Monthly Archives: November 2025
Opinion: Two approaches to dealing with loud generators
Mark explains two approaches to dealing with loud generators. This video shows the protections we have in place today and contrasts them with the proposals for the future.
County Commission Discusses Sheriff’s Cars Again
November 10, 2025 Bourbon County Commission Meeting Continued
Sheriff Lease for Vehicles
Sheriff Bill Martin brought new numbers and handed them out to the county commission.
The documentation he provided is for an 11 vehicle lease because they need to replace that many in the current fleet.
Annual lease cost is $137,449 per year. The first year will include police equipment for a total cost of $399,303. This would be paid for out of the jail sales tax, as it’s part of the operations of the sheriff’s office and jail.
Martin said he would get the contract updated.
Milburn wanted to get the numbers together and make sure that the funds would be in the jail sales tax.
County Clerk Susan Walker said she could run the numbers if the sheriff’s department would give her five-year number projections for the vehicle lease.
Martin said they would get the numbers for her. He also expressed frustration at how long it’s taking the commission to come to a decision.
After he left the meeting, Tran expressed concern at the entry cost of nearly $400,000, and said he wasn’t sure Martin needed 11 new vehicles.
Beerbower cautioned Tran about trying to manage Martin’s fleet.
“This is one of those things that got kicked down the road,” said Beerbower. “This is one of those things that he’s been asked to compromise on for several years.”
County Commission Hears Evotech and Land Owners
County Commissioners approved accounts payable and payroll at the opening of their meeting.
Commissioner Mika Milburn Key suggested reviewing the payroll policy regarding how payment is made for employees who go from hourly to salaried.
Commissioner Samuel Tran asked for a deep dive on a particular employee’s status change from full-time to part-time.
The commission tabled approval of the 10-31-2025 payroll.
Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
Carol Lydic spoke to the commission about the elections. She serves as the supervising judge at the Grace Baptist Church election site.
“We have a county clerk that went above and beyond last week to catch up,” she said of Susan Walker. Lydic wanted Walker to be recognized for all the hard work she did.
Rachel Walker also spoke to the commission about the elections. She worked with the clerk during advanced voting. She read through a detailed list of the duties of the clerk’s office and challenged the commissioners to go look at the clerk’s election calendar and see how much she is required to accomplish during an election cycle.
Old Business
Bitcoin and Evotech
Ty Patton with Trip, Wolf, and Garrison out of Wichita, KS, has been working with Evotech to help navigate questions and concerns about their operation.
Adam Couch, one of the owners of Evolution Technology (EvoTech), also attended the meeting.
Commissioner David Beerbower asked them to explain their operation.
Patton explained that Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency which is tracked by “miners.” Their job is to safeguard and compile the data of who owns what bitcoins into data blocks, which are put into a chain of blocks. This system is viewable by the public. Miners are incentivized to solve complicated math puzzles at a high rate. This enables them to build the data block to track and help maintain the ledger of all the bitcoins in the world. Those miners who are the fastest are essentially paid for their work in bitcoin. Mining is actually maintaining the ledger of bitcoin transactions and owners.
Evotech’s operation involves computers solving those math puzzles all the time to try to win the race to get the bitcoin.
The Bitcoin mine is not is a data center. It is a small operation in two shipping containers. The only electricity hookup they have is residential service. The fans and computers are powered by the natural gas generator on site, so as not to impact the electrical grid. No water is used at all. There is no industrial component to this. They use Starlink or Verizon hotspots for their internet.
“Mining is a misnomer for what this is in terms of this actual facility,” he said.
The old transfer station was chosen for this purpose. The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has inspected and signed off on it. There are no peak hours, as the generator runs all the time. The fans only have to run to cool it, so cooler weather results in a quieter operation.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department has helped get decibel readings at a variety of times throughout the day and night. The site is currently running between 55 and 77 dBs at the entryway to the site.
Patton said Evotech wants to be a good neighbor. They have added noise mitigation fences to bring the noise back down. He compared the site to other common noise levels, from conversation to highway noise. He also said that as a transfer station in the past, the noise would have been as high as 80-90dB.
He said there is more they can do, but it would be a significant outlay of between $75,000-$100,000 to build that infrastructure.
He wants to address the concerns of the county and make sure that any steps they take will actually help with the problem. The goal of attending the meeting was to talk it through and get on the same page, and then move forward in a way.
Milburn asked what the purpose of bitcoin is. Patton talked about it as a commodity, “like buying gold.”
She asked if they thought it was reasonable to do noise mitigation. Patton said that he did, in the spirit of being a good neighbor.
She asked if Bitcoin mining is agricultural, commercial, or industrial. In other areas, it’s been zoned agricultural, per Couch’s information, with a conditional use permit. Milburn asked for a list of the counties so she could follow up on the information.
Tran asked how many kilowatts they are producing with their generator. Patton said that at max capacity it generates 1 megawatt. Couch said currently, there’s not a plan to expand the operation. He also said the mine runs at just under capacity right now.
When Tran asked if they were looking at doing the same operation on another site in Bourbon County, they said they we not.
Couch said they build in counties that are zoned and unzoned. They don’t target unzoned counties for building.
Tran asked what decibel level they believe is tenable. “What’s a good level?”
Patton said they want to reduce the ranges further, but it’s a sound engineering puzzle. Couch said they haven’t set a goal yet, but need to work on the adjustment to bring it down.
Beerbower asked for further explanation of the range of sound. Patton said it is affected by the atmosphere and temperature, which affects how hard the fans are working.
Tran had collected questions from the gallery before the meeting began to streamline the question and answer process.
Charlotte O’Hara had a comment. She was raised about 3 miles from the site. She was surprised by the industrial use and went to visit. She is concerned about this occurring more in Bourbon County, as there are a lot of abandoned gas wells in the area.
According to O’Hara, the EPA has criteria to protect public health and welfare set at 55dB during the day and 45dB in the evening. She also mentioned the amplification of the sound caused by the sound bouncing off their buildings.
Patton responded that the transfer mechanism is what they are using, not an abandoned well. “Nothing here is getting around the KCC,” he said.
He addressed the noise measurement, saying that the data the Sheriff’s department has collected shows the loudest noise is at the property entrance.
Tran read two questions, each asking how and when Evotech plans to quiet it down.
“I don’t have a specific answer for your question….we’re not going to drag it out,” said Couch. He also said the sound fencing and exhaust modifications they’ve already done are the beginning of their plans.
“It’s also a bit of a moving target,” said Patton. “This is already quieter than its original use as a transfer station,” at 80-90dB. It’s already quieter than a lawnmower or vacuum, he said.
Patton said it is a relatively new situation for them. They want to find the best solution and the final solution that is attainable, cost-effective, and fair.
“We’ve made some improvement and we’re going to go further,” he said.
Patton said they would keep the commission informed of their plans and progress.
Derek Ranes told the saga of the building of the bitcoin mine across the road from his house. He asked the representatives from EvoTech if they would like the noise and vibration by their house.
Ranes asked the commission if they would “step up and do something if they don’t,” referring to Evotech.
Tran replied that he will do all in his power as a commissioner to protect the citizens of his county. But it all has to be within the law. He wants a product that helps everybody.
Patton said they are operating the gas wells per the industry standard, approved by the KCC.
Couch said that public comments can have a negative effect on their business, and they will take steps to protect their business.
John Spate asked for a time frame and cost estimate on what it will take to solve this problem.
David Ranes also spoke. He focused on the fact that the noise doesn’t ever stop, unlike the noise of a lawnmower or vacuum cleaner. He also said their noise mitigation fences don’t work.
“That’s all we ask. Quiet it down,” he said.
The commission thanked them for coming in.
Community Endeavors To Honor Veterans With Flags and Ceremonies
Early this morning community volunteers placed American flags on National Avenue from the Fort Scott Police Station, 1604 S. National Avenue, to the U.S. National Cemetery, on east National Avenue.
The Fort Scott Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, the Fort Scott Fire Department, Fort Scott Community College Softball Team members and other volunteers, placed American flags on National Avenue that leads into the national cemetery.
“We do it every year, ” said Fort Scott Fire Department Assistant Chief Mike Miles. “On holidays such as Flag Day, Veterans Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day. We start at 7 to 8 a.m. then pick them up before dusk.”
“The vets take all the help they can, there are a couple of hundred flags to place,” he said. “Whoever will get involved.”
An estimated crowd of 30 helped this morning.
At noon today, there was a Veterans Day Program at Memorial Hall at 11 a.m. followed by a ham and bean lunch at the VFW on South National Avenue. In both the USD234 School District and USD235 School District there were Veteran honoring assemblies at different schools.
History of Veterans Day, taken fromhttps://department.va.gov/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day/
“World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
Minutes of the USD234 Board of Education Meeting New Release on November 10
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, November 10, 2025
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at Fort Scott Middle School
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
10-13-25
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – October 20, 2025 – $1,826,376.48
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Resolution 25-13 Add Bank Signers
FCA Fundraising Application
Orchestra Fundraising Application
Choir Fundraising Application
DJ Brown, Middle School Principal, and a couple from his team were able to present to the Board. Travis Wilcoxen, SPED teacher, gave a report about Special Olympics. Track & Field, Basketball, Bowling, and Corn hole are a few of the events that the students have been participating in. Tracy Homan, Language Arts Teacher, is working with Student council and Leadership Class students. They are focusing on creating a positive school culture where students enjoy coming to school. They also will be attending Leadership and Team Building at Greenbush throughout the year. Matt Harris, Assistant Principal, explained about the advisory period schedule. This is designed to specifically help students in ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Science. The teachers can work directly with students on skills that will help keep them on grade level. They have seen great growth with this program. Mr. Brown informed on the Veteran’s Day program the Middle School will be having on Wednesday. He also explained that a major goal for the school is building relationships between staff and students. The staff is working great together to make sure each student is involved and has someone they can turn to.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided information on the completed financial audit and the upcoming KSDE audit. Mr. Mayfield is working on several grants that will help offset some costs with the Preschool and the CTE program.
Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on the Veterans’ Day Assemblies that will be held throughout the district on Tuesday and Wednesday. He also updated on iReady testing and other training that has been taking place.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes praised the SPED team and informed the Board of future planning for transitioning students between buildings.
There were none present for public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
November 10, 2025
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Hazen, Clint – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Jackman, Sara – Supplemental Resignation – History Club – High School
Mitchell, Jacqui – Supplemental Resignation – PBIS – Winfield Scott
Pearson, Vanessa – Resignation – Paraprofessional – KRI
LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
Nation, Laura – LOA – Winfield Scott
TRANSFER:
Brown, Jodi – Speech Pathologist – .5 to .75
Whitt, Derrick – ISS Supervisor – High School to Alternative School Director
EMPLOYMENT:
Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:
Brown, Khya – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Isaac, Britney – Paraprofessional – High School
Khang, Julianne – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Lail, Brandon – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:
Allen, Brian – History Club – High School
Bowels, Kendall – PBIS – Winfield Scott
Coyan, Paula – Assistant Softball – High School
Hartman, Heather – Assistant Softball – High School
Nelson, Andrew – PBIS – Eugene Ware
Nickelson, Aaron – Assistant Softball – High School
Norris, Danielle – PBIS – Eugene Ware
Whitt, Derrick – Assistant Girl’s Basketball – High School
FROM THE BLEACHERS BY DR. JACK WELCH
FROM THE BLEACHERS
BY DR. JACK WELCH
Leadership and Design
Whether on the field or in the classroom, success is never accidental. It’s the result of inspired leadership, intentional design, and a shared belief that great things are possible. That’s when the magic happens, programs are reborn, people begin to believe again, and winning becomes more than a goal; it becomes a culture. It is designed.
Over the years of writing From the Bleachers, I’ve had the privilege of serving in many administrative and leadership roles. Each has taught me to be thoughtful about what I write. My columns are never meant to carry hidden messages, but now and then, colleagues or employees have wondered if I was referring to them. The truth is, any article about leadership touches us all in some way, and that’s really the point. Leadership affects everyone.
In my current role as a college president, I have the opportunity to work alongside talented and dedicated people. I’m fortunate to receive great ideas from them, and this week one stood out: leadership and design truly go hand in hand.
Why do programs fall, and how do they rise again? The answer often comes down to two things, leadership and design. Successful programs are built that way. Leadership provides the tools, people, and vision that form the foundation of success. When the right leader combines those tools with energy and expertise, even the most struggling program can come back to life.
One example comes from a Central Texas school district that had only a couple of winning seasons in thirty years. Then, a redesigned administrative approach and new leadership produced twenty winning seasons, eight district titles, and two state final appearances. Later, after a shift in administrative and board philosophy, the program cycled through four head coaches in six years and posted a record of 18–43, five straight losing seasons.
This school year, the district welcomed a new superintendent and several newly elected board members, marking the beginning of a redesigned philosophy and a fresh direction. One of the superintendent’s first moves was hiring former assistant Rodney Southern, a decision grounded in trust, alignment, and leadership. With one regular-season game remaining, the team stands at 7–2 and has earned a spot in the state playoffs. The stadium is full again, and the community’s excitement is unmistakable.
In addition, during the 2024–25 school year, the district faced a failed bond election. Under this new administration, transparent communication and a clear design for the district were shared with the community. The result: the bond has now passed.
This is what happens when leadership and design come together, confidence is restored, momentum builds, and communities move forward.
Thought for the Week, “Great leaders don’t just manage, they design. They build systems, empower the right people, and provide the tools for success.” Lindsay Hill, Fort Scott Community College Foundation Director
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.
Bo. Co. Republicans Meet November 13
The Bourbon County Republican meeting will be Thursday, 11/13/25,at 6pm, at Fort Scott Community College- Bailey Hall.
Submitted by Kaety Bowers
K-146 to be closed Nov. 18 east of Walnut
K-146 to be closed Nov. 18 east of Walnut
WALNUT – K-146 east of Walnut will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 18, so a Kansas Department of Transportation crew can replace a drainage pipe under the highway.
The highway is expected to be closed just for the day, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., conditions permitting. The 24-inch pipe is located 4 miles west of the K-3 and K-146 junction in Crawford County. KDOT will close K-146 from the east city limits of Walnut to K-3.
KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/southeastnews.
Ad: What FSCC Offers
Looking for a college that gives you options? At Fort Scott Community College, students can choose from associate degrees in Arts, Science, Applied Science, and General Studies, along with a variety of certificates that lead straight to rewarding careers. Whether you’re interested in healthcare fields like Certified Medication Aide, Nurse Aide, EMT, Home Health Aide, Manicuring, or Phlebotomy, or want to take on a technical challenge with certificates in Ag Technology (John Deere), Construction, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Environmental Water Tech, Farm & Ranch Management, Harley-Davidson Technology, Heavy Equipment Operation, HVAC, Masonry, or Welding we’ve got you covered!
But college isn’t just about the classroom. FSCC offers plenty of ways to get involved through music and performance opportunities (band, choir, theater), student clubs and organizations (like Collegiate Farm Bureau, Phi Theta Kappa, SkillsUSA, STEAM Club, FSCC Media Team, and more), and even competitive judging teams in livestock and meat.
If athletics is more your thing, FSCC is home to intercollegiate sports for both men and women. Compete in basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, rodeo, track & field, or cross country, all while building friendships and representing the Greyhounds.
And the best part? We’re still growing. New programs, degrees, certifications, and athletic opportunities are on the horizon! There’s never been a better time to join FSCC!
Fort Scott Community College; where opportunity meets possibility.
Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda: Nov. 10, 2025
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary Agenda 11.10.25
Meeting Details
Date: Monday, November 10, 2025 Time: 5:30 PM Location: Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
I. Agenda Outline (Page 1)
I. Call Meeting to Order
- Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes (unofficial until approved)
- Meetings to be 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
IV. Consent Agenda
- Approval of 10.31.25 Accounts Payable ($161,816.71)
- Approval of 10.31.25 Payroll ($243,122.51)
- Approval of 11.07.25 Accounts Payable ($88,471.66)
V. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VI. Old Business
- Sheriff Lease for Vehicles
- 2026 Benefits
- AP & Payroll approvals
- Sanitation Discussion
- Elevator Discussion
- Stop Sign removal north & southbound 205th & Overbrook
- 108 W 2nd Transition
- Emerson Payroll
- Noise Resolution
- Bitcoin
- Longevity
VII. New Business
- Letter of Support Tri-Valley
- Road Closure Application Patricia Daniels
- HR Assistant
- Evotech
- Baker Tilly
- Schwab-Eaton Engineering Services Agreement – Dustin Hall/Kenny Allen
VIII. Department Updates
IX. Build Agenda for following meeting
X. Commission Comments
XI. Adjournment
II. Detailed Information Packet Summary
Executive Sessions and Future Agenda Items (Page 2)
- Executive Sessions: Motions may be made to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel, consultation with an attorney, employer/employee negotiations, financial affairs or trade secrets, preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate, or matters relating to security measures.
- Future Agenda Items:
- Upcoming Dates: Credit Card Policy (11/17/25), 190th Street Benefit District (11/24/25, 12/01/25, 12/08/25).
- General Future: Economic Development, Juvenile Detention Contract (Spring 2026), Benefits Committee Letters, Elm Creek Quarry, Phone System.
Accounts Payable and Payroll Details (Pages 3-22)
The detailed Open Invoices By Department Summary provides the specifics behind the 10.31.25 Accounts Payable and Payroll items listed on the Consent Agenda.
Obituary of Jane Ray Clements
Jane Ray Clements, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on November 6, 2025, at the age of 78 in Joplin, MO, due to complications from dementia. Born on October 1, 1947, in Kansas City, MO, Jane’s life was marked by her infectious humor, boundless generosity, and the thoughtful care she extended to everyone around her.
Jane grew up in Ft. Scott, KS, and later moved to Pittsburg, KS. She worked at Consumer’s until its closure. She continued to serve her community through retail work and home health care until her well-deserved retirement.
Family was the cornerstone of Jane’s world. She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Maxine McMichael, her grandfather who helped raise her, R.C. Smith, and her brother, Donny Tully. Her legacy lives on through her devoted husband, Terry Clements, and her four children, Ricky Clements, Rachel Hubbard, Michelle Dietz (Jerrod), and Chris Clements (fiancé Shannon). Jane’s joy was multiplied by her four grandchildren, Jessie and Casey Dietz, Addison, and Grant Clements, who will forever cherish the memories created with their beloved grandmother.
Jane’s favorite moments were those spent surrounded by her family, whether it was a quiet evening at home or a lively family gathering. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she never missed an opportunity to attend their school events, celebrate their achievements, or simply enjoy their company.
An animal lover at heart, Jane’s pets, Tootsie and Suzy, were her constant companions. They brought her immense comfort and happiness, especially in her later years. Jane’s love for animals was just one of the many ways she showed her gentle and caring nature.
Those who knew Jane will remember her for her quick wit and the laughter she brought to every occasion. Her generosity knew no bounds, as she was always the first to offer help or a kind word to those in need. Jane’s thoughtfulness was evident in the way she remembered birthdays, anniversaries, and important milestones, always making her loved ones feel special and valued.
As we bid farewell to Jane Ray Clements, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a heart that deeply touched all who knew her. Her spirit, characterized by humor, generosity, and thoughtfulness, will continue to inspire and guide us. Jane’s memory will be held in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to experience her love and kindness.
There will be a memorial visitation from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Wednesday, November 12th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the S.E.K. Humane Society 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 online at cheneywitt.com.