Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt, Chairman
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower, Vice-Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Leroy Kruger
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
January 27, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer – JD Handly
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 01.20.25
IV. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $392,977.53
b. Approval of Payroll Totaling $295,830.74
V. Old Business
VI. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VII. New Business
a. County Clerk End of Year Reallocations
i. Reallocate Expenses from Public Safety to General $52,325.45
ii. Reallocate Expenses from Appraiser to General $4,500
b. Executive Session K.S.A.75-4319 (b)(1) – Whisenhunt (10 minutes)
c. Sheriff Salary Discussion – Leroy Kruger
d. Executive Session K.S.A.75-4319 (b)(3) – Whisenhunt (10 minutes)
e. Teri Hulsey, EMS Director – Ambulance Bids
f. John Heckman, Noxious Weeds Manager
i. Financial Report
ii. Weed Management Plan
g. Meeting Decorum – Whisenhunt
h. Noise Ordinance Discussion – Whisenhunt
i. Resolution Setting Legal Descriptions for Five Districts
j. Election Information for District #4 & #5
k. Board Seats
i. Southeast Kansas Health Department
ii. Soil Conservation District
iii. Juvenile Detention Center
iv. Bourbon County Senior Citizens
v. Bourbon County Redi
vi. Fair Board
l. Commissioner Comments
VIII. Adjournment
Monthly Archives: January 2025
Electric Cooperative Youth Tour: All-expenses-paid Trip to Washington, D.C
Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative is pleased to support the next generation of leaders and skilled workers in eastern Kansas through two programs that are now accepting applications from Heartland-served high schoolers.
The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour is an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., scheduled to take place from June 14–20 this summer. Each year, Heartland selects one outstanding high school sophomore or junior who lives in a home served by Heartland to attend, giving them the opportunity to meet state and national leaders, tour historic landmarks, and build lifelong connections.
Those interested are encouraged to apply online at https://www.heartland-rec.com/
Meanwhile, the newly expanded Future Foundations Scholarship Program provides up to $1,000 for high school seniors pursuing careers in trades, nursing, teaching, and other high-demand fields. Up to eight scholarships will be awarded each year (two per Heartland voting district).
Students must live in Heartland-served homes, have a GPA of 2.0+, and plan to enroll in a Kansas-based college or training program in Fall 2025.
More information and a downloadable application form are available at https://www.heartland-rec.com/
Questions can be directed to Doug Graham at [email protected] or (620) 724-5526.
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
January 24, 2025
The past week eyes were on Washington D.C. and the swift actions taken by our President. He has established a path for states and a constitutional government dealing with illegal immigration, tax reductions, runaway spending, and government efficiencies. The Kansas Senate is on board with the President.
Illegal immigration will be debated on the Senate floor January 28; Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1602, requesting the Governor fully cooperate with federal enforcement of immigration laws. The opponents cried foul in committee debate because the SCR would support President Trump’s attempts to deport illegals, especially those who continue to break federal and state laws. Citizens have been put in harm’s way by the open border. Just ask Mr. Hopkins whose daughter was killed and his granddaughter brutally attacked in Kansas City. Ask the lady that was attacked by an illegal immigrant near Garnett while riding on a bike trail, or the youth that was violently raped in Topeka by an illegal. Are the opponents more concerned for the criminals than the victims?
Some of you may remember the illegal immigrants who committed identity theft and were prosecuted. The Kansas Supreme Court ruled they couldn’t be prosecuted because, in the Court’s opinion, the criminals couldn’t be held accountable for breaking State laws because they had illegally entered the United States and that was a federal issue. That doesn’t even make sense. Thankfully, Kansas Attorney General Schmidt took it to the U.S. Supreme Court and the opinion of the Kansas State Supreme Court was rejected. The three illegal immigrants who stole Social Security numbers and committed identity theft were convicted and Kansas laws were upheld. It’s past time that federal immigration laws are upheld.
Property Tax will also be debated on the Senate floor next week; Senate Bill (SB) 10 exempting ATVs, electric wheelchairs, golf carts, watercraft and other items from property taxes; and SB 35 repealing the 1.5 mill the state collects in property taxes. I’ll let you know the results.
Budget work has begun. This year the legislature established a new process. Instead of using the Governor’s proposed budget as a baseline, last year’s budget with all the one-time spending and other reductions will be the baseline. Let’s hope it helps reign in runaway spending. According to Legislative Research, State General Fund (SGF) spending increased 7.3% in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 and 18.1% in FY 2025. The state FY is from July 1 to June 30 the following year, so FY 2024 is from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
The Senate Committee On Government Efficiencies (COGE) was established this year. The Committee is intended to align with President Trump’s plans for an unofficial federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
All bills, hearings, and floor debates can be found at www.KSLegislature.gov.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Jan. 27
The Real Deal by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
The Real Deal
My mom was a great country cook and spent a lot of time in the kitchen preparing meals. Therefore, she was always willing to at least try new time-saving methods. She was an excellent pie maker and desserts were usually the “guinea pig” foods she would test on the family. Down through the years her pies were first topped with whipped cream, then Dream Whip in the late ‘50s, and then in the ‘60s she tried frozen whipped topping. However, heavy whipping cream was always Dad’s #1 favorite because it was the real deal. He didn’t really complain about the new toppings — as long as the pie itself was tasty he could put up with the imitation toppings. However, he gave the frozen whipped topping the nickname of “calf slobbers.“
As Christ followers, we need to continually check up on ourselves to ensure that we’re living as the real deal. No one, especially God, is pleased with an imitation Christian. One day I was wearing a “Gulf Shores Alabama” t-shirt when I met a gentleman on the sidewalk. He asked, “Have you been there, or just have the t-shirt?” I happily answered in the affirmative. I later realized that my response made me an authentic advertiser for this great beach; otherwise I guess I would have been a fake. Believers need to keep in mind that we’re to be genuine examples of Jesus.
Because no one wants to be around a fake, we need to challenge ourselves to examine our motives and actions. Being the real deal means that we do acts of kindness for others out of a sincere love for God and our neighbor. “Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding” (Matthew 6:1 MSG).
It’s important that everything believers say can be taken to the bank. Otherwise, if we’re just pulling someone’s leg every other sentence, he/she quickly learns that our words are meaningless and we can’t be trusted. “So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body” (Ephesians 4:25 NLT). Here is the same verse in The Passion Translation: “So discard every form of dishonesty and lying so that you will be known as one who always speaks the truth, for we all belong to one another.”
When Christ followers practice being the real deal, we are actively booting out characteristics that could hinder our ability to reflect Christ. When we kick deceit and hypocrisy to the curb and choose to be genuine in our daily lives, we’re living like Jesus taught us. Being the real deal is characterized by practicing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. People can usually distinguish genuine from fake by how we respond to the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:36-40). The sum total of a genuine believer’s lifestyle is one word. Love.
Apostle Paul writes about how believers are to live: “I encourage you to surrender yourselves to God to be His sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights His heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship. Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in His eyes” (Romans 12:1-2 TPT).
The Key: I don’t want to be identified with calf slobbers. I want to be the real deal.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report Jan. 24
Chief justice releases 2024 Annual Report to governor, Legislature
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2025 Kansas Health Champions Announced
2025 Kansas Health Champions Announced
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Governor’s Council on Wellness (GCOW) presented the 2025 Kansas Health Champion Awards during the Community Health Promotion Summit today, Thursday, Jan. 23.
The Governor’s Council on Wellness developed the Health Champion Award to recognize and promote exemplary contributions to wellness in Kansas. Those recognized include an individual and organization, as well as honorable mentions in each category.
- Individual Health Champions: Erica Johnson, Wilson County
- Organizational Health Champion: Dr. Myron Leinwetter, Rossville
- Individual Honorable Mention: Communities Organized to Promote Equity
- Organizational Honorable Mention: The Running Collective
“Congratulations to this year’s Health Champions,” said Jody Love, GCOW Health Champion Committee Chair. “Your dedication to enhancing the health and well-being of your communities is truly inspiring. Thank you for making a meaningful impact.”
Health Champions
Erica Johnson – 2025 Individual Health Champion
Erica Johnson of Wilson County has transformed her community by creating real opportunities for health and wellness. As Director of Marketing at Wilson Medical Center and Chairwoman of the Neodesha Active Transportation Advisory Board, Erica has led efforts to expand access to fitness programs, create safe walking and biking paths, and improve healthcare outreach to underserved populations. Her leadership revitalized neglected parks, empowered youth-led tobacco prevention programs, and advanced policies supporting healthier, more active communities. Erica’s work exemplifies a commitment to building equitable opportunities for health in Wilson County.
Dr. Myron Leinwetter – 2025 Individual Honorable Mention
Dr. Myron Leinwetter, a retired physician in Rossville, has dedicated his retirement to improving the health and wellness of his community. As a founding member of the Rossville Community Foundation, Dr. Leinwetter has spearheaded transformative projects like the Rossville Community Trail, a nearly $1 million initiative creating safe, accessible paths linking key parts of the town. His tireless grant writing, fundraising, and advocacy have resulted in multiple trail phases and other wellness programs, including 5K events and youth tobacco prevention initiatives. Beyond Rossville, Dr. Leinwetter shares his vision across Kansas, inspiring others to create healthier, more connected communities.
Communities Organized to Promote Equity (COPE) – 2025 Organizational Health Champion
Communities Organized to Promote Equity (COPE) has revolutionized health and wellness in Kansas through its Local Health Equity Action Teams (LHEATs). Over the past three years, COPE has empowered 20 community-led teams to identify and tackle pressing local issues, from addressing food insecurity with community gardens to launching regional public transportation systems in underserved counties. By incorporating community health workers and fostering partnerships across sectors, COPE ensures that voices from all walks of life—particularly those historically excluded—shape solutions. Their innovative approach has improved access to services, strengthened neighborhoods, and transformed health outcomes statewide.
The Running Collective – 2025 Organizational Honorable Mention
The Running Collective has redefined fitness and community in Pittsburg, Kansas, by creating an inclusive, supportive environment where individuals of all ages and skill levels can get active together. Guided by their motto, #AtYourOwnPace, they’ve made movement accessible and fun while fostering a sense of belonging. Over the past three years, they’ve introduced events like the annual Turkey Trot, inspiring hundreds to embrace healthier lifestyles. Beyond running, The Running Collective raises funds for impactful causes, including donations to purchase bikes for youth and a $12,000 goal this year for Big Brothers Big Sisters, demonstrating their commitment to uplifting the entire community.
The 2025 Health Champions demonstrate the profound impact that individuals and organizations can have when they work tirelessly to improve health outcomes and create equitable opportunities for wellness. Their passion, leadership and vision are transforming lives and communities across Kansas. These honorees remind us that through collaboration and determination, we can build a healthier, more inclusive future for everyone.
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About the Governor’s Council on Wellness
The Council advises the Governor, the Secretary, and others on ways to improve the health of all Kansans by promoting physical activity, good dietary choices, and tobacco use prevention. Benefits of physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco use prevention include:
- Brain health
- Manage/Lose weight
- Reduce health risks for cardiovascular disease, Type 2 Diabetes, infectious disease and some cancers.
For more information visit: kdhe.ks.gov/2229.
K-State Garden Hour 2025 Line Up Begins February 5
If you haven’t participated in the K-State Garden Hour in the past, plan to start this year! The K-State Garden Hour began in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way for K-State Research and Extension horticulture experts to share research-based information to gardeners of all abilities and experience. Due to the overwhelming success, the K-State Garden Hour is gearing up for the fifth year!
The 2025 lineup has been announced and it is full of great topics and is hosted by K-State Research and Extension horticulture staff across the state. Sessions are held the first Wednesday of each month, online from 12 noon to 1 p.m. (CST), including a 45 minute presentation and 10-15 minutes for viewer questions.
The round of webinars in 2025, are based on the topics participants often request the most. A one-time registration gives viewers free access to all of the 2025 sessions, which include:
- February 5 – Maximizing Water Efficiency Through Drip Irrigation
- March 5 – Establishing a Native Prairie Stand at Home
- April 2 – Methods to Increasing Vegetable Yield
- May 7 – Heat Loving Perennials for Kansas
- June 4 – Native & Ornamental Grasses of Kansas
- July 2 – Cutting-Edge Efforts in Kansas Demo Gardens
- August 6 – Innovations in Horticulture Research at Kansas State University
- September 3 – Shrubs That Thrive in Kansas
- October 1 – Keys to Successful Community Garden Spaces
- November 5 – Climate Resilient Gardens
- December 3 – Gift for Gardeners
To register for this free, on-line series, visit: hnr.k-state.edu/extension/consumer-horticulture/garden-hour/ If you cannot join the live session, all sessions are recorded and can be accessed later at the same link.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
If you haven’t participated in the K-State Garden Hour in the past, plan to start this year! The K-State Garden Hour began in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way for K-State Research and Extension horticulture experts to share research-based information to gardeners of all abilities and experience. Due to the overwhelming success, the K-State Garden Hour is gearing up for the fifth year!
The 2025 lineup has been announced and it is full of great topics and is hosted by K-State Research and Extension horticulture staff across the state. Sessions are held the first Wednesday of each month, online from 12 noon to 1 p.m. (CST), including a 45 minute presentation and 10-15 minutes for viewer questions.
The round of webinars in 2025, are based on the topics participants often request the most. A one-time registration gives viewers free access to all of the 2025 sessions, which include:
- February 5 – Maximizing Water Efficiency Through Drip Irrigation
- March 5 – Establishing a Native Prairie Stand at Home
- April 2 – Methods to Increasing Vegetable Yield
- May 7 – Heat Loving Perennials for Kansas
- June 4 – Native & Ornamental Grasses of Kansas
- July 2 – Cutting-Edge Efforts in Kansas Demo Gardens
- August 6 – Innovations in Horticulture Research at Kansas State University
- September 3 – Shrubs That Thrive in Kansas
- October 1 – Keys to Successful Community Garden Spaces
- November 5 – Climate Resilient Gardens
- December 3 – Gift for Gardeners
To register for this free, on-line series, visit: hnr.k-state.edu/extension/consumer-horticulture/garden-hour/ If you cannot join the live session, all sessions are recorded and can be accessed later at the same link.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
City of Uniontown Receives Grant For Its Library From KS Dept. of Commerce
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What’s Happening in Fort Scott
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LMC Newsletter Jan. 24, 2025
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