The annual Cato Day will be presented by the Cato Historical Preservation Association on Saturday, November 8th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.
Cato, Kansas – The annual Cato Day will be held on Saturday, November 8th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Cato, Kansas. This free event, organized by the Cato Historical Preservation Association to celebrate Cato’s pioneer heritage, begins with sign-in at 9 a.m. Visitors are welcome to arrive any time, but we kindly ask that they sign our guest book. The day’s activities will start at 9:30 with music and history presented by Matt Wells and friends in the historic Cato Christian Church. At 10:30, a cavalry drill led by Matt Feild will be presented in the area behind the church, and at 10:45, in the “Old Stone School,” Anna Portwood Swank, Elizabeth Portwood Thompson, and Jamie Thompson will discuss the school’s history. This will be followed by a historical re-enactment of the 1860 Settler Removal in front of the Pioneer Cabin at 11:30. At 12 noon, we will take an outdoor lunch break with musical entertainment by Jim Harris and the Players Circle. Cowboy Stew, prepared by Shawn Pryer and the Mighty MO Chuck Wagon crew, will be available, with proceeds benefiting the preservation of Cato’s buildings and supporting educational events for local school children. Shawn will demonstrate Chuck Wagon and Dutch oven cooking. Throughout the day, presenters will show guests what life was like in the 1800s, and the Southeast Kansas Antique Tractor Club will display and demonstrate vintage tractors. At 12:30, there will be a raffle for a beautiful quilt donated by longtime member, Sue James of Texas.The highlight of the event begins at 1 p.m. with a hayrack wagon ride, led by Joe Bournonville, to various local historical sites. The hayrack ride and Cato Day will end at 3 p.m. All times are approximate.
Booklets about the history of Cato and the Cherokee Neutral Land (present-day Crawford and Cherokee Counties) will be available for sale. The Cato Store will also be selling other Cato-related merchandise, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more. Cash or check only. Proceeds from the quilt raffle, “Cowboy Stew,” books, and merchandise support the preservation of Cato’s historic buildings and Cato Kids’ Day, which is held every year for local fourth and fifth-graders.
Cato is located in the northern part of Crawford County, off Hwy 69. From Hwy 69, turn west on 720th Avenue, and follow the signs to Cato. Directions can be found at http://catoschool.com/. The Cato Historical Preservation Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the buildings and history of Cato and the surrounding area. These buildings include the “Old Stone School,” built in 1869; the Cato Christian Church, built in 1915; and a full-sized replica of a cabin the early settlers would have used in the 1860s. The “Old Stone School” is on the National Register of Historic Places. A stone bridge, part of the “Old Wagon Road,” can also be seen on the property. Cato is an open-air museum, and its buildings are only open to the public a few times a year, so don’t miss this unique opportunity to spend an afternoon of entertainment and enlightenment in historic Cato.
The Community Foundation of SEK awarded a grant to SEKAAA 60+ Nutrition Program to purchase silverware, bowls, and drinking cups for dining participants. “The number of people coming to our meals sites have grown in the last year, and we added a meal site in Fort Scott, which caused the good problem of needing more tableware”, said Tabitha Torres, SEKAAA Nutrition Coordinator. “Our participants really like the upgrade. It enhances the dining experience.”
Individuals 60 and older can receive a meal at any of the SEKAAA meal sites that are located throughout the SEKAAA 9-county service area. Participants must call at least 24 hours prior and there is a requested donation of $2 per meal. Inability to pay does not prevent the person from receiving a meal. For more information about the SEKAAA 60+ Nutrition program people can call 620-431-2980 or go to www.sekaaa.com.
“It becomes so much more that getting a health meal,” Kathy Brennon, SEKAAA Executive Director, “they develop friendships and encourage each other.”
About SEKAAA
The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging is committed to improving the quality of life for older adults and their families through advocacy, education, and access to community resources. Serving 9 counties in Southeast Kansas, SEKAAA provides services that promote independence, dignity, and well-being.
A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse in Nov. 2021.
The General Election in Bourbon County is next Tuesday, November 4.
With all the division in the country and our county, voting is a citizen’s chance to make a difference in election outcomes.
There are new districts and polling stations in the county.
“All voters were sent new registration cards in late July showing their polling place based on the new precincts,” Bourbon County Clerk Susan Walker said. “In addition, I put a notice out that the Bronson and Redfield locations were shut down to try to save costs in running the elections. Maps of the districts can be found at https://www.bourboncountyks.org/bourbon-county-election-maps-5-districts/.
Here is a screenshot of most of the map:
Bourbon County’s new voting districts, 2025, submitted by the county clerk.
If there are any questions about the polling process, call the clerk’s office at 620. 223. 3800 Ext. 100.
There will also be a 1/2 cent sales tax vote on the ballot. To see how it is worded, see below.
Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager, said at the candidate forum, the sales tax will make the existing sales tax continue for infrastructure improvements. This tax includes tourists and visitors to the community, not just property owners. If any questions, contact Matkin at City Hall, 620.223.0550.
SALES TAX QUESTION
Shall the following be adopted?
Shall the City of Fort Scott, Kansas be authorized to impose a one-half percent (0.5%) City-wide retailers’ sales tax (the “Sales Tax”), the proceeds of which shall be used for the purpose of financing the following costs and related expenditures:
(a) 80% of the proceeds for street improvements, sidewalks, bike lanes, and curb and gutter, and (b) 10% of the proceeds for Parks and
community facilities, and (c) 10% of the proceeds for Public Safety With the collection of the Sales Tax to commence on 7/1/2026; and to expire Ten (10) years after its commencement; all pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 12-187 et seq.,as amended?,
To learn more about the candidates and see them answer questions, view the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate forum on October 22, and streamed on YouTube.
Below is a list of candidates who will appear on the ballo provided by the Bourbon County Clerk Susan Walker.
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSIONER (3 POSITIONS)
Dyllon Olson, 124 N Washington St, Fort Scott 66701
Garrett Knight, 215 S Barbee St, Fort Scott 66701
Kathryn Salsbury, 802 S Crawford, Fort Scott 66701
Tim Van Hoecke, 802 S Hill St, Fort Scott 66701
Julie Buchta, 1002 Burke St, Fort Scott 66701
CITY OF BRONSON
MAYOR (1 POSITION)
Josh Marlow, 212 Clay, Bronson 66716
CITY COUNCIL (2 POSITIONS)
Kelly Perry, 611 Orange Street, Bronson 66716
Lysa Long, 203 Line Rd, Bronson 66716
Sherri Tribble, 406 Charles St, Bronson 66716
Linda Sprague, 502 Randolph, Bronson 66716
CITY OF FULTON
MAYOR (1 POSITION)
Kathy Hurteau, 402 West Osage Street, Fulton 66738
Jessica Walters, 328 W Osage St, Fulton 66738
CITY COUNCIL (5 POSITIONS)
Janet Schill, 524 W Cedar St, Fulton 66738
Ronald Marsh, 223 N 4 th St, Fulton 66738
Lawrence Paddock, 608 Cedar Street, Fulton 66738
Caleb Jackson, 602 W Spruce St, Fulton 66738
CITY OF MAPLETON
MAYOR (1 POSITION)
Ronald “Buck” Burton, 228 East 7 th St, Mapleton 66754
Mike Hueston, 351 Bourbon, Mapleton 66754
CITY COUNCIL (2 POSITIONS)
Homer Wisdom, 507 N Bourbon, Mapleton 66754
CITY OF REDFIELD
MAYOR (1 POSITION)
Clarence Ed Guss, 301 Pine, Redfield 66769
CITY COUNCIL (2 POSITIONS)
Kirby Martin, 403 W 2 nd , Redfield 66769
Michael Beerbower, 402 W 3 rd Street, Redfield 66769
Jon Brown, 102 N Pine Street, Redfield 66769
CITY OF UNIONTOWN
MAYOR (1 POSITION)
No Candidate
CITY COUNCIL (2 POSITIONS)
Kyle Knight, 606 Sherman, Uniontown 66779
USD 234
BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE (5 POSITIONS)
David J. Stewart, 772 190 th, Fort Scott 66701
Phil Jackson, 25 Golfview Dr, Fort Scott 66701
Rory Chaplin, 1764 215 th Street, Fort Scott 66701
Nick Barrows, 1607 South Crawford St, Fort Scott 66701
Robert Harrington, 1403 Horton, Fort Scott 66701
Mike Miles, 836 S Judson, Fort Scott 66701
USD 235
POSITION 4 (1 POSITION)
Brian Ray Stewart, 179 Soldier Rd, Bronson 66716
POSITION 5 (1 POSITION)
Edward Ramsey, 411 Kansas Rd, Uniontown 66779
Mike Mason, 978 60 th St, Uniontown 66779
USD 248
POSITION 6 (1 POSITION)
Kelly Peak, 60 West Lake Road, Farlington 66734
USD 346
POSITION 6 (1 POSITION)
Ketturah “Kitty” Rhynerson, 2303 Farris Rd, Blue Mound 66010
SOUTHWIND EXTENSION DISTRICT
BOARD MEMBER (2 POSITIONS)
Dennis Fry, 267 130 th Street, Fort Scott 66701
Elli Milburn, 2518 Xylem Road, Fulton 66738
Gary Palmer, 1863 Eagle Rd, Fort Scott 66701
FSCC BOARD OF TRUSTEE (3 POSITIONS)
Chad Cosens, 1320 Marblecrest Dr, Fort Scott 66701
Destry Brown, 2108 Jayhawk Road, Fort Scott 66701
Marilyn J. Hoyt, DVM, PHD, 2422 242 nd Terrace, Fulton 66738
Joshua Baseley, 407 Lees Circle Dr. Apt 2A, Fort Scott 66701
Vince Loffredo, 844 195 th St, Fort Scott 66701
BOURBON COUNTY
DISTRICT 4 COMMISSIONER (1 POSITION)
Gregg Motley, 1904 Jayhawk Road, Fort Scott 66701, Republican
DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONER (1 POSITION)
Mika Milburn-Kee, 2518 Xylem Road, Fulton 66738, Republican
VOTING PRECINCTS IN BOURBON COUNTY – PLEASE NOTE THAT POLLING PLACES HAVE CHANGED!!
It is hereby noted that the polls are open between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM at all the following locations:
1 st
,4 th
,5 th
,6 th Wards and Scott D1, D2, and D4 Townships– Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton, Fort Scott
Freedom D1, and D5, and Osage Townships, Fulton City – Fulton Community Building, 408 W. Osage, Fulton
2 nd
,3 rd ,7 th Wards and Drywood and Scott D3 and D5 Townships – Grace Baptist Church, 502 S. Margrave, Fort Scott
Franklin, Millcreek, Timberhill Townships and Mapleton City – Mapleton Community Building, 565 Eldora, Mapleton
East Marion, Marmaton D2 and D4, Pawnee, West Marion and Walnut Townships and Bronson, Redfield, and Uniontown Cities–
Uniontown City Hall, 206 Sherman St., Uniontown
VOTER REGISTRATION:
You may register to vote at any of the following locations during their regular business hours: the Office of the
County Clerk, or online www.bourboncountyks.org ; any City Clerk’s office; Department of Motor Vehicles; SRS
offices.
DEADLINE TO CHANGE PARTY: KSA 25-3304(b) The deadline for party affiliation changes was October 14, 2025 at the end of
the business day. Party affiliation changes will be accepted and processed after December 1, 2025. If you still desire to update or
change your party affiliation, you may do so after December 1, 2025 by filling out a new voter registration.
CLOSING OF REGISTRATION BOOKS: Pursuant to K.S.A. 25-2310 & K.A.R 7-23-4 Notice is hereby given that on the 14th day
of October 2025, registration books for the City/School General Election will close at the end of the business day. The books will
remain closed until the day following the General Election.
ADVANCE VOTING by MAIL: K.S.A. 25-1123 Any registered voter is eligible to vote by Advance Ballot, beginning Wednesday,
October 15, 2025. The last day to request an advanced ballot by mail application is Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
APPLY FOR ADVANCE BALLOT: K.S.A. 25-1122(e)(4). Applications for Advance Ballots are available at the Bourbon County
Clerk/Election Office or by calling (620) 223-3800 Ext. 100. A printable application for an Advance Ballot is available on the county
website www.bourboncountyks.org or Kansas Secretary of State website www.kssos.org.
RETURNING ADVANCE BALLOTS: KSA 25-1132 In Person: Ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on Election Day to any
Polling Location within the County or to the County Election Office, Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave. Fort Scott, KS 66701. By Mail:
Ballot must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, November 4, 2025 (Election Day) and received in County Election Office by Friday,
November 7, 2025.
EARLY VOTING: Voters are able to vote in advance in the Commission Room at Bourbon County Courthouse began October 20 and will end Monday, November 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM. (Noon).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Per KSA 25-2908 All Voters must provide Valid Photo Identification (Drivers’ License, Military ID, Kansas
College ID, Kansas ID or other qualifying ID card) to Vote. For a list of accepted identification and additional information go to
www.gotvoterid.com or call 1.800.262.vote (8683).
PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION: K.S.A 25-4411(b) & 25-4610(b) A Public Demonstration of the Clear Ballot Election Software will
be held Friday October 31, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Bourbon County Courthouse. The final testing of the Clear Ballot Election
Software will be held Friday November 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Bourbon County Courthouse.
CANVASS: KSA 25-3101, 3104 & 3107 Monday, November 10, 2025 at 10:00AM in the Commission Room of the Bourbon County
Courthouse.
I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 5th day of June 2025.
/s/Susan Walker, Bourbon Clerk/Election Officer
Weekend closure scheduled on westbound I-70 in Topeka
Westbound I-70 will be closed through downtown Topeka this weekend while the Kansas Department of Transportation completes pavement patching on the Polk-Quincy Viaduct.
Conditions permitting, westbound I-70 will be closed between 10th Avenue and MacVicar Avenue starting at 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. The closure will be in place until work is complete, or no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2.
The 10th Avenue exit will be the last westbound exit open for motorists. Through traffic will follow signed detours and be routed south to I-470, or north to K-4 to U.S. 24 to U.S. 75. Drivers can use the local street detour: 10th Avenue to Topeka Boulevard to 6th Avenue to MacVicar Avenue to the westbound I-70 on-ramp.
The 1st Street on-ramp to westbound I-70 will remain open during the closure.
Additional I-70 closures may occur if more work is needed on the viaduct. If necessary, KDOT will work with the City of Topeka to schedule the closure and provide information when available.
Both directions of I-70 will stay reduced to one lane until construction of the viaduct’s replacement is complete. More information about the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project can be found at ksdot.gov/I-70-Polk-Quincy.
KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. For current road conditions, visit KanDrive.gov or call 511. For updates on highway projects in northeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/NortheastNews.
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This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For information about obtaining an alternative format, email the KDOT Division of Communications, or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.
Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.
Over 20 Southeast Kansas nonprofits and 26 projects will be receiving grant funding thanks to the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation’s (FSACF) 2025 granting cycle. $59,378 will be granted to organizations and projects serving Fort Scott and Bourbon County.
FSACF has provided over $500,000 in competitive grants to Fort Scott and Bourbon County nonprofits since its inception in 2007. These grants are awarded through the annual open application process. Total grants, including the competitive grants, as well as the directed grants provided through the foundation’s donor-advised, designated, and field-of-interest funds have totaled more than $3.8 million.
“It’s incredible inspiring to see the number of deserving organizations doing impactful work across our community,” said Becky Tourtillott, FSACF Board Chairperson. “Awarding these grants is one of the most meaningful ways we support that work, and none of it would be possible without the generosity of our donors. Their continued support allows us to fund projects that create lasting, positive change in the lives of those we serve.”
The following organizations and projects were selected as recipients of the 2025 FSACF grant cycle:
Bourbon County Core Community- Getting Ahead in a Just Getting by World
City of Bronson- Dawson Field Upgrades
City of Fort Scott- Kiwanis Tree Project
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas- Prescription Assistance Liaison (PALs) Program/ Bourbon County
Cornerstones of Care- Bright Futures: Sponsor a Youth Holiday Program
E3 Ranch Foundation Inc.- The LaRoche Baseball Complex Playground Initiative
Fairview Cemetery- Restoration of Fairview Cemetery
First United Methodist Church Fort Scott- Feeding Families in His Name
Fort Scott Community College- Senior-Versity Fort Scott Community College Foundation
Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries- Preserve
Fostering Connections- Thriving Beyond Foster Care
Good Neighbor Action Team- GNAT’s Variable Mission
KVC Kansas- Christmas for Youth in Foster Care 2025
Ozark Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America- Empowering Youth Through Scouting
Parsons Senior High School Honor Flight- Fort Scott High School Flight of Honor
Path of EASE Association- The Redemption House
Southwind Extension Education Foundation Inc.- A Heartbeat Away: Expanding AED Access
Special Olympics Kansas- Bourbon County Unified Schools
The Beacon Inc.- Maintaining Food Assistance
Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Inc.- AED Trainers: Training to Save Lives
USD 243 Fort Scott- Community-Based Interactive Instruction
USD 234 Fort Scott- FSMS Sky Dome: A Portable Planetarium for Scientific Discovery
USD 234 Fort Scott- Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports
USD 243 Fort Scott- Sunshine Cart, Fort Scott High School
USD 234 Fort Scott- Sunshine Cart, Fort Scott Preschool Center
USD 234 Fort Scott- Sunshine Cart, Winfield Scott Elementary
The First Christian Church of Fort Scott Endowment Fund helped support the Bourbon County Core Community, Cornerstones of Care, and the Special Olympics Kansas projects.
The Shepherd Family Endowment Fund helped support the City of Bronson and Ozark Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America projects.
The John Valentine and Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund contributed to CHC-SEK, First United Methodist Church, Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, Good Neighbor Action Team, Path of EASE Association, Southwind Extension Education Foundation Inc., The Beacon Inc., and Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Inc. Projects.
FSACF would like to congratulate all this year’s recipients and thank them for the work they do in Bourbon County every day!
When Kathy began experiencing pain and issues with her eye, she was referred to a specialist in Arkansas. She was diagnosed with Graves’ eye disease, an autoimmune condition that attacks the tissues behind the eye, causing pain and inflammation. Kathy’s case was severe enough that she was losing her vision. When the specialist told her that she needed infusions to treat the condition and that it needed to be done in Arkansas, Kathy advocated for herself and spoke with her primary care provider, Teresa Reed, FNP-C. Ms. Reed worked with Pharmacy Director, Jodee Mashek, Pharm.D. to ensure that Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) could purchase and infuse the needed medication.
Kathy is the 1st patient with Graves’ and thyroid eye disease to receive the Tepezza infusion treatment here at NRMC. She will receive the infusion every 3 weeks, for a total of 8 infusions. Kathy has received 2 infusions thus far and has already noticed a great improvement. She has been able to discontinue some pain medication and notes the treatments have stabilized her vision. Without the infusions, she would most likely lose her eyesight.
Kathy works in the Specialty Clinic at NRMC processing incoming physician referrals and takes great pride in getting patients in quickly and advocating for patient care. She stated “I love NRMC & have had nothing but great experiences here in my healthcare journey. I encourage other patients to ask questions of their care providers when care is needed to see what options are available in order to stay close to home.”
To learn more about the infusion services offered at NRMC, call 417-448-3693. A provider referral is required.
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About Nevada Regional Medical Center NRMC is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital providing comprehensive health care services. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties including ear, nose & throat, family practice, general surgery, gynecology, internal medicine, orthopedics, pain management, pediatrics, psychiatry and wound care services. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in cardiology, dermatology, neurology, podiatry, pulmonology and urology.
NRMC is centrally located between Kansas City and Joplin along the I-49 corridor.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
There will be a planning commission meeting held on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM at 210 S National Avenue. These meetings are open to the public.
Gladene Rose Reavis, age 92, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott. She was born July 29, 1933. Gladene grew up in Cato, Kansas. She married Henry A. Reavis on May 14, 1956, at Miami, Oklahoma. Gladene was a devoted wife and a loving mother to her three children. She was employed for a time with the Western Insurance Company and later in the library at Ft. Scott Community College.
Gladene is survived by a daughter, Cindy Feagins (C.J.) of Ft. Scott and a son, Bob Reavis (Bonnie) of Cato, Kansas. Also surviving are a son-in-law, Dave Peterson of Olathe, Kansas, six grandchildren, Adam Feagins (Tessa), Andrea McNutt (Travis), Brian Woodworth, Tracy Watson (Owen), Sam Peterson and Sophie Enslinger (Garrett) and five great-grandchildren, Grant and Addison Feagins, Logan McNutt and Charlotte and Matilyn Woodworth; two brothers, Merhle and Dorvin Reynolds both of Cato and a sister, Pat Mix (Richard) of Devon, Kansas. Gladene was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, on November 25, 2004. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Pam Peterson and a brother, Charles Reynolds, Jr.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 31st at the Evergreen Cemetery. Family and friends may meet on Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 10:45 A.M. Memorials are suggested to the Guest Home Estates Activity Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
A Message After Last Night’s Bourbon County Commission Meeting
After sitting through last night’s Bourbon County Commission meeting, I feel I need to speak up.
As elected officials, your first and most important duty is to serve the public. Your second is to work respectfully and cooperatively with your fellow elected officials. And your third is to be transparent and honest with the people you represent.
Unfortunately, our current commission is failing in all three areas. The lack of respect, cooperation, and professionalism has become obvious. I hear the word “team” used often, but there is no real team — only three commissioners, their county counselor, and an outside HR consultant.
The way some of these officials treat others, especially their peers, is disrespectful. It’s not how local government should function.
I want to make something clear: I didn’t personally know our Clerk, Treasurer, Register of Deeds, or Sheriff until I joined the Budget Advisory Board. But it didn’t take long to notice that personal issues between the commissioners and these other elected officials are preventing real progress in our county.
I’ve talked with a lot of people about this. The majority are unhappy with the lack of respect, lack of transparency, and the misuse of authority. Many have even told me they preferred the previous commission — the same one these current members fought so hard to replace.
If we want Bourbon County to move forward, we must work together. We must be transparent. We must stop silencing others and start listening to the people who know how county government operates.
The treatment of the Treasurer, Clerk, and Deputy Clerk at last night’s meeting was unacceptable. I want to personally apologize to those individuals for the way they were spoken to.
Our Clerk has a wealth of knowledge and experience in city, county, and school government. The Budget Advisory Board said more than once that this commission could succeed — if they would simply work with her instead of against her.
Our commissioners also need to start working with our Sheriff and EMS departments, not against them. These are two of the most vital departments in our county. They’ve repeatedly come before the commission asking for tools and resources to do their jobs, only to be pushed further down the agenda each week.
We can’t keep dragging these meetings out while our first responders go without. It’s time to make clear, informed decisions based on facts and expertise, not personal feelings or politics.
At the next meeting, I’d also like to hear directly from the Deputy Clerk, the Clerk, and the Treasurer in response to Mr. Emerson’s comments last night — comments they were not allowed to address.
I would like to know what other counties Mr. Emerson has helped go through this process, from his remarks (and what I’ve researched myself), he doesn’t seem to understand how our county’s systems actually function. The people who do this work every day deserve a chance to speak publicly about how these proposed changes affect them.
From what I’ve learned through the payroll office, this new process isn’t saving us money, time, or effort — it’s adding work to an already overburdened and understaffed office. And the fact that the commission tried to push this change during an election says a lot about their lack of understanding of how government truly works.
I’m also concerned with the number of executive sessions this commission holds is alarming. Almost every meeting includes multiple closed-door discussions, usually listed as “non-elected personnel.” But the only non-elected personnel under their direct authority are the Public Works Director, EMS Director, and County Appraiser.
So are we to believe all these sessions are only about those three individuals? It doesn’t add up. These closed meetings are happening far more often than anything we ever saw from the last commission, despite all the criticism those former members received.
At the end of the day, if we want this county to succeed, we need leadership that’s willing to put in the time, do the work, and respect the process. Being a county commissioner is not part-time job. It takes commitment, study, preparation and cooperation.
If the people of District 5 choose to write me in and elect me, I promise a complete turnaround — in transparency, respect, and professionalism.
All of our elected officials are Republicans, and we should be working together — not tearing each other down. This infighting is why our party struggles nationwide.
This is our home. And I refuse to sit back and watch it fail because of ego, disrespect, and personal politics.
-Joe Smith
Write-In Candidate for District 5 Bourbon County Commissioner
