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Category Archives: Bourbon County
Bourbon County Commission Feb. 23 Agenda Summary
Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda
February 23, 2026 | 5:30 PM
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Call Meeting to Order
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Pledge of Allegiance
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Prayer
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Approval of Agenda
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Accounts Payable – 01.20.26
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Citizens Comments
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Executive Session
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K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) – Walker
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New Business
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a. Payentry
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b. Cemetery & Township Financial Reports
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c. Unclaimed Property
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Commission Comments
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Next Meeting Agenda Topics
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Adjournment
Information Packet Summary
Accounts Payable and Financial Reports (Pages 2–67) The majority of the packet consists of a detailed “Open Invoices By Department Summary.” This report lists all pending payments and payroll expenditures for various county departments as of February 20, 2026. Key financial highlights include:
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General Fund (Page 2): Lists standard payroll deductions and benefits such as life insurance, health savings accounts, and federal taxes.
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Employee Benefits (Page 4): Detailed breakdown of medical and dental premiums for March 2026, totaling over $111,000, along with social security and retirement contributions.
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Departmental Expenditures:
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Landfill (Pages 4–5): Includes membership dues, fuel (452 gallons of diesel), and equipment repairs.
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Sheriff & Correctional (Pages 5–6): Covers vehicle maintenance (oil changes and tire repairs), facility service contracts, and utility bills for the Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center (SEKRCC).
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Road and Bridge (Pages 7–10): Lists extensive commodities purchases, including fuel, vehicle parts, and culvert tubes.
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Ambulance Service (Pages 10, 27): Covers medical supplies, medications, and contractual charges from the City of Fort Scott.
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Departmental Payroll (Pages 22–27): Specific wage totals are provided for the County Commission, Clerk, Treasurer, Attorney, Register of Deeds, Courthouse Maintenance, and District Court.
Cemetery and Township Reports (Pages 68–107) The final section of the packet contains the annual financial reports for local cemeteries and townships, which are required by state law (K.S.A. 17-1372) to be filed by January 15.
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Reporting Requirements (Page 68): Instructions specify that reports must show all money held as of December 31, including investments like CDs or savings accounts.
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Individual Reports (Pages 90–107): These handwritten forms detail the “Composition of Cash” for various funds. For example, the reports show balances for general funds and permanent maintenance funds, listing receipts from county taxes and expenditures for services like mowing and stone maintenance.
County Commission Welcomes New Emergency Manager, Votes to Hire Baker Tilly for Budget Work
The county commission received an update from Public Works Director, Kenny Allen
Public works status update – Kenny Allen
Allen said his department needs to lease a new grader for $54,000 per year, 4.99% interest rate, warranted. The lease will be for a Foley Equipment CAT. All preventative maintenance will be done by the leasing company. Public Works has the budget for it. The commission approved the lease.
The City of Fort Scott is asking for a city-wide cleanup discount. Allen suggested they use a half-price voucher system for dumping at the county transfer station. Commissioner Mika Milburn asked if it could be a county-wide program. The commission agreed to continue the discussion.
The commissions signed the second phase paperwork for the bridge on Jayhawk.
Asphalt plant update: Greg Dishman from Wright Asphalt came to look at the damaged tank. and called in Adam from Blevens, who will come meet up with Allen to evaluate it. Adam suspects that the asphalt tank is out of date by a couple of decades. One option is purchasing a used tank.
The old tank contains more than $31,000 in oil right now.
They talked about fixing the tank this year, focusing on gravel and chip and seal roads rather than laying asphalt, then start laying asphalt next year.
Executive session with commissioners to discuss non-elected personnel issues 40 minutes.
Returned to regular session with no action.
Citizens Comments
Derek Ranes on Bitcoin: Checked to see if the county was getting his emailed noise complaints. They are. He said the noise is getting louder. He suspects they are acquiring more gas wells, and it looks like they’re expanding the facility across the road from his house.
“It’s getting kinda tough to get some sleep,” Ranes said.
The commission discussed the moratorium.
Old Business
Budget Strategy – Beerbower
Commissioner David Beerbower asked Commissioner Gregg Motley how the recent work session is leading the county to a budget strategy for 2026.
Motley said that the purpose of the questions used in the budget work session was to clarify values of the commission, which gives the budget makers information to make the budget.
Milburn asked Sheriff Bill Martin how Baker Tilly has helped his department create goals and budget accordingly. Martin responded that Baker Tilly should have been at the table to answer the questions at the meeting where the commission decided not to hire them to help build the county’s budget.
Samuel Tran asked him if Baker Tilly had been helpful to his department. Martin said his professional opinion is that they are. This is the second year the sheriff’s department has used Baker Tilly to advise on their finances.
Tran said he asked Ben Hart of Baker Tilly if his firm is allowed to audit the county and was told they are allowed.
Tran, Motley, and Martin discussed various types of audits and whether or not Baker Tilly can audit the county.
Motley reiterated his objection to hiring Baker Tilly on the basis of sending money outside of Bourbon County needlessly.
“That’s the opposite of economic development,” he said.
Motley then made a motion to hire Baker Tilly to do the budget process for Bourbon County as a fractional CFO, adopting the resolution that was voted down last meeting.
Beerbower asked several clarifying questions, including whether or not the process Motley started at the work session would include improving the efficiency of the Public Works department. Motley said that it would not, because one would need budget and public works expertise to accomplish that goal.
Joe Allen said he was in favor of having a conversation with Baker Tilly, but he wants to keep resources in the county, which is why he voted against the resolution in the last meeting. He was not comfortable adopting the resolution without hearing from Baker Tilly to hear what they have to offer that’s better than using the resources the county already has.
Tran pointed out that Baker Tilly is impartial and already working with the county in the Sheriff’s department.
Allen said that outsourcing sends a message of distrust to the employees of the county. He pointed out that training existing employees may be a good option.
Tran called for a vote and it passed. Beerbower, Tran, and Milburn voting for, Allen and Motley voting against.
County Technology & Network – Beerbower
Referring the the clerk, treasurer, and deeds offices setting up their own servers and emails, Beerbower expressed concerns about security and asked about wiring use.
Milburn said the handbook says all IT is under the county commission’s authority.
Tran said that going outside of the current construct of the county’s infrastructure prior to the completion of a long project is ill-advised. He sympathized with the desire to have their own server but expressed concern about budget creep.
He likened the network to a hotel, where each department has its own key for its room, but the county’s IT department, whomever it may be, has the master key for the whole hotel.
Standardizing programs and systems increases the security and minimizes the risks.
Tran said they cannot piggyback on the county’s system, in order to protect the county’s system from liability.
Beerbower said that in his several conversations with Stronghold he learned that cyber insurance could be affected by the change. There are also potential problems with the cabling and the .gov email addresses.
Beerbower said he would like the county clerk, treasurer, and register of deeds, as well as the two new county commissioners to receive the report on the health of the county’s IT system generated by Stronghold so they are aware of the situation and the work being done to improve the system.
Tran moved that any improvement or additions to the IT of the courthouse cease and desist until the commission can have a conversation including other elected officials and decide on the path forward. He excluded the current project with Stronghold.
Motion passed.
Tran said that he has information for the whole county. The county is only at 6% compliance with Microsoft 365. Stronghold plans to “slow roll” the change.
“If you have a glitch in your system, PLEASE call Stronghold,” Tran asked. The change started Friday, February 20.
Noise Resolution – Beerbower
The new resolution names the sanitation inspector as the new noise ordinance inspector. It also lists some equipment and training that will cost the county about $1000.
Milburn expressed concern about the department not having authority to enforce sanitation codes or noise ordinances.
He asked the commission to read it over to prepare for discussion at the meeting on Feb. 23.
Longevity Completion Announcement- Milburn
In January when the commission passed the handbook, it voted to remove longevity from it, but keep the longevity already in existence, by adding it to the hourly wages. Milburn said that process will be completed by the next cycle.
Tran said they are working on cost of living allowances and pay raises.
New Business
Executive Session Discussion – Allen
He said that executive sessions should be moved to the bottom of the agenda unless they involve visitors so that those in attendance at commission meetings aren’t waiting through all of the executive sessions for the rest of the meeting.
Allen also pointed out that the agenda is constantly being changed, but resolution 3425 says it should be locked in by noon on Friday to allow time for the commission to prepara.
Motley said he agrees and that it’s important that resolutions should not be brought in expecting a vote without giving the commission time to read them in advance.
Addition to Policy Manual – Milburn
She brought KCamps recommended additions, including ADA and lactation accommodations, FMLA policy, and the give the board the ability to change the policy manual.
The board approved the additions.
Beerbower said they should print the handbooks, one per employee and have them sign the receipt form. He also suggested training for the employees for each department to make them aware of the changes.
Tran said they should have HR come and train the commission and other leadership in the county, to enable them to train the county employees.
Motley suggested allowing electronic copies to be distributed.
Milburn said it is published on the county’s website.
Beerbower said that the training is the most important part, but he wants to offer printed copies to those who prefer that.
SEKRPC Board Meeting Report & CBDG Block Grant Seminar – Motley
The organization has grown to offer about $2 million in loans and grants.
Motley said he is excited about the possibilities the program offers to Bourbon County and plans to work on it throughout the year.
Emergency Manager Accounts and Access -Milburn
New Bourbon County Emergency Manager, Louella Howard
The commission passed a resolution giving her the position and also moved to get her a county email address and the other equipment she needs to do her job.
Commissioner Comments
Samuel Tran: There’s a lot of supervisors in the county right now that are agitated because Pay Entry has shut their people out. People have been putting their time and attendance in incorrectly. The executive assistant and Pay Entry locked it down. Supervisors are asked to go and look at each time card prior to it going in to PayEntry. The executive assistant will contact department heads to let them know what the situation.
Milburn said that recommendations were not to leave them unlocked for individual employees to change.
Sheriff Martin said that the issue should be laid at the feet of the department responsible for the error, rather than making all employees pay for the mistake of one.
Beerbower asked if PayEntry could come and offer training in how to use the program. Milburn said she would ask.
Gregg Motley: Exhorted the commission to look for ways to build bridges and improve moral.
Mika Milburn: Is excited about having drivers license moved to suite 10.
K-3 bridge in Bourbon County to be replaced
Post Date:02/09/2026 9:00 AM
Work will begin the week of Feb. 16 to replace the Little Osage River bridge on K-3 about two miles south of the Linn County line, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.
The 36-mile official detour (see map) will be in place later that week, conditions permitting. KDOT uses state highways for official detour routes for safety, weight and maintenance concerns.
Southbound K-3 traffic should follow the signed detour west on K-31 to U.S. 59, south on U.S. 59 to U.S. 54 and east on U.S. 54. Northbound traffic should follow the detour route in the opposite direction.
The project is expected to be completed by December, conditions permitting.
The new bridge will be 313 feet long and 32 feet wide with 12-foot driving lanes and 4-foot shoulders.
KDOT awarded the $4.19 million construction contract to Bridges Inc., of Newton. The project is funded through KDOT’s 10-year, nearly $10 billion Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), which is focusing on preserving, modernizing and expanding Kansas’ transportation system.
Check KDOT’s www.kandrive.gov for updated highway conditions and construction details. Persons with questions may contact KDOT Public Information Officer Ray Nolting at (620) 902-6433.
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Uniontown Schools Kindergarten Roundup Is March 23
West Bourbon Elementary School – Uniontown
Kindergarten Roundup Coming in March
A screening clinic for 2026-2027 kindergarten students has been scheduled for Monday, March 23 at West Bourbon Elementary. To be eligible for kindergarten, your child must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2026.
Students who will be new to WBE will sign up for a 30 minute slot to be assessed on March 23. Please bring in your child’s birth certificate and immunization record. The agenda for the child will include kindergarten skills assessment, vision, hearing, speech, and checking health records.
Kindergarten children are required to have a physical exam within 12 months of beginning school and have all current immunizations. The Girard Medical Center is available for immunizations and physicals; if you would like to contact them for a coinciding appointment call 620-756-4111.
Due to the screenings, there will be no Kindergarten class on March 23rd.
For the best testing environment for your child, we ask that you not bring brothers or sisters.
To set up a time for screening and assessment, please call the school at 620-224-2350, option 1, or visit https://tinyurl.com/2026WBEK-Roundup.
Bronson Micro Grocery Store Is Transitioning
Thaddeus and Kelly Perry’s business, Perry’s Country Store in Bronson, is changing focus.
“Our physical location in Bronson will no longer operate as it has. We are shifting the space to what it was originally designed for — production and distribution,” Kelly Perry said. “This is not a light decision, but for the first time in a long time, I 100% believe this is God opening and closing doors and bringing partnerships and networks full circle, and I’ve never felt peace like I have this last week and here is why.”
Monday through Friday we will be growing and expanding Perry’s Pork Rinds nationally.
“The physical storefront will still offer pork rinds, Perry’s Produce Boxes, bulk produce buying through online pre-orders, and our seasonal fruit like Colorado peaches, Florida strawberries, Oregon blueberries, Washington cherries, and the spring flower baskets and mums in the fall and similar offerings. That piece isn’t going away — it’s simply becoming more structured so it works long term and will likely occur on the second Saturday of each month. I’ll be inviting food trucks on those days, and others to set up in the parking lot and make it a monthly community event.”
“Monday through Friday we will be growing and expanding Perry’s Pork Rinds nationally.”
“Because of this shift, we’ll be liquidating all items not directly related to the pork rind business,” she said. “The red retro tables will stay; they have been an item that was here in the original fuel station. Food, small and large equipment, decor, and shelving. All of it will be for sale. I’m posting smaller items on my personal Facebook page now, and I’ll likely have my big list of large equipment posted online today on our new Facebook page that is dedicated to JUST the Perry’s Country Store https://www.facebook.
“I truly believe this transition is part of a bigger path we have prayed and worked so hard for since starting in 2017,” she said. “The goal hasn’t changed: support rural communities while building something sustainable for our family and future job growth.”
Her husband and co-owner, Thaddeus, is having a catfish fry this weekend, which will start the markdown pricing of food items in the store.
“Pre-orders are now open for the Sweet T’s Fried Catfish event this Saturday, February 21,” she said. “The pre-orders will close at noon on Feb 19! www.PerrysPorkRinds.com During this event, we will start our in-store markdowns of candy, canned goods, jar items, jams, frozen pies, meats, etc. ”
“All things Perry’s Pork Rinds will be posted on our normal Perry’s Pork Rind Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/
Granddads Groceries Coming
Discounted bulk groceries will soon be offered through Perry’s Country Store.
“About a year ago, I met with a company that distributes deeply discounted bulk groceries. At the time, logistics didn’t work out. I reached back out just on faith and asked if they would reconsider a community drop location here so both Bourbon and Allen County residents could benefit since the closing of the Marmaton Market in Moran and now our Micro Grocery Store in Bronson — and they said yes.”
Perry’s Country Store will be a new pick-up location for Grandad’s Groceries, a discounted bulk grocer that delivers to locations in our area.
“It allows continued food access locally without pulling focus, time, or capital away from growing Perry’s Pork Rinds. Here is a video link for what will be coming https://youtu.be/DnWRnA1ctrE and Perry’s parking lot will be the pick up location for Grandad’s Groceries. https://www.
County Clerk Discusses Payroll Changes
In the February 2nd County Commissioner meeting, it was stated that the county clerk had seven and a half weeks to prepare for the transition to the Pay Entry software. Susan Walker, Bourbon County Clerk, disputed the timeline for the cutover. She said, “Commissioner Milburn had made a statement that the clerk had 7 & 1/2 weeks to learn Pay Entry, which is false.” She went on to explain that they spent 7 & 1/2 weeks sending Pay Entry information and explaining the county processes to them, but that time wasn’t spent training on the software.
Despite statements by Tim Emerson from Emerson & Co in October listing training that had been provided on the PayEntry software, the County Clerk says the first time they saw the software was two business days before they had to run their first payroll.
(Note: Tim Emerson shares the name, but is not the same Tim Emerson who lives near Devin and, with Commissioner Tran, Commissioner Beerbower, and others, sued the Bourbon County Commissioners. Past news reports seem to indicate that Tim Emerson of Emerson & Co. is the son of the Tim Emerson of Bourbon County who filed the lawsuit.)
“We implemented and had training for PayEntry on November the 20th. It was the first time we even saw the product.” Walker explained that PayEntry requires payroll to be run two days before the county wants to pay employees. After training on Thursday, the 20th, the clerk says that they had to run payroll on November 24th so county employees could be paid the day before Thanksgiving on the 26th. The first time she says they actually saw the software was on Thursday, the 20th, and they had to run the first payroll on Monday, the 24th, two business days later.
When asked if Emerson (the accountant who sold the system to the county) provided training to the department heads, she said no, but PayEntry “gave us a piece of paper to hand out that still didn’t help people.”
She went on to explain, “So we had people come in and sit down in our office. We helped them get into the app that had lots of problems. In the app they would try [to] clock in, and they couldn’t tell if they were clocked in or not. If you hit it again, it would clock them out and wouldn’t let them know if they were clocked out.” Walker says those problems are still there along with an issue that allows employees to change the cost center for time entries. “So I might have a deputy[‘s time] show up in the clerk’s office.”
When asked if the PayEntry system provided any capabilities that weren’t available in the previous system, she said that it has an online portal that would let employees download their W2 tax forms at the end of the year. With the previous system, the county printed those forms out and distributed them. However, since the system isn’t integrated with the rest of the county’s accounting, it requires a lot of manual copying of information back and forth between PayEntry and the county’s accounting software. These manual steps are more error-prone and harder to troubleshoot than the integration that the county had previously.
Walker said that the decision to outsource payroll was made after she had asked the commissioners for another employee to help run payroll in her office. The clerk explained, “During budget seasons, I did ask for an additional employee, and they denied me that. That’s part of this process. I go in, and I request what I feel like I need to run my office efficiently. If you deny me, that’s ok.”
But after asking the commissioners for another employee, Walker says, “They came in and said, well, we’re going to outsource now.” She said she was confused by this step and asked, “Why would you do that? Because I’m fully willing to continue doing what we’re doing.”
When asked how much money was being saved by switching to PayEntry, Walker said that the change had lowered the cost from the $6,500 per year that she was getting to run payroll as well as about $5,000 per year for the CIC payroll module. Those two things lowered the cost by $11,500. However, she said PayEntry is costing around $20,000 in the first year with slightly lower cost next year. She provided the following comparison of costs if no additional employees were hired.
The clerk said the commissioners have had to hire an additional employee to run the PayEntry payroll for 32 hours a week and says an additional employee will cost around $32,000 per year in salary. According to the clerk, since the new employee is working more than 30 hours a week, she would be eligible for benefits as well in addition to the cost of the salary.
When asked for comment about the clerk’s concerns with changes to payroll, Commissioner Milburn provided the following information over a text exchange. She pointed out that payroll affects all offices and “any one of us may not run again or may not be elected again.” She said, “It is reassuring to me that payroll will not be changed by the coming or going of the elected.”
She went on to say that the cost for the additional employee who is managing PayEntry is “less than what it cost us in the clerk office,” because the new employee has duties outside of payroll and, as a part-time employee, doesn’t cost the county for health insurance. Commissioner Milburn said this was “as opposed to the full-time employee in the clerk’s office plus the additional $10,000 for oversight of payroll duties that we were paying.” In addition to pointing to cost savings, she said, “I am pleased with the separation of duties that we get with this change.”
Bourbon County Commission Meeting Move to Feb. 19
The Bourbon County Commission has moved their regular meeting to February 19th at 5:30 at 210 S National. They will not meet on Monday the 16th for observance of Presidents’ Day.
Bo Co Coaliltion Meeting Minutes of Feb. 4
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
February 4, 2026
- Welcome: Twenty-two members representing nineteen agencies attended the meeting held at 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:
- Craig Campbell Good Neighbor Action Team – GNAT builds wheelchair ramps, paints houses, and gets yard work back to zero. They can also help with grant applications. GNAT has been getting lots of requests from area communities. If you have connections with anyone who builds ramps in area communities, let Craig know.
- Cameron Johnson – CHC/SEK School Health Worker with USD 234.
- Shelby Moore- Families Together FAST – Shelby works with families who have children with intellectual disabilities and helps navigate the special education process.
- Star Culp Parents As Teachers – Free early learning program, no qualifications- for everyone. PAT has hired more educators, so they have openings.
- Michelle Stevenson – Fort Scott Early Childhood Program – Home visiting program for families with children prenatal through 6 years old. Michelle tracks development, models for parents, and helps families get kids ready for preschool or kindergarten. Michelle hosts parent-child cafes for socialization. The program is pretty full right now, but will be graduating kids in June.
- Janelle Tate – ECBG – Transitions Coordinator in 6 counties in SEK
- Patty Simpson – Fort Scott Housing Authority – FSHA has 190 income-based apartments. All units are currently full, but 6 units will be available soon. There is a short waiting list.
- Clayton Whitson – Faith Church – Clayton is hoping to connect to resources in the community so he can help visitors at the church.
- Jennifer Gumfowler – Fort Scott Public Library- Private booth space is now available, sensory toys are coming in. Some can be checked out, and some are to be used in the library. Now have blood pressure cuffs to be checked out. Starting Feb 1, Canopy online streaming services will be available. Everyone with a library card has 25 tickets, childrens programs are free.
- Lora Wilson CHC – Lora helps clients with any resources.
- Tammy Alcaantor – Crawford Health Department – Tammy hosts a Baby and Me Tobacco Free program. It is now a 6-month program that provides education and incentives for clients trying to quit tobacco and nicotine. Tammy is part of the Kansas Perinatal Community Collaborative. Ask Tammy about resources from KPCC.
- Theresa Amershek – Safe House CVEC- Theresa completes intakes for visits between parents and kids. The goal is to provide a safe place for parents to visit their children. Safehouse has its annual Bags to Riches fundraiser on March 28 in Pittsburg.
- Kelly Stammer – DCF – LIEAP program is now open. Events in the area will help clients sign up electronically.
- Dave Gillen – Beacon – The Beacon is an interfaith, non-profit organization helping with food, hygiene, and other necessities since 1985. Partners with several local agencies to provide help to those in need. 2025 was a successful year for the Beacon. The Beacon distributed over $28,000 in financial assistance in 2025. The Beacon provided more than 150 tons of food and served 4500 families. Shoe vouchers helped 142 children starting school. The Beacon worked with the Bourbon County Coalition to provide swim passes to families. The Beacon organized and donated Christmas gifts for children. There were 146 applications for food baskets. In January, the Beacon helped 343 families, $2, 200 dollars. The Beacon receives donations from Walmart on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The Beacon also helps families with taxi passes and gas vouchers.
- Jalaine Davis – Core Community – Core helps those in poverty get out of poverty. Graduation from phase 1 will be coming up on March 24. Phase 2 will begin later this year.
- Kathy Brennon – Area Agency on Aging- On-site meals are available at Buck Run. Also have bingo twice per month. These programs are for those aged 60+. Transportation is a big issue for people getting to the meal site. If you know of a church or someone with an accessible van who could help with transportation, let Kathy know. The third Wednesday caregiver support group meets at Papa Don’s. Medicare counselling is available for those new to Medicare. Funding is available for in-home support, home modification, and case management. The Kansas respite and dementia program can provide assistance or equipment for those living with someone with dementia. A small emergency fund is available for 60+, up to $500 per year. Call the office for more information.
- Dee Dee LeFever – Greenbush – Greenbush offers PAT and Infant Toddler Systems for area preschools and programs. Also provide audiology services, virtual parent trainings, and the SEK Community resource guide.
- Cheyenne Bolin – SEK-CAP family educator, 0-3 and prenatal services. SEK-CAP currently has four open spots. They offer 90-minute home-based visits and help with community resources.
- Janice Durbin – Child and Family Development Educator, 3-5 year olds, advocate for Head Start center. Janice can help locate resources for families.
- Larry Jump – Community Liaison for SEK-CAP – Early education -Supports those in the area Head Start centers/programs. Head Start is always looking for employees and children.
- Program:
Teresa Davenport, Care to Share
Care to Share is a cancer support group that began in 2007. They began raising funds in 2009. Care to Share does not employ any staff; it is 100% volunteer based. Care to Share is located at 9 E. Wall. Volunteers staff the location from 11:00 to 2:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Care to Share has raised $1.8 million since 2009; all money raised goes to cancer fighters. Care to Share began in Bourbon County and is now helping cancer fighters in Linn County and Crawford County. They raise funds in all three counties and distribute about the same amount in each county as was raised. Recent fundraisers include Pink Out night in Linn County, which raised $10,000, and a pool tournament in Bourbon County, which raised $20,000. Care to Share is currently helping about 75 people, including 6 families with children who have cancer. Last year, Care to Share raised about $100,000. They distributed about $51,000 in gas vouchers.
Care to Share helps cancer fighters financially and emotionally in a variety of ways, including help with utilities, gas, food, home maintenance, transportation costs, and car maintenance. They have tons of medical equipment and lift chairs available for cancer survivors and those in need. They also have sharing shelves, books, puzzles, wigs, and bras available for cancer fighters. There are no income guidelines- they will help anyone. Provide both financial and emotional support. Care to Share will try to do about anything for cancer fighters. Care to Share does not receive referrals from doctors’ offices, so if you know of someone battling cancer, have them get in contact with Care to Share.
Upcoming fundraisers include an Elvis Impersonator show on Feb 28, bake sales, and golf tournaments. Care to Share will be starting a cancer support group in the coming months. There are many ways to help Care to Share that don’t require money. Volunteers can be a part of the prayer team, make phone calls, and send cards. If you would like help Care to Share, call 620-644-9090 or visit their Facebook page for more information.
- Open Forum:
Adjournment: The next General Membership meeti
Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store: Bulk Wholesale Groceries
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County Commission Feb. 12 Special Meeting Agenda
Bourbon County Commission: Special Meeting Agenda 02.12.26
February 12, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Meeting Outline
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Call Meeting to Order (Page 1)
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Pledge of Allegiance (Page 1)
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Roll Call & Introductions (Page 1)
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Executive Session (Page 1)
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Subject: Employment Interview
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Statute: K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1)
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Executive Session (Page 1)
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Subject: Employment Interview
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Statute: K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1)
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Adjournment (Page 1)
Additional Session Information
Immediately following the conclusion of the formal Commission Meeting, the board will convene for a work session.
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Date: February 12, 2026
Feb. 11 Bourbon County Planning Committee Agenda and RFP Summary
Bourbon County Planning Committee Agenda for 5:30PM Wednesday, February 11, 2026
1. Pledge
2. Roll
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of minutes from December 10th and January 14th, January 28th, February 4th
5. Discussion on RFP for Comprehensive Plan and Firms to submit to. The following list contains planning firms the planning commission feels the RFP for comprehensive plan RFP should be distributed to at a minimum:
- David Foster and associates
- Transystems
- Kendig Keast
- Confluence
- ETC Institute
- HalƯ
- Hoxi Collective
- MKEC
- Marvin Planning
- Olsson
- Shockey
- SSR
- Future IQ
- Miller & Associates
6. New Business
7. Public Comment
8. Next Meeting and Agenda
9. Adjournment
Bourbon County: Comprehensive Plan Development RFP (Request for Proposal) Summary
The Bourbon County Planning Commission is seeking proposals from professional planning consultants to develop the county’s first-ever comprehensive plan. This strategic document will guide coordinated development, land use, and zoning for the next decade.
Project Overview and Goals
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Purpose: To create a strategic framework for future development and informed zoning decisions pursuant to K.S.A. 12-747. (Page 1)
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Current Status: Bourbon County does not currently have a comprehensive plan. (Page 1)
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Target Area: Bourbon County, Kansas, including its rural areas and coordination with incorporated cities like Fort Scott, Bronson, Uniontown, Fulton, Redfield, and Mapleton. (Page 1)
Scope of Services
The selected consultant will conduct exhaustive studies and provide recommendations on several key areas:
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Surveys and Trends: Analysis of land use, population density, economic conditions, and natural resources. (Page 1)
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Land Use Mapping: Creation of a land use map, categories, and recommendations for new uses that will impact the county’s future. (Pages 1-2)
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Infrastructure and Transportation: Review of public and private transportation facilities and public improvement programming based on urgency. (Page 2)
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Financial Planning: Analysis of public revenue sources and long-range financial plans for capital improvements. (Page 2)
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Public Outreach: A multifaceted program to engage residents, business owners, and local leaders is a mandatory requirement. (Page 2)
Required Deliverables
The final package provided by the consultant must include:
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Comprehensive Land Use Plan: A complete document ready for adoption featuring a county vision, trend analysis, and housing/infrastructure recommendations. (Pages 2-3)
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Implementation Strategy: Specific goals, objectives, and strategies to put the plan into action. (Page 3)
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Digital Assets: Electronic copies of the plan in PDF and Word formats, along with all raw data, spreadsheets, and mapping files used in the analysis. (Page 3)
Submission Timeline & Process
Interested parties must adhere to the following schedule for 2026:
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RFP Published: February 12, 2026 (Page 3)
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Proposals Due: March 20, 2026, by 2:00 p.m. CST (Page 3)
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Planning Commission Review: March 25, 2026 (Page 3)
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County Commission Final Selection: March 30, 2026 (Page 3)
How to Submit: Proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Proposal for Comprehensive Plan Development” to the Bourbon County Clerk’s Office. Submissions can be made in person or via mail to 210 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. (Page 3)
Proposal Requirements
Consultants must include the following in their submission:
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Cover Letter & Firm Profile: Summary of qualifications and details on the firm’s size and governmental planning experience. (Page 4)
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Project Approach: A detailed methodology for the study and public input strategies. (Page 4)
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Project Team: Qualifications and prior experience of the specific individuals assigned to the project. (Pages 4-5)
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Fee Structure: An all-inclusive maximum fee for the requested work. (Page 5)
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Timeline: An estimated schedule for completion of each project phase. (Page 5)
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References: 3 to 5 references for similar projects completed within the last five years. (Page 5)
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding this RFP, contact:
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Contact: Susan Walker, Bourbon County Clerk
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Email: [email protected]
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Phone: (620) 223-3800 (Page 3)