A scene from Holy Mother of Bingo, a murder mystery from Bourbon County Community Theatre’s Facebook page.
Do you have an interest in portraying characters and using vocal expression in imaginary circumstances with others…also known as acting?
Consider the Bourbon County Community Theatre as an outlet.
“BCCT membership is open to anyone who is interested,” Angie Bin, publicity chairman for the group, said. “Anyone 18 and over can become a member by completing the form at https://forms.gle/HkrjceuxqoP1biQk7 and paying a $5 yearly fee. The entire general membership assembly meets in May of each year, and any other time a general assembly is called by the president. The board meets once a month.”
“The board plans all of the upcoming productions, events, and fundraisers; reports on all income and payments for the month; and analyzes past events,” she said.
There is an upcoming fundraiser on February 21: Adult Prom.
Melodrama auditions are April 27 and 28, and performances are June 5 and 6, a community musical with auditions in June and a performance in August, and the Voices from the Grave Tour on Oct. 24.
On October 24, the group will lead the Voice from the Grave Tour.
Bourbon County Community Theatre in Fort Scott hosts Mardi Gras Masquerade, an Adult Prom, as a fundraiser for future events and performances.
About Adult Prom
BCCT formed in 2023 and is holding its third annual prom for adults (age 18 and over), a night of fun, dancing, and community support, according to a press release.
This formal dance is from 8 p.m. to midnight on Feb. 21, 2026 on the upper floor of Sharky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National in Fort Scott. In addition to dancing to a live DJ, there will be non-alcoholic drinks and snacks included in the ticket price, as well as alcoholic beverages and meals available for purchase from the bar.
They hope to add to the fun (and success) of the night with some lighthearted music dueling. Attendees can pay $1.00 to request and/or dedicate a song, $5.00 to request a song NOT be played for an hour, or $10.00 for a song to be banned for the night.
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at bcct.ludus.com or at the door on Feb. 21. Tickets are $40 per couple or $25 for a single ticket. Participants are encouraged to dress in their best formal or masquerade attire.
BCCT is accepting members. If you’d like to be a part of bringing community theatre back to Bourbon County, visit the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page and complete the form to become a new member.
Currently, the group is made up of:
President: Matthew Wells
Vice President: Mark Bergmann
Secretary: Abby Starkey
Treasurer: Danette Popp
Publicity: Angie Bin
Production Coordinator: Katie Wells
At-large members: Eric Popp, Ben Self, Regen Wells
A scene from the Bourbon County Community Theatre’s “Holy Mother of Bingo” from its Facebook page.
BOURBON COUNTY,
KANSAS
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
Monday, January 05, 2026, 5:30 PM (Revised 01.05.26)
I. Call Meeting to Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 12.15.25 and 12.18.25 (Unofficial until approved)
IV. Approval of Consent Agenda
Accounts Payable & Payroll 12.24.25 $250,716.54
Accounts Payable 12.31.25 $234,630.63
Tax Corrections
V. Public Comments
VI. Ben Hall- Discussion Bitcoin Mining & Evotech
VII. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect
their privacy. – Lora Holdridge
VIII. Old Business
Handbook Review
Set Public Hearing Date for Road Closure – Daniels
Sanitation Violation Update – County Counselor
Moratorium Update – County Counselor
IX. New Business
Website – approval of access – Milburn-Kee
Executive Assistant Introduction & Update – Milburn-Kee
Letter of Support Request (Scott Wheeler)
Resolution 01-26 Section 125 Plan Document
Resolution 02-26 Holidays and Paydays
Resolution 03-26 GAAP Waiver
Resolution 04-26 Designation of Depositories and Official Publication Carrier
Resolution 05-26 ROZ participation
Resolution 06-26 Meeting Date, Location and Time
X. Build Agenda for Following Meeting
XI. Commission Comments
XII. Adjournment _____________
01/12/26 01/19/26 01/26/26
District 4 & 5 Oaths
Reorganization of Board
Board Memberships
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which
would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether
or not in consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of
corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of
such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.
FUTURE
Economic Development
Juvenile Detention Contract – Spring 2026
Benefits Committee Letters
Elm Creek Quarry
Phone System
Elevator
Stop Sign Removal 205th Overbrook
Handbook
Credit Card Policy
A 2016 photo of the Bourbon County Arts Council Annual Exhibit.
The Bourbon County Arts Council announces its Call for Entries for the 34th Annual Fine Arts Competition and Exhibit, to be held at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, Thursday, March 5th, through Saturday, March 14th.
The mixed media competition is open to artists of age 16 and older. Categories include Ceramics, Drawing and Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Fiber Art, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil & Acrylic), Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor.
A “Theme” category has been added; the theme this year is “Life Inspiring”. An artist may create a piece in any of the above media categories, as it relates to the theme.
Entry fees are $10.00 per piece for Bourbon County Arts Council members and $20.00 per piece for non-members.
PLEASE NOTE: In the past, artists were permitted to enter a total of five pieces, with 3 pieces allowed in any one category.
Due to space limitations and the growth of this exhibit, artists now may submit a total of FOUR pieces, with 3 of those allowed in a single category. Entry deadline and payment are due by February 27th, 2025.
Cash awards totaling greater than $3500.00 will be made, for Best of Show in 2D and 3D, First and Second Place winners in each category, and a Popular Vote winner.
Entry forms may be requested by contacting Deb Anderson at 620-224-8650 or [email protected], or Deb Halsey at 620-224-0684 or [email protected] .
PLEASE NOTE: We are no longer accepting pieces shipped to BCAC for entry into the exhibit.
The schedule for this year’s Exhibit is as follows: Entry forms and payment, as stated above, are due by February 27th.
No late entries will be accepted. Artwork will be received at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on Sunday March 1st, between 1 and 4 pm. Juror critique of the artwork will occur on Wednesday March 4th; this is closed to artists and the public
. Artists are invited to attend the Chamber Coffee hosted by the BCAC on Thursday March 5th at 8:00 am at the Ellis Cente.
A reception will be held that evening from 6:00-8:00pm for participating artists and the Juror; this reception is open to the public as well.
The Exhibit will be open for public viewing on Thursday March 5th and Friday March 6th, as well as Monday March 9th-Friday March 13th from noon until 7:00pm. It will also be open Saturdays March 7th and March 14th, from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.
Artists may pick up their work on Saturday March 14th between 1:30 and 3:30pm. The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is located at 2108 Horton St., Fort Scott, Kansas.
Consent agenda approved including AP Longevity Payroll Tax Corrections Resolution 42-25 Sale of Real Estate and 43-25 Driver license
JD Handley spoke to the commission asking for Soldier Road to be moved to the top of the List Commissioner Milburn insisted Public Works be included in the conversation.
Commissioners spoke briefly of the request to create a benefit district on 190th street
Mike Houston spoke to the commission about internal communications with elected officials
Janet Harper expressed her concerns with changes in how vacation accrual
Bill Martin addressed the phone invoice correcting the record
A discussion took place on the salary resolution passed by the Commission and was decided it will go into effect on January 1
Commissioners approved the holiday schedule totaling 14 holidays presented by the clerk
Susan (clerk) discussed benefit termination with the commission and presented why it should change. Also included in the provided information was the 30 day waiting period for new hires
Susan (clerk) discussed benefit termination with the commission and presented why it should change. Also included in the provided information was the 30 day waiting period for new hires
A discussion took place about SEK Mental Health Board Members Commissioners Tran and Beerbower expressed concerns with what they considered negative aspects of the current structure Commissioner Milburn expressed concern of changing the current structure greatly and possibly effecting services and employment in our county so proposed we leave at least 1 board member and if a vote is made to remove waiting until they can be here to represent themselves Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to terminate 2 members Mardy Dewitt and Jeff Fischer Commissioner Tran second Commissioner Beerbower and Tran approved Commissioner Milburn opposed
Commissioner Milburn presented a resolution for current areas of responsibility at the courthouse regarding office space this resolution lays out who is responsible for which areas. Commissioner Milburn made a motion to approve resolution 48-25 Commissioner Beerbower second all approved
Commissioner Tran and Beerbower discussed which realtor to hire to list 108 w 2nd street. Commissioner Milburn, beyond announcing that there was very low to no interest from realtors to list the property, recused herself to avoid any conflict of interest. The invitation to list was published in the paper and clerk sent out requests. Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to hire Stewart Realty to list 108 w 2nd street as they were the only one to return a proposal and market analysis Commissioner Tran second Commissioner Beerbower and Tran approved Commissioner Milburn abstained.
Commissioner Milburn presented a resolution written from recommendations from our HR Dr. Cohen This will enact changes to the manual pertaining to vacation accrual carryover and rehire date for benefit purposes, Commissioner Tran presented a compromise for a gap year and with that Commissioner Milburn made a motion to accept resolution 49-25 Commissioner Tran second with explanation. Commissioner Milburn and Tran approved Commissioner Beerbower voted against
Commissioners Discussed the sanitation issue at Hidden Valley Lake in Mapleton KS at the lake they have holding tanks not sewer or laterals and for over a year there have been leaking issues. The county Sent notice on April 5th and again on October 7th and with the change of the Commission this year the issue had no follow through. 2 weeks ago this was brought to this commission’s attention, the follow up assignment was given to Commissioner Milburn and commissioner Milburn has been making sure County Counselor Bob and County Attorney James are read in and have all of the information we need to move this forward.
Commissioner Milburn made a motion to move allocate 200k of Jail Sales Tax to allow David to hire a company to update and bring into compliance the elevator. Motion died for lack of second. Commissioner Tran requested Commissioner Milburn and David produce a statement of work for the commission to review.
Commissioner Beerbower proposed another noise resolution draft. Commissioner Milburn expressed concerns with enforcement, much like the issues we are having with the sewer enforcement. Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to accept Commissioner resolution 50-25 Noise Limitations Commissioner Tran second Commissioner Tran and Beerbower approved Commissioner Milburn opposed.
Planning Commission after working with Mel Has brought a recommendation /request to the commission to work with our county counselor to create a moratorium for a period of one year to allow the planning commission time to develop a comprehensive plan for unincorporated areas of Bourbon County KS The request is for the moratorium to apply to Utility level Power generation and storage systems included but not limited to Wind, Solar, BESS Nuclear Crypto Data Center Waste Disposal Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to ask county Counselor Bob To draft the document by Jan 5 for commission review Commissioner Tran second all approved
Commissioners discussed a date for budget amendment which departments and why there was a need
During Public Comments Commission heard comment from ROD Laura requesting additional space would like suite 10 that the commission has been prepping for driver lic services
Taxpayer wanted to express his opinion on how the elected officials work together
Gregg Motley announced his resignation as Board Member of Freeman and announced that the CMS survey should be done by the end of year.
Deanna Betts with Bourbon County Core Community spoke about the work they have been doing to help families get out of poverty
Meeting Minutes for Dec 1 were tabled to the Dec 15 Meeting
Commissioner Milburn made a motion to move the charges for Locksmith from Commission to IT Department charges. Commissioner Beerbower second all approved
Commissioners met with Attorney Billenberg who represented the commission and the Attorneys for the solar company to meet a resolve litigation on the current projects
Following Executive session Commissioner Beerbower motioned to adopt removal of moratorium Tran Second Milburn asked for discussion, commissioners called a short recess, after recess Commissioner Beerbower motioned to rescind motion on the table Tran second all approved, The commission opened the topic up to the public to comment as this topic has been a long discussion. After public input from Randy Mcnalty, Mary Pemberton the commission voted to approve resolutions 39-41/25 pertaining to solar moratorium /agreements. Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to approve settlement agreements and contribution agreements with Hinton and Tenyson Creek Tran second all approved.
A speaker came to speak to the commission about SBA Loans
Public works presented a culvert request to the commission for 2222 35th street Commissioner Milburn made a motion to approve Commissioner Beerbower second all approved
Public works announced that the bridge at fern is done and they will get the load rating sign installed
140th street speed limit discussion tabled to 12/15
Commissioner Milburn announced the annex is being done for the 6th Judicial and they would begin moving in.
Commissioner Milburn motion to sign resolution 38-25 for the 6th judicial Commissioner Beerbower second all approved
Commissioner Milburn made a motion to sign real property relief application at 2453 Jayhawk road due to a loss from fire Commissioner Beerbower Second all approved
Commissioner Tran made a motion to rescind motion from last week to move 200k from inmate fund to general Commissioner Beerbower second all approved
Dec 22 and Dec 29 meetings are canceled as Commissioner Beerbower and Tran are unavailable.
We will need fund amendments for -Appraiser- Landfill – Public Safety – Jail Sales Tax so a timeline for a meeting will need to be worked out for this
Road Closure for 267th street between lot 13 and 16 will need to be published hold a public hearing.
Commissioner Milburn presented a resolution establishing the procedures to sell of Bourbon County KS owned real estate through a licensed Real Estate Broker.
Commissioner Milburn moved to sign resolution 42-25 for the sale of real estate. Commissioner Beerbower second all approved.
Commissioner Milburn was tasked with writing a letter for the clerk to send to all realtors offering 6% and asking for submission of Market analysis presentations. Commissioner Beerbower and Commissioner Tran will then decide who to hire.
Commissioner Milburn presented a resolution to provide space in suite 10 to the state driver lic office this resolution follows the current contract the DL office currently held with 108 w 2nd street. Commissioner Milburn made a motion to accept resolution 43-25 a resolution for office space for the kdor driver lic division Commissioner Beerbower second all approved
Passed resolutions that have not yet been signed will be brought back next week to sign.
Tri-Valley Developmental Services (TVDS) is proud to announce the receipt of a $297 grant from the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund Circle of Friends. The grant will be used to purchase a diabetic training kit, which will be used to enhance staff competency in diabetes care for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties in Southeast Kansas.
“Tri-Valley is grateful to the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund Circle of Friends and the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas for enabling us to train our staff on proper diabetes care for the individuals we serve.” said Bill Fiscus, CEO. “Tri-Valley appreciates the support given to us by both the Community Foundation and the Rita J. Bicknell Circle of Friends Committee.”
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas hosts individual charitable funds created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from these funds assist people throughout Southeast Kansas and beyond. Call CFSEK at 620-231-8897 with questions about the Community foundation.
Note: The Commission will not meet on December 22nd or December 29th, 2025.
Detailed Packet Summary
Executive Session Guidelines (Page 2)
The packet includes the standard legal forms for entering executive sessions according to KSA 75-4319. It outlines justifications such as personnel matters, attorney-client privilege, and financial affairs of corporations.
Resolution 48-25: County Building & Office Space (Pages 3–6)
This resolution establishes formal office and storage assignments within the Courthouse and Courthouse Annex.
Courthouse 3rd Floor: Dedicated to District Court operations.
Courthouse 2nd Floor: Primary space for the County Attorney.
Courthouse 1st Floor: Houses the Kansas Driver’s License Office (Suite 10), Appraiser (Suite 11), Extension/4-H (Suite 13), and Recorder of Deeds (Suite 14).
Courthouse Annex: Contains the County Clerk, Commission Room, Treasurer, and Public Works.
Restricted Areas: Specific “Cell Pods” and suites (like Suite 12) are designated for secure IT storage, Emergency Management, and specific department overflow.
This resolution amends the County Policy and Procedure Manual effective January 1, 2026.
2026 Transition: Due to end-of-year constraints, 2026 will serve as a transition year. Half of the annual vacation leave will be front-loaded in January, with the remaining half released monthly from July to December.
Standard Accrual (2027): Starting January 1, 2027, all leave will be accrued monthly at 1/12th of the annual amount.
Rehire Policy: Employees returning to the county will use their most recent hire date for benefits; “bridging” of prior service time is no longer permitted.
Resolution 50-25: Noise Limitations (Pages 9–10)
This resolution establishes regulations for excessive noise in unincorporated areas of the county.
Standards: Uses EPA guidelines to define violations (e.g., noise greater than 55 dB outdoors near residences during daytime).
Evidence: Measurements recorded within 75 feet of a source serve as evidence of a violation.
Penalties: Violations can result in a fine of up to $500 per day.
Minutes of Previous Meeting: Dec 8, 2025 (Pages 11–14)
A summary of the actions taken during the previous special meeting:
Solar Projects: Approved resolutions and agreements for the Tennyson Creek and Hinton Creek solar projects, exempting them from the commercial solar moratorium.
Property Relief: Approved real property relief for a local resident following a house fire.
Public Comments: Included discussions on the 3-minute speaking limit and requests regarding equipment storage and department moves.
Administrative: Rescinded a previous motion to transfer $200,000 from inmate housing fees to the general fund.
Elevator Modernization Proposal (Pages 15–32)
The packet contains a detailed “Turnkey Modernization Proposal” from Otis Elevator Company for the Courthouse elevator.
Cost: The base contract amount is $199,700.
Payment Terms: 50% initial payment ($99,850) is required to start engineering and ordering; 25% upon material delivery; and 25% upon completion.
Timeline: Approximately 14 weeks for manufacturing and 5 weeks for installation.
Scope: Includes a new microprocessor control system, new door operators, infrared protection devices, and aesthetic/safety upgrades to hall fixtures.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Continuation of yesterday’s county commission story
Sanitation Issue – Milburn-Kee
Commissioner Mika Milburn-Kee has been working with the county counselor to get the information needed to the county attorney so that appropriate action can be taken regarding a residence with sewage seeping into the lake.
She also noted that in the Dec. 20, 2024 county commission meeting, the county attorney at the time handed this information off to the chairman of the board when he resigned his position. Neither she nor Commissioner David Beerbower knows what happened to the work that was done by the previous county attorney.
Commissioner Samuel Tran asked if the homeowner had been notified of the problem. Milburn-Kee said that a letter was sent April 5, 2024 notifying of a $200 per day fine.
Parliamentarian Kaety Bower said that the county had the tank pumped a few years ago, at the taxpayers’ expense, but it hasn’t been maintained since then, and now there’s human waste running into the lake and puddling in driveways.
Tran expressed frustration that it had not been followed up on. Milburn-Kee said that the county lacks a policy and proceedure that would lead to a satisfactory conclusion at this time.
Tran asked how the county would go about condemning the building, if it becomes necessary. He also suggested that the commission give the county assessor the authority to ticket violators of the only code in the county, which is the sewage code.
Beerbower proposed that the county pump the tank to give them time to get the problem fixed. Bowers said it would take 4 weeks to fill back up.
Elevator Estimate KSA 19-214
It will cost approximately $200,000 to bring the courthouse elevator up to requirements. The elevator is currently out of compliance. The current projected start date for the project is the end of January, 2026.
Tran and Beerbower both expressed that they want to see the statement of work from the contractor so the commission is aware of what is involved in the job.
The courthouse maintenance supervisor, who has gathered the bid and information for the work needed, is leaving his position at the end of 2025.
Noise Resolution – Beerbower
Beerbower presented the commission with an updated noise resolution. The county counselor said that it should be handed over to the planning commission.
The revised resolution has EPA decibel level guidelines: decibel levels are to be no greater than 70dB for a 24 hour period, or greater than 55dB outdoors from 7a-10p near sensitive areas (residences), or 45dB indoors 7a-10p in sensitive areas, and no greater than 45 dB outdoors overnight (10p-7a). These measurements, recorded within 75 feet of the source, will be considered in violation. Enforcement shall be by the Bourbon County Commission or its designee. Violations will result in: notice of violation, demand for corrective action, citation, or all three. Fines can be up to $500, and each day in violation is considered a new offense.
Beerbower then moved that the commission adopt the resolution, numbered 50-25.
Milburn pointed out that there is already state code that the commission hasn’t been able to enforce and questioned the county’s ability to enforce a new ordinance without a procedure for follow-through.
Resolution passed, Milburn voting against.
Planning Commission Moratorium – Beerbower
In the last meeting of the planning commission, they reintroduced that they would like a moratorium halting all other entities from coming in to Bourbon County and starting up to allow them a year to develop a comprehensive plan and zoning for the unincorporated areas of Bourbon County.
The temporary moratorium would include: utility level, power generation and storage systems, including but not limited to wind, solar, battery energy storage systems, nuclear fission, crypto mining, data centers, and waste disposal.
Tran told the commission they did a good job at their meeting. He had no issue with the moratorium. Milburn-Kee said she didn’t have an issue either.
Beerbower said the moratorium would give the planning commission time to get its feet under it and make a plan.
He moved to have the county counselor draft a moratorium as directed by the planning commission, with a deadline of Jan. 5, 2026.
Motion passed unanimously
New Business
Budget Amendment (Need Date and Time)
County Clerk Susan Walker said that two funds require a budget amendment at this time: the Law Enforcement Fund and the County Sales Tax Fund.
The amendment for the Law Enforcement Fund will take it from $2.2 million to $2.6 million, and the County Sales Tax from $926,935 to $1,633,692.
Commissioners Beerbower and Tran are unavailable for the budget amendment meeting before the end of the year.
Without the amendment, the county will have two budget violations in its regular audit.
Sheriff Martin got Bern Hart, his department’s financial advisor, on the phone to address the commission.
Hart said that the Sheriff’s 2025 budget did not take past costs or the trends of those costs into account.
“The Sheriff’s over budget because he wasn’t given enough budget for 2025 to operate,” said Hart.
Milburn said her expectation is for departments to stay within their budget, rather than levy more mills and “give everyone what they want.”
Sheriff Martin and County Clerk Susan Walker were at the table for the discussion. They both left to have a discussion outside of the open meeting.
When they came back, Sheriff Martin said that the three offices the county must support reasonably to operate: the Sheriff, the County Attorney, and the District Court.
Hart pointed out that all the sheriff’s operations come from one fund. He also said that his department raised $395,000 from housing inmates.
“The sheriff’s brought in more than enough money to cover the budget amendment that he’s asking for,” he said. “He’s not asking for any more money. He’s just asking to use the money that he’s already raised.”
Susan Walker said the budget in question was made while she was CFO. She didn’t make the decisions independently, but in conjunction with the commission at the time.
“We are at an impasse on the budget amendment,” said Beerbower. No further action was taken.
“We’re not working to win Kansas. We’re working for Kansas to win.”
I recently heard Destany Wheeler with Elevate Kansas share this sentiment, and it perfectly captures how I feel about our work in Southeast Kansas.
We believe in abundance. We are not chasing recognition or competing for credit or resources. We are working for this region to succeed on its own terms. That belief carried us through a year marked by both meaningful progress and significant hardship.
In 2025, we navigated funding uncertainty, shifting policies, and economic pressures affecting families, businesses, and organizations across the region. We experienced pauses, delays, and moments that required us to rethink timelines and approaches. Quite frankly, this was a hard year. Each time we took a hit, we pivoted, picked ourselves up, and moved forward, guided by community need and shared responsibility.
At the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, we remained deeply committed to our mission: increasing access to physical activity and healthy food, promoting commercial tobacco cessation, enhancing quality of life, and encouraging economic growth. These priorities are not abstract goals. They are shaped by the lived experiences of residents across Southeast Kansas.
We are equally committed to responding to priorities identified by residents who live the reality of these decisions every day. Community trust, resident leadership, and equity remain central to how we design, implement, and sustain our work.
That commitment is visible through Rural Community Partners and our work to find, connect, and engage small business owners and entrepreneurs across Southeast Kansas. We meet entrepreneurs where they are, connect them to the right expertise, capital, and networks, and ensure they are not navigating fragmented systems alone. This approach reduces barriers, builds trust, and helps entrepreneurs move forward with clarity and confidence.
Despite the challenges, we expanded small business and entrepreneurship support, delivered hands-on technical assistance, helped unlock new capital, and strengthened workforce development partnerships. Together with Rural Community Partners, the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, and Balloon Media, we elevated regional storytelling. With support from Kansas University Medical Center, we convened partners across counties and continued building coalitions focused on practical, community-led solutions. Our role as a regional convener and backbone organization grew, not because it was easy, but because it was necessary.
We also invested in the long view by advancing the Southeast Kansas Small Business and Entrepreneurship Endowment. This commitment to sustainability allows us to lead with integrity rather than urgency, remain accountable to communities rather than funding cycles, and speak honestly when systems fall short. It is a promise to Southeast Kansas that this work will endure.
We are change agents, and with that comes a responsibility to speak up when systems no longer serve the communities they were designed to support.
What makes our work different, and why does it endure locally and regionally where many well-intended efforts have struggled? Three things have mattered most:
We remain financially independent and are not reliant on local or regional gatekeepers.
Our work is guided by community need rather than access, favors, or external approval.
We are willing to say what others won’t, even when it risks relationships, status, or funding.
Looking ahead to 2026, our vision is clear.
We will continue scaling entrepreneurship and mentorship efforts, strengthened by our partnership with the KU School of Business, Kansas Food Action Network, and BCBS Pathways to Healthy Kansas, while expanding access to capital and expertise. Working alongside partners such as WorkforceONE, we will deepen workforce pathways by listening directly to local employers. By supporting locally driven solutions, we will build resilience across counties while protecting the trust and relationships that make progress possible.
This role requires resilience, clarity, and courage. As Virginia Barnes, BCBS Pathways Director, reminded me earlier this year, it means acknowledging setbacks without being defined by them. It means staying focused on long-term impact and believing in the capacity of Southeast Kansas, even when circumstances test that belief.
Thank you to our partners, funders, donors, and residents who continue to stand with us.
Together, we are not working to win Southeast Kansas. We are working for Southeast Kansas to win.
