The City of Fort Scott and the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team have collaborated to develop a Business Environment Scan Initiative in a concerted and focused effort to build vital relationships with our community’s local businesses, and educate our respective entities about pertinent information of business operations and future goals.
While it is important to dedicate time towards recruiting new businesses to Fort Scott, it is of our utmost priority to retain the businesses that are already established and have spent years, if not decades, choosing Fort Scott as their base of operations.
Our local economy relies on the solid foundation that our crucial and valued local businesses have built, and we owe it to them to be mindful of not just their current successes and struggles, but also of opportunities to assist them in any way possible.
If you represent business in Fort Scott, Kansas, we hope you will take part in this detailed and in-depth survey.
We have compiled a list of over 200 local businesses and have attempted to identify current contact information, but if you wish to participate and have not received an email with survey information included from Mary Wyatt, Jody Love, or Justin Miles by January 24th, please send an email to [email protected] with the name of your business and your updated contact details.
Submitted by Mary Wyatt
Planning, Housing, & Business Development Director for
The Bourbon County Arts Council announces its Call for Entries for the 33rd Annual Fine Arts Competition and Exhibit, to be held at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, Thursday, March 6th, through Saturday, March 15th.
The mixed media competition is open to artists aged 16 and older. Categories include Ceramics, Drawing and Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Fiber Art, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil & Acrylic), Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor.
A “Theme” category has been added; this year’s theme is “Bridge the Gap”. \
An artist may create a piece in any of the above media categories, as it relates to the theme.
Entry fees are $7.50 per piece for Bourbon County Arts Council members and $10.00 per piece for non-members.
PLEASE NOTE: In the past, artists were permitted to enter a total of five pieces, with 3 pieces allowed in any one category. Due to space limitations and the growth of this exhibit, artists now may submit a total of FOUR pieces, with 3 of those allowed in a single category. Entry deadline and payment are due by February 28th, 2025.
Cash awards totaling greater than $3500.00 will be made, for Best of Show in 2D and 3D, First and Second Place winners in each category, and a Popular Vote winner.
Entry forms may be requested by contacting Deb Anderson at 620-224-8650 or [email protected], or Deb Halsey at 620-224-0684 or [email protected] .
PLEASE NOTE: We are no longer accepting pieces shipped to BCAC for entry into the exhibit.
The schedule for this year’s Exhibit is as follows: Entry forms and payment, as stated above, are due by February 28th. No late entries will be accepted.
Artwork will be received at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on Sunday, March 2nd, between 1 and 4 pm.
Juror critique of the artwork will occur on Wednesday, March 5th; this is closed to artists and the public.
Artists are invited to attend the Chamber Coffee hosted by the BCAC on Thursday, March 6th at 8:00 am at the Ellis Center.
A reception will be held that evening from 6:00-8:00 pm for participating artists and the Jurors; this reception is open to the public as well.
The Exhibit will be open for public viewing on Thursday, March 6th and Friday, March 7th, as well as Monday, March 10th-Friday March 14th from noon until 7:00 pm.
It will also be open Saturdays March 8th and March 15th, from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.
Artists may pick up their work on Saturday, March 15th between 1:30 and 3:30 pm. The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is located at 2108 Horton St., Fort Scott, Kansas.
Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2401 S. Horton.
Governor Kelly Announces More than $4M to Improve Railroad Crossing Infrastructure
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced on Thursday two Kansas communities have secured over $3.3 million in federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration Railroad Crossing Elimination program.
“Improving railroad crossings in Kansas is crucial for enhancing safety and connectivity in our communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m proud these two projects are receiving vital infrastructure planning grants, which will not only improve our railroad crossing safety but also strengthen the entire state’s transportation network.”
Combined with almost $413,000 in matching funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund, plus $427,830 in local contributions, the investment totals more than $4 million.
The two Kansas projects receiving funding are:
Eastern Kansas Communities Rail Corridor At-Grade Crossing Elimination Plan
Build Kansas Funding – $107,500
Federal Funding Awarded – $1,720,000
Applicant Contribution – $322,500
Total Project – $2,150,000
The project is a collaboration between the cities of Spring Hill, Fontana, and Fort Scott to improve railroad crossing safety along the BNSF Fort Scott Subdivision.
Liberal Crossing Analysis for Routes Enhancing Safety (Liberal CARES)
Build Kansas Funding – $305,000
Federal Funding Awarded – $1,639,520
Applicant Contribution – $104,880
Total Project – $2,049,400
The project will support development activities to identify an at-grade railroad closure location and develop a grade separation plan in Liberal.
“I want to thank the Build Kansas Fund for partnering with the City of Spring Hill. This partnership has helped make this project a reality,” said Lane Massey, Spring Hill City Administrator. “Without this funding, we wouldn’t have been able to pursue the crucial Railroad Crossing Elimination funds.”
With this award, the Build Kansas Fund has provided the required match dollars for 38 federal grant awards across Kansas. The combined total investment by the Build Kansas Fund in all projects is over $34.6 million, which has resulted in federal grant awards of more than $75.9 million.
“Our communities in Kansas have consistently expressed that with technical assistance and matching funds, they can access additional federal resources to improve safety and infrastructure,” said Matt Volz, Executive Director of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub. “The support offered through the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund showcases Kansas’ leadership on a national scale while equipping local communities with the tools they need to fully capitalize on the opportunities provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill.”
The Kansas Infrastructure Hub connects multiple state agencies and serves as a resource center for Kansas communities to identify best practices for maximizing BIL funding opportunities. The Build Kansas Fund provides state matching dollars for projects throughout Kansas that successfully apply for federal grants under BIL. In 2023, the Kansas Legislature and Governor Kelly approved $200 million for the Build Kansas Fund to provide state matching dollars to Kansas entities and projects to meet federal local match requirements.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Two new commissioners began their duties at the Jan. 13th meeting, wrapping it up by voting unanimously for a 48 month moratorium on solar projects.
The new commission consists of Brandon Whisenhunt for District 1, David Beerbower for District 2, and Leroy Kruger for District 3.
The meeting began with a Flood Plane Management Public Hearing.
Brian Allen of Bourbon County Emergency Management explained that every time the federal government changes the flood maps, the county has to redo the resolution to allow those who live in the flood plane to have flood insurance.
Regarding the changes to the maps, he said that more territory went out than came in to the flood plane.
The new maps will be available for public viewing at the courthouse until the next commissioner meeting on Jan. 20.
The commission tabled the flood plane resolution until the Jan. 20 meeting.
Brian Allen also reported on a study from Texas A&M about the dangers of lithium ion battery fires associated with solar projects, but said he was still searching for information on panel fires.
During public comments, Pete Hornsby asked the commission to consider all the citizens of Bourbon County. He expressed faith in the commission.
Nick Grand spoke about the commissioners’ time. “I have full faith you’re going to do your jobs to the fullest…You got a lot on your plate,” he said. He encouraged them not to devalue their time in light of the importance of family and the brevity of life. Grand claimed that Bourbon County commissioners are already underpaid, compared to nearby counties and should consider, if possible, giving themselves a raise to previous pay levels or even above.
Theresa Davenport, president, and Corey Bryars, VP of the board of Care to Share gave an update to the county about what their organization has been doing to help cancer victims in Bourbon, Lynn, and Crawford Counties. They were not requesting anything from the county.
Board Members: Richard Long, Leah Lewis, Clay Campbell were also at the meeting. Clay Campbell gave a brief testimony of how much Care to Share helped his family during cancer. He joined the organization as soon as he was able to retire. He asked those in attendance to please consider volunteering and donating items to fundraisers. “It’s been a good adventure.”
Care the Share was founded in 2007. It covers Bourbon, Lynn, and Crawford Counties and is 100% volunteer based. Their mission is to provide friendship and support through emotional and financial assistance to cancer fighters and their care givers because we care to share.
Intake coordinators assess needs on an individual basis from financial help to physical help. “We want to help people financially, but we want to help them emotionally too,” said Davenport.
Davenport encouraged those present to volunteer in a number of ways. “Anybody can do anything.”
Care to Share now has a van and a ride coordinator, Dale Cathy. They also facilitate a cancer support group meeting four times a year. The next one is March 1.
Bryars reported that in 2024 Care to Share gave $100,000 back to the community, as they did in 2022 and 2023. He explained that means about 10 times per day, someone is having a need met by Care to Share.
Money is raised by donations and memorials. Largest donation was $5000, but the bulk of the $300,000 raised over the last three years was in small increments that “all add up.” Money also comes in from grants. “Timken threw a $70,000 grant our way last year,” Bryars said, earmarked for a mobile community stage, which Care to Share now has available to loan to the community for a donation.
He listed a number of fundraising events with sponsors, including FortFest, a golf event, and February Fling this Feb. 15 with a piano player who does Elton John- and Billy Joel- type tributes. He said they are hoping for more help alongside the city of Fort Scott to host events and performers from outside the area to bring in more funds as well.
Bourbon County is the largest recipient of funds from Care to Share and donations from the county match expenditures within it.
Because of God and the community’s help, “We’ve never had to turn anybody down,” said Davenport.
“We’ve given out over $1.6 million dollars back to the community since founding,” said Bryars. “$20 at a time. I mean, it’s hard for me to comprehend.”
Care to Share has moved into new office at 9 E. Wall and will have a community open house soon. They are open for walk-ins, Mon. Wed. Fri. 11-2. There is also Care to Share merchandise for sale and plans to have other vendors selling items with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Care to Share. Through subletting some of the space and donations, current rent for the space is costing Care to Share nothing out of pocket other than utilities.
The commission held three separate executive sessions to discuss non-elected personnel. They also spoke in executive session with County Counselor Candidate Bob Johnson. Who lives in Humbolt and has been practicing law for 28 years, and county counselor for 24 years. No other candidates for the position attended the meeting.
No action was taken to fill the vacant position.
The monthly report from public works included annual interim bridge inspections, mandated by KDOT, with 22 structures due for inspect. Commission voted, per recommendation to hire Schwab Eton to do the inspections as they have for the last 20 years for $11,025.
The Blake Quarry blast last week produced 47000 tons. They are now waiting for weather to cooperate to start crushing the rock.
There will be a FEMA flood followup meeting Thursday to get back on track after the holidays and get funding brought in.
Ice storm went really well as far as the county’s work goes, pre-treating for faster melt-off after the event with a salt gravel mix.
Regarding the snow storm dropping 3-5 inches of wet snow, which packed down and slicked up, the county was able to clear and plow the roads by the afternoon.
Whisenhunt mention an accident on Yale Road which brought up the question of having the county grade gravel roads in snow and ice. Beerbower suggested a work session to assess what the current plan and any changes.
The commission expressed gratitude to road crews for their hard work during the storms.
County Clerk Susan Walker spoke to the commission about a number of items. She mentioned that there are lots of statutes that the commission and other elected officials are governed by, and gave the commissioners a collection of laws that apply to commission for publication, public hearings, etc.
Susan Walker said Amy Kramer said the State messed up in distributing tax funds to the county. Bourbon County received a distribution that should have gone to cities in the county, “so we’ll have to cut checks to them,” Walker explained. Then they will have to move the money that goes into public works in the public safety fund. “We have a lot of fixing we’ve got to do,” she said.
Walker explained that Freeman contract audit committee Payment of $500,000 cannot be made from sale tax, since it’s not the county’s money, they really only have $50,000, which would be the December distribution for the sales tax funds.
“What I need you guys to make a motion on is for me to reallocate the sales tax money that was already spent for Freeman to be taken out of the general equipment reserve fund in the amount of $114,837.39,” she said.
That takes the general reserve fund down to $48,517.95 as of the end of 2024.
The next hiccup, she said, is that the county has not gotten a contract back from Freeman, so the commission needs to create a point of contact for Freeman. “I’m kind of uncomfortable because we have sent money to them, so we need to get on this as soon as possible,” she said.
Leroy Kruger was made the point of contact for Freeman going forward.
The commissioners also approved a salary resolution for elected and appointed officials, the heads of departments.
Walker explained that the County Clerk, Treasurer, Register of Deeds are underpaid in Bourbon County compared to similar counties, and the new schedule brings the pay up to a more comparable pay rate. This was made possible because the various departments did a good job of keeping a carryover in their budgets this last year. The sheriff has been increased from $60,000 to $70,000. County Attorney and EMS director have received increases as well.
Beerbower asked about pay raises for corrections officers and public works employees. He also asked for another week to look at the numbers.
Whisenhunt said he had been one of those who worked hard to put together the 2025 budget, which allows for this new pay schedule and he wanted to approve it.
Kruger made the motion to approve the resolution. It carried 2/1 with Beerbower voting against.
Human Resources liaison for the county commission is now Kruger.
During commissioner comments Beerbower made a motion to discuss a moratorium on solar.
He then read a rough draft of a resolution he had written, based on a template from other counties doing the same thing, regarding a non-expiring moratorium on the construction and operation of solar projects commonly referred to as the Hinton Creek, Kingsburg, and Tennison Creek solar projects, and all other similar projects. The resolution mentioned that these cannot be effectively responded to by the Bourbon County fire department to negate such risks to the public health and welfare of the citizens of the county.
Whisenhunt explained that Bourbon Co rural fire is not equipped to fight a solar panel fire. Turnout gear alone is $3700 per fireman, let alone the pumps and equipment. The county doesn’t have the budget to bring it up to that standard.
A citizen handed out a copy of a lawyer-reviewed resolution for a 48 month moratorium.
Whisenhunt made the motion to adopt the resolution to enact a moratorium on solar projects for 48 months, good until Jan. 13, 2029, and the commission approved it unanimously.
Beerbower shared his vision statement for Bourbon County, ” I envision a board of leaders where the same old same old is not an option, where innovation and traditional values together cultivate a thriving community fostering growth in our future generations.”
Kruger said his vision is to give the voice back to the people and offer an attentive ear, doing the best he can to make a good decision that benefits the majority.
Whisenhunt thanked the county for their support and asked that the citizens would “keep letting us know what we’re doing wrong and right so we know what direction to go.”
Check out the calendar below for all events happening the rest of the year!
Join us for an Artist Opening Reception!
Friday, February 7th at 6pm!
Unleash Your Creativity
with Kadra Nevitt!
*Exclusive Pastel Art Class*
Join us for a unique and captivating art experience! Create a breathtaking pastel scene of icicles on barbed wire, evoking the serene beauty of winter.
*Class Details:*
– February 8th at 1pm!
– Limited to 6 students (let’s start with 1 pm)
– All supplies provided, so you can focus on creativity
– Guided instruction to help you bring your artistic vision to life
*Secure Your Spot Today!*
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your artistic side and take home a stunning pastel piece. Sign up now and get ready to unleash your creativity!
Information about the 2025 Kansas Legislature and legislative session is only an email, online chat or phone call away on the Legislative Hotline for Kansans, 1-800-432-3924. Kansas’ Legislative Hotline is a trustworthy resource for state residents with questions about the Kansas Legislature and is staffed by professional reference and research librarians.
Kansans are encouraged to call the Legislative Hotline to learn who their legislators are and access their legislative contact information; check the status and history of bills, understand the legislative process, locate historical information and other inquires related to Kansas government.
“It is critical for Kansans to have access to accurate and timely information about state government and issues that matter to them most,” said State Librarian Ray Walling. “By using the Legislative Hotline, Kansans can be assured they will get the information they need from a trusted source, trained librarians from their State Library.”
Kansas residents can connect with the Legislative Hotline by phone, chat or email:
Live assistance is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Messages left via voicemail or email are promptly returned on the next business day. Additionally, Kansans can engage in real-time conversations with librarians through the Ask a Librarian service at library.ks.gov/chat. TTY users can dial 711 for assistance.
Linda Sue Beckham passed away January 14, 2025, at the age of 84. She was born in Topeka, Kansas but spent most of her adult life in Fort Scott, Kansas. While she enjoyed retirement, she often spoke fondly of her co-workers after many years of working at Whiteside’s West in Fort Scott. She loved her family dearly, held a special place in her heart for all animals and thoroughly enjoyed working in her garden.
She is survived by her loving husband Joe Beckham; her sisters Cindy Chase and husband Richard, Robin Knapp and husband Carroll; her children, Becky Howard and husband Kevin, Bob Beckham and wife Jamie; grandchildren Kiel and Tanner Beckham, Haley, Zack and Lukas Howard and Katie Hutson; great grandchildren Jonathan and Zoey Howard, Savannah, Everly and Kinsley Hutson, Fynnlie, Warren, Barrett, Kiegan and Mason Beckham.
She was proceeded in death by her parents Norberta and Elmer Russum.
There was cremation. A visitation will be held Monday, January 20th from 3:00-5:00 PM at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Interment will follow at a later date in Butler, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Paws and Claws and leave in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
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