|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Bourbon County Arts Council Presents Barnaby Bright on April 30th
KS Youtube Wildfire Risk and Utility Readiness workshop is April 24
|
|
Summary of April 20, 2026 Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda
April 20, 2026 at 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Prayer IV. Introductions V. Approval of Agenda VI. Approval of Minutes 04.13.26 VII. Approval of Accounts Payable 04.15.26 ($6,590.70), 04.16.26 ($345.96), 04.17.26 ($286,279.61) VIII. Hay Bid Opening 5:35 PM IX. Department Updates
-
Jennifer Hawkins X. Public Comments XI. Old Business
-
Planning Commission – Milburn
-
Juvenile Detention – Sheriff/Angie Eads
-
Vacation & Sick Leave Resolution – Beerbower
-
Meeting Resolution – Milburn-Kee XII. New Business
-
Kanren 2025 Invoice
-
Maintenance Supervision XIII. Future Agenda Topics
-
Audit Presentation 05.04.26 XIV. Commission Comments XV. Adjournment
Information Packet Summary
Approval of Minutes and Financials (Page 2-3) The commission reviewed minutes from March 31 and April 6, 2026. Accounts payable totaling $445,485.34, tax corrections, and February 2026 financials were all approved unanimously.
Public Comments and Economic Updates (Page 3)
-
Forensic Audit Request: Micheal Bryant requested the commission revisit the forensic audit of the Sheriff’s Department, citing a lack of documentation and inaccurate information provided previously.
-
Economic Development: Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin reported the sale of the Value Merchandisers building (expected to bring up to 350 jobs over three years) and the Timken building (expected to bring 200 jobs).
Legislative and Technology Updates (Page 4)
-
Legislative Report: Senator Tim Shallenberger provided updates on state bills affecting county operations and noted that he receives more inquiries from Bourbon County than his other two counties combined.
-
IT Infrastructure: Stronghold Data reported that county systems are stable. Current projects include network segmentation and preparing for the mandatory Windows 11 transition by 2027.
Emergency Services Sales Tax (Page 4) The oversight committee reported that 2025 sales tax receipts totaled over $705,000. These funds were successfully directed to the Freeman Fort Scott Hospital for emergency room services as intended.
Payroll and Personnel Policy Disputes (Pages 4-6) A significant portion of the meeting involved approximately 40 county employees addressing the commission regarding payroll and leave policies.
-
Policy Concerns: County Clerk Susan Walker highlighted that 21 employees had their hire dates changed in the system without notice, affecting retirement and benefit calculations.
-
Employee Testimony: Several employees expressed frustration over losing years of service credit and being locked out of viewing their own leave balances.
-
Commission Action: The commission voted to restore employee access to view and manage their time entries and leave balances.
Juvenile Detention Membership (Pages 6-7) Michael Walden, Director of the Southeast Kansas Juvenile Detention Center, urged the county to maintain its membership. He warned that upcoming legislative changes (House Bill 2329) will likely increase admissions and stay lengths, potentially overwhelming state facilities.
Old and New Business (Pages 7-8)
-
Equipment Auction: The commission is waiting for final confirmation from contractors before proceeding with an auction for remaining building equipment.
-
Special Improvement District: A proposed $135,018 project for 190th Street was tabled until June to assess county equipment capacity.
-
Meeting Schedule: A proposal to move to bi-weekly formal meetings with alternating work sessions is under review.
Accounts Payable Detail (Pages 10-20) The packet includes a full breakdown of invoices by department. Notable entries include card services for training expenses, fuel, and supplies for the Sheriff’s department, as well as payroll clearing accounts for employee benefits and taxes.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 20
KDWP Hosts Meetings On Turkey/Water Fowl
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to Host Public Meetings on Turkey Seasons and Waterfowl Hunting RegulationsPRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will host two public meetings this spring to discuss the possible re-establishment of a fall turkey season and proposed regulations affecting non-resident waterfowl hunting on public lands. Both meetings will include time for questions and public feedback. “These conversations are an important part of how we manage wildlife and hunting opportunities across Kansas,” said Jake George, KDWP’s wildlife division director. “We want to hear directly from hunters and others who care about these resources as we consider potential changes and make informed decisions moving forward.” Regulations remain unchanged at this time; any adjustments would require approval by the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission before they are implemented. Meeting Schedule: April 22 | 6:00 p.m. May 6 | 6:00 p.m. Attendees at the Salina meeting are asked to park in the lower parking lot. Parking is not permitted in the lot east of the main drive. These meetings are open to the public, and all interested individuals are encouraged to attend. Those unable to attend in person may submit comments through the KDWP public comment form at ksoutdoors.gov/contact. ### The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.
|
Boil Advisory for Fort Scott and Uniontown As Of April 18
Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon Co RWD 2C and City of Uniontown, Bourbon County (Taken from the City of Fort Scott’s Facebook page)
TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon Co RWD 2C, and City of Uniontown public water supply systems located in Bourbon County. This advisory does not affect those customers of city of Fulton nor those of city of Prescott.
Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.
The advisory took effect on April 18, 2026 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break in the city of Fort Scott’s distribution system, resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. The City of Fort Scott water system provides water to Bourbon Co RWD 2C, who provides water to city of Uniontown.
Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.
For consumer questions, please contact the City of Fort Scott water system at 620-223-5160, or Bourbon Co RWD 2C water system at 620-223-1110, or the city of Uniontown water system at 620-756-4742, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:
Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at [email protected] or call 785-564-6767.
kdhe.ks.gov
Consumer Information Regarding a Disruption in Water Service | KDHE, KS
Far-out Prayer for a Wife by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Far-out Prayer for a Wife
As a young girl, I remember the congregation of my childhood church gathering around the altar to pray for the healing of a newborn baby girl. She was born without soft spots (fontanelles) on her head. As the adults fervently poured out their hearts before God, baby Cynthia was precious and content. Her parents,
Leo and Geneva, returned her to the doctor’s office a few days later and she was deemed completely healed and whole. Because I was there for this special prayer and experienced the entire situation, I have never doubted that God answered our prayers. And I have a lifetime of answers to prayer.
I think God actually enjoys answering bizarre prayers just to prove He’s a listening all-powerful God. In the Old Testament, Abraham’s senior servant, Eliezer, was told to go back to Abraham’s home country and get a wife for his son Isaac. Abraham told Eliezer, “God will send His angel ahead of you to get a wife for my son.” So Eliezer took ten camels loaded with gifts and headed to the city of Nahor. Just outside the city, he made the camels kneel at a well and he prayed a far-out prayer: “O God, God of my master Abraham, make things go smoothly this day… Let the girl to whom I say, ‘Lower your jug and give me a drink say,’‘Drink and let me also water your camels’ – let her be the woman You have picked out for your servant Isaac. Then I’ll know that You’re working graciously behind the scenes” (Genesis 24 MSG).
Eliezer wanted to make sure he brought home the right wife for Isaac, so he prayed very specifically. And we know Eliezer’s prayer was answered exactly as he prayed. When Rebekah offered to water all the camels (at least 11), that was the clincher. A normal woman wouldn’t offer to water any of the camels, a considerate woman might offer to water Eliezer’s camel, but only the right woman would offer to water all the camels! It’s been roughly estimated that one camel can drink 25 gallons of water after a long journey. Rebekah sure wasn’t lazy or puny – she drew approximately 275 gallons of water for all the camels. If I had been Rebekah I guess I’d have remained unmarried.
Some Christ followers might think, “Well, I’m not going to ask for anything from God, that way I won’t be disappointed.” That’s a strange way to think about your heavenly Father. I’ve heard it said this way: “I’d rather ask God for a lot and receive half of it than not ask for anything and get all of it.”
God’s Word tells believers to ask for what they need. “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT). “I always pray, I don’t faint, quit or give up” (Luke 18:1). “Because of my faith in Him, I dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear)” (Ephesians 3:12 AMP). The definition of “Amen” is the end of a prayer and the beginning of an answer.
“You do not have what you want because you do not ask God for it” (James 4:2 GNT). I double-dog dare you to ask God for what you need and then step back and watch Him work.
The Key: Never underestimate the power of a far-out prayer to an awesome God.
What is a Certified Local Government (CLG)?
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall Weekly Press Overview, April 13-17, 2026
Senator Marshall Calls for Full Funding of Drug Trafficking Prevention Program
Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), released a statement asking the Senate Appropriations Committee to sufficiently fund the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program following the release of President Trump’s FY27 Budget, which calls for a 35% reduction in HIDTA funding, as well as the transfer of the program from the Office of National Drug Control Policy to the Department of Justice.
Should this transfer and funding reduction occur, the Midwest HIDTA branch would lose significant resources and its ability to efficiently work with state and local law enforcement offices across Kansas to foster collaboration, share resources, and leverage expertise to keep communities safe. Both consequences would undermine the program’s mission to effectively reduce the impact of drug trafficking in HIDTA classified counties in Kansas: Barton, Cherokee, Crawford, Finney, Franklin, Johnson, Labette, Leavenworth, Miami, Saline, Sedgwick, Seward, Shawnee, and Wyandotte.
“With fourteen Kansas counties classified as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, I am determined to make sure our local, state, and federal law enforcement have all the resources they need to protect Kansas families. The HIDTA program is a proven tool that puts resources directly in the hands of local law enforcement to combat drug trafficking in our communities,” said Senator Marshall. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to ensure this program has the funding it needs to continue that mission.”
Click here to learn more.
Senator Marshall: Americans Are Keeping More of Their Earnings
Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), questioned Frank Bisignano, CEO of the Internal Revenue Service, at the Senate Finance Committee. The hearing focused on IRS operations and the 2026 tax filing season.
Senator Marshall noted that Mr. Bisignano is a graduate of Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, and his questions were centered around tax savings Americans are seeing this year, the new no tax on overtime legislation, and the improved efficiency of the IRS.
Click here to learn more.
Senator Marshall Joins Letter Backing American Ag Under USMCA
Washington – This week, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined a bipartisan letter led by Senators Steve Daines (R-Montana) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer, emphasizing their support of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) ahead of the Agreement’s six-year joint review and urging expanded market access and certainty for American producers.
In the letter, the Senators wrote:
“The United States is currently the world’s largest agricultural exporter, with total agricultural exports valued at $176 billion in 2024. Since the Agreement’s entry into force, U.S. agricultural exports have increased substantially, particularly to Canada and Mexico.
…American family farmers and ranchers depend on the certainty afforded by a stable Agreement. The integrated supply chains facilitated by streamlined compliance requirements, effective rules governing food safety measures, and intellectual property protections have allowed the U.S. to build a fortified trading network here in the Western Hemisphere.
…As preparations begin for the upcoming joint review process, we encourage continued engagement with Congress, farmers, and ranchers to ensure the agreement is improved to support U.S. agriculture and maintain strong market access for American producers.”
Click here to learn more.
Senator Marshall Introduces President Trump’s Nominees for U.S. District Courts of Kansas
Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), introduced Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Tony Mattivi, Great Bend attorney Jeffrey M. Kuhlman, and Kansas Solicitor General Anthony J. Powell during their nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The three nominees, selected by President Trump, are being considered to serve as United States District Judges for the District of Kansas.
Senator Marshall highlighted the nominees’ strong Kansas roots, integrity, and commitment to public service, while emphasizing the thorough effort behind their selection alongside Senator Moran. He underscored the importance of the federal judiciary and expressed confidence that the nominees will serve Kansans with fairness and distinction.
Click here to learn more.
Senator Marshall: Investing in All of America Act Passes Senate
Washington – This week, the U.S. Senate passed the Investing in All of America Act, bipartisan legislation led by Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) and co-sponsored by Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado) that would direct more private investment into rural communities, low-income areas, American manufacturing, and critical technology sectors. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.
This bill strengthens the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program, which allows private investment firms to combine their own money with SBA-backed funds to invest exclusively in American small businesses. In 2024, SBIC created 9,280 jobs and supported 98 small businesses in Kansas, and in the last two decades it has invested $505.4M in Kansas companies.
Click here to learn more.
Senator Marshall: PBMs Are Squeezing Community Pharmacies Out of Business
Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), questioned witnesses Dr. Brian Miller, Associate Professor of Medicine at John Hopkins University, and Dr. Ryan Long, Director of Congressional Relations and Senior Research Fellow at the USC Schaeffer Institute at the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing focused on making medicines more affordable through competition.
Senator Marshall’s questioning focused on concerns over the growing financial strain on community pharmacists driven by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and called for meaningful PBM reform to bring down prescription drug costs for patients.
Click here to learn more.
Senator Marshall: Republican Tax Wins Mean More Money for Families This Tax Day
Washington – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Senate Republicans, including Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) in a press conference on Tax Day 2026.
The Senators emphasized that this year’s Tax Day looks different for millions of Americans, as families are now able to keep more of their hard-earned income due to the Republican-passed Working Families Tax Cuts. Senator Marshall specifically highlighted provisions he fought for, including no tax on overtime and the 45Z clean fuel production credit.
Click HERE for the press release or on the image above for Senator Marshall’s full interview.
Senator Marshall: President Trump Continues to Fight for Our Farmers
Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Suzanne Alexander on RFD TV’s Market Day Report to discuss the increased benefits farmers are receiving this tax season, how President Trump has fought for farmers, how international events have affected input prices, and solutions for relief from high production costs.
Click HERE for the press release or on the image above for Senator Marshall’s full interview.
Senator Marshall: President Trump is Keeping Americans Safe
Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Sharla McBride and Marc Lotter on Newsmax’s Wake Up America to discuss the blockade of Iran and an end to the conflict, President Trump’s work to make the cost of living affordable for Americans, and the Republican plan to fund ICE and DHS.
Click HERE for the press release or on the image above for Senator Marshall’s full interview.
Senator Marshall: More Americans are Getting a Tax Refund This Year
Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Dave Anthony on The FOX News Rundown to discuss tax refunds being larger this year, the Democrats’ continued shutdown of DHS, how the Iran war is affecting the economy, and more.
Click HERE for the press release or on the image above for Senator Marshall’s full interview.
###
Obituary of Jackie Keating, Sr.
Shawn Gerard Keating Sr. “Jackie”, age 62, a resident of Fort Scott KS passed away Friday April 17, 2026 at home surrounded by his family. He was born May 25, 1963 in Fort Scott KS to Edward and Patricia (Warzel) Keating.
Shawn graduated from Fort Scott High School class of 1981 where he was a member of the Tiger Football Team. He then attended Newman University and graduated with the class of 1986 with bachelor’s degrees in business management and marketing. After graduation, he returned to Fort Scott to work in the family business, K&K Auto Parts. He married Sandi Hobbs June 12, 1998 in Fort Scott, KS at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. She survives of the home. Shawn’s greatest blessings in life were his children, whom he loved with all his heart. He was an avid Chiefs fan and enjoyed watching the games and grilling out. Shawn also helped serve lunch to the kids at St. Mary’s School for over 20 years. He was the kind of man people will remember for being friendly and sincere. He carried himself with a steady kindness. That left a lasting impression on every one he met.
Also surviving are sons Vincent (Courtney), Jesse, Andrew, Shawn II, and Connor. Daughters Grace (Eli) and Faith (Gage). Granddaughters Maeve and Margo. Siblings Eddie, John (Charlene), Mary Lowry (John), Beth Anne Graham (Daryl), and Patty Kramer (Mike) and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Shawn was preceded in death by sister-in-law Janet (New) Keating, mother and father-in-law Nancy and Joe Decker.
Father Yancey Burgess will celebrate Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary’s Catholic School and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at Cheneywitt.com
What’s Happening in Fort Scott
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Test Before You Invest: Making Every Fertilizer Dollar Count by Lonnie Mangarelli
Test Before You Invest: Making Every Fertilizer Dollar Count
Lonnie Mengarelli, Ag and Natural Resources Agent-Southwind District
With fertilizer prices continuing to put pressure on farm budgets, making informed nutrient decisions is more important than ever. When inputs like urea (46-0-0) are pushing $900 per ton, DAP (18-46-0) is near $900 per ton, and potash (0-0-60) is around $450 per ton, every application represents a significant investment. In this environment, one of the most practical tools available to both crop and forage producers is soil testing—a relatively low-cost practice that can deliver substantial returns in efficiency, productivity, and long-term sustainability.
Crop production depends heavily on the availability of nutrients for plant uptake. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other essential nutrients must be present in the right balance to support healthy plant growth and maximize yields. However, nutrient availability varies widely depending on soil type, past management, and environmental conditions. Without soil testing, fertilizer decisions become guesswork—often resulting in unnecessary expense or unrealized yield potential.
Management of all nutrient sources, including commercial fertilizer, compost, and manure, within the constraints of farm production systems and operational goals, is a prerequisite for both profitable crop production and environmental sustainability. Soil testing provides the foundation for managing these inputs effectively, allowing producers to properly credit nutrients already present and apply only what is truly needed.
Inappropriate management of these nutrient sources can lead to reduced economic returns and environmental degradation of both surface and groundwater. Matching nutrient applications to actual soil needs helps protect water quality and reduces the risk of nutrient losses, all while maintaining strong levels of production. Overapplication wastes dollars—especially costly at today’s fertilizer prices—and increases the risk of nutrient runoff or leaching. Underapplication, on the other hand, can limit crop performance and reduce profitability. It is imperative that nutrient management planning activities are recognized and carried out, and soil testing is the critical first step in that process.
The value of soil testing extends well beyond row crop production and is equally important in forage and rangeland systems. Healthy soil is the foundation of every successful operation—whether you’re raising corn and soybeans or managing grass pastures and hay meadows.
Soil testing remains one of the simplest, most cost-effective tools available to improve productivity across both row crop acres and grazing land. Removing uncertainty from fertility decisions and ensuring nutrients are applied where they are needed most. This precision improves yields, boosts input efficiency, and strengthens return on investment. In pasture and rangeland systems, proper fertility supports healthy forage growth, stand persistence, and grazing potential. Whether managing row crops or grasses like brome or fescue and native range, understanding soil nutrient levels helps keep production systems efficient, resilient, and productive—especially when fertilizer costs are high.
To support producers in making data-driven decisions, the Southwind Extension District is offering a Soil Testing Initiative. A total of 200 soil tests are available with a $15 discount per test, with a limit of two tests per producer. This cost-share opportunity is made possible through the Bill House Grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas. Producers must request the discount at the time of submission to receive the cost-share, so be sure to ask when turning in samples.
Bottom line: soil testing is not an added expense—it’s an investment. Especially with today’s fertilizer prices, it is one of the smartest decisions a producer can make. It equips you with the information needed to optimize inputs, improve profitability, and sustain your land for the long term. Whether you’re managing row crops or rangeland, it all starts from the ground up.
Lonnie Mengarelli is a Kansas State University Extension Agriculture agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720