All posts by Submitted Story
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb 14
What’s Happening in Fort Scott Feb. 14 Edition
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb. 13
Topeka Government Offices Reopen Tomorrow
Governor Kelly Announces State Offices to Re-Open Thursday for State Employees in Shawnee County
TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that she has ordered state offices in Shawnee County to re-open on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. Governor Kelly previously ordered state offices in Shawnee County closed on Wednesday due to safety concerns regarding potentially hazardous conditions resulting from the winter storm.
“Thanks to the hard work of crews, roadway conditions have improved, and state offices will return to normal operations on Thursday,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Please exercise caution when traveling and continue to give crews the necessary space as they keep working to clear roadways.”
All non-essential state employees in Executive Branch agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction who work in Shawnee County are required to report to work as normal.
For continuously updated road information, go to www.KanDrive.gov and click on the Road Condition map. Other construction information, camera views, weather websites and travel details are also available. You can also call 511 – for Kansas road condition information from anywhere in the U.S., call 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).
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Bo Co Commission Work Session Rescheduled from Today to Feb. 19
The work session for 02.12.25 for the Bourbon County Commission has been rescheduled for 02.19.25 at 5:30 in the Commission room due to adverse weather.
Submitted by
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb. 12
Ks Senator Caryn Tyson’s Weekly Legislative Report
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
February 7, 2025
Property Taxes are high, and most people would agree the system is not always accurate or fair, so the Senate acted by passing a constitutional amendment, Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1603, to limit taxable valuation increases of real property to a maximum of 3% a year, unless certain triggers occur. Local governments often rely on skyrocketing valuations to collect more property taxes. SCR 1603 would limit the tax value of real properties so local governments would have to vote to raise the mill levy, providing more transparency to property tax increases.
The SCR would have to pass the House and then voters would decide to amend the Kansas Constitution and limit taxable valuation increases each year or not. It passed the Senate on a bipartisan vote 28 to 11. I voted yes.
Election ends on election day, SB 4, would require all ballots to be returned by 7 p.m. on election, not three days later. It passed the Senate 29 to 10. I voted yes.
Rank choice voting, where you can rate the candidates on the ballot by selecting your first choice, your second choice, your third chose and so on, would be banned in Kansas if SB 6 becomes law. It is a voting system in which the candidates are ranked when you vote. It’s difficult to count and can delay election results. SB 6 passed 29 to 10. I voted yes to ban this election system in Kansas.
Budgets can be used for political volley. It’s disappointing but it does happen. To correct this, the Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 14 so that if a budget is not passed into law by June 30th, then the state government would not shut down because the previous year’s budget would be adopted. It passed the Senate 31 to 8. I supported this effort.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Chamber Coffee at T-Mobile on Feb.13
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USD234 Press Release of Meeting on Feb. 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, February 10, 2025
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board interviewed a potential board member.
The board appointed Phil Jackson and Rory Chaplin to the Board.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
01-13-25
01-20-25
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – January 20, 2025 – $1,682,710.56
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
UMB Credit Card Agreement
Zero Reasons Why Fundraising
Superintendent Destry Brown reported on a Special Olympics Basketball at Pitt State to be held Wednesday. He also presented the board with Math & Reading reports from Eugene Ware. There has been great growth in the students.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with an update that the Football Field turf is officially completed. There will be more discussion with Wrestling in the coming months as different options have been looked at. He also provided updates on all the facilities as well as food service.
Chris Garzone, principal at Winfield Scott was present with many from his team to update the board on some amazing things happening in their school. Linda Minor along with Luca Morter, Hadlee Simonds, Dayne Downing, and Danny Hall-Jenkins informed the Board about Community Based Interactive Instruction and their favorite parts about this program. Each grade level took a moment to speak about the positive events happening in their classes. Jenny Tourtilott, counselor, explained about the time she spends with each of the classes and the life lessons she can teach them. Each teacher reported amazing growth within their classrooms. Mr. Garzone and Nicole Gilmore, assistant principal, both spoke highly of the staff and students this year.
The Board Approved the following items:
- Towerpoint Acquisitions Letter of Intent to Purchase Interest in Wireless Site
- Two 10 passenger van purchases from Hillsboro Ford
- Eugene Ware event date changes
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
February 10, 2025
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Glades, Matt – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Football Coach – High School
Hendricks, Sarah – Resignation – Teacher – Eugene Ware
Howell, Carolien – Resignation – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott
Jones, Taylor – Resignation – Spanish Teacher – High School
Martin, Jara – Retirement – Orchestra aide/Choir accompanist
Martin, Jared – Resignation – PE Teacher – High School
Messer, Josh – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Football Coach – High School
Metcalf, John – Resignation – Middle School Physical Education Teacher
Metcalf, John – Resignation – Middle School Head Wrestling Coach
Metcalf, John – Resignation – High School Assistant Wrestling Coach
Motley, Aubrionna – Resignation – SPED Teacher – Winfield Scott
Oxholm, Chris – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Wrestling Coach – High School
Oxholm, Chris – Resignation – SPED Teacher – High School
Thurston, Erin – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations
Stark, Jonathan – PE Teacher – High School – 2025-26
Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Dare, Jeremy – Full Time Bus Driver
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:
Davis, Heather – Assistant Softball Coach – High School
Hall, Dakota – Assistant Wresting Coach – High School
Nickelson, Aaron – Assistant Softball Coach – High School
Stark, Jonathan – Head Football Coach – High School – 2025-26
Governor Kelly Vetoes Divisive Legislation
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday vetoed Senate Bill 63.
The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 63:
“Right now, the Legislature should be focused on ways to help Kansans cope with rising prices. That is the most important issue for Kansans. That is where my focus is.
“Infringing on parental rights is not appropriate, nor is it a Kansas value. As I’ve said before, it is not the job of politicians to stand between a parent and a child who needs medical care of any kind. This legislation will also drive families, businesses, and health care workers out of our state, stifling our economy and exacerbating our workforce shortage issue.
“It is disappointing that the Legislature continues to push for government interference in Kansans’ private medical decisions instead of focusing on issues that improve all Kansans’ lives.
“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 63.”
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State Offices in Topeka Will Be Closed Tomorrow
Governor Kelly Orders State Office Buildings
in Shawnee County Closed Wednesday
Due to Inclement Weather
TOPEKA – Due to safety concerns regarding winter weather conditions resulting from the approaching winter storm, Governor Laura Kelly has issued a Declaration of Inclement Weather for Shawnee County, ordering state office buildings in Shawnee County to be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.
The declaration takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, and lasts through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12. A reassessment of weather conditions will be made on Wednesday to determine if the declaration will be extended further.
“In anticipation of a winter storm impacting state operations, we are closing state office buildings in Shawnee County on Wednesday,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “As I have done in the past, I urge all Kansans to exercise increased caution when driving and to take measures to make sure their families are prepared for potentially hazardous winter storm conditions by making an emergency plan and a home emergency kit.”
This declaration applies to all non-essential state employees in the Executive Branch agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction who work in Shawnee County. Appointing authorities in offices located outside Shawnee County have the option to declare Inclement Weather for those counties.
During the period of Inclement Weather, essential employees are required to report to work as normal. Benefits-eligible non-essential employees should record Inclement Weather Leave during the period of Inclement Weather. Remote work is not being required.
For continuously updated road information, go to www.KanDrive.org and click on the Road Condition map. Other construction information, camera views, weather websites and travel details are also available. You can also call 511 – for Kansas road condition information from anywhere in the U.S., call 1-866-511-KDOT (5368).
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