 in additional revenue on an assessed valuation of $138,681,091; the Board adopted the resolution to exceed RNR 5-0. (Page 60)
Public Comments: Kyle Parks spoke in support of funding the comprehensive plan and zoning initiative; Care to Share board members reported assisting cancer patients at over $12,000 per month and announced the 5th Annual Fort Fest, September 25–26 at Riverfront Park. (Page 61)
Executive Sessions: Held for appraiser-applicant interviews and for attorney-client consultation on pending legal matters. (Pages 61–62)
Old Business: SEKRPC update on pending Bronson CDBG water-system grants; adoption of the Confluence comprehensive-plan/zoning Resolution 28-26; burn ban lifted effective immediately following five to six inches of recent rainfall. (Pages 62–63)
New Business: Kevin Allen and Clayton Miller raised transfer-station concerns including a CDL driver pay-plan increase from $17 to $30/hour and a request for a profit-and-loss analysis before rate changes; a fence-viewing request was found outside the scope of K.S.A. 29-201; the KC Crown Fort Scott housing project was postponed; the HR RFP was approved for publication. (Pages 63–64)

8. Resolution 30-26 – Appointment of County Appraiser (Pages 66–67)

Appoints Danielle Louk, a Kansas Registered Mass Appraiser, as Bourbon County Appraiser effective September 21, 2026 to fill the unexpired term through June 30, 2029, repealing Resolution 20-25 and authorizing a shared-services arrangement with Allen County. (Pages 66–67)

9. Special Meeting Minutes – September 14, 2026, Appraiser Interviews (Pages 68–70)

Commissioners Allen, Beerbower and Milburn met in person with Commissioner Sam by phone (Motley absent) to conduct four rounds of executive-session interviews with appraiser candidates, concluding with a final candidate, Brooke, interviewed in person. (Pages 68–70)

10. Allen County Appraiser Memorandum of Understanding (Pages 110–113)

Shared Services: Danielle Louk will serve as County Appraiser for both Bourbon and Allen counties beginning September 21, 2026, each county administering her payroll, deductions and KPERS separately as her own W-2 employer. (Pages 110–111)
Health Insurance Cost-Share: Allen County continues to administer her health coverage; Bourbon County reimburses half the $905/month premium ($452.50/month, $5,430 annually), with a prorated September payment of $150.80. (Page 111)

11. APEX Environmental Consultants Proposal – Courthouse Asbestos/Lead Inspection (Pages 72–76)

Scope: Pre-renovation asbestos NESHAP inspection, lead-based paint (XRF) screening and ambient air monitoring of the courthouse elevator and third floor ahead of planned renovation work, Proposal No. 26147AL dated September 4, 2026. (Page 72)
Fee: $2,475.00 for field inspections and report generation plus an estimated $1,050.00 for 30 asbestos bulk samples at $35.00 each. (Page 74)
Execution: Agreed to by Commissioner Beerbower on September 21, 2026. (Page 75)

12. Bourbon County 2027 Adopted Budget (Pages 77–104)

Summary: Total 2027 budget authority of $19,969,633 against $8,148,472 in 2026 ad valorem tax, with the General Fund carrying $3,681,333 in authority and $1,788,956 in tax; the Revenue Neutral Rate is 54.661 mills against a proposed estimated rate of 56.678 mills. (Page 77)
Major Funds: Employee Benefit $3,041,751; Law Enforcement $2,851,353; Road & Bridge $3,254,807; Road & Bridge Sales Tax $1,907,000; EMS $1,261,844; Jail/County Building Sales Tax $1,248,404; Emergency Services Sales Tax $1,000,000. (Pages 91–98)
Debt & Leases: $5,080,000 in outstanding G.O. bonds as of January 1, 2026 and $3,098,088 in lease-purchase principal, including a Rock Crusher, motor graders, a mini excavator and the 2016 jail pod. (Pages 79–80)

13. Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Application (Pages 105–106)

FY2026 application marking Bourbon County as a new EMPG participant; Emergency Manager Louella Howard works part-time, 15 hours per week; signed by Commission Chairman Gregg Motley for submission to KDEM by September 29, 2026. (Pages 105–106)

14. Murphy Tractor Training & Production Optimization Report (Pages 107–109)

Two-day operator and maintenance training on the county’s rock crusher and classifier; technicians replaced worn vibrating pad springs, cleaned cooling packages and corrected conveyor tracking, reporting a production increase from roughly 400 tons per day to about 3,600 tons during the optimized run; nine county employees were trained. (Pages 107–109)

15. Purchasing Policy Resolution & Draft Policy (Pages 116–125)

Resolution: A draft resolution dated 9/21/2026 establishing a competitive-bidding requirement for county purchases over $10,000, requiring at least three competitive bids when reasonably possible. (Pages 116–117)
Detailed Draft Policy: A 25-section draft purchasing policy sets tiered thresholds — competitive price comparison under $2,500, three written quotes from $2,500–$9,999, formal bid or RFP at $25,000 and above — plus rules on sole-source purchases, emergency purchases, change orders, and a requirement that Public Works submit an annual list of anticipated major purchases. (Pages 118–125)

16. Employee Insurance Benefit Proposal (Pages 127–128)

Proposes standardizing the county’s insurance contribution at $1,100 per month for the roughly 82 employees who use county coverage, and offering a $2.00/hour premium-pay option (about $4,160 annually) to the roughly 35 eligible employees who opt out with outside coverage, at an estimated additional annual cost of $145,600. (Pages 127–128)

17. KORA (Kansas Open Records Act) Policy Resolution (Pages 129–140)

Proposed Changes: Shifts responsibility for fulfilling records requests from the County Clerk to the official custodian in each department/office, and would supersede the county’s existing Resolution 99-19 and Resolution 10-06. (Pages 129–136)
Fee Schedule: Sets a standard $0.50-per-page paper copy fee and staff-time charges at the lowest-cost applicable wage, replacing the current $0.25-per-page fee under Resolution 10-06, which is included in the packet for reference alongside the 1999 KORA resolution it would replace. (Pages 139–140)

Fort Scott Community College, Opinion

From the Bleachers: How Long Should You Wait?

September 28, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

By Dr. Jack Welch

After only four games of the college football season, the words “hot seat” are already being used around the country. Having spent much of my life around college athletics, as a player, coach and administrator, I have learned that one of the hardest decisions a leader can make is determining when patience has run its course.

How long should you wait before making a change? There is no magic number of games, seasons or years. I have seen programs that needed time to rebuild. Recruiting takes time. Culture takes time. Developing young people takes time. Building a staff and earning trust takes time. Sometimes the right decision is to stay patient and allow a coach to finish the work they started.

However, patience can also become an excuse for avoiding a difficult decision.

I have watched situations where an administration genuinely likes its coach. The coach represents the institution well. The players like the coach. Academics may be strong. Discipline may be good. The relationship with the administration may be excellent.

Those things matter. However, winning matters, too. The question should not simply be, “Do we like our coach?” The better questions are: Is the program improving? Are players developing? Is recruiting getting better? Is the culture moving forward? Is there a clear plan? And most importantly, is there measurable evidence that the program is moving toward where it needs to be?

A coach can be a great person and still not be the right coach for a particular program at a particular time. I believe administrators should also ask themselves a difficult question:

If we were hiring for this position today, knowing what we know now, would we make the same decision?

That question forces us to evaluate the present rather than becoming attached to the past.

A four-game losing streak is not necessarily a crisis. Seasons of decline may be something entirely different. Leadership requires patience when patience is warranted and accountability when accountability is warranted.

In athletics, we tell our student-athletes that adversity reveals character. We tell them to evaluate, adjust and keep moving forward. Administrators have to do the same thing. Leadership is not about making the easiest decision. Sometimes it is about having the courage to make the difficult decision when the evidence tells you it is time.

Thought for the Week: “Patience is a virtue, but leadership also requires the courage to recognize when patience has become an excuse for inaction.” — Doc Shelby, Hall of Fame Running back at McMurry University.

Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.

Area News, Entertainment, History

Cato Kids’ Day and Cato Day set for Oct. 2-3

September 28, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Cato Kids’ Day & Cato Day set for October 2-3

The Cato Historical Preservation Association will hold its annual fall events in historic Cato, Kansas, on Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3.

Cato Kids’ Day — Friday, October 2

Over 500 fourth- and fifth-graders from area schools will be bused to Cato from approximately 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to see presentations on life in the late 1800s and Cato’s history. Students will rotate through stations covering schools, blacksmithing, covered wagons, cattle drives, 1800s weaponry, farming, cowboys and Native Americans, and the day will close with a reading of the Gettysburg Address and a sing-along. Participating schools include Uniontown, Bronaugh, Girard, Lakeside, Liberal, Westside, Frontenac, Fort Scott, Northeast, St. Mary’s FS and Meadowlark. Visitors are welcome.

Stations and presenters:

Welcome, songs and introduction — Dan Duling, Jim Harris, Katharine Spigarelli
Station 1: One-room schoolhouse — Anna Swank, Elizabeth & Jamie Thompson
Station 2: Blacksmith — Troy Kukovich
Station 3: Covered wagon travels — Carter & Jill Pugh
Station 4: Drovers — Mel Haase
Station 5: 1800s weaponry — Matthew Wells
Station 6: Farming history & cowboys — Judd Bailey, George Parsons
Station 7: Native Americans — Barry Lynn Linduff
Closing: Gettysburg Address & sing along — Dan Duling, Jim Harris, Wayne Bockleman

See the full station list here: Cato Kids’ Day Stations/Presenters (2026)

Cato Day — Saturday, October 3

Cato Day, the public celebration of Cato’s pioneer heritage, runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Sign-in begins at 9 a.m., but visitors are welcome to arrive anytime; guests are asked to sign the guest book.

9:30 a.m. — Music and history in the church, presented by Matt Wells and friends, followed by a talk on Cato’s history by Carl Brenner
10:30 a.m. — Cavalry saber drills behind the church, led by Matt Feild
10:45 a.m. — One-room schoolhouse presentation in the “Old Stone School,” with Anna Portwood Swank, Elizabeth Portwood Thompson and Jamie Thompson
11:30 a.m. — Historical re-enactment of the 1860 Settler Removal in front of the Pioneer Cabin
12 p.m. — Outdoor lunch break with music by Jim Harris and the Players Circle; pulled pork sandwiches prepared by Shawn Pryer and the Mighty MO Chuck Wagon crew, with proceeds supporting preservation of Cato’s buildings and educational events for local schoolchildren; Shawn will also demonstrate Chuck Wagon and Dutch oven cooking
12:30 p.m. — Quilt raffle drawing, featuring a quilt donated by longtime member Sue James of Texas
1 p.m. — Hayrack wagon ride to local historical sites, led by Joe Bournonville
3 p.m. — Event concludes (all times approximate)

The Cato Store will sell t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, historical booklets, insulated cups and other Cato merchandise — cash or check only. Proceeds from the quilt raffle, “Cowboy Stew,” books and merchandise support preservation of Cato’s historic buildings and Cato Kids’ Day, held every year for local fourth- and fifth-graders.

About Cato

Cato is the oldest town in Crawford County, located off Hwy 69 in northern Crawford County. From Hwy 69, turn west on 720th Avenue and follow the signs to Cato. Directions are also available at catoschool.com.

The Cato Historical Preservation Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Cato’s buildings and history, including the “Old Stone School” (built in 1869 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places), the Cato Christian Church (built in 1915), and a full-sized replica of an 1860s settler cabin. A stone bridge, part of the “Old Wagon Road,” also sits on the property. Cato’s buildings are open to the public only a few times a year, making this a rare chance to visit.

See the full event flyer here: Cato Days 2026 flyer

Photos

Reenactors in front of the Cato cabin — Left to right: Matt Feild, Carl Brenner, Dan Duling and Matt Wells reenact the 1860 settler removal in front of the Cato cabin.

Matt Feild with cavalry equipment — Matt Feild demonstrates 1860s cavalry equipment.

Matt Feild talking about cavalry life — Matt Feild, in 1860s cavalry uniform, talks about cavalry life.

Matt Wells demonstrates a flintlock rifle.

Contact: Katharine Spigarelli, President, Cato Historical Preservation Association, 417-825-2127, kspigarelli@gmail.com, catoschool.com.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 26, 2026

September 28, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 26, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 47 calls for service on September 26, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Accident / Non-Injury — 6:50 AM, 54 Hwy, Redfield. Complaint No. 26-0915BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Juvenile — 3:55 PM, 1701 E 1st St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01559FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Traffic Stop — 4:49 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0916BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Pursuit — 6:50 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01561FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Pursuit — 6:50 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0917BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Traffic Stop — 8:02 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01560FS. Disposition: ARRC.

Domestic / Physical — 11:17 PM, 302 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01562FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Fire and EMS

EMS — 1:25 AM, 1584 25th, Bronson. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 12:13 PM, 1013 S Horton St #2, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Other Calls for Service

Check Area — 12:30 AM, 195th, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 7:02 AM, 1808 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 8:07 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

Traffic Complaint / Traffic Lights/RR Crossing — 8:52 AM, 3rd St. Disposition: HBO.

27,28,29 Checks — 9:07 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 9:53 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 9:53 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Remove Subject — 10:12 AM, 297 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 10:30 AM, 1305 Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 10:59 AM, 920 E 12th St. Disposition: NR.

Follow-Up — 11:26 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Extra Patrol — 11:29 AM, 123 Scott, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Found Property — 11:38 AM, 1419 S Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Lost Property — 11:52 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 77.

Disturbance — 1:15 PM, Little St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 2:26 PM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

Theft — 3:14 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Building Check — 3:22 PM, 602 S Wilson St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Civil Standby — 3:34 PM, 1330 Marble Crest Dr, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 4:03 PM, 2nd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

Vehicle Unlock — 5:41 PM, 1914 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 7:09 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 7:49 PM, 204 Birch Rd. Disposition: 77.

Motorist Assist — 7:55 PM, 1010 Park Ave. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Child Playing With Phone — 8:33 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Seeking Advice/Info — 9:02 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Vehicle Unlock — 9:25 PM, 2102 Huntington. Disposition: HBO.

Juvenile — 9:28 PM, 1411 E 14th St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint — 10:00 PM, 2224 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 77.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 3:01 AM, 8th St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 12:47 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 12:48 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 4:25 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: * Multiple.

Traffic Stop — 4:31 PM, 2305 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:36 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:34 PM, 1810 S Main St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:45 PM, 240th. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:08 PM, 9th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Total Calls for Service: 47

Documents:

Day_Sheet_09262026.pdf

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – Sept 28, 2026

September 28, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – September 28, 2026

Arrested

Violett, Matthew James (Age 38) — Arrested 9/25/2026 9:31 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Probation Violation). Bond: No Bond $0.00.

Pierce, Jason Ray-Douglas (Age 27) — Arrested 9/25/2026 1:10 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Probation Violation). Bond: No Bond $0.00.

Vandament, Loretta Lynn (Age 57) — Arrested 9/25/2026 3:50 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear). Bond: Cash $1,258.00.

Rodriguez, Christopher Paul (Age 40) — Arrested 9/25/2026 3:29 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear). Bond: No Bond $0.00.

Shortsleeve, Nikya Joann (Age 26) — Arrested 9/25/2026 4:59 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Criminal Damage to Property (Misdemeanor), Domestic Battery, Unknown Circumstance (Misdemeanor). Bond: Cash/Surety $500.00. Released 9/26/2026 11:10 AM via Cash Bond.

Griffith, David Taylor (Age 38) — Arrested 9/26/2026 8:09 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Transporting an Open Container, Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear). Bond: Own Recognizance $2,500.00, Cash/Surety $1,000.00 (total $3,500.00). Released 9/27/2026 3:47 PM via Surety Bond.

Norman, Carl Eugene (Age 45) — Arrested 9/26/2026 6:55 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Distribute Controlled Substance, Unknown Substance; Warrant – Out of County; Warrant – Out of State. Bond: No Bond $0.00, Cash $1,014.50, No Bond $0.00 (total $1,014.50).

Farris, Andrew James (Age 43) — Arrested 9/26/2026 6:55 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Distribute Controlled Substance, Unknown Substance; Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a LEO, Unknown Felony; Warrant – Out of County (three warrants). Bond: total $26,000.00.

Hill, Marcus Juanell (Age 42) — Arrested 9/27/2026 12:03 AM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Disorderly Conduct, Unknown Circumstance; Interference with LEO, Unknown Circumstance (Misdemeanor); Possession of Controlled Substance, Unknown Substance (Misdemeanor); Possess Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor). Bond: No Bond $0.00.

Smith, Earl Dean (Age 45) — Arrested 9/27/2026 12:05 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Disorderly Conduct, Unknown Circumstance; Possession of Controlled Substance, Unknown Substance (Misdemeanor); Possess Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor). Bond: Cash/Surety $1,000.00.

Allen, Judy Marie (Age 47) — Arrested 9/27/2026 12:26 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear). Bond: Cash/Surety $5,000.00.

Mayes, Christopher Brian (Age 38) — Arrested 9/27/2026 1:32 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Domestic Battery, Unknown Circumstance (Misdemeanor). Bond: Cash/Surety $5,000.00.

Released

Fischer, Stephen Lyle — Released 9/25/2026 3:33 PM via Cash Bond (Self).

Griffith, David Taylor — Released 9/27/2026 3:47 PM via Surety Bond (Larry Lamb).

Hunter, William Ray — Released 9/26/2026 12:57 AM via Nothing Filed (Self).

Levasseur, Kimberly Jean — Released 9/26/2026 4:48 PM via Surety Bond (Able).

Moore, Justin A — Released 9/25/2026 12:48 PM via Transferred Out (DGSO).

Obryan, Edward — Released 9/25/2026 3:33 PM via Time Served (Self).

Shortsleeve, Nikya Joann — Released 9/26/2026 11:10 AM via Cash Bond (Tyesha Perry).

Total Inmates Released: 7

Documents:

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, History

70th and Final Pioneer Harvest Fiesta is October 1-4 in Fort Scott: Volunteers Needed

September 28, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

This is the 70^th and final year for Pioneer Harvest Fiesta (PHF), according to a press release.

PHF is Kansas’s oldest antique farm show, according to Jim Kemmerer, a spokesman for the annual event in Bourbon County at the fairgrounds.

The event kicks off with a Parade of Antique, Classic Farm Implements and More through Fort Scott’s historic downtown on October 1 at 6 p.m. on Main Street.

All three days are alive with events that help tell the story of life in the area in earlier times.

Steam Engines, Blacksmiths, Food and Flea Market Vendors, Drag Saw Demonstrations, Tractors & Gas Engines on Display, Baker Fan Demonstrations, Quilt Show, Straw Baling, Wheat Threshing, Corn Husking/Shelling, Sorghum Making Demonstration, Rock Crushing, Saw Mill Operation, Car Show, Tractor Pull (Antique & Classic), Garden Tractor Pull, and many more learning events.

It’s one great weekend to kick off Fall in the 4-state’s region, according to its website.

Friday, October 2, through Sunday, October 4, events, vendors, demonstrations, etc. will be at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Street, across from Fort Scott Community College.

Visit the event on YouTube to view Pioneer Harvest Fiesta. https://www.youtube.com/@PioneerHarvestFiesta

To learn more, view the website www.pioneerharvestfiesta.com for the schedule and other information.

Each day’s events start at 10 a.m., with an outdoor church service at 9 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Volunteers are needed to help with working the grounds and operating the demonstrations. Get in for free and make a memory that lasts a lifetime.

If more information is required, please contact Jim Kemmerer at 816-898-8068 or jimkemmerer86@gmail.com

A 2015 photo of some of the farm implements on display.

Quilts displayed during the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta 2015. The quilt show is October 2-4 at the event in 2026.

K-State Extension

Feeling Stretched as a Caregiver? by Tara Solomon-Smith

September 26, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

It’s a fact: caregivers have higher levels of stress than non-caregivers. If you are serving as a caregiver to a loved one, know you are fulfilling a valuable role — and that it’s okay to take care of yourself. K-State Extension can help with that.

In partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, K-State Extension is providing an Empowered Caregivers two-part series. This program is designed to help reduce stress, build a caregiver foundation, support independence, communicate effectively, balance life, improve decision-making, and locate helpful resources.

Free meal and classes will be held on Tuesdays, October 6 and 13, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., in Fort Scott. Register by calling 620-244-3826. Until then, here are some tips.

While we can’t prevent stress, we can help manage it. Too much stress, especially over a long time, can harm your health. You may not get enough sleep or physical activity, or eat a balanced diet, which increases your risk of medical problems.

The following are some ideas to help you manage your caregiver stress:

Take a break from caregiving. Take a walk or meet up with a friend. Do something not related to caregiving.
Get support. Attend a support group, have a friend you can call just to let off steam, or look for community resources.
Relax. Read a book, meditate, pray, garden, knit, take a long bath.
Take care of your health. Go to the doctor, get routine exams and flu shots, get enough sleep, and eat your fruits and vegetables.
Change “guilt” to “regret.” Guilt means you did something wrong; regret means that you are in a difficult situation, and sometimes you have to make difficult decisions, but they are not wrong.
Forgive yourself — often. You cannot be a perfect caregiver all day, every day.
Ask for and accept help when offered. No one can do this alone. We often don’t know what to say when someone offers help. Prepare for this and create a task list to have ready. When someone asks you if they can help, refer to your list and say “YES.” Let them choose which task on the list they would like to do.
And finally … laugh. Find ways to keep your sense of humor on a daily basis.

For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, Family and Community Wellness Agent, Southwind Extension District, at tsolomon@ksu.edu or 620-244-3826.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Housing

USDA Official Visits Fort Scott for Rural Housing Talks

September 26, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

This week, U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt welcomed Glen Smith, USDA Undersecretary for Rural Development, to Southeast Kansas for a rural housing roundtable in Fort Scott. Schmidt thanked everyone who joined the discussion and shared their perspectives, and also thanked USDA for presenting a $28,000 check to help address specific housing needs in Bronson.

Schools

USD 234 Board Approves Personnel Report at Special Meeting

September 26, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, for a special meeting at 424 S. Main St.

President David Stewart opened the meeting. The board approved the official agenda, then went into executive session for personnel matters. Following the executive session, the board approved the Personnel Report, and President Stewart adjourned the meeting.

Personnel Report – Approved

September 25, 2026

Employment

Classified Recommendations for 2026-27 School Year:

Stephen Dunning – Tech Director

Documents:

2026-27_News_Release_092526.pdf

Kansas

K-7 pavement patching project completed in Bourbon County

September 26, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

A pavement patching project on K-7 north and west of Fort Scott in Bourbon County has been completed, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

The nearly 14-mile project area patched K-7 from U.S. 54 to the K-31 junction.

Emery Sapp and Sons Inc. and Subsidiaries, of Columbia, Missouri, had the contract for the $272,731 project.

For current road conditions, visit kandrive.gov or call 511. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/projects/southeast-kansas-projects.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 25, 2026

September 26, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment