Monthly Archives: September 2025

K-State Extension

Opening Soon: 4-H Enrollment!

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Opening Soon: 4-H Enrollment!

As the largest youth development organization in the country, reaching 6 million young people annually, 4-H is uniquely equipped to ensure youth are ready for work and life after high school. 4-H is delivered by Cooperative Extension – a community of more
than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. Additionally, our 4-H alumni network reaches every industry and is 35 million strong.

4-H is also the only organization with a scientifically proven approach to developing young people, backed by more than 20 years of longitudinal research in partnership with Tufts University. The data are clear: youth who participate in 4-H programs are more likely to succeed academically, engage civically, and contribute to their communities. They’re also more prepared to enter the workforce and navigate the complexities of life with confidence.

Across a nation 4-H will is working to continue to provide more high-quality positive youth development programs to assist in preparing youth with the skills to be ready for work and life. To go beyond the expected. To be Beyond Ready.

4-H Beyond Ready is a national movement to prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities of the future. 4-H has been around since 1902. The world has changed significantly and yet, the impact of 4-H on youth has stood the test of time. 4-H has a tried-and-true, research-backed approach to helping kids reach their potential. Research shows that kids who participate in 4-H programs are more likely to make healthy choices, serve their communities, and live with purpose. They are also more likely than their non-4-H peers to feel competent, positive, and confident in what the
future holds.

Now is the time to join 4-H to help youth be Beyond Ready. Starting on October 1, enrollment opens for the new 4-H program year. All youth ages 5-18 are encouraged to enroll in the Kansas 4-H program through K-State Extension – Southwind District. Enrollment will close for those youth eligible to participate in competitive events within the 4-H program on December 1. And all adults who want to volunteer should plan to enroll at this time too!

Have questions about 4-H, don’t hesitate to reach out to K-State Extension – Southwind District, 4-H Youth Development Agent, Jennifer Terrell at [email protected] or 620-223-3720. All are welcome to visit the following websites as well, southwind.ksu.edu or kansas4h.org.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! September 26th Weekly Newsletter

SAVE THE DATE!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees

Every Thursday at 8am

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Fort Scott National Historic Site

Visit your National Park! Visitor Center and historic buildings are open Friday through Tuesday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds continue to be open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset

** Guided tours Saturday & Sunday 10am & 1pm! **

Click HERE to visit the website.

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

Fort Scott Farmers Market

Saturdays | 8am-noon & Tuesdays | 4-6pm

Gathering Square Pavilion, 111 N. National

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)

KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott

Every Tuesday 9am-4pm

Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.

620-231-4250

FS Public Library

*Wednesday Writers every Wed. @ 1:30-3pm

201 S. National Ave.

Kansas Small Business Development Center

at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 9am-4pm.

Dolly Trolley Historic 50-min narrated tours!

Adults $6 | Children 12&under $4

Call 620-223-3566 or stop in the Chamber at

231 E. Wall St. to book your ride!

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

UPCOMING EVENTS

9/26 ~ NO FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT

IN THE PARK

PAINT THE TOWN RED

Show your own PRIDE & TIGER spirit!

Deadline Friday, Oct 1st at 5pm

Event is Oct 6th-10th

Use your imagination & creativity!

5 Categories:

*Tiger Spirit *Creativity *WOW Factor *Originality * Overall Presentation

Winner Announced Friday, Oct. 10th at the FSHS Football Homecoming Game!

Save the Date October 9th

FSHS Football Community Bonfire

9/26-28 ~ Hazelbaker Memorial Rodeo

@BBCO Fairgrounds

9/26-27 ~ FortFest by Care to Share

@Riverfront Park – 401 N National Ave.

(across from Twister Trailer)

Blue’s Music & Activities, Kids Fall Festival, Bounce Houses, SEK Princesses & Superheroes, Train Rides, Petting Zoo, Car Show & more!

Sunday 9/28 @ 1pm: Traditional Gospel Hymns by Amanda Fish & Meaza Joy.

Free Community Gathering open to all!

9/26-28 ~ | Marmaton Massacre

Mountain Bike Race Festival

Click HERE for more info!

Click HERE to Register

This year, the race will coincide with Fort Scott FortFest, a weekend music festival in Fort Scott

Click HERE for the FortFest Facebook schedule.

9/27 ~ 9am-12pm | Tri-Valley Fall Plant Sale

4305 Campbell Dr.

*Mums *Winter Pansies * Ornamental Cabbage *Houseplants *Decor

9/27 ~ 9am-12pm | 30th Annual National Public Lands Day Event

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Click HERE for Fort Scott National Historic Site’s Facebook Page!

Tools, gloves, & other equipment provided.

Entry is FREE!

9/27 ~ 11am-2pm | Paint & Pizza at Papa Don’s

$30/person

9/27 ~ 6pm-8pm | Vinyl Revival 50’s and 60’s music hosted by Common Ground Coffee Co.

@Common Ground Coffee

9/30 ~ 5-8pm | Brickstreet BBQ

Family Game Night

Kids Eat for $2

10/1 ~ 6-8pm | Back to the Land: Plot Perfect: Garden Planning for Abundant Harvest
Whether you’re new to homesteading or looking to sharpen your small-scale farming skills, this series has something for everyone! Come to one session, or to all of them!

@ FSCC Ag Building

Call 620-223-3720 to RSVP for this FREE event

10/2 ~ 8am | Chamber Coffee hosted by Gordon Parks Museum

@ FSCC / Gordon Parks Museum

10/2-4 ~ | Annual Gordon Parks Celebration

Click HERE for event details!

Click HERE for Facebook Page!

10/2 ~ 6-7pm | Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Parade in Downtown Fort Scott

Click HERE for parade entry form!

10/3-5 ~ | Pioneer Harvest Fiesta

Click HERE for full event details!

10/3 ~ 4:15-:45pm | “No Place Like Home” (Mural Unveiling by Cbabi Bayoc

& Ribbon Cutting)

@ The Wilder House Building,18 E. Wall St.

(corner of Wall St. & Main St. next to Sunshine Boutique)

This is in honor and tribute to Gordon and his message to his hometown Fort Scott.

10/3 ~ 7-10pm | ScareFest 2025

begins by Clark Street Lights @ 753 Clark St.

Every Friday & Saturday in October!

10/3 ~ 8pm | Celebration Dance Party

with the Full Flava Kings

@ River Room, 3 W. Oak St.

$25/ticket or $30 at door

Click HERE to order tickets

10/4 ~ 9am | Elks Christmas Baskets

4 person Golf Scramble

@ Woodland Hills Golf Course

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
Uncategorized

FSHS Thespians Host 8th Annual Royal-Tea & Friends Party

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The Fort Scott High School Thespians host their 8th Annual Royal-Tea & Friends Party from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 18 in the FSHS Commons and Courtyard.

Children can join their favorite princesses and princes, superheroes and villains, and other characters. They are invited to take photos with favorite characters as they make crafts, have treats, and play games. Fort Scott High School Thespians will be dressed in character and leading the event. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume as well.

 

Tickets for the Royal-Tea & Friends Party are $6 per child and all must be accompanied by an adult (no fee for adults). Tickets may be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door.

 

For more information, please see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Angie Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.

 

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Opinion

A Grave Injustice by Patty LaRoche

2 Comments
Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

One week before Charlie Kirk’s death, I mentioned to a family member that if I could have lunch with anyone, it would be Charlie.  His death left me in tears.

As a former high school debate coach, I was awestruck by his ability to express his opinion, showing respect for his opposition while imparting unique, masterfully-crafted arguments that I never had considered. Who was this man?

I mean, I am fairly knowledgeable about the Bible, but Charlie had a way of synthesizing scriptural positions in a way I failed to anticipate.  “How did he come up with that?” I would ask my husband, or whomever was in listening position.  “That’s a brilliant argument,” I would say to myself.  Like I said, who was this man?

Regardless of what you think of Charlie Kirk, I hope you consider his assassination a grave injustice.  Instead of facing off with this man-of-faith to discuss their differences, Tyler Robinson premeditatively chose to put a bullet through his adversary’s neck.

Today, while driving to work, I listened to the radio as the detective assigned to the crime discussed how Robinson begged the arresting officers to be gentle with him, not to cause him harm by sending a SWAT team to bring him in. Basically, to treat him with a dignity he did not afford Charlie Kirk.

And I thought…that takes some nerve. How can someone who offers no mercy expect to get any in return?

Matthew 18:23-35 confronts that issue. Jesus’ parable addresses a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. One who could not pay owed millions of dollars. His master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.

The man fell down and begged his master to be patient; he would repay it all.  The master, pitying his servant, forgave his debt.  When the man left the king, he met up with another servant who owed him a few thousand dollars, grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.                                                                                                                   

Just like the servant with the king, this man fell down and begged for clemency.  “Be patient with me, and I will pay it.”  Instead, his creditor had the man arrested and jailed until he repaid the debt in full, a lack of mercy that upset the other servants who witnessed the injustice. They went to the king and told him what had happened.

The king responded by calling in the servant he had forgiven and said, “You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?” Payback time. The king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.

Jesus had one last message for his crowd: “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”  If only Robinson would have done that with Charlie!  He who couldn’t find any mercy begged for kindness and compassion when arrested.

So, what are we to take from this message?  We are not to respond as Robinson and the king’s servant did and seek vengeful payback, as much as we want to do so.  After all, God will be the final judge. Should Robinson not repent, his eternal punishment from the King will be much worse than any we can inflict with our lack of mercy.

As is true as that is for Kirk’s killer, so it is for us as well. Are we showing the same mercy to others as we want in return?

Government, Kansas

KCC approves unanimous settlement agreement in Evergy rate case

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TOPEKA – This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved a unanimous settlement agreement allowing Evergy to increase its rates by $128 million to recover investments made to replace aging equipment and increase the resiliency and reliability of the power grid.  Evergy requested an increase of $196.4 million in its application filed in January. The settlement agreement was reached after extensive negotiations between KCC staff, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, Evergy, and many other intervenors representing industrial and commercial customers as well as school districts.

The new rates will take effect beginning with the October billing cycle. Residential customers with average monthly usage (900 kWh), will see an increase of approximately $8.47 per month. Based on an independent review of evidence in the record, the Commission found that the agreed upon rates will provide Evergy with sufficient revenues to meet its financial obligations yet will keep rates as low as possible while maintaining reliable service for its customers.

Commissioner Dwight D. Keen filed a partial dissenting opinion on today’s order. He objects to the Commission’s decision to grant a 9.7% Return on Equity (ROE) for transmission delivery charges (TDC), which covers costs associated with building and maintaining the transmission system. TDC charges are not included in base rates but are passed through to ratepayers as a separate surcharge on their monthly bill. Keen states the approved ROE is excessive and may present ongoing affordability issues for ratepayers.

Today’s order is available here.

View the Unanimous Settlement Agreement.

A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.

 

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Bourbon County

Agenda for the Bourbon County Coalition on Oct. 1

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The next Bourbon County Coalition General Membership meeting will be next Wednesday, October 1st at 1:00 p.m. in the Conference room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott Ave.

 

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

October 1, 2025 1:00 PM

Scottview Conference Room

315 S. Scott Ave

 

 

  1.  Welcome: 

 

 

  1.  Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1.  Program:  Lacy Nickelson, Fostering Connections

 

 

  1.  Open Forum:

 

 

  1.  Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be November 5, 2025.

 

Government, Kansas

Kansas Water Authority Seeks Regional Advisory Committee Members

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RAC Membership Drive ends September 30

The Kansas Water Authority is currently accepting applications for all 14 Regional Advisory Committees. Committee members serve as a voice for water issues in their community. Applications are available on at kwo.ks.gov.

Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) are composed of local stakeholders and water professionals that cover a variety of knowledge – including agriculture, industry, public water supply, conservation and more.

Each RAC meets to discuss local water issues and to advise the Kansas Water Authority and Kansas Water Office on the issues in their region. RAC members serve as local connections with the public and aid in establishing priorities and actions to be included in statewide water planning efforts.

“Water issues and community needs vary from region to region in our state,” said Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office. “RAC members serve as boots-on-the-ground perspective and provide crucial, local input for statewide water planning.”

To apply, visit www.kwo.ks.gov/about-us/regional-advisory-committees. Applications are due September 30.

Note to Editor: The Americans with Disabilities Act, (42 U.S.C. 12101), requires the Kansas Water Office to print the reasonable accommodations messages.

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As the state’s water office, KWO conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state.

The agency prepares the KANSAS WATER PLAN, a plan for water resources development, management and conservation. KWO in coordination with the KWA also reviews all water laws and makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for needed legislation.

 
Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission for Sept. 23

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of September 23, 2025                                                                                             Special Meeting

 

A S meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held  in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke (by Teams).

 

              In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Jessica Oliphant/Baker Tilly and Devin Tally/Finance Manager

 

VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and OLSON said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda

MOTION:  OLSON moved to approve the agenda as presented. WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Public Hearing

Consideration of Approval of the 2026 Budget

MOTION:  DANCER moved to open the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

No public comments.

 

OLIPHANT presented a revenue-neutral budget that maintains city services, provides a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, and reduces the mill levy by 1.6 mills. The reduction was achieved by deferring two small capital projects—lobby glass replacement and filing system updates—saving $45,000. The initial proposal had a 0.8 mill reduction without cuts, but moving the projects doubled the reduction to 1.6 mills.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to close the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve the 2026 budget as presented. DANCER seconded.

 

OLSON requested VAN HOECKE amend his motion to include the revenue neutral rate.

 

Motion was struck and a new motion was made.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to approve the 2026 budget as presented with a revenue neutral rate of 42.558. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

Commissioners Olson, Wells, Dancer, Salsbury and Van Hoecke gave individual comments regarding the City’s ability to remain revenue neutral for 2026 with a special thank you to BakerTilly.

 

Adjourn

MOTION:  DANCER moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:16PM. SALSBURY seconded.

 

SEPTEMBER 23, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:16PM.

 

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission From Sept. 16

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 unapproved

Minutes of September 16, 2025                                                                                             Regular Meeting

 

A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held  in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.

 

              In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Mary Wyatt/Planning, Housing & Business Development Director, Tom Coffman/Public Works Director, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Stephen Mitchell/USD234 Director of Technology, Destry Brown/Superintendent USD234, Pete Allen, Devin Reichard, Michael Hoyt, and Julie Buchta.

 

VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda – Request to amend the agenda with the removal of Consideration of Application – CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Grant – New Business – Action Item E.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to approve the agenda as amended. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consent Agenda

MOTION:  SALSBURY moved to approve the Consent Agenda. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Public Comment  – No public comment

 

Appearances

Devin Reichard – Request for Parade Permit – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta – October 2, 2025.

 

MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the Parade Permit for Pioneer Harvest Festival. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Unfinished Business:

Land Lease Agreement

Discussion was had regarding the options for which the City would use this document for leasing City owned property. WELLS asked that in the document it be included that the lessee will be responsible for the property taxes.

 

ACTION:  WELLS will email FARMER the statute information he received regarding (90) year vs. (99) year verbiage.

 

MOTION:  SALSBURY moved to have FARMER research the (99) year option and present a final version to vote on at the next meeting. WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Food Truck Ordinance

Discussion was had about the potential ordinance, business licenses, enforcement, and cost.

 

ACTION:  MATKIN will check with other municipalities regarding online permitting.

 

WELLS called the question.

 

ACTION:  MATKIN and FARMER will create verbiage as an addendum to municipal code pertaining to Solicitors, Canvassers and Peddlers to specifically address food trucks by the next meeting.

 

CHAMPS Bowl Game

MOTION: SALSBURY moved to rescind the $30,000.00 donation for the CHAMPS Bowl for this year. OLSON seconded.

OLSON, DANCER, SALSBURY and VAN HOECKE voted yes. WELLS abstained.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-0.

 

Public Hearing

Consideration of Resolution No. 25-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 18 S. HOLBROOK

MOTION:  WELLS moved to open the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

KRUGER gave an overview of the structure and its violations. There were no other comments from the public.

 

MATKIN left the meeting at 6:50PM

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to table the decision for (60) days so the Land Bank has an opportunity to look at it, to reach out to the County to see if it will be in the tax sale this year and explore a couple of opportunities before we move forward with the process on this particular house. DANCER seconded.

SALSBURY, OLSON, WELLS and DANCER voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-1.

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 26-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 402 N. SHUTE

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

KRUGER gave an overview of the structure and its violations. There were no other comments from the public.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to close the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 26-2025 A Resolution Directing the Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 402 N. Shute. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MATKIN returned to the meeting at 7:02PM

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 27-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 205 N. LINCOLN

MOTION:  DANCER moved to open the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

KRUGER gave an overview of the structure and its violations. There were no other comments from the public.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to close the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 27-2025 A Resolution Directing the Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 205 N. Lincoln. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

FARMER left the meeting at 7:03PM

 

Devin Reichard appeared regarding the parade permit. He believed the meeting began at 7:00PM. MATKIN told him the permit had already been approved.

 

Consideration to Trade the 963k Track Loader for a 2023 Volvo EC160EL Crawler Excavator

COFFMAN explained that the trade consideration is because parts for the existing model are not available due to its age. The only cost incurred would be freight of approximately $1,200.00 and would be through G. W. Van Keppel Company.

 

FARMER returned to the meeting at 7:05PM

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve the straight across the board trade. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

IT Update

MITCHELL reported there were contact changes for the first year. There is also a shift in priorities for the next (60) days with the police department at highest priority. Updates given networks, firewalls, equipment, ticketing system, and backup system.

 

VAN HOECKE left the meeting at 7:18PM and returned at 7:20PM

 

Wyatt addressed the Commission to request two changes to the grant application process. First, she proposed requiring applicants to include a brief description of their business project and how the funding would impact their business. Second, she suggested a procedural clarification: that City staff should score the applications using the approved rubric and submit those scores to the Commission. Applicants would then appear before the Commission for questions, after which the Commission would award the grants. The Commission discussed the efficiency of this proposed process.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve the changes suggested by City staff to make the process move forward more efficiently. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Planning, Housing and Business Development Update

Wyatt provided an overview of her responsibilities, including managing grants—those awarded, currently being written, and pending notification. In the Business Development Department, she focuses on retaining existing businesses and helping recruit new ones to Fort Scott. She also gave an overview of all three departments she oversees and answered questions from the Commission. Lisa Dillon will soon present a more detailed housing update.

 

Consideration of Second Amendment to Freeman ER Funding Agreement – Approved by Bourbon County Commission – September 8, 2025

 

ACTION:  MATKIN will reach out to Freeman Hospital regarding the City being included the quarterly written itemized accountings.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to send the document back to the County and ask for the City to be included in the furnishing of the quarterly written itemized accounting. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

Approval to Go Out for Codes Mowing Bids – 3 Year Contract

MOTION:  WELLS moved to go out for mowing bids for (3) years. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consideration of CCLIP Project Programming Request

DICKMAN explained this is Phase III of the project. It has been awarded. The next steps would be to formally accept the award and go out for Statements of Qualification for Engineering design work.

 

ACTION:  DICKMAN will send the City Manager and City Clerk the documents for the next step.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to go forward with the project programming request for the third phase of the CCLIP project. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Reports and Comments

CITY ENGINEER

– E. National Project Update

 

ACTION:  DICKMAN will get updated exhibits to WYATT to submit for the Cost Share Program (CCLIP) of 3rd Street from E. National to US69.

 

– Lee Circle Drive base

 

CITY ATTORNEY – No comment

 

CITY MANAGER

–  Naturalization at the Fort – September 17, 2025

–  FEMA update – new projects 4th & Little and Pawn Shop waterway

 

ACTION:  MATKIN will provide a City Manager Communicator by end of the week.

 

COMMISSIONER SALSBURY

–  Shipping container ordinance on next agenda

–  Confirmed the City does not have ducks or geese at Gunn Park

 

COMMISSIONER OLSON

–  Comments on freedom of speech

 

COMMISSIONER WELLS

–  Design Review Board and bylaws for CLG

–  Codes Department and Fire Department

–  Overpass and at-grade study requests status update

–  Comments on freedom of speech

 

COMMISSIONER DANCER

–  Moody building status

 

ACTION:  MATKIN will meet with FARMER for plan of action on the next agenda.

 

–  Items passed at table need to be posted on website

–  Expense Report was not included in the packet and website

 

COMMISSIONER VAN HOECKE

–  Response to comments made on local social media post about him and other rhetoric

–  Naturalization Ceremony

–  City work sites are not open to the public for safety reasons

 

MATKIN commented on Commission decorum and community reactions to decisions.

 

Adjourn

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:49PM. SALSBURY seconded.

 

SEPTEMBER 16, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:49PM.

 

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Meeting, 9/22/25 part 1

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

Lynne Oharah’s concern about the county declaring Unique Road open was the first item of business the commission handled after opening its meeting with regular county business.

Oharah wants the portion of Unique Road that adjoins his land to be declared open by the commission. He says that the procedures for closing a road, per KSA68102 or 102a are “very specific on how roads are closed,” and that the road portion he is concerned about has not been officially closed by the county.

He wanted to address an issue he said should be uniform throughout the county. He mentioned three roads (Quail and two sections of Unity) that the county stopped maintaining during his tenure as commissioner. He says they were arbitrarily closed and had their signage removed.

“You can’t do that. That’s not in the KSAs,” he said.

He referred to a certified survey from 1973, which he provided to the county commissioners, saying that the pins on the survey denote there is a 40 foot right of way between the two fences, which is the county road Unique.

“I don’t care what GIS shows. The pins don’t lie,” said Oharah.

He wants the county to direct the clerk to update its records, as the county is responsible for providing an accurate map of the county to the state. He said the title company would not accept the survey without the county also declaring the road to be open.

He says there is a discrepancy between the 2011 map and the 2012 map, which is what the public works director at that time “ran with.”

Beerbower said that because Oharah’s neighbor had his lawyer contact the county’s counselor, they couldn’t discuss the matter in an open meeting.

“Part of that land is mine, so I am requesting — I am not represented by legal counsel — I’m requesting that my portion of this road be opened,” said Oharah.

“Time is of the essence. Because I’m down to the wire,” said Oharah, referring to his efforts to sell some of his land.

He said that the commission didn’t need legal counsel to make a decision.

“We’re going to seek advice before we proceed any further,” said Beerbower, referring to the fact that they were dealing with the actions of past commissioners.

Oharah asked the commission to consider holding a special meeting if something were to happen that would jeopardize the sale of his land.

Tri-Valley – Bill Fiscus

Fiscus thanked the county for its support of Tri-Valley over the years. At the last meeting they spoke of a missed payment for Tri-Valley from 2024 for $13,750. The current agreement is for $55,000. They have also requested $55,000 in 2026.

He asked if they would receive that missed payment and how will it affect the 2025 and 2026 allocations.

County Clerk Susan Walker said the carryover from the missed payment was taken out of the budget in the last county commissioner meeting. She said a normal levy for Tri-County is 0.3 and the county is now levying 0.26.

The commission opted to discuss it during budget discussions later in the meeting.

Derek Raines

Raines spoke of the problems his family is having with EvoTech, a bitcoin company, which put in natural gas generators 172 yards from his house about 18 months ago. They run the generators continuously, 24/7. Inside the house, it’s 59-61 decibels, 54 dB in the back porch, and 73-74 on the front deck. He said the hum is constant in the house and they cannot open the windows.

The Raines had lived in their home for five years before EvoTech moved in and started running their generators.

Raines said he contacted the undersheriff who guided him to McCloud, in Jefferson County, KS. He then spoke to Doug Walbridge, who offered his assistance to the Bourbon County Commission to get this issue regulated.

“It’s just overbearing. We moved to the country from town for the peace and quiet,” he said. It’s bringing their property value down.

He said his parents can hear it 2 miles away.

He offered to get a petition signed or whatever else might help.

“It’s messing up our little piece of heaven,” he said.

He said he spoke to his state representative today as well, and plans to speak to KDHE also.

He mentioned that he pays more taxes to the county than EvoTech.

Tran asked what would need to happen to make it work for the neighborhood. Raines said it needs to be made so they can’t hear it.

Beerbower said the commission was looking into all the options and would keep working on the problem.

Sheriff Bill Martin & Ben Hart

Enterprise Fleet Management – Kenneth Olsen

Olsen represents Enterprise Fleet Management, which is working on an allocation for Chevy Tahoe police vehicles to replace vehicles in the sheriff’s current fleet.

Commissioner Mika Milburn asked how it would affect the 2026 budget. Olsen said they have a five-year plan to replace all the sheriff’s department vehicles for an average of $163,000 per year.

The funding for the new vehicles would come from the jail sales tax. Walker handed out a budget spreadsheet showing how the sheriff’s department budget would work.

Beerbower was in favor of adopting the leasing plan from Enterprise.

Tran expressed concern about the issue of balancing budget creep with the need to provide the sheriff’s department with reliable equipment.

Olsen said his company wants to create a partnership with the county. The county isn’t locked into the five-year plan Enterprise has proposed, but a flexible relationship bringing good data to the county to help them make wise decisions about vehicles going forward.

“This is a hard pill to swallow, but this is a pill we are going to have to swallow,” said Tran. He also asked that Ben and County Counselor Bob Johnson look over any contract before the county signs it to be sure there’s no fine print that will cause the county problems going forward.

Olsen also asked about getting a contract to work with the Public Works department, as his team prefers to have two departments involved. He said their vehicles’ average age is 2008.

Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda

Susan Walker, County Clerk, corrected a statement she made at the previous meeting that commissioners must make $5,000. That’s not by statute, but a necessity to qualify for KPRS.

She also wanted to respond to comments Milburn made that Walker felt were directed at her. She was getting $6,500 to administer the county’s payroll, but that job is being transferred to an outside company, PayEntry.

Walker also said that the clerk’s office never handled HR issues, just activities and job descriptions. Bourbon County was lacking an HR department to handle disciplinary issues. She welcomes having someone from outside the county handle those issues. In the past, those issues were handled by the commission and the county counselor as the de facto administrators. “That was not something that was handled in the clerk’s office,” she stated.

“To say that I was the one directing the budget and the budget decisions is a misstatement,” she said, referring to Milburn’s commissioner comments in the last regular meeting.

The county had been paying her $3,500 to enter the budget numbers given her by department heads into the county’s budget document. The auditor offered to do it for $6,500.

Walker also expressed concern about PayEntry. There are several factors she was hesitant about in the process, and wasn’t consulted or allowed to ask questions during the meeting when it was discussed.

The kickoff meeting to transfer payroll to PayEntry was last week. One county employee took a whole day taking screen shots to give them data that could not be pulled from the system. PayEntry will charge $40 per pay period for those employees that are asking for paper checks. The county can require them to take pay cards or direct deposits instead.

PayEntry will only support child support garnishments, but there are other garnishments that the county will have process.

There are several exceptions to the rules that must be set up including grants that are used to make some parts of payroll.

Oct. 3rd is not a reasonable timeframe to be able to start up.

“What I have essentially come down to is: What we are doing, is we are paying a company to cut payroll checks and file federal and state taxes for us and that’s probably the easiest process for us to do,” she concluded. Her office will still have to do the benefit reconciliations, which is the most challenging part of the county’s payroll process. If she had been involved in this process from the beginning, the county might not be in this situation.

Milburn replied by saying that her comments were “a complication of a lot of things that needed addressed.”