Vote of No Confidence in Bourbon County Clerk Susan Walker

The following letter was provided by the Bourbon County Republican Party.

Bourbon County Republican Party

4/10/2026

Susan Walker
Bourbon County Clerk & Election Officer
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 South National Avenue
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

Re: Vote of No Confidence in Bourbon County Clerk Susan Walker – Failure to Perform Duties Prescribed by Law

Mrs. Walker,

By direction of the Bourbon County Republican Party’s duly elected precinct committeemen and committeewomen, this letter is to formally convey a Vote of No Confidence in your performance as Bourbon County Clerk and Chief Election Officer. This action was taken following a review of your conduct during and related to the November 4, 2025, General Election. The precinct committee members determined that your actions constitute a failure to perform duties prescribed by law.

Specific Grounds for the Vote of No Confidence:

During advance voting for the 2025 General Election, the official ballots omitted the USD 235 Board of Education candidate options, despite timely notifications from affected residents that the ballots were incorrect while advance voting was actively underway. Although corrected ballots were eventually printed the night before Election Day, the error meant that all early in-person votes and mail-in/absentee ballots had already been cast without the proper school board races included. As a result, numerous USD 235 voters were effectively disenfranchised from participating in the Board of Education election.

Your office attributed the error to the school district for allegedly filing the wrong plan, rather than accepting responsibility for the inaccurate preparation, proofreading, and verification of ballots as required by Kansas election statutes. The County Clerk, as the chief election officer, bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that ballots accurately reflect all properly filed candidacies in accordance with state law and the Kansas Election Standards.

Furthermore, the precinct committeemen and committeewomen believe that your actions regarding attempts to influence other elected offices and positions lack integrity, further eroding public confidence in the impartial administration of county government. This incident, along with the broader concerns noted above, undermined public trust in the integrity and accuracy of the electoral process and county operations in Bourbon County.

Party Position:

The Bourbon County Republican Party strongly supports free, fair, and accurate elections in which every eligible voter can confidently participate, as well as the highest standards of integrity and impartiality from all elected officials. We believe that the citizens of Bourbon County deserve election administration and county leadership that meet these expectations. The events surrounding the USD 235 ballot error and related concerns fall short of those standards. This Vote of No Confidence is an expression of the Party’s position and serves as a formal public statement of disapproval.

We urge you to reflect on these matters and take all necessary steps to restore public trust, including enhanced protocols for ballot accuracy, timely and transparent communication, full acceptance of responsibility when issues arise, and a commitment to impartial conduct in all official duties.

A copy of this letter is being provided to local news media outlets for public awareness.

By direction of the Bourbon County Republican Party Precinct Committee,

Kaety Bowers
Chairperson

 

Downtown Spring Clean-Up Help beautify Downtown Fort Scott!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to host 2026 Downtown Spring Clean-Up

Help beautify Downtown Fort Scott

Volunteers WANTED!

Individuals, Groups, & Families

Wednesday, April 15th

Volunteer Check-in:

3:30-4pm

@ Lyons Realty Group, 8 E. Wall St.

Event:

4-7pm

@ Downtown Fort Scott

We have many projects planned including painting, leaf blowing, planting, mulching, general trash pickup, and more!

Click here for the volunteer signup link
and all the details!

FREE pulled pork sandwich meal following the event for the first 150 confirmed volunteers!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

A special thank you to The Elks Foundation

for supporting this event!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER!

Wednesday, April 15th

Organized by the Chamber Board’s Downtown Division, in partnership with the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County Garden Club, and the Good Neighbor Action Team.

Chamber Downtown Division

Cheryl Adamson, Chair, Courtland Hotel & Spa

Cathy Bishop, The River Room Event Center

Carissa Bowman, Brickstreet BBQ

Kate Freeman, The Artificers

Kinede Jennings, Blissful Aesthetics & Wellness

Karen Wilterding, Lowell Milken Center

James Wood, DBB Inc. & Holmtown Pub

Rachel Carpenter, representing City of Fort Scott

Special thanks to Craig Campbell of GNAT and Barb McCord of Bourbon County Garden Club for all of your assistance with this event, and to Bailey Lyons for use of Lyons Realty Group as the check-in location.

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US

Ken Collins Kansas State Representative-Second District Newsletter

Ken Collins. Submitted photo.

 

Thoughts From Under the Dome

 

 

The 2026 regular legislative session in Kansas has now come to an end and I am happy to say that Benny’s Bill is now Benny’s Law. Those of you who are regular followers of the local news in Southeast Kansas are more than likely familiar of the story of Benny Cannon who now suffers from permanent disability due to the negligence of daycare workers. The persons who were found to be responsible for that incident received very light sentences considering the severity suffered by Benny and his family. This new law elevates child endangerment charges from a misdemeanor to a felony if the victim is under the age of six.

 

Another crime and sentencing related bill that I sponsored along with other legislators this year is HB 2444 which provides among other things that jail credit when consecutive sentences are imposed shall not apply to more than one case, The Governor signed it into law on April 6th.

 

The Pharmacy Benefit Manager bill that regulates the middlemen who operate between drug manufacturers and local pharmacies has been signed into law by Governor Kelly. This was much needed regulation which puts limits on what is virtually a monopoly.

 

On the subject of property tax relief we voted on HCR 5008 which would allow for a constitutional amendment allowing legislative limits on property valuations. The resolution did not pass and I was a no vote because I don’t believe that if enacted that it would have been effective in lowering property tax.

 

That’s just about it for now. I would like to invite anyone who is interested to come out to Galesburg Community Center on Monday the 20th of April at 6:30 PM for my Legislative Update. I will have some other events in the future so be sure to check your local papers or my page on Facebook page for updates. Ad Astra Per Aspera.

 

 

Beginning April 13 – HAPp Now: Heart Health Starts Here

HAPp Now: Heart Health Starts Here

Did you know that Hypertension, or high blood pressure, often has no symptoms? Left unmanaged, it can lead to serious health concerns such as heart disease and stroke. April’s K-State Extension OWL Hour will provide practical, easy-to-understand information to help you take charge of heart health!

HAPp Now is part of the Hypertension Awareness & Prevention (HAPp) initiative. This educational program is designed to help adults understand their blood pressure numbers, why hypertension matters, and what steps they can take to protect their heart health.

During the session, participants will:
• Learn what blood pressure is and what the numbers mean
• Discover simple lifestyle strategies for heart health through the art of ‘habit stacking’
• Learn how to accurately measure blood pressure at home

Small changes can make a big difference, and this session gives participants the tools and confidence to get started!

April’s sessions will be:
• Yates Center: 4/13 at the 4H Community Building.
• St Paul: 4/14 at the Graves Memorial Public Library.
• Fort Scott: 4/15 at the Fort Scott Public Library.
• Iola: 4/16 at the Southwind Iola Extension Office.

There is no cost to attend. All sessions begin at 10:00 a.m. For more information, contact Hollie Yoho at 620-625-8620 or [email protected].

Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Banning Kratom Products


TOPEKA
– Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed House Bill 2365, which amends the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to designate 7-OH kratom related substances to Schedule I designation. Schedule I designates a substance to have a high potential for abuse and without a currently accepted medical use.

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is in the process of determining whether kratom is a safe and effective means of treating certain medical conditions,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Until such a time as quality scientific reviews determine positive impacts and minimal health risks, it is wise to safeguard the health of Kansans.”

Importantly, this legislation updates Schedule IV – substances that are defined as drugs with low potential for abuse and dependence – to include Zuranolone, a prescription medication approved to treat postpartum depression.

This bill also adds to Schedule I of the CSA: 11 opioids or synthetic opioids; fentanyl-related substances that are not specifically exempted or listed in Schedules II through V; ethylphenidate, a stimulant; hexahydrocannabinol, a derivative of Delta 9; tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); CUMYL-PEGACLONE, a synthetic cannabinoid.

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Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on March 10

 

The Regular Council Meeting on March 10, 2026 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Kyle Knight.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson and City Clerk Haley Arnold.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Johnson presented the February 2026 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $244,279.23, Receipts $30,427.36, Transfers Out $3,024.25, Expenditures $50,647.95, Checking Account Closing Balance $221,034.39. Bank Statement Balance $221,850.42, including Checking Account Interest of $45.56, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $816.03, Reconciled Balance $221,034.39.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $43,432.35, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $24,422.45, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $50,925.50, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $339,814.69. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $92.47, and Utility CDs $633.31 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $725.78.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2026, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  February Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.25; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, for Total Transfers of $3,024.25.  Net loss for the month of February $23,244.84, Year-to-Date Net Income $20,288.93.  Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $41,872.97 (32.4%), Expenditures $16,034.84 (12.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $6,743.25 (18.7%), Expenditures $5,159.58 (12.1%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $22,994.33 (18.5%), Expenditures $12,604.35 (8.8%); General Fund YTD Revenue $33,972.85 (23.1%), Expenditures $17,454.62 (7.4%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $2,010.48 (27.6%), Expenditures $1,422.03 (12.7%).  The March 2026 payables to date in the amount of $23,075.39.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of February 10, 2026 Regular Meeting
  • February Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & March Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent Rich informed the Council that the cost of Bio Mist used for mosquito fogging has increased to $111.00 per gallon, totaling approximately $278 per fogging session.  The Council and Rich discussed the possibility of more affordable alternatives; however, Rich reported that he has been unsuccessful in identifying any cheaper effective options.  The Council agreed to continue using the current product.  Beginning in April, fogging will be scheduled every three weeks instead of every two weeks.  As peak mosquito season approaches, the schedule will return to every two weeks.  Rich also suggested including a paragraph in the city newsletter to remind residents that standing water in yards or around homes serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The notice will include tips on how individuals can help reduce the mosquito population.

Clerk Arnold reminded the Council of upcoming City Hall closures on March 11–13 due to the CCMFOA Conference, and on March 26–27 due to the Municipal Court Clerk Conference.  Arnold asked the Council to determine dates for the Spring and Fall citywide cleanups.  The Council decided that two roll-off dumpsters would be provided for the 2026 cleanups, scheduled for April 27–30 and August 31–September 3.  There was discussion regarding hosting a town-wide garage sale this year; however, the Council ultimately decided against it due to low community participation in previous years.  Arnold also confirmed with the Council whether to order fish food again this year for the pond located by the school.  The Council approved the purchase and requested that Arnold obtain pricing from multiple vendors.

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Knight – requested an update on when Marbery Concrete Inc. would begin work on the FEMA project at 2nd and Clay Streets.  Mayor Jurgensen reported that a recent vehicle accident involving Marbery Concrete Inc. resulted in the loss of equipment, which put a delay on the start of the project. Weather permitting, work is expected to begin once conditions allow.  Knight also asked if new culverts will be put in and Treasurer Johnson had confirmed they will replace with new culverts to help with water flow.

Councilwoman Kelly – none

Councilwoman Pemberton – inquired about who is responsible for unlocking the storm shelters during severe weather events.  Superintendent Rich informed the Council that the shelters remain unlocked during this time of year due to the increased likelihood of inclement weather.  Pemberton also asked whether it would be possible for someone not affiliated with the city to perform ditch cleanout and replace a culvert at 201 2nd St.  Mayor Jurgensen responded that this is not allowed, as the city is responsible for ditch and culvert maintenance.  Superintendent Rich added that he would inspect the area and address the ditch and culvert to the best of his ability.

Councilwoman Pritchett – absent

Councilman Stewart – absent

Mayor Jurgensen – none

 

OLD BUSINESS

FEMA Flooding– As previously discussed earlier in the meeting, Marbery Concrete Inc. will begin repairs when weather permits. Mayor Jurgensen and Treasurer Johnson informed the Council that a one-year extension on the project has been filed and approved.

Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments– Treasurer Johnson informed the Council that the City has not raised water rates since 2024 and sewer rates have not been increased since 2013.  Johnson proposed new water and sewer rates to take effect in April 2026.  The Council reviewed the figures provided and discussed the proposed adjustments.

Moved by Pemberton, seconded by Knight, and approved 3–0, to set the minimum monthly water rate for users within city limits at $28.66 for the first 1,000 gallons, with an additional $12.98 per 1,000 gallons thereafter. For users outside city limits, the minimum monthly rate will be $29.90 for the first 1,000 gallons, with a charge of $13.55 per 1,000 gallons thereafter. The motion also includes an additional 3% annual increase on the water rate.

Moved by Kelly, seconded by Pemberton, and approved 3–0, to set the minimum monthly sewer fee at $27.50 for the first 1,000 gallons of water usage, with an additional $0.31 per 1,000 gallons thereafter, per water meter. The motion also includes an additional 3% annual increase on the sewer rate.

Knight asked how the City’s rates compare to those of surrounding areas.  A discussion followed regarding rates in neighboring communities and the differences in bulk water purchase rates compared to those areas.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Moved by Kelly, Second by Knight, App

The Uniontown City Council Will Meet on April 14

The Uniontown City Council will meet at 7 p.m. on April 14 at City Hall for their monthly meeting.

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL:  ___ Kyle Knight ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett

___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of March 10, 2026 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Clerk Report:  Haley Arnold  

KMGA Estimated Gas Supply Schedule

Kiwanis Tree Giveaway

2026-2027 Insurance Renewal Quote

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Knight –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilwoman Pritchett –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

FEMA Flooding–

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

 

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________,

Heartland REC Announces 12 Future Foundations Scholarship Recipients for 2026

GIRARD, Kan. — April 9, 2026 — Rural communities thrive when the next generation stays, grows, and leads. That’s the belief behind Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative’s Future Foundations Scholarship Program — and this year, 12 high school seniors living on Heartland’s lines are putting that belief into action.

Heartland REC is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Future Foundations Scholarships. Each recipient (three per Heartland director district) will receive $1,000 to support their pursuit of high-need careers in nursing, education, skilled trades, and agriculture at Kansas institutions.

2026 Future Foundations Scholarship Recipients

District 1

Garrett Conley — Agricultural Technology | Pleasanton High School

Ashlan George — Nursing | Pleasanton High School

Kimball Uphoff — Agricultural Engineering | Prairie View High School

District 2

Emma Jean Kintzer — English Education | St. Paul High School

Bryson Peters — Lineman | Erie High School

Allison Weatherman — Pediatric Physical Therapist | Crest High School

District 3

Timothy “Tater” Ames — Automotive Service Technician | Uniontown High School

Seth Shadden — Automotive Service Technician | Uniontown High School

Klara Stock — Elementary Education | Uniontown High School

District 4

Joe Feagan — Electrician | Frontenac High School

Kelyn Page — Elementary Education | Girard High School

Rayleea Russell — Agricultural Education | Girard High School

 

The Future Foundations Scholarship Program is part of Heartland REC’s broader commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. By investing in students pursuing careers in fields that rural Kansas needs most, the cooperative is helping ensure the long-term vitality of the region.

For more information about the Future Foundations program, visit https://www.heartland-rec.com/community/future-foundations-scholarship/.

 

About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility powering rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes member-owners in 12 counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall Weekly Press Overview, April 6-10, 2026  

 

 

 

Senator Marshall Visits Northeast Kansas Businesses

 

Kansas City – This week, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), spent a day across Johnson, Wyandotte, Jefferson, and Leavenworth counties, with healthcare providers, manufacturers, construction workers, and nonprofit employees to discuss increasing consumer choice in healthcare, STEM education, transparency in food production, and community development across the region.

 

Senator Marshall’s first visit of the day was to the SelectQuote SelectRX pharmacy facility to learn more about their services, which provide flexible healthcare options for insurance, pharmacy, and virtual services. They discussed the healthcare affordability crisis and how consumer choice can provide relief.

 

 

Next, Senator Marshall attended a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the rededication of the KCK Armory and the reopening of Kansas City STARBASE in that location. He highlighted his ongoing support for the program and his successful efforts to secure STARBASE funding for 2026.

 

 

In Olathe, Senator Marshall toured the Heartland Coca-Cola Headquarters, which bottles products for several Midwest states and employs over 2,000 people. They discussed food transparency and labeling, as well as the economic impact of the Coca-Cola facility on the region.

 

 

Next, Senator Marshall joined regional officials from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development to tour Habitat for Humanity KC, the largest Kansas City home-builder nonprofit in the region, which has assisted over 1,200 homeowners throughout a six-county area. Habitat builds and renovates homes and provides homeownership and home repair services to revitalize neighborhoods and provide affordable housing. They discussed Marshall’s support for the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which passed the Senate in March and will support Habitat for Humanity’s work in the community.

 

 

In Oskaloosa, Senator Marshall toured Kings Construction. Founded in 1954, King’s Construction has been in the King family for three generations, providing jobs to over 75 employees and excavation and dirt work to communities across Eastern Kansas and Missouri.

 

Last, Senator Marshall toured CoreCivic’s Midwest Regional Reception Center facility in Leavenworth and learned more about their agreement with the City of Leavenworth to form a council with city and county leaders, the warden, and members of staff to address any concerns that may arise during operation of the facilities.

 

Senator Marshall: I Hope We Can Land This Plane

 

Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Pete Mundo on The Vince Show to discuss the conflict in Iran and its effects on the cost of living for Americans, dealing with rising input costs in agriculture, bringing down costs for Kansans and freeing up the housing market, what Americans care about heading into the midterms, and more.

 

 

Click HERE for the press release or on the image above for the full interview.

 

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I Hope I Don’t Disappoint by Patty LaRoche

Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

Have you ever been called to “love the unlovely”?  You know, like Jesus did.  I recently realized how hard that really is…not because I can’t love the unlovely but because sometimes they don’t love me.  People I know have been disappointed in me, and my Christian character has been ridiculed.  Compared to how I felt when a dear friend said that I didn’t mask my double-chin well when I delivered my Tedx Talk or how another addressed my unflattering outfit or when someone shared that I overdid my makeup at my book signing, and I bet you know which hurt worse.

Yep, when my Christian character was maligned.

I want desperately to please God.  I do.  I want people to see in me a joy, a peace, a freedom, so infectious that they ask my secret.  That doesn’t always happen.

Today was the exception.  A sweet, young waitress told me that I make a difference in her life, that every time she waits on me, she feels that she has someone in her corner.  Her grandparents and father are deceased, and her mother is an addict.  She, a divorcee, has young children and struggles being a good mother, but, she said, she believes that I care.  She is right.  From the first time she waited on me, I knew there was something in her I admired.

She is lovely, personable, hard-working and determined to give her children a better life.  She asked if we could exchange phone numbers.  Of course we could, and we did.  She explained that she wants to leave her present job and move into something more fulfilling, something that would provide better for her kids.  I assured her that I would try and make that happen.

Then she said something I did not expect.  “I am pregnant.”  She spoke about how amazing the father is, how he treats her well, but how she knows things now are more complicated in her hunt for a new job.  I couldn’t help but think, “Would Jesus call this complicated?”  Absolutely not.  He loved everyone, even those who think they disappoint. No story reflected that better than when Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well.

According to John 4:1-42, she, the lowest of the low, an unmarried female of a race despised by Jews, meets Jesus on his way to Galilee.  His disciples are in town buying food when Jesus asks this woman, coming to draw water from the well, for a drink. In that era, women drew water in groups in the morning, but this outcast drew water alone midday.

The Samaritan woman questions how this man can ask her, a woman, for a drink.  Jesus’ responses confound her as he explains that he offers “living water,” the kind that leads to eternal life, to everyone. The dialogue continues until Jesus switches gears and reveals that she has been married five times and is not married to her current affair.  Still, he offers her a chance. She then gets it: she who has disappointed for as long as she can remember is talking to the Messiah.  And he’s not disappointed.

When this woman believed, she immediately ran off to tell others. Her words made an impact. As Scripture tells us, “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony.”

Loving the unlovely is Jesus’ way.  My job is to love those who don’t love me, those who judge me or criticize me, to see them as Jesus does, so they can know him too.

Along the way, I hope I don’t disappoint.

Bourbon County Local News