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Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary for August 24, 2026 Meeting

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Bourbon County Commission

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda – August 24, 2026, 5:30 PM

Agenda_Packet_08.24.26.pdf (full PDF)

  • I. Call Meeting to Order (Page 1)
  • II. Pledge of Allegiance (Page 1)
  • III. Prayer (Page 1)
  • IV. Introductions (Page 1)
  • V. Approval of Agenda (Page 1)
  • VI. Approval of Minutes 08.10.26 (Page 1)
  • VII. Approval of Minutes 08.17.26 (Page 1)
  • VIII. Approval of Accounts Payable – $304,072.99 (Page 1)
  • IX. Public Comments (Page 1)
  • X. Department Updates (Page 1)
    • a. 108 W Second Update (Courts) – Beerbower
    • b. Elections – Hoyt
  • XI. Approve Cereal Malt Beverage Application (Page 1)
  • XII. Budget Discussion – Matt Lawn, Baker Tilly (Page 1)
  • XIII. Future Agenda Topics (Page 1)
  • XIV. Commission Comments (Page 1)
  • XV. Adjournment (Page 1)

Detailed Information Packet Summary

1. Accounts Payable Bills & Invoices – Open Invoices by Department Summary (Pages 2–20)

The packet includes a full Open Invoices By Department Summary for Bourbon County with a grand total of 135 invoices across all departments and funds.

Batch Due 8/21/2026 — Grand Total: $304,072.99 (Pages 2–20)

  • Non-Departmental Funds Summary: Total $213,462.78. (Pages 2–6)
    • Fund 016 – Appraisers: $7,473.24 — Bourbon County Payroll: Appraiser Wages $7,473.24. (Page 2)
    • Fund 052 – County Treasurer Motor Fund: $3,661.03 — Bourbon County Payroll wages $3,399.09; Lakeland Office System monthly base service agreement/copier supplies $261.94. (Page 2)
    • Fund 062 – Election: $3,657.35 — Bourbon County Payroll: Election Wages $3,657.35. (Page 2)
    • Fund 064 – Employee Benefit: $28,939.76 (20 invoices) — Notable line items include: Assurity Life Insurance Co. EE Voluntary $2,180.33; Bay Bridge Administrators EE Cancer Ins $537.36; BBCO HSA EE HSA $340.50 + $137.28; Bourbon County Payroll clearing ($58,978.22); Bourbon County Taxes–Emerson EE State $9,173.00, ER Unemployment $164.68, EE IRS $26,947.86, Social Security $14,639.13; Kansas Payment Center Garnishment $470.77; KC Life ER Life Ins $250.82; KPERS EE & ER $20,092.23 + $669.75 + $11,593.48; LegalShield $146.09; MASA $385.00; MetLife Group Benefits $73.95; Northwestern Mutual $15.75; PEBSCO-NRS $25.00; SBG-VAA $75.00. (Pages 2–3)
    • Fund 108 – Landfill: $13,151.87 (3 invoices) — Allen County Public Works MSW 8/3–8/12/26 $8,666.22; Galen C. Bigelow Jr. Printer Toner $103.00; Bourbon County Payroll Landfill Wages $4,382.65. (Page 3)
    • Fund 120 – County Sheriff/Correctional: $80,840.72 (25 invoices) — Notable items: Bourbon County Payroll SEKRCC Wages $28,659.71, Sheriff Wages $35,101.09; Evergy 293 E 20th St $7,220.41; Johnson Controls Fire Alarm Service $1,901.41; Satterlee Plumbing, Heating & Air-Cond Plumbing Service $1,639.94 + $720.00; Lone Star Prisoner Transport Inmate Transport $1,264.05; KA-Comm Inc Parts for New Builds $1,092.07; Accurate Controls Inc Security System Proximity Cards $679.35; Bourbon County EMS Inmate Medical $488.83 + $488.83; CHCSEK Drug Screen $300.00; Kansas Gas Service 293 E 20th St $243.05; Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Inc (multiple inmate medical invoices totaling approx. $445.49); Girard Medical Center Inmate Medical $311.99; Verizon Wireless Sheriff’s Office Jetpak Wireless $40.01; Amazon Capital Services Evidence Cans and Credit Card Holders $179.38; GT Distributors Uniform Nametapes $46.97; Freeman Fort Scott Hospital FSAA5892 $38.45. (Pages 3–4)
    • Fund 200 – Noxious Weed: $1,524.80 — Bourbon County Payroll Noxious Weed Wages $1,524.80. (Page 4)
    • Fund 220 – Road and Bridge: $62,478.95 (26 invoices) — Notable items: Bourbon County Payroll Road & Bridge Wages $42,051.59, Elm Creek Wages $1,075.20; Judy’s Fuel & Oil Co. LLC: Gas/Dyed Diesel/Clear Diesel County Barn $7,199.67, Dyed Diesel Uniontown Tank $2,018.94, Gas/Diesel County Barn $4,174.38, Dyed Diesel Mapleton Tank $1,113.50; R & R Equipment Company Pulley #131 $1,324.74; Foley Equipment Co. Window #88 $552.81; SMS Power Train and Hardware Cross & Bearing Kits $580.14; O’Reilly Auto Parts (multiple: brake drum $299.70, refrigerant $349.99, brake shoes $98.24, balance transfer credit ($58.98), light socket $10.44, core returns credit ($60.00)); Heartland REC Inc. Elm Creek Electric $808.17; Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co. Overload Plate Bar/Hydraulic Oil #207 $440.75, Switch #193 $100.58, Return Roller Exchange #207 credit ($13.17); Henry Kraft Inc. Hand Cleaner $225.22; Prairieland Partners Inc. Washer/Grommet $14.80; Kirkland Welding Supplies Acetylene/Carbon Dioxide/Oxygen $48.00; Atmos Energy Corporation Gas at Shop $99.82; Verizon Wireless Acct #00003 iPads $20.02; Mayco Ace Hardware Nuts/Bolts/Nails #33 $1.45; K & K Auto Parts Inc. Hose Splice $2.95. (Pages 4–6)
    • Fund 222 – Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund: $11,735.06 (11 invoices) — Judy’s Fuel & Oil Co. Dyed Diesel 1590 Gal @ $4.18 Asphalt Plant $6,646.20; Prairieland Partners Inc. O Ring/Valves #85 $1,221.16 (contractual) + $904.91 (commodities); R & R Equipment Company Threadlock/O Rings #192 $677.17; Heartland REC Inc. Asphalt Plant Electric $1,315.57; Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co. Overload Plate Bar/Hydraulic Oil #207 $440.75; Kimball Midwest Lubricant $142.45 + $283.56, Grease $67.68; Mayco Ace Hardware Cap/Couplers #T54 $27.97; O’Reilly Auto Parts Toggle Switch #84 $7.64. (Pages 5–6)
  • County Department Operations: (Pages 7–19)
    • Dept. 01 – County Commission: $5,194.10 — Gregg Motley August SELRPC Mileage Reimbursement $66.70; Bourbon County Payroll Commission Wages $5,127.40. (Page 7)
    • Dept. 02 – County Clerk: $2,307.69 — Bourbon County Payroll Clerk Wages $2,307.69. (Page 8)
    • Dept. 03 – County Treasurer: $4,912.05 — PVD Education Section Working with Abstracts Class $65.00; Bourbon County Payroll Treasurer Wages $4,847.05. (Page 9)
    • Dept. 04 – County Attorney: $12,634.38 — Bourbon County Payroll Attorney Wages $12,634.38. (Page 10)
    • Dept. 05 – County Register of Deeds: $4,680.49 — Bourbon County Payroll Register of Deeds Wages $4,680.49. (Page 11)
    • Dept. 07 – Courthouse Maintenance: $1,999.68 — Bourbon County Payroll Building Mtce Wages $1,999.68. (Page 12)
    • Dept. 10 – District Court: $6,698.11 — Advantage Computer Enterprises Yearly Contract $4,000.00; Smart Sales LLC DBA Smartox Drug Test Supplies $137.50; Ettinger’s Office Supplies $173.97; Bourbon County Payroll District Court Wages $2,386.64. (Page 13)
    • Dept. 11 – Emergency Preparedness: $870.58 — Heartland REC Inc. 130th St & Tomahawk $101.35; Bourbon County Payroll EM. Prep. Wages $769.23. (Page 14)
    • Dept. 24 – Ambulance Service: $36,274.46 (13 invoices) — Bourbon County Payroll Ambulance Services Wages $34,640.76; Stryker Sales LLC Medical Supplies $593.22; GMR Learning GMR Air Continuing Education Courses (Leisure/Hueston/Lowery) $120.00; Norris Heating & Air Service Labor & Ultravation Filter $180.37; BOFS Inc. EMS Ford Explorer Vehicle Maintenance $138.75; Ashcraft Pest Control: Aug 2026 Special $200.00, Apr/May $100.00, Aug $50.00, July $50.00, June $50.00; Morris & Dickson Co. LLC Medication $93.32; Verizon Wireless EMS iPad Wireless $40.04; Kirkland Welding Supplies Oxygen $18.00. (Page 15)
    • Dept. 43 – Courthouse General: $11,346.36 (17 invoices) — Evergy 210 S National Ave $7,566.82; Pitney Bowes Postage Machine Lease $961.89; Ashcraft Pest Control: Apr/May 2026 $500.00, June 2026 $250.00, July 2026 $250.00, Aug 2026 $250.00, Apr/May Annex $100.00, June Annex $50.00, July Annex $50.00, Aug Annex $50.00; Evergy 221 S Judson $213.01; Evergy 108 W 2nd St $396.06; Kansas Gas Service 210 S National Ave $329.70; CE Water Management Inc. Monthly Water Treatment Contract $170.00; Heidrick’s True Value Maintenance Supplies $108.88; Cintas Corporation Loc. 459 Gloves $50.00 + $50.00. (Page 16)
    • Dept. 99 – County Miscellaneous: $3,692.31 — Bourbon County Payroll Co. Counselor Wages $3,692.31. (Page 17)
  • Open Invoices Dept/Fund Totals Summary — Grand Total: $304,072.99 (Pages 18–19)

2. Cereal Malt Beverage License Application – KC Mart (Pages 21–23)

The packet includes a Retail Dealer’s License and related supporting documents for a cereal malt beverage application filed by KC Mart, Inc.

  • License Details: Retail Dealer’s License No. 2026-003; Fee $50.00; granted to KC Mart for retail sale of cereal malt beverages off-premise (original and unopened containers, not for consumption on premises). Location: KC Mart, 2191 Soldier Road, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Township of Osage, Bourbon County, Kansas. License expires August 31, 2026. (Page 21)
  • Notice to Township Board: Formal written notice to the Clerk of Osage Township, Bourbon County, that KC Mart, Inc. has filed application with the County Commissioners for a license to sell cereal malt beverages at retail at 2191 Soldier Road, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Sales designated as off-premise to be broken case lots. (Page 22)
  • Advisory Recommendation (Form B-376): Osage Township Board Advisory Recommendation dated August 20, 2026, for KC Mart, Inc. (application dated 8-7-26). The Township Board recommends the license application be Granted. Signed by Trustee and Treasurer Kathleen S. Valentine, Osage Township Board. (Page 23)
Kansas

Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission Meets Aug. 27

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission will hold its next public meeting on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, in the Dean Family VIP Room at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, 1711 S. Homer St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. The meeting will begin at noon and continue until all agenda items are addressed.

The Commission will hold a public hearing and final vote on proposed changes to state park fees, nonresident waterfowl hunting on public lands, fall turkey hunting seasons, and deer seasons on military units.

Proposed state park fee changes include increasing the daily motor vehicle permit from $3.50 to $5.50 and the annual motor vehicle permit from $22.50 to $37.50. Senior and disabled permit fees would also increase, with daily permits changing from $1.75 to $2.75 and annual permits from $11.25 to $18.75. The Easy Pass annual motor vehicle permit would increase from $15 to $30. Listed permit amounts do not include applicable transaction and processing fees.

Proposed camping fee changes would eliminate the annual camping permit and increase the overnight camping permit from $9 to $15 and the 14-night camping permit from $110 to $165. Nightly utility fees would increase from $9 to $11 for one utility, $11 to $13 for two utilities, and $12 to $15 for three utilities. Listed camping amounts do not include applicable processing fees.

Commissioners will also consider a proposed regulation restricting nonresidents hunting migratory waterfowl, coot, sandhill crane, rail, or snipe on Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) lands and waters to hunting before noon. Under the proposal, nonresident hunters pursuing those species could hunt until 11:59 a.m. and would be required to leave department lands and waters, along with their personal possessions, by 12:59 p.m.

The proposed restrictions would not apply during the September teal season or to light geese during the light goose conservation order. They also would not apply to nonresident hunters on Walk-In Hunting Access areas or those participating in KDWP special hunts and events.

The Commission will also vote on a proposal to reestablish the fall turkey hunting season for Kansas residents. If approved, resident hunters would be limited to one fall turkey permit, valid for one bearded turkey. The proposed season would run Oct. 31 through Jan. 31 of the following year, excluding the Wednesday following Thanksgiving and continuing for a total of 12 days, including the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. Commissioners will also consider deer seasons on military units.

Commissioners will receive updates on regulations currently moving through the promulgation process, including nonresident waterfowl stamp fees, senior hunting and fishing licenses, and trail cameras on public lands.

Other agenda items include an overview of KDWP’s wildlife rehabilitation program. During the workshop session, commissioners will discuss fishing regulations, including creel, size, and possession limits.

The public is invited to attend the meeting in person or virtually, with opportunities for public comment. Instructions for joining the meeting virtually, a complete meeting agenda, and the proposed regulation changes can all be viewed at ksoutdoors.gov/commission.

An interpreter for the hearing impaired can be requested by calling the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Individuals with disabilities can request other accommodations by contacting KDWP at (785) 294-2645.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 19, in Oakley.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public water bodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.

The seven-member, bi-partisan Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission serves in an advisory capacity in formulating policies and plans for KDWP. The commission holds public hearings on rules and regulations proposed by the Secretary of KDWP and ultimately votes to approve, modify, or reject those proposals.

Bourbon County, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Submitted

Lowell Milken Center Awarded Kansas Kiwanis Foundation Grant

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Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Awarded Kansas Kiwanis Foundation, Inc. Grant

Fort Scott, Kansas – The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes has been awarded a grant from the Kansas Kiwanis Foundation, Inc.

The project, titled “Bourbon County Social Service Magnets,” will consist of 500 4×6 magnets with up-to-date contact information for social services available in Bourbon County. These magnets can be extremely useful for single mothers and women with children seeking healthcare and mental healthcare, childcare, protection, food, clothing, lodging, and internet access. The Milken Center will distribute the magnets to police, sheriffs, Pete’s gas stations, grocery stores, coffee shops, libraries, beauty salons, and all social service contacts. The magnets will also be available for pickup at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes at 1 South Main St., Fort Scott, Kansas.

“Working with our local Kiwanis Club for the first time has given us the opportunity to help those in crisis get the help they need quickly. So many of our unsung heroes at the Lowell Milken Center are women and this is a perfect way to honor them!” said Norm Conard, Executive Director of the LMC of Unsung Heroes.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of this summer.

About the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes: The LMC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. Our mission is to share those projects and the stories of these unsung heroes with our community through our museum at the Center. The LMC is located at 1 South Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.

About the Kansas Kiwanis Foundation: The Kansas Kiwanis Foundation was founded in 1963 and is a charitable corporation organized under the laws of the State of Kansas. The foundation supports Kiwanis Club and District activities as well as individual Kansans from all over the state. They sponsor scholarships and community projects – “Only by each of us giving are we able to make a difference.”

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – August 20, 2026

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Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – August 20, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 70 calls for service on August 20, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Warrant Service / Arrest — 10:00 AM, 221 S Judson. Complaint No. 26-01341FS. Disposition: ARRC.

Rape — 12:21 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01342FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Traffic Stop — 2:27 PM, Jayhawk, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0775BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Domestic / Verbal — 3:22 PM, 1206 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01343FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Theft — 5:34 PM, 2500 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01344FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Child Custody Dispute — 5:37 PM, 1419 E 1st St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01345FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Traffic Stop — 8:28 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0776BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Traffic Stop — 11:25 PM, 3rd St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01346FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Theft — 12:10 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01347FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Fire and EMS

EMS — 8:18 AM, 1244 E Oak, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 9:50 AM, 1002 Osbun St, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS — 10:17 PM, 1607 Clairmont. Disposition: AMBU.

Other Calls for Service

Follow-Up — 1:16 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 3:33 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 4:16 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 4:58 AM, 502 Burke, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

27,28,29 Checks — 8:23 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBO.

Court — 8:45 AM, 210 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Escort / Funeral — 10:08 AM, 1919 S Horton, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Check Welfare — 10:59 AM, 959 Yale Rd, Mapleton. Disposition: 22.

Check Records / Criminal History — 11:07 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Traffic Complaint / Driving — 11:30 AM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Threat — 11:33 AM, 107 N Eddy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

VIN Inspections / County — 12:14 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 12:17 PM, 601 N Barbee, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Transport / Prisoner — 12:54 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 1:25 PM, 102 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: RPTS.

Animal Control — 2:41 PM, 2322 S Main St. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 2:53 PM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

Other Agency Assist — 3:18 PM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

Follow-Up — 3:59 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 4:27 PM, 3rd St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 4:31 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Vehicle Unlock — 4:41 PM, 2 N National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 4:43 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Vehicle Unlock — 6:02 PM, 400 N National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Welfare — 6:16 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Check Vehicle — 8:58 PM, 2354 Jayhawk. Disposition: HBO.

Check Area — 10:56 PM, Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

27,28,29 Checks — 5:01 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 7:37 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Check Vehicle — 7:38 AM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 7:39 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 4:47 AM, 2400 S Main St #300. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 5:18 AM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:28 AM, 1920 S Main St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 12:57 PM, 23rd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:16 PM, 3rd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:58 PM, 823 Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 4:09 PM, 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:20 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:31 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:57 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:08 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:27 PM, 140th, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:30 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 8:39 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:46 PM, 6th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:06 PM, 700Blk, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:12 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 9:35 PM, 902 E Wall, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:46 PM, Oak, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:23 PM, 6th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:53 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:12 PM, Walburn, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:26 PM, 6th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:50 PM, 18th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 2:09 AM, 400 National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 2:17 AM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:36 AM, 10th St. Disposition: WW.

Total Calls for Service: 70

Documents:

K-State Extension

Back-to-School Safety by Amanda Clasen

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Amanda Clasen

Amanda Clasen – Community Vitality Agent
August 2026

 

Back-to-School Safety: Start the Year on the Right Foot or Pedal

Back-to-school season is happening in the Southwind District. The backpacks are coming out, school supplies are being purchased, and families are getting back into their school-year routines. The weather is nice, and for some students, that back-to-school routine includes walking or riding a bicycle to and from school. As another school year begins, it is a great time for families to talk about and practice safe habits for getting to school.

If your child will be walking or biking to school, make the trip together before the first day. Identify safe places to cross, stop signs, traffic signals and areas where extra caution may be needed. Younger children should have adult supervision as they learn their route. Older children should still have a planned route and know where they should cross. Whenever possible, encourage children to walk or bike with a sibling, friend or group.

A properly fitted helmet should be part of every bike ride. Remind young riders to:

  • Ride on the right side of the road, traveling with traffic.
  • Stop at intersections and obey stop signs and traffic signals.
  • Look both ways and make sure it is safe before entering a street or turning.
  • Use bike lanes and appropriate hand signals when available.

Before school starts, check the bicycle to make sure the tires are properly inflated, the brakes work and the bike is in good condition.

Since not all children ride their bikes to school, students that are walking have some important safety skills to learn as well. Teach children to cross at designated intersections rather than in the middle of a block. Before crossing, look in all directions and continue watching for vehicles. Even when a pedestrian has the right-of-way, drivers may not always see them.

Children should follow traffic signals and listen to crossing guards. Older students should also put away their phones and avoid distractions such as texting or wearing headphones while walking. During early morning or evening hours, brightly colored clothing and reflective materials can help children be more visible to drivers.

Back-to-school safety does not have to be a lecture. Take a practice walk or bike ride and ask your child to point out where they would stop, where they would cross and what they should watch for. Whether your child walks, bikes, takes the bus or travels by car, a few minutes of preparation can help start the school year safely and on the right foot!

For additional information, visit HealthyChildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics or explore Bike Easy’s Bike & Walk Education Resources.

For more information, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or at amclasen@ksu.edu.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott — Aug. 21 Weekend

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott — August 21st Weekend Edition!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

What's Happening in Fort Scott

Historic Trolley Tours

Ride Dolly the Trolley and explore Fort Scott’s history with a narrated tour.
Fridays & Saturdays – Now Boarding!

SAVE THE DATE!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees
Every Thursday at 8am

Upcoming Calendar of Events

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Visit your National Park! Visitor Center and historic buildings are open Friday through Tuesday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds continue to be open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset.
Click HERE to visit the website.

The Artificers

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

BINGO – American Legion Post 25

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)

KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott

Every Tuesday 9am–4pm
Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.
620-231-4250

FS Public Library

Wednesday Writers every Wed. @ 1:30–3pm
201 S. National Ave.

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

Kansas Small Business Development Center

At the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.
Every 2nd Thursday of the month, 9am–3pm

Want more details or updates on Community, Chamber, and Member events? You can find full dates, times, locations, and links on our community calendar on the Chamber’s website at:
ὄ9 fortscott.com/events/calendar/

Recurring Events

Farmers Market

Saturday Markets (May–October): 8am–12pm
Tuesday Markets (June–August): 4–6pm

This Weekend in Fort Scott — August 22–23

Saturday, August 22

Bolt Bevs + Bites Grand Opening
Saturday, August 22
1808 S. National Ave., Fort Scott
Four medium drinks for $16 with the Fill-A-Tray special
Enter to win a Bolt-branded HydroJug with 50% off drink refills for one year! There are TWO giveaway cups available!

✈️ Breakfast Fly-In
⏰ 7:30 to 11 a.m.

Fort Scott Municipal Airport, 1869 Indian Road
Donation-based breakfast

Fort Scott Farmers Market
⏰ 8 a.m. to noon
Gathering Square Pavilion

Sunflower Trail Ride
Kansas Rocks Recreation Park
Event fees apply

Historic Fort Scott Trolley Tours
⏰ 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Departs from the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.
Adults $6, children 12 and under $4

FSCC Women’s Basketball Camp
Saturday, August 22
Buck Run Community Center
$30 per participant
⏰ Grades 2 through 5: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
⏰ Grades 6 through 8: 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Register at rec.recdesk.com

Summer Jam 2026
⏰ 3:30 to 10 p.m.
Gathering Square Pavilion
Free admission
Tribute bands, food vendors and craft vendors
Bring a lawn chair!

FSHS Tiger Football Red and White Scrimmage
⏰ 7 p.m.
Frary Field
Free admission
Free-will donations will be accepted to support the FSHS general athletic fund. Fort Scott High School

✅ See more events & details: https://fortscott.com/events

Shopping – Support Local!

Boutiques – Antiques – Flea Markets & more!
Click here for Chamber member specialty shopping & other retail in Downtown & other areas of the community.

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-3566
fortscott.com

Kansas

Start Date Change: K-7 Pavement Patching Begins Sept. 8 in Bourbon County

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UPDATE: The start date on this project has changed.

The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a pavement patching project on Tuesday, Sept. 8, on K-7 north and west of Fort Scott in Bourbon County.

The nearly 14-mile project area starts at U.S. 54 and continues north to the K-31 junction.

A pilot car will guide motorists through the work zone as the project progresses. Motorists can expect delays of up to 15 minutes.

The K-7 project is expected to be completed in October, conditions permitting.

Emery Sapp and Sons Inc. and Subsidiaries, of Columbia, Missouri, is the contractor for the $272,731 project.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert, follow posted signs and refrain from hand-held mobile device use in all active work zones. For current road conditions, visit kandrive.gov or call 511. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/projects/southeast-kansas-projects.

Opinion

For the Love of Birds by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

By Patty LaRoche

Hubby Dave returned from pickle ball today, excited about birds. After he shared with the players that we had installed a Purple Martin house in our back yard, the conversation turned to how many birds either live in Kansas or make it their rest stop on to better climates. Sort of an Airbnb for aerial travelers. He brought up the newsflash when I was answering emails.

“Patty, did you know that there is an App for birds?” (No surprises here. There is an App for everything.) “It can mimic a bird’s tweet, so if I go outside and tell it to sound like a redbird, if there’s a redbird in our area, it might come to find the sound.”

“Sounds sort of cruel to me,” I said. “You get its hopes up that it has a friend, but you’re just faking it out. Isn’t that birdie-bullying?”

“You don’t understand,” Hubby responded. “This is so cool. Did you know that Fort Scott is the fly-over for some very interesting birds? There is the Crested Caracara, the Roseate Spoonbill, the White-winged Crossbill…” He was on a roll. So began his diatribe on about a dozen other crazy-named fowl he couldn’t pronounce that we might find in our back yard, should we opt to camouflage ourselves, don binoculars and hide in the bushes.

Apparently, some pickle ball friends had located over 60 birds in our area alone. I haven’t seen Dave this excited since he bought a golf cart with lithium batteries. I know what’s coming. Boots. Insect repellant. A fanny pack and rain jacket. Waterproof boots. And one of those funny, mesh, Safari-looking hats. I now have Dave’s Christmas list.

The crazy part of this writing is that this morning, my Bible study concerns how God takes care of birds. Matthew 6:26: “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” By trusting that God cares for the birds, we can also trust that He cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7 complements Matthew’s scripture. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Over 40 species of birds are recognized in the Bible. God created them a day before He created Adam. Could it be that some of Adam’s first sounds he heard were the tweets and crows and warbles of his flying friends? Noah used a raven and a dove to determine if the ark was near land after spending months at sea. And then there were God’s chosen people.

When the wandering Israelites complained about having to eat manna, God showered them with dead birds, quails (it’s thought, two-feet-deep). The greedy Israelites picked up huge quantities of these birds and laid the meat out in the sun to cure. What they didn’t realize is that quail, unlike manna, left in the hot sun, spoils. God, unhappy with his children’s selfishness, “smote” them with a plague. Look it up. Smote means deliver with a hard blow. Serious stuff.

Here in Fort Scott, the Milken Center features an unsung hero bird named Cher Ami, a carrier pigeon who played a crucial role during World War I by delivering a vital message to American forces, despite being shot in the leg. On his final mission, he carried over 200 American soldiers’ names to the front lines, helping to save their lives. I encourage you to visit the museum and learn about Cheri Ami for yourself.

This morning, Dave and I were having our quiet Bible time on the back patio. Hubby interrupted the silence. “Patty, do you hear that bird?” There were many. “That’s a Northern Cardinal.” “Is that part of your Bible reading?” I asked. My way of getting my easily distracted husband back on track.

I can’t wait for the birds to begin their migration south. Something tells me that our lives are going to be much quieter…although, in truth, not nearly as interesting.

Kansas

KDOT Permanently Closes Yates Center Rest Area on U.S. 75

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Aug. 20, 2021

KDOT Has Permanently Closed Yates Center Rest Area on U.S. 75

The Kansas Department of Transportation has permanently closed the rest area on U.S. 75 north of Yates Center in Woodson County.

The rest area, which is about 5.5 miles north of U.S. 54 on U.S. 75, has been closed to the public for maintenance, repairs and evaluation since February.

The decision to close the facility followed an internal review of its condition, usage levels and long-term viability. Repairing the damage or replacing the facility would be too costly given current funding priorities. Also, alternative rest areas and services are available on the corridor.

The building has been razed, and demolition of remaining pavement is in progress.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert, follow posted signs and refrain from hand-held mobile device use in all active work zones. For current road conditions, visit kandrive.gov or call 511. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/projects/southeast-kansas-projects.

Obituary

Obituary of Marsha Diane Hayden

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Marsha Diane Hayden, 73, of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away at her home on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. She was born on June 16, 1953, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Maurice Keith and Mary Rosalee Bloomfield Dugan. She attended school in Fort Scott until her family moved to Greeley, Colorado when she was in the 7th grade. She graduated from Valley High School in Gilcrest, Colorado and then Aims Community College in Greeley, Colorado. She married Randy Hayden in 1982 and they divorced in 2013. She worked for several years at Names & Numbers.

Marsha is survived by her daughter, Lisa Hayden of Pittsburg, Kansas, a brother, Dennis Dugan of Greeley, Colorado and 5 grandsons, Tyler Black, Brady Hayden, Gabriel, Jaxon, and Ashur Black. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Mark Dugan.

Following cremation, services for Marsha Hayden will be at 2:00pm, Thursday, September 10, 2026 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home in Fort Scott, Kansas with burial in the Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Harry Hynes Hospice, contributions may be sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, P.O. Box 309,15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.

 

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – August 21, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff's Report

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – August 21, 2026

Arrested

Reed, Wesley Alan (Age 26) — Arrested 8/20/2026 12:02 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Domestic Battery; Knowing/Reckless Bodily Harm, Violation of Protection Order; Protective Order. Bond: $2,500.00 (No Cash/Surety).

Susanke, Lauren (Age 29) — Arrested 8/20/2026 12:02 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Assault, Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor. Bond: $2,500.00 (No Cash/Surety).

Chaney, Darrell James (Age 29) — Arrested 8/20/2026 10:23 AM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Probation Violation) — Warrant No. BB-24-CR-160. Bond: $2,000.00. Released 8/20/2026 4:29 PM via Surety Bond (Larry Lamb).

Greenfield, Kurt James (Age 73) — Arrested 8/20/2026 2:46 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: DUI; Misdemeanor. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Olkowski, Mark Logan (Age 36) — Arrested 8/20/2026 8:42 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Basic Speed, Expired Registration, Vehicle Liability Insurance Required, Ignition Interlock Device; Operate Car Without Device, License Restrictions. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Released

Bell, Brandon Steven Russell — Released 8/20/2026 4:30 PM via Surety Bond (Larry Lamb).

Chaney, Darrell James — Released 8/20/2026 4:29 PM via Surety Bond (Larry Lamb).

Hoover, Dale Laverne — Released 8/20/2026 4:06 AM via Own Recognizance (Self).

Pickett, Chelsey Nicole — Released 8/20/2026 2:34 PM via Own Recognizance (Self).

Steeley, Jeremy Glenn — Released 8/20/2026 1:52 PM via Own Recognizance (Self).

Total Inmates Released: 5

Documents:

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – August 19, 2026

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Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – August 19, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 73 calls for service on August 19, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Seeking Advice/Info — 1:38 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01332FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Domestic / Physical — 6:15 AM, 1135 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01333FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Missing Person — 9:02 AM, 1761 Locust Rd. Complaint No. 26-0773BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Seeking Advice/Info / Walk-In — 9:31 AM, 293 E 20th St. Complaint No. 26-0774BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Theft — 3:44 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01334FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Domestic / Verbal — 4:13 PM, 323 S Broadway, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01335FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Trespassing — 5:45 PM, 113 Barbee St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01336FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Traffic Stop — 9:48 PM, 69 Hwy #North. Complaint No. 26-01337FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Domestic / Verbal — 11:34 PM, 406 Circle Dr, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01338FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Domestic / Verbal — 11:34 PM, 406 Circle Dr, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01339FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Fire and EMS

EMS — 12:56 PM, 2207 115th St, Mapleton. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 3:16 PM, 1517 S Broadway. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 4:17 PM, 306 Arthur St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 4:56 PM, 1791 158th, Devon. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 9:23 PM, 1202 Beech, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 8:34 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 11:25 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

Fire / Other — 4:01 PM, Soldier Rd, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

Other Calls for Service

Traffic Stop — 2:35 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 2:50 AM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

27,28,29 Checks — 3:33 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: NR.

Follow-Up — 3:49 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 5:07 AM, 1928 Maple Rd. Disposition: * Multiple.

Traffic Stop — 6:33 AM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Check Subject — 7:10 AM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Transient Assist — 7:14 AM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: 22.

Public Assist — 7:19 AM, 601 E 5th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 7:26 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Public Assist — 8:11 AM, Shute St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

No Problem — 9:09 AM, 202 S State, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: NR.

Traffic Stop — 9:17 AM, 6th St. Disposition: WW.

Check Vehicle — 9:57 AM, 2322 S Main St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 11:09 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 11:27 AM, 1206 Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Other Agency Assist — 11:27 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 11:29 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 11:41 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 11:54 AM, 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Animal Control — 11:53 AM, 7th, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 12:04 PM, 2328 S Main St. Disposition: RPTS.

Follow-Up — 12:09 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: 77.

Remove Subject — 12:29 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 12:54 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / Walk-In — 1:04 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Motorist Assist — 1:28 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 1:56 PM, 7th. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 2:30 PM, 3rd St. Disposition: NTA.

Traffic Stop — 2:43 PM, 6th. Disposition: WW.

Follow-Up — 3:12 PM, 419 Crawford. Disposition: HBO.

Repo — 3:17 PM, 2037 Locust Rd. Disposition: HBD.

Traffic Stop — 3:25 PM, 2nd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 4:25 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Theft — 4:35 PM, 998 N National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 5:01 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Vehicle Unlock — 5:19 PM, 2500 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 5:32 PM, 1708 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 22.

911 / Accidental — 5:53 PM, 407 S Eddy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Traffic Complaint / Livestock — 6:02 PM, Eagle, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Follow-Up — 6:09 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Driving — 6:26 PM, 1920 S Main St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 6:36 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Juvenile — 6:50 PM, 2103 Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 7:20 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Follow-Up — 7:39 PM, 915 Oak. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 7:58 PM, 206 W Humboldt. Disposition: WW.

Parking Complaint — 8:40 PM, 505 Main St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 8:52 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 9:02 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Suspicious Activity — 9:23 PM, 101 S State St, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Check Subject — 10:53 PM, 8th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Juvenile — 11:10 PM, 802 S Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: 22.

Total Calls for Service: 73

Documents: