Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Government

Chief Judge Amy Harth was reappointed in the 6th Judicial District

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Supreme Court reappoints 28 chief judges
TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has reappointed 28 chief judges for terms that begin January 1, 2026, and end December 31, 2027.

 

1st Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Joan Lowdon was reappointed in the 1st Judicial District, which is composed of Atchison and Leavenworth counties. She has served as a district judge since 2020 and chief judge since January 2023.

 

Lowdon graduated from Kansas State University and the University of Kansas School of Law. Before she was appointed district judge, she worked at the Leavenworth County Attorney’s Office, first as an assistant county attorney and later as deputy county attorney.

 

2nd Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Jeffrey Elder was reappointed in the 2nd Judicial District, which is composed of Jefferson, Jackson, Wabaunsee, and Pottawatomie counties. He has served as a district judge since 2008 and chief judge since 2020.

 

Elder graduated from the University of Kansas and the University of Kansas School of Law. He served as county attorney for Pottawatomie County from 1989 to 2001 and was in private practice before he became a judge.

 

3rd Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Steven Ebberts was reappointed in the 3rd Judicial District, which is Shawnee County. He has served as a district judge since 2011 and chief judge since 2021.

 

Ebberts graduated from Washburn University and Washburn University School of Law. He worked as the municipal court administrative judge and associate judge for the City of Topeka for more than eight years before he was appointed district judge.

 

4th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Taylor Wine was reappointed in the 4th Judicial District, which is composed of Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, and Osage counties. He has served as a district judge since 2018 and chief judge since 2019.

 

Wine graduated from Pittsburg State University and Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. He was in private practice before he was appointed district magistrate judge and later district judge.

 

5th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Jeffry Larson was reappointed in the 5th Judicial District, which is composed of Chase and Lyon counties. He has served as a district judge since 2007 and a chief judge since August 2022.

 

Larson graduated from Emporia State University and Washburn University School of Law. He was in private practice in Emporia for 20 years before being appointed district judge.

 

6th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Amy Harth was reappointed in the 6th Judicial District, which is composed of Bourbon, Linn, and Miami counties. She has served as a district judge since 2004 and chief judge since 2015.

 

Harth graduated from Washburn University School of Law. She worked as a prosecutor in Miami County and as a public defender before she was appointed judge.

 

8th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Benjamin Sexton was reappointed in the 8th Judicial District, which is composed of Geary, Dickinson, Marion, and Morris counties. He has served as a district judge since 2001 and chief judge since August 2021.

 

Sexton graduated from Kansas State University and Washburn University School of Law. He worked as a prosecutor and in private practice before he was appointed district judge.

 

11th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Kurtis Loy was reappointed in the 11th Judicial District, which is composed of Cherokee, Crawford, and Labette counties. He has served as a district judge since 2013 and chief judge since 2025.

 

Loy graduated from Pittsburg State University and Washburn University School of Law. After graduation he was in private practice.

 

12th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Kim Cudney was reappointed in the 12th Judicial District, which is composed of Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Republic, and Washington counties. She has served as district judge and chief judge since 2006.

 

Cudney graduated from Kansas State University and Washburn University School of Law. She served as a research attorney for the Kansas Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court. She had a private law practice in Washington, Kansas, where she also served as county attorney.

 

13th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge David Ricke was reappointed in the 13th Judicial District, which is composed of Butler, Greenwood, and Elk counties. He has served as a district judge since 2004 and chief judge since 2012.

 

Ricke graduated from Wichita State University and the University of Kansas School of Law.

 

14th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Jeffrey Gettler was reappointed in the 14th Judicial District, which is composed of Chautauqua and Montgomery counties. He has served as a district judge since 2015 and chief judge since 2018.

 

Gettler graduated from Independence Community College, Loyola University Chicago, and the University of Kansas School of Law. He was in private practice, served as city prosecutor for the City of Independence, city attorney for the City of Cherryvale, and attorney for Unified School Districts 446 and 447.

 

15th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Kevin Berens was reappointed in the 15th Judicial District, which is composed of Cheyenne, Logan, Sheridan, Sherman, Rawlins, Thomas, and Wallace counties. He has served as district judge and chief judge since 2017.

 

Berens graduated from Fort Hays State University and Washburn University School of Law. He previously served as county attorney in Thomas and Cheyenne counties and city attorney for Bird City. He also practiced law in Kansas and Colorado.

 

16th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Laura Lewis was reappointed in the 16th Judicial District, which is composed of Clark, Comanche, Ford, Gray, Kiowa, and Meade counties. She has served as a district judge since 2019 and chief judge since 2020.

 

Lewis graduated from Dodge City Community College, Washburn University, and Washburn University School of Law. Before she became a judge, she was county attorney and county counselor for Meade County and had a private law practice.

 

17th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Paula Hofaker was reappointed in the 17th Judicial District, which is composed of Decatur, Graham, Norton, Osborne, Phillips, and Smith counties. She has served as a district judge since 2022 and chief judge since 2024.

 

Hofaker graduated from Washburn University School of Law. After law school, she had a private law practice in Logan.

 

18th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Jeff Goering was reappointed in the 18th Judicial District, which is Sedgwick County. He has served as a district judge since 2004 and chief judge since 2019.

 

Goering graduated from Washburn University School of Law. Before he became a judge, he worked as an assistant district attorney in Sedgwick County, had a private practice in Leavenworth, and was municipal judge for the City of Leavenworth. He also served in the Kansas House of Representatives.

 

19th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Nicholas St. Peter was reappointed in the 19th Judicial District, which is Cowley County. He has served as a district judge since 2004 and chief judge since 2010.

 

St. Peter graduated from Fort Hays State University and Washburn University School of Law.

 

21st Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Grant Bannister was reappointed in the 21st Judicial District, which is composed of Clay and Riley counties. He has served as a district judge since 2016 and chief judge since 2019.

 

Bannister graduated from Fort Hays State University and the University of Kansas School of Law. Before becoming a judge, he was in private practice in Manhattan and served as an adjunct professor teaching ethics in the College of Business at Kansas State University.

 

22nd Judicial District

 

Chief Judge John Weingart was reappointed in the 22nd Judicial District, which is composed of Brown, Doniphan, Marshall, and Nemaha counties. He has served as a district judge since 2000 and chief judge since January 2023.

 

Weingart graduated from Washburn University and Washburn University School of Law. Before becoming a judge, he was in private practice in Hiawatha for 24 years.

 

23rd Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Curtis Brown was reappointed in the 23rd Judicial District, which is composed of Ellis, Rooks, Trego, and Gove counties. He has served as district judge and chief judge since 2024.

 

Brown graduated from the University of Nebraska Kearney and the University of Tulsa College of Law. After law school, he worked for Kansas Legal Services in Hays. Before becoming a judge, Brown had a law practice and later served as attorney for Trego County and prosecutor for the city of WaKeeney.

 

24th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Bruce Gatterman was reappointed in the 24th Judicial District, which is composed of Edwards, Hodgeman, Lane, Ness, Pawnee, and Rush counties. He has served as district judge and chief judge since 2003.

 

Gatterman graduated from Kansas State University and Washburn University School of Law. Before he became a judge, he served as a municipal judge for the City of Larned.

 

25th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Kristi Cott was reappointed in the 25th Judicial District, which is composed of Finney, Greeley, Hamilton, Kearny, Scott, and Wichita counties. She has served as a district judge since 2021 and chief judge since 2022.

 

Cott graduated from the University of South Dakota and the University of South Dakota School of Law. She worked for the Western Regional Public Defender Office and for the Finney County Attorney’s Office. She worked in private practice before she was appointed district court judge.

 

26th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Clinton Peterson was reappointed to the 26th Judicial District, which is composed of Grant, Haskell, Morton, Seward, Stanton, and Stevens counties. He has served as a district judge since 2009 and chief judge since 2022.

 

Peterson graduated from Southwestern College in Winfield and Washburn University School of Law. Before he became a judge, he worked as a prosecutor in the Seward County Attorney’s Office and was in private practice.

 

27th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Daniel Gilligan was reappointed in the 27th Judicial District, which is Reno County. He has served as a district judge since 2022 and chief judge since 2024.

 

Gilligan graduated from Wichita State University and Washburn University School of Law. After law school, Gilligan worked for Kansas Legal Services and the Reno County District Attorney’s Office before becoming a judge in 2019.

 

28th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Jared Johnson was reappointed in the 28th Judicial District, which is composed of Ottawa and Saline counties. He has served as a district judge since 2011 and chief judge since 2023.

 

Johnson graduated from the University of Kansas and the University of Kansas School of Law. After law school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps from 2001 to 2005. He was in private practice in Salina before he was appointed district judge.

 

29th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Robert Burns was reappointed in the 29th Judicial District, which is Wyandotte County. He has served as a district judge since 2004 and chief judge since 2019.

 

Burns graduated from Harvard University and the University of Notre Dame Law School. Before he became a judge, he was in private practice and served as a legal department attorney for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.

 

30th Judicial District

 

Chief Judge William Mott was reappointed to the 30th Judicial District, which is composed of Barber, Harper, Kingman, Pratt, and Sumner counties. He has served as a district judge since 2007 and chief judge since 2017.

 

Mott graduated from Friends University and Washburn University School of Law. Before he became a judge, he practiced law in Wellington, served as Sumner County Attorney, and was a special assistant U.S attorney in Wichita.

 

31st Judicial District

 

Chief Judge Daniel Creitz was reappointed in the 31st Judicial District, which is composed of Allen, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson counties. He has served as a district judge since May 2002 and chief judge since 2011.

 

Creitz graduated from Allen County Community College, Emporia State University, and Washburn University School of Law.

 

Chief judge role

 

Each of Kansas’ 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to their judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

kscourts.gov

Bourbon County, Government

Candidate Forum This Evening at The Ellis Center

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TONIGHT !

Election Candidate Forum

Wednesday, October 22nd

@ Ellis Fine Arts Center

2108 S. Horton St.

5:30pm

Doors open for candidate Meet & Greet

6pm

Forum begins

_______________

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces an Election Candidate Forum that will be held on Wednesday, October 22nd in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center, located at 2108 S. Horton St.

Doors will open at 5:30pm

with a Meet & Greet with the candidates

The forum will begin at 6pm.

The order of the forum will be as follows:

1.      USD234 School Board

2.     Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees

3.     City of Fort Scott Commission

4.     Bourbon County Commission

Candidate Questions:

Residents of the community are encouraged to submit questions for the candidates to the Chamber by 1pm on Monday, October 20th.

Questions may be emailed to [email protected], mailed to 231 E. Wall St., or dropped off in person at the Chamber office.

The forum will also be broadcast live on the Facebook page Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for those unable to attend in person.

Candidates in these races are asked to RSVP to the Chamber by October 20th to confirm attendance.

For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
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Bourbon County

Bo Co Commission Meeting, Oct. 20, 2025

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The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

At the beginning of the meeting, the commission spent a good deal of discussion on whether or not to approve the minutes for the previous 10 meetings.

Commissioner Mika Milburn had begun going through the edits on some of the minutes, but was unable to complete all of them.

Commissioner Samuel Tran also didn’t agree with the way the minutes recorded what he said.

County Clerk Susan Walker said that it takes one of her office personnel an entire day to transcribe a regular meeting if they don’t use a transcription service.

Commissioner David Beerbower said that the commission needs training on governance and the use of minutes. He also said they need to be careful not to get caught up on small issues in the minutes.

They are an official, permanent, legal record, Beerbower said. Details that should be included are motions and resolutions, voting outcomes, a summary of discussions, but not full transcripts, and action items.

He said the commission is ten sets of meeting minutes behind, and it’s time to move on.

Tran asked if the minutes could be brought up in a court of law.

Milburn said she plans to stay current with the ongoing minutes and catch up the rest over the next few weeks.

Beerbower and Tran spent time going over Milburn’s edits.

Beerbower moved to approve the minutes for Sept. 15, 16, and Oct. 7 with corrections. Motion carried.

Casey Brown – SEK-Cap Public Transportation

Scott Christianson, transportation director for SEK-Cap Public Transportation, also spoke to the commission.

BBGO’s transportation serves Bourbon County on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by providing transportation to those who request it in the county. They will no longer be able to continue after Dec. 1 of 2025 due to lack of funds.

SEK-Cap is looking for support from the county for a grant they are writing in the form of a 30% match totaling $19,000, for the federal and state grants. CCAP made up the difference between what the county and City of Fort Scott gave toward the 2024 budget, but they are no longer able to do that.

They are asking the whole community for what they want and what can be feasibly supported. Going fewer than 3 days per week will be a hardship for many of the residents who rely on the rides for medical care.

Milburn said the commission has heard from several ride share organizations in the county. She also asked about what changes they could make to the program. She suggested alternative forms of fundraising, including mailers.

Tran said that the bulk of the rides are for the City of Fort Scott residents. The city has budgeted $5,000 for BBGO for next year.

They need everything solidified in planning and writing before the end of November. The state and federal funding is secured.

No action was taken.

Public Works: Equipment Repair

The loader is down at the quarry, said Dustin Hall from Public Works. Murphy Tractor says a new motor with a one-year warranty will be $82,000.  The loader is 11 years old with just under 10,000 hours on it. It hasn’t lasted as long as they expected. Without it, they don’t have a way to make gravel.

It’s still cheaper for the county to produce its own rock than to buy it.

Public Works has the funds in its budget, splitting the cost between Road and Bridge, and sales tax. Barring any further major issues, they are doing well for their budget carryover.

Hall also said that some equipment at the asphalt plant is damaged. They are unsure how to fix it, awaiting word from ADM, the manufacturer, about whether or not they can repair it, or will need to replace it. They cannot make asphalt until it’s repaired.

They can buy asphalt at $70 per ton to complete the portion of Yale Road that is ready to be asphalted.

Tran said they need to develop a good preventative maintenance plan for the Public Works department.

Milburn applauded the public works department for the standard operating procedures (SOP) they developed.

V. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

Action from session: allow the chair to speak with HR regarding the matter was approved.

Consent Agenda
Approval of 10.17.25 Accounts Payable that was sent for review to the Commission on 10.17.25 (not mailed until approved on 10.20.25) – Accounts Payable $377,595.70
Approval of 10.17.25 Payroll that was sent for review to the Commission on 10.15.25 and allowed for payment per K.S.A. 12-105b (b)(1) $300,350.36

Consent agenda was approved. Beerbower and Tran voted for and Milburn against.

Milburn wanted another way to handle the consent agenda. Beerbower added it to the Nov. 3 agenda for discussion.

Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda

Clint Walker: He wants the county to get an emergency preparedness director and encouraged the commission to apply for a grant to fund that position. He also mentioned a broadband grant for $30 million in the state of Kansas that the commission should apply for.

“We need these grants cause in the long run it saves us money,” he said.

Derrick Reigns: Thanked them for the moratorium. He also asked for a cease and desist. He said the noise was painful to his ears and causes headaches.

He said several people visited the site today, despite none of them coming to the commission meeting.

Tran said their legal representation is talking to the county’s legal representation, which is why they didn’t attend the meeting.

Beerbower asked Reigns if he had sought legal counsel. He then said the county would talk to legal before they take any further action.

Reigns said that if the county would pass a cease and desist, that would cause the mine operators to do something to improve the noise situation.

Jen Franklin: Expressed concern that the installation owners wouldn’t come unless a cease and desist forced their hand.

John Spade: his property borders the property where the mine is. “It boggles my mind how somebody can come in” and nobody knows until it happens. He said the commission was there to protect them, and they looked forward to having that protection.

The whole contingent expressed gratitude to the commission for hearing them out.

Old Business

108 W 2nd

Milburn said two contractors have looked at the building to see what’s needed to get the Sixth Judicial into the space. She’s awaiting their feedback.

EMS

Tran had a constituent express concern about the city’s contract with EMS. Terry, EMS director, said they have a contract with the city, and she decided on an all-call over the weekend when they had one truck gone to Joplin and another on an orthopedic call that may have required a trip north, leaving no ambulances in the county. The all-call was to be sure there was someone available to answer any further calls should the fire department be out on a fire call and unable to help. She said they rarely use the all-call option.

Noise Resolution

The commission should establish parameters for any noise resolution that the county needs to pass along to the planning commission, said Beerbower. He suggested they all research and start formulating a plan.

“We need to be moving forward with the noise resolutions. How do we want to do it? That’s the question,” he said. The resolution should address volume and duration.

“I’m not targeting any specific industry or group,” said Beerbower.

Noise resolution was added to the Nov. 10 agenda.

Greg Motley suggested checking with the Kansas Association of Counties for examples of what other counties have done.

Technology Discussion

Beerbower asked, at Sheriff Bill Martin’s request, to hold off on the work on the switches for the Sheriff’s Department until the sheriff can attend a meeting to discuss it.

Milburn said the sheriff should reach out to the project manager at Stronghold to discuss what he needs, rather than discuss it with the commission.

Meeting Resolution

Beerbower said that some changes were suggested the last time this resolution on how the commission will conduct its meetings was brought up. It replaces resolutions, 1025 and 1125.

He read the proposed resolution aloud.

After a great deal of discussion, the resolution passed, Milburn voting against.

New Business
SOP – Public Works

Tran read the standard operating procedures for sign installation in Bourbon County recently created by the Public Works Department head. He also read the one for culvert installation.

Milburn asked that the culvert SOP include having the commission approve it before installation.

Commission Comments

Beerbower: Both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution outline the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Everyone has the right to purchase property and use it as they see fit. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that you cannot put your neighbor at risk. “Clearly, the incident involving the generators does put our residents at risk.”

He said he is not against economic development, solar, wind, or crypto mining, but he is against neighbors putting their neighbors at risk. It is the job of the commission to protect the residents of the county.

Bourbon County

$25,000 Awarded to HBCAT Bronson For City Park Project

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Kelly Perry. Submitted photo.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team/Bronson, KS was recently awarded $25,000 to complete Rural Champion Community Project on Bronson City Park.

Earlier this summer The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, in collaboration with The City of Bronson, was awarded $25,0000 for an implementation grant for the City of Bronson as part of the Office of Rural Prosperity Rural Champions grant program announced last year in collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation for a placemaking project specifically a Bronson City Park renovation.

Bourbon County’s Rural Champion, Kelly Perry, led efforts to address safety concerns and challenges within Bronson city park. This funding will support the implementation of the Bronson Park Placemaking and Renovation Project.  During the first six months of their 1-year program, Rural Champions were busy connecting with their communities, gathering volunteers, engaging local organizations, and building connections with resource partners around their unique challenges. This work was used in developing the project implementation plan to utilize the $25,000 grant to assist in the next steps for their project.

These grants will fund park renovations that are slated to be completed in the Summer of 2026. As the Champion works through this final phase of implementation, they will develop a comprehensive guidebook that documents their experiences, resources and strategies – and serve as a valuable resource for other communities to implement similar strategies. The Office of Rural Prosperity will continue to support this cohort of projects, ensuring that the Rural Champions have the resources and guidance needed.  To view the other awardees or to learn more about the Rural Champions and stay updated on their progress, visit the webpage here ( https://www.kansascommerce.gov/orp/ruralchampions/ )

From Kelly Perry:

” The need for the Rural Champions program was identified in the Power Up & Go report through surveys and interviews of more than 400 rural Kansans under the age of 40 as something that would “move the needle” toward success. Many of those individuals wanting to make a difference are volunteers who are passionate about their communities but unable to take on a community improvement project without receiving appropriate resources, training and compensation.

“The Rural Champions program removes the funding gap for those passionate rural dwellers by connecting them with resources that will help them accomplish their critical community project. That’s when in early 2024, The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team applied for and was awarded a $20,800 grant for the Rural Community Champion Grant program and HBCAT provided $5,200 cash and in-kind match.  HBCAT contracted with Kelly Perry to serve as the Rural Champion for a Bronson Placemaking Project.    The time for the initial grant work started a year ago October 2024 and her contract was up in September 2025.    In September 2025, The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team was awarded the $25,000 to then implemented the placemaking project.”

When will the project start?

“The project is currently under way with work from the Professional Engineers taking place right now.  All Rural Champion projects must be completed by the end of 2026. The Bronson project is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2026.”

Bronson City Park Placemaking Project
“The Bronson City Park Placemaking Project focuses on revitalizing the city’s park to create a safer, more vibrant, and family-friendly gathering space for the community. With support from the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Champion Grant, the project includes upgrading playground equipment, improving accessibility and safety.  The goal is to strengthen community pride, encourage outdoor activity, and enhance the overall quality of life in Bronson.

The office of rural prosperity shows this on their site for all the 2024-2025 Rural Champions.  Bronson is the only Placemaking Project in the 2024-2025 Rural Champions.”

Submitted photo of the 2024-25 Kansas Rural Champions.
Wetmore Community Development Champion – Analyssa Noe
Cheyenne Housing Champion- Lisa Krull
Herrington Downtown Revitalization Champion – Lisa Schlesener
Comanche Regionalization & Grant Writer Champion – Julie Lyon
Grinnell Downtown Revitalization Champion- Stacy Tholen
Harvey County Childcare Champion – Melissa Bogunovich
Bronson Placemaking Champion – Kelly Perry
Hodgeman County Housing Champion – Michelle Walters
Dighton Food Access Champion – Carrie von Leonrod
Cowley County Food Access Champion – Amy Jo McWhirt
Rooks County Workforce Recruitment Champion – Kandie Morain
Stafford County Childcare Champion – Sarah Hampton
TBC Community Development Champion – Beth Ann Falstad

 

Bourbon County, Government, Schools

Uniontown dominated at the South East Regional Eco Meet at Greenbush.

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(Left to right) Ty Shelton, Lexi Irsik, Ash Sporleder,  Lillyan Robinson, Scarlett McCullough, Aryonnah Beaton, Payton McAfee, Mathew Knight and Ziggy Barbour.
Eco-Meets are competitions that test high school students’ knowledge of Kansas’ wildlife and plants, rewarding the most naturally-qualified students with scholarships. Students are tested in four areas, which are updated annually: a particular habitat, a focus group (of animals), an outdoor scavenger hunt (to assess identification skills), and a fun interpretive event, according tohttps://www.kansasecomeet.org/faqs/
Uniontown High School students participated in Southeast Kansas Regional Eco-Meet at Greenbush, KS on October 22, according to https://www.kansasecomeet.org/southeast-kansas-regional-eco-meet/
Team A, consisting of Aryonnah Beaton, Mathew Knight, Payton McAfee and Ziggy Barbour took 1st place overall.
Team C, consisting of Liliyan Robinson, Ash Sporleder, Lexie Irsik and Scarlett McCullough took 2nd place overall. Both of those teams will advance to the State competition held at Rock Springs Ranch in Junction City on November 6.
In addition to taking the top two team awards, Uniontown captured the four top individual awards!
Aryonnah Beaton placed 1st in Aquatics and Payton McAfee placed 2nd.
Lilian Robinson placed 1st in Invertebrates and Ty Shelton placed 2nd.
Team B, consisting of Austin Maycomber, Ty Shelton, Braydon Russell and Chandler Hall and Team D, consisting of Macy Hueston, Karsyn Woods, Cristian Gonzalez and Catherine Cox also did a fantastic job yesterday but unfortunately did not qualify for State.
Uniontown brought home the traveling trophy and since 2019 Colgan has been the winner. For 2025, the trophy will stay in Uniontown High School!
Submitted by
Christal Martin
Alyson Weston
Brad Johnson
Carrie Sutcliffe
From row: (left to right)Karsyn Woods, Macy Hueston,  Cristian Gonzalez, Lillyan Robinson, Lexi Irsik, Ash Sporleder, & Scarlett McCullough.
Back row: (left to right) Payton McAfee, Mathew Knight, Ziggy Barbour, Aryonnah Beaton, Chandler Hall, Austin Maycumber, Braydon Russell and Ty Shelton.
Bourbon County

Oct. 20 Bo Co Commission Meeting Agenda Summary

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Bourbon County Commission Agenda Outline: October 20, 2025

10.20.25 Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave. | Monday, October 20, 2025, 5:30 PM

I. Opening

  • Call Meeting to Order
  • Roll Call
  • Pledge of Allegiance
  • Prayer

II. Approval of Agenda

III. Approval of Minutes (unofficial until approved)

  • September 15, 2025
  • September 16, 2025
  • September 22, 2025
  • September 23, 2025
  • September 26, 2025
  • September 29, 2025
  • October 6, 2025
  • October 7, 2025
  • October 14, 2025

IV. Presentation

  • Casey Brown – SEK-Cap Public Transportation

V. Executive Session

  • Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

VI. Resolutions Brought for Signature

  • Law Enforcement Fund Resolution returned for signatures

VII. Consent Agenda

  • Approval of October 17, 2025, Accounts Payable ()
  • Approval of October 17, 2025, Payroll ()

VIII. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda

IX. Old Business

  • 108 W 2nd
  • Bitcoin Mining
  • Noise Resolution
  • Gov Deals
  • Technology Discussion
  • Meeting Resolution

X. New Business

  • SOP Public Works
  • Culverts
  • Sanitation Discussion
  • Resident Complaint

XI. Department Updates

XII. Build Agenda for following meeting

XIII. Commission Comments

XIV. Adjournment

 

Detailed Summary of Information Packet

The rest of the packet consists of minutes from past meetings, a draft Executive Session form, future agenda items, and financial/support documents.

Future Items and Forms (Page 2)

The packet includes a standardized form for Executive Sessions, listing various statutory reasons such as personnel matters, attorney-client privilege, and security measures. Future agenda items listed include the Vehicle Lease Program, Economic Development, the Elevator, and Elm Creek Quarry.

Past Meeting Minutes Summary

September 15 & 16, 2025 (Pages 3-11)

These minutes focus heavily on the budget and financial decisions.

  • The Commission held a public hearing on the budget (Page 3).
  • Approved funding Phase One of the First Responder Radio System Upgrade with Tusa Consulting for $32,680 from the jail sales tax fund (Page 7).
  • Approved the Sheriff using $10,884 from the jail sales tax fund to upgrade jail phones (Page 7).
  • Authorized the Clerk to apply for an elevator variance to continue current operations while exploring modernization options (Page 7).
  • The special meeting on September 16 finalized a proposed mill levy of 59.391, which would result in approximately $451,000 in cash reserves (Page 10, 11).

September 22 & 26, 2025 (Pages 12-22)

These meetings covered budget review, appointments, and other administrative matters.

  • The Commission discussed a potential $106,000 shortfall in the Sheriff’s 2026 budget (Page 12).
  • Heard a presentation on the Enterprise Fleet Management Vehicle Leasing Program (Page 12).
  • Appointed individuals to the newly formed Bourbon County Planning Commission (Page 13, 16).
  • On September 26, the Commission adopted a budget with a final mill levy of 54.678, which is below the revenue neutral rate (Page 22).

September 29, 2025 (Pages 23-26)

Key decisions made during this meeting:

  • Decided to proceed with a full modernization of the courthouse elevator (Page 23).
  • Agreed to seek bids for either repair or demolition of the 108 W 2nd Street building (Page 24).
  • Approved signing a grant application for Bridge 19.2Q on Jayhawk Road, with a county contribution of $82,000 (Page 25).

October 6 & 7, 2025 (Pages 27-35)

Topics included administrative oversight and financial access.

  • The Commission voted to take no action on the 140th Street road closure application (Page 27).
  • The Commission gave the Clerk direction to provide the Treasurer immediate access to payroll and accounts payable systems (Page 29).
  • The Commission moved to allow only the Commission to give direction to the Public Works department (Page 29).

October 14, 2025 (Pages 36-41)

This meeting involved the formal adoption of a key resolution.

  • The Commission signed the Law Enforcement Fund Resolution, which establishes the legal framework for the fund’s operation (Page 40).

Financial and Supporting Documents (Pages 42-133)

  • Accounts Payable/Invoices (Pages 42-108): Detailed invoices make up the largest portion of the packet, supporting the $377,595.70 Accounts Payable amount listed in the agenda. Expenditures cover various funds including General Fund, Landfill, Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund, and Ambulance Service.
  • SEK-Cap Public Transportation Data (Pages 109-110): This section provides ridership statistics and a written plea for increased local financial support to ensure the sustainability of public transportation services.
  • Supporting Images (Pages 111-133): The final pages contain numerous images, likely consisting of forms, site evaluations, request forms, and installation photos, which typically serve as supporting documentation for agenda items such as culvert installations or other Public Works projects.
Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Wreaths Across America Prepares For the Annual Remembrance Wreath Laying on December 13

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ANNUAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

Fort Scott National Cemetery

 

Plans are being confirmed for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony and laying of remembrance wreaths, according to Location Coordinator Diann Tucker.  She, together with assistant Mika Milburn-Kee, wish to thank everyone for their sponsorship of wreaths this year and said, “each day the goal grows closer to completion”.  Sponsorships are still needed to cover the nearly 7000 military sites that need to be honored with a wreath at Fort Scott National Cemetery.  Wreaths are $17.00 each.  To send a check, deliver a check or use a credit/debit card to sponsor, you can call Diann at 620-224-7054 or Mika at 620-223-6700.  All sponsorships for this year should be received by November 20.  The brief ceremony will begin at 10 AM on December 13, immediately followed by placement of wreaths by volunteers.

 

Tucker said the local ceremony will be honored this year to have speaker Pat Proctor, a retired United States Army colonel.  Upon retirement from the Army he settled in Leavenworth, Kansas.  Proctor is a graduate of the School of Advanced Military Studies, was deployed to Jordan as a battalion commander, and deployed in 2009 as the operations officer for Task Force Patriot (2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery) to Saddam Hussei’s hometown of Tikrit, Iraq.  In 2007, Proctor worked as part of the Joint Strategic Assessment Team, comprised of diplomats, military theorists, and intellectuals assembled by Gen. David Patraseus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker and led by Col. H. R. McMaster to develop the strategy for post-surge Iraq.  Retired Colonel Proctor currently serves as an assistant professor of Homeland Security at Wichita State University.

 

We want to thank everyone for their current and past support of this event, and ask that you share with your friends, family, email friends, and Facebook friends, said Tucker.  We invite you, look forward to seeing you, and welcome the many volunteers, on December 13.  You are each appreciated.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Packet for Oct. 20

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To view the full agenda packet

10.20.25 Agenda

BOURBON COUNTY,
KANSAS
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
Monday, October 20, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
 Roll Call
 Pledge of Allegiance
 Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes (unofficial until approved) 09.15.25, 09.16.25, 09.22.25, 09.23.25, 09.26.25, 09.29.25,
10.06.25, 10.07.25, 10.14.25
IV. Casey Brown – SEK-Cap Public Transportation
V. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect
their privacy.
VI. Resolutions brought for signature
 Law Enforcement Fund Resolution returned for signatures
VII. Consent Agenda
 Approval of 10.17.25 Accounts Payable that was sent for review to the Commission on 10.17.25 (not
mailed until approved on 10.20.25) – Accounts Payable $377,595.70
 Approval of 10.17.25 Payroll that was sent for review to the Commission on 10.15.25 and allowed for
payment per K.S.A. 12-105b (b)(1) $300,350.36
VIII. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
IX. Old Business
 108 W 2nd
 Bitcoin Mining
 Noise Resolution
 Gov Deals
 Technology Discussion
 Meeting Resolution
X. New Business
 SOP Public Works
 Culvert

 Sanitation Discussion
 Resident Complaint
XI. Department Updates
XII. Build Agenda for following meeting
XIII. Commission Comments
XIV. Adjournment ____