Kansas

KDOT Urges: Check Your Height to Avoid Bridge Strikes

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July 27, 2026

KDOT Urges Motorists: ‘Check Your Height, Know It’s Right’

Kansas recorded 377 vehicle strikes to bridges in 2025 – more than one every day of the year.

To help raise awareness on the dangers of bridge strikes, the Kansas Department of Transportation is joining the Check Your Height, Know It’s Right national safety campaign. The initiative is directed at reminding drivers to check vehicle and bridge heights on planned routes and lower truck beds or trailered equipment while traveling.

In addition to semitruck and commercial vehicle drivers, those driving rental/delivery box trucks, recreational vehicles and construction vehicles, or pulling livestock/equipment trailers have the potential of overhead collisions.

“For taller vehicles, make sure you check your height before you leave, and always buckle up and avoid distractions,” said Secretary Calvin Reed. “Hitting a stationary structure while traveling at any speed could have devastating consequences.”

Kansas data shows that nine people were killed and 138 injured in bridge strike crashes on state and local roadways in 2025. These crashes can also cause serious structural damage that may lead to road closures and impact emergency responders and other motorists.

“KDOT and local public works offices have made investments to build and maintain bridges on our state’s transportation system,” Secretary Reed said. “Repairing damaged structures can be costly and time consuming.”

Drivers should know their vehicle’s height, pay attention to posted bridge heights and avoid relying just on navigation devices or apps. Bridges that are 14 feet or under are required to have signing stating the clearance.

Trailers hauling round hay bales can be 14 feet, 5 inches tall. For all other vehicles, the limit is 14 feet. People using vehicles over 14 feet should contact the state’s K-TRIP central permit office at 785-368-6501 to receive a permit and check the route.

Bourbon County

Asphalt Overlays Completed in Bourbon, Linn Counties

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2026

Asphalt Overlays Completed in Bourbon, Linn Counties

Paving projects have wrapped up on three Kansas highways in northern Bourbon County and southern Linn County, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Some work remains on the projects, but it will have a limited impact, if any, on traffic.

The first projects started in March and involved milling and patching in spots and adding an asphalt overlay on 23 miles of K-31 and K-65 between U.S. 69 and K-3. The remaining projects started in June and involved paving K-7 from the K-7/K-31 junction north to K-52 at Mound City in Linn County, a distance of about 9 miles.

Pearson Construction LLC, of Wichita, was the primary contractor for the projects, which totaled $4.8 million.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert, follow posted signs and refrain from hand-held mobile device use in all active work zones. 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.

Uncategorized

BCSO Arrest & Release Report: July 24–27, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office — Arrest Summary Report (07/24/2026–07/27/2026)

Inmate Name Case No. Agency Held For Arrest Date Released Date Age Charges Bond Type Bond Amt.
Shields, Edward 2026-000593 Douglas County 7/24/2026 12:06 PM 31 Other Agency Hold — $0.00
Salazar, Joshua None 2026-000594 Douglas County 7/24/2026 12:21 PM 32 Other Agency Hold — $0.00
Roberson, Malcolm 2026-000595 Douglas County 7/24/2026 12:34 PM 32 Other Agency Hold — $0.00
Heffner, Evan 2026-000596 Douglas County 7/24/2026 12:53 PM 21 Other Agency Hold — $0.00
Edwards, Robert 2026-000597 Douglas County 7/24/2026 1:04 PM 40 Other Agency Hold — $0.00
Hoyman, Rusty 2026-000598 Douglas County 7/24/2026 1:21 PM 38 Other Agency Hold — $0.00
Kerron, Dakota 2026-000599 Douglas County 7/24/2026 1:37 PM 28 Other Agency Hold — $0.00
Pyzer, Travis 2026-000600 Douglas County 7/24/2026 1:54 PM 40 Other Agency Hold — $0.00
Eisenbrandt, Jonah 2026-000601 Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office 7/24/2026 6:00 PM 7/26/2026 6:00 PM 46 Sanction No Bond $0.00
Thurston, Steven Austin Ray 2026-000602 Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office 7/25/2026 2:16 AM 7/26/2026 9:45 PM 25 DUI; Misdemeanor Cash/Surety $1,500.00

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office — Inmate Released List (07/24/2026–07/27/2026)

Inmate Name Case No. Booked Date Released Date/Time Age Race Sex Release Type Released To
Brown, Shelby Denise 2026-000577 07/18/2026 7/24/2026 11:29 AM 33 W F Cash Bond Self
Crites, David McArthur 2026-000477 06/12/2026 7/24/2026 11:54 AM 36 W M Own Recognizance Self
Edwards, Sawyer Wayne 2026-000534 07/02/2026 7/24/2026 5:54 PM 39 W M Surety Bond Able Bonding
Eisenbrandt, Jonah 2026-000601 07/24/2026 7/26/2026 6:00 PM 46 B M Time Served Self
Guffin, Augaio 2026-000544 07/05/2026 7/24/2026 5:57 PM 40 B M Surety Bond Able Bonding
Prewitt, Carter Maxwell 2026-000582 07/19/2026 7/24/2026 8:04 PM 27 W M Surety Bond American Western
Thurston, Steven Austin Ray 2026-000602 07/25/2026 7/26/2026 9:45 PM 25 W M Surety Bond Able Bonding

Total Inmates Released: 7

Documents:

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary for July 27, 2026 Meeting

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Bourbon County Commission

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda – July 27, 2026, 5:30 PM

agenda-packet (full PDF)

  • I. Call Meeting to Order (Page 1)
  • II. Pledge of Allegiance (Page 1)
  • III. Prayer (Page 1)
  • IV. Introductions (Page 1)
  • V. Approval of Agenda (Page 1)
  • VI. Approval of Minutes (Page 1)
    • a. 07.13.26 Commission Minutes
    • b. 07.20.26 Commission Minutes
    • c. 07.22.26 Commission Minutes
  • VII. Approval of Accounts Payable 07.24.26 – $483,656.08 (Page 1)
  • VIII. Department Updates (Page 1)
    • a. Teri Hulsey
    • b. Landfill – K Allen
    • c. County Clerk
  • IX. June Financials and 2nd Qtr Financials (Page 1)
  • X. Public Comments (Page 1)
  • XI. Budget – Matt Lawn (Baker Tilly) (Page 1)
    • a. District Court
    • b. Donation Litigation Budget – Motley
  • XII. Old Business (Page 2)
    • a. Elevator Update & Courts – Beerbower
    • b. Jarred Gilmore Phillips 2026 Audit Engagement
    • c. SEK Juvenile Detention Center Update – J. Allen
    • d. Application for Opioid Funds – Milburn
    • e. Forensic Audit RFP – Beerbower
    • f. Security Camera Access – Motley
    • g. Election Space – Motley
    • h. Commission Policy/Procedure – Beerbower
  • XIII. New Business (Page 2)
    • a. Resolution 26-26 Cancellation of Warrant Checks – Walker
  • XIV. Future Agenda Topics (Page 2)
  • XV. Commission Comments (Page 2)
  • XVI. Adjournment (Page 2)

Detailed Information Packet Summary

1. Official Meeting Minutes Approval – July 13, 2026 (Pages 3–8)

  • Citizen Attendance: Teri Hulsey, Lou Howard, Marlon Merida, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Jennifer Hawkins, Michael Hoyt, Jean Tucker, Kevin Davidson, Trey Sharp, Matt Lawn, Pete Owenby. (Page 3)
  • Attendance & Logistics: Called to order Monday, July 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM. Present: Commissioner Samuel Tran, District 1 (Chair); Commissioner Mika Milburn, District 5; Commissioner Gregg Motley, District 4; Commissioner Joe Allen, District 3 (arrived late); Deputy Clerk Amber Page. Absent: Commissioner David Beerbower, District 2. (Page 3)
  • Agenda Modifications: Amended to add auction discussion under Old Business, HSS appointment letter under New Business, Kansas Division of EM document under New Business, and budget presentation moved immediately following Item VIII. Note to add executive session with Don Doherty the following week. Motion by Chair Tran, seconded by Commissioner Motley. Carried 3-0. (Page 3)
  • Minutes Approval: 06.29.26 Minutes – Motion by Commissioner Milburn, seconded by Commissioner Motley, carried 3-0. 07.06.26 Minutes – deferred initially; later approved 3-1 with Commissioner Milburn dissenting (had not finished reviewing). (Page 4)
  • Financial & Payables Approvals: Accounts Payable 07.10.26 – $543,225.90 – brief question on Desert Snow (narcotics) training line item. Motion by Chair Tran, seconded by Commissioner Motley, carried 3-0. Tax Corrections approved, motion by Commissioner Motley, seconded by Chair Tran, carried 3-0. (Page 4)
  • Budget Presentations: Matt Lawn (Baker Tilly) presented 2026 general fund forecast and preliminary 2027 budget. Estimated 2026 ending fund balance ~$594,000 (projected surplus ~$64,000). Preliminary 2027 projected deficit ~$201,000. Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) scenarios presented: flat mill levy 56.669 mills ($8,147,172), 15% mill reduction, or RNR of 54.664 mills ($7,858,000). Commission tabled final RNR vote to July 20th meeting. No vote taken. Commissioner Allen joined during this discussion. (Pages 4–5)
  • Department Updates – Jennifer Hawkins, Treasurer: July 31 is last day to pay property taxes before delinquent names published in newspaper. Courtesy call list available. State unclaimed property tool at missingmoney.ks.gov. Addressed claim she had not responded to Commissioner Milburn’s postage inquiries — clarified she received only a single missed call. (Page 5)
  • Public Comments: No public comment cards submitted. (Page 5)
  • Old Business – Jarred Gilmore Phillips 2026 Audit Engagement: Discussed seeking competitive bids. Commissioner Milburn mentioned Varney and Associates (audits Crawford County) as alternative. Commission agreed to request cost estimate from alternative firm by following Monday. Tabled to July 20th meeting. (Page 5)
  • Old Business – Auction Discussion: Commissioner Allen met with GovDeals representative. Items that would sell: TVs, monitors. Items to discard: wooden items, filing cabinets, broken furniture. Metal items recommended for scrapping. Motion by Chair Tran, seconded by Commissioner Motley to authorize Commissioner Allen to list surplus on GovDeals and dispose of unsellable items. Carried 4-0. (Page 6)
  • New Business – Opioid Fund: Commissioner Milburn reported broad permitted uses confirmed by Kansas Association of Counties (KAC). Presented draft application process. Commission expressed general support. Tabled for future agenda. (Page 6)
  • New Business – HSS Appointment Letter: Commission approved appointment of Lou Howard to Homeland Security Board in place of Sheriff. Motion by Commissioner Milburn, seconded by Commissioner Motley, carried 4-0. (Page 6)
  • New Business – Kansas Division of EM: Chair Tran authorized to sign document stipulating Bourbon County is not subject to single program-specific audit (expends less than $1,000,000 in federally awarded funds annually). Motion by Commissioner Motley, seconded by Commissioner Allen, carried 4-0. (Page 7)
  • Future Agenda Topics: July 20th agenda: executive session with Don Doherty (KSA 75-4319(b)(1)); Baker Tilly budget/RNR vote; audit engagement decision; opioid fund application; juvenile detention update from Commissioner Allen. (Page 7)
  • Commission Comments: Commissioner Milburn encouraged use of local road engineer (no charge), expressed concern about road conditions. Commissioner Allen noted fair week. Chair Tran emphasized fiduciary responsibility during budget season and need for full commission collaboration. (Page 7)
  • Adjournment: Motion by Chair Tran at 6:38 p.m., seconded by Commissioner Motley, carried unanimously. Budget Work Session scheduled after this meeting was not held. (Page 8)

2. Official Meeting Minutes Approval – July 20, 2026 (Pages 9–16)

  • Citizen Attendance: Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Jason Silvers, Teri Hulsey, Marlon Merida, Lou Howard, Jared Pollock, Linda Klein, Debra Rust, Marvin Lewis, Mandy Shoemaker, Ronald Brown, Jennifer Hawkins, Don Doherty, Matt Lawn, Jeremy Bowman, Christy Mitchell, Tim Emerson, Kevin Allen, Michael Hoyt, Pete Owenby, Kenny Allen, Kevin Davidson. (Page 9)
  • Attendance & Logistics: Called to order Monday, July 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. Present: Commissioner Samuel Tran, District 1 (Chair); Commissioner David Beerbower, District 2; Commissioner Joe Allen, District 3; Commissioner Gregg Motley, District 4; Mika Milburn, District 5; Susan Walker, County Clerk. (Page 9)
  • Agenda Modifications: Removed Item 8 (June Financials and 2nd Quarter Financials) and Item 6 (Approval of Minutes 07.13.26). Added under Department Updates Item 12c – Executive Assistant/Otis Contract. Motion by Commissioner Tran, seconded by Commissioner Motley, carried unanimously. (Page 9)
  • Financial & Payables Approvals: Accounts Payable 07.17.26 – $79,169.27 – Commissioner Milburn questioned $1,600 reimbursement to Public Works Director Kenny Allen for flatbed trailer purchased via Facebook Marketplace with cash; explanation accepted. Motion by Commissioner Motley, seconded by Commissioner Tran, carried unanimously. (Page 10)
  • Executive Session (K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1)) – Employee Health Data / Don Doherty: Commission entered executive session for 20 minutes with Don Doherty, Matt Lawn, Jeremy Bowman, Cristy Mitchell, and all five commissioners. Returned to regular session at approximately 6:10 PM. No action taken. (Page 10)
  • Public Comments: Four speakers, three minutes each.
    • Tim Emerson (Emerson and Company) – expressed gratitude for improved county engagement; invited commissioner feedback.
    • Kevin Allen – urged fiscal responsibility; criticized Commissioner Beerbower for not returning phone calls.
    • Michael Hoyt – argued against forensic audit (Baker Tilly found no evidence of waste; clean audit history); briefed Commission on House Bill 2622 (effective July 1, 2026, subjects lease-purchase agreements over $100,000 to public protest petition process); noted county entered 12 such agreements in 2025–2026.
    • Pete Owenby – urged thoughtfulness on raising taxes given increased property valuations and resident financial pressure.

    (Page 11)

  • Budget – Baker Tilly Presentations:
    • a. Conservation District – Jared Pollock and Ronnie Brown presented $40,000 budget request (restoration of prior reduced level). District all-in proposed operating budget ~$93,073. No formal action. (Page 11)
    • b. Register of Deeds – Budget presented by Susan Walker on behalf of Lora Holdridge. Requested ~$6,320 more than current year, primarily for deferred travel/training to Parsons. Remained below 2025 actual expenditures. (Page 12)
    • c. County Clerk – Susan Walker presented Clerk’s general fund budget and Elections fund budget. For Clerk’s budget: requested RNR mailing costs (~$13,406 for 2027) be moved to General Government budget. For Elections budget: replacement of 10-year-old electronic poll pads ($11,500); replacement of aging/mold-contaminated voting booths; on-site ballot shredding for records 2022–2025 ($3,500); part-time (0.75 PTE) election assistant at $16/hour, max 1,300 hours/year. Total elections budget increase requested: ~$42,088–$55,494. (Page 12)
    • d. County Treasurer – Jennifer Hawkins presented two options. Option 1: wage increases for existing staff (~$7,000 in salaries) plus modest publication/tax statement cost increases. Option 2: additionally one new FTE to restore Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) registration services; full Option 2 increase over current budget ~$42,454. Also noted Motor Vehicle fund training costs increasing (in-person DOR classes), potentially reducing anticipated $10,000 annual transfer to General Fund. (Page 12)
    • e. RNR Certification to County Clerk: Matt Lawn recommended mill levy of 57.705 mills. Commissioner Milburn moved 56.669 mills (flat, equivalent to prior year). After debate, motion by Commissioner Milburn, seconded by Commissioner Allen, to adopt 56.669 mills and notify County Clerk of intent to exceed RNR. Carried 3–2 (Commissioners Motley and Beerbower opposed). Commission subsequently authorized Chair Tran to sign Notice of Intent at 56.669 mills with public hearing for RNR and budget adoption set for September 14, 2026. Motion by Commissioner Tran, seconded by Commissioner Milburn, carried unanimously. (Page 13)
  • Department Updates:
    • a. EMS – Teri Hulsey requested guidance on hiring additional full-time paramedic to reduce overtime. Commission asked her to wait until full budget picture available. No formal action. (Page 13)
    • b. Landfill Backhoe Quotes – K. Allen: Tabled to next week. (Page 13)
    • c. Executive Assistant / Otis Contract: Elevator maintenance contract with Kone voided after Otis performed repair work. Elevator operational but required follow-up Otis service call at $3,199. Commission authorized Chair to execute Otis service call, charged to General Government fund. Motion by Commissioner Allen, seconded by Commissioner Motley, carried unanimously. (Page 13)
  • Old Business:
    • a. Jarred Gilmore Phillips 2026 Audit Engagement – Gilmore Phillips quoted just under $30,000. Competing quote not yet received. Carried to next meeting. (Page 14)
    • b. SEK Juvenile Detention Center Update – Tabled to next week. (Page 14)
    • c. Confluence Contract Approval – Commissioner Beerbower moved to table, citing insufficient funds. Chair Tran to reach out to zoning committee and Confluence to hold proposal open 90–120 days. Motion by Commissioner Beerbower, seconded by Commissioner Motley, carried 3–2 (Commissioners Milburn and Tran opposed). (Page 14)
    • d. Application for Opioid Funds – Milburn: Application completed; tabled to next regular meeting. (Page 14)
    • e. RFP Update – Two proposals distributed to commissioners for review. No action; carried to next meeting. (Page 14)
  • New Business:
    • a. Security Camera Access – Tabled to next week. (Page 15)
    • b. Election Space – Tabled to next week. (Page 15)
    • c. Commission Policy/Procedure – Commissioner Beerbower requested all departments present courthouse space proposals at first August meeting. (Page 15)
    • d. Homeland Security Board Appointment – Commission authorized Chair Tran to sign letter recommending Lou Howard’s appointment to Homeland Security Council. Motion by Commissioner Motley, seconded by Commissioner Beerbower, carried unanimously. (Page 15)
    • e. MSB Law – $2,000 payment approved, charged to General Government fund. Motion by Commissioner Motley, seconded by Commissioner Beerbower, carried unanimously. (Page 15)
  • Commission Comments: Commissioner Allen reflected this was among the most difficult meetings in his five months. Chair Tran emphasized budget decisions affect county employees and residents; announced town hall meeting Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Ellis Fine Arts Building. (Pages 15–16)
  • Adjournment: Motion by Commissioner Tran at 8:46 p.m., seconded by Commissioner Allen, carried unanimously. (Page 16)

3. Official Meeting Minutes Approval – July 22, 2026 Special Meeting (Pages 17–18)

  • Citizen Attendance: Matt Quick and Laura Krom. (Page 17)
  • Attendance & Logistics: Called to order Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 8:05 AM. Present: Commissioner David Beerbower, District 2; Commissioner Joe Allen, District 3; Commissioner Gregg Motley, District 4; Susan Walker, County Clerk. (Page 17)
  • Otis Elevator Contract: Further elevator repairs discussed. Motion to rescind prior Otis approval of $3,199 (from 07.20.26) and approve new contract at $5,489.10. Motion by Commissioner Beerbower, seconded by Commissioner Motley. All approved. (Page 17)
  • Adjournment: Motion by Commissioner Motley at 8:07 AM, seconded by Commissioner Allen, carried unanimously. (Page 18)

4. Accounts Payable Bills & Invoices – 07.24.26 Batch (Pages 19–41)

Open Invoices by Department Summary for Bourbon County, due date 7/24/2026. Total of 159 invoices across all departments.

Batch Due 7/24/2026 — Grand Total: $483,656.08 (Pages 39–41)

  • Non-Departmental Funds Summary: Total $377,495.00. Major funds:
    • Appraisers (Fund 016): $7,461.50 – Bourbon County Payroll, Appraiser Wages. (Page 19)
    • County Treasurer Motor Fund (Fund 052): $3,719.26 – Payroll wages. (Page 19)
    • Election (Fund 062): $2,266.55 – Michael Hoyt election training supplies reimbursement $66.38; Amazon Capital Services colored printer paper for sample ballots $106.14; Payroll election wages $2,094.03. (Page 19)
    • Employee Benefit (Fund 064): $26,722.53 – Notable items: KPERS EE & ER 07.24.26 $18,756.30; Bourbon County Taxes – Emerson ER IRS Social Security $14,318.09; Bourbon County Taxes – Emerson EE IRS $26,209.16; Assurity Life Insurance $1,463.90; Bay Bridge Administrators cancer ins $537.36; Equitable vision insurance (both lines) $314.57; Kansas Payment Center garnishment $470.77; KC Life ER Life Ins $251.08; LegalShield $146.09; MASA $392.00; MetLife Group Benefits $73.95; Northwestern Mutual $15.75; PEBSCO-NRS $25.00; SBG-VAA $75.00. (Pages 19–20)
    • Landfill (Fund 108): $11,919.80 – Allen County Public Works MSW 7/9–7/15/2026 $6,567.06; Foley Equipment Co. sensor/washers/bolts #15 $398.46; Payroll landfill wages $4,817.85; Verizon Wireless phones $24.37; K&K Auto Parts $84.33; Amazon paper towels $27.88; Mayco Ace Hardware $1.85. (Page 20)
    • County Sheriff/Correctional (Fund 120): $72,815.27 – Payroll SEKRCC wages $28,026.17; Payroll Sheriff wages $34,017.37; Evergy 293 E 20th St $7,027.70; Verizon Wireless Sheriff’s wireless service $1,772.98; KA-Comm patrol vehicle strip $666.50; Optiv Security Inc. RSA security tokens $211.62; Brooks-Jeffrey Marketing web design $99.92; Pearson Sr. Arthur D tire service (5 invoices totaling $380.00); Terry Lawrence clean solid waste tank SEKRCC $75.00; Amazon various commodities. (Page 21)
    • Noxious Weed (Fund 200, Non-Departmental): $1,658.56 – Amazon 3-ring binders/gloves/sheet protectors $63.11; K&K Auto Parts hydraulic hoses/fittings $24.09; Verizon Wireless phones $46.56; Payroll noxious weed wages $1,524.80. (Page 21)
    • Road and Bridge (Fund 220): $76,623.83 – Payroll Road & Bridge wages $42,232.01; Payroll Elm Creek wages $1,075.20; Judy’s Fuel & Oil various fuel purchases totaling ~$18,990.29; Enterprise FM Trust PW vehicle lease payment #13 $5,455.47; Foley Equipment Co. multiple invoices (grease, diesel particulate/wiring harness, refrigerant compressor, power by the hour) ~$1,821.72; Pomp’s Tire Service (2 invoices tires/O rings) $2,313.50; Bo’s 1 Stop 15″ storm pipes $2,536.00; O’Reilly Auto Parts multiple parts ~$374.54; Tri-State Truck Center strut/connector #110 $105.21; Midway Sterling Truck Center A/C accumulator #145 $67.73; Henry Kraft wipes $135.58; Lockwood Motor Supply pigtail/bulb $20.48; K&K Auto Parts bearings/nuts/seal $45.84; Fort Scott Rides balance 4 tires $50.00; Verizon Wireless (2 lines) $449.05; Amazon disinfecting wipes $8.97; Mayco Ace Hardware $4.00. (Pages 22–23)
    • Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund (Fund 222): $9,868.69 – Enterprise FM Trust PW vehicle lease payment #12 $5,600.99; Kunshek Chat and Coal sand and haul 51.47 tons @ $39.50 = $2,033.07; Prairieland Partners wheel speed sensor/fuses #198 $622.10; Pomp’s Tire Service tires #10 $401.52; Payne’s Inc. seals/hydraulic cylinder repair #84 $960.65; Fort Scott Rides balance 4 tires $50.00; Verizon Wireless phones $46.56; O’Reilly Auto Parts (3 invoices) $131.30; K&K Auto Parts flat washers #85 $22.50. (Pages 23–24)
    • Bond Sales Tax – County Jail (Fund 370): $164,439.01 – Security Bank of Kansas City principal $100,000.00; Security Bank of Kansas City interest $22,462.50; Security Bank of Kansas City debt service fees $825.00; Enterprise FM Trust monthly fleet maintenance (2 invoices) $6,955.58; Union State Bank principal (Durango) $2,900.87; Union State Bank interest (Durango) $288.92; Landmark National Bank dashcam principal $3,374.79; Landmark National Bank dashcam interest $56.35; Office of State Treasurer General Obligation Refunding Bonds Series 2021-B jail bond interest $27,575.00. (Pages 24–25)
  • County Department Operations:
    • County Commission (Dept 01, General Fund): $5,312.46 – Verizon Wireless commissioners wireless service $254.36; Payroll commission wages $5,058.10. (Page 26)
    • County Clerk (Dept 02, General Fund): $3,950.14 – Verizon Wireless clerk wireless service $34.45; Payroll clerk wages $3,915.69. (Page 27)
    • County Treasurer (Dept 03, General Fund): $4,858.49 – Payroll treasurer wages. (Page 28)
    • County Attorney (Dept 04, General Fund): $11,270.78 – Payroll attorney wages $10,697.98; Quill Corporation office supplies $276.80; Fort Scott Tribune legal publications (2 invoices) $296.00. (Page 29)
    • County Register of Deeds (Dept 05, General Fund): $4,775.99 – Payroll register of deeds wages. (Page 30)
    • Courthouse Maintenance (Dept 07, General Fund): $2,157.52 – Payroll building maintenance wages. (Page 31)
    • County Coroner (Dept 08, General Fund): $2,725.00 – Forensic Medical coroner services. (Page 32)
    • District Court (Dept 10, General Fund): $3,456.09 – Payroll district court wages $2,366.09; Manbeck Law LLC conflict attorney fees (5 invoices: BB26CR75 $480.00, BB26JV10 $170.00, BB26JV9 $170.00, BB25TR561 $100.00, BB26JV7 $170.00). (Page 33)
    • Emergency Preparedness (Dept 11, General Fund): $810.79 – Verizon Wireless emergency management wireless $41.56; Payroll EM prep wages $769.23. (Page 34)
    • Ambulance Service (Dept 24, Fund 375): $36,629.63 – Payroll ambulance wages $33,291.71; Bound Tree Medical medical supplies (2 invoices) $1,052.04; City of Fort Scott ambulance charges $1,500.00; GMR Learning continuing education (2 invoices) $310.00; Morris & Dickson medication $117.78; Verizon Wireless EMS wireless $144.40; Kansas Gas Service 405 Woodland Hills $49.74; O’Reilly Auto Parts EMS7 maintenance $119.11; Cramer Nancy patient overpayment refund $129.91; Morris & Dickson MMCAP shareback credit ($85.06). (Page 35)
    • Noxious Weed Dept (Dept 30, Fund 200): $11,074.14 – Van Diest Supply Company Crossbow/LV Ester chemicals $3,332.00; Van Diest Supply Company Remedy/Ranger Pro/Escort/GrazonNext chemicals $7,742.14. (Page 36)
    • Courthouse General (Dept 43, General Fund): $15,447.74 – Evergy 210 S National Ave $7,002.69; Otis Elevator Company parts & labor for keyswitch for elevator $3,199.00; MSB Law LC review/analysis of contracts $2,892.04; Locke Supply Co. HVAC filters $1,677.70; Kansas Gas Service 108 W 2nd St $109.89; Kansas Gas Service 221 S Judson $48.62; Evergy 221 S Judson $178.80; Pitney-Bowes install/de-install postage meter $339.00. (Page 37)
    • County Miscellaneous (Dept 99, General Fund): $3,692.31 – Payroll Co. Counselor wages. (Page 38)

5. June 2026 Financials / 2nd Quarter Bank Reconciliation (Page 42)

  • Bank Reconciliation – For the Six Months Ending June 30, 2026: Certified by County Clerk Susan E. Walker on 7/21/26. (Page 42)
  • Bourbon County Bank Accounts:
    • Treasurer Account Landmark *3049: $8,471,428.19 gross; less outstanding checks ($100,551.43); less outstanding wires ($339,261.98); add deposits in transit $235,334.79; adjustments ($71,641.32). Cash Balance Account *3049 – Treasurer General Account: $8,195,308.25.
    • Clerk Account Landmark *3064: $606,989.75 gross; less outstanding checks ($332,219.58); less outstanding wires ($32,046.27); add deposits in transit $922,985.86; adjustments ($474,092.58). Cash Balance Account *3064 – Clerks Payables Account: $691,617.18.
  • Bourbon County Certificates of Deposit:
    • Union State Bank 3.46% – matures 06/18/26: $100,000.00
    • Union State Bank 3.46% – matures 06/26/26: $200,000.00
    • Landmark Bank 4.32% – matures 10/08/26: $100,000.00
    • Union State Bank 3.46% – matures 09/25/26: $100,000.00
    • City State Bank 4.05% – matures 12/23/26: $200,000.00
    • City State Bank 4.26% – matures 03/10/26: $250,000.00
    • City State Bank 4.03% – matures 03/10/26: $250,000.00
    • Union State Bank 3.46% – matures 03/16/26: $250,000.00
    • Union State Bank 3.97% – matures 01/30/26: $100,000.00
    • Total CDs: $1,550,000.00
  • Bourbon County Treasurer Cash on Hand: $1,700.00
  • Total Bourbon County Cash Balance All Accounts as of 06.30.26: $10,438,625.43
  • Fund Status Report as of 06.30.26: $10,438,625.43 (Variance: $0)

6. Revenue and Expense Report – All Funds, Period 6, Through 6/30/2026 (Pages 43–123)

Comprehensive 123-page Revenue and Expense Report for Bourbon County, Year 2026, Period 6 (through June 30, 2026), covering all funds and departments. Selected highlights:

  • 001 General Fund: Total Revenues YTD $2,210,164.94 (71.22% of $3,103,418.00 budget). Total Expenditures YTD $1,660,413.78 (47.77% of $3,476,154.00 budget). YTD Revenue Less Expenses: $549,751.16. (Pages 43–47)
    • County Commission: YTD expenditures $110,153.27 of $113,510.00 budget (97.04%). Commission wages $121,150.04 (113.13% of budget – over budget).
    • County Clerk: YTD expenditures $60,639.07 of $133,189.00 budget (45.53%).
    • County Attorney: YTD expenditures $210,412.35 of $470,284.00 budget (44.74%). Attorney contractual services $68,316.90 of $49,966.00 budget – over budget at 136.73%.
    • Courthouse General: YTD expenditures $535,373.64 of $582,719.00 budget (91.88%).
  • 016 Appraisers: YTD Revenue $224,723.95 (89.77%); YTD Expenditures $126,916.90 (50.70%). YTD surplus $97,807.05. (Page 49)
  • 064 Employee Benefit: YTD Revenue $2,202,921.51 (90.32% of $2,438,901.00); YTD Expenditures $1,124,792.01 (42.14% of $2,669,373.00). YTD surplus $1,078,129.50. Benefit worker’s comp $170,850.00 (unbudgeted). (Page 56)
  • 108 Landfill: YTD Revenue $391,690.68 (52.28%); YTD Expenditures $367,597.76 (49.29%). YTD surplus $24,092.92. (Page 70)
  • 120 Public Safety (Jail & Sheriff): YTD Revenue $1,896,029.35 (83.14%); YTD Expenditures $1,264,417.34 (55.44%). YTD surplus $631,612.01. Reimbursement-housing $212,306.00 (165.78% of budget). (Pages 73–74)
  • 220 Road and Bridge: YTD Revenue $1,684,779.75 (61.76%); YTD Expenditures $1,412,356.48 (51.34%). YTD surplus $272,423.27. (Pages 78–79)
  • 222 Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund: YTD Revenue $781,406.23 (60.11%); YTD Expenditures $430,847.51 (32.64%). YTD surplus $350,558.72. R&B Sales Tax commodities $168,555.89 — 198.30% of $85,000.00 budget (over budget). (Page 80)
  • 370 Bond Repayment – County Jail: YTD Revenue $538,786.39 (51.31%); YTD Expenditures $137,617.57 (12.75%). YTD surplus $401,168.82. (Page 122)
  • 375 Ambulance Service: YTD Revenue $669,572.57 (56.19%); YTD Expenditures $576,258.15 (48.36%). YTD surplus $93,314.42. (Pages 124–125)

7. Quarterly Treasurer Report – April 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026 (Pages 166–168)

  • Report Period: 04/01/2026–06/30/2026. Total Beginning Balance: $10,076,956.17; Total Receipts: $19,316,481.50; Total Expenses: ($18,954,812.24); Total Ending Balance: $10,438,625.43. (Page 168)
  • Selected Fund Highlights:
    • 001 General Fund: Beg $932,445.72; Receipts $915,973.78; Expenses ($737,378.44); End $1,111,041.06.
    • 064 Employee Benefit: Beg $1,263,013.98; Receipts $872,415.91; Expenses ($728,578.93); End $1,406,850.96.
    • 108 Landfill: Beg $282,524.06; Receipts $188,206.53; Expenses ($190,672.11); End $280,058.48.
    • 120 County Sheriff/Correctional: Beg $689,392.42; Receipts $773,101.88; Expenses ($682,077.63); End $780,416.67.
    • 220 Road and Bridge: Beg $482,238.16; Receipts $767,355.99; Expenses ($844,420.53); End $405,173.62.
    • 370 Bond Sales Tax – County Jail: Beg $2,064,488.17; Receipts $261,372.35; Expenses ($36,001.62); End $2,289,858.90.
    • 375 Ambulance Service: Beg $105,908.74; Receipts $315,004.88; Expenses ($287,924.95); End $132,988.67.

    (Pages 166–167)

8. Resolution 26-26 – Cancellation of Warrant Checks (Pages 176–177)

Pursuant to K.S.A. 19-320, the County Clerk is requested to cancel checks older than three years totaling $3,639.72. To be resolved on July 27, 2026.

  • Budgetary Accounting Checks – Total: $730.99. Checks ranging from 5/25/2018 through 11/19/2021. Notable: Check 2284 (11/19/2021) – Ronald Burton $200.00; Check 1623 (8/17/2018) – Janet Murphy $158.65; Check 1899 (8/16/2019) – Ruth Irene Kenn $111.54. All other checks $10.00–$21.60. (Page 176)
  • Payroll Checks – Total: $2,908.73.
    • Check 1000660 (1/29/2021) – Brazeal, Patric: $727.46
    • Check 1000822 (4/22/2022) – Riddle, David: $1,093.40
    • Check 1000867 (9/23/2022) – Riddle, David: $1,087.87

    (Page 176)

  • Combined Total to be Cancelled: $3,639.72. (Page 177)
Fort Scott Community College, Opinion

From the Bleachers: The Myth of Two-a-Days

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Dr. Jack Welch

From the Bleachers – The Myth of Two-a-Days

By Dr. Jack Welch

For generations, the phrase two-a-days has caused concern among parents, with many believing that practicing twice in one day is the primary cause of heat-related illnesses. The research tells a different story. The greatest danger is not the number of practices, but whether athletes have been properly acclimatized to the heat.

Sports medicine experts have consistently found that most exertional heat illnesses occur during the first several days of preseason, before the body has had time to adjust to exercising in hot and humid conditions. That is why today’s athletic programs follow structured heat-acclimatization guidelines. Practice intensity gradually increases while protective equipment is added in stages. Coaches and athletic trainers carefully monitor hydration, weather conditions, and each athlete’s physical condition throughout every workout.

Heat illness is largely preventable when everyone works together. Coaches, athletic trainers, administrators, parents, and athletes all share responsibility for recognizing the signs of heat stress and responding appropriately. Schools closely monitor environmental conditions and modify practices when necessary. If an athlete experiences exertional heat stroke, immediate rapid cooling, especially cold-water immersion, is recognized as the most effective lifesaving treatment.

Many athletic associations have eliminated multiple full-contact practices in a single day but still allow walk-through sessions. These lower-intensity practices provide additional exposure to the environment without placing excessive physical stress on athletes. Simply spending time in the heat helps the body continue adapting safely.

Texas has taken another important step by requiring schools to monitor Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) for all outdoor sports and marching band activities. Schools must also maintain written heat emergency action plans that include rapid-cooling equipment on site before practices begin. These evidence-based measures continue to improve athlete safety.

The lesson reaches beyond athletics. Success is rarely the result of avoiding challenges. It comes from preparing wisely, respecting the conditions we face, and trusting the process. Heat should never be ignored, but neither should it be feared when preparation, education, and common sense guide our decisions.

“Winning means you’re willing to go longer, work harder, and give more than anyone else.” — Vince Lombardi

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.

Opinion

Opinion: Time To Vote Yes – Douglas Niemeir

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Time To Vote Yes

I’m not generally a “letter to the editor” contributor but have noticed an all-out effort in recent weeks to defeat the state constitution amendment (concerning Kansas Supreme Court appointments) that will be on the August 4 primary ballot. This will be the only opportunity we have to vote on this issue as it will not be on the November ballot – so it needs our attention now.

Much of what I have seen being “advertised” by those urging a “no” vote appears to me to be misinformation. For example, since when is it bad to let the taxpaying voters select our state officials (like the Kansas Supreme Court) instead of a small “committee” selected and manned by a majority of essentially self-selected lawyers?

And these ads also state that a “yes” vote will put the state’s “millionaires” in control of this process. Really? I have no input to the initial appointment of the justices now. If the amendment passes, I will have a vote. Currently it is a small group of attorneys. So . . . who might be the millionaires here?

A recent statement by our current President of the Kansas Senate and candidate for governor Ty Masterson (who has represented Kansas voters for 21 years and closely observed our Supreme Court over this time) addresses the issues as follows: “Kansas’s current system isn’t apolitical at all–it’s just politics veiled by a commission, and we should stop pretending. Direct elections make the political dynamic explicit, not hidden in backrooms by bar members who think they are better than the rest of us. The current system’s promise of impartiality rings hollow when its rulings run afoul of the public and leave them no recourse to fight. Electing judges will sometimes be messy and yes, involve money and all the other things that go along with elections. But, let’s let the people decide if they want the power; if they want to trade an elitist relic for a democratic system where they will hold the reins.”

Big bucks are being spent on advertising to vote “no” for this amendment through supporters like the Kansas Bar Association, ACLU of Kansas, Kansas Women Attorneys Association, and Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes. Note: 6 of the 7 current justices certainly appear to be “progressive,” with one common sense conservative.

As it stands, Kansas has a judicial system that’s largely controlled by one interest group: the Kansas Bar Association. The approval of this amendment will give every Kansas voter a say in selecting our Supreme Court justices so that we can end undue influence by political insiders over our highest court. It’s time to make our court truly impartial with accountability and transparency from everyone. Vote YES on your primary ballot!

Sincerely,

Doug Niemeir*

*A lifelong Kansas resident and voter, and by the way – not a millionaire.

Note: FortScott.biz publishes opinion pieces with a variety of perspectives. If you would like to share your opinion, please send a letter to [email protected].

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Ad: Josh Jones — Rooted Here

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I’m Josh Jones — born here, built my life here, running to serve here.

Joshua Jones, Republican for Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3 — Rooted Here

I’m Josh Jones, and I’m running for Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3.

My family has been in this county since the 1850s, and so has my wife’s. I grew up here. I tried leaving once — it lasted about three weeks before I moved right back. By the time I had my first kids at 20, I’d made up my mind: I was going to build something here, so my family would never have to leave to find a good life.

So I went to work. Nearly 20 years as a small-business owner — Fort Scott Sanitation, rental properties, and today Bourbon County Cars. For a stretch in between, I even drove a school bus for our middle- and high-school sports teams, so I wouldn’t miss being part of my kids’ school experiences. And along the way I learned you don’t fix a community by complaining about it. You find good people who care as much as you do, and you get to work:

  • Joined the volunteers who resurfaced the tennis courts so our kids have a place to play
  • Pitched in on scholarships for young people going into the trades
  • Acquired the Lowman Street lot where the historic church Gordon Parks attended once stood, and donated it to the Gordon Parks Museum — so that piece of our history stays alive here

None of that was about me. It was about people who are passionate about this town pulling in the same direction — and I’ve been lucky to be part of it. That’s exactly what I want to bring to the county: see a problem, bring the right folks together, and actually get it done.

I’d be grateful for the chance to earn your vote.

Vote Josh Jones — Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3. A neighbor who shows up.

Paid for by Joshua Jones for County Commissioner, Josh Jones, Treasurer.

Learn more and get in touch: Josh Jones on Facebook

Obituary

Obituary of Lyle Lee Adcock

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Lyle Lee Adcock was born September 30, 1948, in Ottawa, Kansas, and went to his heavenly home on July 23, 2026, following a battle with pneumonia.  He was the son of William H. Adcock, Sr. and Etta Wynona Green Adcock Stewart.  Lyle graduated from Ottawa High School in 1966 and attended classes at Washburn University.  Lyle and Marilyn were married in Ottawa on August 18, 1968, in a ceremony performed by her father, Rev. R. B. Shoemaker.  They welcomed their son Jerrel on December 22, 1975.  Lyle served in the Marine Corp Reserves in Topeka, Kansas for six years where his duties included writing timely articles for various publications, carrying a radio, and serving as general communications director for his unit.  He began his successful career in the financial services industry at Commerial Credit in Topeka.  After he served in community banks in Kansas and Missouri for twenty-two years, Lyle and Marilyn were given the opportunity to purchase the Bank of Plato in Plato, Missouri.  There they worked side by side for fifteen years before retirement.  After moving to Fort Scott in 2007, Lyle worked in the insurance industry and enjoyed teaching continuing education classes for A D Banker.  Wherever he lived, Lyle was always active in his community and had an impact on community betterment.  Lyle was a musician of sorts with a good sense of rhythm.  He often delighted audiences by accompanying Marilyn using spoons, washboard, jawbone or other traditional instruments.  Lyle was a faithful member of the Cherry Grove Baptist Church where he served in a number of leadership positions including Deacon, Trustee, Moderator and Sunday School Teacher.  He was active in the American Baptist Men organization and held leadership positions at the local, regional and national level.

Lyle is survived by his wife Marilyn, son Jerrel (Gina), brother Roger (Treva) Adcock, sisters Jane Harper, Esther Hopkins (Rodney), brother-in-law, Alan Schwartz, sister-in-law, Karen Adcock, and a host of nieces and nephews including special nieces Jessie (Matt), Sammy, Josie, Mattie and Charlie Jane.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Bill, Tom, Jim, and Raymond, sister, Anna Schwartz and sister-in-law, Roberta Adcock.

Lyle enjoyed a long life of service to family, friends, church, community and customers.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 29th at the Cherry Grove Baptist Church south of Ft. Scott.  Burial will follow in the Clarksburg Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 9:30 A.M. until service time at the church.  Memorials are suggested to the Cherry Grove Baptist Church or Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott – July 25 Edition

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! July 25th Edition

Historic Trolley Tours

Ride Dolly the Trolley and explore Fort Scott’s history with a narrated tour.
Fridays & Saturdays – Now Boarding!

Historic 50-min narrated trolley tours, every hour on the hour.
Friday: 11AM–3PM (Last Tour 2PM)
Saturday: 10AM–3PM (Last Tour 2PM)
Adults $6 | 12 & Under $4
Tours every Fri–Sat through 1st weekend of December. Christmas Light Tours offered daily Dec. 10th–23rd.
620-223-3566 | fortscott.com | 231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS

Dolly the Trolley – Now Boarding

SAVE THE DATE: Chamber Coffees

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees – Every Thursday at 8am

Upcoming Calendar of Events

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Visit your National Park! Visitor Center and historic buildings are open Friday through Tuesday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds continue to be open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset.
Visit the website

The Artificers

Classes for ALL ages! See all the fun classes at The Artificers.

BINGO – American Legion Post 25

Hosted every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm, Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September.)

KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott

Every Tuesday 9am–4pm
Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.
620-231-4250

FS Public Library – Wednesday Writers

Every Wednesday @ 1:30–3pm
201 S. National Ave.

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page for updates!

Kansas Small Business Development Center

At the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.
Every 2nd Thursday of the month, 9am–3pm

Want more details or updates on Community, Chamber, and Member events? Find full dates, times, locations, and links on our community calendar: fortscott.com/events/calendar/

Recurring Events

Farmers Market

Saturday Markets (May–October): 8am–12pm
Tuesday Markets (June–August): 4–6pm

Upcoming Events

Saturday, July 25th

Fly-In Breakfast – KFSK
Every 4th Saturday, March–Oct ’26
7:30am–11am
@ Fort Scott Municipal Airport, 1869 Indian Rd.
Donation-based breakfast. Discounted fuel during breakfast hours.

Bourbon Tasting by BBCO Handcrafted Spirits
July 25th: 5pm & 7pm
@ Green Lantern Speakeasy
Enjoy samples of Bourbon County Handcrafted Spirits Moonshine, Whiskey, and Bourbon!
Free! Seating is limited. Reservations Required!
Click here to RSVP!

Tuesday, July 28th

July Book Club: Mad Mable @ The Kitchen
6:00pm
$35 – Seats limited, RSVP required!
Your registration includes:

  • Australian-inspired grazing board
  • Passionfruit Spritz (or non-alcoholic beverage)
  • Guided book discussion
  • A fun evening with fellow readers

Click here for more info!

Wednesday, July 29th

FSCC Volleyball Camp – Grades 4th–7th
1:00–3:00 pm
@ Arnold Arena on FSCC Campus
T-shirt included. Must register in advance.
Click here to RSVP!

Thursday, July 30th

Chamber Coffee hosted by Evergy – Fort Scott Service Center
8am
15 Station St.
Enter through west door; park on the west side of the service center near the substation fence. Please do not block overhead doors. Meeting will be held in the Evergy Break Room.

FSCC Volleyball Camp – Grades 8–12th
1:00–4:00 pm
@ Arnold Arena on FSCC Campus
T-shirt included. Must register in advance.
Click here to RSVP!

Candidate Forum for Primary Election
Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce
6–9pm
Ellis Fine Arts Center – in the meeting rooms on the campus of FSCC, 2108 S. Horton St.
Doors open at 5:30pm for a Meet & Greet with Candidates.
Forum will begin at 6pm in the order of Federal, State, then Local races.
Be informed before you vote – come learn about the candidates!

Candidates should RSVP to the Chamber as soon as possible along with any candidate questions.
Email [email protected] or call the Chamber at 620-223-3566 by Tuesday 7/28.

The forum will also be aired via Facebook Live on the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Election Candidate Forum – Thursday, July 30th

Friday, July 31st

BBCO Community Theatre presents: Open Mic Night
7:30–9pm
@ Sharky’s Pub & Grub
Sing, dance, recite poetry, tell jokes, play an instrument – ANYTHING (family friendly) GOES!
Click here to sign up to perform!

Saturday, August 1st

Kansas Rocks – Newbie Women Wheelers Basic Skills Course & Rascals On The Rocks
Young drivers rule the trails at K-Rocks.
Food truck: Jonny O’s Nashville Hot Chicken & Burgers will be on site.
Children receive a certificate for completing the course!

Dynamic Fire Pistol Course
Hosted by Fort Scott Munitions with Battleline Tactical – Kris “Tanto” Paronto
Click here for more info!
For tickets click here!

✅ See more events & details: https://fortscott.com/events

Shopping – Support Local!

Boutiques, Antiques, Flea Markets & more!
Click here for Chamber member specialty shopping & other retail in Downtown & other areas of the community.

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-3566
fortscott.com

Government, Kansas

Kobach Warns Cities: Conversion Therapy Bans Are Illegal

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TOPEKA – (July 23, 2026) – Kansas Attorney General Kris W. Kobach today sent letters to the mayors of Lawrence, Roeland Park, and Prairie Village, calling on each city to immediately repeal its local ordinance banning so-called “conversion therapy,” including counseling that involves only speech.

The letters cite the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Chiles v. Salazar, which struck down a nearly identical Colorado law as a violation of the First Amendment. The Court held that such bans improperly censor therapists’ speech based on viewpoint and that therapist speech is constitutionally protected.

“The First Amendment applies to everyone – therapists, patients and everyone else. A city violates the Constitution when it attempts to forbid a therapist from providing the counseling that the therapist believes is in the best interest of the patient,” Kobach said. “The government may not declare that some words and ideas are forbidden. And now the Supreme Court of the United States has squarely ruled on the subject.”

In the letter to Lawrence Mayor Brad Finkeldei, Attorney General Kobach wrote: “Lawrence’s ordinance seeks to control speech in a nearly identical way. … In other words, only one viewpoint is allowed to be expressed. Thus, the ordinance engages in viewpoint discrimination in violation of the First Amendment.”

The letters to Roeland Park and Prairie Village contain substantially similar analysis, noting that each city’s ordinance defines “conversion therapy” to include any counseling that fails to affirm a patient’s sexual orientation or gender identity. But it expressly permits counseling that supports identity exploration or gender transition—thereby allowing only one viewpoint to be expressed.

Attorney General Kobach requested that each city inform his office within 60 days whether the ordinance has been repealed. The letters were also copied to the respective city council members.

Read the letters here.

K-State Extension

Understanding Gestation Length in Beef Cattle by Hunter Nickell

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When Is She Due? Understanding Gestation Length in Modern Beef Cattle

Hunter Nickell

Traditional beef-cattle references often cite an average gestation length of 283 days. However, many producers are reporting much shorter gestations for calves conceived by artificial insemination (AI). Recent data suggest that current Angus cattle may calve sooner.

A study of more than 100,000 Angus AI matings from 2000 to 2020 evaluated relationships among gestation length, birth weight, and calving ease1. Table 1 shows the mean and standard deviation (SD) for the traits studied. Because gestation lengths follow a normal (bell-shaped) distribution, approximately 68% occur within one standard deviation of the mean. In other words, approximately two-thirds of gestation periods ranged from 274.2 to 283.3 days. Interestingly, the average gestation length in this study was 278.6 days—more than four days shorter than the 283-day value commonly found in beef cattle references. Older cows had longer gestation lengths than younger dams (Table 2).

Table 1. Descriptive statistics for gestation length, birth weight, and calving ease in American Angus Cattle.

Trait Number Mean (SD) Minimum Maximum
Gestation length, d 101,787 278.6 (4.69) 264 292
Birth weight, lb 101,713 79.4 (9.6) 39.9 139.7
Calving Ease Score Number Mean Gestation Length (SD), d Mean Birth Weight (SD), lb
1, No assistance 39,946 277.6 (4.7) 78.1 (9.7)
2, Assisted 1,858 279.3 (4.7) 87.8 (9.7)

Table 2. Mean gestation length by age of dam

Age of Dam, Years Gestation Length, days
2 277.7
3 278.6
4 279.0
5 279.2
6 279.3
7 279.5
8 279.6

Estimates of heritability for gestation length in the literature range from 0.20 to 0.64. In this study, heritability was 0.57 for gestation length, greater than for birth weight (0.36) and calving ease (0.20). These traits are related; the correlations between direct gestation length and direct birth weight, or direct calving ease, were 0.29 and 0.31, respectively. The calf genotype (direct genetic effect) had the most influence over gestation length compared to any maternal influence.

Beyond describing current gestation lengths, the researchers also evaluated how these traits have changed genetically over time. Genetic trends calculated from average estimated breeding values over the years are shown in Figure 1. During the years represented by the study data, gestation length decreased by 4.3 days. The reduction in gestation length appears to coincide with industry-wide selection for lower birth weights and improved calving ease, illustrating how genetic progress in one trait can influence others.

Figure 1. Genetic trends of average estimated breeding value by birth year based adjusted for the year 2000 and scaled to the standard deviation of additive genetic effect for gestation length, birth weight, and calving difficulty in American Angus cattle.

The evidence suggests gestation length in Angus cattle has shortened alongside industry selection for lower birth weight and improved calving ease. While these changes have benefited producers, continued monitoring is warranted to ensure that reductions in gestation length do not compromise calf development, vigor, or long-term productivity.

1Gilleland, Carson. 2022 Master’s Thesis. North Carolina State University. Estimates of Genetic Variation for American Angus Gestation Length.

Thank you to Dr. Sandy Johnson for the content of this article. As a Livestock Agent and Cattle Producer, I am passionate about bovine reproduction. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any Southwind District office or by email at [email protected].

K-State Extension

Support Local Before the First School Bell Rings by Amanda Clasen

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Amanda Clasen, Community Vitality Agent, K-State Extension Southwind District

Amanda Clasen – Community Vitality Agent
July 2026

As summer winds down and the first day of school quickly approaches, many families are checking off supply lists, scheduling appointments, and preparing for a new routine. Back-to-school season is one of the busiest shopping times of the year, making it the perfect opportunity to support the businesses and people who help our communities thrive.

Every backpack, haircut, meal, or school shirt purchased from a locally owned business does more than cross an item off your list; it helps strengthen the local economy. When dollars are spent locally, they often stay in the community, supporting jobs, sponsoring youth activities, funding local services through sales tax, and helping small businesses continue serving our towns year-round.

This year, I invite you to take the Back-to-School Local Challenge. Before the first school bell rings, see how many of these you can check off your list:

✔ Purchase at least one school supply from a locally owned business.

✔ Enjoy a meal or sweet treat at a local restaurant.

✔ Grab your morning coffee or afternoon drink from a neighborhood coffee shop.

✔ Schedule your student’s haircut with a local barber or salon.

✔ Purchase school spirit wear or a teacher gift from a local business.

✔ Write a thank-you note or words of encouragement to a teacher or school staff member.

✔ Donate school supplies to a classroom or local organization helping students in need.

✔ Share your favorite local business on social media and encourage others to shop there.

While these actions may seem small on their own, together they create a ripple effect throughout the community. Local businesses are often the ones sponsoring youth sports teams, donating to school fundraisers, supporting community events, and creating jobs for our friends and neighbors. Choosing to support them during one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year is an investment in the future of our hometown.

Back-to-school isn’t just about preparing students for a successful year; it’s also an opportunity to strengthen the community they’ll grow up in. Every local purchase, every act of kindness, and every show of support helps build a vibrant community where families and businesses can succeed together.

So, how many items can you check off before the first day of school? Challenge your family, challenge your friends, and let’s make this school year one that starts with community.

For more information, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or at [email protected].

Bourbon County Local News