Category Archives: Bourbon County
Tourism Grants Awarded to The Artificers and The Lowell Milken Center Today

Kansas Tourism Department Director Bridgett Jobe handed over two grants today in Fort Scott.
“You can see that Fort Scott is going through a renaissance,” Jobe told attendees at the Artificers reception for the award presentation.
The Artificers
Kate and Trent Freeman were awarded the $25,000 grant designed to help local businesses develop new attractions.
“They have had an instrumental role in rehabilitating our downtown area….with an innovative approach to enhance the beauty of this community for years to come,” Bourbon County Economic Development Director Rob Harrington said.
Jobe told reception attendees that the Freeman’s “passion for the community really came through.”
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes also received a $6,300 check from Kansas Tourism Director Bridgett Jobe today.
The grant is to help expand attractions that draw tourists to the community.
The center will use the funds to create a new history panel on an unsung hero in Ukraine who saved 100’s of children from starvation in her Ukrainian town, said Ronda Hassig, spokesperson for LMC.
“The Lowell Milken Center is a treasure,” Jobe, said. “Coming here inspires me to be a better person. It inspires me that it’s here in Kansas.”
Bourbon County Coalition Minutes of Dec. 4
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
December 4, 2024
- Welcome: Eighteen members representing thirteen agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Michelle Stevenson- Home visiting program prenatal-6 years old. Keep families updated on developmental progress and activities to encourage growth.
- Kellie Mengarelli & Janelle Tate – Early Childhood Block Grant – Winter assessments are underway. ECBG supports early childhood programs in 9 counties in Southeast Kansas.
- Norman & Brenda Hunter – New Core Community coaches in Bourbon County. Core Community assists families in getting out of poverty.
- Heather Shepherd – CHW USD 234/CHC – Chase Program works with students at risk of not finishing school. Chase will be in Fort Scott next Friday. They are seeking presents for children in Fort Scott. Students involved with Chase will help organize and wrap the presents. See the attached flyers for more information.
- Craig Campbell – Good Neighbor Action Team – Keeping busy, especially building wheelchair ramps. Have a person in need of a wheelchair-accessible van, let Craig know if you have any resources or contacts that might be able to help with this need. GNAT is working with the city to provide free firewood to those in need. They are also helping with gas and water lines breaking during freezing weather. SEKAAA has helped with grants. GNAT also works with the Codes Dept. to help property owners who don’t have the finances/ability to bring their property into compliance.
- Stephanie Breckenridge – Family Response Advocate in Bourbon County – Stephanie works with families to keep kids safe at home.
- Lauren – Angels Homecare – Lauren educates community members about available services to keep patients out of the hospital.
- Angela Handly – Salvation Army/Compassionate Ministries-Salvation Army is desperate for bell ringers. The bell ringers schedule is available online. Funds raised will keep the Salvation Army going for the next year. The goal is $15,000 this year. Individuals and groups are encouraged to help by taking a shift ringing bells at WalMart.
- Lea Kay Karleskint -K-State Research & Extension SNAP Educator- Fresh Conversations program takes place on the third Tuesday of each month at 1:00 in the Scottview Conference Room. The program is geared toward seniors and includes cooking demonstrations and healthy living conversations. Walk With Ease program will be starting January 6th at BRCC, also geared toward seniors.
- Holly Fritter- SEK Multi-County Health Dept. MCH/Breast feeding peer counselor- Community baby shower focused on safe sleep will be on June 3, 2025. Looking for a location to host the event. More details will be available closer to the date.
- Tammy Alcantar- Crawford County Health Dept -Just completed second hybrid prenatal class. Baby and Me Tobacco Free and Teen Pregnancy services are available for Bourbon County residents.
- Lora Wilson CHCSEK Community Health Worker supervisor
- Shanna Willey – CHCSEK – Shanna assists clients with resource applications. Currently working on LIEP. Also can help with SNAP, Kancare, marketplace enrollments.
- Christine Abbott – SEKANSASWORKS -Staff are here on Tuesdays right now 9-4. Send anyone looking for employment, training, resume, or interview help. Christine works with youth 16-24. She islways looking for referrals.
- Patty Simpson – Housing Authority – Pick up applications for anyone needing housing assistance. Currently have a short waiting list, anywhere from 10 days to two months, but will have openings coming up soon.
- Program: Abigail Striler, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
SEKMHC and Ashley Clinic provide a variety of services to residents in Southeast Kansas. Some of these services include:
- Therapy and Counseling – Outpatient and teletherapy for adults and kids, includes individuals, couples, and family counseling. SEKMHC currently employs 45 licensed clinical therapist.
- Public education and workshops- Professional training courses, community consultation, and personal growth/parenting workshops are available.
- School based- SEKMHC has partnered with 15 different school districts to keep kids in school while receiving mental health services. SEKMHC currently employs 130 children’s providers.
- Substance use and addiction-Chemical abuse treatment and gambling treatment services are available.
- Crisis Intervention-Emergency services are available 24/7. Call a local SEKMHC office or 1-866-976-2241
- Psychiatric/Medication Management-Psychiatric providers prescribe, monitor, and oversee psychotropic medications.
- Community Support & Groups-
- SEKA after school/summer, teen group. Doubled in size from 2015 to now.
- Case Management services, attendant care, psycho-social groups,
- Respite care
- Parent support.
- Open access is available in Garnett, Humbolt, Iola, and Yates Center.
- Ashley Clinic has locations in Chanute and Humbolt. Services include: family medicine, pharmacy, walk-in clinic.
- New services
- Parent-child interaction therapy for children 2-7 years old. Helps caregivers improve their child’s behavior.
- Medication-assisted treatment to treat substance abuse.
- Botox and Spravato available at Ashley Clinic.
- Open Forum: Nothing further came before the membership.
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be February 5, 2025.
Danae Esslinger Hired As The New Uniontown City Clerk

Danea Esslinger is the new Uniontown City Clerk, as of December 5.
Esslinger has been on the Uniontown City Council for 13 years and lived in Uniontown for 29 years. Both of her children, Breanna and Brenton, graduated from Uniontown High School. She is the daughter of David DeWayne and Deana Fuhrman of Bronson.

She graduated from Garnett High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, with an emphasis in management from Pittsburg State University.
Recently, the council has had difficulty finding a new clerk to replace Sally Johnson who wants to retire from that position.
That’s when Esslinger decided to apply for the job.
At last month’s Uniontown City Council Special meeting, she resigned from her council position and applied for the job.
“I am wanting to do some things that make the city even better,” Esslinger said.
Duties of the Clerk
From a prior interview with Sally Johnson, retiring city clerk, she told of the duties of the Uniontown City Clerk.
“The Clerk position entails performing all duties as defined by Kansas State Statute and City Ordinances: receive and disperse monetary funds and maintain financial records; complete various administrative reports; grant applications & administration; prepare, mail and apply payments of monthly customer utility billing; assist residents via phone or walk-in; attend and record minutes of all city council meetings, write monthly community newsletter; maintain city website; other duties as required.”
New Treasurer

Sally Johnson is the new treasurer of the council, following the resignation of Charlene Bolinger, which was effective Nov. 13.
This part-time job is to “do bank reconciliation and make sure the clerk is getting things done correctly,” Johnson said.
Updated December 11 Agenda For the Uniontown City Council
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ vacant ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Appoint and administer Oath of Office Savannah Pritchett as councilmember to fill vacant position –
Administer Oath of Office to Danea Esslinger, City Clerk/Municipal Court Clerk –
KMGA Prepay Project, Dixie Riedel – may not be able to come due to meeting date change
Public Restroom toilets, Taylor Plumbing –
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Sally Johnson – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of November 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting and November 19, 2024 Special Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Clerk Report: Danea Esslinger
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball court project –
Streets/FEMA –
Warehouse project –
SEED Grant –
NEW BUSINESS
CMB 2025 License renewal –
Sunday CMB hours of sales –
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 non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.
ADJOURN Time ____
Local 4-H Youth: Livestock Judging Team National Champions!

The Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team members are the National Champions!
Reegan McDaniel (Fort Scott), Tate Crystal (Fort Scott) and Kyser Nemecek (Iola) were among six youth invited to try out for the Kansas 4-H All-Star Team this fall.
After successfully earning their spots, they joined Marais des Cygnes District 4-H member Esmerelda Franklin to form a new team representing Kansas at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY.
In November, coached by Brody Nemecek, this All-Star Team achieved the ultimate honor—winning the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest.
Their individual success was just as remarkable as their team accomplishments: Esmerelda – High Individual Overall; Reegan – Reserve High Individual; Kyser 8th overall; Tate 11th overall. All four team members were awarded All-American recognition for their efforts.
The Southwind boys also competed in the National 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest in Louisville where they were named 7th Team Overall.
Uniontown City Council Meeting Minutes From November 12
The Regular Council Meeting on November 12, 2024 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Public Restroom toilet issue – Danny Taylor, Taylor Plumbing, has worked on the flush valves for the toilets. There is not enough water volume or pressure for the valves to work properly. Suggestions to remedy are to replace current piping from the meter to the valves with larger piping and increase pressure to the valves or replace the toilets with residential toilets.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Failed 2-3 to replace toilets with residential ADA toilets
He will return next month with estimated figures for both options.
CITIZENS REQUEST
none
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the October 2024 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $272,926.87, Receipts $72,792.48, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $36,882.81, Checking Account Closing Balance $305,810.54. Bank Statement Balance $313,061.25, including Checking Account Interest of $60.96, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $7,250.71, Reconciled Balance $305,810.54. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,624.74, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,491.62, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,426.41, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $404,353.31. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $587.65, and Utility CDs $1,443.93 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,031.58. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of October 2024, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. October Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00 for Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of October $32,883.67, Year-to-Date Net Income $70,331.34. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $99,922.94 (81.0%), Expenditures $102,002.05 (62.8%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $29,153.80 (78.9%), Expenditures $25,731.01 (61.1%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $100,521.58 (68.6%), Expenditures $93,332.91 (52.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $205,264.79 (104.9%), Expenditures $160,323.61 (51.8%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,175.91 (112.5%), Expenditures $7,183.05 (70.9%). The November 2024 payables to date in the amount of $25,002.71 were presented. The invoices from Homestead Tech, KMGA, Johnson-Schowengerdt, and Ag Engineering have not been received by noon meeting day.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of October 8, 2024 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Reports, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich had nothing to report.
Clerk Johnson reminded the council that we had received another quote for the storm siren maintenance in August, but no action was taken.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0-1 (Kelly abstained) to accept the quote from Kelly Electric to inspect semi-annually at $300/inspection for a contract term of five years
The 2025-2026 Projected Gas Supply Schedule was presented.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to accept 2025-2026 Projected Gas Supply Schedule as presented
KMGA prepay project – after discussion, Council requested more information.
A KMGA member update was presented.
League of Kansas Municipalities announced a Cyber Liability Insurance Program in partnership with Cowell Insurance Service Inc and Travelers Insurance. There will be a free webinar November 21, 2-3PM to learn more.
Progress on Warehouse – the roof and outside metal has been removed. Contractor says will be completed by December 15, 2024.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – asked about check to Bloesser Outdoor Services. It is in approved payables and will be mailed tomorrow.
Councilwoman Pemberton – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – asked if we know when Bettis Asphalt will be here to complete warranty work. Clerk Johnson sent email request for timeline this morning, no response as of meeting time. She will reach out again and impress upon them that property owners want to be able to get in their garage before it gets much colder. He also presented a retirement plaque to Sally Johnson.
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – Councilwoman Pemberton gave report that the will begin erecting fence on November 25 or 26.
Streets/FEMA – Clerk Johnson requested budgeting quotes from three contractors for the proposed mitigation work. None were received by noon today. One contractor did call this morning and will have quote to us later this week.
Sale of property – sale of property closed today and funds received.
SEED Grant – Grant application was submitted 11/4/24. Councilman Ervin wrote the narrative and Clerk Johnson filled in the budget information. Grant will be awarded in December.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 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 8:15
Open meeting resumed at 8:15.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 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 8:30PM.
Clerk Johnson called in at 8:15, out at 8:28. Open meeting resumed at 8:30PM.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to accept retirement of Sally Johnson as City Clerk effective 11/15/2024; accept resignation of Charlene Bolinger as City Treasurer effective 11/13/2024; appoint Christina Miller as City Clerk effective 11/18/24; and appoint Sally Johnson as City Treasurer effective 11/18/24
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:32PM
Special Meeting Minutes of the Uniontown City Council on November 19
The Special Council Meeting on November 19, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss vacancy of non-elected personnel position, the open meeting to resume at 8:10PM
Councilwoman Esslinger exited executive session at 7:45, back in at 8PM.
Meeting resumed at 8:10PM.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to accept resignation of Danea Esslinger as Councilwoman, effective immediately.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0 to accept resignation of Christina Miller as City Clerk effective 11/18/2024 and to hire Danea Esslinger as City Clerk, with a start date of December 5th or 9th, dependent upon notice to her current employer.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:12PM
Christmas Celebration to benefit Bourbon County CASA.

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Amended Agenda for the Bo Co Commission Meeting on Dec. 5
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
December 5, 2024 9:00 a.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 11/21/2024
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $350,068.23
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $315,166.08
- Approval of October Financials
- Holiday Dinner Closure
- Teri Hulsey, EMS Director-EMS Grant
- Mark McCoy-REDI
- Risk Avoidance Grant
- 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.
The Bourbon County Commission Agenda for December 5
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
December 5, 2024 9:00 a.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 11/21/2024
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $350,068.23
- Approval of Payroll Totaling $315,166.08
- Holiday Dinner Closure
- Risk Avoidance Grant
- 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.
Fund Matching Day is Today for Fort Scott Area Community Foundation’s Support of Local Entities

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation FSACF is offering $25,000 to match community donations to 11 charitable funds today, December 3, during National Day of Giving.
“The support we received from our residents and friends of the community was outstanding last year, and those funds allow the foundation and the participating organizations to make a real impact in important community projects,” said Becky Tourillott, FSACF Chairwoman. “A website — https://www.fortscottgives.org

Match Day is an exciting fundraising campaign to support local nonprofit organizations and the work they do in our region, according to a press release from FSACF.
This year, the Community Foundation, through a generous grant from the Patterson Family Foundation, is offering up to $25,000 in matching funds for contributions made to eligible funds.
“Our first Match Day in 2023 was a wonderful success, and with the matching funds grant, we added a total of $89,551 to our participating funds. We are very excited to have the opportunity to participate again this year, and we invite to the community to give together during Match Day 2024,” said Tourtillott. “The support of our community donors, combined with the match dollars, allows us to grow the endowments and provide ongoing support for our charitable partners. These local organizations and the services they provide are important to Bourbon County and make a true difference.”
Community contributions support each organization’s endowed fund held at FSACF, according to the press release. The funds are invested to produce present and future income, which organizations can use for operations, programs, or special projects.
The $25,000 match pool will be divided among the participating organizations’ endowments in proportion to their share of community contributions, subject to a 20% limit. The full 100% of each donation will be placed in the organization’s endowed fund, and the match amount will be made available to the organization immediately, according to the press release.
Donations for Match Day can be made in three different ways:
- Online at FortScottGives.org or
- In person, delivered to Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall, on or before Tuesday, December 3 or
- By check, mailed to FSACF, P.O. Box 901, Fort Scott, KS 66701 with a postmark date no later than December 4, 2024. Please make checks payable to: Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
Funds participating in Match Day are: Anna Faye and Robert Gordon Steele Memorial Funds, Care to Share Cancer Support Endowed Fund, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Fort Scott Endowment, Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation General Endowment Fund, Fort Scott Area Public Parks Endowment, Dr. Pratt & Pauline Irby Endowment, John Valentine & Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund, Shepherd Family Endowment Fund, and the Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation.
About FSACF
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation’s (FSACF) goal is to partner with and be a resource to organizations whose goals are to improve the quality of life in the Fort Scott, Kansas, area. FSACF strives to create connections between donors and a variety of many worthwhile causes, according to its website.
FSACF was launched in August 2007 to meet the needs of Fort Scott and the surrounding area. FSACF encourages philanthropy and provides donors with a variety of giving options. The Foundation assists donors in meeting their charitable goals by creating a giving and granting environment that addresses the immediate and long-term needs of the Fort Scott area.
The current FSACF Board:

