Approval of Minutes (April 22nd and April 27th) (Page 1)
New Business (Page 1)
Comprehensive Plan Interviews (Page 1)
Public Comment (Page 1)
Next Meeting and Agenda Planning (Page 1)
Adjournment (Page 1)
Detailed Section Summaries
Administrative Approvals The committee will begin by formalizing the meeting structure. This includes the standard Pledge and Roll Call, followed by the formal approval of the current agenda. Additionally, the committee will review and approve minutes from two previous sessions held on April 22nd and April 27th to ensure historical accuracy of the records. (Page 1)
Comprehensive Plan Interviews A significant portion of the “New Business” segment is dedicated to interviews regarding the County’s Comprehensive Plan. This represents a critical step in the long-term strategic development and zoning oversight for Bourbon County. (Page 1)
Public Engagement & Future Planning The meeting provides a designated window for Public Comment, allowing residents to voice concerns or support regarding planning initiatives. Before adjournment, the committee will establish the timeline and primary objectives for the next scheduled meeting. (Page 1)
Administrative Procedures The meeting will open with the standard ceremonial and administrative protocols. This includes the Pledge of Allegiance and a formal Roll Call to establish a quorum. Following these steps, the committee will review and officially approve the agenda for the May 14th session. (Page 1)
Comprehensive Plan Development A primary focus of this session’s “New Business” involves the Comprehensive Plan Interview. This is a vital component of the county’s long-term planning strategy, likely involving discussions or candidate evaluations aimed at shaping future land use and community development goals. (Page 1)
Community Input and Future Scheduling As part of the committee’s commitment to transparency, a Public Comment period is scheduled to allow citizens to address the board directly. Prior to the meeting’s adjournment, the committee will coordinate the schedule and primary agenda items for the next upcoming meeting to ensure continuity in planning efforts. (Page 1)
Welcome: 11 members from ten agencies attended the meeting in the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
Coalition Board News: There is an open seat on the Coalition Board. Reach out to Nick if you are interested.
Member Introductions and Announcements:
Lora Wilson shared about what she does for CHCSEK.
Airrick Lee was here from Neosho County Community College with a program called R.S.V.P.- Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
Shelby Moore with FAST -Families Together shared about the different ways her program benefits children and families.
Patty Simpson with Fort Scott Housing Authority shared that they were accepting applications.
Stephanie Breckenridge-Strengthening Families with the Family Resource Center, Her program offers help with resources and Parenting Skills.
Star Culp-Parents As Teachers from Greenbush, has openings in her program in BBCO
Kelli Mengarelli-Early Childhood Block Grant with the Family Resource Center shares about delivering books for preschoolers going to kindergarten.
Janelle Tate the Transitions Coordinator in six counties with the Early Childhood Block Grant.
Craig Campbell-GNAT Good Neighbor Action Team, this program offers assistance for single moms, and the elderly. They have currently been building wheelchair ramps for those in need in Bourbon County. A future project is to paint park benches at Schubitz Plaza. This group has also been able to help with gas line break assistance. They are currently working on a recycling program starting, working with Vernon County.
Theresa Amershek – Safe House Children’s Director
Cheri Walrod from Credo Senior Living brought flyers about the Virtual Dementia Tour they are having during their Senior Care Coalition Luncheon on May 20.
Program:
Jennifer Gum-Fowler our librarian from the Fort Scott Library came to tell us about the programs that are currently happening at the library. She shared a little history about the building which is a Carnegie building, and our library is one of the oldest in Kansas still using the original building.
They received an ALA Grant for $20,000.00 and have partnered with Mental Health to purchase sensory toys and products for neurodiverse adults, teens and children to assist with their sensory needs. They include a Shush Booth, Sensory Table, Light Table, Bean pods to read in, and Toys for therapists.
The Library has had a make over including:
-an adult space upstairs for computers, telehealth, and interviews.
-A Teen space, tv, play station, study area, including two laptops.
The Childrens Program has moved downstairs, with hard and soft play places to include a
zero to three soft area, with a charging space for parents, and a Lego wall .
The Summer Reading Program has started, see the Youth Services flyer
The library has been pairing with Lowell Milken Center offering a great program including a Dig Crew bag
They offer adult reading BINGO with great prizes
They offer hand designed t-shirts that are available with Dig Crew
Golden Aces for 55+, enjoy arts and crafts.
They partnered with DAR for the 250th Celebration.
Road Scholars flyer
They are participating in The National Treasure Duck Hunt, with other community businesses.
Chamber Guide Books are available at the library for free.
The library is a source for various resources available in our community and nationwide. Jennifer is connected to the Library’s National and State committees allowing her to pull in resources and information nationwide.
Benefits of having a library card go beyond just books off the shelf it also grants us access to
Audio Books
Kanopy app which includes Sesame Street, Between the Lions videos free.
Information services
Assist with families in need.
WiFi 24/7
Open to Community Service Volunteers
Jennifer is very excited to share her knowledge and resources with the Fort Scott community, feel free to stop by and see all of their progress and programming. If you need something, the library is a great place to start.
Open Forum: Nothing further came before the coalition.
During Public Comments, Michael Hoyt addressed the commission about the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging headquartered in Pittsburg. They are responsible for Meals on Wheels to the aged. They are hurting for funds and are not accepting new applicants for meals right now.
Hoyt said they have been defunded by the federal government. He asked that the commission keep that in mind when they discuss the county budget. He also said that 65% of the constituents in Bourbon County are over 65.
AAA provides a lot of other services for the elderly in addition to Meals on Wheels.
Resolution 22-26 – Beerbower
Commissioner David Beerbower moved to adopt the resolution “as discussed and consensus reached in the work session” that the commission held just prior to their regular meeting. Commissioner Gregg Motley seconded.
Motion carried with Commissioners Mika Milburn-Kee and Samuel Tran voting against.
Tran acknowledged Beerbower’s good work on the resolution.
Payroll & Accounts Payable – Motley
James Krux, County Attorney, addressed the board regarding issues with accounts payable.
Lack of communication between the board and other offices in the county has created financial issues. “We have to be able, as a county, to continue operating and to continue growing,” he said, “And at least work together enough to make sure that’s happening.”
Tran refused to sign the checks as they had been done previously which directly affects Crux’s office. His employees have been paid late two pay periods in a row.
Motley asked what it will take to get those checks signed. He said the county is incurring late fees because of the failure of the commission to sign the checks. He and Commissioner Joe Allen are not on the signature card and cannot sign the checks.
Tran said he has spoken to four lawyers and claims to understand the statutes. The statutes don’t require commissioner’s oversight to sign checks, according to Tran. The treasurer signs them when she cuts them and the clerk attests to them by signing, which gives the two requisite signatures.
“I understand the angst here, I do,” said Tran. “What do you propose?” he asked the commissioners.
Allen said he doesn’t know where this problem came from, as it’s been standard practice for years for the county commission chairman to sign the checks. He said he offered to sign them so that people can get paid, “but I don’t believe it’s my position to sign the checks.”
He confirmed that the whole commission reviews and approves the checks. “I just don’t understand why the chairman can’t sign them to get them moving along,” said Allen.
Tran said that because the statue doesn’t require him to sign the checks, he has chosen not to.
He proposed that he relinquish his ability to sign the checks and make Laura Krom, the commission’s executive assistant, the official signer.
Milburn-Kee said that the chairman should have a signature stamp so he doesn’t have to sign 200 checks. Tran said he had asked for one but has not received it.
Allen said he preferred a commissioner sign the checks.
Tran immediately moved to make Allen the check signer. Motley said that the statutes allow the chairman to appoint someone to sign for him, and he approved of that person being Allen.
Allen said that “if it gets people paid,” he’s willing to do it to keep the county moving forward.
Motley next made a motion to restore read-only access to Payentry for County Clerk Susan Walker so that she can process the accounting entries that she needs to every two weeks after payroll.
Milburn-Kee said that read-only access gives the clerk access to too many reports she doesn’t need.
Tran said he hasn’t told the executive assistant or Payentry what to do, but has advised Krom to talk to HR and Payentry to figure out what to do. He said to let Krom know what’s needed so she can handle it.
“That’s not my motion,” said Motley. He asked why there needs to be an intermediary between Payentry and the clerk, noting that Krom does not understand what’s required for the payroll accounting the clerk has to do. The reports that she sent weren’t adequate.
Allen asked Walker what she needs to do the accounting. She said she sends an email every time there’s an issue, but does not receive responses.
“I am ultimately responsible for getting your financial information into the general ledger,” she said. “The problem with the report I’m receiving is that it’s not broken down by cost center,” which requires her to spend hours digging through to get the information she needs to enter into the county’s ledger.
Walker also pointed out that she is not required to do all the accounting work of creating the general ledger, journal entries, and benefit payments that she does.
Tran said it’s a work in progress and more change will be coming due to resolution 22-26.
“Why was it necessary?” Motley asked. “We’ve got a part-time person who’s the intermediary for the clerk, who’s an elected official. It makes zero sense.”
“I’m very frustrated by that lack of communication,” said Beerbower.
Motley said that his conversation with Steve Cohen (HR) showed that Cohen was unaware of the accounting duties of the clerk that require her to have the information in the reports she is currently being denied.
Having Krom send reports to Walker is “grossly inefficient,” said Motley. “Give her [Walker] access to the reports she needs…It’s just common sense.”
Motion failed to pass. Beerbower, Tran, and Milburn-Kee voted against.
Allen asked if there’s a way to control the view only access. Milburn-Kee said she didn’t think so.
Tran said that Payentry told him they have to create the data bases the clerk needs.
Beerbower pointed out that he was led to believe the clerk had access to too much employee information.
“What it boils down to is I advocated for the employees,… because I could see what their hiring dates were,” said Walker.
“Isn’t the county clerk the custodian of the records?” asked Hoyt. Motley agreed that she is and that it is counterintuitive to give access to those records to a part-time employee while denying it to the clerk.
Beerbower said he doesn’t see the issue as clearly as he thought he was.
Tran asked to table it.
Beerbower suggested they have Cohen come to the meeting next week to iron it out. “That’s communication.”
Bourbon County Attorney James Crux has issued a letter today, May 12, 2026, finding that a recall petition filed against County Commissioner Samuel Tran meets all statutory requirements and is in proper order.
The petition alleges “Failure to Perform Required Duties” as the grounds for recall. Specifically, it alleges that Commissioner Tran failed to comply with Kansas statutes regarding the passing of a budget in 2025, in violation of K.S.A. 79-2934. The letter notes that this violation was reported in a 2025 audit presented in May of 2026.
In his review, Crux cited several Kansas statutes governing the recall process, including K.S.A. 25-4320, which outlines the requirements a recall petition must contain, and K.S.A. 25-4322, which establishes the County Attorney’s duty to determine the sufficiency of such a petition.
The County Attorney found that the stated basis of failure to perform required duties was alleged with sufficient particularity and contains a nexus to the duties of County Commissioner. However, the letter also notes that the truth or falsity of the grounds must still be determined by the electorate.
The full letter from the County Attorney is available below.
Vickie and Larry Shead from their farm’s Facebook page.
Vickie and Larry Shead work diligently every year to have a homestead festival at their farm, located near Garland in Bourbon County. They do this to encourage the community in homesteading.
Alongside them are their children, grandchildren and community members who share in their enthusiasm for the homestead lifestyle.
According to Webster’s Dictionary, homesteading is “the act or practice of living frugally or self-sufficiently, especially by growing and preserving food.”
Over the years, the Sheads have widened the scope of their farm festival to include locals and a festival that includes events, entertainment, and vendors, making it a fun family day.
The Shead Farm Festival is this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2468 Cavalry Road, Garland. Tickets are $5 or for a family of five or more members $25. For more information 620.224.4149 or www.sheadfarm.com.
From their Facebook page.
Vickie Shead said there are new events added this year and some new vendors.
“Laura James from Lucky Horse Ranch will be bringing her miniature horses for young children to ride.
“Also, Steve William, from Redfield, will be at the festival with wagon rides pulled by his giant draft horses.
“Other new vendors include: chicken tractors, canning shelves, herb/spices, birdhouses, books, baskets, fudge, pork rinds, sourdough items, and more!” she said.
Information booths will include the National Resources Conservation Service, explaining their grant program to help people farm and garden.
The Shead Farm Homestead Festival is offering kids vendor booth spots for young business-minded kids who would like to sell their products or services.
If you have a young business minded child and you have been looking for an opportunity to sell their product or service, you have found it. Sign up for a spot at the Shead Farm Festival kids vendor booths. We look forward to hosting your young vendor and shopping their business booths.
Sign up for a kids (ages 6-18) vendor booth spot for FREE today by clicking HERE!
Fort Scott, KS — A recall petition has been filed against Bourbon County Clerk Susan E. Walker.
The recall committee — Kyle R. Parks, Kevin Wagner, and Lyle K. Ownby — filed the petition through the Kansas Secretary of State’s Elections Division. Bourbon County Attorney James Crux reviewed the petition and confirmed it meets statutory requirements.
The petition alleges failure to perform duties prescribed by law, citing the 2025 General Election. Specifically, it alleges that ballots used during early voting contained errors related to the USD 235 school board election and that the County Clerk failed to promptly correct the issue in a timely manner, allowing incorrect ballots to continue being used.
Under Kansas law (K.S.A. 25-4322), the recall committee has 90 days to gather a sufficient number of verified signatures from registered voters before a recall election can be scheduled.
Approval of 05.08.26 Accounts Payable: $457,015.06
Approval of Minutes: 05.04.26
Public Comments
Payroll & Accounts Payable – Motley
Resolution 22-26 – Beerbower
Commission Comments
Adjournment(Source: PDF Page 1)
Detailed Packet Summary
Financial Reports & Accounts Payable
The packet includes a comprehensive “Open Invoices By Department Summary” dated May 8, 2026. The Grand Total for accounts payable is $457,015.06, covering 242 total invoices across various county funds.
General Fund (001): Includes standard payroll clearing entries and department-specific costs. Notable entries include $5,153.48 for Commission wages and $10,452.52 for County Attorney wages. (Pages 2, 12, 15)
Public Safety & Sheriff (120): Totaling $90,895.30. Major expenses include $15,708.65 to Benchmark Government Solutions for April food services and $8,635.70 for April fuel charges through WEX Bank. (Page 6, 7)
Road and Bridge (220/222): Combined expenses exceed $160,000. Significant costs include engine repairs for unit #35 totaling over $47,000 in labor and parts, and payments to Murphy Tractor & Equipment for unit #207. (Pages 9, 10)
Employee Benefits (064): Totaling $35,483.66, primarily consisting of KPERS retirement contributions ($19,567.79) and social security taxes. (Page 4, 5)
Ambulance Service (375): Totaling $36,675.71, with the vast majority ($34,254.70) dedicated to service wages. (Page 21)
Special Projects: Includes $40,700 to Schwab-Eaton PA for engineering design services under the Road & Bridge Special Improvement fund. (Page 10)
Review of Previous Minutes (May 4, 2026)
The minutes from the prior week provide context for several ongoing items:
2025 Audit Presentation: Emily Franks of Jared Gilmore and Phillips presented the FY2025 audit. The county received a “clean” (unmodified) opinion on its regulatory basis of accounting. However, a statute violation was noted in the Ambulance Fund, which ended the year with a negative cash balance of $(4,318.54). (Pages 30, 31)
Audit Concerns: The auditor highlighted three recurring issues: lack of itemized receipts for credit card/restaurant charges, unsigned checks that cleared the bank, and outstanding duplicate deposits from a prior administration. (Page 32)
Juvenile Detention: Commissioner Allen reported a projected decrease in detention fees for 2027, despite the withdrawal of Montgomery County from the Southeast Kansas Juvenile Detention facility. (Page 33)
Surplus Auction: The Commission authorized moving surplus county items to a vacant Public Works building on May 15 to prepare for a public auction. (Page 33)
Contamination Testing: Following a discussion on bacterial contamination at a residential property, the Commission authorized Commissioner Tran to coordinate up to five test sites to identify the source of the issue. (Page 34)
Landfill “Free Dump Day”: A motion to hold a free countywide dump day on May 22 failed due to lack of a second, following concerns from the Landfill Manager regarding costs, staffing, and aging equipment. (Page 35)
Equipment Contracts: The Board authorized the signing of a contract for a 2019 Caterpillar hydraulic excavator for $102,842. (Page 36)
Payroll Access Issues: The County Clerk reported being locked out of the “Pay Entry” system and requested restoration of her credentials to complete necessary general ledger accounting entries. (Page 37)
Upcoming Work Session Notice
Prior to the regular 7:00 PM meeting, a work session was scheduled for 5:30 PM on May 11 to discuss proposed changes to the county’s vacation and sick leave policies. The Commission voted 3-2 to hold a formal meeting immediately following the work session so that a resolution could be voted on the same night if consensus is reached. (Pages 38, 39)
The following is the press release issued by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. This is all information being released at this time.
The KBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday night in Bourbon County involving deputies from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.
The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance at approximately 11:40 p.m. Thursday, May 7. KBI agents responded to the scene.
Late Thursday evening, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen semi-truck traveling northbound from Pittsburg. The vehicle was reported to be driving into oncoming traffic and fleeing from local law enforcement.
Crawford County deputies pursued the vehicle after the driver refused an attempted traffic stop. During the pursuit, the suspect continued to drive the wrong way in the southbound lanes. Deputies attempted to disable the vehicle but were unsuccessful.
As the pursuit continued into Bourbon County, two Crawford County deputies discharged their firearms, striking the suspect and vehicle. The suspect lost control of the vehicle near Highway 69 and Indian Road and was taken into custody.
The suspect was treated at a local hospital before being transferred to a regional medical center and is now in stable condition. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.
The Shead Farm Homestead Festival is offering kids vendor booth spots for young business-minded kids who would like to sell their products or services.
This is a great opportunity for kids to share their creativity, practice business skills, and be part of a fun community event on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Shead Farm looks forward to hosting these young vendors and shopping their booths! 🛍️🌻
Sign up for a kids (ages 6-18) vendor booth spot for FREE today
A journal entry filed May 4, 2026 in the Bourbon County District Court sets a three-day jury trial beginning July 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the criminal case against Bourbon County Commissioner Mika Milburn-Kee. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for June 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and proposed special jury questionnaires are due by June 5, 2026.
The Charges
The Kansas Attorney General’s office filed a two-count misdemeanor complaint against Milburn-Kee on March 24, 2026, stemming from an incident on October 25, 2025 when early voting was taking place at the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Count One charges her with interference with the conduct of public business in a public building (K.S.A. 21-5922(a)(5)), a Class A nonperson misdemeanor carrying up to 12 months confinement and a fine of up to $2,500. Count Two charges her with disorderly election conduct (K.S.A. 25-2413(c)), a Class B nonperson misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months confinement and a fine of up to $1,000. Under K.S.A. 25-2432, a conviction on Count Two would require Milburn-Kee to forfeit her public office.
The Alleged Incident
Security camera footage reviewed by FortScott.biz shows that on October 25, 2025, Milburn-Kee entered the commission meeting room at 9:37 AM and sat at her usual seat while early voting was underway. The commission room was being used that day to validate voters and handle provisional ballots. County Clerk Susan Walker told Milburn-Kee twice that election law did not permit her to be in the polling area. To Milburn-Kee’s immediate right was a stack of what County Clerk Walker identified as unverified provisional ballots. At 9:41 AM, Milburn-Kee waved and greeted someone coming into the building to vote. Milburn-Kee moved to an adjoining office at approximately 9:51 AM, roughly twelve minutes after first being told to leave.
The case is being prosecuted by Olivia R. Higdon, Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division’s Economic Crimes unit, on behalf of Attorney General Kris W. Kobach — not by the local county attorney. The State has listed 15 witnesses.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
On April 29, 2026, Milburn-Kee was booked into the Bourbon County Jail at 4:19 PM on the two charges and released on her own recognizance at 4:48 PM, with a court-ordered bond of $0, according to the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office daily report for April 30. Previously on that same day, a first appearance was held via Zoom before the Honorable Merlin Wheeler. A written arraignment and not guilty plea had been submitted to the court on April 15, 2026, prior to the first appearance.
Milburn-Kee is represented by attorneys Tricia Bath and Thomas Bath of Bath & Edmonds PA in Leawood, Kansas. The court also ordered that she be permitted to contact County Clerk Susan Walker for purposes of county business conducted in open sessions.
Prior Precedent
FortScott.biz has previously examined similar Kansas cases prosecuted under the same statutes. Every comparable Kansas case found ended in the defendant admitting guilt through a plea or diversion. No case could be found that went to a jury verdict. There also was not found a case where the forfeiture-of-office provision (K.S.A. 25-2432) was invoked.
Note: Since there is not a way to search by charge and the Attorney General may not be inclined to issue press releases about cases they lost, the analysis should be taken with the caveat that not finding a case is not the same as proving that no such cases exist.
FortScott.biz will continue to follow the case as it develops.
Being charged with a crime is not the same as being found guilty. The defendant is presumed innocent and has the right to contest the charges through the court system.
