There will be a special meeting for the Board of County Commissioners 09.12.25 at 5:00 PM at 210 S National Avenue for an executive session to discuss non-elected Personnel.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
All posts by Submitted Story
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Report Sept. 9-10
Fort Scott Community College Foundation Hosts Chamber Coffee
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First Southern Baptist Church Craft Fair This Weekend
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USD234 Trustees Meet on Sept. 11
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
September 11, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY PUBLIC
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing Budget Hearing with charts
4.1 Open Hearing (Action Item)
4.2 Hear from Patrons
4.3 Close Hearing (Action Item)
5.0 Budget Hearing (5:45 pm) – Review Code 99
5.1 Open Hearing (Action Item)
5.2 Hear from Patrons
5.3 Close Hearing (Action Item)
6.0 Resolution 24-08: Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for financing the annual budget
for 2025-26 (Action Item)
7.0 Resolution 24-09: Make a Local Option Percentage in an amount of 33 percent for the
2025-26 school year (Action Item)
8.0 Approval of the 2025-26 Budget with Consideration of the Needs Assessment (Action Item)
9.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
9.1 Board Minutes
08-11-25
9.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
9.3 Check Register
9.4 Payroll – August 20, 2025 – $1,556,743.36
9.5 Activity Funds Accounts
9.6 USD 234 Gifts
9.7 Orchestra Extended Trip
9.8 HS Powerlifting Fundraising
10.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
10.1 Superintendent’s Report (Destry)
10.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Zach)
10.3 Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Terry)
10.4 Special Education Director’s Report
11.0 Employee Recognitions
12.0 New Business
12.1 Consideration of Adult Meal Prices for 2025-26 School Year
Adult Breakfast – $3.00 Adult Lunch – $5.05
12.2 Consideration of MOU with Fort Scott Community College for shared use of facilities
12.3 Consideration of Partnership Agreement with Head Start
12.4 Consideration of One-Year Lease Agreement Renewal with Head Start
13.0 Public Forum
14.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________
13.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
13.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
15.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President
FSHS Tiger Football invites you to their FSHS Pulled Pork Nacho Dinner: Football Game on Sept. 12
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Revised Agenda for the Bo Co Commission Sept. 8
BOURBON COUNTY,
KANSAS
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
September 08, 2025, 5:30 PM (Revised)
I. Call Meeting to Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Prayer
II. Discussion of meeting limits-Beerbower
III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Approval of Minutes 08/25/25 & 08/29/25
V. Consent Agenda
Approval of 09.05.25Accounts Payable Totaling $308,641.44
Approval of 09.05.25 Payroll Totaling $326,473.16
VI. Lora Holdridge-Budget Question
VII. 95th Street South of Unique – ROD & Security 1st
VIII. Executive Session: Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected
personnel to protect their privacy. Tran
IX. 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. Milburn
X. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
XI. Old Business
Mapleton Road – Beerbower
Phone System -Beerbower
Software program – Beerbower
Hospital Equipment Update – Beerbower
FSACF Grant – Beerbower
Security Camera’s – Beerbower
Craw-Kan
Elm Creek Quarry
Freeman Agreement – Beerbower
Act/Web Page Access – Milburn
XII. New Business
Salary Resolution – Milburn
North Crawford St. – Beerbower
Eagle Road – Beerbower
Freeman/EMS – Milburn
109th Street – Milburn
Opioid Settlement – Milburn
Planning Commission Selection Process – Beerbower
Agenda-Clerk
XIII. Commission Comments
XIV. 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.
Fall Plant and Bulb Sale at the Farmers’ Market Sept. 13
Want to add some perennials to your landscape next year?
The Bourbon County Garden Club members will be thinning their garden to benefit the community projects they maintain in Fort Scott.
“The plants dug from our gardens will be perennials, including iris, daylilies, coreopsis, ornamental grasses, and sedum,” said Martha Jane Gentry, a spokesperson for the group. “We never know in advance!”
The focus of their sale at the Fort Scott Farmers Market on Saturday, Sept. 13 is mainly bulb sales, she said. They will include a variety of types and colors, with different bloom times.
The hypertufa pots are rustic pots that can be used inside or outside. These were made by club members.
The farmers market is held on Tuesday evenings from 4-6 and Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until noon, during the growing season.
Proceeds from the sale will support beautification efforts throughout the community, including the city pool islands, Heritage Park, and the North Main Street area.
A variety of high quality, jumbo nursery bulbs will be available, including crocus, several types of tulips, daffodils, and allium, she said.
“Of special local interest are two varieties of red tulips, perfect for Tiger, Pittsburg State University, and Chiefs’ fans. All of the bulbs should be planted this fall, but will bloom at various times next spring and in early summer.”
Bulbs will be sold in bags of six, and some will be purchased individually.
The garden club has also partnered with Tri Valley Developmental Services to sell pansies and ornamental kale, both of which are popular for fall planting.
Also available are plants freshly dug from club members’ own gardens, in addition to house plants.
Other items, including garden-oriented books, magazines, and handmade hypertufa pots, will be sold.
“The hypertufa pots are rustic pots that can be used inside or outside. These were made by club members,” she said.
Knowledgeable members and Kansas Master Gardeners will be on hand during the sale to offer advice and answer questions about plants.
The Bourbon County Garden Club meets on the second Tuesday of the month, March through October. Like them on Facebook for news, meeting announcements, and photos.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 8
Help With Wireless phone service, Interne plan
Lifeline program helps Kansans in need stay connected
TOPEKA – Phone and internet services are vital to accessing healthcare and community services, finding employment, and calling for help in an emergency. However, the cost to stay connected is out of reach for many Kansans.
In observance of National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, September 7-13, the Kansas Corporation Commission joins utility regulators nationwide in creating awareness of the program offerings and encourages those in need of assistance to apply.
Lifeline provides combined federal and state discounts of up to $17.02 per month to help pay for residential or wireless phone service, internet, or a bundled phone and internet plan. Subscribers living on tribal lands qualify for additional discounts. Currently, nearly 8.6 million Americans, including 19,500 Kansans, are enrolled in the program.
Eligibility is based on income (at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines) or participation in certain assistance programs such as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA)
- Veterans Pension & Survivors Pension Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Head Start Tribal Programs (income based)
- The Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands
In addition, the Safe Connections Act (SCA) of 2022 helps survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and related crimes get discounted phone, internet or bundled services through the Lifeline program. Those who qualify under SCA can receive up to six months of emergency Lifeline support and their privacy will be protected. Details are available at https://www.lifelinesupport.
More information on income eligibility, participating Lifeline providers, and the enrollment process is available on the KCC’s website or by calling 800-662-0027.
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Kansas U. Partners With Healthy Bourbon County Action Team
KU School of Business partners with Healthy Bourbon County Action Team to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystem in southeast Kansas
Credit: KU Marketing
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Business has launched a collaboration with a Bourbon County organization to support local entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), an organization dedicated to building a healthy, thriving workforce, will work with KU Business entrepreneurship programs both to identify community business projects for student engagement and to access programmatic resources. The collaboration allows KU students to gain hands-on experience while HBCAT and its community partners benefit from KU’s expertise, tools and support for entrepreneurial development.
“Our partnership with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team exemplifies KU’s commitment to fostering economic development throughout Kansas while enhancing the student learning experience,” said KU School of Business Dean Jide Wintoki. “Our students get to apply their business expertise to support small but growing companies, with the potential to generate new jobs in the region. It’s a powerful way to strengthen our students’ professional skills while creating meaningful impact in the state.”
The partnership will support Bourbon County businesses through three tailored pathways, each grounded in a KU Business entrepreneurship co-curricular program.
- Jayhawk Consulting: HBCAT will identify local startups and small businesses that could benefit from student-led consulting services.
- RedTire (Redefine your Retirement): HBCAT will connect with businesses nearing an ownership transition and work with KU’s RedTire team to assess fit for the program’s comprehensive business valuation and succession planning services.
- The Catalyst: HBCAT will help launch a locally led version of KU’s program, which supports aspiring entrepreneurs through mentorship and venture development. KU will provide HBCAT with training and resources on curriculum and program management, with the first Bourbon County Catalyst cohort expected to launch in spring 2026.
Through this partnership, KU students will gain a stronger connection to and understanding of Kansas’ economic landscape while contributing to its continued growth.
“Our entrepreneurs have been clear about what they need: more guidance, more support and more opportunities to grow,” said Jody Love, HBCAT president and CEO. “Partnering with KU allows us to respond directly to those needs and ensure that small businesses in southeast Kansas have the resources to succeed.”
The KU School of Business provides entrepreneurial curricular and co-curricular education to students of every major and across all stages of interest, from those exploring new ideas to those actively launching ventures. Students learn to solve meaningful problems with purpose and creativity, building a mindset that equips them to thrive in any career path.
More information about KU Business entrepreneurship programs can be found at the school’s entrepreneurship webp
Submitted by Jody Love
Freeman Appoints New Vice President of Imaging Services
Hector Juarez Brings Extensive Experience to Key Community Service
JOPLIN, Mo. – Freeman officials are proud to announce the appointment of Hector Juarez as Freeman Health System’s new Vice President of Imaging following an extensive nationwide search.
Juarez brings vast experience to Joplin’s largest employer, having overseen multi-site imaging operations while supervising more than 30 facilities across multiple markets during his career.
“I am ecstatic to be part of Freeman Health System,” Juarez said, who starts this week. “I look forward to working with our teams to expand imaging services and ensure our surrounding communities have access to high quality, innovative care.”
Prior to moving to Southwest Missouri, Juarez successfully directed daily operations of more than 350 employees across 16 departments at Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center, one of the nation’s busiest Level I trauma centers. He directed one of Houston’s largest and most complex imaging programs, performing more than 372,000 examinations annually and leading initiatives that improved efficiency, expanded access, and enhanced patient experience. As the flagship facility of the Memorial Hermann Health System, TMC anchors one of Texas’ largest not-for-profit health systems, comprising 17 hospitals, eight cancer centers, and three heart institutes.
“We’re excited to welcome Hector to Freeman Health System as our new Vice President of Imaging,” said Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Fry. “His deep expertise and engaging leadership style will help shape our future and ensure we are able to provide exceptional care to our patients.”
Hector holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences from Midwestern State University. He is credentialed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as both a Registered Radiologic Technologist and a Registered Computed Tomography Technologist.
“I believe in leading imaging services through collaboration that blends data driven strategy with a people first approach,” Juarez said of his vision for Freeman’s imaging services moving forward. “When leaders invest in their teams, excellence in patient care naturally follows.”
Freeman, accredited by the American College of Radiology, offers a full range of services that include state-of-the-art computed radiography, computed tomography (CT), stationary positron tomograph/computed tomography (PET/CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, digital mammography – including the region’s first use of the GE Healthcare’s Senographe Pristina™ Dueta 3-D mammography system – and diagnostic angiography.
“As technology continues to evolve, we want to make imaging more accessible, more efficient, and more robust, ensuring patients across our region have access to the very best imaging services,” Juarez said.
His goal for Freeman Health System is a simple one: “I want to advance imaging as both a clinical and community resource, aligning our services with Freeman’s strategic planning, growth, and improving the overall patient experience.”
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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 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.