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Monthly Archives: May 2026
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May 11, 2026 Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary
Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda
May 11, 2026 | 7:00 PM
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Call Meeting to Order
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Pledge of Allegiance
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Prayer
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Approval of Tax Corrections
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Approval of 05.08.26 Accounts Payable: $457,015.06
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Approval of Minutes: 05.04.26
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Public Comments
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Payroll & Accounts Payable – Motley
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Resolution 22-26 – Beerbower
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Commission Comments
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Adjournment (Source: PDF Page 1)
Detailed Packet Summary
Financial Reports & Accounts Payable
The packet includes a comprehensive “Open Invoices By Department Summary” dated May 8, 2026. The Grand Total for accounts payable is $457,015.06, covering 242 total invoices across various county funds.
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General Fund (001): Includes standard payroll clearing entries and department-specific costs. Notable entries include $5,153.48 for Commission wages and $10,452.52 for County Attorney wages. (Pages 2, 12, 15)
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Public Safety & Sheriff (120): Totaling $90,895.30. Major expenses include $15,708.65 to Benchmark Government Solutions for April food services and $8,635.70 for April fuel charges through WEX Bank. (Page 6, 7)
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Road and Bridge (220/222): Combined expenses exceed $160,000. Significant costs include engine repairs for unit #35 totaling over $47,000 in labor and parts, and payments to Murphy Tractor & Equipment for unit #207. (Pages 9, 10)
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Employee Benefits (064): Totaling $35,483.66, primarily consisting of KPERS retirement contributions ($19,567.79) and social security taxes. (Page 4, 5)
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Ambulance Service (375): Totaling $36,675.71, with the vast majority ($34,254.70) dedicated to service wages. (Page 21)
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Special Projects: Includes $40,700 to Schwab-Eaton PA for engineering design services under the Road & Bridge Special Improvement fund. (Page 10)
Review of Previous Minutes (May 4, 2026)
The minutes from the prior week provide context for several ongoing items:
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2025 Audit Presentation: Emily Franks of Jared Gilmore and Phillips presented the FY2025 audit. The county received a “clean” (unmodified) opinion on its regulatory basis of accounting. However, a statute violation was noted in the Ambulance Fund, which ended the year with a negative cash balance of $(4,318.54). (Pages 30, 31)
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Audit Concerns: The auditor highlighted three recurring issues: lack of itemized receipts for credit card/restaurant charges, unsigned checks that cleared the bank, and outstanding duplicate deposits from a prior administration. (Page 32)
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Juvenile Detention: Commissioner Allen reported a projected decrease in detention fees for 2027, despite the withdrawal of Montgomery County from the Southeast Kansas Juvenile Detention facility. (Page 33)
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Surplus Auction: The Commission authorized moving surplus county items to a vacant Public Works building on May 15 to prepare for a public auction. (Page 33)
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Contamination Testing: Following a discussion on bacterial contamination at a residential property, the Commission authorized Commissioner Tran to coordinate up to five test sites to identify the source of the issue. (Page 34)
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Landfill “Free Dump Day”: A motion to hold a free countywide dump day on May 22 failed due to lack of a second, following concerns from the Landfill Manager regarding costs, staffing, and aging equipment. (Page 35)
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Equipment Contracts: The Board authorized the signing of a contract for a 2019 Caterpillar hydraulic excavator for $102,842. (Page 36)
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Payroll Access Issues: The County Clerk reported being locked out of the “Pay Entry” system and requested restoration of her credentials to complete necessary general ledger accounting entries. (Page 37)
Upcoming Work Session Notice
Prior to the regular 7:00 PM meeting, a work session was scheduled for 5:30 PM on May 11 to discuss proposed changes to the county’s vacation and sick leave policies. The Commission voted 3-2 to hold a formal meeting immediately following the work session so that a resolution could be voted on the same night if consensus is reached. (Pages 38, 39)
Ad: Shead Farm Festival – Saturday, May 16, 2026
Shead Farm Homestead Festival – Explore and gather ideas from Shead Farm, a sustainable lifestyle farm where nutritious veggie powder is grown.
Saturday, May 16th, from 10 am to 5 pm at 2468 Cavalry RD, Garland, KS. Follow the event on Facebook.
Crawford County Law Enforcement Pursue Vehicle Into Bourbon County: Shots Fired
The following is the press release issued by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. This is all information being released at this time.
The KBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday night in Bourbon County involving deputies from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.
The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance at approximately 11:40 p.m. Thursday, May 7. KBI agents responded to the scene.
Late Thursday evening, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen semi-truck traveling northbound from Pittsburg. The vehicle was reported to be driving into oncoming traffic and fleeing from local law enforcement.
Crawford County deputies pursued the vehicle after the driver refused an attempted traffic stop. During the pursuit, the suspect continued to drive the wrong way in the southbound lanes. Deputies attempted to disable the vehicle but were unsuccessful.
As the pursuit continued into Bourbon County, two Crawford County deputies discharged their firearms, striking the suspect and vehicle. The suspect lost control of the vehicle near Highway 69 and Indian Road and was taken into custody.
The suspect was treated at a local hospital before being transferred to a regional medical center and is now in stable condition. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.
The investigation remains ongoing.
USD235 Board of Education Meets May 11
Freeman Health System Appoints Renee Denton as Market President
Joplin, Mo. — Freeman Health System announced today the appointment of Renee Denton as Market President for the Missouri/Kansas market, effective May 18.
Denton brings more than 38 years of combined clinical and operational hospital experience to the role and has served Freeman Health System for 17 years, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated steady, mission‑driven leadership and a strong commitment to quality care, team development, and the communities Freeman serves.
“Renee is a trusted and respected leader within Freeman Health System,” said Matt Fry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freeman Health System. “Her deep understanding of our organization, her background as a nurse, and her collaborative leadership style make her uniquely positioned to support system alignment and guide our continued progress across the region.”
As Market President, Denton will focus on strengthening alignment across Freeman’s Missouri and Kansas operations, supporting leaders and teams, and advancing the health system’s strategic priorities.
“I am honored to step into this role and continue serving Freeman Health System and our communities,” Denton said. “I’m proud of the work our teams do each day and look forward to building upon that work together.”
Freeman Health System is a locally owned, not‑for‑profit health system serving more than 400,000 people across the four‑state region, offering comprehensive care in local communities.
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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., and Ozark Center—the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services—as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics, and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
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Ad: Automotive Technology Instructor – LaHarpe, KS Campus
Automotive Technology Instructor – LaHarpe, KS Campus
Flint Hills Technical College is seeking a full-time instructor for the Automotive Technology program, located in LaHarpe, KS, beginning with the Fall 2026 semester.
The successful candidate will have knowledge of the principles of operation for fundamental concepts of at least half of the following subjects:
- Automotive Engines
- Automotive Brakes
- Electrical
- Engine Performance
- Automotive HVAC
- Steering and Suspension
- Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles
- Manual Power Trains
Qualifications:
- Associate’s Degree in related field required (or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe); Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of two years’ work experience in the automotive field or two years of teaching experience in automotive education.
- ASE Certifications in instructional areas (or ability to obtain certification within a specified timeframe).
- Strong communication skills – both verbal and written
- A Kansas teaching certificate is not a requirement for this position.
Salary and Benefits:
- Full-time, 9-month position
- A competitive salary range of $40,000-$54,000, commensurate with experience and education level
- KPERS retirement plan
- Employer-paid health insurance for the employee
- Annual salary is distributed over 12 months
- Flexible teaching schedule.
Application Process:
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, unofficial college transcripts, and contact information for three professional references to Human Resources at [email protected].
The FHTC Board of Trustees reserves the right to withdraw positions prior to being filled.
Obituary of Terry Don Hahnfeld
Terry Don Hahnfeld, age 80, resident of Bronaugh, MO, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, MO. He was born November 16, 1945, in Waco, TX, the son of William and Mildred Power Hahnfeld. Terry graduated from Independence, MO high school. He served in the Army then in the Missouri National Guard for a total of 34 years of service. In his spare time, he collected vintage tractors and later progressed into classic hot rods. Terry enjoyed buying, showing and selling hot rods, owning over 30 at various times. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife Jean of the home; 4 children, Dawn Hahnfeld (Milan) Independence, MO, Michele Rusk (Phil) Stover, MO, Kolbe Starne (Abby) Bronaugh, MO, and Nathan Starne, Lamar, MO; 7 grandchildren, Samantha Terrell, Cody Hanes, Aaron Hanes, Arin Starne, Brant Starne Ethan Starne, and Brody Starne; 7 great grandchildren; and a sister, Cheryl Hahnfeld, Colorado Springs, CO. He was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra England, and his parents.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 12th, at the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until leaving for the cemetery at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Wreaths Across America 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.
45th Annual Good Ol’ Days is June 5-6: A Festival For the Whole Family
Good Ol Days Co-Chairman Shawn O’Brien says the steering committee of the annual event has been planning a fun-filled family event for the first weekend of June.
This is the 45th annual festival, with a theme this year (inspired by America’s 250th birthday celebration), “Red, White, and Good Ol’ Days”.
This year, want to try to ride a camel?
” We have added camel rides with Pappy’s Camels out of Nebraska,” O’Brien said. It will be an exciting adventure for $10 you can ride a camel, open to all ages.”
” We also have a new kangaroo encounter opportunity that we are adding, with Amy’s Kritters. You can sit, hold and take pictures with a kangaroo Joey which is also fun for all ages.”
“We also have a new remote-controlled car experience for everyone to enjoy with a small admission price. Tierra (Ford) Kessinger a Fort Scott alum, is going to bring in a new opportunity to drive your own remote controlled car. We are excited to work with Tierra and look forward to having something on Friday night to enjoy after the parade.”
Bounce houses will also be available for the young.
” We are still looking for a sponsor for the bounce houses to keep those free for kids of all ages. If you would like to help sponsor this great activity for the kids, please email Shawn at [email protected] .
“We have a wonderful variety of vendors this year. We are always looking for more. We have some new and different food trucks, and of course some old ones that we keep around like funnel cakes, burgers, suzies, turkey legs, roasted corn, and so much more.”
Our festival takes place on Friday, June 5th, and Saturday, June 6. Co-chairTrey Sharp has worked up a great list of entertainment.”
” We will have the Bourbon County Revival, Bound and Determined, and other groups. Friday will feature the KC All Stars, and they are a fun-filled band. Check out the free live entertainment on the Care to Share stage on Skubitz Plaza.”
“We also have a new remote-controlled car experience for everyone to enjoy with a small admission price. Tierra (Ford) Kessinger a Fort Scott alum, is going to bring in a new opportunity to drive your own remote controlled car. We are excited to work with Tierra and look forward to having something on Friday night to enjoy after the parade.”
“We are always looking for new or existing sponsors. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and are supported fully by donations from the community. You can send an email to [email protected] to inquire on how you can become a sponsor. “
“We have many returning events, such as the car show on Saturday. We also have the melodrama, the Red Garter Saloon, and so much more. Check out the full list of events on our webpage at www.fortscottgoodoldays.com. You can also follow us on Facebook at Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days.”
The steering committee is made up of all volunteers: Co-Chairs Shawn O’Brien and Trey Sharp, Treasurer Shawn O’Brien, Secretary Angel Wilson, and other members: Danielle Hull, Leslie Godden, Rachel Carpenter, and Fort Representative Carl Brenner.
Rusty Tweezers and Multiple Spatulas by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV) Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)
How can two people accumulate so much junk? Dave and I are packing to move from the lake area into town. This move, probably because we are tired of paying per-pound for things we never will use, we are trying really, really hard to declutter. For some reason, I look at Dave’s things with clearer eyes than I do my own.
“Honey, you don’t need those old baseball folders. And when was the last time you wore those polyester pants or needed those rusted tweezers or those tireless bikes?” Dave is equally as helpful. “Patty, didn’t you wear that outfit on our honeymoon? How many hair products do you actually need? Aren’t three spatulas enough?”
And then we both defend whatever it is our spouse thinks we should throw away. This is ridiculous. We have no problem moving, leaving behind years of sweet, family memories, but we can’t part with unnecessary junk. Change is a natural part of life. We can embrace it, or we can fight it. The choice is ours. Just like the eagle’s.
The eagle has the longest life-span among birds. It can live up to 70 years, but to reach this age, the eagle has to make a hard decision. In its 40s, the eagle’s long and flexible talons can no longer grab prey, its food. Its long and sharp beak becomes bent, and its old and heavy wings, covered with feathers that have grown thick over the years, become stuck to its chest, making it difficult to fly.
The eagle is then left with only two options: die or go through a painful process of change which lasts 150 days. This requires the eagle to fly to a mountain top and sit on its nest. There the eagle knocks its beak against a rock until the beak falls off. The eagle will then wait for a new beak to grow back and use the new beak to pluck out its talons. When the new talons grow back, the eagle starts plucking out all of the old feathers. After five months, the eagle takes a famous flight of rebirth and lives 30 more years.
Change is sometimes needed to survive. Read the Bible. Every story includes choices people had, either to follow God or not. What is God asking of you? How is He working to increase your faith by making a change in your life? The answer is simple. He is preparing your steps to move out of your comfort zone, to get rid of useless material junk, to eliminate destructive habits and to focus on what is truly important.
When Dave and I began to concentrate on what we really need, we found a certain satisfaction in not holding onto what was familiar. Joshua 3 illustrates how God works in these decisions. The Israelites were close to the Promised Land, but the Jordan River stood in their way. God asked them to take one step into the water. He would do nothing until the Israelites obeyed. The lesson is one for us all.
Don’t wait until you believe it all. Don’t wait until you can see it all. Don’t wait until you understand it all.
Take the first step. God will meet you there…even if it involves rusty tweezers and multiple spatulas.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 8
Arrest Summary
JONES, DUSTIN WAYNE, 43
Arrested: 5/7/2026 10:30 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Warrant: Bourbon County ( Failure To Appear) *
Bond Total: $10,000
LAROCHE, JAMES EDWARD, 36
Arrested: 5/7/2026 8:30 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Warrant: Bourbon County probation violation
Bond Total: $5,000
BUCHHOLZ, GRANT MICHAEL, 20
Arrested: 5/8/2026 2:12 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– 1- Headlights (NO BOND)
– Dui; Misdemeanor (NO BOND)
– Liquor; Purchase By Minor (NO BOND)
– Possess Certain Substances In 65-4105(h) (NO BOND)
Bond: $0
GLOVER, BRYAN KEITH, 48
Arrested: 5/8/2026 3:26 AM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charges:
– Battery Of Leo; Rude Contact (NO BOND)
– Pedestrians U/Influence Of Alcohol OR Drugs (NO BOND)
Bond: $0
Inmate Released List
JONES, DUSTIN WAYNE, 43
Booked: 05/07/2026
Released: 5/7/2026 at 11:37 AM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: Able Bonding
Source: Arrest Summary PDF | Inmate Released List PDF