Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 8

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports for June 8, 2026

Arrests: June 5–8, 2026

Williams, Alexis Ann (age 22) – Arrested 6/5/2026 by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: DUI (misdemeanor), Reckless Driving. Bond: $2,500. Released 6/7/2026.

Carr, Randle R. (age 45) – Arrested 6/5/2026; held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. No bond.

Curtiss, Jaystyn Jaymes (age 20) – Arrested 6/5/2026; held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. No bond.

Jackson, Ontareo (age 23) – Arrested 6/5/2026; held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. No bond.

McQueen, Paul Jearrette (age 49) – Arrested 6/5/2026; held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. No bond.

Burns, Randy Dale Jr. (age 46) – Arrested 6/5/2026; held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. No bond.

Garcia, Silva Joeddy (age 27) – Arrested 6/5/2026; held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. No bond.

Tucker, Sky Marie (age 30) – Arrested 6/5/2026 by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear). No bond.

Eisenbrandt, Jonah Isaiah (age 46) – Arrested 6/5/2026 by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Sanction. No bond. Released 6/7/2026.

Reisman, Robert Ryan (age 34) – Arrested 6/6/2026 by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: DUI (misdemeanor), Possession of Certain Illegal Drugs, Transporting an Open Container, Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond: $10,000. Released 6/7/2026.

Haynes, Raya Lashay (age 18) – Arrested 6/6/2026 by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Aggravated Escape from Custody (use of violence), Criminal Threat (unknown circumstance), Domestic Battery (knowing/reckless bodily harm), Interference with LEO (obstruct/resist felony). Bond: $5,000.

Villazon, Vincent J. (age 28) – Arrested 6/7/2026 by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Aggravated Burglary, Domestic Battery (knowing/reckless bodily harm). No bond.

Matthews, Evan Andrea (age 20) – Arrested 6/7/2026 by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: DUI (misdemeanor), Fleeing or Eluding a LEO, Liquor Purchase by Minor, Possession of Certain Stimulants. No bond.

Released: June 5–8, 2026

Black, Carla Mae – Released 6/6/2026 via Cash Bond.

Eisenbrandt, Jonah Isaiah – Released 6/7/2026, Time Served.

Ladish, Clay Matthew – Released 6/5/2026, Transferred Out (Douglas County).

Reisman, Robert Ryan – Released 6/7/2026 via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Surguy, Nikita – Released 6/6/2026, Time Served.

Williams, Alexis Ann – Released 6/7/2026 via Surety Bond (Larry Lamb).

Total Inmates as of 6/8/2026: 51

Inmates at Bourbon County Jail: 49
Inmates at Osawatomie State Hospital: 2

Charges are accusations only. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Documents:

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary for June 8, 2026 Meeting

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda & Packet

06.08.26 Commission Agenda

Meeting Date: June 8, 2026, 5:30 PM

Location: 210 S National Avenue, Fort Scott, KS 66701

I. Meeting Agenda Outline

  • I. Call Meeting to Order (PDF Page 1)

  • II. Pledge of Allegiance (PDF Page 1)

  • III. Prayer (PDF Page 1)

  • IV. Introductions (PDF Page 1)

  • V. Approval of Accounts Payable 06.05.26 ($184,461.59) (PDF Page 1)

  • VI. Approval of Minutes 06.01.26 (PDF Page 1)

  • VII. Special Appearances (PDF Page 1)

    • a. Planning Commission Presentation – Tran

  • VIII. Public Comments (PDF Page 1)

  • IX. Department Updates (PDF Page 1)

    • a. MOU grant – Melissa Trim – Tran

    • b. Website Access – Walker

    • c. Tusa – Sheriff/Tran

  • X. Old Business (PDF Page 1)

  • XI. New Business (PDF Page 1)

    • a. Budget discussion – Milburn-Kee

    • b. CIC remote access for Baker Tilly – Milburn-Kee

    • c. Real-estate extension – Tran

  • XII. Future Agenda Topics (PDF Page 1)

    • a. 06.22.26 Jarred Gilmore Phillips 2026 Audit Engagement

    • b. 06.22.26 SEK Regional Juvenile Detention Center Discussion

    • c. 06.22.26 Resolution for Cancellation of Warrant/Checks KSA 19-320 – Walker

  • XIII. Commission Comments (PDF Page 1)

  • XIV. Adjournment (PDF Page 1)

II. Detailed Information Packet Summary

1. Accounts Payable & Open Invoices Summary

The total open invoices pending approval for the June 5, 2026 review batch is $184,461.59, comprising 142 total invoices across county departments.

Departmental Cost Breakdown:

  • Non-Departmental (Combined Funds): $135,316.63 (PDF Page 7)

    • General Fund (Payroll Clearing): $0.00 after balancing special payroll credits and KPERS tracking. (PDF Page 2)

    • Appraisers Fund 016: $29.06 for monthly contract copier items and cooler rentals. (PDF Page 2)

    • County Treasurer Motor Fund 052: $385.46 including a title fraud training mileage reimbursement of $217.50 and office copy paper. (PDF Page 2)

    • Election Fund 062: $87.21 for contract copy services. (PDF Page 2)

    • Employee Benefit Fund 064: $1,128.19 covering social security processing and RPS Benefits health management. (PDF Pages 2-3)

    • Special Law Enforcement Fund 097: $1,000.00 for a Platinum Level Sponsorship of the Bourbon County Fair Association. (PDF Page 3)

    • Landfill Fund 108: $5,230.07 paid to Allen County Public Works for municipal solid waste processing between May 21 and May 27. (PDF Page 3)

    • County Sheriff/Correctional Fund 120: $38,948.88 total. Major line items include $16,271.22 for May inmate meals, $9,966.19 in combined fuel bills through Wex Bank, $5,736.44 in vehicle wrap graphics by Signco Inc., and $3,003.60 for emergency plumbing fixes. (PDF Pages 3-4)

    • Noxious Weed Fund 200: $1,397.72 for customized desktop setup and software implementations via Stronghold Data. (PDF Page 4)

    • Road and Bridge Fund 220: $35,868.95 total. Includes heavy equipment parts and hydraulic repairs through Murphy Tractor ($11,310.18) and Foley Equipment ($3,620.46), alongside a $9,126.40 combined standard grader lease payment to John Deere Financial. (PDF Pages 4-6)

    • Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund 222: $26,712.61 highlighted by a $14,611.80 procurement order of AC-20 asphalt mix materials from Wright Asphalt Products. (PDF Pages 6-7)

    • Road & Bridge Special Improvement Fund 224: $10,977.50 specialized contractual engineering cost for county-wide bridge inspections conducted by Schwab-Eaton PA. (PDF Page 7)

    • Sheriff Trust Forfeiture Fund 257: $13,500.00 used for upgrading field operations laptops through Turn-Key Mobile, Inc. (PDF Page 7)

    • Offender Registration Fund 398: $50.98 for basic commodities. (PDF Page 7)

  • County Commission: $116.27 spent on general personnel folders and copier leases. (PDF Page 8)

  • County Clerk: $255.16 covering standard copy paper and contract copy costs. (PDF Page 9)

  • County Treasurer: $48.83 for recurring monthly cooler leasing and copy services. (PDF Page 10)

  • County Attorney: $3,728.17 total. Key allocations include $1,019.00 for annual website hosting through Advantage Computer Enterprises, $1,178.96 for digital Westlaw subscriptions, and a series of mandatory public legal notice publications in the Fort Scott Tribune. (PDF Pages 11-12)

  • County Register of Deeds: $29.81 for minor contractual copy usage. (PDF Page 12)

  • Courthouse Maintenance: $648.00 allocated toward building maintenance hourly payroll. (PDF Page 13)

  • District Court: $1,049.19 including a $449.50 travel mileage reimbursement for Claire Clark and recurring Pitney Bowes postage machinery leases. (PDF Page 14)

  • Emergency Preparedness: $165.11 for dedicated telecom line billing by Craw-Kan Telephone. (PDF Page 15)

  • Information Technology (I T): $39,647.55 paid primarily to Stronghold Data LLC, including a $17,900.00 flat fee for the network “Separation of County” IT infrastructure project, combined with standard monthly service fees. (PDF Page 16)

  • Ambulance Service: $1,562.26 supporting operations through Craw-Kan EMS data lines ($392.78), pharmaceutical supplies from Morris & Dickson ($386.35), and utility power through Evergy. (PDF Page 17)

  • Noxious Weed (Department 30): $952.84 for seasonal bulk chemical treatment items (Plateau, Remedy, and GrazonNext) from Van Diest Supply Company. (PDF Page 18)

  • Courthouse General: $941.77 for central operations, split between municipal facility water utilities ($360.41), regular service supplies from Cintas ($381.47), and institutional water treatments ($170.00). (PDF Page 19)

2. Prior Meeting Minutes Summary (June 1, 2026)

  • Attendance & Openings: The session was called to order by Chairperson Mika Milburn-Kee at 5:30 PM. Commissioners Motley, Tran (attending via phone), and Allen (attending via Zoom) were present; County Clerk Susan Walker was absent. (PDF Page 23)

  • Agenda Alteration: Prior to starting business, a presentation regarding TUSA was dropped from the schedule due to an attendance shortfall from the presenter. The shortened agenda passed 4-0. (PDF Page 23)

  • Minutes Corrections: While reviewing historical minutes (May 11 and May 18), Commissioner Milburn-Kee formally flagged text blocks from May 11 that inaccurately stated she had spoken on records she did not say. The documentation was amended to expunge those false narrative attributions, passing 4-0. (PDF Page 23)

  • Financial Approvals: Standard April 2026 financial records and ongoing localized tax corrections advanced cleanly with 4-0 votes. (PDF Pages 23-24)

  • Accounts Payable Dissent: AP batches from May 22 ($139,611.15) and May 29 ($456,069.98) faced procedural objections. Commissioner Tran forced a revision to the initial voting call, pointing out that he was abstaining rather than voting in favor, because he had not been allowed or given an opportunity to look over the relevant check ledger documents. The motions ultimately passed 3-0 with 1 abstention. (PDF Page 24)

  • Check Endorsement Emergency: Because Commissioner Allen was away from physical chambers, the board approved an emergency authorization 4-0 empowering Commissioner Motley to sign local warrant checks that night to keep county payments moving forward. (PDF Page 24)

3. Real Estate Extensions & Local Market Adjustments

  • Listing Agreement Change Form: Formal paperwork finalized on June 4, 2026, details a contractual listing time extension for the county-owned office building at 108 W. 2nd St., Fort Scott, KS (MLS #2592426). The arrangement with broker Diann Tucker of Stewart Realty Company shifts the original contract deadline from June 17, 2026, further out to December 17, 2026, keeping the base asking price solid at $170,000.00. (PDF Page 25)

  • Asset Breakdown: The property comprises a single-level commercial office building tracking at 3,552 square feet on a corner lot, structured originally in 1963, featuring multi-tenant space division options, a small operational kitchen space in a partial basement, and open on-street parking access. (PDF Page 28)

  • Comparable Local Property Data: The board is cross-referencing this property profile against comparable sales data to measure local asset valuations:

    • 1621 S Main St: Commercial space sold for $180,000 on April 28, 2026, requiring just 7 days on the active market. (PDF Page 26)

    • 102 S Judson St: Local office layout featuring 8 individual private suites. It brought in $180,000 on April 3, 2026, following 4 days on the market. Local notes mention that the seller bought a replacement roof for the buyers as part of closing concessions. (PDF Page 26)

    • 322-324 S State St: Multi-unit commercial enterprise space locked into an active commercial lease through July 2029. It sold for $225,000 on March 19, 2026, spending 7 days on market. (PDF Page 26)

    • 1502 Scott Ave: Industrial daycare infrastructure totaling 5,000+ sq. ft. that closed for $237,000 on August 21, 2025, after 38 days on market. (PDF Page 27)

The Agenda for the Uniontown City Council for June 9

The Uniontown City Council will meet June 9 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

05122026 Regular Meeting(1)

TextMyGov Proposal

ORDINANCE NO. 85 – VICIOUS DOGS 1987

Bowman Monuments-Memorial Stone Replacement Quote

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

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

___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

Betty Dennis-Leash Law

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of May 12, 2026 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement:  Doug Coyan

 

 

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

 

 

Clerk Report:  Haley Arnold  

Donation

Memorial Stone Repair/Replacement

TextMyGov Proposal

 

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Knight –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilwoman Pritchett –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

FEMA Flooding

 

Dog Ordinance No. 85 Review and Discussion

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

 

 

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Hosts Annual Spring Fundraiser, Boardwalk BBQ

Submitted photo.

A crowd of 172 attended the 2026 Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation annual spring fundraiser on Friday, May 1st.  Doors at the SEK Impact Center opened at 5:30 pm.  Décor was provided by Lisa Wolverton of Hitch and Hoedown Rentals.  Approximately $15,000 was raised during the evening from stretch, silent, and live auctions.  Following last year’s successful appearance, Robbie Bell once again provided entertainment throughout the evening.

Attendees were treated to a delicious meal of barbecue chicken, pulled pork, potato salad, baked beans, lettuce salad, and roll furnished by Mark Hall.  Dessert was cobbler, provided by Brenda Harrison of Sassy Chef’s.  Neosho County Community College students helped serve the meal.  Door prizes were courtesy of the TVDS greenhouse in Fort Scott and Jennifer Deitsch State Farm.

As in year’s past, the live auction was the highlight of the evening.  Dave Petersen served as auctioneer and did a fantastic job.  For 2026, our featured trips were courtesy of Monarch Cement and included a trip for two to Nashville and a trip for two to San Antonio.  Other items auctioned off include:  a Breckenridge CO vacation package courtesy of Home Savings Bank; a Branson MO vacation package courtesy of Community National Bank; a full-size recliner courtesy of Ruddick’s Furniture in Fort Scott; and Dinner for 10 courtesy of Brenda Harrison.  Thank you to the local merchants that provided gift baskets for both the silent and stretch auctions.  Thank you to Larry Holman for serving as the evening’s photographer.  The pictures are amazing.

Submitted photo.

All money raised from the evening will go towards the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation projects.  Since 2001, the Foundation has built six homes and acquired nine additional homes and a duplex.  The houses are located in our communities of Buffalo, Chanute, Fort Scott, Humboldt, Iola, Moline, and Neodesha.  These houses are home to 92 of our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by Tri-Valley Developmental Services.

“The evening was fantastic”, said Bill Fiscus, CEO. “The food, drawings and conversation were phenomenal.  Thank you to everyone who attended.  We hope you had an enjoyable evening and look forward to seeing you all in 2027.”

A big thank you goes to the evening’s sponsors.  Promenade Level:  Monarch Cement Company

Colonnade Level: Acrisure; Cardinal Drug Store & Gifts; Community National Bank – Chanute; Hofer & Hofer & Associates; Larry Holman; IMA; Dave Peterson Auction Services; and Smith Law Office, LLC

Esplanade Level: Ash Grove; Hitch & Hoedown; and Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips, CPA

Arcade Level: Bank of Commerce; CASA of the 31st Judicial District; Cheney Witt Chapel; LeRoy Coop; Mertz Tax Service; SEK COOP; and Shields Motor Company

 

 

Tri-Valley Awards Ft. Scott McDonalds Restaurant and Mertz Tax Service Business of the Year

Submitted photo.

On Friday, April 10th, Tri-Valley Developmental Services held their 2026 Award Ceremony celebrating achievements from individuals and community support in Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson Counties.  The ceremony began at 1 pm and was held at Central Park Pavilion in Chanute.  Awards were presented to the following:

 

Business of the Year – Arby’s of Chanute, McDonald’s of Fort Scott, Mertz Tax Service, Fort Scott

Achievement Award – Dylan Lawrence, Bryan Packard, Josh Wilson

Ed Bideau Advocacy Award – Daniel Smith

Jenny Masterson Family Award – Tiffany Tiegreen

Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Visionary Award – Mike Hofer

Winfred Jent Board Award – Joel Norris

Lifetime Achievement Award – Mike Reid

Employee of the Year Award – Laurel Hall

CEO Award – Jim Jesseph

 

During the ceremony, Ginger Jakee, Kelsey Meza, and Wendy Henderson were recognized as graduates in the DSP+ Apprenticeship Program.

 

Refreshments were served following the ceremony.

Come Welcome Veterans Home from Washington D.C. Honor Flight This Evening

Photos taken from 2016 Veteran’s Day Program at Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Help Us Welcome Our Honor Flight Heroes Home!
This evening (June 4th), join others on the east side of Fort Scott High School as we welcome home our Honor Flight veterans and their high school guardians who have spent the last three days in Washington.

The expected time of arrival is 7:15 p.m. , possibly earlier.

Please consider arriving a little early, as they may be running ahead of schedule.

Let’s line the street, wave our flags, and show these heroes just how much their service and sacrifice mean to our community. There is nothing quite like seeing our veterans return home to a crowd of grateful Americans.
Bring your family. Let’s give them the welcome home they deserve!
Submitted by
Erica Clark

Perry’s Pork Rinds Announces A Major Milestone

Submitted photo. Kelly and Thaddeus Perry.

 

PERRY’S PORK RINDS ANNOUNCES USDA FEDERAL INSPECTION EXPANSION, POSITIONING COMPANY FOR NATIONWIDE GROWTH

BRONSON, Kansas — Perry’s Pork Rinds, a family-owned food manufacturing company based in rural Southeast Kansas, announced a major milestone in its growth journey as the company moves forward with USDA Federal Inspection, paving the way for expanded wholesale distribution throughout the United States.

Founded in 2017 by husband-and-wife team Kelly and Thaddeus Perry, Perry’s Pork Rinds began with a simple idea, a few recipes, and the last $250 in the family’s savings account. What started as a small local venture has grown into one of Kansas’ fastest-growing handcrafted snack brands.

Today, Perry’s Pork Rinds products can be found in more than 200 retail locations across Kansas and are shipped directly to customers nationwide. The company has built a loyal following through its commitment to quality, bold flavors, customer service, and small-town values.

The transition to USDA Federal Inspection slated for July 2026 represents one of the most significant milestones in company history. Federal inspection will allow Perry’s Pork Rinds to wholesale products beyond Kansas state lines and pursue larger retail, distribution, and food service opportunities throughout the country.

“This is a dream that has been years in the making,” said Kelly Perry, co-owner of Perry’s Pork Rinds. “We’ve faced plenty of challenges along the way, including rapid growth, cash flow struggles, long hours, and moments where we weren’t sure how we were going to keep moving forward. But we’ve continued to invest in our business, our customers, and our vision. Federal inspection opens the door to opportunities we’ve been working toward since day one.”

The company currently produces ten flavors of handcrafted pork rinds and has become a familiar presence at farmers markets, fairs, festivals, sporting events, fundraisers, and retail stores throughout Kansas.

As part of its growth strategy, Perry’s Pork Rinds is investing in upgraded production equipment, enhanced packaging capabilities, expanded manufacturing systems, and increased distribution infrastructure designed to support long-term national growth.

“Our goal has never been to become the biggest,” said Thaddeus Perry, co-owner of Perry’s Pork Rinds. “Our goal has always been to build something we could be proud of, create jobs, support our community, and make a quality product people enjoy. We’re excited to show the rest of the country what our Kansas company can do.”

In addition to its business growth, Perry’s Pork Rinds remains heavily involved in community development efforts throughout Southeast Kansas. The company regularly supports local fundraisers, nonprofit organizations, schools, youth programs, and rural economic development initiatives.

The Perry family credits much of the company’s success to faith, perseverance, loyal customers, and the support of the communities that have rallied behind the business since its founding.

“Whether people remember us for our pork rinds or simply for our determination and faith, we hope they remember that we gave this everything we had,” Kelly Perry said. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we’re even more excited about where we’re headed.”

For additional information, wholesale inquiries, retail opportunities, or media interviews, please contact:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.PerrysPorkRinds.com

About Perry’s Pork Rinds

Founded in 2017, Perry’s Pork Rinds is a family-owned food manufacturing company headquartered in Bronson, Kansas. Specializing in handcrafted pork rinds made in small batches, the company offers ten unique flavors and serves customers through retail partners, special events, fundraisers, and direct-to-consumer online sales. Perry’s Pork Rinds is committed to quality, customer service, community involvement, and creating opportunities in rural America. —

Bourbon County Commission Finishes County Business in Record Time

06.01.26 Agenda

Commissioners Gregg Motley and Mika Milburn-Key in person, and Samuel Tran and Joe Allen via video chat attended the County Commission Meeting which lasted less than 6 minutes.

TUSA was removed from the agenda for lack of attendance at Sheriff Bill Martin’s request.

Approval of Minutes 05.11.26, Special 05.18.26, 05.18.26

Minutes were approved pending changes to attribution requested by Milburn-Key.

Approval of April 2026 Financials

Approved

Approval of Tax Corrections

Approved

Approval of Accounts Payable 5.22.26 $139,611.15, 5.29.26
$456,069.98

Approved, Tran abstaining.

Allen and Tran asked that Motley sign the AP checks in absence of Allen. Motion approved.

There were no Public Comments, Department Updates, Old Business, Future Agenda Topics, New Business, or Commissioner Comments.

Bourbon County Arts Council: patio concert featuring Roxie & The Moon King, Friday, June 26

Bourbon County Arts Council patio concert flyer

The Bourbon County Arts Council presents a patio concert featuring Roxie & The Moon King.

  • When: Friday, June 26, 8:00–10:00 p.m.
  • Where: Liberty Theatre Patio, 113 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS
  • Tickets: $15 BCAC members / $20 non-members
  • Reservations required
  • Contact: Terri Floyd, 620-224-7221

Roxie & The Moon King concert details

For more details, visit the Bourbon County Arts Council Facebook page or the Roxie & The Moon King Facebook page.

Roxie & The Moon King promotional image

Draft Minutes of the Uniontown City Council

The Regular Council Meeting on May 12, 2026 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Mary Pemberton, Bradley Stewart and Kyle Knight.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Joe George, Loretta George, Betty Dennis, Alicia Jackson, Sherriff Bill Martin, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson and City Clerk Haley Arnold.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Betty Dennis shared details of an incident in which she was bitten by a dog on May 9th from residence 401 2nd St.  She discussed the circumstances surrounding the event, her experience with the dogs involved, and the impact the incident had on her.

 

The council discussed the dogs’ vaccination status, prior complaints, and other reported incidents involving the animals.

 

Alicia Jackson addressed the council regarding her granddaughter being attacked by the same dogs on school property 3 weeks prior.  She also stated that dogs remain on the property constantly.

 

Stewart asked Dennis and Jackson about how long the dogs had been seen in the area and their past demeanor.  Dennis stated the dogs had been roaming the area for approximately a year and a half and had not shown aggressive behavior until recently.

 

Loretta George addressed the council regarding a previous dog bite incident involving dogs from a residence on 2nd Street. She stated that one of the dogs bit her on the arm while she was walking past the property and that attempts to resolve the matter with the owners were unsuccessful.  George also stated that she carries pepper spray for protection from other dogs in the community while walking after this incident.

 

The council discussed the city ordinance regarding dog registration requirements.  Mayor Jurgensen asked Sherriff Bill Martin about the counties regulations for vicious dog.

 

Sheriff Martin stated that the county no longer has a vicious dog resolution in place. The council also discussed quarantine requirements and procedures following a dog bite incident.

 

The council discussed the court process and emphasized its importance for future public safety.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Johnson presented the April 2026 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $249,042.02, Receipts $37,238.88, Transfers Out $3,024.25, Expenditures $28,924.80, Checking Account Closing Balance $254,331.85. Bank Statement Balance $258,881.89, including Checking Account Interest of $52.59, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $4,550.04, Reconciled Balance $254,331.85.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $43,462.65, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $24,422.45, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $50,955.80, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $373,172.75. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $196.57, and Utility CDs $693.91 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $890.48.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of April 2026, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  April Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.25; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, for Total Transfers of $3,024.25.  Net income for the month of April $5,289.83, Year-to-Date Net Income $53,586.39.  Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $76,391.32 (59.0%), Expenditures $34,567.56 (26.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $13,156.07 (36.4%), Expenditures $11,100.99 (26.0%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $41,525.52 (33.4%), Expenditures $29,582.47 (20.7%); General Fund YTD Revenue $57,576.67 (39.1%), Expenditures $43,127.80 (18.4%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,968.83 (54.4%), Expenditures $2,807.27 (25.1%).  The May 2026 payables to date in the amount of $29,476.32.

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of April 14, 2026 Regular Meeting
  • April Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & May Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Officer Coyan was unable to attend the meeting. Clerk Arnold addressed property concerns previously brought to her attention, including 202 4th St., where a prior letter regarding yard conditions had resulted in some progress but not sufficient compliance; the council agreed a citation was necessary. 101 Washington was found to be in compliance. 303 Washington will be sent a certified letter regarding code violations.

Treasurer Johnson reported that the gas surcharge was complete.

Superintendent Rich reported that the citywide cleanup went well, and that the KCC audit began May 11 and concluded May 13. Possible violations identified during the audit were also discussed.

Clerk Arnold presented the 2026 audit contract from DBB Inc., and the cost of the audit was discussed.

Moved by Stewart, Second by Knight, Approved 3-0, to approve the 2026 audit contract from DBB Inc.

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Knight – Knight reported flooding issues following the recent heavy rain at 205 7th St., 606 Wall St., 402 2nd St., and 1279 75th St. The council discussed prior efforts to address flooding concerns and potential actions the city could take moving forward.

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilwoman Pemberton – none

Councilwoman Pritchett – absent

Councilman Stewart – none

Mayor Jurgensen – Jurgensen asked Superintendent Rich to add gravel to the east and west culverts near 201 7th St. to help manage rainwater runoff.

Treasurer Johnson – Johnson reported that the west sidewalk near 302 Hill has settled and is impeding water flow. Superintendent Rich stated he would inspect the area to determine possible corrective action.

 

OLD BUSINESS

FEMA Flooding– Mayor Jurgensen stated he had not heard from Marbery Concrete Inc., but he hopes work will begin soon, weather permitting.

NEW BUSINESS

 

Moved by Pemberton, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 8:46PM.

Walker v. Crux Update: Recall Committee Dismissed, Member Fights Back

The petition Bourbon County Clerk Susan Walker filed to block the recall petition against her has seen a number of updates in the first week.  When the case was filed on May 22, it named County Attorney James Crux and the three members of the recall committee as defendants (see: Bourbon County Clerk Files Lawsuit Seeking to Block Recall Petition). Since then, one recall committee member has hired a lawyer, Walker has narrowed her case, and the judge has already issued (and been asked to undo) an order. Read on for more details.

The biggest development is a motion filed by recall committee member Kevin Wagner under the Kansas Public Speech Protection Act (K.S.A. 60-5320), the state’s “anti-SLAPP” law. That law lets someone who is sued over protected speech or petition activity ask the court to throw the case out early. Filing the motion automatically freezes other motions in the case, and if the person who filed it prevails, the law can require the party who brought the lawsuit to pay their attorney fees.

In response, Walker amended her lawsuit to drop the three recall committee members (Kyle R. Parks, Kevin Wagner, and Lyle K. Owenby) and proceed only against County Attorney Crux. The judge granted Walker’s request to dismiss the committee members. Wagner then asked the court to reverse that dismissal saying he was not given the time to respond that the rules require. He claims that his anti-SLAPP claim (including the possibility of recovering attorney fees) does not disappear just because Walker dropped him as a defendant.

What happened May 26th to 29th

Wagner’s filing may seem counterintuitive: he says he would not object to the entire case being dismissed, but he does object to the recall committee being removed while the case continues against Crux. His reasons, as stated in his motion:

  • The court is being asked to decide whether the committee’s recall petition is valid. Wagner says the committee members have a direct interest in that question and a right to notice and a chance to be heard — which they lose if they are not parties.
  • Under K.S.A. 60-219, he argues the committee members are necessary parties, and that ruling without them could leave County Attorney Crux exposed to conflicting obligations later.
  • His anti-SLAPP claim — including the question of attorney fees and possible sanctions under K.S.A. 60-5320 — remains to be decided regardless of whether he is a named defendant.

As of now, the recall committee members have been dismissed from the lawsuit, but Wagner has asked the judge to reverse that. The case continues against County Attorney Crux. The central question raised in the original lawsuit — whether the recall petition meets the legal requirements to move forward — has not been decided. No hearing date had been set as of this writing.

Being named in a lawsuit is not a finding of wrongdoing, and the filings described here reflect each party’s arguments, not the court’s conclusions. FortScott.biz will continue to follow the case.

Bo.Co. Coalition Meets June 3

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

June 3, 2026 1:00 PM

Scottview Conference Room

315 S. Scott Ave

 

 

  1.  Welcome: 

 

 

  1.  Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1.  Program: Erin Bishop, Double Up Food Bucks Program Manager, K-State Extension

 

 

  1.  Open Forum:

 

 

  1.  Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be August 5, 2026.