The next Bourbon County Coalition general membership meeting will be next Wednesday, April 2nd at 1:00 p.m. in the Conference room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott Ave.
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
April 2, 2025 1:00 PM
Scottview Conference Room
315 S. Scott Ave
A group of citizens is suing the county commissioners. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit include both current commissioners in their capacity as individuals. On 12/30/2024, the lawyer representing the defense of the then-current commission filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming that while the plaintiffs may not like agreements made by the commissioners, there is no legal basis for the lawsuit.
Such a motion would require the judge to rule on whether or not the basis of plaintiffs’ complaints were sound and something where the plaintiffs could potentially win. Basically, a motion to dismiss says, “If we assume that the plaintiff’s arguments were all true, would they win the case? If not, then the case should be dismissed.” If there is no legal basis for the plaintiff’s claims, then there is no reason to proceed with the cost of a lawsuit. If the complaints have a legal basis and they could win, then the lawsuit would proceed.
Plaintiffs’ Petition includes many general frustrations with the terms of the Agreements but the Petition does not identify any contractual defect with the Agreements under Kansas law sufficient to set aside the Agreements.
On 3/26/25, the lawyer for the defense of the current county commission filed a new motion to withdraw the motion to dismiss, potentially extending the lawsuit.
The filing to withdraw the lawsuit is brief and gives no reason for the request to withdraw.
Due to the recent vacation of the county commissioner seat by Leroy Kruger, the Bourbon County Republicans will be accepting applications to fulfill this important role. Interested Republican residents of Bourbon County District 3 (definition below) seeking to fill the county commission seat should send a letter of interest with qualifications, rationale and reasons why they should be selected to: Kaety Bowers, Chairwoman, email bourbon.county.republicans@
The Bourbon County District 3 Appointment Area is defined as the area designated as District 3 (prior to the geographical redistricting done to increase the Bourbon County commissioner total from three to five). See the map above for details; District 3 is labeled and shaded red.
Any questions regarding your address and its location within the district should be directed to Susan Walker, Bourbon County Clerk; phone 620-223-3800 ext. 191
PUBLIC NOTICE
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
April 8, 2025 has been rescheduled for April 9, 2025 at 5:30PM, due to anticipated lack of quorum
AT UNIONTOWN COMMUNITY CENTER
206 SHERMAN ST
The Regular Council Meeting on March 11, 2025 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Savannah Pritchett, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Joe George, the PSU Nursing Students Anthony Arulzu, Shannon Kalgreen, Mia Perez, Cora Simpson, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.
Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing–not in attendance, Mitchell Trenching submitted a bid for replacing lines from main through building.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0 to accept Mitchell Trenching bid of $900.
SEED Grant bid opening–one bid was received by Terry Nading for all SEED projects total material and labor $14,440.
Terry Nading provided 2 sizes for the bullet proof glass window: 58 ¾” x 29 7/8” for $1,600 or 36” x 29 7/8” for $800 and labor $1,260.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to accept Terry Nading bid proposal for all but the window at this time.
FEMA Flooding bid opening–2 bids were received for all 4 components by Marbery Concrete, Inc. and Roger and Sons Concrete. No decision made on theses bids at this time as Council is waiting until after the FEMA meeting on 3/18/25.
2 Sidewalk bid opening-2 concrete bids were received. Marbery Concrete, Inc. and Roger and Sons Concrete. No decision made on the 2 concrete bids at this time as Council is waiting on response from business owner.
CITIZENS REQUESTS
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Johnson presented the February 2025 financial reports. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds for February was $306,769.02, Receipts $37,051.18, Transfers Out $3,024.00, Expenditures $59,968.41, Checking Account Closing Balance $280,827.79. Bank Statement Balance $289,529.93, including Checking Account Interest of $58.11, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,702.14, Reconciled Balance $280,827.79. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,042.59, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $2,2822.26, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $44,871.48, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $386,564.12. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $119.73, and Utility CDs $581.65 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $701.38. Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00 for Total Transfers of $3,024.00. Net Loss for the month of February $25,941.23, Year-to-Date Net Income $16,964.05. Appropriations to date for February 2025 are $50,641.45
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second byKelly, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Tractor-tractor repair completed, Brad Stewart delivered and picked up tractor with his trailer and fuel, please compensate him for
wear and tear on equipment and fuel costs for $500
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 4-0-1 (Stewart abstain) to approve payment.
Mosquito Workshop-superintendent requested workshop attendance.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to approve Mosquito workshop attendance.
Clerk Report: Danea Esslinger
Jayhawk software & Quickbooks online update-started the Jayhawk software requirements and have not started Quickbooks online.
Telephone/Blue Tooth Ear Headset/Monitor-asked Council for 2 new monitors, new updated telephones, and blue tooth headset
Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to approve requested equipment.
Reminders for upcoming events for the City of Uniontown:
Rabies Clinic will be on 3/29/25 @ 1:30pm to 3pm with Dr. Lora Holeman
City Office will be closed on March 19, 20, 21, 27, & 28, 2025
CCMFOA Conference – March 19-21, Manhattan
KACM Conference – March 27-28, Manhattan
Dogs at large-Dog catcher has been unable to catch the dogs at large in the City. Council advise to send 2 citations for repeat offenders, and a certified letter to the other offender.
Councilman Ervin –none
Councilman Kelly – none
Councilwoman Pemberton – are we are still needing and accepting book donations? Treasurer Johnson said yes.
Councilwoman Pritchett –letter needed to tenant and landlord regarding trash on front porch and now in back yard
Councilman Stewart– none
Mayor Jurgensen –none
Warehouse Building Electric update-have electricity installed and have rollup doors programed
Council stated to get a bids for the foam installation for the warehouse building.
Motion by Pritchett, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to get bids for the foam installation of the Warehouse.
Park electric –electrician is waiting for boring to be completed
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0, 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 9:00 PM.
Johnson called in at 8:45, out at 9:00.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0, 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 9:15 PM.
Esslinger called in at 9:03, out at 9:20.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pritchett, Approved 5-0, 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 9:30 PM.
Open meeting resumed at 9:30. No action from executive session.
City Clerk asked the council if need to send a debtor to collections with CBK, Inc. Council agreed to send.
Council member stated need to change the next month meeting from April 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM to April 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to move date and time of next month meeting to April 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM.
ADJOURN Time 9:45 Moved by Ervin, 2nd Kelly, Approved 5-0
Per the Kansas Dept. Of Health & Environment: “As of March 21, 2025, Kansas is reporting 10 measles cases in Grant, Morton, and Stevens counties, with no hospitalizations or deaths reported. The CDC is also reporting increases in measles with 378 cases nationwide across 15 jurisdictions. Due to measles’ highly contagious nature, additional cases are expected, especially among unvaccinated individuals in Kansas and nearby areas. The KDHE advises healthcare providers to promptly report suspected cases and to submit specimens to the Kansas Health and Environment Laboratory for testing. KDHE is providing new vaccine recommendations for those in outbreak-affected areas.”
If you live in or near the counties listed and have questions about your measles immunity, please contact your local health department.
There are no known cases of measles in Allen, Anderson, Bourbon or Woodson Counties at this time.
Submitted from Becky Johnson, Administrator/Southeast Kansas Local Health Officer
A letter of resignation was submitted to Bourbon County by Leroy Kruger on Tuesday, March 18, and forwarded to the Kansas Governor’s Office.
According to Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk, the Bourbon County Republican Party has 21 days from the day they receive the notice of vacancy from the Governor’s Office to appoint someone to the seat. The Republican Party will post notice of the vacancy and hold a special meeting where interested individuals will attend, and an appointment will be made. The Republican Party will certify their appointment with the Governor’s Office who will then approve the appointment and issue a certificate of office to the new appointee.
“I am still notifying precinct men and women and waiting on official notice from the secretary of state’s office,” said Kaety Bowers, chair of the Bourbon County Republican party.
She expects to receive that notice early next week. Once notice is received, the party will release an official statement that the position is open. A convention will follow with open interviews to ask questions of any interested candidates. Then the Republican precinct men and women will vote for their candidate of choice.
“The Republican party men and women are ready and confident in our ability to do so,” said Bower.
The individual appointed will not be able to conduct business as a County Commissioner until they receive their certificate from the Governor’s Office.
Hawkins has been keeping a file of resignations for the past two years, and remembers other resignations of commissioners during her 11 years of working for the county. Most recently, Nelson Blythe, 1st District Commissioner, resigned 4-1-2024 and Brandon Whisenhunt was appointed to fill the vacant seat.
Lynne Oharah, 1st District Commissioner, resigned 7-13-2022 and Nelson Blythe was appointed to fill the vacant seat. Nick Ruhl, 3rd District Commissioner, resigned 8-26-2020 and Clifton Beth was appointed to fill his vacant seat.
There will not be a Bourbon County commission meeting on Monday, March 24th.
Submitted by Bourbon County Clerk Susan Walker
The Difference One Voice Can Make
When seven-year-old Mia entered the foster care system, she carried everything she owned in a single trash bag. But what weighed heavier than her few belongings was the loneliness and confusion of being shuffled between homes, schools, and strangers — all while missing the mother who could no longer care for her.
In the middle of court dates and caseworkers changing every few months, there was one person who stayed: her CASA volunteer, Linda.
Linda wasn’t paid. She didn’t work for the system. But she was there, just for Mia.
At first, Mia didn’t say much. But Linda showed up, week after week — reading books, listening, sitting quietly with her when words felt too hard. Slowly, Mia opened up. Linda learned Mia loved to draw and dreamed of becoming an artist. She noticed Mia struggled in school, not because she wasn’t bright, but because the moves had caused her to fall behind.
At court hearings, where decisions about Mia’s life were made by adults in suits, it was Linda’s report that said, “This is what Mia needs.”
Because of Linda’s advocacy, Mia got extra tutoring and art supplies that helped her express feelings she couldn’t yet say out loud. Linda advocated Mia stay in a stable foster home that nurtured Mia’s creativity and let her be a kid again.
And two years later, when a forever family came forward — one who loved Mia’s big imagination and gentle heart — Linda stood beside her in the courtroom as the adoption was finalized.
Today, Mia is thriving. She still keeps in touch with Linda. Sometimes they talk about art projects, sometimes life. But Mia never forgets that when her world felt uncertain, one steady, caring voice made all the difference.
Not a caseworker. Not a judge.
Just Linda.
Her CASA.
Learn how you can become a “Linda” to a child here in Bourbon County. Call Christa at 620-215-2769 or email [email protected].
With the move to increase the number of county commissioners by two at the next election, two districts needed to be added to Bourbon County. Each district is designed to be similar in population and encompass a portion of the county seat of Fort Scott, KS.
Citizens in the new districts of 4 and 5 will be voting for the new commissioners. A high-resolution PDF is available for download at the bottom of this post.
At the start of the new business portion of the meeting, commissioner Leroy Kruger resigned his position as County Commissioner.
“After much thought and prayer and for many reasons that I’m not going to speak on tonight, I’m going to resign from my position effective immediately. I will not be going into executive sessions or making any more decisions from this minute forward,” he said. Then he turned in his equipment and left the meeting.
Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt said he wouldn’t pry into why, as Kruger mentioned having to pray on it. “It’s been a pleasure serving with you.”
“I wish you all well,” said Kruger.
“Now it’s a two-man show,” said Whisenhunt, after Kruger left.
Beerbower replied, “It’s a shame. But I guess you gotta do what you gotta do.”
The commission then moved on to the next item of business.
Old Business:
They had started the meeting with old business by appointing Greg Motley as the county’s representative on the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission (SEKRPC). The commission assists agencies with applying for grants and other steps towards economic development.
Motley gave a brief overview of his work in economic development, including serving on the Shawnee area economic development board and starting the Cherokee County economic development board “That was very successful,” he said. He was also on the REDI board for a number of years. “Economic development is kind of my passion,” he said. He holds degrees in accounting and economics and management and has a 45 year career in banking.
Public Comments:
Heather Ethridge came to discuss again with the commissioners the need to file the deeds for West Plains and Centerville cemetery plots. She expressed that there needs to be a place where records of all the deeds are stored in a searchable format. These are county-funded cemeteries, so the county should be holding the deeds, not the state, she said. There were several mistakes at both cemeteries in the past.
“What can we do in order to make this right?” she asked the commission. She then suggested an email address and excel program for herself to save the scanned in documents. All the information is currently stored in “a tote and Ziplock bags.” The commissioners said she could store items in the county offices, but they don’t have the manpower to maintain and update the records and the cost for creating an email account for her would be the county’s.
“We need to have some kind of thing that’s going to be long term… We don’t have any kind of organized anything,” she said.
Aside from Ethridge, those caring for the cemeteries in Bourbon County are nearing retirement age and there’s no system in place for recording or accessing the deeds for cemetery plots.
“It’s not up to the state. It’s up to us county people to take care of stuff. So what can we do?” she asked again.
County Counsel Bob Johnson said that usually deeds for cemeteries don’t convey ownership, just the right to be buried there.
Whisenhunt suggested a county-wide board. Ethridge said that it difficult because there are so many cemeteries in Bourbon County.
Ethridge said she would try to work with the geneology department and keep searching for a way to store the records.
New Business
Tax Bill
Immediately after Kruger’s resignation, the commission moved on to remaining new business with approval to pay the taxes for 201 S. Crawford at $92.10. This county-owned property was intended for a parking lot but that didn’t come to fruition. “We don’t have any reason for it to be exempt,” said Susan Walker, County Clerk, since it’s not being used for a public services.
“We’ll start working on making it a parking lot,” said Beerbower.
K-Work Workers Compensation Audit
In 2024 the county implemented several increases in pay and overtime was up. Therefore the county must pay an additional $29401 in premiums for the year.
2025 premiums are similar to 2024’s with this increase.
“This is really based on your payroll,” Walker said.
Tax Foreclosure Sale Information
Christopher McElgunn came to talk with the commission about tax foreclosure. He’s been facilitating in tax foreclosure for counties and cities in Kansas since 1990. His firm doesn’t go looking for work because they don’t want to take work from local attorneys.
McElgunn came to the commissioner meeting after speaking to the land bank earlier that day. He explained how his firm works, should the county decide to use them for tax sales.
They charge a $350 fee per parcel and handle all surface process expenses. The fee is added to the parcel as part of the redemption costs. “We do all the work…Our goal is to get people to pay the taxes.”
“Hopefully we have a lot of redemptions, but at the end of the day judgements taken and you have to have a sheriff’s sale.” All unredeemed properties are sold at the sheriff’s sale to the highest bidder. All of those sale proceeds go into a pot. Then comes a court order to reimburse the county for title work and publications. Whatever is left after that is paid to the attorney and the remainder is forgiven. “So there’s never any burden on the county budget for legal services for tax foreclosure.”
In addition to handling your tax foreclosure work, we make ourselves available to the county on real estate property tax issues as they relate to collection for no addition fee and handle the title work.
Whisenhunt asked about the possibility of buyers building on lots purchased at the tax foreclosure sale. McElgunn explained that there are many complications with that issue. The buyer should be aware that he may have to take extra steps to establish his title. There are no warranties with the title at the time of purchase. However, the buyer can come in and file a motion to clear up his title within the tax foreclosure case, rather than file a new case with assistance from McElgunn’s company.
The commission voted to table it and make a decision next week.
Auction services
The commission spoke with Carry Welsh, located in Kansas City, with govdeals.com an online auction service paid by charging the winning bidder a buyers premium.
After a recommendation from sheriff Bill Martin and EMS director Terry Hallsey, the commission decided to hire govdeals.com to sell the unwanted medical equipment from the old hospital.
Executive sessions
The commissioners then held 3 seperate executive sessions. First a 20 minute executive session for consultation with the Bob Johnson, county attorney and Jake Reedenburg, the county’s solar attorney. Returned to meeting with no action needed at this time. Then a 5 minute executive session with Bob Johnson. No action taken at return to regular session. Finally, a 20 minute executive session for non elected personnel to protect privacy with Johnson and the 2 commissioners.
Department Head Reports
Eric Bailey, Public Works
Had a request from the Good Old Days committee to go pick up and return five golf carts from Lamar, MO. Whisenhunt said to bring it back closer to the time needed, in early June.
60th and Grand Bridge Project bid letting will be April 16.
KDOT projects for HWY 7 and 39 widening starting here any time will be an ongoing 2 year project. They are widening from Grand Road to Gerard. County is currently working with KDOT on reimbursements for any damage to county roads during the work.
Also an overlay project on HWY 54 is starting in April going from Ft. Scott to the Allen County line.
Elm Creek update: Craig Campbell has stepped forward and taken the lead roll for volunteer work out there. Has reached out to the high school’s construction trade program, and Justin Johnson, and Fort Scott Community College instructor. They are on board to help make the windows with materials provided by the county.
Beerbower said he would put the group of volunteers that he’s been speaking with in touch with them as well.
Tom Robertson is the county employee working with the project.
The county has also have received some roofing bids. However, the low bid is unable to provide liability work comp due to religious beliefs. Commission recommended getting legal advice on hiring.
Crews have been picking up limbs and repairing signs from the recent weather, so let the county know if you are aware of signs that need attending.
Public Works is also evaluating hard surface roads and putting a plan together for the April 7 work session with the commissioners.
April 25 is the date for first quarter sales tax report.
Whisenhunt and Beerbower want to have a conversation with Bailey about making the landfill its own entity in the future.
Manpower is down 3 at landfill due to internal movement and a retirement.
County Fees
Several department heads made reports to the commission of the fees they charge for the services they offer.
EMS director Terry Hallsey, County Appraiser Matt Quick, Sheriff Bill Martin, Public Works Eric Bailey, and the County Clerk’s and the Treasurer’s office all presented the commission with documents listing the fees they charge for services. Some of those fees are determined by state statute. The commissioners wanted an overview of the county’s fee schedule.
Animal Abuse and Animal Housing
Beerbower, plans to work with under-sheriff to find housing for animals involved in a criminal investigation.
Commissioner comments
Whisenhunt thanked everyone for coming to meetings and communicating with him as a county commissioner.
“I was sorry to see Mr. Kruger have to resign. I hope everything’s going okay.”
Beerbower moved to postpone the March 24 commissioner meeting due to a scheduling conflict and hold a regular meeting on March 31.
He then explained his actions from the previous meeting, saying that he has since learned that they probably didn’t need to have those 2 executive sessions. “My ignorance of the rules is no excuse.”
In order to be transparent, he explained that the first session was about pay for those who work during times when the courthouse is closed due to weather and rectifying their pay.
The second meeting dealt with policies regarding transfers and promotions and rate increases. He dad received complaints about the posting of positions in-house prior to hiring. The current handbook from 2022 is very vague about posting and “we are working on it.”
After discussion, Beerbower decided to instruct county employees and non-elected department heads to post all positions internally before promotions and transfers.
The commissioners then made Beerbower the liason for Freeman and the zoning board. Whisenhunt will be liason for county human resources. This is to take fill Kruger’s vacated place in those positions.
