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Monthly Archives: November 2025
Chamber Coffee Hosted by VFW on November 6
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Obituary of Terry Koester
Terry Koester, age 73, passed away at his home in Fort Scott on Sunday, November 2, 2025. He was born on October 24,1952 in Iola, Kansas to Archie and Arlene Koester. Terry graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1971 and received his Masters of Microbiology from Pittsburg State University. He married Marla Stanbrough on May 24, 1975 and they recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary. He was a member of Rinehart Christian Church.
His love of the outdoors led him to establish Redbud Farms and Nurseries, and is reflected in his landscape paintings displayed at the nursery.
Terry cherished his time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Marla, Fort Scott; two daughters: Tara (Jeff) Allen of Fort Scott and Kristen (Drew) Williams of Springfield, Missouri; five grandchildren: Alaina (Colten) Slinker, Parker Allen, Paxton Allen, Silas Williams and Jude Williams; and three sisters: Mendy (Mike) Engstrom, Laura George, and Julie Koester. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Kevin Moyers will conduct services at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 7, at Rinehart Christian Church, near Richards, Missouri. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Scott. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 on Thursday evening at Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Rinehart Christian Church Missions and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S Main St, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
County Commissioners Discuss Noise Ordinance in Work Session
The Bourbon County Commission discussed the proposed noise ordinance in a work session on Nov. 3. They held a work session rather than a regular meeting because the clerk’s office was unavailable to record the meeting due to elections.
Commissioner Samuel Tran gave an update on the bitcoin mining noise issue that the commission has been discussing for several weeks. He was at a meeting with the owners of the generator and legal counsel on the property where the generator is housed. Some citizens were nearby, but not allowed on the property.
He said the decibel reading was 58 dB at the gate, which is lower than earlier reported readings. “It was noticeably quieter,” Tran said, than on his previous visits. He asked if the generator was operating at a full load. He was told it was.
Commissioner David Beerbower said that the sheriff’s department reported to him that during subsequent checks after the meeting, the volume “went back up.”
Tran said he spoke to the county’s legal counsel about the noise resolution at some length. He has no issues with creating a resolution, but questions whether or not it’s enforceable. It should be enforced by a planning committee. He expressed concern that the commission is at risk of passing a watered-down resolution that may come across as way too broad and capricious in its fines or penalties.
Beerbower said he was continuing to work on the resolution, but sees the planning commission getting involved to repeal or amend it as needed. He said a noise resolution is needed now, and the planning commission has a lot on its plate at this time.
Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Tonight, 5PM
Bourbon County Commissioners will have a work session tonight, 11/4/25, at 5:00 PM. Immediately following, there will be a special meeting to discuss benefits.
Candlelight Tour At The Fort Is Carrying On, Although Reduced, On December 5-6
The U.S. federal government shut down on Oct. 1,, 2025 after lawmakers failed to resolve a budget deadlock, halted some federal operations, according to https://www.ncsl.org/in-dc/federal-government-shutdown-what-it-means-for-states-and-programs Triggered by partisan clashes over funding beyond Sept. 30, the shutdown has created uncertainty for many federal programs.
The local Fort Scott National Historic Site is a government facility.
The annual Candlelight Tour at the Fort has a Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site group that is providing press releases and ticket sales for the event during the shutdown.
They are doing their best to make it happen, although reduced in scope, according to Matthew Wells, president of the Friends organization.
They will put out the candles on the walkways of the fort and there may be a few vignettes of life on the prairie in the fort.
“My wife and family may have a vignette,” said Friends of the Fort President Matthew Wells. “We love doing it and love the fort.”
“Our main goal is to get the candles out for the people to enjoy the beautiful fort,” he said.
“We don’t believe we have time to learn the scripts and music, etc.,” with the buildings being closed for the shutdown, he said. “The government isn’t open to do any of it.”
The Fort’s employees are government employees,
But as in years past, on November 1, 2025, tickets for Fort Scott National Historic Site’s 44th Annual Candlelight Tour went on sale.
The group is doing the preliminary work to have the event and will be providing music and refreshments, as in the past.
However, how you purchase your ticket is changing for the event this year.
The following information is from the Friends of the Fort organization, via a press release:
Tickets are available by three sources;
1) log onto fofs.ludus.com to make your payment,
2) contact the Chamber of Commerce in Fort Scott, 231 E. Wall.
3) If the shutdown ends, tickets can be picked up at the fort’s visitor center on Old Fort Boulevard, just north of Fort Scott’s downtown area.
Tickets are $5 per person and are non-refundable; children, 5 and under, are free.
It is recommended that you get your tickets early to ensure your choice of tour times, as this event frequently sells out.
The 44th Annual Candlelight Tour is Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6, 2025.
Tours on December 5 will begin at 6:30 pm and leave every 15 minutes until 9 pm.
On Saturday, December 6, the tours will start at 5 pm with the final tour leaving at 9 pm. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, present/pick up your ticket, and get oriented.
Participants are advised to please dress for the weather and conditions, as the tour will be outside and on sidewalks.
1,000 candle lanterns illuminate the site, and re-enactors (including you) bring the fort to life. During the tour, you will be immersed in ways people have overcome and learned from challenges and new experiences in Fort Scott.
Depending on the end of the Government shutdown, it may look different this year than years past, but we encourage you to come enjoy the beauty of the Historic site in candlelight, according to the press release.
National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable. For more information, please visit: doi.gov/shutdown
KS Tax Collections Up 7.5% Above Estimate
October Total Tax Collections at $695.6 Million; 7.2% Above Estimate
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends October 2025 with total tax collections at $695.6 million. That is $47.0 million, or 7.2%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 4.1% from October 2024.
“While this month’s tax collections indicate some good news, corporate income tax collections have significantly missed the mark, which is concerning,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration will continue to monitor revenues and prioritize fiscal responsibility as I craft my Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal.”
Individual income tax collections were $367.4 million. That is $67.4 million, or 22.5% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 17.9% from October 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $15.9 million. That is $24.1 million, or 60.2% below the estimate, and down 58.2% from October 2024.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $289.5 million, which is $3.5 million, or 1.2% above the estimate, and down 1.7% from October 2024.
Click here to view the October 2025 revenue numbers.
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Nov. 4
November SNAP Payments Statement
Kansas Department for Children and Families Issues Statement on USDA’s Court Filing Announcing the Decision to Make Reduced November SNAP Payments
TOPEKA – In a federal court filing on Monday, Nov. 3, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it plans to send out partial SNAP benefits in November using the SNAP contingency fund. The filing said the USDA will first send each state official notice showing how much each existing SNAP household should receive. Right now, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has not received this information. Once it does, DCF will determine next steps to issue the partial payments and communicate when Kansas SNAP recipients can expect to receive them.
More information will be shared as it becomes available. To keep Kansans updated, DCF has created a webpage on its website, dcf.ks.gov, with information about the government shutdown and impacts to DCF programs. The page includes a list of questions and answers and will be updated as new information becomes available.
Help for Kansans
For Kansans in need of additional support, Kansas Food Source, kansasfoodsource.org, and Harvesters.org provide locations of food banks and food pantries across the state. Other non-state entities helping connect Kansans to resources in their community include: the United Way’s 211 hotline or website, 211.org; 1-800-CHILDREN, 1800childrenks
The loss of federal funding places additional stress on Kansas food banks, pantries, and meals programs, which are already strained to meet the needs of those who utilize them. Kansans wishing to help their local food resources can find those locations on the Kansas Food Source website, kansasfoodsour
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Road Closed on 690th Avenue Northeast Of Walnut Beginning Mid-November
Road in Crawford County to be closed for bridge replacement
| Road in Crawford County to be closed for bridge replacement |
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Bo Co Agenda for Nov. 3, 2025 Meeting
Page 1: Meeting Agenda Outline (Monday, November 03, 2025, 5:30 PM)
I. Call Meeting to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Pledge of Allegiance
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- Prayer
- IV. Approval of Agenda
- V. Approval of Minutes & Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes (unofficial until approved): 09.22.25, 09.23.25, 09.26.25, 09.29.25, 10.06.25, 10.14.25, 10.20.25, 10.22.25, 10.27.25
- James Crux, County Attorney – Budget Discussion
- Consent Agenda:
- Approval of 10.31.25 Accounts Payable: $161,816.71
- Approval of 10.31.25 Payroll: $243,122.51
- VI. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
- VII. Old Business
- 2026 Benefits
- AP & Payroll approvals
- Sanitation Discussion
- Elevator Discussion
- Stop Sign removal north & southbound 205th & Overbrook
- 108 W 2nd Transition
- Emerson Payroll
- Bitcoin
- SOP Culvert
- VIII. New Business
- HR Assistant
- Baker Tilly
- Schwab-Eaton Engineering Services Agreement
- IX. Department Updates
- X. Build Agenda for following meeting
- XI. Commission Comments
- XII. Adjournment
Detailed Information Packet Summary
Future Items and Executive Sessions (Page 2)
- Executive Sessions: The packet includes the official form outlining the statutory reasons for an Executive Session (KSA 75-4319), which can be used to discuss personnel matters, consult with an attorney, discuss negotiations, financial data/trade secrets, real estate acquisition, or security measures.
- Scheduled Future Agenda Items:
- 11/10/25: Noise Resolution, Longevity
- 11/17/25: Credit Card Policy
- 11/24/25: 190th Street Benefit District
- Tabled/Future Items: Economic Development, Juvenile Detention Contract (Spring 2026), Benefits Committee Letters, Elm Creek Quarry, and Phone System.
Minutes from October 27, 2025 Meeting (Pages 3-6)
- Key Topics: Discussions centered on the Noise Resolution and its enforcement challenges, the ongoing payroll transition with Emerson & Company/Payentry, exploring a vehicle leasing program for the Sheriff’s Office, a Culvert Installation SOP, and county employee insurance plan changes/cost increases. (Page 3)
- Noise Resolution: The county will convene the Planning Commission to begin developing a zoning plan, which is anticipated to provide a framework for addressing issues like the Noise Resolution. (Page 4)
- Employee Insurance/Benefits: The Commission will work with the insurance provider to develop a revised plan that maintains the current employer contribution levels. (Page 4) Longevity pay is being reconsidered and requires a clear policy. (Page 3)
- Technology/Network (Stronghold Update): The IT project is reported as 26% complete after 45 days. Major issues remain network-related. Stronghold requested formal policies for access permissions, authority to request changes, and documentation for IT oversight (e.g., for employee onboarding/promotions). (Page 4)
- Actions Taken:
- The motion to direct the County Clerk to provide information to Payentry by 11/3/25 was approved. (Page 5)
- The Commission voted to move forward with Stronghold’s hardware project. (Page 5)
- The request for the Hammond Community Center to dump roof replacement debris at the Landfill for free was approved. (Page 5)
- The Consent Agenda for the 10/24/25 Accounts Payable, September 2025 financials, and 3rd Quarter financial publication passed on a 3-1 vote. (Page 5)
Accounts Payable Summary (Pages 7-22)
The remainder of the information packet consists of the detailed Open Invoices By Department Summary for the Accounts Payable totaling $161,816.71, which is set for approval on the agenda.
- General Fund (Fund 001): Totals $42,283.00, with over $12,000 in invoices primarily related to payroll clearing for IRS, KPERS, and State Withholding. (Page 7)
- Employee Benefit Fund (Fund 064): Totals $36,855.11, with numerous payroll-related clearing accounts and a monthly fee for Health Equity. (Page 8-11)
- County Sheriff/Correctional Fund (Fund 120): Totals $64,021.02. (Page 22)
- Road and Bridge Fund (Fund 220): Invoices include a total of $5,163.80 for 12″, 15″, and 18″ Culvert Tubes from Bo’s 1 Stop Inc. (Page 18)
- Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund (Fund 222): Totals $1,494.54, with expenditures including nuts/bolts/nails and a diesel washdown pump. (Page 21)
Obituary of Donald Eugene Tully
Donald Eugene Tully, affectionately known as Don to his friends and family, passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Born on August 22, 1951, Don’s life was marked by his kindheartedness, friendly demeanor, and generous spirit. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Don was raised by his mother and maternal grandfather, R.C. Smith. Don was a proud graduate of Ft. Scott High School, class of 1969.
Don’s professional life was rooted in the food industry, beginning with a position at Pizza Hut in Ft. Scott while still in high school. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate several establishments, including Spanky’s Bar & Grill and the Silver Spur both in Ft. Scott. Don’s journey took him to Dallas, Texas, where he contributed over two decades of service at Judge Roy Beans Restaurant. While in Dallas, Don took up tennis and even restrung rackets as a side job. Eventually, he returned to Ft. Scott to own and operate the Bombay Bicycle Club and later shared his culinary talents at the Nu Grille.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Don was always ready to lend a helping hand, often putting others before himself. He enjoyed playing the guitar and sharing his passion for music by giving guitar lessons to his granddaughter during her visits to Ft. Scott.
Don’s legacy is carried on by his daughter, Valarie Ward of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; his granddaughters, Samantha Garnecky, Kimberley Parkinson (Jacob), and Izzabella Ward; and his great-grandchildren, Freya, Daemon, Weston, and Keagan. Also surviving is his sister, Jane Clements (Terry) of Galena, Kansas. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Tom Tully and Maxine Tully McMichaels.
Don’s life was a testament to the power of kindness, friendship, and generosity. His warm smile and willingness to help others have left a mark on the community of Ft. Scott and beyond. His departure from this world is not the end of his story, as those who loved him will continue to honor his memory through acts of kindness and the sharing of fond memories.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.