Robert “Bob” Dean McBride, 79, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday evening, March 25, 2026, at his home. He was born April 8, 1946, in Mapleton, Kansas, the son of Charles LaWayne McBride and Dorothy Louise (Killion) McBride. He married Linda Ann Large on August 22,1969, in Devon, Kansas, and she preceded him in death on February 16, 2016.
Bob graduated from Uniontown High School. He served his country in the U.S. Army from October 23, 1967, until November 8, 1971. He was a member of the Devon Masonic Lodge & Shriners Mounted Patrol. He enjoyed trail riding & camping on a regular basis with close friends, hunting & fishing. He played in a pool league for numerous years.
Bob is survived by three daughters, Jimmie Hughes and husband Rod, of Archie, Missouri, Bridget Wright and husband John, of Stockton, Missouri, and Tina Jones and husband Rick, of Nevada, Missouri and a son, David McBride and Ashlea, of Fort Scott; a sister-in-law, Arlene Boswell & their children Tim & Annette; eight grandkids, Tiffany Ogle (Clayton), Caleb Franklin (Nichole), Cody Franklin (Tim), Jessica Norwood (Aaron), Megan Demster (Kevin), Zach Simhiser (Hannah), Dalton Jones (Bri), Charlie Wright, & eight great-grandkids. In addition to his wife Linda, Bob was also preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Gary Wayne McBride.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with burial immediately following at the Centerville Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a visitation at the funeral home Sunday evening, March 29, 2026, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Care to Share, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
There will be a work session on 03.30.26 at 4:30 PM to discuss Budget Goals for the Bourbon County Commission. Following the work session at 5:30 PM the board will meet for their regular commission meeting at 210 S National Avenue, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
a. Culvert Permit: Tuchscherer (874 210th) – K Allen
b. ADM Agreement: Transfer Station – K Allen
c. Culvert Permit: Farley (2445 Jayhawk) – K Allen
XII. Old Business
a. Elevator Package: Presented by Commissioner Tran
b. Vending Machine Placement
c. Title IV-E County Reimbursement Opportunity
d. Audit RFP
XIII. New Business
a. Hay Bids: Presented by the County Clerk
XIV. Future Agenda Topics
XV. Commission Comments
XVI. Adjournment
(Source: PDF Page 1)
Agenda Packet Detailed Summary
1. Previous Meeting Minutes (March 23, 2026)
The packet includes minutes from the previous week’s session. Key highlights include:
Public Comments: Clint Walker voiced concerns regarding the condition of flags in the chamber. County Clerk Susan Walker presented legal opinions regarding the restricted access individual commissioners have to personnel records. (Page 3)
Cintas Proposal: A representative from Cintas presented a plan to provide hygiene products and dispensers, claiming a potential 10% cost reduction over current providers. (Page 4)
Sewer Issues at Hidden Valley: Discussion of serious sewage violations at Hidden Valley lake community, where 30-40 homes lack regular pumping, leading to environmental concerns and potential KDHE fines of up to $7,000 daily. (Page 4)
Forensic Audit RFP: Commissioner Tran presented a draft for a forensic audit covering multiple county offices from 2021 to the present. (Page 4)
ADM Composting Agreement: Tabled for further cost analysis; current equipment issues (a tractor in the shop since June) have made managing the bean composting volume difficult. (Page 5)
(Source: PDF Pages 2-6)
2. Accounts Payable (March 27, 2026)
The total accounts payable for this period is $60,156.30. The packet includes a line-item breakdown by department:
Appraisers: $387.49 for wireless services and fuel. (Page 7)
Landfill: $10,740.00, including significant diesel fuel costs and waste services from Allen County Public Works. (Page 7-8)
Sheriff/Correctional: $17,475.40, which includes nursing services ($7,678.50), utility costs for the jail ($3,495.17), and plumbing repairs. (Page 8-9)
Road & Bridge: $4,887.10 for equipment parts, fuel, and vehicle leases. (Page 9-11)
County Jail Bond: $7,641.00 for vehicle fleet leases and equipment principal/interest payments. (Page 11-12)
Commissioners: $1,911.32, which includes a new laptop for Commissioner Joe Allen ($1,618.21). (Page 13)
(Source: PDF Pages 7-13)
3. Financial Reports (January 2026)
The packet contains the “Revenue and Expense Report” for the start of the year:
General Fund: Provides the percentage of budget remaining for various departments like the Register of Deeds and Courthouse Maintenance. (Page 98)
Tax Distributions: Detailed records of tax receipts for employee benefits, public safety, and road and bridge funds. (Pages 106, 125, 133)
School District & Watershed Distributions: Records of tax distributions to local entities including USD 234, USD 248, and various watersheds. (Pages 158, 163, 168, 177)
Topeka, KS — Today, Senate President Masterson issued the following statement in regard to the Governor’s veto of HB 2635.
“Yet again, Laura Kelly has chosen to veto good legislation that saves lives. This bill simply protects pregnancy resource centers’ ability to educate mothers and provide life-affirming care. I look forward to ringing-in another override soon,” said Masterson.
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today vetoed House Bill 2635.
The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2635:
“The people of Kansas have made it clear, time and time again, that they want government to stay out of women’s private medical decisions. That means we shouldn’t be spending tax dollars trying to interfere with that very personal, very private, medical decision. That’s why I’m vetoing this bill.
“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto House Bill 2635.”
Just a quick update on Benny’s Bill. It has been bundled with several other related bills under the number HB 2479 and the bundle has passed both the house and senate and will now go to the Governor. The bundle includes the following:
lectronic Monitoring for Domestic Violence (HB 2479)
Requires courts to consider GPS monitoring with victim notification for certain domestic violence cases to help protect victims before trial.
Blackmail and Deepfake Protections (HB 2594)
Expands blackmail laws to include threats involving images, videos, and AI-generated content.
Privacy and Exploitation Protections (HB 2518)
Strengthens penalties for recording or sharing private images, especially involving minors, including cases involving AI or digital manipulation.
Position of Authority Law (HB 2762)
Clarifies that adults in positions of authority at schools, including volunteers age 21 and older, cannot engage in inappropriate relationships with students.
I will follow up later with a new Thoughts From Under the Dome
Miles W. Thompson, age 97, a resident of Manhattan Beach, California, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026. He was born August 25, 1928, in Ft. Scott, Kanas, the son of William M. Thompson and Eva Ruth Shannon Thompson. He served with the Signal Corps in United States Army from 1951 to 1953. He used the skills he learned in the military to further his education and became an electrical engineer. He worked for many years at Rockwell International. His hobbies included old cars, model airplane, amateur radio and high-fidelity sound equipment.
Survivors include his three children, Miles Joseph Thompson and his wife, Brenda, Robert Thompson and Patricia Thompson; six grandsons and twelve great-grandchildren. Miles was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Fritz Thompson.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 1st at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas where military honors will be provided by the U. S. Army Honor Guard. Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 9:45 A.M. on Wednesday. Arrangements are under the direction 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.
Victor Johnnie Snow Jr., of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away on March 23, 2026.
A man of deep faith, Victor lived with sincere devotion to God’s word and a generous spirit toward his community. He was a dedicated father who cherished his children and held them close to his heart. Victor was known for his kindness, fairness, and willingness to help anyone in need.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor Snow and Frances Snow; his sister, Edith Boeding; his former wife, Carolyn Snow; and his wife, Naomi Snow.
He is survived by his children: Victor Snow III and Lori Snow of Independence, Missouri; Michael Snow of Kansas City, Kansas; Vickie and Steve Henderson of Kansas City, Kansas; and Robert and Carmen Snow of Gentry, Arkansas. He is also survived by his sister, Virginia Barnes and her husband, David Barnes of Appleton, Missouri. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Nicholas Snow and his wife, Becka; Victoria Goldberg and her husband, Nathan Goldberg; Steven Snow and his wife, Heavenly Snow; Steven Smith, Austin Smith, and Mel Henderson; and Cheyenne Smith, Laramie Smith, and Casey Snow; and great-grandchildren, Anastasia Snow and Nicholas Snow.
He will be greatly missed by his children, family, and all who knew him. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.
Pastor Danny Brown will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Monday, March 30th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Pittsburg Meals on Wheels 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.
Community Gathers to Learn About Ticks and Alpha‑Gal Syndrome at Southwind Extension Program
Fort Scott, KS — March 23, 2026 — Nearly 60 community members joined K-State Extension for the program “Beyond the Bite: Understanding Ticks and Alpha-Gal” last Monday evening at the FSCC campus. This event highlighted how K-State Extension – Southwind District is addressing emerging health issues with timely, research‑based education. An Alpha‑Gal–friendly baked potato bar was provided by Great Western Dining.
Raymond Cloyd, PhD, KSU Professor and Extension Specialist, presented on tick identification and life cycles, strategies for preventing tick bites, proper removal techniques, and recommended steps to take after spending time outdoors. Ticks are typically found just a few inches above the ground on vegetation. To remove a tick, individuals should use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure to remove the entire tick—including the head and mouthparts. After removal, the area should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
Priscilla Brenes, MPH, PhD, KSU Assistant Professor and Nutrition Specialist, discussed how Alpha‑Gal affects the body and shared nutritional strategies for managing life with Alpha‑Gal Syndrome (AGS). While there is currently no cure for AGS, individuals can reduce symptoms by carefully avoiding foods and products that may trigger reactions. Many people are surprised to learn that rotisserie chicken or turkey sausage may be seasoned or processed with beef‑derived ingredients. Some individuals with this allergy may also react to wearing leather boots, and others may need to carry an epinephrine auto‑injector.
Alpha‑Gal Syndrome is an allergy to red meat and mammal‑derived products that is becoming increasingly common across Kansas, particularly in rural areas. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, AGS can develop after a bite from the Lone Star tick. When an infected tick feeds on a human, alpha‑galactose (alpha‑gal) enters the body and triggers the immune system to produce antibodies. If the body later encounters alpha‑gal—through red meat or mammal‑derived products—a potentially life‑threatening allergic reaction can occur. Fish and poultry do not contain alpha‑gal antigens, making them safe options for those affected.
Symptoms of AGS may appear after eating red meat or being exposed to mammal‑derived products (including leather) and can include hives or itchy rash, nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain, heartburn or indigestion, diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eyelids, and dizziness or faintness.
To request handouts from the program to be emailed or for additional information about Alpha‑Gal Syndrome, please contact Sandy Haggard, Southwind Extension Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent, at [email protected] or 620‑365‑2242.
A meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer, Tim Van Hoecke, Julie Buchta and Mayor Kathryn Salsbury were present.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Chief Dave Bruner/FSFD, Chief Jason Pickert/FSPD, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Lisa Dillon/Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspections LLC, Ben Hart/BakerTilly (by phone), Darrin Petrowski/KDOT, Michael Hoyt, Patrick Wood, Geoffrey Marr, Dilynn Marr, Anita Walden/Freeman, Kevin Allen, Doug Eden .
SALSBURY led the Pledge of Allegiance and BUCHTA said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the agenda with the amendment of removal of Unfinished Business/Item A Consideration to Initiate Contractor License. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1404-A – Expense Approval Report–Payment Dates of February 25, 2026 – March 10, 2026 – $1,270,095.98
– Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of March 3, 2026
– February Financials
Public Comment
Geoffrey Marr addressed the Commission regarding the airplane hangar currently owned by the City. He would like to lease or purchase it and fix it up and negotiate a long lease instead of it being torn down.
ACTION: MATKIN will meet with MARR regarding an arrangement.
Anita Walden addressed the Commission to introduce herself as the Chief Administrative Officer at the new Freeman Hospital. She also thanked the City for their continued support.
Kevin Allen addressed the Commission in hopes to comment on the KDOT maintenance agreement specifically on Wall Street.
Appearances
Garth Herrmann/Gilmore & Bell – HERRMANN could not be present. HART presented Resolution No. 17-2026 Authorizing and Providing for the Construction Sanitary Sewer Pumping Station Improvements and Providing for the Payment of the Costs. He stated that there will be another Resolution in the future.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the Resolution. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Darrin Petrowski/KDOT – PETROWSKI addressed the Commission regarding KDOT Maintenance Agreement on Hwy 69 and Hwy 54.
New Business
Public Hearing:
Vacation of Street and Alleys – Doug Eden – Consideration of Petition to Repeal Ordinance No. 3579 and Approve Ordinance No. 3796 – Vacation of Street and Alleys
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
FARMER left the meeting at 6:58PM and returned at 7:00PM.
EDEN presented his petition to vacate the north-south alley. It was recommended that the prior ordinance (No. 3579) be repealed and replaced with Ordinance No. 3796 addressing the vacation of Durkee Street, the east-west alley and the north-south alley for clarity.
MOTION: WELLS moved to close the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the vacation. After having heard all the testimony on said petition on the 17TH day of MARCH, 2026 and all necessary information in order to fully understand the true nature of this petition, the City Commission of the City of Fort Scott, upon motion of DANCER and seconded by BUCHTA, passed and approved to repeal Ordinance No. 3579 and the petition of the Petitioner to and vacate the platted Durkee Street located between Lots 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, Block 4 and Lots 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19,21, 23, 25, 27, Block 2, all in Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas; AND the alley running East and West through Lots 1-28, Block 2, Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas; AND the alley running North and South along the East side of Lots 27 & 28, Block 2, Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas. BUCHTA seconded. (Excerpt of Minutes of the same but separate document was submitted to Bourbon County Deeds for recording of the vacation).
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Action Items:
Consideration of Resolution No. 16-2026 and MELPA – Firetruck Financing
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve Resolution No. 16-2026. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of Proposals for Fire Station Exhaust system
BRUNER stated that they received an Assistant to Firefighters Grant (AFG) last year for $106, 571.42 to be used for the exhaust systems in both fire stations. He went out for proposals (RFP) and received (2) back. The first was from Air Clean for $101,750.00, the second from MagnaGrip that submitted (3) options however their lowest option was $106,913.00. BRUNER requested that the Commission approve the proposal from Air Clean.
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to approve the recommendation to accept the proposal from Air Cleaning for $101,750.00. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of 2026 Ground Lease Bids
MATKIN stated that (3) bids were received: $15,700.00, $13,160.00, and $11,776.00.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the bid for $15,700.00 from Mike Fritter of Richards, MO for the Ground Lease Bid of 94-acres. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of 2026 Cape Seal Program Proposal
MATKIN stated that we received (1) proposal from Vance Brothers for $388,948.00 and recommended that the Commission accept their proposal for the 2026 project.
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to approve the 2026 Cape Seal Program proposal as it’s been presented. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of Ordinance No. 3795– AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 3782 for CLG
DILLON stated that SHPO and the National Parks Service requested amendments to the ordinance for the CLG. She drafted what they asked for and FARMER approved to form. She requested that the Commission approve the ordinance so it could be submitted and the City could receive its CLG status.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve Ordinance No. 3795. DANCER seconded. BUCHTA, WELLS, DANCER and SALSBURY voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1
Consideration of Amendment to Zoning Regulations – Connex Boxes – L. Dillon
DILLON stated that the Planning Commission has viewed the City Commission’s initial request and is returning it to the City Commission to make the decision.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve to table until April 7, 2026. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Reports and Comments
City Engineer:
– Davis Lift Station update
– Railroad permit
– Survey scheduled for Wall St.
– E. National utility plan sent out
City Attorney: No Comment
City Manager:
– Moody building update
– Railroad dialogue and spur system talks happening
– Homeless situation in town
Commissioner Wells:
– Fort Scott Greyhounds going for title
Commissioner Van Hoecke:
– Homeless situation
Commissioner Dancer:
– SLA draft and 5-year lifecycle management plan for IT – April 7th
ACTION: MATKIN will email all Commissioners prior to next meeting.
Commissioner Buchta:
– Shop local to help with sales tax
Commissioner Salsbury:
– Fish Fry until Good Friday at St. Mary’s
– 8th & Eddy intersection open
Adjourn
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:51PM. DANCER seconded.
Kansas students in grades 7-12 can receive their sports physicals for the upcoming school year at the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK), starting April 1, 2026.
“We encourage student-athletes to complete their physicals early,” said Linda Bean, DO, CHC/SEK Chief Clinical Officer. “By getting it done now, you can avoid the summer rush and ensure you’re ready for the upcoming season.”
Physicals are offered at all CHC/SEK Walk-In Care locations—no appointment needed. Families should bring the school’s form with them.
CHC/SEK offers walk-in care at the following locations:
Coffeyville
Columbus
Fort Scott
Iola
Miami, OK
Parsons
Pittsburg
Pleasanton
Parents can also request a sports physical during their child’s well-child visit with their primary care provider. At the appointment, parents should let the provider know that their child plans to participate in sports during the upcoming school year.
About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.
This email and any attachments may contain confidential information subject to protection under the Federal Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (45 C.F.R. Parts 160 and 164). If you or your organization is a “Covered Entity” under the above mentioned regulations, you are obligated to treat such information in a manner consistent with the regulations.
Topeka, KS — Today, Senate President Masterson issued a statement on Governor Kelly’s veto of SB 368.
“Laura Kelly has deliberately chosen to drive up the cost of healthcare for the many Kansans that choose to use healthcare sharing ministries with her veto of SB 368. This bi-partisan bill simply provides a tax deduction for Kansas taxpayers that use these important sharing ministries to cover healthcare costs for their families. The Senate will override this ridiculous veto and provide relief to Kansas families dealing with high healthcare costs,” said Masterson.
