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Ad: Rick James — Where Does the Money Come From?

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Before Kansas takes on a billion-dollar project, somebody has to ask: where’s the money coming from?

Re-elect Rick James, Republican, Kansas State Representative District 4: Where'S The Money Coming From?

I’m Rick James. Fiscal responsibility isn’t a talking point. It’s a responsibility we owe to every Kansas family.

  • This year’s budget cut State General Fund spending by nearly $190 million
  • It still fully funds our constitutional obligations
  • And it keeps nearly $2 billion in the Rainy-Day Fund

Now there’s talk of building a new state prison that could cost well over a billion dollars. On a project that size, I’ll be asking where the money comes from.

Protecting taxpayers. Re-elect Rick James, State Representative, District 4.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Early voting at the Bourbon County Courthouse starts Oct. 19.

Paid for by Rick James for Kansas State Representative.

Learn more: Rick James on Facebook | rickjamesks.com

Opinion

The Price Tag of Love

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Patty LaRoche

Barb shared a story during our Zoom Bible study that left us speechless, some in tears. Her 90-year-old friend was in a nursing home, and the resident’s only child, a son, came to visit her. On his way home, he was hit head-on by another vehicle and died. Barb was called and asked to contact her friend about the fatal accident.

When she arrived at the care facility, her friend asked why she was there since it was so late in the evening. Barb explained that she had bad news to share and that the elderly woman’s son had died on his way home. The woman said nothing but instead rolled over in her bed and faced the wall. Barb had no idea what to say next. She stood in silence.

Within a couple of minutes, the woman rolled back towards Barb and said, “This must have been so hard for you to share this with me.”

Tonight’s Bible lesson was about compassion, an emotion Jesus frequently showed. In the New Testament, the Greek term splagchnizomai describes being deeply moved by another’s plight (Matthew 9:36). Jesus exemplified this through healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and comforting the marginalized (Mark 1:41; Luke 7:13). One theologian said that the word “compassion” is used to describe Jesus’ emotion more than any other word in scripture.

Our group looked at John the Baptist’s beheading and how, immediately after Jesus was told about his cousin’s death, he tried to find a place to be alone. People followed him and begged for him to heal them. Jesus, “moved with compassion,” set aside his grief and met their needs. That’s when Barb told us about her friend, an example of someone grieving who put her feelings aside to care for someone else. This was the first time I have ever seen our group without words.

Who reacts like that? Who isn’t filled with self-pity—at least a little bit—upon hearing such horrendous news? Her only son died after coming to visit her, and here she was in a nursing home. Who would not question why God didn’t take her but took her son instead? When we on the Zoom call finally broke the silence, everyone in our group admitted that they could not imagine being as selfless, as Christ-like, as this lady.

We are called to put others ahead of ourselves, not just when we’re in the mood to do so but every time we are given a chance. We can have a “Honk if You Love Jesus” bumper sticker on our car but not stop for a stranded driver. We can memorize scripture but never read the Bible to someone too ill to read for themselves. We can host lovely dinner parties but never invite the lonely neighbor to join us. It’s just too easy to put ourselves first, isn’t it?

Clergyman J.C. Watts, Jr. said it best: “Compassion can’t be measured in dollars and cents. It does come with a price tag, but that price tag isn’t the amount of money spent. The price tag is love.” I’m sure that Jesus would agree.

Uncategorized

Core Community: Raising Families Out of Poverty

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Core Community believes something powerful: poverty can be solved when a community comes together with the right tools, trusted relationships, and long-term support.

The organization equips families by inviting them to participate in a 22-week-long class, mobilizes food donors and childcare volunteers to help eliminate barriers during class, and wraps participants — called Core Leaders — with support and proven tools. After the class and graduation, graduates move into Phase 2, where they are partnered with a community volunteer who joins them once a month to walk alongside the Core Leaders as they continue working on their goals and gaining resources from community presenters.

Core Community meets every Tuesday night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Fort Scott Nazarene.

Core Community Bourbon County is also a sponsor of Praisefest, happening Oct. 24 at Gunn Park in Fort Scott, with stage events starting at 3 p.m. and the main event with Tasha Layton at 6 p.m. The festival features food trucks, vendors, guest speakers, local artists, testimonials, a disc golf round, a cornhole tourney, a fishing derby, a tri-yak-a-thon, and a kiddie zone. Wristbands are $10 (ages 5 and under free), and all proceeds benefit Core Community’s work engaging the community to lift families out of poverty.





Documents:

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 22, 2026

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Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 22, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 74 calls for service on October 22, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Accident / Non-Injury — 6:56 AM, 39 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-0998BB. Disposition: RPTA.

Theft — 7:00 AM, 223 Eddy, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01686FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Traffic Stop — 11:08 AM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-01687FS. Disposition: RPTA.

Seeking Advice/Info / Walk-In — 11:13 AM, 293 E 20th St. Complaint No. 26-0999BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Criminal Damage — 2:11 PM, 201 S Lincoln St. Complaint No. 26-01688FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Accident / Non-Injury — 2:54 PM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-1000BB. Disposition: RPTA.

Seeking Advice/Info — 2:58 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01689FS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 3:05 PM, Main St. Complaint No. 26-01690FS. Disposition: RPTA.

Traffic Stop — 6:39 PM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-1001BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Disturbance — 10:59 PM, 816 S Main St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01691FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fire and EMS

EMS — 6:11 AM, 1347 Osage. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 8:44 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

Fire / Alarm — 11:05 AM, 302 Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: FIRE.

EMS — 2:48 PM, 2500 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 3:23 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fire / Vehicle — 4:01 PM, Unique Rd. Disposition: FIRE.

EMS — 7:33 PM, 523 S Main St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 8:32 PM, 845 S Crawford. Disposition: AMBU.

Other Calls for Service

Alarm / Burglary — 12:02 AM, 1101 S Barbee, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 12:46 AM, 1241 E Elm, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

27,28,29 Checks — 1:04 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: NR.

Patrol / Traffic — 5:51 AM, Couch St. Disposition: HBO.

Vehicle Unlock — 7:07 AM, 401 Woodlandhills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Vehicle Unlock — 8:05 AM, 209 S Washington St. Disposition: HBO.

No Problem — 8:09 AM, 601 E 5th St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 8:31 AM, 1511 215th St #37, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Other — 8:59 AM, 916 Highway 69. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 9:51 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Vin Inspections / County — 9:53 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 10:26 AM, N Little St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Other — 10:50 AM, 2224 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Check Welfare — 11:18 AM, 1102 Main St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 11:52 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Seeking Advice/Info — 2:00 PM, 1715 Cameron Dr. Disposition: HBO.

No Problem — 2:21 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 2:53 PM, 702 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 3:01 PM, 736 S Lowman. Disposition: 77.

Public Assist — 3:38 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Vehicle Unlock — 4:01 PM, 2322 S Main St. Disposition: HBO.

Motorist Assist — 4:14 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Dead Animal Pickup/Debris — 5:01 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 5:50 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 6:29 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 6:46 PM, Grand Rd. Disposition: HBO.

Check Welfare — 6:51 PM, 802 Shepherd St #16, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 7:06 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 77.

Traffic Complaint / Dead Animal Pickup/Debris — 7:23 PM, National Ave. Disposition: 77.

911 / Child Playing With Phone — 8:06 PM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Seeking Advice/Info — 10:08 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 12:10 AM, S#5 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:04 AM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:50 AM, Judson. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:13 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:06 AM, Hill St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:00 PM, Main St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:39 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:54 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 2:22 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 2:37 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 4:25 PM, Holbrook St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 4:37 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 4:55 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 5:35 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 6:10 PM, 1819 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 6:23 PM, 1819 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 6:31 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:01 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:02 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:15 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:39 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:44 PM, 12th St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:45 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:42 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:35 PM, 1012 S Hwy 69, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Total Calls for Service: 74

Documents:

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 21, 2026

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Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 21, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 62 calls for service on October 21, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Accident / Non-Injury — 12:20 AM, 312 E 23rd St. Complaint No. 26-01680FS. Disposition: ARRC.

Accident / Non-Injury — 12:20 AM, 312 E 23rd St. Complaint No. 26-01681FS. Disposition: ARRC.

Check Vehicle — 6:14 AM, 265th. Complaint No. 26-0996BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Animal Control — 8:36 AM, 612 Osbun St. Complaint No. 26-01682FS. Disposition: RPTACO.

Disturbance — 7:20 PM, 106 S Broadway. Complaint No. 26-01684FS. Disposition: ARRC.

Accident / Non-Injury — 9:44 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0997BB. Disposition: RPTA.

Noise Complaint — 11:54 PM, Broadway, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01685FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Fire and EMS

EMS — 2:56 PM, 2322 S Main St. Disposition: AMBU.

Fire / Alarm — 3:04 PM, 715 Burke, Fort Scott. Disposition: FIRE.

EMS / Mutual Aide — 4:06 PM, 110 Drake, Arcadia. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS — 5:42 PM, 319 Burke, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Other Calls for Service

Traffic Stop — 12:22 AM, 500 Blk, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 12:46 AM, 1200 Blk, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Alarm / Burglary — 1:10 AM, 2224 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Check Vehicle — 1:28 AM, 10 Lowman, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Alarm / Burglary — 5:24 AM, 715 Burke, Fort Scott. Disposition: 22.

911 / Accidental — 6:17 AM, 1189 240th, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Alarm / Burglary — 7:19 AM, 401 5th St, Uniontown. Disposition: 22.

Traffic Complaint / Driving — 7:46 AM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

27,28,29 Checks — 7:51 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

Seeking Advice/Info — 8:47 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 10:16 AM, 407 Randolph #6, Bronson. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 10:47 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Follow-Up — 11:46 AM, 1801 Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 12:07 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Check Area — 12:11 PM, 931 S Holbrook St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 1:43 PM, 1126 S Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Warrant Service / Arrest — 3:03 PM, 802 S Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 3:14 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 4:12 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

SRO — 4:23 PM, 1105 E 12th, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Juvenile — 4:40 PM, Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / County — 5:51 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 6:45 PM, 2nd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 7:30 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 7:46 PM, 1713 S Eddy, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Check Vehicle — 8:18 PM, 1920 S Main St. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 9:19 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: 22.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 4:02 PM, Williams. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 4:10 PM, 523 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 6:19 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 6:30 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 6:42 PM, 2101 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 6:51 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:13 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:15 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:29 PM, Soldier Rd. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:47 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:02 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:38 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:40 PM, 2101 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:47 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:55 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:55 PM, Main St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:58 PM, 6th St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:07 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:26 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:29 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:34 PM, North City Limits. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:41 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:45 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:50 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Total Calls for Service: 62

Documents:

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – Oct 23, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – October 23, 2026

Bourbon County Sheriff's Report

Arrested

Hart, Kenzie Allen (Age 30) — Arrested 10/22/2026 3:10 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Driving While License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked; Misd; Unk Conv. Bond: $2,500.00 (Own Recognance). Released 10/22/2026 4:16 PM via Own Recognance.

Released

Guss, Shelby Paige — Released 10/22/2026 4:40 PM via Court Order (Self).

Hart, Kenzie Allen — Released 10/22/2026 4:16 PM via Own Recognance (Self).

Lawrence, O’Thaniel Chris — Released 10/22/2026 12:38 PM via Cash Bond (Self).

Total Inmates Released: 3

Documents:

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Ad: Rob Hodgkinson — Real-World Experience

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I grew a small business during the 2008 recession. I’ll bring that to Topeka.

Rob Hodgkinson, Libertarian, Kansas House District 4: Built a business. Did the work.

I owned a window business for seven years. When the 2008 recession hit, we grew from 2 employees to 10.

I’ve been a Realtor for 14 years. I got my CDL in 1990 and have trained hundreds of school bus drivers. Before all that, I carried hod for a bricklayer.

Today I drive a school bus for Uniontown. When I don’t know something, I dig until I find the answer. Topeka could use more people who’ve done the work.

Real work. Real experience. Rob Hodgkinson for Kansas House, District 4.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. In Bourbon County, early voting at the Courthouse runs Oct. 19 through noon Nov. 2.

Paid for by Hodgkinson for Kansas, Ric Koehn treasurer.

Learn more: rob4ks.com

Kansas

KDA Reminds Poultry Owners of HPAI Risk

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — Fall has brought a resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) nationwide, including Kansas and other states along the Central and Mississippi flyways. This resurgence aligns with the peak migration of wild waterfowl, which continues to be the primary source of the spread of this virus to backyard and commercial poultry flocks.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture reminds poultry owners that the fall bird migration significantly increases the threat of exposure to susceptible birds in Kansas. Anyone involved with poultry production, from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer, should review their operating practices to assure the health of their birds. Find guidance on biosecurity measures to protect your birds from the spread of HPAI on the KDA Division of Animal Health website at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza.

This virus is primarily being transmitted by wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese which are migrating through this region. The best thing poultry owners can do to protect their birds is to eliminate possible exposure to wild migratory birds and their habitat. This can take many forms, including cleaning your boots/clothing after walking near ponds and lakes populated with wild birds, keeping your poultry in an enclosure which wild birds can’t enter, and staying away from sick or dead wild birds.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, gamebirds, turkeys, and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. Attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.

If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.

HPAI is not a food safety concern; birds and eggs from infected flocks do not enter the food system. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 °F is recommended as a general food safety precaution. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk for HPAI is low.

For more information about HPAI, including current status of the confirmed cases as well as more information about biosecurity for your flock, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza or call KDA at 833-765-2006.

Kansas

KDOT Seeking Comments on STIP Amendment

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Oct. 22, 2026

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the Federal Fiscal Year 2027-2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project-specific publication that lists all KDOT-administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at ksdot.gov.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Nov. 5. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at 785-296-2252.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 785-296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

Government, Uniontown

Uniontown City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – Oct. 13, 2026

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Uniontown City Council Regular Meeting

October 13, 2026 – Uniontown Community Center

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 noted.

Citizens Request

None noted.

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 Report

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.

Documents:

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – Oct 22, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – October 22, 2026

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Report

Arrested

Endicott, Chandler Jayde (Age 21) — Arrested 10/21/2026 1:06 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Driving Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs; Misdemeanor. Bond: $500.00 No Cash/Surety. Released 10/21/2026 10:40 AM via Cash Bond.

Hall, Michael Leon (Age 56) — Arrested 10/21/2026 7:33 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Assault. Bond: $0.00 No Bond.

Released

Doherty, Landon Monroe — Released 10/21/2026 5:30 PM via Surety Bond (A Plus Bonding).

Endicott, Chandler Jayde — Released 10/21/2026 10:40 AM via Cash Bond (Self).

Smith, Elizabeth Lynn — Released 10/21/2026 11:45 AM via Nothing Filed (Self).

Total Inmates Released: 3

Documents:

Bourbon County Local News