Monthly Archives: August 2025
Death Notice of Stephanie Johnson
Stephanie H. Johnson, 82, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away August 5, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Death Notice of Mildred Kesler
Mildred Lucille Kesler, 61, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away July 31, 2025. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
Housing and Urban Development Rules on Tenants Termination
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports August 5
Bourbon County Commission Employee Handbook Work Session Summary from Aug 4th, 2025
(Employee Handbook Review — Watch Full Video)
The Bourbon County Commissioners — Sam Tran, David Beerbower, and Mika — along with HR consultant Steve Cohen, met to review updates to the county employee handbook. Discussion centered on aligning policies with legal requirements, ensuring fairness for employees, and clarifying ambiguous language.

Major Decisions and Policy Updates
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Clarifying Promises by Officials
Commissioners agreed to specify that no promises or statements from supervisors, managers, or elected officials outside the commission constitute agreements with employees 06:56. -
Terminology Update
All references to “company” in the handbook will be replaced with “county” 08:51. -
Harassment and Bullying Policies
The harassment policy was kept with detailed procedures, and a new bullying policy was added 09:42. -
Standards of Conduct
Language was changed from “efforts to operate profitably” to “efforts to operate efficiently,” reflecting county priorities 10:35. -
Firearms Policy Flagged for Review
The section prohibiting firearms on county property was flagged for legal review due to questions about enforceability under Kansas law 11:02. -
Expanded Disciplinary Process
Commissioners voted to add a Personal Improvement Plan (PIP) and Corrective Action Plan between oral reminders and written warnings 14:13. -
One-Year Introductory Period
A 12-month probationary period for new employees was adopted, aligning with federal standards 18:18. -
Work Schedules Set by Department
Rather than standard hours, departments will set schedules, with a baseline of 40 hours per week 19:29. -
Holiday Policy Review
Holidays will be reviewed annually instead of guaranteeing specific days indefinitely. The list was expanded to include MLK Day, Washington’s Birthday, Good Friday, and Juneteenth 30:38. -
Vacation Blackout Days Removed
A proposed section restricting vacation around holidays and events (e.g., Thanksgiving, Valentine’s week, Super Bowl) was completely removed 31:54. -
Vacation and Sick Leave Maintained
The commission chose to retain current vacation and sick leave policies, with Steve tasked to incorporate the existing schedule 39:25. -
Maternity and Paternity Leave
The handbook will specify compliance with federal standards, allowing up to six weeks of unpaid leave 42:19. -
Workers’ Compensation Language Updated
References to Missouri law will be replaced with Kansas statutes, and OSHA applicability will be verified 44:01. -
Dress Code Review
Sam raised concerns that the dress code section was too vague 46:34. He noted the policy did not clearly address safety attire like steel-toed boots. Steve agreed to revise the section for greater clarity, ensuring workplace safety needs are explicitly covered. -
Social Media and Public Communication
Mika recommended replacing references to “county owners” with “county leaders” and “customers” with “taxpayers” to better reflect county operations and relationships with the public 47:29. -
EMS Vacation Concerns
EMS employees raised concerns that taking vacation reduces overtime pay. Commissioners discussed allowing the option to cash out unused vacation at year’s end to avoid financial loss 52:44.
Next Steps
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Dr. Steve Cohen (HR Consultant) will integrate all approved edits into a revised draft of the handbook.
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The current vacation and sick leave policy from the existing handbook will be imported directly into the new version.
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Legal counsel (Bob) will review:
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The enforceability of firearms restrictions on county property.
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Whether OSHA documentation rules apply to the county.
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The dress code section will be rewritten to clarify expectations, especially for roles requiring safety gear.
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Social media policy will be updated to reflect language that acknowledges public service (e.g., changing “customers” to “taxpayers”).
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The revised handbook draft will be shared with the commission and possibly the public, with changes clearly marked for comparison (Steve mentioned using a Google Docs revision format 48:08).
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A future benefits committee may be formed or expanded to review leave, holidays, and compensation structure more broadly.
U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt Weekly Newsletter
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Friends,
After a busy first half of the legislative year, Congress recently began our annual extended district work period. It has been a productive few months. While we certainly have much more work to do, I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish to date. We’ve had a great first quarter of the 119th Congress, and we’re just getting started. |
Lowering Drug Prices |
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An overwhelming majority of Kansans agree drug prices are too high. For years, foreign countries have benefitted from American ingenuity, capitalizing on our domestic innovation without paying the cost of research & development (R&D). The statistics are staggering: though American patients account for less than 5% of the global population, we fund nearly 75% of global pharmaceutical profits around the world. In 2023 alone, manufacturers invested over $96 billion in R&D, with more than $71 billion coming from the United States.
Encouraging continued pharmaceutical R&D investment is critical to achieving medical breakthroughs; however, Kansans shouldn’t have to bear an unfair share of the cost. That why I recently joined my colleagues to encourage United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer to take further action to address foreign policies that force the American health care system to subsidize an unfair share of pharmaceutical R&D. We wrote the letter following the establishment of USTR’s commonsense Request for Comments Regarding Foreign Nations Freeloading on American-Financed Innovation initiative, which aims to end years-long practices by foreign nations who benefit from American ingenuity without paying their fair share.
President Trump and Ambassador Greer have done an excellent job securing trade deals that protect our domestic industries from foreign competitors while leveling the playing field for American producers and manufacturers in global markets. Foreign countries’ price controls have negatively affected American patients for far too long; I’m optimistic we can finally address this glaring problem and lower prices for patients in Kansas and across the country. |
Assisting Kansas Veterans |
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Last week, President Trump signed the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act into law. I proudly supported this legislation in the House. |
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Originally introduced by my colleague Rep. Derrick Van Orden from Wisconsin, the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act will provide a critical lifeline to help many veterans facing financial difficulties avoid losing their homes.
Kansas is home to nearly 150,000 of our nation’s heroes. Many veterans carry visible and invisible wounds with them for their entire lives, which can make stable employment and income difficult to maintain. This lack of stability unfortunately often leads to a host of problems, including bankruptcy and loss of housing. In fact, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that 40,056 veterans are homeless on any given night. That number represents 13% of our country’s adult homeless population.
This legislation provides a safety net to our veterans by creating a partial claim program that is in-line with current Federal Housing Administration loan relief programs, with the goal of assisting veterans in avoiding foreclosure on their homes. 3.7 million veterans currently using the VA Home Loan program could benefit from having the safety net created by this bill, should they need it.
This legislation is an important step toward achieving President Trump’s goal of ending veteran homelessness. In June, the House took another step toward achieving this goal when we advanced the annual appropriations bill that provides funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs and military construction projects. Our legislation makes historic investments in veterans’ care by increasing funding levels from fiscal year 2025, ensuring those who have served have access to the full scope of benefits they’ve earned.
Providing adequate benefits for current and former servicemembers in Kansas and across the country will always be one of my top priorities in Congress. I’m proud my colleagues and I were able to pass this legislation, and I look forward to supporting similar legislation in the future. |
A Kansas Visitor and Another Telephone Town Hall |
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Thank you to State Senator Rick and Pennie Kloos for visiting me in Washington recently! Staying connected with our local and state officials is critical to ensuring the federal government remains a good partner to Kansas. |
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Thank you also to all the Kansans who joined our recent telephone town hall! Speaking directly with Second District residents is critical to ensuring I’m representing you to the best of my ability. If you weren’t able to join us, be sure to keep an eye out for our next one. |
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Though Congress won’t be in session in August, I’ll still be working every day for the people of our Second District. I look forward to being back home with the people I’m blessed to represent! |
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As always, my office is here to serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Be sure to also follow me on social media at the links below for timely updates from my office.
It’s an incredible honor to represent our Second Congressional District in Congress! |
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Sincerely, |
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Washington D.C. Office House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 |
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Topeka Office 3550 SW 5th St. Suite B Topeka, KS 66606 |
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Pittsburg Office 402 North Broadway St. Suite B Pittsburg, KS 66762 |
KS Tax Collections Up in July
July Total Tax Collections at $670.2M;
3.3% Above Estimate
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends July 2025 with total tax collections at $670.2 million. That is $21.2 million, or 3.3%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 1.5% from July 2024.
“While this month’s tax collections highlight the strength of Kansas’ workforce and economy in the short-term, I remain concerned about the long-term fiscal health of the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We must stay vigilant and recommit to fiscally responsible budgeting in order to stay out of the red in the coming years.”
Individual income tax collections were $347.5 million. That is $32.5 million, or 10.3% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 12.7% from July 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $18.5 million. That is $16.5 million, or 47.1% below the estimate, and down 46.0% from July 2024.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $291.8 million, which is $2.2 million, or 0.8% below the estimate, and down 4.4% from July 2024.
Click here to view the July 2025 revenue numbers.
Obituary of Jo Ann Thomas

Jo Ann Thomas, 83, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 27, 2025, surrounded by family.
Jo Ann was born on May 4, 1942, in Ft Scott, KS to Oscar and Jimmie Sapp. As a young girl, a serious bicycle accident with her sister led her to Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott for recovery. It was there she first felt called to become a nurse—a decision that would define much of her life.
She attended the Mercy School of Nursing, living in the convent with the sisters. After briefly parting ways with her boyfriend at the time, Hubert, the sisters themselves summoned Hubert and encouraged a reunion as her grades were being impacted. Those same sisters would later be present for the births of their children.
Jo Ann’s passion for nursing guided a remarkable career. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University, she went on to receive her master’s from the University of Kansas and later graduated with the first class of Nurse Practitioners at KU. She began her career as a supervisor at Mercy Hospital before moving with her husband, Hubert, to Germany, where they worked at the same hospital. Hubert often joked that the Army had made him a medic just so Jo Ann could serve as a civilian nurse at the Army Hospital.
When they returned to Kansas, Jo Ann resumed her work at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, eventually serving in multiple leadership roles, including Chief Nursing Officer. She later founded Executive Rural Nurses, a consulting group dedicated to helping rural hospitals move from operating “in the red back into the black”. Her success in that role led to her appointment at Allen County Hospital as Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer, where she achieved financial stability for the hospital after years of losses.
Even in retirement, Jo Ann continued to give back, accepting the role of Director of the School of Nursing at Fort Scott Community College to ensure a local pathway for future nurses. During these years, she was also elected by her peers to the Kansas State Board of Nursing, where she served for several years as President, leaving an enduring mark on the profession she loved so deeply.
Jo Ann’s Catholic faith was a constant source of strength and meaning throughout her life. She gave generously of her time to Saint Mary’s Catholic Church and School, where she was a familiar and devoted presence. While she cherished her faith deeply, she also delighted in life’s simple joys—music, sunshine, and long afternoons at Thomas Lake, floating in the water and making sure her hair stayed perfectly dry.
Jo Ann and Hubert, whom she lovingly called Tommy, built a life together that was full of kindness, patience, and unwavering love. They raised three children—Gregory Owen, Elizabeth Ann, and Natalie Sue—and their home was later filled with the laughter and love of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Some of the family’s fondest memories are of the many trips Jo Ann and Hubert took their grandchildren on in their motor home. Adventures that were always filled with joy and togetherness. Passing only months apart, Hubert and Jo Ann leave their family with the peace of knowing their love story continues beyond this life.
She is survived by her three children Gregory Thomas, Elizabeth (Joe) Wright, Natalie (John) Snyder, her seven grandchildren, Bart (Nicole) Wright, Nicholas (Chelsea) Thomas, Drew (Hannah) Wright, Zachary (Stevie) Snyder, Lucas Snyder, Ella Snyder, Thanya Brown-Thomas, and four great grandchildren, Raelynn Wright, Sofia Thomas, Brooks Wright, and Ellison Thomas. One sister Bobbi Kemna.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hubert Owen Thomas, and her parents Oscar & Gladys “Jimmie” Sapp, grandsons Nathanial Wright, Hunter Thomas and soon to be daughter-in-law Nong Brown.
A Funeral Mass was held on August 1st at 10 am at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, burial followed at Clarksburg Cemetery. A Rosary was held at Cheney Witt Funeral Home on Thursday, July 31.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jo Ann Thomas Memorial Nursing Scholarship in care of Cheney Witt. Donations may also be dropped off at City State Bank, Ft. Scott, KS.
Jo Ann will be remembered for her compassion, her unwavering love, and her devotion to both her family and her profession. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.
Traditions Continue At the 120th Old Settlers Picnic Aug. 29-Sept.1




Freeman Wins Multi-Disciplinary Quality Improvement Award
Improving Patient Outcomes Across Multiple Clinical Specialties
Joplin, MO. – Freeman Health System has received the American Heart Association’s Commitment to Quality award for achieving high performance across three or more clinical areas in the Get With The Guidelines® program.
This is the first year for this special award level. Only 158 hospitals in the nation met the criteria for this award; hospitals earning this new award demonstrate a comprehensive approach to quality improvement. By participating in three or more Get With The Guidelines programs, they commit to using real-time data registries, evidence-based protocols and cross-disciplinary teamwork to raise the standard of care across multiple specialties.
“Freeman has an unwavering commitment to excellence that is exemplified through the active participation in the Get With The Guidelines Quality Registry,” said Paige Moschner, Service Line Director for Freeman’s Cardiac and Vascular Services. “By embracing evidence-based care and continuous improvement, Freeman is not only elevating cardiovascular outcomes but also setting a standard for compassionate, high-quality care in our community.”
Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association’s hospital-based quality improvement initiative that helps ensure patients are treated in accordance with the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines. Participating hospitals benefit from tools, resources and peer benchmarking to drive better patient outcomes.
“This award highlights the impressive commitment Freeman Health System has made to improving care across multiple disciplines,” said Donald Lloyd-Jones, past volunteer president of the American Heart Association and current volunteer chair of the Association’s Quality Oversight Committee. “By taking a systems-level approach to quality, these hospitals are building a foundation for better outcomes, fewer complications, and stronger communities.”
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