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Monthly Archives: December 2025
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Dec. 31
2026 ArtEffect Competition Info Session is Jan. 14
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Gordon Parks Museum celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
Fort Scott, Kan. – The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration events will be held in Fort Scott. All of the events will
take place at Ellis Fine Arts Center and are open and free for the entire community to attend.
The events will start on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center with
a free (Lunch and Learn) event that will be held at 12:00p.m., featuring Fort Scott Community College Students
and Pittsburg State University Students for a Tribute Reading of the “Letter From the Birmingham Jail” a
written letter by Dr. King. Tomato soup, dessert, birthday cake and drinks will also be provided by Great
Western Dining Services.
The celebration will wrap up on Monday, January 19th, with a film showing of the PBS home video
documentary In Remembrance of Martin., (Lunch and Learn) event and Canned and Non-perishable Food
Drive. Food items will be collected at the museum from 9:00am – till 2:00p.m. The film In Remembrance of
Martin will be shown at 10:30a.m. The (Lunch and Learn) Speaker Presentation Event “The Dockum Drugstore
Sit-In” by Dr. Prisca Barnes is will be held at 12:00p.m. – till 1:00p.m. Gumbo soup, drinks and desserts will be
provided by Great Western Dining Services.
“The Dockum Drugstore Sit-In” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau and “21st Century Civics,” a
collection of resources that invite Kansans to participate in community discussions and learn more about the
history of American democracy and the shared responsibilities of citizenship. “21st Century Civics” is made
possible with support from “A More Perfect Union: America at 250,” an initiative of the National Endowment for
the Humanities.
More information on the events can be found at https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events. For more
information call the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext. 5850.
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New Book Titles in the SEK Library System
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The Davis’s Develop Historic Downtown Building Into Two Businesses

Another Historic Downtown Fort Scott building has been renovated, adding to the revitalization that has been moving forward in the area.
Don and Sandra Davis purchased the building at 20 North Main Street in 2021 and began renovation.
“Located in the heart of Fort Scott’s downtown district, the building is within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and community attractions. The goal of the renovation was to preserve the building’s history while creating functional space that contributes to ongoing downtown revitalization,” said Julia Shore, office manager of Davis Accounting, another business the Davis’s own and she also is the Airbnb host.

“The building was long known in downtown Fort Scott as the home of J & W Sport Shop, a family-owned sporting goods retailer that first opened at this location in 1978, after beginning business elsewhere in the community,” said Shore. “The shop served generations of local customers before relocating, making the historic storefront a familiar presence in the heart of Main Street’s commercial district.”
There are two businesses in the newly renovated building.
“The fully renovated ground-floor storefront is available for leasing in 2026,” she said. “The first floor is reserved for commercial use, providing space for a retail or business operation.”
“The upper level has also undergone a complete transformation and now features a three-bedroom, two-bath apartment designed for short-term rental use through Airbnb,” she said. “The upstairs Airbnb is fully operational and is now accepting reservations.”
The upstairs is available for booking through Airbnb.
To lease the first-floor property, call 620-223-9777.
Learn More about Radon Action Month

Learn More about Radon Action Month
Did you know that one in four homes in Kansas has elevated radon levels? January is Radon Action Month, making it the perfect time to learn more about this dangerous gas. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers—and you can’t see, smell, or taste it—making it impossible to detect without testing. It naturally seeps up from the soil and can accumulate in your home without you even knowing.
Take action this winter to protect your home and loved ones. Radon test kits are available for just $9.00 at your local extension office in Iola, Erie, Fort Scott, or Yates Center.
Learn more by joining a free Radon 101 Webinar (30 minutes):
Jan 6 – Noon
Jan 13 – 2 PM
Feb 3 – 6 PM
Register here: https://shorturl.at/B1jCa
For more information, call Tara at 620-244-3826.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Dec. 30
Commission Catch-up by Commissioner Mika Milburn, 12/15/25

Mika‘s Commission Catch-up 12/15/25
Consent agenda approved including AP Longevity Payroll Tax Corrections Resolution 42-25 Sale of Real Estate and 43-25 Driver license
JD Handley spoke to the commission asking for Soldier Road to be moved to the top of the List Commissioner Milburn insisted Public Works be included in the conversation.
Commissioners spoke briefly of the request to create a benefit district on 190th street
Mike Houston spoke to the commission about internal communications with elected officials
Janet Harper expressed her concerns with changes in how vacation accrual
Bill Martin addressed the phone invoice correcting the record
Commissioners approved resolutions 44-47/25 moving funds
A discussion took place on the salary resolution passed by the Commission and was decided it will go into effect on January 1
Commissioners approved the holiday schedule totaling 14 holidays presented by the clerk
Susan (clerk) discussed benefit termination with the commission and presented why it should change. Also included in the provided information was the 30 day waiting period for new hires
Susan (clerk) discussed benefit termination with the commission and presented why it should change. Also included in the provided information was the 30 day waiting period for new hires
A discussion took place about SEK Mental Health Board Members Commissioners Tran and Beerbower expressed concerns with what they considered negative aspects of the current structure Commissioner Milburn expressed concern of changing the current structure greatly and possibly effecting services and employment in our county so proposed we leave at least 1 board member and if a vote is made to remove waiting until they can be here to represent themselves Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to terminate 2 members Mardy Dewitt and Jeff Fischer Commissioner Tran second Commissioner Beerbower and Tran approved Commissioner Milburn opposed
Commissioner Milburn presented a resolution for current areas of responsibility at the courthouse regarding office space this resolution lays out who is responsible for which areas. Commissioner Milburn made a motion to approve resolution 48-25 Commissioner Beerbower second all approved
Commissioner Tran and Beerbower discussed which realtor to hire to list 108 w 2nd street. Commissioner Milburn, beyond announcing that there was very low to no interest from realtors to list the property, recused herself to avoid any conflict of interest. The invitation to list was published in the paper and clerk sent out requests. Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to hire Stewart Realty to list 108 w 2nd street as they were the only one to return a proposal and market analysis Commissioner Tran second Commissioner Beerbower and Tran approved Commissioner Milburn abstained.
Commissioner Milburn presented a resolution written from recommendations from our HR Dr. Cohen This will enact changes to the manual pertaining to vacation accrual carryover and rehire date for benefit purposes, Commissioner Tran presented a compromise for a gap year and with that Commissioner Milburn made a motion to accept resolution 49-25 Commissioner Tran second with explanation. Commissioner Milburn and Tran approved Commissioner Beerbower voted against
Commissioners Discussed the sanitation issue at Hidden Valley Lake in Mapleton KS at the lake they have holding tanks not sewer or laterals and for over a year there have been leaking issues. The county Sent notice on April 5th and again on October 7th and with the change of the Commission this year the issue had no follow through. 2 weeks ago this was brought to this commission’s attention, the follow up assignment was given to Commissioner Milburn and commissioner Milburn has been making sure County Counselor Bob and County Attorney James are read in and have all of the information we need to move this forward.
Commissioner Milburn made a motion to move allocate 200k of Jail Sales Tax to allow David to hire a company to update and bring into compliance the elevator. Motion died for lack of second. Commissioner Tran requested Commissioner Milburn and David produce a statement of work for the commission to review.
Commissioner Beerbower proposed another noise resolution draft. Commissioner Milburn expressed concerns with enforcement, much like the issues we are having with the sewer enforcement. Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to accept Commissioner resolution 50-25 Noise Limitations Commissioner Tran second Commissioner Tran and Beerbower approved Commissioner Milburn opposed.
Planning Commission after working with Mel Has brought a recommendation /request to the commission to work with our county counselor to create a moratorium for a period of one year to allow the planning commission time to develop a comprehensive plan for unincorporated areas of Bourbon County KS The request is for the moratorium to apply to Utility level Power generation and storage systems included but not limited to Wind, Solar, BESS Nuclear Crypto Data Center Waste Disposal Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to ask county Counselor Bob To draft the document by Jan 5 for commission review Commissioner Tran second all approved
Commissioners discussed a date for budget amendment which departments and why there was a need
Obituary of Carolyn Sue Wenderott

In loving memory, Carolyn Sue Wenderott passed away on December 23, 2025, at the age of 89 in Fort Scott, KS. Born on November 17, 1936, in St. Mary’s, KS, Carolyn’s journey through life was marked by her unwavering strength and kindness.
Carolyn attended local Fort Scott Schools. Her professional life was devoted to clerical and administrative roles in the Fort Scott area.
Carolyn had a strong devotion to her family and friends. She was the beloved wife of Charlie Wenderott, who predeceased her in 2014.
Carolyn was a devoted mother to her children: Dave McGrew of Colorado Springs, CO; Christine Brown of Pittsburg, KS; Mark McGrew of Great Falls, MT; and Tamela Phalen of Hurricane, UT. She was also a stepmother to Mary Burcham, Julie Wenderott, and Debra Bell. Her life was further enriched by the joy and laughter of many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will carry forward her spirit of generosity and affection.
She was cherished by all her siblings. Those surviving include Clifford Burke of Springfield, MO, and Jim Rohrig of Gainesville, TX. Carolyn was predeceased by 5 of her siblings Frances Cox, David Burke, Delores Dighero, George Burke, and Myrna Turner.
In her younger years, Carolyn enjoyed bowling and raising her family. She also took great joy in nuturing her flower gardens. Carolyn was also an excellent cook, a skilled seamstress, and had a natural flair for decorating. Her home was a haven of warmth and beauty, welcoming to all who entered.
Carolyn Sue Wenderott’s memory will be cherished by her family and friends. She will be greatly missed. Her Family would like to thank all the caregivers of Credo Memory Care for their affection and compassion. Their dedication was unwavering and we are eternally grateful.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM Tuesday, December 30th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott. The family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until service time Tuesday at the funeral home. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Kansas Rural Health Transformation Plan Program Announced
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