Category Archives: Bourbon County
Amended Agenda For Bo Co Commission Today at 5:20 p.m.
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower
2nd District Commissioner
Leroy Kruger
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
January 13, 2025 5:20 p.m.
Please note the time change of the meeting
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Organization of the Board
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 12/30/2024
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $679,618.29
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $294,2023.75
- 5:30 Flood Plain Management Public Hearing
- Susan Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
- Public Comments
- Cory Bryars-Care to Share
- County Counselor Candidates
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- County Clerk
- Hidden Valley Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses
- 2025 Resolutions
- Shane Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
Agenda for the Bo Co Commission On Jan. 13
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower
2nd District Commissioner
Leroy Kruger
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
January 13, 2025 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- 5:30 Flood Plain Management Public Hearing
- Organization of the Board
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 12/30/2024
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $679,618.29
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $294,2023.75
- Public Comments
- Cory Bryars-Care to Share
- Lora Holdridge-Cemeteries
- Department Updates
- Public Works
- County Clerk
- Hidden Valley Cereal Malt Beverage Licenses
- 2025 Resolutions
- County Counselor Candidates
- Susan Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
- Shane Walker-Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
USD 235 Agenda for Jan. 13 Meeting and Minutes of Dec. 9 Meeting
Uniontown City Council Meets January 14 at 7 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing –
SEK Multi-County Health Department, Hannah Geneva –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Sally Johnson – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of December 11, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
KRWA Conference on 3/25-27/2025
Clerk Report: Danea Esslinger
gWorks issues –
Website Hosting
Rabies Clinic?
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilwoman Pritchett –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Warehouse project –electric proposal
SEED Grant – formally announce winners on January 17, if you want to know if we are awarded, be here at 10AM.
Park electric –
NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Unapproved Minutes of the Dec. 11 Uniontown City Council Meeting
The Regular Council Meeting on December 11, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Savannah Pritchett, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Appoint and administer Oath of Office Savannah Pritchett as council member to fill vacant position.
Administer Oath of Office to Danea Esslinger, City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk.
KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel – Dixie unable to attend due to meeting date change. Council to review Slide Show
Presentation and email questions to Clerk to forward to Dixie before the January meeting.
Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing – Cost estimates not completed yet, table until January meeting.
CITIZENS REQUEST
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Johnson was absent but a written report was presented for the November 2024 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $305,810.54, Receipts $32,360.86, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $34,792.15, Checking Account Closing Balance $290,603.25. Bank Statement Balance $302,036.21, including Checking Account Interest of $63.57, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $11,432.96, Reconciled Balance $290.603.25. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,813.87, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,652.34, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,625.68, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $389,695.14. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $651.22, and Utility CDs $1,993.05 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,644.27. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvements-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00; from General Fund to Capital Improvements-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of November $15,207.29, Year-to-Date Net Income $55,124.05. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $111,087.83 (90.0%), Expenditures $114,731.66 (70.6%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $32,108.71 (86.9%), Expenditures $28378.65 (67.4%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $104,804.74 (71.5%), Expenditures $109,096.85 (61.5%); General Fund YTD Revenue $205,995.81 (105.3%), Expenditures $176,750.57 (57.1%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,175.91 (112.5%), Expenditures $7,183.05 (70.9%). The December 2024 payables to date in the amount of $25,405.87 were presented. The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Johnson-Schowengerdt, council pay and payroll have not been received/completed by meeting time.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of November 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and November 19, 2024 Special Council Meeting.
- Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported that Bill Griffith would like rock or something on the railroad right-of-way where county cleaned out ditch. Mayor Jurgensen suggested to try 5 to 6 inches of milling.
Clerk Esslinger informed the council that gWorks is not working as promised.
She asked the council if can waive the penalty for utility billings this month due to slow US Postal delivery. We received several calls that billings had not been received by the 10th.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to inform unpaid accounts of waiving of penalty due to slow postal delivery, and inform them of amount due; penalty will be applied if not paid January 10th.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Pritchett– nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilwoman Pemberton – there is a need a for additional electrical outlets for Christmas lights in the Park. Discussion followed, and Council directed Superintendent Rich to get quotes for additional electrical outlets.
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – brought up items covered in other sections.
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Councilwoman Pemberton gave report that they will put in the poles for the fence soon, but will wait for Spring to put up the fence.
Streets/FEMA – Mayor Jurgensen asked if we know when Bettis Asphalt will be here to complete warranty work. Clerk Esslinger stated that Bettis will be here when they can. FEMA have the information and is still working on it.
Warehouse project – Superintendent Rich stated that the warehouse skin is about completed. Mayor Jurgensen let Council know that Evergy is coming soon to advise us where the electricity line will be put that will be for the warehouse. Discussion followed. Getting electrical bids for the inside of the warehouse building was discussed. The sale of the Weed Barn was also discussed as the proceeds will be earmarked for the warehouse.
SEED Grant – Grant application was submitted 11/4/24. Grant will be awarded in December, and Clerk Esslinger has not heard back yet.
NEW BUSINESS
CMB 2025 License renewal – Discussion followed.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to allow the CMB 2025 License renewal
Sunday CMB hours of sales- Discussion followed.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to approve Ordinance No. 205 amending the start time to sell CMB to 9AM.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:19PM.
Open meeting resumed at 8:19.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:32PM.
Superintendent Rich called in at 8:20, out at 8:32. Open meeting resumed at 8:32.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:07PM.
Open meeting resumed at 9:07.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to convert unallocated benefit stipend to an hourly rate of $2.88 effective 1/1/2025 and add $1.00/hr merit increase effective immediately for City Superintendent.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 9:20PM.
Doral Renewables Awards Grants to Bo.Co. Fire District #3 and Core Community

The Bourbon County area will be experiencing meaningful growth and opportunity thanks to the Tennyson Creek Solar project. The project’s developer, Doral Renewables, recognizes the importance of investing in the future, particularly in the youth who will shape it. Through a series of impactful partnerships, the project is helping to enhance safety, empower families, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
During a recent visit, representatives from Doral Renewables demonstrated their commitment to the community by presenting $5,000 contribution to the Bourbon County Fire District #3, strengthening emergency response efforts and ensuring greater preparedness for the area. Core Community also received $1,000 to further their mission of breaking the cycle of poverty for local families.
“We appreciate this support from Doral,” said Shawn Wyatt, fire chief of Bourbon County Fire District #3. “The donation will go towards the purchase of new safety and turnout gear for District 3 firefighters.”
Doral’s dedication to youth development has been equally evident. The Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team received sponsorship of their trip to Scotland last summer, where they proudly represented the region and the U.S. in an international competition.
Additionally, Doral has extended support to the Uniontown High School team that is preparing to compete in the SunPowered Student Challenge, which involves giving students an opportunity to become more educated about the solar industry and present what they have learned.
“These partnerships reflect our deep commitment to this community,” said Cliff Williams, Vice President of Development at Doral Renewables. “The Tennyson Creek Solar project’s team is honored to play a role in fostering safety, opportunity, and sustainability for the region.”
Outside of these recent donations, Doral Renewables was also the first solar developer in the County to sign contribution agreements last year with local schools and Core Community. Over $1.5 million in total will go to each of Fort Scott USD 234, Uniontown USD 234, and Fort Scott Community College during the first 10 years after construction starts.
It is also estimated that, once operational, the Tennyson Creek Solar project will generate over $90 million in property taxes in total for all taxing districts over the life of the project.

Freeman Waiting For State Authorization For Hospital and Emergency Department in Fort Scott

Quickly Taking Shape
Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Plans Under Review by State Officials
FORT SCOTT, Kan. – There’s been plenty of positive movement and momentum surrounding Freeman Fort Scott Hospital since it was first proposed to 100-plus cheering residents last June.
Freeman Health System, the region’s largest provider of healthcare services, is in the process of seeking licensure to open and operate an acute care hospital. Upon obtaining licensure, the proposed 10-bed general medical unit and 24-hour emergency department will operate within the city’s former hospital site located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. Freeman will lease the space from Kansas Renewal Institute, which recently purchased the former hospital building.
According to Freeman Neosho Hospital Chief Operation Officer Renee Denton, the all-important planning for required renovations and the design phase has been completed. The requested renderings have been submitted to state officials, and once approved, renovations will begin. Denton offered one example of minor renovations that would be required – the need for some of the bathrooms to undergo minor renovation to assure they meet current Americans with Disabilities Act compliance standards.
“We submitted those plans to the state and are waiting for their authorization,” Denton said. “Once plans are approved, we will immediately send the plans out for bid to have the required renovations completed.”
There’s plenty of “quiet” work currently underway at the former hospital building, she continued: Evaluating infrastructure capabilities that will be needed to support the overall computer system, operability and building the electronic medical record; evaluating and sorting through discarded equipment to determine what is operable; and identifying all new laboratory, radiology and pharmacy equipment needed to support the new hospital and emergency department.
“Representatives at Kansas Department of Health and Environment have been very helpful to work closely with us,” Denton said. “They have been very willing to help in whatever way they can. They, too, are supportive of the effort we’re trying to bring to fruition in Fort Scott.”
A community of roughly 7,600 residents and the county seat of Bourbon County, Fort Scott has been without a hospital since 2018. The hospital’s emergency department stayed open until it, too, closed in December 2023, forcing residents to seek medical treatment 30 minutes away in Pittsburg or across the state line in Nevada, Missouri.
The emergency department will consist of six bays, with 365-day, 24/7 coverage, by licensed physicians and trained nursing staff who will be well prepared to provide emergency care. Support for the emergency department includes laboratory, radiology, computerized tomography and an inpatient pharmacy. Opportunities to have outpatient lab, radiology and CT services will also be available to the community from the hospital.
The specific opening date for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital in 2025 will crystallize as state officials review Freeman’s submitted plans and required renovations are completed. Freeman Fort Scott Hospital will be prepared to undergo the state facility survey followed by the hospital licensure survey.
“We are optimistic that we can be open in the Spring of 2025, and what we continue to work toward right now,” Denton said. “There is no community that should be without emergency services, and we are committed to work as quickly as possible to bring these life-saving services to the Fort Scott community.
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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2024, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. A
Bo Co Republicans Meet January 9
Bourbon County Community Theatre Hosts 2nd Annual Adult Prom

Bourbon County Community Theatre in Fort Scott hosts Saturday Night Fever, an Adult Prom, as a fundraiser for future events and performances.
BCCT formed in 2023 and is holding its second annual prom for adults (age 18 and over); a night of fun, dancing, and community support.
This formal dance is from 8-11 p.m. on Feb. 15 on the upper floor of Sharky’s, 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. 15. Tickets are $40 per couple or $25 for a single ticket. Additionally, Valentine gift add-ons can be purchased through bcct.ludus.com ahead of time including a half dozen roses for $12 and a heart-shaped box of chocolates for $20.
Participants are encouraged to dress in their best formal or disco-era attire.
BCCT is always 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.
Clothing and Food Donations Accepted by Bethsada Christian Church For Those In Need

Becky Cowlishaw purchased the former Christian Church at 101 S. Judson in 2016 and renamed it Bethsada Christian Church.



The Bourbon County Commission Meeting For Today Has Been Cancelled
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on January 6, 2025 has been cancelled due to the courthouse being closed due to inclement weather.