Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Uncategorized

New Commissioners Sworn In

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The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

The Bourbon County Commission gained one new member this week, with another on the way. Citizens of Bourbon County had voted to change the county from a three-commissioner district to a five-commissioner one. In the fall of 2025, Greg Motley was elected to district 4 and Mika Milburn to district 5. Milburn was already serving as the old district 3 commissioner, which lead to an interesting situation.

 Oaths of Office

Prior to taking the oath of office to serve as commission of the new fifth district, Commission Mika Milburn officially resigned her position as commissioner of the third district of Bourbon County.

County Clerk Susan Walker administered the oath of office to Greg Motley as commissioner for district 4, and Mika Milburn for district 5.

Chair of the Bourbon County Republican party, Kaety Bowers thanked Motley for his willingness to serve and Milburn for her service in 2025. She then read an excerpt from President Theodore Roosevelt’s “The Man in the Arena” speech.

The Republican Party will appoint another commissioner to serve for district 3. Those who live in the district and want to serve in this way should contact Bowers.

Reorganization of Board

Appoint Chairman: 2025 Chair David Beerbower nominated Samuel Tran. Milburn seconded and the nomination passed, Tran abstaining.

Appoint Vice Chairman: Tran nominated Beerbower for vice-chair, Milburn seconded, nomination passed, Beerbower abstaining.

Tran took his position as chair of the board.

Board Memberships

After discussion the commissioners will serve as follows:

Beerbower serves on the SEK Mental Health and SEK Health Department boards.

Milburn serves on the Fair Board and Soil Conservation Board.

Motley will serve on the SEK Regional Planning Commission and the Juvenile Detention Center board.

Tran serves on the SEK Mental Health Board, Bourbon County Senior Citizens, and SEK Area on Aging.

When the new commissioner is appointed for district 3, he or she will take board positions as well.

Liaison Assignments

David Beerbower: Public Safety including EMS, Sheriff/Corrections, Emergency Management

Samuel Tran: Public Works

Mika Milburn: Courthouse

Greg Motley: Finance

Motley said his vision is to get the commission off to an early start and keep them on schedule regarding creating a budget for 2027. He said he would want to identify the county’s priorities via work sessions early in the year and then put numbers to them closer to the end of the year.

Motley pointed out that tying the county’s priorities to its budget helps keep continuity of purpose within the county.

Beerbower suggested putting the fifth commissioner onto an economic development and grant writing liaison possition.

Motley then suggested that he work on the grant writing and economic development and the courthouse liaison position get split into two parts, one to deal with the building and the departments it contains and the other to liaise with the vendors who serve the county.

Milburn said she isn’t clear how to divide those positions out right now.

Tran suggested they keep everything the same for now, adding economic development with the new commission.

Milburn formalized the decision with a motion and the motion carried.

Public Comments

Mark McCoy is the community emergency response team (CERT) leader in Bourbon County. He spoke with the commission about the importance of having an Emergency Manager in place. Reasons a manager is needed include: emergencies don’t happen on a shared schedule; preparedness is a full-time mindset, not an occasional task; liabilities and legal exposure; the manager has the ability to lead, guide, follow, and assist throughout the county. Disasters don’t wait. Volunteers need official plans and connections with entities facilitated by the Emergency Manager.

Beerbower said that the part-time position of Bourbon County Emergency Manager is posted on the county website.

County Clerk Susan Walker showed the commission the program HeyGov for making meeting agendas. She demonstrated it for the commission. It creates the minutes from the YouTube video as well as linking to the county’s website. The program allows the commissioners to work on the agenda without violating the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA). It can also be used by other boards in the county such as the building commission. The cost is about $1,100 per year.The commission voted to purchase the program.

Old Business
Handbook Review

Beerbower said he received his copy of the revised handbook the day of the meeting at noon. Motley said he hadn’t received a copy yet.

Jennifer Hawkins, County Treasurer, spoke to the commission, expressing concerns with several parts of the handbook including the handling of complaints, who qualifies as full-time, definitions of longevity, vacation and leave policy, and dress code.

Tran said he wanted to have another work session before approving the handbook. Milburn said they received the changes everyone requested last week.

Sheriff Bill Martin joined the conversation, saying elected officials should have an opportunity to see the changes before the commission votes on the new handbook. He said that military leave and take-home cars aren’t addressed. He was concerned with the time crunch the commissioners put on the other elected officials regarding their feedback on the proposed new handbook.

Milburn said that the process of updating the handbook was started in 2022 and never completed.

Terry with EMS said that the department heads haven’t seen the updated copy yet.

Susan Walker, County Clerk, said that the department heads should be in on the discussion to make changes to the handbook. “Right now, I don’t feel like we have a voice,” she said.

Beerbower and Motley both said that a work session with the other elected officials and department heads seemed like a good idea.

Tran said that a meeting will not lead to a 100% consensus, as we don’t live in a perfect world. The handbook is intended to be a guide, but is not written in stone.

“You’re not going to get everything you want,” he said.

He then moved to have a special meeting to include elected officials and department heads on Jan. 13 at 4:30 with a 2 hour limit.

“It’s going to be better than what we had and we’re going to keep improving upon it,” said Tran of the upcoming new handbook.

New Business

Kansas Public Employees Retirement System

The commission appointed its executive assistant, Laura Krom, as the KPRS designated agent, with Mika Milburn as her alternate.

Kansas Department of Labor and Unemployment

Milburn said that the unemployment claims need to go to the HR department, Dr. Cohen, who will contact their department heads. This only applies to employees of the county working for the commission, not those working for other elected officials.

Disposition of Body K.S.A. 22a-215

Susan Walker, County Clerk, said that no next of kin could be found for an individual who died in Bourbon County last summer, so the county paid for the body’s cremation. Next of kin have since been found, but are on a fixed income and have asked for a waiver of the policy that they should pay cremation costs in order to recover the body.

The commission was in favor of waiving the fee.

November 2025 Financials

Susan Walker said she and the county treasurer have run into issues with past entries that were made in the county’s books. They will have a quarterly report ready at the end of Jan. The county’s audit is the last week of February.

Build Agenda for Following Meeting

Motley asked to plan to set work sessions for the budget and strategic planning in the first quarter of the year.

Milburn also asked to add a first quarter meeting with the City of Fort Scott.

Commission Comments

“I’m going to need each and every one of you to assist me as I chair the helm,” said Tran. He then thanked Beerbower for his work as chairman in 2025 and Milburn for her work on the commission as well. He welcomed Greg Motley aboard and adjourned the meeting.

Bourbon County, Housing

How To Apply For Low Income Energy Assistance Program Benefits

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Applying for LIEAP?
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) can help eligible households pay a portion of their primary home heating costs by providing a one-time per year benefit. LIEAP can help restore or maintain electricity, natural gas, propane and other home heating bills.
The application period begins
Jan. 20, 2026, at 8 a.m. and ends March 31, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Apply online at dcfapp.kees.ks.gov or get help in-person at an upcoming LIEAP event:
January 29 from 1-6 p.m. at the Fort Scott Public Library, at 2nd and National Avenue.
See the full schedule of LIEAP events at LIEAP.dcf.ks.gov
Please bring copies of the following information:
• Proof of income (earned and unearned) for anyone living in
the residence.
• Copy of all fuel bills (gas, electric, propane, etc.)
• Proof of child support payments received or the court order.
• If in subsidized housing, provide a copy of your rental
agreement.
• If your primary heating costs are included in your rent, provide
a copy of your rental agreement.
*Other information may be requested as needed.
LIEAP
**If your utility bills are in the landlord’s name, a copy of the lease
agreement must be provided.
LIEAP
Bourbon County

Jan. 12 Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary

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The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda 01.12.26 Agenda

January 12, 2026 | 5:30 PM

Agenda Outline

  • 1. Call Meeting To Order (Page 1)

  • 2. Roll Call (Page 1)

  • 3. Pledge of Allegiance (Page 1)

  • 4. Prayer (Page 1)

  • 5. Oaths of Office (Page 1)

    • a. Commission District 5 – Mika Milburn-Kee

    • b. Commission District 4 – Greg Motley

  • 6. Reorganization of Board (Page 1)

    • a. Appoint Vice Chairman

    • b. Appoint Chairman

  • 7. Board Memberships (Page 1)

    • a. Fair Board

    • b. Juvenile Detention Center

    • c. SEK Area on Aging

    • d. SEK Regional Planning Commission

    • e. Soil Conservation (Advisory Only)

    • f. Southeast Kansas Health Department

    • g. SEK Mental Health Department (2 Positions)

    • h. Bourbon County Senior Citizens

  • 8. Liaison Assignments (Page 1)

    • a. Public Safety (EMS, Sheriff/Corrections, Emergency Management)

    • b. Public Works

    • c. Courthouse

    • d. Finance

  • 9. Approval of Agenda (Page 1)

  • 10. Approval of Minutes (Page 1)

  • 11. Approval of Consent Agenda (Page 1)

    • a. Tax Corrections

    • b. Accounts Payable (01.09.26) – $102,704.29

  • 12. Public Comments (Page 1)

  • 13. Executive Session (Page 2)

    • a. Personnel matters (K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1))

  • 14. Old Business (Page 2)

    • a. Handbook Review

  • 15. New Business (Page 2)

    • a. Disposition of Body (K.S.A. 22a-215) – Susan Walker, County Clerk

    • b. November 2025 Financials

  • 16. Build Agenda for Following Meeting (Page 2)

  • 17. Commission Comments (Page 2)

  • 18. Adjournment (Page 2)

Detailed Information Packet Summary

Commissioner Board Memberships (Page 3)

This section lists current Bourbon County representatives for various boards, including Samuel Tran for Senior Citizens and Mika Milburn for the Fair Board. These memberships are reviewed annually during the board reorganization.

Minutes from January 5, 2026 Meeting (Pages 4–9)

  • Introductions & Attendance: The meeting included a roll call of commissioners and a significant list of attending citizens.

  • Public Comments: * David Ranes submitted a noise complaint regarding Evolution Technology with supporting decibel readings.

    • Lora Holdridge (Register of Deeds) reported securing a deed from Legacy Health for the EMS building and expressed concerns regarding courthouse space allocation and an unresolved judgment against Waldrop Wireless.

    • Ben Hall discussed issues regarding a gas well on his property and alleged bullying/harassment by Evotech.

  • Executive Sessions: Several sessions were held to discuss attorney-client privileged information and non-elected personnel matters. No action was taken during most sessions, though one resulted in a motion to allow Commissioner Milburn to work with the new executive assistant.

  • Old Business:

    • Handbook Review: Discussion focused on Public Works policies regarding wearing shorts and taking vehicles home.

    • Sanitation & Moratorium: The Counselor provided updates on a sanitation violation and presented a draft resolution for a 180-day moratorium on new utility-scale power generation and data centers.

  • Resolutions Passed:

    • Res. 01-26: Adopted the Section 125 Plan (including retirees) and named Laura Krom as administrator.

    • Res. 02-26: Established 2026 holidays and paydays (passed 2-1).

    • Res. 03-26: Annual waiver of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles).

    • Res. 04-26: Designated official depositories and publications.

    • Res. 05-26: Participation in the Rural Opportunity Zone student loan program.

    • Res. 06-26: Set weekly meeting times for Mondays at 5:30 PM.

    • Res. 07-26: Established a temporary 180-day moratorium on crypto mining, data centers, and specific power generation.

Financial Reports (Pages 10–136)

The packet contains extensive financial documentation for November 2025 and early January 2026:

  • Accounts Payable: Detailed lists of expenditures by department (e.g., Appraiser, Treasurer).

  • Fund Status Reports: Summaries of beginning balances, receipts, and disbursements for various county funds (General, Diversion, Employee Benefits).

  • Revenue and Expense Reports: A line-by-line breakdown of current budget versus actual year-to-date spending for all county departments and taxing districts (USD 234, local libraries, and townships).

Bourbon County, Business, Government, Kansas

Kansas SIGNS Program: Support Communities By Upgrading Business Storefronts

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New Grant Opportunities Available Through Revised SIGNS Program

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced a new round of Supporting Innovative Growth through New Signage (SIGNS) grant opportunities, building on the program’s inaugural year in 2025 with several updates designed to further increase foot traffic, strengthen business visibility, and drive sales in downtown commercial districts.

“Prominent and visually pleasing signage can have dramatic impact — helping people notice a business and get new customers through the door to make a purchase,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By re-establishing the SIGNS program, we’re doubling down on design quality, supporting local artists and driving further economic growth in small businesses throughout our downtown communities.”

The SIGNS program is designed to support communities by upgrading storefronts for multiple businesses at once, recognizing that clear, attractive and strategically designed signage plays a critical role in helping customers spend more money locally.

Updates to the program require communities to work with approved artists from the Kansas Arts Commission’s Roster of Artists to help strengthen the design process, support Kansas-based creatives, and ensure signage projects are both visually compelling and responsive to local character.

“Pairing businesses with professional artists and designers establishes a collaborative effort to create signage that not only looks better but also is more effective,” Commerce Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “Well-designed signs capture attention, increase foot traffic and contribute to stronger and long-term business stability — which is crucial to companies of all sizes.”

A total of $125,000 is available statewide, with communities eligible to receive up to $25,000 per application. Each funded community must complete signage improvements on at least three separate retail or restaurant businesses as part of a coordinated district-level effort. Eligible expenses include design, fabrication, lighting, installation and artist fees.

Eligible applicants include municipalities, Main Street organizations, local Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, foundations and other non-profit or community-based entities. Businesses that are interested must be consumer-facing establishments located in qualifying downtown or walkable commercial districts.

The application period will close February 28, 2026, with award notifications expected in April 2026. An informational webinar for interested applicants will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 15. To register for the webinar, visit here.

For more information about the SIGNS grant program, including updated guidelines and application materials, visit the webpage here. Interested parties can also contact Sara Bloom, Quality Places Director, at (785) 506-9278 or [email protected].

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the Quality Places Division:

Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.

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Bourbon County, Government

Agenda Packet for the Uniontown City Council on Jan. 12

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Agenda for the City of Uniontown City Council on Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. in City Hall

Res 2026-0112-01 Audit Waiver for 2026

12092025 Regular Meeting

ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL:  ___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett

___ Bradley Stewart

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Review Mayor Approval of 2026 CMB License Applications

Oath of Office to Newly Elected Governing Body Members

Election of President of the Council

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of December 9, 2025 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
  3. Designate Union State Bank as official bank
  4. Designate Fort Scott Tribune as official newspaper
  5. Resolution 2026-0112-01 GAAP Waiver
  6. Destruction of records for 2015 and prior

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Utility Meters

 

Clerk Report:  Haley Arnold  

Rabies Clinic?

SOS Donation

Court Clerk Conference

CCMFOA Conference

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilwoman Pritchett –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

FEMA Flooding–

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Motion by _____________, Second by   __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.

 

 

 

 

ADJOURN Time _____

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, History

Old Fort Genealogical Society is Re-Opening January 12

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Old Fort Genealogical Society

Old Fort Genealogical Society is Re-Opening

Doors Open:

January 12th

Hours:

Monday – Friday

9:30am-3pm

*Appts after 3pm and Saturdays accepted

with an appointment

Location:

2801 S. Horton St.

in the Professional Building

*North of the current KRI/IAM Fitness/Freeman Hospital Building

(see below)

Click HERE for their

Old Fort Genealogy and History at Fort Scott, Kansas

Facebook Page!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment

Join Bourbon County Community Theatre And Have Fun at the 3rd Annual Adult Prom

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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, Government

Revised Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission on January 5

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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

Bourbon County

Dec. 5 Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda Summary

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The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda

01.05.26 Revised Agenda

Monday, January 05, 2026 | 5:30 PM Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.

I. Opening of Meeting

  • Call Meeting to Order

  • Roll Call

  • Pledge of Allegiance

  • Prayer

II. Approval of Agenda

III. Approval of Minutes

  • 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. Discussion Items

  • Bitcoin Mining & Evotech: Presented by Ben Hall

VII. Executive Session

  • Personnel Matters: Discussion regarding nonelected personnel to protect privacy (Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)) – 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

X. Administrative & Resolutions

  • Website: Approval of access (Milburn-Kee)

  • Executive Assistant: Introduction and 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 (Rural Opportunity Zones) participation

  • Resolution 06-26: Meeting Date, Location, and Time

XI. Closing

  • Build Agenda for Following Meeting

  • Commission Comments

XII. Adjournment

Supplemental Information Summary

Executive Session Guidelines (Page 2)

The second page outlines the legal framework for entering executive sessions under Kansas Law (KSA 75-4319). This includes specific motions for:

  • Personnel matters of nonelected individuals.

  • Privileged attorney-client consultations.

  • Employer/employee negotiations.

  • Confidential financial or trade secret data.

  • Preliminary real estate acquisition discussions.

  • Security measure discussions.

Upcoming Schedule: January 2026 (Page 2)

The commission has several key organizational tasks scheduled for the coming weeks:

  • January 12, 2026: District 4 & 5 Oaths of Office, Reorganization of the Board, and Board Membership assignments.

  • January 19 & 26, 2026: Continued follow-up meetings.

Future Planning Items (Page 2)

The following topics are listed for future discussion or action in Spring 2026 and beyond:

  • Infrastructure & Facilities: Elevator maintenance, Phone System updates, and the Elm Creek Quarry.

  • Policy & Governance: Handbook revisions, Credit Card Policy, and the Juvenile Detention Contract.

  • Community: Economic Development, Benefits Committee letters, and a stop sign removal at 205th Overbrook.

Art, Bourbon County

Call for Entries – Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Art Exhibit – 2026

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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.