There will be a zoning and planning commission meeting 01.14.26 at 5:30 PM at 210 S National Avenue.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
210 S National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
There will be a zoning and planning commission meeting 01.14.26 at 5:30 PM at 210 S National Avenue.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
210 S National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Rebecca Sutterby and our digital media kids have put together their second magazine of the school year. As people of the press, I thought you might enjoy their efforts.
https://indd.adobe.com/view/57b6a6a4-a4af-4020-a90e-273cfca470ab
Submitted by Vance Eden, superintendent of USD235, Uniontown

January 12, 2026 | 5:30 PM
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)
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.
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.
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).
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ROLL CALL: ___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett
___ Bradley Stewart
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
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Utility Meters
Clerk Report: Haley Arnold
Rabies Clinic?
SOS Donation
Court Clerk Conference
CCMFOA Conference
Councilman Ervin –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilwoman Pritchett –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
FEMA Flooding–
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 _____
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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/
“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.

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

Monday, January 05, 2026 | 5:30 PM Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
Call Meeting to Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Prayer
Minutes from 12.15.25 and 12.18.25 (Unofficial until approved)
Accounts Payable & Payroll (12.24.25): $250,716.54
Accounts Payable (12.31.25): $234,630.63
Tax Corrections
Bitcoin Mining & Evotech: Presented by Ben Hall
Personnel Matters: Discussion regarding nonelected personnel to protect privacy (Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1)) – Lora Holdridge
Handbook Review
Set Public Hearing Date for Road Closure (Daniels)
Sanitation Violation Update (County Counselor)
Moratorium Update (County Counselor)
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
Build Agenda for Following Meeting
Commission Comments
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.
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.
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.

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.

Mika‘s Commission Catch-up 12/15/25
Consent agenda approved including AP Longevity Payroll Tax Corrections Resolution 42-25 Sale of Real Estate and 43-25 Driver license
JD Handley spoke to the commission asking for Soldier Road to be moved to the top of the List Commissioner Milburn insisted Public Works be included in the conversation.
Commissioners spoke briefly of the request to create a benefit district on 190th street
Mike Houston spoke to the commission about internal communications with elected officials
Janet Harper expressed her concerns with changes in how vacation accrual
Bill Martin addressed the phone invoice correcting the record
Commissioners approved resolutions 44-47/25 moving funds
A discussion took place on the salary resolution passed by the Commission and was decided it will go into effect on January 1
Commissioners approved the holiday schedule totaling 14 holidays presented by the clerk
Susan (clerk) discussed benefit termination with the commission and presented why it should change. Also included in the provided information was the 30 day waiting period for new hires
Susan (clerk) discussed benefit termination with the commission and presented why it should change. Also included in the provided information was the 30 day waiting period for new hires
A discussion took place about SEK Mental Health Board Members Commissioners Tran and Beerbower expressed concerns with what they considered negative aspects of the current structure Commissioner Milburn expressed concern of changing the current structure greatly and possibly effecting services and employment in our county so proposed we leave at least 1 board member and if a vote is made to remove waiting until they can be here to represent themselves Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to terminate 2 members Mardy Dewitt and Jeff Fischer Commissioner Tran second Commissioner Beerbower and Tran approved Commissioner Milburn opposed
Commissioner Milburn presented a resolution for current areas of responsibility at the courthouse regarding office space this resolution lays out who is responsible for which areas. Commissioner Milburn made a motion to approve resolution 48-25 Commissioner Beerbower second all approved
Commissioner Tran and Beerbower discussed which realtor to hire to list 108 w 2nd street. Commissioner Milburn, beyond announcing that there was very low to no interest from realtors to list the property, recused herself to avoid any conflict of interest. The invitation to list was published in the paper and clerk sent out requests. Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to hire Stewart Realty to list 108 w 2nd street as they were the only one to return a proposal and market analysis Commissioner Tran second Commissioner Beerbower and Tran approved Commissioner Milburn abstained.
Commissioner Milburn presented a resolution written from recommendations from our HR Dr. Cohen This will enact changes to the manual pertaining to vacation accrual carryover and rehire date for benefit purposes, Commissioner Tran presented a compromise for a gap year and with that Commissioner Milburn made a motion to accept resolution 49-25 Commissioner Tran second with explanation. Commissioner Milburn and Tran approved Commissioner Beerbower voted against
Commissioners Discussed the sanitation issue at Hidden Valley Lake in Mapleton KS at the lake they have holding tanks not sewer or laterals and for over a year there have been leaking issues. The county Sent notice on April 5th and again on October 7th and with the change of the Commission this year the issue had no follow through. 2 weeks ago this was brought to this commission’s attention, the follow up assignment was given to Commissioner Milburn and commissioner Milburn has been making sure County Counselor Bob and County Attorney James are read in and have all of the information we need to move this forward.
Commissioner Milburn made a motion to move allocate 200k of Jail Sales Tax to allow David to hire a company to update and bring into compliance the elevator. Motion died for lack of second. Commissioner Tran requested Commissioner Milburn and David produce a statement of work for the commission to review.
Commissioner Beerbower proposed another noise resolution draft. Commissioner Milburn expressed concerns with enforcement, much like the issues we are having with the sewer enforcement. Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to accept Commissioner resolution 50-25 Noise Limitations Commissioner Tran second Commissioner Tran and Beerbower approved Commissioner Milburn opposed.
Planning Commission after working with Mel Has brought a recommendation /request to the commission to work with our county counselor to create a moratorium for a period of one year to allow the planning commission time to develop a comprehensive plan for unincorporated areas of Bourbon County KS The request is for the moratorium to apply to Utility level Power generation and storage systems included but not limited to Wind, Solar, BESS Nuclear Crypto Data Center Waste Disposal Commissioner Beerbower made a motion to ask county Counselor Bob To draft the document by Jan 5 for commission review Commissioner Tran second all approved
Commissioners discussed a date for budget amendment which departments and why there was a need