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Summary of Bourbon County Special Meeting Agenda, March 31, 2026
Bourbon County Special Meeting Agenda
March 31, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Commission Meeting 03.31.26
Meeting Outline
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I. Call Meeting to Order (Page 1)
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II. Pledge of Allegiance (Page 1)
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III. Prayer (Page 1)
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IV. Introductions (Page 1)
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V. Review of Bank Interest Rates for Excavator (Page 1)
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VI. Purchase of Excavator (Page 1)
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VII. Adjournment (Page 1)
Detailed Summary
Financial Review and Equipment Procurement The primary focus of this special session involves the acquisition of heavy machinery for county use. The commission is scheduled to evaluate current bank interest rates specifically tied to the financing of an excavator. Following the financial review, the board will move to discuss and potentially authorize the formal purchase of the equipment. All discussions and procedural actions for this session are detailed on Page 1 of the provided agenda.
Planning Commission Meeting, April 1, 2026
There will be a planning commission meeting on 04.01.26 at 5:30 PM at 210 S National Avenue, Fort Scott, KS.
From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch
FROM THE BLEACHERS-757
BY DR. JACK WELCH
Trust the Team, Trust the Mission
Does a leader show love and demonstrate trust? When you’re dealing with people, you’re not just dealing with skills and responsibilities, you’re dealing with fear, uncertainty, and sometimes even past hurt. Scripture gives us a simple but powerful truth in 1 Corinthians 8:3: “But whoever loves God is known by God.” That verse reminds us of something important, leadership is not just about being known for what you do. It’s about how you love and how you treat people along the way. When people know they are valued, respected, and they matter, that’s when trust begins to grow.
Now here’s the reality, not everyone walks into your organization full of confidence and trust. Some have been burned before. Some have seen decisions made that didn’t go their way. Some are carrying fear; fear of change, fear of losing their role, fear of the unknown. Fear has a way of whispering things that aren’t true. It tells people to pull back. It tells people to doubt. It tells people to protect themselves instead of trusting the team, but here’s the truth: Fear has never made a team better. Fear tightens people up. Trust frees them.
One of the greatest examples of this kind of leadership comes from Abraham Lincoln. He led during one of the most divided and fearful times in our nation’s history, the Civil War. He had every reason to rule with force and authority alone. Instead, he led with dignity. He listened to people who disagreed with him. He surrounded himself with individuals who didn’t always see things his way. When he had to make difficult decisions, decisions that impacted thousands of lives, he never lost sight of treating people with respect. Lincoln understood something every leader needs to understand: You can make the right decision and still care deeply about the people affected by it. That’s leadership.
Now here’s the other side of that coin. Those being led also have a responsibility. When change comes, you have to choose trust over fear. You may not see the whole picture. You may not understand every decision, but if you’re part of a team, there comes a moment where you either pull together or you drift apart. Fear doesn’t help you. Not one bit. It doesn’t improve your performance, strengthen your relationship or build anything worth keeping. All it does is hold you back. Some resort to gossip and slander. Trust, on the other hand, moves teams forward.
Consequently, whether you’re leading a team or part of one, remember this: Treat people with dignity, communicate with honesty, lead with love, and when change comes, choose trust over fear because the best teams aren’t just built on talent, they’re built on trust.
Thought for the Week, “Fear divides. Trust unites. Choose the one that builds your team.” Jack Welch
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter
March 30
Hello,
Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.
Good News: EPA Permits Year-Round Sale of E15
On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it was issuing a waiver to extend the nationwide sale of E15 during the 2026 summer driving season. Current regulations prevent the summer sale of E15 without a waiver, which is why I have long supported legislation to allow the year-round sale of E15 to provide certainty to the fuels industry. Year-round availability of E15 expands markets for Kansas farmers and ethanol producers, supports American energy independence and provides consumers with more affordable options at the pump. I applaud the administration’s action to help meet our nation’s energy needs, and I will continue working with my colleagues to make this change permanent. You can learn more about my efforts to support year-round E15 here.
Urging Reinstatement of Sanctions on Russia & Iran
This week, I spoke on the Senate floor, expressing my concern over the administration’s decision to relax oil sanctions on Russia and Iran. The 30-day waiver permits both countries to sell their oil at market prices, potentially providing billions of dollars that they otherwise would not have had. This windfall provides resources for both Moscow and Tehran to sustain their wars against Ukraine and in the Middle East. It makes no sense to give financial relief to two adversaries who actively work, in cooperation with each other, to threaten American lives and interests around the world. I called on the President to rescind these waivers now and for them to not be extended once they expire. I also highlighted the importance of investing in domestic energy production to reduce America’s reliance on foreign countries for energy.
The U.S. military operations in Iran continue into its fifth week. As a member of the Defense Appropriations subcommittee, I received another classified briefing on the war. While there is potential for ceasefire talks to begin, I am monitoring reports of plans to send more forces into the region that could lead to introducing troops on the ground.
You can watch my full remarks on the Senate floor here.
Passing Legislation to End Partial Government Shutdown
After weeks of trying to negotiate a deal in the Senate on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), President Trump took action to provide emergency pay for TSA workers who were facing a third missed paycheck. While this action will provide relief for the TSA employees and alleviate strain on air travel, a DHS funding bill must be enacted to ensure our national security and make certain thousands of employees do not continue going without pay. Despite the Appropriations Committee negotiating a bipartisan DHS funding package that includes resources for body-worn cameras for ICE and increases funding for the DHS Office of Inspector General to conduct investigations and hold the department accountable, my colleagues across the aisle rejected this package and additional offers for reform.
While Republicans worked in good faith to offer reforms for ICE and Border Patrol, defunding these critical agencies is not an option. Thanks to additional funding provided last year in the Senate Reconciliation Bill, ICE and Border Patrol operations will continue to be funded for the foreseeable future, and Senate Republicans will look for alternative ways to fund these agencies potentially through another Reconciliation Bill.
Requesting Update from DHS on World Cup Security Plans
As the U.S. prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, I led my colleagues in requesting an update from the newly appointed Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to support the safety and security of host cities across the nation, including Kansas City. Kansas City’s role during the FIFA World Cup presents a unique opportunity to showcase our state and country but also requires significant coordination between federal, state and local partners to address evolving security threats. Specifically, I requested additional details on how DHS is working with law enforcement and emergency management partners to prepare for the event, as well as how federal resources are being allocated and which special designations would be granted to host cities to make certain they have the necessary tools in case of an emergency.
I appreciate the many Kansas-based law and fire departments that have visited with me in recent weeks to express their concerns and share questions ahead of the World Cup, and I look forward to remaining in contact with the emergency services community on the response we receive from Secretary Mullin. I remain committed to working to make certain our communities are as prepared as possible for the World Cup.
You can read more from KSHB here.
Calling for Briefing on Holding Perpetrators of Oct. 7 Attack Accountable
This week, I led 13 of my colleagues in requesting that Attorney General Pam Bondi and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel convene a briefing on the Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF) to update Congress on efforts to investigate and prosecute terrorist networks such as Hamas. The task force was established in the wake of Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel and stands to investigate and hold accountable individuals connected to acts of violence and global terrorist organizations. In the letter, we requested an update on the task force’s progress, including the number of investigations underway, actions taken to hold perpetrators accountable and any additional authorities or resources needed from Congress to support the JTF’s critical work. As Chairman of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, I remain committed to making certain the Department of Justice and the FBI have the tools necessary to carry out their mission of keeping Americans safe. You can learn more from Jewish Insider here.
Touring Thales Group U.S. Headquarters
On Monday, I visited Thales Group’s U.S. headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, and met with members of their team to learn more about the work they are doing to support air traffic control modernization. We also discussed Thales Group’s presence in Kansas, including its facility in Overland Park that repairs air traffic control navigation and surveillance equipment. Thank you to the Thales Group team for hosting me and for conversations on strengthening aviation safety.
Leading Legislation to Protect Consumer Data Privacy
This week, I reintroduced the Consumer Data Privacy and Security Act to strengthen laws that govern consumers’ personal data and create clear standards and regulations for American businesses that collect, process and use consumers’ personally identifiable data. As more states adopt their own comprehensive data privacy legislation and as consumers face new and evolving threats to the security of their personal data, the need for a clear federal standard for data privacy has become more pressing, both for consumers seeking to secure their data and for businesses contending with a patchwork of state laws governing how that data is to be handled.
My legislation would establish a clear federal standard for data privacy protection, provide consumers with control over their personal data, create appropriately-scaled business requirements based on a company’s size and resources, require notification and consent measures, implement robust security programs and provide the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general with the resources and authorities needed to enforce this clear federal standard.
As Congress works to develop a comprehensive federal privacy standard, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and soliciting feedback from consumers and industry leaders to make certain that this legislation manages the risks to consumers’ data privacy in a way that American businesses can execute.
You can learn my about my legislation here.
Introducing Bill to Bolster Training on Dementia Detection & Treatment
This week, I joined my colleagues, Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), in introducing the Accelerating Access to Dementia & Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act. This bipartisan legislation seeks to bolster training for primary care providers so they can better diagnose Alzheimer’s and other dementia and deliver high-quality care in community-based settings.
The bill would make certain primary care providers have the tools they need to deliver earlier diagnoses, improving access to care and outcomes for individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. I am committed to supporting robust funding for Alzheimer’s and dementia research to improve treatments and work towards a cure for these devastating diseases.
You can learn more about this legislation here.
Pittsburg office
306 N. Broadway, Suite 125 (rear entrance of bank)
P.O. Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 232-2286
Fax: (620) 232-2284
Legislative Update by Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson
March 27, 2026
The Property Tax Revenue Limit bill (Senate substitute for HB 2745) was sent to the governor; it puts the breaks on annual property-tax collection increases with a revenue limit (the previous year’s property tax collection plus Midwest Consumer Price Index or 3%, whichever is lower). If a governing body attempts to exceed the limited amount, a voter petition of 10% of registered voters in that taxing subdivision can stop the increase. The Senate added some safeguards: the revenue‑neutral notices you get in the mail must flag if a budget exceeds revenue‑neutral (property tax collected the previous year) levels and if revenue limits are to be exceeded; if revenue limits are exceeded a petition signature area is to be included on the notice; petition signatures may be collected Aug. 10–Sept. 15, and if 10% of registered voters sign, the governing body may not exceed revenue neutral. The House had changed the petition process so that they do not have be notarized. It’s a meaningful step to slow government growth. I hope the governor signs it. It passed the Senate 22–18. I voted yes.
Early in the session, House and Senate leaders agreed to work on two items: an assessment cap (Senate position, 3%, that must be implemented by constitutional amendment) and a revenue cap (House position, allowing voters to stop increases 3% or more by petition). Each measure would offer protection: the assessment cap would protect individual properties, while the revenue limit would help slow government growth. Unfortunately, the assessment cap was rejected by the House – even after the House offered a 10% cap and no rollback on assessment values; the Senate position was 3% or lower with a 2022 baseline year. To move on the measure, I was asked to acquiesce to a 9% cap, with the understanding it could be lowered by statute, and a baseline assessment value year of 2024, which the House accepted – but rejected it on the House floor. There is still a slim chance to pass something in veto session.
Some House members continue to spread misinformation about assessment limits, demonstrating a lack of understanding of the legislation. For example, claims that it “will hurt first-time homebuyers” are inaccurate: the measure transfers the capped assessed value to the new homeowner. A major benefit because the capped assessment value goes with the property, unlike today where some are seeing increases that can tax them out of their home in just a few years.
As Chairman of the Senate Tax Committee, I worked day and night trying to get a limit on property tax increases passed – one that would protect homeowners and save them money. We need to stop these runaway increases. However, as a leader in lowering your taxes, there are members of the legislature trying to blame me for not getting results when they vote against the limits. Go figure.
The Legislature will return April 9th for consideration of bills vetoed by the Governor and possible action on other legislation. Currently, there are 50 bills on the Governor’s desk for consideration and over 80 bills on the way to her desk. All legislation can be found at www.KSLegislature.gov.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Republican Scam Alert
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U. S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter
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Friends, |
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Late last night, the House passed a continuing resolution that will fund the entire Department of Homeland Security for the next 60 days as negotiations continue to secure full-year funding. This 60-day funding resolution marks the fourth time the House has passed funding for the department, which would end the needless shutdown. Earlier this week, the House also passed for the third time a full-year funding bill for the department. Full-year funding received bipartisan approval in the House earlier this year before being blockaded by Senate Democrats. This shutdown has to end so the Coast Guard, Border Patrol, Secret Service, TSA and other critical agencies that keep our country safe can resume normal operations at this time of elevated threat. |
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As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I continue to receive briefings on Operation Epic Fury. My prayers continue to be with our troops, particularly those Kansans serving in the operation. |
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Last Sunday, I joined NewsNation to discuss the latest developments. |
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In committee action Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee held a markup which included a bill I introduced to clarify the ability of Executive Branch officials — not unelected judges — to temporarily appoint acting U.S. Attorneys while the individuals appointed by the president to permanently serve in those roles are pending confirmation in the U.S. Senate. Delay tactics by members of the minority party in the Senate should not be used to prevent the administration from having their chosen attorneys represent them in federal courts. My bill will take a step toward addressing that issue. |
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Also on Thursday, the House Armed Services Committee unanimously passed out the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026 (H.R. 7613), which includes key reforms recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board to prevent future tragedies, such as the 2025 midair collision at Reagan National Airport of American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita and the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. |
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As families across the Second District wrap up their tax returns over the next few weeks, I’m hearing from many Kansans who are receiving bigger refunds this year thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts that were enacted last summer. Thanks to the larger standard deduction, expanded child tax credits, senior deduction, small business pass-through deduction, no tax on tips and no tax on overtime, the average refund is up more than 10% from last year. That’s real money Kansans are saving by having a more affordable federal government. |
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There was also good news for Kansas farmers this week with key announcements from the administration on renewable fuels: |
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First, the EPA announced it is once again issuing a waiver allowing E15 to be sold during the summer. While we continue to work in Congress to make year-round E15 permanent — a bill I have cosponsored — I’m grateful the administration has once again waived the burdensome regulation, giving fuel retailers and consumers the choice to offer and purchase higher ethanol blends, which can result in real savings at the pump. |
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The EPA also announced the new Renewable Fuel Standards for 2026 and 2027, which will result in the highest-ever volumes of biofuels in our nation’s history. This is expected to create billions of dollars in value for farmers and continue reducing our reliance on foreign oil. |
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports March 30
Freeman Appoints New System Director of Revenue Cycle
Christina Clifford Brings Vast Experience to Freeman Health System
Christina Clifford has been named Freeman Health System’s System Director of
Revenue Cycle. She’s excited to return to the employer that helped launch her professional
career from 2007 to 2015 as Freeman’s patient accounts support coordinator.
“[Freeman] is where I first discovered my passion for healthcare revenue-cycle operations and
improvement,” Clifford said. “Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead teams across
multiple health systems and physician groups, focusing on technical billing, workflow
optimization, and compliance. Returning to Freeman feels meaningful and full circle. I’m
grateful for the chance to bring my experience back to an organization that serves the
community I care deeply about.”
After leaving Southwest Missouri, Clifford worked for various healthcare systems based in
Texas, Maryland and, most recently, Michigan, where she worked for Healthrise, in support of
Trinity Health System, as regional director of revenue site operations and revenue integrity.
What excites her most about her new role at Freeman has everything to do with partnering
with teams systemwide to strengthen processes, reduce friction, and support the people doing
the difficult day-to-day work, she said.
Bad Coffee by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
Bad Coffee
When I was in high school, I worked in the kitchen at the Holliday Restaurant in Stockton. The owner would often ask me if I’d like a cup of coffee. I’d thank him and respond, “I don’t drink coffee.” This same conversation occurred over and over and over. Finally, one day Vaughn told me, “Well, whenever you decide to drink coffee, learn to drink it black.” I stored that in the back of my mind and eventually began to drink coffee. (After all, I couldn’t convince anyone that I belonged to the Montgomery/Jennings family if I didn’t drink coffee!) Later, through the years, I switched to drinking coffee with “num-nums” in it. That’s hillbilly for the following ingredients: heavy whipping cream and pure maple syrup, or homemade chocolate satin sauce. I simply flipped around Vaughn’s advice because, if the coffee is bad, I can fix it with yummy additives.
I have a coffee mug that has “Life is too Short for Bad Coffee” imprinted on it. We can take that quote and run 100 miles with it. For example, “Life is too short for bad company, bad living, bad attitudes, and bad breath.” And I would take it a step further and add that life is too short to consume rice cakes, unsweetened tea, chicken gizzards, and raw fish. Those things are just not right!
Life is certainly too short to spend it foolishly. God’s Word reminds us of the brevity of our lives. Moses penned a prayer in Psalm 90:5,6,12 NLT: “You [God] sweep people away like dreams that disappear. They are like grass that springs up in the morning. In the morning it blooms and flourishes, but by evening it is dry and withered. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” We don’t want to spin the tires of our life going nowhere.
“You [God] turn people back to dust, saying, ‘Return to dust, you mortals!’ For You, a thousand years are as a passing day” (Psalm 90:3-4 NLT). God’s timetable and ours is not the same and it’s difficult to wrap our heads around that fact. It’s a fact that life is quickly passing by and we truly don’t have time to waste. We should treat each day as a precious treasure. We shouldn’t procrastinate on achieving the God-given dreams and goals we have for our lives. I grew up with the motto, “Don’t put off ‘til tomorrow what you can do today.” Whoever said that first was a wise person. (I think it was my mom.)
Now is the time to move forward and do what you need to do, whatever that is for you. In regard to eternity, every day we should be preparing to die. There’s no guarantee of tomorrow, so all we really have is today. Apostle Paul gave wise advice, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:3 NKJV). We should not dismiss the opportunity that today affords. Pick up the phone and make that apology, write the letter, forgive, pay back what you borrowed 12 years ago, read the book, write the book, etc. Life is a beautiful experience but it’s surprisingly brief. Time waits for no one.
There is an urgency for doing the right thing now – today. We all have a window of opportunity and we don’t know when that window will close forever. Life is too short for unforgiveness, jealousy, hatred, bickering, disunity, and complaining. As long as we’re breathing, it’s not too late to do the right thing. Ready or not, the aging process will catch up with you and you better have your “house in order” (2 Kings 20:1). Don’t just talk about the things you want/need to do – do ‘em now. Now is the time.
The Key: Aging isn’t a choice like black coffee or coffee with num-nums. However, where you spend eternity is a choice: smoking or nonsmoking.
Soil Testing – The First Step to a Successful Garden by Krista Harding
Soil Testing – The First Step to a Successful Garden
Whether you’re new to gardening or have years of experience, one essential step should never be overlooked, and that is understanding your soil’s fertility. While your plants may offer clues, you can’t accurately judge soil nutrients by sight, touch, or guesswork alone. As planting season approaches, now is the perfect time to invest in a soil test.
A soil test provides a baseline of your soil’s nutrient levels and pH. With this information, you can determine exactly what type and amount of fertilizer your garden needs—if any at all. In many cases, soils already contain adequate levels of phosphorus or potassium. Applying more not only wastes time and money but can also harm plants and the environment.
Soil nutrient levels naturally change over time, which is why Kansas State University recommends testing garden soil every three to five years. However, the accuracy of your results depends entirely on how well you collect your sample. Follow these simple steps to ensure reliable results:
How to Take a Soil Sample
- Divide your garden into sections.
Separate areas based on differences in soil color, texture, slope, or plant growth. Avoid mixing soil from unusual spots, such as low areas or old fence rows—these should be sampled separately. - Collect multiple samples.
Using a clean bucket and a soil probe or spade, take 10 thin cores or slices from across each section. Sample soil to a depth of 6–8 inches. For best results, avoid sampling when the soil is overly wet. - Mix and prepare the sample.
Combine all cores in your bucket, breaking up clumps and removing debris such as rocks, roots, and grass. From this mixture, take about one cup to one pint of soil. Spread it out to air dry on newspaper. - Package and label.
Place the dried soil in a sealable plastic bag or container. Clearly label it with your name, mailing address, and phone number. - Submit your sample.
Drop off your sample at your local Extension office in Erie, Iola, Fort Scott, or Yates Center. Chanute residents may leave samples at Breiner’s Feed Store for pickup. The cost is $20 per sample, and results are typically available within 7 to 10 days.
Phosphorus and potassium levels tend to build up in soil over time. Excess amounts can damage plant growth and may even leach into nearby streams and lakes, contributing to water pollution. In fact, recent tests from the K-State soil lab have found some Kansas samples with nutrient levels so high they were literally “off the charts.”
If your garden didn’t perform as expected last year, poor soil fertility or an imbalanced pH may have been the cause. A soil test takes the guesswork out of gardening and gives you a clear path forward.
Don’t wait until after planting to check your soil. Test now so you have time to make any needed adjustments—and set your garden up for success.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension horticulture agent serving the Southwind District. She can be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.