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Breanna Janise Hampton Taylor was arrested on February 25, 2024, by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office for unlawful sexual relations of a teacher with a student 16 + years of age, according to Bourbon County District Court Documents.
This was Taylor’s first year of teaching.
The offense date was February 17 and was outside the school environment, according to a press release from the school.
Taylor, who in court documents is now using her maiden name, Hampton, was arrested on February 25, and a $10,000 bond was posted on February 29. The case is listed as pending.
Her first appearance hearing was February 29, and her next court date, a preliminary examination, is March 28.
In the State of Kansas VS Breanna Janise Hampton, the prosecuting attorney is Bourbon County Attorney Tiana McElroy and the defense attorney is Geoffrey Clark.
Mark Ward is the judicial officer.
Hampton is being charged a Level 5 Person Felony in violation of K.S.A. 21-5572 ((a)(9)) and (b)(2).
The penalty range is a minimum of 31 months to a maximum of 136 months in prison and/or fines of up to $300,000 and 24 months post-release supervision.
The presumption of innocence in a criminal case is considered a due process of the law:
To view the USD 235 press release on February 25, about the arrest:
Uniontown Teacher Arrested for Allegation of Inappropriate Conduct Towards a Student
The Kansas Senate Bill 497, to begin the long process of building a reservoir in northern Bourbon County, is dead.
Kansas Senator Tim Shallenberger introduced the bill to start a discussion on a new reservoir in northern Bourbon County on February 9, 2024. Shallenberger is the District 13 Republican from Baxter Springs.

The bill was to establish the Pike Reservoir Project District Act to provide for a lake and related commercial and residential development in Bourbon County and authorize a governing board and sales and property tax increment financing for such project, according to HTTPS://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb497/
To view the bill introduced on February 9, 2024: sb497_00_0000(3)
The bill was referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on February 12.
“There is a process, you introduce a bill, they have hearings, committees, then goes to the House and Senate,” Shallenberger said. “It’s a decades-long thing, the bill was just to kick it off.”
“The whole thing is dead, as best as I can tell,” Shallenberger said. “Unless someone locally wants to take it up again. The next thing that would have to happen is a feasibility study.”
“By looking at the bill, it could give a framework for possible future plans,” he said. “Before you do anything you have to have a framework. That’s why the bill was drafted. There would have been a lot of public input in the years-long process.”
“There are no plans currently,” he said. “The bill is gone, the whole process would all have to start over again.”
“There was pushback from local people,” he said. “They were upset.”
Shallenberger said when he visited Fort Scott last year he met with local business and government representatives “People were talking about a new lake.”
Shane Walker, Bourbon County Director of Information Technology, “had a map of the proposed lake…(and) took me up through the area.”
“It was an interesting landscape, hills and valley, perfect for a lake,” Shallenberger said. “Water is needed in Kansas and there is federal money for it.”
“If someone wanted to do a feasibility study they would have the bill as a framework,” he said.
Shallenberger said “I am optimistic about Fort Scott, there is a lot of potential, even without a new lake. You are a net win on sales tax. People are coming to Fort Scott to buy things.”
Community Members Facilitate Discussion On The Reservoir
There is a meeting this Friday, March 22, in Mapleton, which was initiated by Joe Bisogno, property owner near the reservoir site.

The meeting is scheduled to discuss the reservoir from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Mapleton Community Center tomorrow, Friday, March 22.
“It was Joe Bisogno’s idea to get something together for information for citizens,” Mike Hueston, Mapleton City Councilman said. “Everybody I talked to, didn’t have a clue about this (reservoir).”
Landowners, community members, and political representatives are welcome to come.
Joe Bisogno owns Timber Hills Ranch in the proposed area.
“I own property that would be flooded,” he said. “The meeting will be about the pros and cons and questions of a lake in the proposed area.”
“I don’t know enough about it to be ‘yes’ or ‘no’ but I know we need water,” Bisogno said. “If the landowners and the officials can work out the details, I think it’s a great project.”
April 16, 2024
Core Friend Training hosted by Core Community
If you are considering becoming a Core Friend (mentor) for Core Community, you are encouraged to attend this zoom training session. We will be matching Core Leaders (program participants) with Core Friends (mentors) in May of 2024.
Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 5:30-7:30 via Zoom
Please email Cinta Becker (Admin Assistant) to register for the training – [email protected]
For more information about becoming a Core Friend, please contact Janice Lamb at [email protected] or 620-215-1703.
April 22, 2024
Core Community Graduation
6:30-7:30 PM, United Methodist Church, Fort Scott
Our first class of Core Leaders have met all the requirements to graduate from Phase one of our program and enter Phase Two. The entire community is invited to attend to help us celebrate this monumental achievement! Come and hear the stories of transformed lives!
For more information contact Cherri Walrod at [email protected]
ROLL CALL:
____ Jess Ervin ____ Danea Esslinger ____ Amber Kelly ____ Mary Pemberton ____ Bradley Stewart
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 offer of position of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.
The Special Council Meeting on March 19, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 5:15PM 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 was Ashley Endicott, Brooke Gilfert, and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants for non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 6:45PM
Mary Pemberton out at 5:30. Ashley Endicott in at 5:30, out at 5:57. Mary Pemberton in at 5:57. Brooke Gilfert in at 6:00, out at 6:19. Open meeting resumed at 6:45.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 7:15PM
Sally Johnson in at 7:10, out at 7:15. Open meeting resumed at 7:15.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 4319(b)(1) in order to discuss job duties, benefits and employee handbook of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:05PM
Johnson in at 7:45, out at 7:56. Open meeting resumed at 8:05.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to schedule a special meeting on March 25, 2024, 5:30PM for the purpose of entering into executive session to discuss offer for position of non-elected personnel
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 8:06PM
The Regular Council Meeting on March 12, 2024, at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:00 PM 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 Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Pond Project, Don George, KDWPT – Mr George was unable to attend. Since the project is complete, he will get with Clerk Johnson soon to finish up paperwork and take for submission. He will present a “big check” when paperwork is approved.
CITIZENS REQUEST
Dave Wehry sent an email, due to being unable to attend, regarding under-age, unlicensed drivers of golf carts on city streets. After discussion, Clerk Johnson will send a reply as directed.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the February 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $293,383.58, Receipts $44,634.56, Transfers Out $12,776.00, Expenditures $56,818.78, Checking Account Closing Balance $268,423.36. Bank Statement Balance $278,443.08, including Checking Account Interest of $57.98, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $10,019.72, Reconciled Balance $268,423.36. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,222.22, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,264.85, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,006.17, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $365,916.60. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $112.54, and Utility CDs $394.40 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $506.94. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of February 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. February Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00, to Capital Improvement-Street $250.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, to Capital Improvement-Streets $750.00; from Gas Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $6,250.00, and from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,500.00 for Total Transfers of $12,776.00. Net Loss for the month of February $24,960.22, Year-to-Date Net Income $32,944.16. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $15,896.7 (12.9%), Expenditures $18,850.79 (11.6%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $5,621.56 (15.2%), Expenditures $4,883.71 (11.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $37,211.40 (25.4%), Expenditures $26,734.81 (15.1%); General Fund YTD Revenue $53,528.28 (32.6%), Expenditures $19,242.89 (9.5%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $1,987.58 (27.4%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The March 2024 payables to date in the amount of $39,826.45 were presented. The invoices from C2, KMGA, Homestead Tech, Phillips 66, and Ag Engineering have not been received at meeting time.
Clerk Johnson gave Council copies of comparable reports from the new software.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss job duties and review applications of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:00PM
Doug Coyan called in at 7:16, out at 7:35. Open meeting resumed at 8:00PM.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to call a Special Meeting to enter into executive session to interview City Clerk applicants on March 29, 2024 at 5:15PM.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported that the water valve has been replaced and is working. He also reported that KCC inspected the gas system on February 27 and no deficiencies were noted.
Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan will is back. He will work spring through fall.
Clerk Johnson presented the Contract for Auditing Services from Diehl, Banwart, Bolton at a cost not to exceed $5,990.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 5-0 to accept Contract for Auditing Services from Diehl, Banwat, Bolton
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilwoman Pemberton – has been asked when the public restrooms will be reopened. April 1 was decided on.
Councilman Stewart – asked for a follow-up on the sewer issue at 100 Second St. Owners have not contacted City about their plan to remedy.
Mayor Jurgensen – need to schedule spring clean-up and citywide yard sale. Citywide yard sales will be April 20 and spring clean-up will be April 29-May 2 with three dumpsters that will be removed as filled.
OLD BUSINESS
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – concrete work completed. Someone did initial the wet concrete. Someone has volunteered to seed when ground leveled. It was suggested to also paint hopscotch and/or four square games also. A portable net, paddles and balls have been donated. Once court is painted it was suggested to host a Grand Opening.
Warehouse project – Mayor Jurgensen received a verbal quote to break up concrete scale and fill with concrete and millings, then top with 6” of packed rock. A written quote was received by Clerk Johnson. Mayor Jurgensen will ask for a written quote instead of verbal quote and we will request at least one more quote from recommended vendors.
It was suggested that we look into the process to sell the weed barn and use the proceeds to offset the cost of refurbishing the warehouse. Clerk Johnson will contact attorney about the process to sell the property.
NEW BUSINESS
None
Moved by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:19PM
Distributed via the CDC Health Alert Network
March 18, 2024, 12:30 PM ET
CDCHAN-00504
Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and public health officials of an increase in global and U.S. measles cases and to provide guidance on measles prevention for all international travelers aged ≥6 months and all children aged ≥12 months who do not plan to travel internationally. Measles (rubeola) is highly contagious; one person infected with measles can infect 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals with whom they come in close contact. From January 1 to March 14, 2024, CDC has been notified of 58 confirmed U.S. cases of measles across 17 jurisdictions, including seven outbreaks in seven jurisdictions compared to 58 total cases and four outbreaks reported the entire year in 2023. Among the 58 cases reported in 2024, 54 (93%) were linked to international travel. Most cases reported in 2024 have been among children aged 12 months and older who had not received measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Many countries, including travel destinations such as Austria, the Philippines, Romania, and the United Kingdom, are experiencing measles outbreaks. To prevent measles infection and reduce the risk of community transmission from importation, all U.S. residents traveling internationally, regardless of destination, should be current on their MMR vaccinations. Healthcare providers should ensure children are current on routine immunizations, including MMR. Given currently high population immunity against measles in most U.S. communities, the risk of widescale spread is low. However, pockets of low coverage leave some communities at higher risk for outbreaks.
Background
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness and can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death, especially in unvaccinated persons. Measles typically begins with a prodrome of fever, cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (pink eye), lasting 2 to 4 days before rash onset. The incubation period for measles from exposure to fever is usually about 10 days (range 7 to 12 days), while rash onset is typically visible around 14 days (range 7 to 21 days) after initial exposure. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, and can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area. Individuals infected with measles are contagious from 4 days before the rash starts through 4 days afterward.
Declines in measles vaccination rates globally have increased the risk of measles outbreaks worldwide, including in the United States. Measles cases continue to be brought into the United States by travelers who are infected while in other countries. As a result, domestic measles outbreaks have been reported in most years, even following the declaration of U.S. measles elimination in 2000. Most importations come from unvaccinated U.S. residents.
Measles is almost entirely preventable through vaccination. MMR vaccines are safe and highly effective, with two doses being 97% effective against measles (one dose is 93% effective). When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated (coverage >95%) most people are protected through community immunity (herd immunity). However, vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners has decreased from 95.2% during the 2019–2020 school year to 93.1% in the 2022–2023 school year, leaving approximately 250,000 kindergartners susceptible to measles each year over the last three years. Thirty-six states plus the District of Columbia (DC) had less than 95% MMR coverage among kindergartners during the 2022–2023 school year. Of states with less than 95% MMR coverage, ten reported more than 5% of kindergartners had medical and nonmedical exemptions, highlighting the importance of targeted efforts at increasing vaccine confidence and access.
Recommendations for Healthcare Providers
Recommendations for Health Departments
Measles is an immediately notifiable disease. State, tribal, local, and territorial health departments have the lead in disease investigations and should report measles cases and outbreaks within 24 hours through the state health department to CDC ([email protected]) and through NNDSS.
Recommendations for Parents and International Travelers
For More Information
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national and international organizations.
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This message was distributed to state and local health officers, state and local epidemiologists, state and local laboratory directors, public information officers, HAN coordinators, and clinician organizations.
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Fort Scott, Kan. – The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team recently received a $23,212 capacity building grant from Sunflower Foundation through an initiative to support the core operating capacities of nonprofit organizations across the state that are working to meet the critical health needs of their communities. This Request for Proposals (RFP) process was one of the most competitive in the foundation’s history, attracting almost 300 applications.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team was one of 65 organizations to receive a Sunflower Foundation capacity-building grant. These grants are designed to provide nonprofits’ needed flexibility and the necessary time to determine how they might strengthen their internal capacity to realize their missions, better serve their communities, and bolster their impact. The grant program also provides The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team with opportunities to attend high-caliber learning collaboratives and skill-building workshops supported by Sunflower.
“This grant will allow us to hire accounting and grant administration assistance to expand both HBCAT efforts locally and Rural Community Partners regionally.” States HBCAT’s President and CEO, Jody Love.
This grant funding opportunity focused specifically on organizations serving diverse populations and those that provide a wide range of services, including health care, housing supports, community safety, economic development, education, food security, social cohesion, social justice, and transportation. Applicant organizations were prioritized to receive funds based on need, the organization’s focus on underserved communities, and those organizations with more limited access to resources.
“Nonprofits are the lifeline of our communities,” said Sunflower Foundation President and CEO Billie Hall. “We are honored to call these organizations partners in our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of all Kansans and look forward to working with them in the future.”
A diverse team of experts representing the fields of public health, mental health, economic and rural development, health care, health equity, and aging, among others, provided in-depth reviews of each application. To learn more about the capacity building program and see a full list of this year’s grantees, go to the Capacity Building Grants web page.
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ABOUT The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s mission is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life and encourage economic growth. The problems of health inequity and social injustice are complex in nature and inextricably linked to key economic indicators. A healthy workforce is a prerequisite for economic success in any industry and in all cities. Our solution to building healthy communities is by transforming power, building trust, and encouraging community participation. Comprehensive strategy for change includes local organizing, strategic communication, community research, creating systems, and environmental changes.
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ROLL CALL:
____ Jess Ervin ____ Danea Esslinger ____ Amber Kelly ____ Mary Pemberton ____ Bradley Stewart
Motion by _____________, Second by __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.