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Government

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter May 8

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Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

After three straight weeks in Washington, I was glad to be back in Kansas meeting with local leaders and hearing directly from the communities I represent. While in Washington, the House passed the Farm Bill – a major win for Kansas farmers and ranchers. Next week, the House is expected to vote on year-round E15 sales, a measure I support to expand consumer choice and strengthen American energy production. Back home, I met with several community members to discuss rural development priorities, USDA resources, and the needs of local communities across the district.

I’ve been pushing for the passage of a Farm Bill for a long time, and we successfully passed it in the House last week. The Farm Bill delivers real support for Kansas farmers and ranchers. I was proud to vote for it, and I’m hopeful the Senate will move quickly so this legislation can start making a difference for rural America.

Related to agriculture, year-round E15 has been at the center of discussions in Congress, and the House is expected to vote on it next week. I plan to support this measure. This is not a mandate – it simply removes current federal restrictions that prohibit the sale of E15 during the summer months, allowing consumers to choose it year-round.

 

E15 is a fuel blend made up of 15% ethanol, typically derived from corn, and 85% gasoline. It is approved for use in most cars and light-duty trucks, which make up the majority of vehicles on the road today. Compared to standard E10 (10% ethanol), E15 burns cleaner, can reduce certain emissions, and is often priced lower at the pump. Higher ethanol blends also increase demand for corn, support our farmers, and keep more of our energy production here at home instead of relying on foreign sources.
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Numerous Kansans have told me about staffing shortages at local USDA offices. That’s why I recently joined 14 House colleagues in asking USDA to address the problem. I’m optimistic they’ll do what is right and make the necessary changes. Reliable, timely service is essential. Local producers depend on it.
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I was honored to receive the Defender of Limited Government Award, recognizing a voting record strongly aligned with the Constitution’s principles of limited government. I remain committed to fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, and ensuring Washington works for the people, not the other way around. I’ll continue fighting to rein in federal overreach and uphold the values that make our country strong.

This week was National Small Business Week. I’m proud to recognize the hardworking entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses that power communities across Kansas. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I’m focused on supporting job creators and making sure Main Street has the opportunity to thrive. That means ensuring small businesses can compete and grow. Thank you to the small business owners who take risks, create jobs, and strengthen our local economies every single day.
Bourbon County

May 11, 2026 Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary

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Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda

May 11, 2026 | 7:00 PM

Commission Agenda 05.11.26

  1. Call Meeting to Order

  2. Pledge of Allegiance

  3. Prayer

  4. Approval of Tax Corrections

  5. Approval of 05.08.26 Accounts Payable: $457,015.06

  6. Approval of Minutes: 05.04.26

  7. Public Comments

  8. Payroll & Accounts Payable – Motley

  9. Resolution 22-26 – Beerbower

  10. Commission Comments

  11. Adjournment (Source: PDF Page 1)

Detailed Packet Summary

Financial Reports & Accounts Payable

The packet includes a comprehensive “Open Invoices By Department Summary” dated May 8, 2026. The Grand Total for accounts payable is $457,015.06, covering 242 total invoices across various county funds.

  • General Fund (001): Includes standard payroll clearing entries and department-specific costs. Notable entries include $5,153.48 for Commission wages and $10,452.52 for County Attorney wages. (Pages 2, 12, 15)

  • Public Safety & Sheriff (120): Totaling $90,895.30. Major expenses include $15,708.65 to Benchmark Government Solutions for April food services and $8,635.70 for April fuel charges through WEX Bank. (Page 6, 7)

  • Road and Bridge (220/222): Combined expenses exceed $160,000. Significant costs include engine repairs for unit #35 totaling over $47,000 in labor and parts, and payments to Murphy Tractor & Equipment for unit #207. (Pages 9, 10)

  • Employee Benefits (064): Totaling $35,483.66, primarily consisting of KPERS retirement contributions ($19,567.79) and social security taxes. (Page 4, 5)

  • Ambulance Service (375): Totaling $36,675.71, with the vast majority ($34,254.70) dedicated to service wages. (Page 21)

  • Special Projects: Includes $40,700 to Schwab-Eaton PA for engineering design services under the Road & Bridge Special Improvement fund. (Page 10)

Review of Previous Minutes (May 4, 2026)

The minutes from the prior week provide context for several ongoing items:

  • 2025 Audit Presentation: Emily Franks of Jared Gilmore and Phillips presented the FY2025 audit. The county received a “clean” (unmodified) opinion on its regulatory basis of accounting. However, a statute violation was noted in the Ambulance Fund, which ended the year with a negative cash balance of $(4,318.54). (Pages 30, 31)

  • Audit Concerns: The auditor highlighted three recurring issues: lack of itemized receipts for credit card/restaurant charges, unsigned checks that cleared the bank, and outstanding duplicate deposits from a prior administration. (Page 32)

  • Juvenile Detention: Commissioner Allen reported a projected decrease in detention fees for 2027, despite the withdrawal of Montgomery County from the Southeast Kansas Juvenile Detention facility. (Page 33)

  • Surplus Auction: The Commission authorized moving surplus county items to a vacant Public Works building on May 15 to prepare for a public auction. (Page 33)

  • Contamination Testing: Following a discussion on bacterial contamination at a residential property, the Commission authorized Commissioner Tran to coordinate up to five test sites to identify the source of the issue. (Page 34)

  • Landfill “Free Dump Day”: A motion to hold a free countywide dump day on May 22 failed due to lack of a second, following concerns from the Landfill Manager regarding costs, staffing, and aging equipment. (Page 35)

  • Equipment Contracts: The Board authorized the signing of a contract for a 2019 Caterpillar hydraulic excavator for $102,842. (Page 36)

  • Payroll Access Issues: The County Clerk reported being locked out of the “Pay Entry” system and requested restoration of her credentials to complete necessary general ledger accounting entries. (Page 37)

Upcoming Work Session Notice

Prior to the regular 7:00 PM meeting, a work session was scheduled for 5:30 PM on May 11 to discuss proposed changes to the county’s vacation and sick leave policies. The Commission voted 3-2 to hold a formal meeting immediately following the work session so that a resolution could be voted on the same night if consensus is reached. (Pages 38, 39)

Area News, Health Care

Freeman Health System Appoints Renee Denton as Market President    

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Joplin, Mo. — Freeman Health System announced today the appointment of Renee Denton as Market President for the Missouri/Kansas market, effective May 18.

 

Denton brings more than 38 years of combined clinical and operational hospital experience to the role and has served Freeman Health System for 17 years, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated steady, mission‑driven leadership and a strong commitment to quality care, team development, and the communities Freeman serves.

 

“Renee is a trusted and respected leader within Freeman Health System,” said Matt Fry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freeman Health System. “Her deep understanding of our organization, her background as a nurse, and her collaborative leadership style make her uniquely positioned to support system alignment and guide our continued progress across the region.”

 

As Market President, Denton will focus on strengthening alignment across Freeman’s Missouri and Kansas operations, supporting leaders and teams, and advancing the health system’s strategic priorities.

 

“I am honored to step into this role and continue serving Freeman Health System and our communities,” Denton said. “I’m proud of the work our teams do each day and look forward to building upon that work together.”

Freeman Health System is a locally owned, not‑for‑profit health system serving more than 400,000 people across the four‑state region, offering comprehensive care in local communities.

 

 

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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., and Ozark Center—the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services—as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics, and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Terry Don Hahnfeld

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Terry Don Hahnfeld, age 80, resident of Bronaugh, MO, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, MO. He was born November 16, 1945, in Waco, TX, the son of William and Mildred Power Hahnfeld. Terry graduated from Independence, MO high school. He served in the Army then in the Missouri National Guard for a total of 34 years of service. In his spare time, he collected vintage tractors and later progressed into classic hot rods. Terry enjoyed buying, showing and selling hot rods, owning over 30 at various times. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Jean of the home; 4 children, Dawn Hahnfeld (Milan) Independence, MO, Michele Rusk (Phil) Stover, MO, Kolbe Starne (Abby) Bronaugh, MO, and Nathan Starne, Lamar, MO; 7 grandchildren, Samantha Terrell, Cody Hanes, Aaron Hanes, Arin Starne, Brant Starne Ethan Starne, and Brody Starne; 7 great grandchildren; and a sister, Cheryl Hahnfeld, Colorado Springs, CO. He was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra England, and his parents.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 12th, at the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until leaving for the cemetery at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Wreaths Across America 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.

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 8

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Arrest Summary

JONES, DUSTIN WAYNE, 43
Arrested: 5/7/2026 10:30 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Warrant: Bourbon County ( Failure To Appear) *
Bond Total: $10,000

LAROCHE, JAMES EDWARD, 36
Arrested: 5/7/2026 8:30 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Warrant: Bourbon County probation violation
Bond Total: $5,000

BUCHHOLZ, GRANT MICHAEL, 20
Arrested: 5/8/2026 2:12 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– 1- Headlights (NO BOND)
– Dui; Misdemeanor (NO BOND)
– Liquor; Purchase By Minor (NO BOND)
– Possess Certain Substances In 65-4105(h) (NO BOND)
Bond: $0

GLOVER, BRYAN KEITH, 48
Arrested: 5/8/2026 3:26 AM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charges:
– Battery Of Leo; Rude Contact (NO BOND)
– Pedestrians U/Influence Of Alcohol OR Drugs (NO BOND)
Bond: $0

Inmate Released List

JONES, DUSTIN WAYNE, 43
Booked: 05/07/2026
Released: 5/7/2026 at 11:37 AM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: Able Bonding

Source: Arrest Summary PDF | Inmate Released List PDF

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Health Care

Ribbon Cutting for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Is Celebrated

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‘An Incredible Day’ 

 Ribbon Cutting Held for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.   

                                     

Joplin, Mo.—Nearly 3,400 Fort Scott and Bourbon County residents have utilized Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Inc.’s Emergency Department since it first opened for business last September.

 

The need for the facility helps explain why so many residents showed up to support the long-awaited ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place, appropriately enough, in front of the hospital’s ambulance bay Thursday morning.

 

“I think it’s beautiful when we come together like this in celebration,” said Matt Fry, Freeman Health System’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “There’s so many people that showed up for this ribbon-cutting today, and I think it’s a testament to how much this hospital means to the people living in this community.”

 

The reaction to Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was very similar to the enthusiastic response from residents when Freeman officials first proposed the hospital in mid-2024, when nearly 150 people cheered the announcement. At that time, Fort Scott had been without a hospital since 2018 and without an emergency department since 2023. Between then and the September 2025 opening of Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, residents were forced to travel to neighboring communities for their emergency healthcare needs.

 

Anita Walden, Chief Administrative Officer for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., described Thursday morning as an “incredible day” for Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and the future of healthcare in the region.

 

“When these doors opened in September 2025, we did more than reopen a hospital, we restored local access to care, created stability, and brought healthcare back home for the families of this region,” she said.

 

Over the last 25 years, 470-plus rural hospitals have closed nationwide. To open a rural hospital during this time is a cause for celebration. The best way for Bourbon County residents to continue showing support for the six-bed ED and 10-bed acute care hospital is by choosing to receive care locally whenever possible, Walden said.

 

“By utilizing the services available right here at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital and encouraging your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same, you help strengthen access to quality healthcare for all of Bourbon County,” she continued. “Your trust and support play an important role in the long-term success of [Freeman Fort Scott Hospital].”

 

“The hospital continues to serve our community every day, with 14 patients seen daily in the ED and four more on the acute care side,” Fry said, emphasizing that, even with this steady utilization, “the pursuit of improvement never stops.”

 

 

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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., and Ozark Center—the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services—as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics, and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Newsletter

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Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Agenda for May 12 and Minutes From Prior Meeting

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Uniontown Regular City Council Meeting – Tuesday May 12 at 7 at Uniontown City Hall.

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL:  ___ Kyle Knight ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett

___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of April 14, 2026 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

303 Washington

101 Washington

202 4th St.

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Clerk Report:  Haley Arnold  

 

 

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Knight –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilwoman Pritchett –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

FEMA Flooding–

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 To view the minutes of the last Uniontown City Council Meeting:

04142026 Regular Meeting(1)

The financial report for May’s meeting:

2026 Financials-April

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Shead Farm Homestead Festival is May 16

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Shead Farm

Shead Farms invites you to their

Shead

Homestead Festival

Saturday, May 16th.

10am-5pm

@Shead Farm

2468 Cavalry Rd. Garland, KS

Tickets:

$5/each

Family (5+) $25

Enjoy:

🐐 Petting Zoo

🛠️ Demonstrations

🎶 Live Music

🎯 Games & Activities

🛍️ Vendors & Food Trucks

🌻 Tours of Gardens, Orchard, Greenhouse, Animals, Beekeeping & more!

An educational, fun family day for all ages!

More information:

Call 620-224-4149

www.sheadfarm.com

Calling all young Entrepreneurs! 🌱✨

The Shead Farm Homestead Festival is offering kids vendor booth spots for young business-minded kids who would like to sell their products or services.

This is a great opportunity for kids to share their creativity, practice business skills, and be part of a fun community event on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Shead Farm looks forward to hosting these young vendors and shopping their booths! 🛍️🌻

Sign up for a kids (ages 6-18) vendor booth spot for FREE today

by clicking HERE!

Click HERE to visit the

Shead Farm

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

Shead Homestead Festival

Facebook Event Page
A little behind-the-scenes look at the Shead family and crew getting ready for the big day! 🌱

So much time, work, and heart go into preparing for the Shead Farm Homestead Festival, and they can’t wait to welcome everyone out to the farm.

Mark your calendars and come enjoy a fun-filled day of homesteading, demonstrations, vendors, food, animals, family activities, and more! 🌻🐐
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566