The Artificers offers a school year art curriculum!

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We are offering 2025-2026 year

Supplemental Art Classes!

For Students who are in 1st grade – 12th grade,

who are in private school or homeschooled students!

We are offering a school year art curriculum!

Sign up here!

Classes are held on Fridays

12-2pm or 3:30-5:30pm

15 seats limited in each class!

Art History, Hands-on Projects,

Critiques, New & evolved techniques

with assessments.

Taught by Trent Freeman,

Art Instructor, Mixed Media Sculptor & Ceramic Artist as well as Gallery owner.

Sign your children up here

We are offering an Early-Bird Price

now until August 8th!

Regular Prices will be applied

August 9th!

Art Show offered at the end of

School Year, April 24th!

Be amazed on what your kids can learn,

experience, and take forth with them!

We offer 3 classes per session of medium and offer makeup classes for those who may miss a day.

Sign up for Early-Bird Prices!

Contact us for questions!

Call Us!
Email Us!
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Copyright (C) *|2025|* *|tefreemanstudiollc|*. All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
T.E.Freeman Studio 8 North National Avenue Fort Scott, KS 66701 USA

FS Free First Friday Concert Aug. 1 at 7 p.m.

FREE CONCERT!

The City of Fort Scott invites you to enjoy their First Fridays Free Concert Event featuring

Los Swamp Monsters.

Friday

August 1st, 2025

7 pm

Gathering Square Pavilion

(next to the Splash Pad)

Click HERE for the City of Fort Scott webpage!

Click HERE for the City of Fort Scott Facebook page!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members..

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

Waypoint Coins Hide and Seek is August 2

Hide & Seek Event!

Mark your calendars for the

Waypoint Coins Hide & Seek Event, in the heart of downtown Fort Scott!  Get ready to embark on a modern-day treasure hunt that’s perfect for adventurers of all ages.

August 2nd, 2025

9am

7 S. National Ave.

(Waypoint HQ)

What to Expect:

Hidden coins to discover around town

Giveaways and surprise prizes

A chance to earn a Team Waypoint Coin (rare & exclusive!)

Fun for all ages

Get Ready Before the Hunt

Download the free Waypoint Coins app to track your finds, earn points, and join the community. Get familiar with it ahead of time so you’re ready to go!

Click HERE to download the app!

Waypoint coins can also be customized for business

branding, personal gifts, and community events designed to tell your story!

Click HERE to learn more about Waypoint Coins!

Click HERE for Waypoint Coin’s official Facebook page!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members..

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

Lowell Milken Center Newsletter July 30 Edition

July 30, 2025

Vol. 7

Coming August 15: 2025 Discovery Award

Semi-Finalists Revealed!

📣 Big News is Coming!

The 2025 Discovery Award Semi-Finalists will be announced

on August 15!

These student-created projects spotlight Unsung Heroes who changed the world—and we can’t wait to share the powerful stories they’ve uncovered.

Stay tuned! 👀

Spotlight on 2024’s Grand Prize Winner
Harmony Yan-Li of Irvine, CA, earned the 2024 Discovery Award Grand Prize for her powerful documentary on Dr. Frances Kelsey, the FDA scientist who stood firm against thalidomide and protected countless families.
Discover how one student brought this Unsung Hero’s legacy to life.

“By encouraging students to explore unsung heroes, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes calls for communities as a whole to recognize and appreciate those who have made positive change in our society. The Discovery Award program prompted me to develop both personal values and historical research skills, which helps me create and think better each day. The application process could not be simpler, which makes this program one of the most accessible out there.”

– Harmony Yan-Li

2024 Discovery Award Grand-Prize Winner

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Meet Ronda & Ty!
We’re shining a light on two fantastic members of the LMC team!

Ronda Hassig wears two important hats, she leads our Funding Development efforts and serves as a dedicated docent. Whether she’s writing grant proposals or guiding visitors through powerful Unsung Hero stories, Ronda helps bring our mission to life every day.

Ty Covey, our Technology Coordinator, is the creative force behind the interactive tech in our exhibits. From digital displays to engaging multimedia features, Ty is always finding innovative ways to enhance the LMC experience.

We are fortunate to have them both on the team!

📢 Follow Along

Get ready to be inspired! Follow us on social media and be among the first to celebrate the 2025 Discovery Award semi-finalists.

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Southeast Kansas Library System July 2025 Newsletter: New Book Selections

The SEKnFind Newsletter
July 2025

We hope you enjoy this newsletter sent as a courtesy to adult patrons of a southeast Kansas library using the SEKnFind catalog.
This selection of titles are NEW at a SEKnFind library and available for a hold.
Need assistance? Your local librarian can show you how!
Happy Reading!

New Fiction

A summer for the books
by Michelle Lindo-Rice

“Jewel Stone has it all–the perfect marriage, a bestselling author career, her dream home–or so she likes everyone to believe. But between her writer’s block and her husband losing his job, her picture-perfect life is in shambles…until she receives acall she never expected: her former best friend needs her help. When Shelby Andrews wakes up in the hospital after a biking accident, she can’t remember the last twelve years…There’s only one person who can help Shelby through this–her bestie, Jewel. With so many secrets and heartbreaks between them, Jewel and Shelby haven’t spoken in years. Yet Jewel can’t turn away from the friend who doesn’t remember their fallout. Besides, the best writing she’s ever done was with Shelby”

Sunburned : a novel
by Katherine Wood

When a washed-up foot ties Audrey Collet and her eccentric billionaire ex Tyson to a buried past, she’s pulled into a high-stakes investigation on his St. Barth’s estate, where blackmail, betrayal, and a deadly birthday dive reveal a killer among their secret-laden inner circle

The fourth girl : a novel
by Wendy Corsi Staub

On the 25th anniversary of Caroline Winterfield’s disappearance, her three former best friends reunite at the now-restored Haven Cliff mansion, where a new murder forces them to confront buried secrets, shattered friendships, and the possibility that Caroline might still be alive. Original.

The Poppy Fields : a novel
by Nikki Erlick

“Welcome to the Poppy Fields, where there’s hope for even the most battered hearts to heal. Here, in a remote stretch of the California desert, lies an experimental and controversial treatment center that allows those suffering from the heartache of lossto sleep through their pain… and keep on sleeping. After patients awaken from this prolonged state of slumber, they will finally be healed. But only if they’re willing to accept the potential shadowy side effects. On a journey to this mystical destination are four very different strangers and one little dog: Ava, a book illustrator; Ray, a fireman; Sasha, an occupational therapist; Sky, a free spirit; and a friendly pup named PJ. As they attempt to make their way from the Midwest all the way to the Poppy Fields–where they hope to find Ellis, its brilliant, enigmatic founder–each of their past secrets and mysterious motivations threaten to derail their voyage”

The lost book of first loves
by RaeAnne Thayne

From a New York Times best-selling author comes a brand-new story about two women, a family secret and a lost manuscript that changes everything.

How freaking romantic : a novel
by Emily Harding

“A romantic comedy about a soon-to-be lawyer who doesn’t believe in marriage, her new colleague who makes his living off divorce, and the worst case of all: falling in love”

How to survive a horror story : a novel
by Mallory Arnold

“When legendary horror author Mortimer Queen passes, a group of authors find themselves invited to the last will and testament reading, expecting a piece of his massive fortune for themselves. Each have their own unique connection to the literary icon, some known, some soon to be discovered, and they’ve been waiting for their chance to step into the great author’s shoes for some time. They enter the manor and wait for their prize. Instead, they are invited to play a game. The rules are simple, solve the riddle and progress to the next room. If you don’t, someone dies. Because each of these authors has something to hide, and Mortimer, even from the grave, always delivers the best story. Only this time, his manor will help. You see, the Queen estate was built on the bones of the family, and the house is still very, very hungry.”

The Devils
by Joe Abercrombie

Brother Diaz has been summoned to the Sacred City, where he is certain a commendation and grand holy assignment awaits him. But his new flock is made up of unrepentant murderers, practitioners of ghastly magic, and outright monsters. The mission he is tasked with will require bloody measures from them all in order to achieve its righteous ends. Elves lurk at our borders and hunger for our flesh, while greedy princes care for nothing but their own ambitions and comfort. With a hellish journey before him, it’s a good thing Brother Diaz has the devils on his side.

A Rebel’s History of Mars
by Nadia Afifi

Kezza, an aerialist in the Martian circus, can never return to Earth – but she can assassinate the man she blames for her grim life on the red planet. Her murderous plans take an unexpected turn, however, when she uncovers a sinister secret. A thousand years into the future, Azad lives a safe but controlled life on the beautiful desert planet of Nabatea. His world is upended when he joins a crew of space-traveling historians seeking to learn the true reason that their ancestors left Mars. Separated by time and space, Kezza and Azad’s stories collide in the Martian desert.

Lloyd McNeil’s last ride : a novel
by Will Leitch

“From the award-winning author of How Lucky and The Time Has Come, this heartfelt and humorous novel follows an Atlanta police officer who learns he has months to live and determines to get killed in the line of duty to provide for his son . . . but keeps failing in unexpected ways. Lloyd McNeil has served as an officer with the Atlanta Police Department for 20 years while being a devoted father to his teenage son. But then he learns the worst possible news: He has learned he has an inoperable brain tumor, and he has only months left to live. Lloyd begins throwing himself into a series of increasingly dangerous situations, but things don’t go according to plan. Instead of dying, he becomes a civic hero. Meanwhile, a malevolent force from his past shadows Lloyd as he tries to get his affairs in order, teach his son the lessons he needs to be a good person, and to say goodbye. Told in Lloyd’s wistful but wonderfully comedic voice, Untitled is a masterful blend of suspense, humor, and compassion. It is a novel about what we leave behind and what we learn along the way, a bighearted story that brings into focus the depths of a father’s love for his son”

So far gone : a novel
by Jess Walter

“From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Beautiful Ruins comes a lively, smart, and deliciously funny new novel in the vein of True Grit, about a reclusive journalist who is suddenly thrown into a wild, suspenseful journey to rescue his kidnapped grandchildren”

Return to sender
by Craig Johnson

“Walt Longmire is back after the escapades of First Frost, and encounters one of his most baffling cases. The Sheriff of Absaroka confronts a cabal of devious outlaws who are hell bent on getting what they want, even though they have to bend and break the law. Walt is stretched to his physical limits to try to stop them, and has to answer the question of just how far he will go to stop these outlaws. Fans of the series will love seeing Walt put into this almost impossible situation, and new fans will fall for the venerable Sheriff as he ties to uphold the law and his own values in this high-stakes mystery from the master of the Western crime novel”

New Audiobooks

The river is waiting : a novel
by Wally Lamb

“From the New York Times bestselling author of Oprah Bookclub Picks I Know This Much Is True and She’s Come Undone comes the heart wrenching story of a young father who, after an unbearable tragedy, reckons with the possibility of atonement for the unforgivable”

Never flinch : a novel
by Stephen King

“When the Buckeye City Police Department receives a disturbing letter from a person threatening to “kill thirteen innocents and one guilty” in “an act of atonement for the needless death of an innocent man,” Detective Izzy Jaynes has no idea what to think. Are fourteen citizens about to be slaughtered in an unhinged act of retribution? As the investigation unfolds, Izzy realizes that the letter writer is deadly serious, and she turns to her friend Holly Gibney for help. Meanwhile, controversial and outspoken women’s rights activist Kate McKay is embarking on a multi-state lecture tour, drawing packed venues of both fans and detractors. Someone who vehemently opposes Kate’s message of female empowerment is targeting her and disrupting her events. At first, no one is hurt, but the stalker is growing bolder, and Holly is hired to be Kate’s bodyguard-a challenging task with a headstrong employer and a determined adversary driven by wrath and his belief in his own righteousness.”

Don’t Let Him In
by Lisa Jewell

Nick Radcliffe is a man of substance and good taste. He has a smile that could melt the coldest heart and a knack for putting others at ease. He’s just what Nina Swann needed in her life after her husband’s unexpected death. But to Nina’s adult daughter, Ash, Nick seems too slick, too polished, too good to be true. Without telling her mother, Ash begins digging into Nick’s past. What she finds is more than unsettling. Martha is a florist living in a neighboring town with her infant daughter and her devoted husband Alistair. But lately, Alistair has been traveling more and more frequently for work, disappearing for days at a time. When Martha questions him about his frequent absences, he always has a legitimate explanation, but Martha can’t share the feeling that something isn’t right. Nina, Martha, and Ash are on a collision course with a shocking truth that is far darker than anyone could have imagined.

New Nonfiction

The CIA book club : the secret mission to win the Cold War with forbidden literature
by Charlie English

“Recounts a covert Cold War operation led by George Minden to smuggle banned literature into Eastern Europe, focusing on the cultural and psychological battle against Soviet censorship and the role underground reading networks played in weakening totalitarian control, especially in Poland”

Fired up : how to turn your spark into a flame and come alive at any age
by Shannon Watts

“From the founder of Moms Demand Action, a guide to harnessing your potential, living without fear, and coming alive at any age”

The carpool detectives / : Four Moms, Two Bodies, One Mysterious Cold Case
by Chuck Hogan

“In 2020, four women found themselves at a crossroads: Each of them had transitioned from full-time jobs to full-time parenting, and each was pushing against the new boundaries of her life as the pandemic looms. At a bowling night fundraiser for their kids’ school, they discover they all share a passion for true crime that crystalizes around a mysterious double homicide that took place a decade earlier. A married couple in their 60s vanished overnight from their home. A few days later, the family business was shuttered, and the bank financing it sued the missing couple for one million dollars. They were rumored to have absconded with the money until their bodies were discovered inside their car at the bottom of a steep ravine. And then the case went cold. But what if, the moms think, they could solve it?”– Provided by publisher

Mailman : my wild ride delivering the mail in Appalachia and finally finding home
by Stephen Starring Grant

This is an exuberant, hilarious, and profound memoir by a mailman in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, who found that the post office saved his life, taught him who he was, gave him purpose, and educated him deeply about a country he loves but had lost touch with.

The headache : the science of a most confounding affliction — and a search for relief
by Tom Zeller

“Veteran science journalist Tom Zeller Jr. takes readers on an odyssey both intimate and panoramic, through his own decades-long struggle with cluster headaches and across the scientific landscape of a group of disorders that is-to the chagrin of sufferers-as much a curse as a cultural punchline. He visits cutting-edge clinics; interviews dozens of doctors, neurologists, and fellow headache patients; participates in clinical trials for multi-million-dollar new medicines; and even experiments with psilocybin in search of relief. Along the way, Zeller traces the longer arc of mystery around headaches, from prehistoric skull surgery to Virginia Woolf’s assertion that, in the throes of a migraine, “language runs dry,” to reveal how headaches became one of the most under-researched afflictions in medicine-and how that is slowly starting to change. With warmth, wit, and infectious curiosity, Zeller’s search for the origins of his own headaches becomes a journey into the inner workings of the human nervous system, and an illuminating look at the nature of pain itself”

ArnieTex : over 100 recipes for Mexican-American cooking and Texas-style BBQ
by Arnie Segovia

“Arnie Segovia is a Texas guy with Mexican roots, and his cooking is a blend of Texas and Mexican cuisines in the comdia casera (comfort food) and carne asada (Mexican grilling) styles. His creations are a traditional blend of Southwest, Texas, and Norteäno cooking techniques, both in the kitchen and over open fire. For authentic Mexican cooking combined with a little bit of Texas and open-fire barbecue, look no further than ArnieTex!”

The book of home how-to : complete photo guide to home repair + improvement
by Cool Springs Press

“This updated 3rd edition, the ultimate reference for maintaining any type of home, from a small apartment to a mega mansion, is now completely up to code–featuring code updates and current best practices for all electrical, plumbing, and deck-related concerns. This A-to-Z encyclopedia offers precise how-to instructions and clear photos on every page. With an expanded index that is incredibly intuitive and a simple, alphabetical strategy for organizing the information, you won’t spend precious time wading through stuff you don’t need to know”

A marriage at sea : obsession, shipwreck, and other catastrophes
by Sophie Elmhirst

“The electrifying true story of a young couple shipwrecked at sea: a mind-blowing tale of obsession, survival, and partnership stretched to its limits. Maurice and Maralyn make an odd couple. He’s a loner, awkward and obsessive; she’s charismatic and ambitious. But they share a horror of wasting their lives. And they dream – as we all dream – of running away from it all. What if they quit their jobs, sold their house, bought a boat, and sailed away? Most of us begin and end with the daydream. But Maurice began to study nautical navigation. Maralyn made detailed lists of provisions. And in June 1972, they set sail. For nearly a year all went well, until deep in the Pacific, a breaching whale knocked a hole in their boat and it sank beneath the waves. What ensues is a jaw-dropping fight to survive on the wild ocean, with little hope of rescue. Alone together for months in a tiny rubber raft, starving and exhausted, Maurice and Maralyn have to find not only ways to stay alive but ways to get along, as their inner demons emerge and their marriage is put to the greatest of tests. Although they could run away from the world, they can’t run away from themselves.”

The ride : Paul Revere and the night that saved America
by Kostya Kennedy

Reexamines the famous midnight ride, revealing it as a complex, collaborative effort involving multiple riders and several near-disasters, while exploring its pivotal role in the early stages of the American Revolution through fresh archival research and overlooked historical accounts. Maps.

Lincoln’s lady spymaster : the untold story of the abolitionist Southern belle who helped win the Civil War
by Gerri Willis

“A historical account of wealthy Southern belle Elizabeth Van Lew, whose espionage for Abraham Lincoln and the Union helped win the Civil War”– Provided by publisher

Even more reading suggestions

NextReads Sneak Peek
Looking for something else to read? Try NextReads!
Newsletters are divided into genres and topics. Get recommendations tailored to your interests sent directly to your inbox.
If we don’t yet own a suggested title, make a purchase suggestion or ask your library about interlibrary loan. Here’s a sneak peek of titles from the latest issue:
Fantasy & Science Fiction

More Newsletters…

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See something we don’t have? Make a purchase suggestion.

Southeast Kansas Library System
218 E. Madison Ave.
Iola, Kansas 66749
620-365-5136sekls.org

Chamber Coffee is Today at Twister Trailer at 8 a.m.

Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Twister Trailer

Today! Thursday, July 31st

8am

400 N. National Ave.

(across the street to the west of Riverfront Park)

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Twister Trailer, 400 N. National Ave., this Thursday, July 31st, at 8am. The business is located across the street to the west of Riverfront Park. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.

Twister Trailer was born from a deep-rooted passion for the western lifestyle and a commitment to unmatched quality in horse trailers. Since 1998, every Twister has been proudly manufactured in Fort Scott, Kansas – setting the standard for excellence in the industry. Built with the highest quality materials and custom-made components, Twister trailers are known for their durability, craftsmanship, and unmatched reliability. It’s no surprise Twister remains the trusted name in premier trailers.

For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.

Click HERE to visit the

Twister Trailer Facebook Page!

Click HERE to view their website!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown 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
 

KS DCF Denies USDA Data Request

Kansas Department for Children and Families Protects Kansans’ Data, Denies USDA Data Request

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announced in a July 30, 2025, letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that, at this time, the agency is denying the USDA’s demand for the release of personal information of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants, recipients and members of their households.

The requested data would include sensitive personal information for any Kansan who lived in a household that applied for and/or received SNAP benefits from Jan. 1, 2020, to July 30, 2025. The data request includes, but is not limited to, names, social security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses. The purpose of the USDA demand is to create a federal database of SNAP participant information that may be disclosed to other federal, state and local agencies. In addition to personal data of Kansans, the data request includes retailer and business data documenting SNAP usage.

The USDA stated in its July 25, 2025, letter to state agency directors that state agencies must be compliant with the requirement to transmit this data to the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) no later than July 30, 2025.

DCF is required by state and federal law to protect personal identifiable SNAP data except when strictly necessary for the administration of the SNAP program. In response to the USDA data request, states have filed suit, see California et al. v. U.S. Dep’t of Agriculture et al., Civ. Action No. 3:25-6310 (N.D. Cal.), to stop the forced production of this data. Releasing the requested information at this time could put DCF in the position of potential liability if a court finds that the USDA’s demand violates federal law.

“DCF is committed to the security of Kansans’ personal information and maintaining confidentiality consistent with state and federal law,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “This demand for personal information goes beyond the scope of administering the program and puts in jeopardy the privacy of hundreds of thousands of Kansans who depend on SNAP to put food on their tables.”

DCF will monitor the pending litigation and continue to administer and enforce SNAP in accordance with federal and state law.

###

July 28, Bo Co Commission Meeting

The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

07.28.25 Agenda 2nd Revision

Brandon Mann, VP for Loss Prevention, and Monte Parrish, Safety Consultant for the Bourbon County region, both employees of KWORCC, the county’s workman’s comp insurance carrier, came to the table to talk with the commission about safety in the county, especially in the Public Works department.

Commissioner Samuel Tran answered Mann’s question about the issues with Public Works, saying, “There seem to be too many accidents that are happening out there….I would like to see us go out there and really build a safety program.” He expressed concern about the ability to get the employees to buy in on a new safety program and ultimately be accountable for the work they are doing. He gave an example of equipment that was broken last week and no one reported it.

“We need to get in there and make sure the people in Public Works have the best that we can offer them in terms of safety and equipment and a good environment to work in,” said Tran.

“We don’t do safety from behind a desk,” said Mann of KWORCC, which is a workman’s comp insurance pool for government entities in the state of Kansas.

They offer free in-person training, in defensive driving, forklift operation, and flagging and workzone safety. All these are free, in-person certification classes. They also offer safety inspections 3 times per year on county facilities, after which they generate a report per OSCHA regulations. While OSCHA cannot cite the county, the Kansas Department of Labor can cite the county, and they follow OSCHA regulations.

Commissioner Mika Milburn said they want to do preventative work to be sure the county is not in violation.

KWORCC helped with the creation of a safety committee within Public Works.

Mann said the information the commission gave him indicates a lack of policy and procedure in the Public Works department.

Tran said he is trying to take ownership of the problem, and he wants the county to be prepared for the new public works director.

“There’s nothing wrong with our current director. He’s not defective. You can go in and help our current director set up a program for the new one,” said Milburn to Mann.

Mann asked if he would get push-back from the current director and nine supervisors. Tran said he didn’t think so, but it would come back to the commission if he did.

Mann then suggested that the commission bring in the supervisors to the county commission and pass a resolution that they support the safety program KWORCC is creating.

Mann said he would lead that charge for the commission if they so chose. He asserted they would start from scratch with a safety committee. Parrish suggested designating a safety point person.

County Clerk Susan Walker mentioned that in previous years, KWORCC recommendations have come before the county commission, but they were overlooked by the commission at that time.

Implementing KWORCC’s recommended policies will also help with the county’s insurance premiums.

Mann and Parrish set up a meeting with Tran and the Public Works department to start assessing the situation.

Beerbower said they would set up a work session after that meeting.

Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda

Charles Gentry, member of the Emergency Room Sales Tax Monitoring Committee, who serves with Dr. Randy Nichols and Craig Campbell, was appointed by the previous commission at the time that the special purpose sales tax was taken up for the establishing and operating of an Emergency Department for Bourbon County.

Gentry said the committee’s jobs are to make sure the sales tax remitted to the county is used to support the emergency department, and to verify as best they can how Freeman has applied those sales tax funds to the establishment and operation of an emergency room.

He knows they are establishing it and are working on getting approval so the ER can open. “So we know that things are on track,” he said. They are spending more to start it up than they have received in sales tax thus far.

The contract the county has with Freeman calls for the tax to actually be remitted to Freeman within 30 days of the county receiving it each month. The county normally receives the tax dollars from the state around the 25th of the month. Freeman reports quarterly on the spending of the tax dollars, so the county can expect a report for the third quarter in mid-October.

“I’m here to ask some clarification and some authorization,” said Gentry. The latest reports show that Freeman is spending more money than they are receiving in tax dollars, “So that allowed us to give thumbs up for what will be the third quarter,” said Gentry.

The current liaison with Freeman is Commissioner David Beerbower.  Gentry asked that the county be sure to give his committee the report in a timely manner. The commission must authorize that the committee receives the report. “There seems to be now an issue that the commission by resolution offer the release of this information to us,” said Gentry.

Susan Walker, County Clerk, said that the administrator of Freeman is working to get a report that can be disseminated and doesn’t contain private information. “I just want to make sure that we’re not disclosing things that should not be disclosed,” said Walker.

Beerbower said he had a form provided by Gentry that should solve the problems. The issue will come when the hospital starts deriving income from non-tax sources. “We don’t care about that, we care about the spending of our sales tax money,” said Gentry.

The commission agreed to take the necessary steps to get the proper information to the committee.

Old Business
Tax Sale Update

“It’s going to be different than what residents are used to in the past,” said Jennifer Hawkins,  county Treasurer-elect. The commission has agreed to use Klinda Austerman to handle the tax sale process. Once a person’s name is on their list, he cannot get it off unless he pays all unpaid taxes plus court costs.

“I’m here to let people know, if you have taxes from 2020 or before, you need to pay those immediately; otherwise, you’re going to have to pay the total amount on your property, plus court costs,” said Hawkins.

There is no timeline in place yet, nor a list of delinquent properties. Once the information is given to the firm handling the tax sale, that firm will provide a list of tax sale-eligible properties.

“If you are concerned that you have back taxes, give us a call at 223-3800 ext. 803 and we can look that information up for you and let you know how much you need to pay to get off this immediate tax sale,” said Hawkins. She intends to continue with the process as Treasurer for 2021 taxes next year, so “heads up.”

Citizens who don’t redeem before their names are published will have to pay court costs in addition to taxes.

“Please pay them immediately. We don’t want to see anyone lose their homes,” said Hawkins.

She also said that 2024 taxes, are due by July 31, 2025. Delinquent taxpayers will be published in the newspaper and have the publication fees added to their tax bill.

“That was a courtesy update,” said Milburn.

Hospital Equipment

Beerbower is working with gov.deals, the auction company hired by Bourbon County earlier this year to auction off old hospital equipment currently stored on county property.

The Sheriff’s Department uses them to sell used vehicles. The sheriff was surprised because they haven’t had this trouble.

“All I’m saying is the moment they were hired, they should have been on it,” said Milburn, expressing frustration that the auction company hadn’t taken steps to sell the items yet..

Fence Viewing Liability Carrier Update

Walker spoke with KCamp, the county’s liability carrier, who recommended the commission follow the law regarding fence viewing.

Statute says the county commission shall be the fence viewers. “We’ll just have to do it,” said Milburn.

Those with requests for fence viewing should submit applications via the clerk’s office.

Withdrawal of Juvenile Detention Agreement

Bob Johnson, County Counselor, drafted a letter giving Girard Juvenile Detention Center notice that Bourbon County wants to cancel its contract. However, Milburn noted that the proposed agreement with Johnson County for juvenile detention services needs to be clarified.

Sheriff Bill Martin said a financial hardship letter should be submitted to the Girard Juvenile Detention Center.

County Clerk Susan Walker said there is a statute that allows a county to break its contracts due to financial hardship. She said she would get a copy for the commission to look at.

Tran sees the contract with Girard County as an insurance policy. He suggested saving in a CD and making money on the interest instead.

The commissioners said they would work with the lawyer to challenge the contract with Girard.

Resolution for Planning Commission

Commissioners discussed the number of members to serve on the committee and whether or not the county needs to hire a planning commission head.

Beerbower asked to table it and take it back to the county counselor for changes.

Court House Repairs

Tran reviewed the report he created after inspecting the courthouse with David Neville. They looked at the structural, infrastructure, cosmetic, and HVAC system.

Tran applauded Neville for his work throughout the courthouse.

The first two things that Tran prioritized for the courthouse are modernizing the elevator and redoing the tuck pointing of the exterior facade.

“We have enough money to do this,” said Tran.

For the elevator update, he suggested obtaining bids and giving weight to the response times each company offered, not just the prices, as the courthouse only has one elevator.

Other items on his list were roof repairs, installing new interior windows, replacing flooring on the third floor, creating a cyclical maintenance plan for painting and flooring throughout the building, and stripping, polishing, and sealing the marble floors.

He expressed some concern about asbestos throughout the building, cautioning that they need to test and be prepared to abate if they come across any.

In the next 10 years, the courthouse will cost close to $1million, according to Tran.

“The citizens should not allow us to kick that can down the road. You should bring it up to us as often as you feel the need to,” he said.

Milburn thanked him for his report.

New Business

Reorganization of Agenda

The new agenda format will move public comments in front of old business.

108 W 2nd Street Building – Milburn said this county-owned building is under-utilized, and they don’t make much rent on it. She wants to move the current occupants to the courthouse and let the building go.

Beerbower said it was worth looking into, and would make it convenient for citizens to have services now in the 108 W. 2nd building consolidated.

“It just costs money to have empty space,” said Milburn. “It wouldn’t cost us a penny to put them over here, but it’s costing us money to keep them over there, though.”

Tran suggested investigating what the lot could be used for. “They don’t make dirt anymore,” he said.

Casey Brown – Letter of Support

Brown provides transportation in Bourbon County. Tran said there are at least four entities that give rides in the county. The commission wants a list of the agencies that provide rides in the region. The letter was tabled until August 11.

Commission Comments

Milburn: Please, before you get carried away with the “what ifs” or “why-for” changes or lack of changes are happening in the county, call her at 620-215-5880. “I’d be happy to let you know from my observation, what Bourbon County stands to gain by the changes I introduce,” but keep an open mind and be polite.

Tran: it’s been a very busy week, but very rewarding. “There are some really, really good people in this county. I enjoy working with them.” Some people aren’t seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but he does. “The budget is my biggest concern right now.” Thank you to all for their support and communication.

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Agenda for August 6

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

August 6, 2025 1:00 PM

Scottview Conference Room

315 S. Scott Ave

 

 

  1.  Welcome: 

 

 

  1.  Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1.  Program:  Pamela Thompson, Family Strong Community Outreach Liaison

 

 

  1.  Open Forum:

 

 

  1.  Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be September 3, 2025.

 

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