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Category Archives: Bourbon County
Due to Popular Demand, Bourbon County Community Theatre Adds Additional Performance
The newly formed Bourbon County Community Theatre is adding an additional performance to its production of “Holy Mother of Bingo!” by Patrick Walsh., according to director Angie Bin in a press release.
Due to popular demand and nearly sold-out performances for Aug. 2 and 3, BCCT is adding a third performance for 7 p.m. Aug. 1 at the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College.
The interactive murder mystery comedy involves five real rounds of Bingo with prizes donated from many businesses in the area.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and senior citizens. The purchase of a table of 7 or 8 gives audience members a $2 discount per ticket. Tickets are available at bcct.ludus.com, from the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, or at the door if tickets remain. Seating is limited.
The show is directed by Bin with Assistant Director Mark Bergmann.
More information can be found on the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page. BBCO Community Theatre, LLC is a non-profit community organization formed last year whose mission is to bring education, community, and culture to southeast Kansas through theatre.
Bourbon County Community Theatre President Matthew Wells said he has been involved in the performing arts his whole life and it brought “joy…to the community and… brotherhood and bonds… amongst those who participated in the community theater.”
REDI Gala Is August 3
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Candidate Forum Tonight, July 25, at Fort Scott High School
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Minutes of the July 15 Bo Co Commission Meeting
July 15, 2024 Monday, 4:00 p.m.
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Michael Hoyt, Anne Dare, Jean Tucker, Mike Wunderly, and Pete Owenby were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim opened the meeting with the flag salute.
Clifton made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 7-8-2024. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
The meeting began with a budget discussion with multiple departments presenting their 2025 budget requests.
Bill Martin, Sheriff, said they are trying to find ways to find money and discussed the juvenile detention contract with Girard which is budgeted for $90,000 annually. Bill said he can reach out to detention centers to get rates if the Commissioners would like him to. Bill stated that in 2023 there was a total of 186 days where there were juveniles in the detention center. Tiana McElroy said the juvenile offender law has changed and it is more reformatory and not like adult criminal law. Tiana said that the ultimate goal is to find other placement for juveniles instead of holding them while their case is pending and Bill said it is based upon the offense the juvenile has done. Bill said he is trying to think outside of the box to save money. Clifton asked where else the juveniles would go, is there availability, and what the cost would be. Bill stated that Johnson County, Wyandotte County, and Douglas County have juvenile detention centers. Tiana said you might be able to negotiate with Girard or the other detention centers.
The Sixth Judicial District Court with Court Clerk Michelle Sharp saying the biggest request for next year was new recording equipment. Michelle said they currently do not have a reporter so the next best thing is to have this program so that they can start having jury trials. Michelle said they reduced several items including jury cost and microfilming as they are starting to back scan their documents. Michelle said that they increased the amount for juvenile GAL as there are several conflicts that require them to go outside of their contract attorneys to find an attorney. Michelle said they are asking for a total of $13,000 more than this year. Jim said they are doing a good job trimming their budget. Judge Mark Ward said it is required by law to record everything in a court proceeding and they had a court reporter paid for by the state, but she retired and there is currently a nationwide shortage of court reporters.
Matt Quick, Appraiser, and Susan Walker, CFO, discussed the Appraiser’s budget request. Due to the NRP distribution corrections the equipment reserve fund is depleted to approximately $20,000 and they are trying to build that back up. They plan on $10,000 for the equipment reserve fund and $11,000 for employee raises. Matt is asking for $206,000 and stated that they should have money come back after the NRP corrections that could offset some the costs. Currently the software is not figuring the 5% administration fee for NRP correctly and the company is working to correct this.
Tiana McElroy, County Attorney, and James Crux, Assistant County Attorney, presented their office’s 2025 budget of $463,000. Tiana said they are not asking for any more for commodities or contractual services. Tiana explained how they only have two full-time prosecutors who are trying to cover for four judges. Tiana is asking for a part-time attorney and a full-time legal assistant as the three assistants in her office are working nights and weekends to try to keep up with the schedule as a lot of things must be done in a certain timeframe.
Susan explained the revenue neutral rate intent form that must be completed and turned into the County Clerk by Friday. Susan said that you need to protect the cash carryover going forward so if a disaster occurs it will be available. Jim said he would support staying at 59.907 mills and Brandon agreed. Clifton said there are a lot of increases that he won’t vote yes on. Jim said the Sheriff and road and bridge department could get trimmed as well as some others. Clifton discussed the Clerk and Treasurer’s budget with Susan explaining the Treasurer is only asking for an increase of 15% for publication costs and the Department of Labor increase. Susan stated the Clerk and Treasurer are underpaid and used the same comparable places that the Sheriff used earlier this year. Jim discussed the Clerk budget request with Susan as she is running for the position. Susan said she is asking for $12,000 for a part-time person and additional for budget preparation in addition to the normal duties of the Clerk. Susan said she will be taking a pay cut and that she was told she was wanted in one of those positions. Jim agreed and said he has said she would be good as an elected official. Jim made a motion to stay at 59.907 mills and sign the revenue intent form that it is Bourbon County’s intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Brian Allen, Emergency Manager, said he received the declaration from the President for the recent storm and flood damage.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, and Dustin Hall, Assistant Public Works Director, presented their 2025 budget stating they will remain the same as last year which will be two years in a row. Jim said they’ve done a great job with road repairs. Eric said that sales tax is down close to the 2020 amount, and they may have to re-evaluate their projects. Dustin said that the decisions regarding projects will be up to the Commissioners. Eric said that the majority of 2025 will be for flood clean up and repair as there is significant damage. Dustin said it will take a lot of time and unfortunately some inconvenience however they will notify residents of any proposed road closures. Eric said that the public can monitor the Bourbon County Facebook page as they try to get all closures posted there and on the radio. Michael Hoyt asked how they would handle the repairs and FEMA reimbursement and asked if the county will get a bond. Susan said that they wouldn’t get a good rating on a bond or even be able to obtain one. They are currently using the special projects fund for all repairs relating to the flood and storm damage. Eric said that it will be a reimbursement and that he was just informed so he will get more information from KDEM and KDOT relating to payouts.
Michael Hoyt asked about the increase for the election fund and what the issues is with the machines. Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk, said that when the prior Clerk purchased the equipment that depleted the reserve fund to $293 so she had to ask for an increase to cover the yearly software maintenance fee which is around $18,000. Jennifer stated the annual fee for this year was included in the purchase price. During the sales tax election some machines were slow accepting ballots, so Jennifer had the equipment company inspect each machine’s rollers and scanner to ensure the new equipment is working as it should be. Jennifer explained a representative from the company will be onsite for the Primary and General elections at no cost to the County. Michael asked if the machines were counting properly and Jennifer assured him yes, they have not had any issues with the counts. Jennifer explained how after each election an audit is held where a percentage of each precinct’s ballots are hand counted publicly by an appointed board and that count is matched to the machine count. At each of the audits she has held the hand count has matched the machine count. Michael said he has submitted a petition to the Clerk and County Counselor to increase the number of Commission seats from 3 to 5. Michael said they plan on holding petition signing events.
Susan Walker said there is a renewal for KWORCC, and they must now have a safety committee and hold monthly inspections. The Commissioners will decide who is on the safety committee. There is an option to have safety policies in place and hold meetings to lower the rates. Brandon suggested we check our handbook and see if we have policies in place that would help us with our rate. Eric Bailey said they have someone with KCAMP and KWORCC who does inspections. Susan said they have to be held monthly now. Jim made a motion to appoint Eric Bailey as safety inspector. Brandon seconded the motion. Clifton said he wants Eric to talk with the Sheriff and David. Susan the Commissioners will have to form a committee and Jim suggested bringing back a list of members and the safety needs.
Brian Allen, Emergency Manager, presented a mitigation plan that is optional to join so in the future if an opportunity arises to obtain reimbursement the County will be able to request funding. Brandon made a motion to adopt and sign the mitigation plan which is laid out in Resolution 08-24. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, said they received the new ambulance last week. Teri said they have a 2001 Ford E450 which they have listed as number 890 that they would like to list on auction site Purple Wave or govdeals.com. Clifton made a motion to allow Teri to put number 890, a 2001 Ford E450, on Purple Wave or govdeals.com and it is up to her discretion which one she chooses. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add an executive session before the Commission comments section. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-minute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss non-elected personnel to protect their privacy to include all three Commissioners and will return at 5:16. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session with no action at 5:16. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
Brandon said that solar questions eats up all his time and said that FEMA and the EPA has standards for solar and he would like to hold off on them until somebody has standards they can go by. Jim said someone needs to get an independent lawyer to step forward and file an injunction upstairs then the judge will send the Commissioners paperwork. Jim stated that he thinks these folks need to help themselves. Bo Casper asked why does it have to come down to us suing for our independence. Jim said they will not be having a solar discussion tonight. Clifton said that RNR is absurd, and people should be offended by it and that our legislatures voted for this. Jim said by going with 59.907 it leaves mill levy flat and they can continue to trim the budget. Clifton said they should be getting bids and that may help lower insurance costs. Susan stated they are getting bids. Jim said they will need to schedule work sessions and asked Susan to have a printout for every budget.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:27. Brandon seconded the motion and all approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
___________________, Chairman
___________________,Commissioner
ATTEST: ___________________, Commissioner
Amber Page, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk
7-22-2024 Approved Date
Amended Agenda Of The Bo Co Commission For Today’s Meeting
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
July 22, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 7/15/2024
- Approval of June Financials
- Public Comments
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
First Production of Community Theatre Group: An Immersive Murder Mystery
A group of like-minded Fort Scottians have banded together to do theatre in Bourbon County.
It all started with a social media suggestion.
“Bourbon Co Community Theatre came about based on a suggestion on Facebook for a community theatre in Fort Scott,'” said Angie Bin, who is the public relations person for the group. “Melissa Guns took that suggestion and ran with it, creating a list of interested individuals who met for the first time last summer.”
The group set about organizing.
They created a list of bylaws and a board and established its non-profit status. The current officers are President: Matthew Wells, Secretary: Sandy Abati, Treasurer: Danette Popp, Public Relations: Angie Bin, Production Coordinator: Katie Wells, and At-Large Board Members: Barbara Woodward, Eric Popp, and Regen Wells.
The first production is called Holy Mother of Bingo! by Patrick Walsh and will be at 7 p.m. on Aug. 2 and 3 in the lobby of the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College. 2108 S. Horton.
“The immersive murder mystery allows audience members to play five full rounds of Bingo with prizes donated by local businesses,” according to a press release from Bin.
“Pioneer Drama describes the show this way, “’An innocent bingo fundraiser at the Our Mother of Mercy church goes awry when parishioners mysteriously drop dead!” according to the press release. “‘The evidence suggests well-calculated murders, but who is to blame? Tensions rise as everyone begins identifying suspects. Past feuds rear their heads as the members of the parish try to state their innocence one by one. Who could be behind the elaborate spree? The disgruntled choir director? The magician turned youth minister? The ex-convict that has recently turned to the power of prayer? It couldn’t be one of the Cookie Cadets selling their beloved cookies! Everyone’s a suspect… even the audience in the zany comedy that takes interactive theatre to a whole new level!'”
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and Senior Citizens. A purchase of an entire table of 7 or 8 gives audience members a discount of $2 on each adult ticket. Tickets are at bcct.ludus.com, at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, or at the door, but seating is limited and advance purchase is suggested.
More information can be found on the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page. BBCO Community Theatre, LLC is a non-profit community organization formed last year whose mission is to bring education, community, and culture to southeast Kansas through theatre.
The production is directed by Angie Bin along with Assistant Director Mark Bergmann. Bin is the drama teacher at Fort Scott High School.
“We wanted our first actual production to be a fun family-friendly show that would generate a lot of interest in the community, but also be a show that our very limited budget could afford,” Bin said.
They formed a committee to select their first production.
“We had a script-reading committee that read many murder mystery-themed plays and decided on Holy Mother of Bingo! as the best choice. It is a brand new play that just recently won the 2024 Shubert Fendrich Memorial Playwriting Contest. We have cast members ranging from elementary school to senior citizens.”
Bin praises the cast.
“Even though we have several adults who are in their very first production ever, this has been a stellar cast to work with,” she said. “Everyone has been so energetic and willing to help out the production of the show in so many ways.”
A live Bingo game will weave through the play.
“Cast members have been very proactive about meeting with local businesses to request donations for prizes for the live Bingo games that take place during the show and we have so many tremendous prizes from a very large number of local businesses,” Bin said.
Notable roles include the character of Father Ron Culpepper played by Ben Self, Sister Helen played by Katie Wells, Marabelle Manson portrayed by Regen Wells, and Detective Quinn played by Bradley Whitehead, she said.
Gene Todd: New Stewart Realty Group Sales Representative
Gene Todd, a local real estate agent who has been involved in land sales in the area for many years, has joined Stewart Realty Company as a sales representative. With him he brings expertise and knowledge of the land markets and buyer contacts throughout the area. Gene was an original sales agents at Stewart Realty Company when it was established under the brokerage direction of Don Stewart. Gene later obtained a broker’s license and started his own real estate company specializing in ag properties. We are pleased to have him come “back home” as part of the real estate team at Stewart Realty.
Gene grew up in the Moran area and has a master’s degree from Pittsburg State University. He married Joyce Goodsell in 1964. Together they raised 5 children. Gene and Joyce have been active in the Methodist Church and local 4-H.
If you want to buy or sell ag property, give Gene a call at 620-224-1086 or 620-223-6700.
Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on July 22
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
July 22, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 7/15/2024
- Public Comments
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Candidate Forum July 25 at Fort Scott High School
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Bourbon County Industrial Research Committee Meets on July 22
A meeting of the Industrial Development Research Committee will be held on July 22, 2024 immediately following the Bourbon County Commission Meeting in the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave. Fort Scott, KS 66701.
HBCAT Receives Grant To Help With Food Insecurity
Last month, the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) received a $55,000 grant per year over three years to help with food insecurity in Bourbon County.
“We will first need to develop a strategic plan by identifying the gaps within our local food system,” Rachel Carpenter, Executive Director of the HBCAT said. “We will be organizing a Food Summit within the next year where citizens can voice their needs. We also will leverage our partnerships and community members in our coalition, Local Health Equity Action Team, to implement any community changes. This grant also opens up opportunities to network with leaders addressing food insecurity across the State.”
She can be reached at 620-215-2562.
HBCAT is one of eight Kansas community coalitions to be funded to help launch a food secure initiative.
Consistent access to healthy food is important for children to thrive and part of the mission is to address food insecurity.
On June 4, the Kansas Food Action Network, a program of KC Healthy Kids, announced the launch of the Food Secure Communities Initiative, which aims to end hunger in Kansas by addressing the policy, systems, and environmental barriers to food security, also known as “root causes., according to a press release.
The Food Secure Communities Initiative will put results in the hands of community members who are uniquely positioned to understand and address the root causes of food insecurity in their community, according to the release.
Kansas Food Action Network unveiled eight Kansas health and wellness coalitions selected as inaugural members of the Food Secure Communities Initiative. Each member will receive funding of $55,000 per year over three years, plus peer networking and strategic assistance.
Food Secure Communities Initiative Members
- Bourbon County (Healthy Bourbon County Action Team)
- Thomas County Thomas County Coalition)
- Cowley County (RISE Cowley)
- Harvey County (Healthy Harvey Coalition)
- Lyon County (Healthier Lyon County)
- Sedgwick County (Health and Wellness Coalition of Wichita)
- Seward County (Liberal Area Coalition for Families)
- Shawnee County (LiveWell Shawnee County)
The initiative will share best practices, resources, and strategies to advance food security at the local level.
The grant is from the Kansas Health Foundation and United Methodist Health Ministries Fund.
About Healthy Bourbon County Action Team
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s mission is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life and encourage economic growth. The problems of health inequity and social injustice are complex in nature and inextricably linked to key economic indicators. A healthy workforce is a prerequisite for economic success in any industry and in all cities, according to its website.
About KC Healthy Kids
Founded in 2005, KC Healthy Kids is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to addressing the physical and mental health challenges impacting children in the Greater Kansas City area, including western Missouri and all of Kansas. Through food policy and local food initiatives, mental health support, and active community initiatives or advocacy, KC Healthy Kids and their partners promote health for thousands of local kids and their families. Find out
more at www.kchealthykids.org.
About Kansas Food Action Network
Kansas Food Action Network, a program of KC Healthy Kids, is committed to creating a Kansas where all residents have dependable access to food for an active, healthy and productive life. The network supports communities as they identify and address local food system priorities by offering support, resources and partnerships. As a result of their efforts, an estimated 73% of Kansans are represented by a local food council, the highest per capita rate in the United States.