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Bourbon County Special Meeting is August 29

BOURBON COUNTY,
KANSAS
Bourbon County Special Meeting Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
August 29, 2025, 4:00 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
• Roll Call
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Prayer
II. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect
their privacy
III. Budget Discussion-Publication date will be September 3rd for a Budget Hearing Date on 9/15/25
IV. Freeman Agreement
V. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect
their privacy
VI. Technology Discussion
VII. Payment Invoice
VIII. Adjournment
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which would be deemed
privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in
consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations,
partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at
an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.

Revised Bourbon County Commission Meeting, August 28

BOURBON COUNTY,
KANSAS
Bourbon County Special Meeting Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
August 29, 2025, 4:00 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
• Roll Call
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Prayer
II. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect
their privacy
III. Payment Invoice
IV. Freeman Agreement
V. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect
their privacy
VI. Technology Discussion
VII. Budget Discussion-Publication date will be September 3rd for a Budget Hearing Date on 9/15/25
VIII. Adjournment
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which would be deemed
privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in
consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations,
partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at
an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.

KS Dept. of Commerce Awarded Economic Development Award

Commerce Receives IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Department of Commerce has been awarded the 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Commerce received the award for the agency’s work in the Special Event category that impacts the entire state population.

IEDC singled out the five-day, 26-stop, 2,100+ mile Community Impact Tour Commerce’s Quality Places Division took to highlight transformative projects across the state, engage with local stakeholders, and celebrate community progress during National Community Development Week.

“Our Community Impact Tour was more than a road trip. It was a chance to connect face-to-face with the people and organizations making positive change happen throughout Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The state’s strategic investments are helping spark new economic opportunities in small towns and larger cities alike, and we are honored that IEDC recognized this important work.”

The Quality Places Division within the agency will be honored at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit on September 14-17.

“The Kansas Department of Commerce is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Community Impact Tour initiative,” IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle said. “This award shines a spotlight on the state’s commitment to its communities and showcases the significant impact of economic development. And IEDC is honored to present this award to Commerce to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field.”

Each year, IEDC honors an array of entities, initiatives and programs that are consistently demonstrating excellence in the realm of economic development. Those honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our work recognized on a national stage, and this is actually the second award this initiative has received,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “Earlier this year, the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) also honored the Community Impact Tour. These recognitions reinforce the importance of investing in community connections and quality-of-life improvements across the state.”

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the Quality Places Division:

Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.

About the International Economic Development Council:

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in a full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at https://www.iedconline.org/.

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U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt’s Newsletter

Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

I spent another productive week at home, crisscrossing the district and meeting with small business owners, local officials, farmers, and everyday Kansans. It is truly a blessing to be able to represent the Second District.

Supporting Main Street

As a proud Representative of a state where over 99% of businesses are small businesses – and as a member of the House Committee on Small Business – advocating for main street is one of my top priorities in Washington. This past week, I headed to Topeka to meet with the Greater Topeka Partnership.

Since 2018, the Greater Topeka Partnership has brought the Topeka Chamber, Downtown Topeka, Inc, GO Topeka, and Visit Topeka together under one roof, with the shared goal of improving the economic climate in Shawnee County and beyond. The Partnership does wonderful work for the businesses and people of our community. I provided them with an update from Washington and shared the work I’ve been doing on the federal level to ensure our main street businesses can continue to thrive in the Second District.

 

I also hosted a small business roundtable with the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) last week, where I discussed the positive impact the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” will continue to have on our state. As the largest small business trade association in the country, NFIB works every day to be a voice for our Kansas entrepreneurs.

The bill contains major wins for our small businesses, including making the Section 199A Qualified Business Income Deduction permanent. If Congress failed to extend this key piece of the 2017 Trump tax cuts, more than 45,000 small businesses in our district would have their tax rate raised significantly at the start of next year. The bill also permanently extends Death Tax relief, which is particularly important to our family-owned farms in Kansas, and supports growth by providing immediate expensing of capital investment.

 

Thank you to everyone who attended our meetings last week for taking the time to speak with me. Providing Kansans with a strong economy is incredibly important to me; I’m confident we’re well on our way to doing so.

Peace Through Strength

Tom Brenner for The Washington Post via Getty Images file

President Trump promised the American people he would restore peace through strength, and he’s doing just that. Kansans I talk to every day are very clear about two things: they want the endless bloodshed in Ukraine to end, and they don’t want our military to be involved.  I couldn’t agree more with both of these points, and I’m hopeful President Trump is making substantial progress toward ending the war and finally delivering peace in Eastern Europe.

 

On Friday, I joined KVOE in Emporia to discuss my thoughts on the negotiations.

ABC News map

Congress also has a major role to play in restoring America’s strength. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I work on legislation that directly affects our military every day. Prior to leaving for our extended district work period, our committee advanced the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annual bill which authorizes funding for our entire military. This year’s NDAA will make our military more lethal, improve our servicemembers’ quality of life, and ensure the Department of Defense is always ready to respond to any threat.

I’ll be back in Washington next week, where my colleagues and I will support commonsense legislation the American people expect.

Labors and Leisure on the Frontier: Labor Day Weekend at Fort Scott

Saturday, August 30, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the labors and leisure on an 1840s frontier post. Throughout Saturday, enjoy historic yard games, a variety of living history demonstrations, and interpretive programs as you explore the labors and leisure on the fort.

 

Visit with an officer’s wife doing needlepoint, a laundress making soap and doing laundry,  a cooking demonstration, a contracted teamster discussing the best way to assemble his freight wagon and learn about caring for your horse from a Dragoon soldier. Guided Fort Tours will be offered daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. All programs are free and open to the public.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open Friday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

-NPS-

 

NPS Photos

Southern Baptist CRAFT FAIR! September 12

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

First Southern Baptist Church

invites you to join their

CRAFT FAIR!

September 12th

8am-5pm

September 13th

8am-3pm

at 1818 South Main St.

Multiple Vendors!

We are currently opening crafts

to outside vendors.

Entries must be submitted by September 1st.

To sign up, please call Debi at 620-418-3746.

Church sponsored meals:

Sausage rolls

$3/ea or $33 for 12

Homemade Chicken Noodle Dinner – $10

(includes mashed potatoes, homemade chicken noodles, green beans, homemade roll, and 2 cookies)

Pulled Pork Sandwich – $10

(includes baked beans and 2 cookies)

** DINE IN, CARRY OUT, OR CALL FOR DELIVERY (2 OR MORE MEALS)

PREORDER SAUSAGE ROLLS AVAILABLE.

Friday 10:30am-5pm | Saturday 10:30am -3pm

CONTACT:

417-262-3948 or 620-215-3202

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Obituary of Robert L. Russell

Robert Lee (“Bob”) Russell, 89, of Fort Scott, KS, was surrounded by family when he was called home to be with his Savior on August 24, 2025. He was born June 21, 1936 at home in Redfield, KS to Grant Eugene Russell and Echo Mae (Neth) Russell. Bob graduated as valedictorian from Uniontown High School in 1954.

In 1958, he left the family farm where he had worked alongside his father and joined the army. During his time in the service, he trained as a radio repairman in the army signal corps and was stationed in France and Germany. He earned the rank E-5 prior to completing his service and returned home in 1961.

He married his one true love and best friend, Alvena Carol Bloom, on April 22, 1962. During their 60 years of marriage, they reared their three daughters, Laurie, Barbie, and Shelly, with faith and strong family bonds. As a family, they were active in Grace Baptist Tabernacle and undertook many memorable family adventures.

Bob had an impressive and wide-ranging career. After his military service, he was the morning DJ at KMDO radio, where he was an integral part of production in a variety of roles over the years. Because of his considerable mechanical and electronic expertise, he was afforded the opportunity to work as a contractor for NASA at Cape Canaveral, FL during the Space Race of the 60’s. In this capacity, he worked in telemetry on the Apollo missions, including the Apollo 11 moon landing. After returning to Kansas, for a brief time he was the proprietor of Bob’s Fix-it Shop, on East Wall Street, where he repaired small appliances. The Kansas City Power and Light power plant in La Cygne, KS was where he spent the rest of his career as a pneumatic instrument technician. Upon his retirement from KCP&L in 1994, he built their ideal home in the country, just south of Fort Scott.

Bob embraced the role of a faithful steward of God’s creation, and loved all things outdoor – gardening, hunting, fishing, and just appreciating the beauty around him. He was an expert woodworker and craftsman and was committed to preserving traditional practices and ways of life. Bluegrass music was a particularly enjoyable pastime, and he was a regular at bluegrass festivals and performances.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Alvena Carol Russell, his parents, Grant and Echo Russell, and a brother, Gail Russell. He is survived by his daughter, Laurie Ann Center and her husband, Bill of Lolo, MT; his daughter, Barbara Lynn Johnson, of Fort Scott, KS; and his daughter, Dr. Sharon Michelle (Shelly) Allen and her husband, Brett, of Fountain, CO. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Grant Center and wife, Pearl, of Lolo, MT, Lindsey LaRocque and husband, Brandon, of Missoula, MT, Katie, Kellie, and Keriann Johnson, all of Fort Scott, Kylie Allen, of Fountain, CO, and Zaine Allen and wife, Ash, of Colorado Springs, CO. Other survivors include five great-grandchildren (and another on the way), his brother, Jerry Russell, of Fort Scott, and his sister, Shirley Thompson, of Kechi, KS.

A celebration of life services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, August 30th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Private burial will take place in the Centerville Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County Community Theatre Announces Auditions for Voices from the Grave 

Bourbon County Community Theatre is holding auditions for 2nd Annual Voices from the Grave, an original production based on stories from Bourbon County’s history.

 

Auditions are 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 11 or 12 at the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College. Those who audition must be age 14 or over and only need to attend one evening of auditions. Rehearsal times will be scheduled in small groups with the Director, Regen Wells.

 

Voices from the Grave takes place from 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 25 in downtown Fort Scott, KS. Guests will enjoy a guided walking tour of short-acting vignettes centering around ghostly incidents in Fort Scott. Scenes were written by members of the BCCT Board and many are based on stories from local author Brian Allen’s books about Fort Scott.

 

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and are available from bcct.ludus.com in Fort Scott. Tour times must be pre-scheduled and run every 20 minutes. Parents must accompany children under the age of 14.

 

More information can be found on the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page or by contacting Wells at 620-215-3510.

 

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