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Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott – July 25 Edition

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! July 25th Edition

Historic Trolley Tours

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

Historic 50-min narrated trolley tours, every hour on the hour.
Friday: 11AM–3PM (Last Tour 2PM)
Saturday: 10AM–3PM (Last Tour 2PM)
Adults $6 | 12 & Under $4
Tours every Fri–Sat through 1st weekend of December. Christmas Light Tours offered daily Dec. 10th–23rd.
620-223-3566 | fortscott.com | 231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS

Dolly the Trolley – Now Boarding

SAVE THE DATE: Chamber Coffees

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.
Visit the website

The Artificers

Classes for ALL ages! See all the fun classes at The Artificers.

BINGO – American Legion Post 25

Hosted every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm, 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 Wednesday @ 1:30–3pm
201 S. National Ave.

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page 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? Find full dates, times, locations, and links on our community calendar: fortscott.com/events/calendar/

Recurring Events

Farmers Market

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

Upcoming Events

Saturday, July 25th

Fly-In Breakfast – KFSK
Every 4th Saturday, March–Oct ’26
7:30am–11am
@ Fort Scott Municipal Airport, 1869 Indian Rd.
Donation-based breakfast. Discounted fuel during breakfast hours.

Bourbon Tasting by BBCO Handcrafted Spirits
July 25th: 5pm & 7pm
@ Green Lantern Speakeasy
Enjoy samples of Bourbon County Handcrafted Spirits Moonshine, Whiskey, and Bourbon!
Free! Seating is limited. Reservations Required!
Click here to RSVP!

Tuesday, July 28th

July Book Club: Mad Mable @ The Kitchen
6:00pm
$35 – Seats limited, RSVP required!
Your registration includes:

  • Australian-inspired grazing board
  • Passionfruit Spritz (or non-alcoholic beverage)
  • Guided book discussion
  • A fun evening with fellow readers

Click here for more info!

Wednesday, July 29th

FSCC Volleyball Camp – Grades 4th–7th
1:00–3:00 pm
@ Arnold Arena on FSCC Campus
T-shirt included. Must register in advance.
Click here to RSVP!

Thursday, July 30th

Chamber Coffee hosted by Evergy – Fort Scott Service Center
8am
15 Station St.
Enter through west door; park on the west side of the service center near the substation fence. Please do not block overhead doors. Meeting will be held in the Evergy Break Room.

FSCC Volleyball Camp – Grades 8–12th
1:00–4:00 pm
@ Arnold Arena on FSCC Campus
T-shirt included. Must register in advance.
Click here to RSVP!

Candidate Forum for Primary Election
Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce
6–9pm
Ellis Fine Arts Center – in the meeting rooms on the campus of FSCC, 2108 S. Horton St.
Doors open at 5:30pm for a Meet & Greet with Candidates.
Forum will begin at 6pm in the order of Federal, State, then Local races.
Be informed before you vote – come learn about the candidates!

Candidates should RSVP to the Chamber as soon as possible along with any candidate questions.
Email rsvp@fortscott.com or call the Chamber at 620-223-3566 by Tuesday 7/28.

The forum will also be aired via Facebook Live on the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Election Candidate Forum – Thursday, July 30th

Friday, July 31st

BBCO Community Theatre presents: Open Mic Night
7:30–9pm
@ Sharky’s Pub & Grub
Sing, dance, recite poetry, tell jokes, play an instrument – ANYTHING (family friendly) GOES!
Click here to sign up to perform!

Saturday, August 1st

Kansas Rocks – Newbie Women Wheelers Basic Skills Course & Rascals On The Rocks
Young drivers rule the trails at K-Rocks.
Food truck: Jonny O’s Nashville Hot Chicken & Burgers will be on site.
Children receive a certificate for completing the course!

Dynamic Fire Pistol Course
Hosted by Fort Scott Munitions with Battleline Tactical – Kris “Tanto” Paronto
Click here for more info!
For tickets click here!

✅ 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

Government, Kansas

Kobach Warns Cities: Conversion Therapy Bans Are Illegal

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TOPEKA – (July 23, 2026) – Kansas Attorney General Kris W. Kobach today sent letters to the mayors of Lawrence, Roeland Park, and Prairie Village, calling on each city to immediately repeal its local ordinance banning so-called “conversion therapy,” including counseling that involves only speech.

The letters cite the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Chiles v. Salazar, which struck down a nearly identical Colorado law as a violation of the First Amendment. The Court held that such bans improperly censor therapists’ speech based on viewpoint and that therapist speech is constitutionally protected.

“The First Amendment applies to everyone – therapists, patients and everyone else. A city violates the Constitution when it attempts to forbid a therapist from providing the counseling that the therapist believes is in the best interest of the patient,” Kobach said. “The government may not declare that some words and ideas are forbidden. And now the Supreme Court of the United States has squarely ruled on the subject.”

In the letter to Lawrence Mayor Brad Finkeldei, Attorney General Kobach wrote: “Lawrence’s ordinance seeks to control speech in a nearly identical way. … In other words, only one viewpoint is allowed to be expressed. Thus, the ordinance engages in viewpoint discrimination in violation of the First Amendment.”

The letters to Roeland Park and Prairie Village contain substantially similar analysis, noting that each city’s ordinance defines “conversion therapy” to include any counseling that fails to affirm a patient’s sexual orientation or gender identity. But it expressly permits counseling that supports identity exploration or gender transition—thereby allowing only one viewpoint to be expressed.

Attorney General Kobach requested that each city inform his office within 60 days whether the ordinance has been repealed. The letters were also copied to the respective city council members.

Read the letters here.

K-State Extension

Understanding Gestation Length in Beef Cattle by Hunter Nickell

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When Is She Due? Understanding Gestation Length in Modern Beef Cattle

Hunter Nickell

Traditional beef-cattle references often cite an average gestation length of 283 days. However, many producers are reporting much shorter gestations for calves conceived by artificial insemination (AI). Recent data suggest that current Angus cattle may calve sooner.

A study of more than 100,000 Angus AI matings from 2000 to 2020 evaluated relationships among gestation length, birth weight, and calving ease1. Table 1 shows the mean and standard deviation (SD) for the traits studied. Because gestation lengths follow a normal (bell-shaped) distribution, approximately 68% occur within one standard deviation of the mean. In other words, approximately two-thirds of gestation periods ranged from 274.2 to 283.3 days. Interestingly, the average gestation length in this study was 278.6 days—more than four days shorter than the 283-day value commonly found in beef cattle references. Older cows had longer gestation lengths than younger dams (Table 2).

Table 1. Descriptive statistics for gestation length, birth weight, and calving ease in American Angus Cattle.

Trait Number Mean (SD) Minimum Maximum
Gestation length, d 101,787 278.6 (4.69) 264 292
Birth weight, lb 101,713 79.4 (9.6) 39.9 139.7
Calving Ease Score Number Mean Gestation Length (SD), d Mean Birth Weight (SD), lb
1, No assistance 39,946 277.6 (4.7) 78.1 (9.7)
2, Assisted 1,858 279.3 (4.7) 87.8 (9.7)

Table 2. Mean gestation length by age of dam

Age of Dam, Years Gestation Length, days
2 277.7
3 278.6
4 279.0
5 279.2
6 279.3
7 279.5
8 279.6

Estimates of heritability for gestation length in the literature range from 0.20 to 0.64. In this study, heritability was 0.57 for gestation length, greater than for birth weight (0.36) and calving ease (0.20). These traits are related; the correlations between direct gestation length and direct birth weight, or direct calving ease, were 0.29 and 0.31, respectively. The calf genotype (direct genetic effect) had the most influence over gestation length compared to any maternal influence.

Beyond describing current gestation lengths, the researchers also evaluated how these traits have changed genetically over time. Genetic trends calculated from average estimated breeding values over the years are shown in Figure 1. During the years represented by the study data, gestation length decreased by 4.3 days. The reduction in gestation length appears to coincide with industry-wide selection for lower birth weights and improved calving ease, illustrating how genetic progress in one trait can influence others.

Figure 1. Genetic trends of average estimated breeding value by birth year based adjusted for the year 2000 and scaled to the standard deviation of additive genetic effect for gestation length, birth weight, and calving difficulty in American Angus cattle.

The evidence suggests gestation length in Angus cattle has shortened alongside industry selection for lower birth weight and improved calving ease. While these changes have benefited producers, continued monitoring is warranted to ensure that reductions in gestation length do not compromise calf development, vigor, or long-term productivity.

1Gilleland, Carson. 2022 Master’s Thesis. North Carolina State University. Estimates of Genetic Variation for American Angus Gestation Length.

Thank you to Dr. Sandy Johnson for the content of this article. As a Livestock Agent and Cattle Producer, I am passionate about bovine reproduction. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any Southwind District office or by email at nickell99@ksu.edu.

K-State Extension

Support Local Before the First School Bell Rings by Amanda Clasen

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Amanda Clasen, Community Vitality Agent, K-State Extension Southwind District

Amanda Clasen – Community Vitality Agent
July 2026

As summer winds down and the first day of school quickly approaches, many families are checking off supply lists, scheduling appointments, and preparing for a new routine. Back-to-school season is one of the busiest shopping times of the year, making it the perfect opportunity to support the businesses and people who help our communities thrive.

Every backpack, haircut, meal, or school shirt purchased from a locally owned business does more than cross an item off your list; it helps strengthen the local economy. When dollars are spent locally, they often stay in the community, supporting jobs, sponsoring youth activities, funding local services through sales tax, and helping small businesses continue serving our towns year-round.

This year, I invite you to take the Back-to-School Local Challenge. Before the first school bell rings, see how many of these you can check off your list:

✔ Purchase at least one school supply from a locally owned business.

✔ Enjoy a meal or sweet treat at a local restaurant.

✔ Grab your morning coffee or afternoon drink from a neighborhood coffee shop.

✔ Schedule your student’s haircut with a local barber or salon.

✔ Purchase school spirit wear or a teacher gift from a local business.

✔ Write a thank-you note or words of encouragement to a teacher or school staff member.

✔ Donate school supplies to a classroom or local organization helping students in need.

✔ Share your favorite local business on social media and encourage others to shop there.

While these actions may seem small on their own, together they create a ripple effect throughout the community. Local businesses are often the ones sponsoring youth sports teams, donating to school fundraisers, supporting community events, and creating jobs for our friends and neighbors. Choosing to support them during one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year is an investment in the future of our hometown.

Back-to-school isn’t just about preparing students for a successful year; it’s also an opportunity to strengthen the community they’ll grow up in. Every local purchase, every act of kindness, and every show of support helps build a vibrant community where families and businesses can succeed together.

So, how many items can you check off before the first day of school? Challenge your family, challenge your friends, and let’s make this school year one that starts with community.

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

Obituary

Obituary: Tarin Renee Cliffman, Age 27

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Tarin Renee Cliffman

Tarin Renee Cliffman, age 27, resident of Fort Scott, KS, passed away Friday, July 17, 2026, due to health complications.

Tarin had the biggest, kindest heart and loved everyone so deeply. She was her happiest when she was in nature, hunting, or fishing with her nieces and nephews. Her passion for animals and the outdoors was incomparable and that passion flowed through into her friendships and family life. Tarin made friends anywhere she went and was always unapologetically herself, no matter the odds. Her love, compassion, and selflessness never wavered and will never be forgotten.

Tarin was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Martin and Kathy Ross, her Aunt Retha and Uncle David Ross, as well as her brother-in-law, Jacob Bradley.

She is survived by her parents, Chad and Suzie Cliffman, her three sisters, Olivia, Danielle, and Malia, as well as her seven nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, July 28th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 on Monday evening at the Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Tarin Cliffman Memorial Fund 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.

Obituary

Obituary: Rickey “Rick” Callow, Age 75

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Rickey 'Rick' Callow

Rickey “Rick” Callow, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, coach, mentor, and friend, passed away on July 20, 2026, at the age of 75. He lived a life defined by his love for family, dedication to his community, and passion for encouraging young people to reach their potential.

Born on March 28, 1951, in Fort Scott, Kansas, to Leslie and June (Arnold) Callow, Rick graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in 1969. He earned a basketball scholarship to Johnson County Community College before beginning a career in trucking with Midwestern Distribution. He spent 32 years driving for Reynolds Aluminum Supply Company before retiring in 2008, then returned to work as a school bus and activities driver for the Blue Springs School District, where he served for another 11 years.

On Valentine’s Day in 1976, Rick married the love of his life, Carolyn Allen. Together they built a marriage centered on family, laughter and partnership, recently celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They raised two daughters, Bethany Callow of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Jessica (Matt) Hochradel of Jupiter, Florida. Rick was deeply proud of his daughters, who adored him. They especially loved the childhood story that he transformed into Superman after they went to bed. One of Rick’s greatest joys was becoming “Grandpa Rick” to his granddaughter, Ella Hochradel. Ella brought endless happiness and artwork to his life.

Rick is also survived by his brother, Rodney Callow of Elk City, Kansas; his sister, Laura (Don) Shipman of Olathe, Kansas; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Rick’s influence extended far beyond his family. He devoted countless hours to youth sports and school organizations, believing in the power of teamwork, discipline, and encouragement. He coached girls’ soccer, leading the team to the Show-Me State Games twice, and later served as president of both the Blue Springs High School Girls’ Soccer and Drill Team Booster Clubs. Whether coaching, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, Rick generously gave his time and inspired those around him.

Family was always at the center of Rick’s life. He cherished game nights, summers at the lake, trips to Florida, KU basketball games with his nephew, concerts with Bethany, and accompanying Carolyn to events as a Husband of a Daughter of the American Revolution (HODAR). He was happiest simply being with the people he loved.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Cheney-Witt Funeral Home in Fort Scott, Kansas. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Family and friends are invited to remain afterward for a luncheon and a time of sharing memories.

Rick’s kindness, humor, generosity, and unwavering love for others will be remembered always. His legacy lives on in his family, the athletes he mentored, and the many lives he touched. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Kansas

KDOT: Use Caution on U.S. 69 Saturday Near Frontenac

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July 24, 2026

Drive with Caution on U.S. 69 on Saturday

The Kansas Department of Transportation is alerting motorists in the Frontenac area that U.S. 69 will remain open on Saturday, July 25, during the large fireworks display and music festival at the Camptown Event Center.

Travelers should follow all traffic laws and posted signage. Do not park on the shoulder or stop vehicles on the road.

The event is celebrating the country’s 250th birthday and is featuring five bands or artists followed by a large fireworks display.

KDOT will have message boards on U.S. 69 north and south of the event center notifying motorists to slow down and use caution.

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.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Bam Bam Brewing Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Friday

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites Chamber members, guests, and the community to celebrate the Grand Opening of Bam Bam Brewing!

Friday, July 24th
5:15 – 6:30 p.m.

Remarks & Ribbon Cutting
5:30 p.m.

ὌD Bam Bam Brewing Company
120 East Wall St.

Event Admission: $2/person
(This enters guests in both the Chamber’s 50/50 drawing & Bam Bam’s door prize drawing!)

Doors remain open until 10 p.m.!

Grand Opening Special
$3 off all beer flights!

Opening weekend continues
Saturday, July 25, 12:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Bam Bam Brewing Grand Opening event flyer

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members, guests, and the community to attend a Chamber After-Hours, Grand Opening Celebration, and Ribbon Cutting for Bam Bam Brewing on Friday, July 24, from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. at 120 E. Wall St. in the Downtown Historic District.

The celebration will feature remarks and a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. welcoming owners John and Kristine Gemsky to the Fort Scott business community. The Chamber will collect a $2 event admission, which enters guests in both the Chamber’s 50/50 drawing and Bam Bam Brewing’s door prize drawing.

John and Kristine fell in love with Fort Scott after visiting family in the area. Kristine’s brother and sister-in-law, Trent and Kate Freeman, own The Artificers Gallery & Studio in downtown Fort Scott, and her parents also call nearby Bronson home. After spending time in the community, the Gemskys chose to invest in a historic downtown building and relocate their microbrewery to Fort Scott.

Bam Bam Brewing will offer a welcoming atmosphere featuring a variety of locally brewed craft beers, wine, and cocktails. As a Grand Opening special, guests can enjoy $3 off a beer flight throughout the evening.

On Friday, July 24, the Chamber celebration will take place from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., after which Bam Bam Brewing will remain open to the public until 10:00 p.m. Opening weekend continues on Saturday, July 25, from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Following the Grand Opening weekend, Bam Bam Brewing’s regular hours will be Thursdays and Fridays from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m.

In addition to serving customers at their new downtown location, Bam Bam Brewing’s locally brewed beers can also be found at other establishments in Fort Scott and throughout the region.

“We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported us along the way,” said the Gemskys. “We’re excited to officially open our doors, become part of the Fort Scott community, and share our passion for craft brewing with both residents and visitors.”

The Chamber encourages members, guests, and the community to attend the celebration, meet John and Kristine, tour the new business, and help welcome Bam Bam Brewing as one of Fort Scott’s newest downtown businesses. Supporting new small businesses strengthens the local economy and continues the positive momentum in Downtown Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

For more information about Chamber events, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

Enjoy a glimpse behind the scenes as Bam Bam Brewing gets ready to welcome the community!

Bam Bam Brewing behind the scenes
Bam Bam Brewing behind the scenes
Bam Bam Brewing behind the scenes

Bam Bam Brewing behind the scenes
Bam Bam Brewing behind the scenes
Bam Bam Brewing behind the scenes

Visit Bam Bam Brewing on Facebook!

Opinion

Hitting a Wall by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

By Patty LaRoche

Christian author Vivian Bricker wrote about her struggle with “anhedonia,” a condition prescribed for one who lacks motivation, becomes indifferent to the world and struggles to cultivate any sort of happiness. Its victims feel only emptiness. Bricker referred to her condition as “hitting a wall.” Her solace came only when she spent time with dogs. She compared humans to dogs and felt that although people are capable of unconditional love, most are quick to reject a friend when they feel betrayed or abandoned. Dogs, however, love unconditionally. Bricker never “hit a wall” when she was with a dog.

An individual in scripture knew what it was like to suffer from anhedonia. Asaph, a writer of twelve of the Psalms, finds himself in a bad place. Note some things he says about his circumstance in Chapter 77:

Verse 2—He could not be comforted.
Verse 3—His spirit was overwhelmed.
Verse 4—He could not sleep.
Verse 6—His soul-searching was pointless.
Verse 7-9—He questioned what he knew to be true about God.

Can you relate? Asaph is miserable, depressed. But then, in Verse 12-14, he redirects his thoughts. He decides to focus on the wonders of God, the miracles He performs and the holiness of the Creator. Verse 14 reminds us on where to concentrate: “You are the God who does wonders…”

In Hebrews, Paul tells us that Jesus did just that, enduring the cross “for the joy set before him.” He looked forward to the time when he would sit at the right hand of God, and Paul instructs us to do likewise “so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

This past month I spoke at a women’s retreat and shared my recollection of a story Steve, a friend, once told. An avid Notre Dame fan, Steve would video the football game and look forward to sitting in his favorite chair to watch it. One Saturday afternoon, his father-in-law mentioned to Steve how Notre Dame had beaten Michigan 3-0. Steve said that his day was ruined. He could never enjoy a game when he knew the outcome.

But then a strange thing happened. He opted to watch it anyway, and he enjoyed every second of it. When Michigan was on the one-yard line, Steve was not concerned. He knew the outcome. Fumbles and interceptions caused him no concern. His team would prevail.

Steve shared that the football game was a metaphor for eternity. Jesus would win. Satan would lose, so we should live every day, knowing—and celebrating—the outcome. There was no need to sweat the small stuff.

Asaph seems to come to that conclusion in Psalms. God has done wondrous things. The message for us is straight-forward. When things seem overwhelming and we feel forsaken, the answer is not a dog (although my dog-lover friends might disagree). The answer is to recall all the miraculous things God has done in our lives and focus on what eternal things lie ahead.

Uncategorized

Key Rehab Therapy Open House at Credo Senior Living

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Key Rehab Therapy Open House at Credo Senior Living

Tuesday, July 28 | 3:00–6:00 PM
Credo Senior Living & Memory Care
820 South Horton Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

What to Expect

  • Meet the Key Rehab therapy team
  • Learn about therapy services available
  • Connect with staff, residents, families, and professionals

Who Should Attend

  • Credo residents
  • Family members and loved ones
  • Professionals working in the building
  • Community members
  • Referral sources

For more information, contact Credo Senior Living at 620-223-1822 (option 1) or visit www.CredoSL.com.

Documents:

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Minutes – July 13, 2026 Meeting

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Bourbon County Commission

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Minutes – July 13, 2026, 5:30 PM

07.13.26 Commission Minutes (full document)

  • I. Call to Order
  • II. Pledge of Allegiance
  • III. Prayer / Invocation – led by Commissioner Motley
  • IV. Introductions / Roll Call
  • V. Approval of Agenda – amended to add auction discussion, HSS appointment letter, Kansas Division of EMS document, and budget presentation reordering
  • VI. Approval of Minutes
    • a. 06.29.26 Minutes
    • b. 07.06.26 Minutes – deferred, approved later in meeting
  • VII. Approval of Accounts Payable 07.10.26 – $543,225.90
  • VIII. Approve Tax Corrections
  • IX. Budget Presentations – Baker Tilly general fund forecast & preliminary 2027 budget; Revenue Neutral Rate discussion
  • X. Department Updates
    • Jennifer Hawkins, Treasurer – property tax deadline, unclaimed property
  • XI. Public Comments – none submitted
  • XII. Old Business
    • a. Jarred Gilmore Phillips 2026 Audit Engagement
    • b. Auction Discussion (GovDeals)
  • XIII. New Business
    • a. Opioid Fund
    • b. HSS Appointment Letter
    • c. Kansas Division of EMS Document
  • XIV. Future Agenda Topics
  • XV. Commission Comments
  • XVI. Adjournment – 6:38 p.m.

Detailed Meeting Minutes Summary

Call to Order & Attendance

The Bourbon County Commission Meeting was called to order on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM at 210 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, KS 66701.

  • Present: Commissioner Samuel Tran, District 1 (Chair); Commissioner Mika Milburn, District 5; Commissioner Gregg Motley, District 4; Commissioner Joe Allen, District 3 (arrived late); Deputy Clerk Amber Page
  • Absent: Commissioner David Beerbower, District 2
  • Citizens in Attendance: Teri Hulsey, Lou Howard, Marlon Merida, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Jennifer Hawkins, Michael Hoyt, Jean Tucker, Kevin Davidson, Trey Sharp, Matt Lawn, Pete Owenby

Approval of Agenda

  • Agenda was amended to add: an auction discussion under Old Business; an HSS appointment letter under New Business; a Kansas Division of EMS document under New Business; and a request to move the budget presentation to immediately following the Approval of Tax Corrections item.
  • A note was made to add an executive session with Don Dougherty to the following week’s agenda.
  • Motion to approve the agenda as amended: Chair Tran / Commissioner Motley. Carried 3-0.

Approval of Minutes

  • 06.29.26 Minutes: Motion to approve by Commissioner Milburn, seconded by Commissioner Motley. Carried 3-0.
  • 07.06.26 Minutes: Approval deferred to later in the meeting to allow for additional review. Later voted on out of order during Commission Comments — Motion to approve by Commissioner Motley, seconded by Chair Tran. Carried 3-1, with Commissioner Milburn casting the dissenting vote, noting she had not yet finished reviewing the minutes.

Approval of Accounts Payable – July 10, 2026 – $543,225.90

  • A brief question was raised regarding a line item for Desert Snow training in the Sheriff’s Department, which was identified as narcotics training.
  • Motion to approve accounts payable for July 10, 2026 in the amount of $543,225.90: Chair Tran / Commissioner Motley. Carried 3-0.

Approve Tax Corrections

  • Motion to approve tax corrections: Commissioner Motley / Chair Tran. Carried 3-0.

Budget Presentations – Baker Tilly

  • Presenter: Matt Long of Baker Tilly
  • 2026 General Fund Forecast: Estimated 2026 ending fund balance of approximately $594,000, reflecting a projected surplus of roughly $64,000.
  • Preliminary 2027 Budget: Projected a deficit of approximately $201,000.
  • Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) Scenarios Presented:
    • Flat mill levy (prior year): 56.669 mills — total taxes of $8,147,172
    • 15% mill reduction scenario
    • Revenue neutral rate: 54.664 mills — total taxes of approximately $7,858,000
  • Recommendation: Mr. Long recommended notifying the county clerk of intent to preserve the option to exceed the revenue neutral rate, capping the mill levy at last year’s adopted rate of 56.669 mills — setting a ceiling, not a final levy decision.
  • Discussion: Commissioners noted the full picture — including employee benefits and the upcoming presentation from Don Dougherty — had not yet been reviewed. Mr. Long offered to bring the complete employee benefits fund budget to the following Monday’s meeting.
  • Outcome: Commission reached consensus to table the final RNR vote until July 20, 2026 to ensure Commissioner Beerbower’s participation and a more complete budget picture. No vote taken. Mr. Long noted his professional opinion that the revenue neutral rate is generally inadvisable for counties operating without surplus capacity.
  • Commissioner Allen joined the meeting during this discussion.

Department Updates – Jennifer Hawkins, Treasurer

  • Property Tax Deadline: July 31 is the last day to pay property taxes before delinquent names are published in the newspaper; a publication fee will apply after that date. A courtesy call list is available for taxpayers who wish to receive a reminder.
  • Unclaimed Property: The state’s unclaimed property search tool is available at missingmoney.ks.gov.
  • Clarification: Treasurer Hawkins addressed a statement from the prior meeting suggesting she had not responded to commissioner inquiries regarding postage. She clarified that she had received only a single missed call two hours before that meeting, with no voicemail, email, or text, and that she remains available for questions.

Public Comments

  • No public comment cards were submitted.

Old Business – a. Jarred Gilmore Phillips 2026 Audit Engagement

  • Discussion centered on whether to seek competitive bids before renewing the engagement.
  • Commissioner Milburn noted she had spoken with Varney and Associates (which audits Crawford County) as a potential alternative.
  • Commissioner Allen indicated the current firm has served for three years without issue.
  • Commissioner Motley noted that switching auditors incurs higher first-year costs.
  • Outcome: Commission agreed to request a cost estimate from an alternative firm by the following Monday. Item tabled to July 20, 2026 for final decision. No vote taken.

Old Business – b. Auction Discussion (GovDeals)

  • Commissioner Allen reported meeting with a GovDeals representative to review available surplus items.
  • Items identified as sellable: TVs and monitors.
  • Items advised for disposal: wooden items, filing cabinets, broken furniture.
  • Metal items recommended for scrapping.
  • Motion to authorize Commissioner Allen to list surplus items on GovDeals and dispose of unsellable items: Chair Tran / Commissioner Motley. Carried 4-0.

New Business – a. Opioid Fund

  • Commissioner Milburn reported responding to an outside inquiry regarding the opioid fund and researched permitted uses with the Kansas Association of Counties (KAC).
  • KAC confirmed the fund has broad permitted uses under the attorney general’s MOU.
  • Commissioner Milburn presented a draft application process to allow organizations to apply for opioid fund distributions; indicated she would not finalize the template without commission support.
  • Commission expressed general support for establishing a formal application process.
  • Outcome: Item tabled for a future agenda topic. No vote taken.

New Business – b. HSS Appointment Letter

  • The Commission considered a request from the Sheriff to appoint Lou Howard to the Homeland Security Board in place of the Sheriff, who is relinquishing that position.
  • Motion to approve the appointment of Lou Howard to the Homeland Security Board: Commissioner Milburn / Commissioner Motley. Carried 4-0.

New Business – c. Kansas Division of EMS Document

  • Chair Tran requested authorization to sign a document for the Kansas Division of Emergency Management stipulating that Bourbon County is not subject to a single program-specific audit, as the county expends less than $1,000,000 in federally awarded funds annually.
  • Motion to authorize Chair Tran to sign the Kansas Division of Emergency Management document: Commissioner Motley / Commissioner Allen. Carried 4-0.

Future Agenda Topics – July 20, 2026

  • Executive session with Don Dougherty (KSA 75-4319(b)(1))
  • Baker Tilly budget presentation, RNR discussion, and vote
  • Audit engagement decision
  • Opioid fund application
  • Update from Commissioner Allen on the juvenile detention meeting in Girard

Commission Comments

  • Commissioner Milburn: Encouraged fellow commissioners to utilize available resources, specifically noting the KAC local road engineer available at no charge. Expressed concern about deteriorating road conditions, including thinning roads and double-ditch issues, and hopes engineering solutions will focus on utilizing existing infrastructure.
  • Commissioner Allen: Noted fair week activity and mentioned plans to attend.
  • Chair Tran: Reflected on the commission’s fiduciary responsibility during budget season, expressing measured concern about projected expenditures and potential future liabilities. Emphasized the need for the full commission to work collaboratively on budget decisions.

Adjournment

  • Motion to adjourn at 6:38 p.m.: Chair Tran / Commissioner Motley. Carried unanimously.
  • Note: Budget Work Session previously scheduled for after this meeting was not held.