The fire was on Jewell Street south and west of Fort Scott.
Bourbon County emergency personnel were dispatched to a structure fire in the 2300 block of Jewell Street, just southeast of Fort Scott, at around 5:30 a.m. on March 10.
“A three-year-old child died from this incident,” said Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this child.”
The Kansas State Fire Marshal was notified of the fire and will assist the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation, Martin said.
The fire aftermath on Jewell Street in Fort Scott.
A relative of the deceased child sent this to fortscott.biz for publishing.
“I’m Aireal Knoblauch, and I’m reaching out because our family is going through an unimaginable tragedy and we are hoping the community might be able to help.
Earlier this week, a house fire in Fort Scott, Kansas took the life of my 3-year-old nephew, Kai. Kai was a joyful little boy who loved Blippi and excavators and meant the world to everyone who knew him. His parents and our family are Nevada, Missouri natives, and our hearts are completely shattered. The fire marshal is still investigating the cause of the fire. In the same fire, Kai’s grandmother, Samantha, also lost her home and nearly everything she owned. Our family has created two GoFundMe fundraisers one to help with Kai’s funeral expenses and another to help Samantha begin rebuilding after losing her home and belongings. We are hoping you might be willing to help share their story and the fundraisers to encourage community support. Even simply helping spread the word could make a huge difference for our family during this incredibly difficult time.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for any help you may be able to provide.
Commissioner Samuel Tran passed around the stacks of checks he, as chairman, is supposed to sign for review by the other members of the commission. He said that is how he intends to do county business as long as he is chair. The commissioners all approved the checks they reviews and the Accounts Payable in the amount of $437,772.71.
Public Comments
Nick Graham from Uniontown said he felt compelled to speak by information gathered from Facebook regarding accusations of waste, fraud, and abuse made by the commission. A private citizen posted two letters from the commission to the attorney general’s office detailing these accusations.
Graham said the commission should immediately vote to put out an RFP for an independent forensic audit of payroll to be conducted by a vetted firm with no previous connections to the county to head off accusations of bias. The report should be made available to the public. The public should also be informed whether or not the attorney general or the county attorney has found any of the accusations to be actionable for prosecution as soon as the commission is notified. The cost of the audit may be significant, but compared to the loss of public trust if it is not done, it is a cost worth incurring.
Graham also warned from his own experience that citizens who are passionate and willing to speak out need to be cautious about posting anything to social media on behalf of any political figures that those figures aren’t willing to post themselves.
Kyle Parks came to show his support the commissioners, especially those who had been serving longest. He believes they should be paid. Tran ran for office saying he would not be “one of the good old boys,” and Parks is grateful that he has not been.
He also said of those who attend commission meetings but only have negative things to say about the commission, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” Respect and courtesy are still needed.
“I think that’s ridiculous,” he said of citizens demanding resignations and recalls because of their disagreements with the commission.
“I think our commissioners are … trying to do their best for Bourbon County and it is much appreciated,” he concluded to applause from the gallery.
Dan Doherty from district 5 asked if the citizens remembered the challenge of getting the commission to five commissioners rather than three and how hard the worked to accomplish it. Concerning the call by some for certain county commissioners to resign or for a recall, he likened it to “calling for us to suffer from a shortage of commissioners for our county” with no way to know if the replacements will be any better than those in office now.
“It takes us in a backward direction,” he said. Complaints are counter-productive. He called the conflict within the county “relatively minor administrative friction points,” that happen in all kinds of organizations. He encouraged the commissioners not to get caught up in that game but to keep doing what they are doing and keep moving forward. More applause followed his comments.
Mike Wonderly: Commented on the attacks on commissioners Milburn, Tran, and Beerbower. He said that they are making decisions in open, unlike previous commissions. All three of them were voted in by healthy margins.
Wonderly was disappointed at the hypocracy of those who attacked the commission last week. He pointed out that jumping on Tran for his “feelings” comment, but letting Register of Deeds Lora Holdridge call Beerbower names in an open meeting without reprimand is a double standard.
“I may not agree with every decision these commissioners make, but they were elected to ask and deal with tough issues. I just think we should let them do the job the voters elected them to do,” he concluded to further applause.
Department Updates Sewer – Matt Quick, County Appraiser
There is no training required for codes enforcers in the appraisers office at this time. The current codes officer has done online training.
Tran confirmed that the code requires a county permit for those who update their septic systems. New septic installs give a drawing of the system to the county to file.
Tran also asked what keeps people from modifying their systems without getting a county permit.
“We have no way of policing that,” answered Quick.
NRP – Matt Quick
Quick gave a brief explanation of Neighborhood Revitalization Program tax rebates. The rebate is is determined by the property’s value increase based on what improvements are made. The checks were problematic this year due to problems with CIC (the county’s accounting software). Quick has to go back through all 242 NRP’s in Bourbon County and recalculate them to make sure they are accurate.
“This is an across the state issue for whoever has CIC,” said County Clerk Susan Walker.
“We appreciate everybody’s patience with this,” said County Treasurer Jennifer Hawkins. She said her office is double-checking what’s already been checked to make sure everyone receives the correct amount.
Appraisal update – Matt Quick
Appraisal values are locked in for 2025, but for 2026 there’s still time for changes. The appraised value went up $45 million in total across the county, with the majority of homes seeing approximately a 7% increase in valuation.
County Clerk Updates — Susan Walker
Candidate filings are due June 1. July 14 is the deadline to register to vote or update voter registrations in order to vote in the primary. A full calendar will be available once the county gets more information from the secretary of state.
The county has been through a KPRS (Kansas Public Employees Retirement System) audit of the entire employee pool for 2024 and 2025.
There were minimal errors totaling 0.009%. Walker praised her employees for their work on payroll. “My payroll clerk did a really good job,” said Walker.
Old Business Salary Resolution – Beerbower
This annual resolutions requires review by the Kansas Board of County Commissioners. Commissioner David Beerbower took responsibility for the tardiness of getting the resolution handled.
While the previous commission, which put forward the proposition of moving the county from three to five commissioners said that there would be no salary increase, that was not the language in the question on the ballot when it passed.
Beerbower said that while he was in favor of going to five commissioners, he cautioned those whose only concern was cost to vote against it.
“I’m not in it for the money. I didn’t do it for the money. But I do agree that we should get paid,” he said.
Beerbower acknowledged that he is the only remaining member of the board of commissioners which said they would accept a reduction in pay. He stood by his original promise and said he would take a 40% cut, from $21,416 to $12,849.
Commissioner Joe Allen spoke first, saying that he didn’t know the position was even paid when he offered to take the job. His question was what will happen to the money that would not be spent on commissioner salaries if they vote the reduction in.
Beerbower said that there’s a pay increase schedule in the works for county employees but it won’t be ready for 60 days. He suggested creating an employee salary reserve fund inside the general fund to begin the pay raises.
“If its going to be moved somewhere, I want it to go to the employees,” said Allen.
Commissioner Mika Milburn proposed another resolution. She invited Beerbower to take on changing the salaries of some county officials back to what they had been in 2024, since he voted against the salary resolution that gave big increases in the 2025 salary resolution.
Beerbower said that those officials have had a whole year at the new salary level and it wouldn’t be good to change it back.
Milburn said she doesn’t want the position of county commissioner to be undervalued either and handed out a salary resolution for a different amount than Beerbower proposed.
Several members of the audience said they think the commissioners should be paid.
Sheriff Bill Martin spoke to the commission. “Shouldn’t this be a work session with the elected officials,” before being brought to a vote, he asked.
“As the sheriff, I carry the biggest liability of the county,” said Martin in argument against the pay reduction that one of options proposed for him.
“I can guarantee you: this is not right,” said Martin.
Allen asked the purpose of the chart Milburn had distributed, which shows a what a 40% reduction in pay would look like for various elected officials.
Beerbower explained that when the county went from three to 5 commissioners, the overwhelming majority of voters didn’t want to pay more for more commissioners. He took the combined salary of the three commissioners and divided it by five to arrive at the amount in his proposed salary resolution.
Beerbower first resolution only reduced the commissioners salary. He also offered a resolution that keeps their pay at $21,000.
Milburn presented a resolution with no one getting a pay cut and one where most of the departments take a cut, including the commissioners.
Tran said he considers the proposed salary resolutions “political gamesmanship.”
“I don’t want to make a decision that affects somebody after,” said Tran. He also pointed out that a pay raise wouldn’t go into affect until 2026.
“I think it should be status quo,” said Tran.
Michael Hoyt pointed out that the commission discussed the commissioners salaries during budget time.
Milburn moved to adopt a salary resolution leaving things as they are, “And if a commissioner wants to donate theirs back, they should do that.” Beerbower seconded.
Tran read the resolution aloud.
Commissioner Gregg Motley said that he remembered being told by Michael Hoyt that the plan was to divide the salary of three among the five before the county moved to a five-district commission.
Allen said he can see it both ways and is worried about getting good people to replace current commissioners in the future if the pay is cut too much.
The motion died; Tran and Milburn voting for, Beerbower, Allen, and Motley voting against.
Allen moved to table it for a week. Motion carried.
Forensic Audit – Gregg Motley
Motley moved to create an RFP (Request for Proposal) to look for an independent auditor to do a forensic audit on any transaction that the commissioners choose. He moved that longest tenured commissioner Beerbower and shortest tenured commissioner Allen work on the RFP.
Beerbower seconded it. Tran said he already had an RFP and didn’t want it given to Beerbower and Allen. His RFP was created by Baker Tilly. Motley said that the RFP needs to be created by an independent accountant if the resulting forensic audit is to be credible.
“This is about the community being comfortable with what’s going on in the courthouse,” said Motley. “I think the whole process needs to be independent all the way along.”
Motley said that he wants the “transaction that was blatantly public audited.” He also said that other commissioners can add what they want to have audited to the RFP.
Allen said he is ready to “move past it,” and if this is the next step then he’s for it.
“I don’t need to discuss it. I already know what I’m going to vote,” said Milburn, refusing to comment further.
Tran asked that they include categories of: cash receipts and disbursements, concerns raised through internal review whistleblower allegations, procurement and vendor payment abnormalities, grant compliances and allowability concerns, payroll and time-keeping irregularities, in what the audit covers.
Tran said he’s been working on it for a while.”I would like to take this and roll with it.”
Martin offered to find a law-enforcement officer from another county to be the point of contact for the auditor.
Motley amended his motion to include the Sheriff’s idea.
Milburn asked to table it for a week. Motley refused to pull his motion.
Motion carried: Motley, Allen, and Tran voting for, Beerbower and Milburn voting against.
New Business
Resolution 51-25, 06-22, 48-25 discussion – Joe Allen
Resolution 48-25 refers to the use of courthouse space. County Treasurer Jennifer Hawkins asked who had removed the use of key cards in the hall her office is on. There were multiple employees throughout the courthouse that couldn’t access her office space. Tran said no one authorized the change. When he had called Stronghold about it, they said it was working and then he heard back for county employees that it was working.
Clerk Susan Walker said they were told it was because of resolution 48-25 that access was restricted. Milburn said that no one had authorization to make a change like that.
Walker also requested an audit log of that day. Tran said that was reasonable.
He reminded everyone in the county that security and computer problems should be immediately referred to Stronghold.
Beerbower asked for a list of who has access so they can have a meeting with the elected officials.
“If we’re going to restrict it, then who are we restricting and why?” he asked.
51-25 and 06-22
These resolutions are regarding vacation and sick days. Allen said employees are finding that some of their days are missing, despite the resolution passed by the commission that they carry over their sick days from 2025.
“How do they get their time back?” asked Allen.
Tran said that they should do an executive session with the time keeper. He agreed with Terry from EMS, who said that employees should be notified when there are changes to their time.
Sixth judicial request: Picnic Area
Asked for permission to put a picnic area in behind their building.
Motley moved to allow it. Motion carried.
Culverts for 1152 Unity Road, Mapleton and 1130 Eagle Road, Ft. Scott
Approved.
Commissioner Comments
Motley thanked Rural Water District No. 2 for working to resolve the fire hydrant issue for those at Lake Fort Scott.
Allen thanked the Treasurer’s Office for helping him with a complicated question regarding his tag.
Participants at the Pittsburg 60+ Nutrition Meal Site at the Homer Cole Community Center.
SOUTHEAST KANSAS AREA AGENCY ON AGING Joins National Campaign to Reduce Food Insecurity Among Older Americans During National Senior Nutrition Month
Fort Scott, KS – In 2025, 13 million older adults experience food insecurity – they lacked reliable access to nutritious meals needed for healthy living. During National Senior Nutrition Month, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging is joining USAging in a national consumer campaign focused on helping older Americans get the healthy, nutritious food they need to maintain their physical and cognitive health.
“Eat Well. Live Well. Age Well.” Highlights the importance of nutrition in promoting healthy aging, the different kinds of meals programs and nutrition services available to older adults in their communities and how to find them.
Healthy food and nutrition are vital for older adults to maintain their health and well-being. Proper nutrition is critical to reduce chronic illness, improve immune system functioning and enhance cognition. Food also brings people together, bosting mood and decreasing feelings of isolation and loneliness. But it is challenging for many older adults to get the healthy foods they need.
AAAs strive to make healthy eating accessible, appetizing, and affordable. AAA nutrition services include home-delivered meals, meals served in groups settings, and more.
“It is amazing the positive comments we receive from our participants. We received a note recently from someone receiving home delivered meals, “Do you all realize what lifesavers you are?” It is amazing that a meal and a friendly hello from the driver can make such a difference. Unfortunately we do have a waiting list for home delivery but we have openings at all our meal sites. People report they get so much more than a meal. They make new friends and as one person said she didn’t know what to do with herself after retirement and going to the meal site she met people who showed her how to be a senior.”, Kathy Brennon, Executive Director
It’s almost that time again! The Fort Scott Farmers Market vendors are excited for a new Market Season and can’t wait to see you!
They will be meeting Tuesday, April 7, from 6 – 8 pm,
at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) Offices,
104 North National Avenue, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
April 7th, 6-8pm Vendors’ Meeting is for new and returning vendors.
Items to discuss:
Electing new officers
Market Guidelines
Various voucher programs
SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks
Applications and Fees
They will be discussing last year’s season to see what worked, what can be improved, and what you’d like to see happen this year.
They will elect new officers for leadership of the market.
Please look over the attached roles and consider volunteering, or someone you’d like to nominate. A smooth transition will keep the momentum established for a successful market, so President Teri Hamilton will be operating in a training/support/transitional role this year.
They will be accepting your application and fees. Please print and fill out your application, and be prepared to pay by cash or check.
2026 Fees are:
$5.00 Registration Fee
$5.00 per week
$30 (1 week per month)
$60 (2 weeks per month)
$108 (27 weeks Full Season)
Please feel free to pass this information on to anyone who may be interested in joining this year. And please reach out if any questions or comments.
“We look forward to seeing you and we can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store for the coming Market Season! It’s going to be a great year!”
VIII. Executive Session: K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) – Kenny Allen
IX. Executive Session: K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(2) – Gregg Motley
X. Department Updates
a. Sewer – Matt Quick
b. NRP – Matt Quick
c. Appraisal Update – Matt Quick
d. County Clerk Updates
XI. Old Business
a. Salary Resolution – Beerbower
b. Forensic Audit – Greg Motley
XII. New Business
a. Resolution 51-25, 06-22, 48-25 Discussion – Joe Allen
XIII. Future Agenda Topics
XIV. Commissioner Comments
XV. Adjournment
Detailed Document Summary & Information Packet
Prior Meeting Minutes (March 2, 2026)
The commission reviewed minutes from the previous week’s session. Key discussions included:
Agenda Adjustments: The commission added executive sessions for attorney-client privilege and non-elected personnel. Public comments were moved to accommodate visitors, and the salary resolution was postponed to the following week. (Page 2)
Sick Leave Pool: Following an executive session, the commission voted unanimously to accept recommendations regarding a sick leave pool request from Lora Holdridge. (Page 3)
Stronghold Data Security: Representatives reported that security improvements are 80-85% complete. Ongoing issues with software backups require a joint call with vendor CIC. Concerns were also raised regarding unreturned help desk calls from elected officials. (Page 3)
Budget Process (Baker Tilly): Ben Hart outlined the 2027 budget approach, focusing on “goal setting” starting in April. He recommended focusing on flat property tax revenue rather than flat levy rates to ensure defensibility to the public. (Page 4)
Noise Resolution Analysis: County Attorney James Crux highlighted enforcement challenges with a proposed noise ordinance, noting that current decibel limits (55 day/45 night) are “guidelines” and may lead to lengthy litigation. (Page 4)
Sewer & Contamination Issues: Updates were provided on a civil sewer case involving KDHE. A citizen provided documentation of E. coli contamination on his property and requested stricter septic system inspections. (Page 4)
Public Feedback: Citizens raised concerns regarding no-bid contracts for HR and payroll services, the division of commissioner salaries among five members versus the original three, and requested more transparency in county operations. (Pages 4-5)
New Business & Future Planning
Producers Coop: A culvert permit for Producers Coop was unanimously approved. (Page 5)
LKM Membership: The commission voted to continue its $1,108 membership with the League of Kansas Municipalities for training and legislative resources. (Page 5)
Lake Fort Scott Fire Hydrant: Discussion was held regarding a destroyed fire hydrant. Rural Water District #2 offered to replace it for $3,200 if the county covers half. The item was tabled to research if benefiting homeowners should contribute. (Page 5)
Upcoming Topics: Future agendas will include the salary resolution and an appraiser presentation on the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) rebate process. (Page 5)
Accounts Payable Summary
The packet includes a comprehensive report of open invoices due by March 6, 2026, totaling $437,772.71. Major fund allocations include:
General Fund: Payroll clearing and insurance premiums. (Page 7)
Appraisers: Residential cost handbook subscriptions and wages. (Pages 7-8)
Landfill: Significant payments to Allen County Public Works for MSW ($8,057.00) and various equipment repairs. (Page 10)
Sheriff/Correctional: Includes $13,513.50 for food services and $6,040.48 for fuel. (Pages 10-11)
Road & Bridge: Numerous entries for vehicle maintenance parts (O’Reilly, Amazon) and diagnostic tests. (Pages 12-13)
Welcome: Seventeen members from fourteen agencies attended the meeting in the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
Coalition Board News: There is an open seat on the Coalition Board. Reach out to Nick if you are interested.
Member Introductions and Announcements:
Kathy Romero – Angels Care Home Health – Angels Care has several specialty programs that other companies don’t offer. The focus this month is on traumatic brain injury. Kathy has emergency blankets available for anyone working with the unhoused. Reach out to her if you could use some.
Shelby Moore- Families Together – Shelby works to support students and families as they navigate the special education process.
Patty Simpson – Fort Scott Housing Authority – The housing authority has a few vacancies that will be filled with applicants on the waitlist as soon as they are ready. The waitlist is short right now.
Rachel Carpenter – City of Fort Scott
Janelle – Early Childhood Block Grant
Megan Smith – Parents as Teachers – Megan has five openings in Bourbon County.
Star Culp – Parents as Teachers – Star has one opening in Bourbon County.
Dee Dee – Greenbush Community Liaison
Lora Wilson – SEK/CHC
Theresa Amershek – Child Exchange & Visitation Center
Henry Coronado – SER Corporation – The SER Corporation helps students going into the tech field with financial assistance.
Ashlee Reader – SEK Mental Health Center
Cherie Walrod – Credo Senior Living – Credo has both assisted living and memory care units. On March 11th from 7:30-8:30, Credo will host a senior care coalition to network and learn more about senior care. They will also have a virtual dementia tour available that day. Credo has several rooms/suites available.
Kelly Stammer – DCF – DCF is hosting a Together Family Event in Pittsburg on April 9th from 4-7pm. People of all ages are welcome to attend.
Nick Johnson – Early Childhood Spring Fling – April 23 from 5:00-6:30 in the FSPC Gym 409 S. Judson. All children ages birth to six and their families are invited.
Talley and Harley, current FSCC cosmetology students, explained basic components of the cosmetology program and highlighted reasons they have enjoyed the program. The cosmetology school is a full-time program with classes Monday through Thursday from 7:30-5:00. There is also a nail class in the evenings. Cosmetology students learn and provide services in the areas of hair, nails, waxing, facials, massage basics, and pedicures. Students can also pursue additional certifications in the field. The cosmetology program offers flexible enrollment opportunities. Students complete 1500 hours throughout the program, which usually takes 10-12 months. Since the program is through the community college, grants and financial assistance are available. Students also noted that the program is very affordable compared to other private cosmetology schools in the region. Several area community colleges have closed their cosmetology programs, which has led to an increase in enrollment. Upon completion of the program, the school helps students find apprenticeships and employment and helps students obtain licensure in their preferred state. Anyone interested in cosmetology services can make an appointment by calling FSCC. For more information about the cosmetology program, see the cosmetology school’s Facebook page.
Open Forum: Nothing further came before the coalition.
A local Fort Scott Community College student is moving forward with skills he has developed on his own, called A-Z Odd Jobs.
“I grew up helping my grandpa, Mark Tucker, on his cattle farm, and that is where I learned how to operate the tools I now use every day,” Max Blubaugh said. “I’ve grown up in Fort Scott, and I love being present in Bourbon County. I like to transform properties for people and give them something to be proud of.”
“I offer a wide range of services,” he said. “I do small-scale construction projects, limb/tree/brush removal, junk removal, heavy lifting, lawn care/mowing, snow removal, and anything on your ‘honey do’ list. Anything from A-Z!”
He is a 2025 graduate of Fort Scott Christian Heights.
“I am currently in my second semester at FSCC. I plan to eventually transfer to Pittsburg State University to major in construction management.”
“This has been my part-time job since I started my business in my junior year, but I didn’t try to do things consistently until the summer following my senior year. I realized there was a need for the type of work I do, and decided to push things more. Things have been picking up as of late. I’m busy, but I would like to be busier! I am not currently an LLC, but that is coming soon.”
His grandparents are Mark and Brenda Tucker and Dave and Shelia Blubaugh, and his parents are Brad and Bethany Blubaugh, all of Fort Scott.
He is involved in the community as an active member of Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.
The top photo shows the area before Max Blubaugh cleaned it. The bottom photo is the spot after. Submitted photos. This example shows his ability to change the look of properties by cleaning out debris and brush.
When a child enters foster care, everything changes — their home, their school, their routines… and often the adults in their life.
A CASA Volunteer may be the only consistent adult showing up just for them.
Be the steady voice.
Be the one who shows up.
Bourbon County CASA is currently in need of volunteers who are willing to make a difference in a child’s life. Your time and compassion can provide stability, advocacy, and hope when it matters most.
If you feel called to serve, we would love to visit with you about how you can get involved.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, March 5th at 8 a.m., hosted by Bourbon County Arts Council in conjunction with their Fine Arts Exhibit.
The coffee will be held in the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 Horton St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.
The 34th Annual Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Arts Exhibit will be open to the public Thursday, March 5th through Friday, March 13th from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and Saturdays, March 7th and 14th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
An artist reception will be held Thursday, March 5th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. During the reception, participating artists will have the opportunity to hear the jurors’ critique and visit about their pieces. The public is welcome to attend, and light refreshments will be served.
Exhibit categories include Ceramics; Drawing & Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink); Fiber Art; Glasswork; Jewelry; Mixed Media; Painting (Oil & Acrylic); Pastel; Photography; Printmaking; Sculpture; and Watercolor. The theme of this year’s exhibit is “Life Inspiring”.
For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar at fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.
The five county commissioners and several elected officials met in an executive session to change the county’s sick leave pool policy.
The board moved to accepted the recommendation of the elected officials regarding sick pool and will give instructions regarding that to Laura Krom.
Commissioner David Beerbower explained to those in attendance at the meeting that the commission has discovered that the current sick leave pool instructions in the policy manual will not work, which is why the other elected officials are crafting a recommendation for the board to amend the policy.
Old Business Stronghold
Jason Rinker from Stronghold first addressed the comments he had made in the Feb. 9 commission meeting, regarding the letter from the Clerk, Treasurer and Register of Deeds offices about installing their own server, separate from the rest of the county and outside of Stronghold’s management.
At that time, the commission put forth a plan that included Stronghold conversing with CIC (provider of the county’s accounting software), which has not been set up yet.
“I still would strongly recommend to this commission that we have that joint call so we can get to the bottom of some of the issues we’ve been having,” he said. One of those issues is backups causing problems with the software. He said that those issues have not happened with any of their other clients. He was concerned that changing the intervals on the backups will not address the issue.
Commissioner Samuel Tran asked if the age of the operating systems on the county computers could be causing issues with the backups.
He also addressed ongoing security concerns that were mentioned in the previous meeting. He said that since that meeting, no one has reported any security concerns to Stronghold so they can be investigated and addressed.
Data protection was also discussed and no further information has been given to him.
Tran said he has had one complaint in the last two weeks of a missing email. He believes the email was recalled by the sender.
Stronghold rep said that they have been backing up data outside of the county’s Microsoft email system. He advised that county employees with missing emails contact Stronghold and start the process of tracking them down.
“Since I was here last, nothing that we talked about has been done, and I wanted to bring that to your attention,” he said.
Next he offered a project update. He said they are 80-85% complete with the project. Security architecture and clean up work have been completed, the firewall has been hardened and alerts are fully operational now. The Microsoft 360 security baseline has improved from 6% to 89%. The active directory cleanup has also been completed. New equipment is on sight and final deployment phase is underway.
Next, Stronghold will need to schedule some down time in the county to complete the final cut-overs on the network.
The commission then moved into executive session with Stronghold to update the new commissioners on the project they are doing for the county.
Baker Tilly – Ben Hart
Hart said he came to answer any of the commission’s questions
He gave an overview of their budget creating process. Baker Tilly will come in March and talk to the various county departments to see what their year was like in 2025, what revenue they are anticipating in 2026. BT will then report back to the commission the issues they have heard. They will then get the commission’s direction for the next budget.
Matt Lawn, former finance director for the City of Goddard, will be working with Hart on the Bourbon County budgeting process, along with the support staff at their Kansas City office.
BT will also provide a monthly report on the financial status of the county, to give the commission a more zoomed-out perspective on finances.
Hart says he wants the goals from the commission by the beginning of May.
Hart also explained that they start the budget creation with addressing what services the county wants to prioritize.
Lawn said that the budget is the county’s largest policy document, showing where its priorities are.
Milburn-Kee asked about having a line in the sand regarding raising the mill.
Hart said that discussion about goals includes discussion about boundaries.
Noise Resolution — County Attorney James Crux
Crux gave feedback on the proposed noise ordinance. He said it was that it was unclear if it’s a general nuisance statute or a more specific decibel rating violation, and needs clarification on whether the proximity is to a person or a property line.
There are no actual set noise levels in the resolution, but acceptable guidelines. “You can’t really have a per se violation on a general guideline,” he said.
He also said the guidelines for acceptable decibel levels are low. Regarding duration of sound, he said it’s unclear about how the duration affects the violation. Exemptions that include special events or festival are unclear.
He also said that the codes officer who enforces the code will need training in criminal and search and seizure law.
“This is one of those things that is outside of my statutory duties,” he said of prosecuting potential noise violations. He said he would have appreciated being asked if he would be willing to take on the task, and it may take more funding for his department to handle the complaints.
Commissioner Gregg Motley asked his opinion on a civil court action, rather than making a law to cause the noise to be criminal. Crux said he doesn’t practice civil law and cannot make a recommendation.
Motley also stated that collecting the fines from the corporation that owns the bitcoin mine may be impossible. Commission counsel Bob Johnson pointed out that it will take time to make change, whether they take the civil or criminal route.
Sewer — Bob Johnson
The county has entered an appearance in the civil case. Johnson has spoken with the primary complainer and the KDHE attorney, who said they would come down and assist in any testing that needs to be done.
“It’s moving forward,” Johnson said.
Tran asked questions about another citizen who called him with a complaint of sewage running off an uphill neighbor’s property onto his land.
Kevin Shafer was in attendance at the meeting. He said his ordeal has been ongoing for 5 years. Every year for the last five years, with the exception of 2024, he has tested his property where the runoff is and, “the E coli is hot.”
Shafer said he’s been asking the county to do a perk test for the last five years. The sanitation inspector has not inspected Shaefer’s neighbor, where the violation is taking place.
Previous commissioners have told him he should pursue civil action and that they won’t do a perk test because it would make other land in the county unsalable.
In the last five years Shafer has had to drain his pond due to the E Coli, per K-State’s recommendation. He also built a swell and lagoon to contain the runoff and send it into the ditch rather than into his pond.
“I’d like the source fixed. I’d like Bourbon County to require perk tests so that nobody else has to go through this issue,” said Shafer.
Public Comments
Mika Milburn-Kee on Elected Official Conduct
Referring to Tran’s comment about Secretary Susan Walker’s feelings, she said she understands his comment.
Joseph Smith- Notice of Pending Action
Smith said he is preparing to circulate a petition to recall the District 5 Commissioner, Mika Milburn-Kee. Smith said that the grounds from recall will be specifically set forth in the petition and given to the commissioner. He said a minimum of 147 electors who live in district 5 must sign the petition before the recall can commence.
Clint Walker
Walker said that regarding transparency from the county, there was no bidding for the jobs of payroll, HR, or audits. “I would appreciate if you do business locally,” said Walker.
“Every person’s feelings matter,” said Walker. “Know your people.”
Walker also thanked EMS for caring for his brother and getting him to the hospital when he was in an accident recently.
J.D. Handly
Brought back the commission’s salary. Handly said that during campaign time, they were told that the salary would not change with the addition of 2 new commissioners, but that the board of 5 would share the salary amounts formerly allotted to the board of 3.
“You gotta lead by example,” he said. “I want that promise kept. I want the salary completely done away with.”
Anne Dare
Read a statement that also brought up the “feelings” comment that Tran made. She said that kind of statement fosters a toxic environment.
“The optics aren’t good,” Dare said, using Tran’s own phrase.
She then called for the immediate resignations of Tran and Milburn-Kee and for Beerbower to step down as vice-chair.
New Business
Fire hydrant at Lake Fort Scott
Commissioner Gregg Motley said three different constituents have called about the hydrant. It was damaged by a driver a number of years ago and has not been replaced, resulting in increased home insurance premiums for those living in the area.
RWD 2 cannot afford to replace the hydrant at a cost of $3,200, but will meet the county half-way on the cost.
“We have no legal obligation to do that,” said Motley. He had no recommendations regarding what the county should do.
Beerbower said that the commission is to be looking out for the health, welfare, and safety of Bourbon County citizens.
Milburn-Kee asked how many other non-working hydrants are in the county that they many be asked to replace.
“It’s a public safety issue too,” said Motley.
Beerbower asked to table it for a week so he can do more research.
Executive session: Non-Elected personnel
Returned to session with action of allowing Commissioner Milburn-Kee to work with HR to accomplish what they discussed in the executive session.
Executive session: Attorney/Client
Returned to session with no action.
Beerbower asked questions about the NRP tax credit that he received from a constituent.
The commission voted to have the county appraiser come and explain the NRP process at a commission meeting in the future and the sewer issue.
Future Agenda Topics
Fire hydrant at Lake Fort Scott
Salary Resolution
Noise Resolution
Commissioner Comments
Allen: Took employee recognition off the agenda because he wants to do some things differently, but he plans to get it back on there soon.
Other than a few logistical issues, there were no other commissioner comments.
