Category Archives: Elections

Bourbon County, Elections

Candidates on the August Primary Ballot: Walker, Holdridge, Crux

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This is part of a series featuring candidates on the August Primary Election Ballot.

The following people have no opposition on the ballot:

Susan Walker. Submitted photo.

Susan Walker,49, is seeking the position of Bourbon County Clerk, and there are no other candidates on the ballot for this position.

She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from MSSU, is a Certified Municipal Clerk through Wichita State University, and is a Certified Public Manager through Kansas University.

“I have 20 years of combined experience in governmental accounting and human resources while serving as Finance Director and Assistant City Manager with the City of Fort Scott, Business Manager for U234, and most recently Chief Financial Officer for Bourbon County.  I also worked for NPC as their Human Resources Manager overseeing payroll, risk management and benefits for 40,000 employees across half of the United States at Pizza Hut and Wendy’s restaurants.”

“After losing my husband in a car accident in 2019, I needed to work closer to home for my daughter and was blessed to have the opportunity to return to the City of Fort Scott for a short time as Finance Director. I have worked for Bourbon County as CFO since January of 2022.”

“While serving as CFO I have identified a lack of financial controls which leads to errors.   When hired, the County had experienced five years of audit violations and unreconciled cash.  I worked with County Departments to address deficiencies and am pleased to say that the 2022 and 2023 audits had no violations.”

“The county form of government relies on statutory authority given to the County Clerk, Treasurer and Commission with very specific requirements for checks and balances.  Following these statutory checks and balances are important to protect the county from errors and fraud.  There are still many procedures to implement to protect the County in the future and I feel I can be more effective in making these changes as County Clerk.  Jennifer Hawkins (current County Clerk), Patty Love (current County Treasurer, and I have worked well together over the past two years. Patty has decided not to run for re-election as County Treasurer. Jennifer worked in the Treasurer’s office for five years and felt she would better serve the community in this role since she has experience in the Motor Vehicle office.  Jennifer is a wealth of knowledge for many departments in the County and this would also make the transition smooth if she were to be elected as Treasurer.”

“The Bourbon County Clerk serves as the clerk to the Board of County Commissioners and maintains all records for the board.  The Clerk is also responsible for ensuring budget and cash laws are being followed by each department and taxing entity.  The clerk is statutorily charged with calculating the July and November abstracts of valuation and taxation, preparation of the tax role, special assessments, and motor vehicle abstracts.  The County Clerk is also the Election Officer, sells licenses for KDWP, conducts permitting for fireworks and cereal malt beverages, maintains fixed asset inventory, assists taxpayers with Homestead and Food Sales Tax refunds, serves as Freedom of Information Officer, Administers Oaths of Office.  In addition, the Clerk administers accounts payable, payroll and human resources duties.

“Most of my working adult life I have held a position that serves our community.  I want to continue to serve the community in which I live in the most transparent, efficient, and professional manner possible.  There is a lack of trust in our community, and I plan to improve our website with current information to keep the community better informed.”

“As stated before, there are still many procedures to implement in financial controls.  I plan to work with all departments to reduce liability.”

“The most important issue to me for Bourbon County to be successful is electing individuals to positions with experience, the willingness to collaborate and work together, civility, and transparency.”

Lora Holdridge. Submitted photo.
Lora Holdridge, 57, is the current Bourbon County Register of Deeds and is running unopposed.
The  Bourbon County Register of Deeds’s primary role is ensuring all documents are recorded and indexed properly, she said.
“We deal with all real estate,” she said. “We record over 100 types of documents and index them in our track index books.”
“The most pressing issue for the register of deeds is to preserve all land records for the future,” she said.  “Where all land transactions begin.”
Holdridge has 20 years of experience in this job.
In her spare time, she enjoys “watching my grandchildren in various activities.”
James Crux. Submitted photo.

James Crux, 32, is the only candidate for the Bourbon County Attorney position and currently is the Assistant County Attorney in the Bourbon County Attorney’s Office.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts from  Fort Hays State University and J.D. Washburn University School of Law and has worked as a prosecutor since 2017.

“Bourbon County is a great place that is dealing with issues that a lot of what smaller communities are dealing with.  Keeping the residents of Bourbon County safe, alongside our law enforcement partners, is my biggest concern. ”

“I see the Bourbon County Attorney’s primary role as doing justice,” Crux said.

Bourbon County, Elections

Kansas State Senator District 13 Candidates On The August 8 Ballot

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This is part of a series of those candidates running in the Kansas Primary Eection in August, 2024.
The following are the  three candidates for  District 13 Kansas State Senator:
Tim Shallenburger. Submitted photo.
Tim Shallenburger, 70, Baxter Springs is the incumbent 13th District Kansas Senator, running again for the position.
Schallenburger attended Pittsburg State, served in the 1990s in the Kansas Legislature, past speaker of the Kansas House and former Kansas State Treasurer.
He has been involved over the years in many civic and community organizations; Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, etc. and has served as mayor of Baxter Springs prior to becoming state senator.
For Schllenburger, the primary role of a Kansas Senator is to protect freedoms outlined in the constitution, fight against wasteful spending and unnecessary regulation.
The most pressing issue currently in the Kansas Senate is to lower the state tax burden.
“We have a massive surplus of citizen’s money deposited in state bank accounts which should be in citizens bank accounts,”  he said.
Sam Owens. Submitted photo.

Sam Owen, 29, Fort Scott, graduated from Hamilton, MO. High School in 2014 and attended Fort Scott Community College from 2014-16 earning an associates degree in construction.

The primary role of a Kansas Senator is to ” be honest, trustworthy to the American people in this District 13. I going get the job done in the office my first four years in office. I am not going sit talk about it, I am going to fight and pass what should pass what shouldn’t be pass.”
The most pressing Kansas Senate  issues currently, in his view:
“1. Health Care Costs- We need to lower expenses for medical services, insurance premiums, and prescription drugs impact residents’ access to quality health care,
2. Lower taxes down,
3. Economic Growth- Infrastructure attracts businesses, creates jobs, and stimulates economic activity. And Increase minimum wages.
4. Education funding- Make schools better, safer, and more protected in each county.”
Austin Stapleton, Photo by Breana Clark.
Austin Stapleton, 30, lives in Pittsburg and attended
 Pittsburg State University.
In the past, he has been Bourbon County Democratic Party Vice Chairperson, Bourbon County Precinct Committeeperson, Co-founder and President of Crawford County Young Democrats.
 Currently, he is the Kansas Democratic Party Rural Caucus Secretary, Crawford County Precinct Committeeperson, and Kansas Democratic Party Second Congressional District Delegate.
Stapleton’s community involvement has been in Pittsburg Community Chorus Outreach Committee Chairperson, a member of Pittsburg Area Young Professionals, participant in Pittsburg Community Theatre and Triple Threat Threeatrics.
“The primary role of Kansas Senator is the sum of their constituents’ voices,” he said. “State senators have the responsibility and honor of representing their district’s values to wider state government. A state senator should always have the best interests of their district at heart when proposing legislation, confirming appointments,  allocating resources, and working to secure solutions across the aisle. If I am entrusted with the honor of representing District 13, I will use the skill set I’ve acquired from my time as a case manager to seek out and ensure safety, opportunity, and dignity for District 13.”
The most pressing issue of the Kansas Senate is “Securing the social, economic, and legislative safety of all Kansans is the paramount issue in the Kansas Senate. When working-class Kansans are well-represented by leaders who have their best interests at heart, we can ensure the dignity of affordable healthcare, career opportunities, well-funded public education, social acceptance, and constitutionally enshrined access to reproductive healthcare.”
To view the candidate series previously featured:
Bourbon County, Elections

Candidates for Bourbon County Commission In August 2024

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The following is part of a series on candidates for the August 2024 Primary Election.

This is the first in the series profiling Bourbon County Commission candidates.

Leroy Kruger. Submitted photo.

Leroy Kruger,51, Fort Scott. and is a graduate of Fort Scott High School GED. He is running for the District 3 position.

“I have a background in finance and law enforcement and currently work for the city of Fort Scott in the code and zoning enforcement,” Kruger said.

In his spare time, “I coach my grandsons in baseball basketball, and football,” he said.

“The primary role of a commissioner is to be the voice of those whom I represent,” he said.

He sees as pressing issues: a five-man commission,  shared services, and cutting the cost to recoup the carryover from year to year.

“They (the current commissioners) lowered the mil without cutting the budget,” he said. “So less money coming in with the same going out. To make up for this mistake they paid the overage with a carryover slush fund and have depleted it to the point that next year there won’t be any money to cover the cost without raising taxes or cutting a lot of jobs.”

Steve Houston. Submitted photo.
Steve Houston, 44, lives outside of Fort Scott on a farm that has been in his family since 1957. He is running for the District 3 position.
He is a 1998 graduate of Nevada High School, attended one year at Fort Scott Community College, and completed welding school at Missouri Welding Institute in Nevada, MO in 2001.
“I have no political experience,” he said. “My father was Third District County Commissioner for 12 years so I have a basic understanding of what is required and expected.”
“I’m not currently involved with any community activities because I am busy trying to raise my children,” he said. “The oldest is 11 and the youngest is 4-year-old twins. They keep my wife and I busy during any time we are away from work. I have a full-time job as a truck driver and equipment operator for Skitch’s Hauling and  Excavation, I am currently a substitute bus driver for USD 234 and hoping for a full-time position when school resumes. I’m no different than any other family man in Bourbon County. I work hard, I try my best to provide for my family, and I want to ensure a future for my kids in Bourbon County long after I’m dead and gone.”
“I believe the primary role of ANY elected official should be to represent, address, and voice the desires and concerns of the people that elected that official,” he said.
“As far as pressing issues, I don’t think any issue facing the county can be singled out. It depends on what group of people you are addressing as to what the pressing issue will be. Not every resident will view issues in the same order of importance. We are facing multiple issues and all are equally important.”
David Beerbower. Sumbitted photo.

David Beerbower, 60, Fort Scott has a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is running for the District 2 position.

He has 16 experience years with the Fort Scott Police Department, 32 years military service with the United States Marine Corps and Kansas Army National Guard, serving one tour in Iraq. He has also worked 22 years for Evergy.

He is a husband and father of seven daughters and 19 grandchildren.

He is a top contributor to the Facebook site; Concerned Citizens of Bourbon Co. Citizens for Property Rights.

Beerbower says the primary roles of county commissioners are leadership, teamwork, and stewardship.

“A county commissioner is one of the top decision-makers for the county,” he said. “You need to be a motivator and provide the support that gives your people the best opportunity for success…, look for alternative ideas and solutions to continuously improve operations. Because you are one of three or five, being a team player is vital to the overall success of county operations. Finding common ground and looking at the big picture is essential for the success of projects and development. The most important role of a county commissioner is being a good steward of our citizen’s tax dollars… managing this money and finding efficient ways to reduce costs is one means of reducing this burden.”

Reestablishing trust between commissioners and citizens is the most pressing issue, he said.

“Elected representatives need to be straightforward in their decisions, humble in their dealings with their citizens and they need to take ownership of action. Service to others should always be the mindset. My campaign slogan is Can Do!…a positive attitude having the mindset that you can achieve anything. Being proactive, taking on all challenges, and facing difficulties with the attitude that it can be solved. All the issues this county faces; taxes, economic development, and infrastructure takes involvement from everyone. If you don’t have the trust that you are working for them, then your answer will always be ‘There’s nothing we can do, or our hands are tied'”.

Bourbon County, Elections, Jobs

Candidates File for Primary Election: Change Coming For Bourbon County Government

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The Vote Here sign sits in front of the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National in 2018.

The Bourbon County Primary Election Day will be on August 6.

“Early voting will begin on July 29, to give everybody a week to come in early to vote,” Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins said.

Five Bourbon County Government officials are seeking re-election this year.

And there is a shift in elected personnel.

Patty Love, the current Bourbon County Treasurer, has decided to retire and will not seek re-election this year, according to Hawkins.

“After much consideration, I have decided to run for Bourbon County Treasurer,” she said. “I spent five years working in the  Treasurer’s Office and feel my knowledge and experience are needed in that office.”

Love, Hawkins, and Bourbon County Chief Financial Officer Susan Walker have worked closely on county issues over the past few years, Hawkins said.

“We are making great progress within the organization, as evident by the good audits, however; I feel there is still more to accomplish, and I can help accomplish this by being Treasurer,” she said.

“Susan Walker, CFO, has played an integral part in my success as County Clerk and I feel she would be an excellent Clerk as she has 20 years of experience in human resources and municipal finance and government,” Hawkins said.

“Many do not know that Susan is a Certified Municipal Clerk through Wichita State University,” Hawkins said. “Given how well our offices have worked in the past I feel this will make for a smooth transition. Our plans are to create policies and procedures to ensure financial controls are in place for future elected officials.”

“By working together and developing policies and procedures there will be checks and balances in place and the need for a Chief Financial Officer can be eliminated potentially saving the wages of the CFO or reallocating the wages to other needs,” Hawkins said.

The following are the other incumbents and their challengers, with a short explanation of the duties of the office.

Commissioners

All three of the commissioner seats are up for re-election.

The current three County Commissioners, Clifton Beth (District 3), Jim Harris ( District 2), and Brandon Whisenhunt (District 1) have thrown their hat in the ring to serve again.

Those running against them are Clinton Walker, David Beerbower, Steven Houston, and Leroy Kruger.

The county commissioners are the chief elected officials of the county, according to the county’s website. They set policies and procedures for running the courthouse and set the budgets for all Bourbon County departments.

County Attorney

Tiara McElroy is not running again for Bourbon County Attorney and James Crux has filed for that position.

The county attorney is the prosecuting attorney for the county.

Register of Deeds

Register of Deeds Lora Holdridge has filed for the position again and no one filed to run against her.

The register of deeds keeps and records all deeds to property located in the county, according to the county’s website.  He/She maintains military discharge records and school records as well.

County Treasurer

Jennifer Hawkins and Michael Hoyt are running for county treasurer. Hawkins is the current Bourbon County Clerk.

According to the county’s website, the county treasurer collects and distributes all real and personal property taxes and is an agent for the Kansas Division of Vehicles for vehicle and title registrations.

County Clerk

Susan Walker, the current Bourbon County Finance Director, has filed for the Bourbon County Clerk position.

The county clerk is the county’s chief election officer who maintains voter registration and conducts all elections in the county, according to the county’s website.  He/she sets the tax roll and keeps records for the county as Freedom of Information Officer.

Sheriff

Sheriff Bill Martin filed to run again and is being challenged by Nelson Blythe.

The county sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of the county, according to the county’s website.

 

To view all the state and other county filings provided the county clerk:

2024 Primary Election Candidates – Copy

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Elections

Bo Co Democrats Meet on June 9

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Bourbon County Democrats will hold a working meeting on Sunday June 9th from 2 – 4 p.m.
We will meet in Zimmerman Hall of the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Scott. Please enter using the south doors.
The meeting will consist of an overview of the field plan for this election year as well as the assignment of voter lists and preparation of mailings. Please come ready to work–and to have fun.  We have enough of both for all of you!
For information, contact chair Carol MacArthur by text or phone call at 620 215 1505.

Bourbon County, Elections

Today Is The Day For Healthcare Sales Tax Question To Be Decided

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Vote Here sign at the Bourbon County Courthouse.

People who have been wanting to make their voices heard on a sales tax to establish and operate emergency healthcare in our community will soon have their chance.

The Bourbon County Commission election is today, May 14 for voters to decide.

“It was suggested months ago to put the matter of a healthcare sales tax on the ballot when the subject of subsidizing an emergency room, due to  Ascension Via Christi closing the emergency room, was first announced,” said Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins.

To view the press release of the closure:

December 20: Ascension Via Christi Closes Emergency Department in Fort Scott

Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins. Submitted photo.

At the March 11, 2024 meeting of the Bourbon County Commission, Commissioner Clifton Beth made a motion to approve a community vote on the idea.

Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth. Submitted photo.

“The original question asked for a one-half cent sales tax, but Clifton made a motion to approve the question changing it to a one-quarter cent sales tax and it was approved by all three Commissioners,” Hawkins said. “The purpose of the sales tax is to be used as needed for the establishment and operation of an Emergency Department in Bourbon County.”

 

 

Here is the wording of the question that will be asked of Bourbon County residents:

Shall the following be adopted?

 

Bourbon County shall adopt a one-quarter cent retail sales tax effective October 1, 2024, and continuing for 5 years. Said tax shall be used as needed for establishment and operation of an Emergency Department in Bourbon County. Upon termination, remaining tax funds shall be used for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and/or property tax reduction as determined by the Bourbon County Commissioners.

 

              Yes

              No

Bourbon County, Elections

Bourbon County Democrats Kick-Off Get Out The Vote

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What: Bourbon County Democrats’ GOTV (Get out the Vote) kickoff begins with an orientation by Kansas Democrats State Leadership team.
Where: Zimmerman Hall (in basement) of the First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford St., Fort Scott.
When: Sunday, May 19 th , 2024, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Please call or text 620 215 1505 for more information or to rsvp.
 This is for training for our county volunteers, anyone concerned about the upcoming election and willing to help get out the vote.
 Some of our county’s field plans will be discussed and the reasoning behind it.
 Discussion of issues and how to talk about them with others.
 This training isn’t just for people going door to door. It’s for people who will volunteer in any way they can or wish.
Please call or text 620 215 1505 for more information.

Bourbon County, Elections, Fort Scott, Health Care

May 14 Sales Tax For an ER Is Crucial to Bourbon County, Citizens Group Says

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The emergency room operations at the former Mercy Hospital sit vacant.
The Citizens for an ER group “do not see a way forward to have a provider reestablish an emergency room in Bourbon County,” said Craig Campbell, a member of the citizens’ group, ” if the May 14 vote for a sales tax is not approved.
“The Citizens for an E.R. committee appreciate the concerns, the insightful questions, and the support of the Uniontown and the Fort Scott town hall attendees,” Randy Nichols, another member,  said.  “Please vote to reopen our E.R.   Early voting starts May 6th at the courthouse.  Voting on May 14th will be at your usual polling location.”
Members of the group are Jamie Armstrong, Campbell, Lynda Foster, Charles Gentry, Mark McCoy, Nichols, and Douglas Ropp.
The group has held two public input meetings, one on April 11 in Fort Scott and one in Uniontown on April 24, to help tell the benefits of reestablishing an ER and get questions from the community.
To view the prior story on the first citizen’s input meeting:
The attendees of the town hall meeting in Uniontown on Wednesday had approximately 15-20 people.

 

“We opened the meeting stressing the importance of an emergency department to the citizens of Bourbon County,” Campbell said.

At the Uniontown meeting, there were new questions asked: “Concerns expressed at the meeting involved what the money could be spent for, why we need an ER. , and where would it be located,” Nichols said

 

Randy Nichols said “The ballot language is specific, stating for the five-year tax duration, (he quoted from the ballot), “Said tax shall be used as needed for establishment and operation of an emergency department in Bourbon County.”  If an E.R. is not established the ballot states, “upon termination, remaining tax funds shall be used for EMS and /or property tax reduction as determined by the Bourbon County Commissioners.”

“In other words, the money can only be spent on an E.R,” Nichols said.  “It cannot be used on other projects and would be returned to the community if we do not get an E.R.  A citizens committee has been appointed by the Commission to review and periodically report to the public that the money is being spent as per the ballot language.”

The needs for an ER are many, Campbell said.

“There is a need to protect those with failing health, workers in hazardous occupations, and children playing contact sports, being able to retain and recruit businesses in Bourbon County,”  he said.

“It allows our citizens quicker access to doctors, nurses, lab and radiology techs and medications that can assess and treat the health issues being presented,” Campbell said. ” Our Emergency Medical Service is top-notch!  The Rural Emergency Health mentioned earlier was written for places like Bourbon County.  It stresses 1) solid primary care, 2) great EMS, and 3) an emergency department.  We had these in place until last December 20th.  This tax question when passed would restore our three-pronged strategy to effective healthcare in Bourbon County.”

The tax is small per person.

“We reminded folks that the 0.25% sales tax would add 25 cents to the cost of a $100 purchase at the store, “Campbell said. ” And that the tax has a five-year hard stop on it.”
 “The tax can only be used to support reopening our ER and its ongoing operation,” he said. “The next step would be to get Congress to re-date the effective date of the Rural Emergency Hospital Act to December of 2015 so that hospitals such as Fort Scott’s would be eligible to receive funding for the emergency hospital.”
Graphic provided by the Citizens For an ER.
“It will operate in its previous area within the former hospital at 401 Woodland Hills Boulevard,” Campbell said.  “Medical equipment remains there as the result of a donation by Ascension (Via Christi, which closed operations at that site in December 2023).
“The current site is available and ready as it is fully equipped with lab, x-ray, CT scanner and ultrasound,” Nichols said. “These were gifted to the county by Ascension Via Christi -Pittsburg saving on the cost of reopening.   The building also has room for expansion to include observation beds and outpatient services (for example out patient surgery)  if Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation can be obtained in the future.”
“Rural Emergency Hospital is a federally funded designation supporting an E.R., observation beds, and out-patient services,” Nichols said.  “This is a program not yet available to Bourbon County but having an E.R. is the first step to achieve the expanded services of REH.  Having REH would relieve the need for community tax support.”

“The attendees praised the EMS service but also supported the need for an E.R.,” Nichols said.  “Having an E.R. is a needed part of our health care delivery system. An emergency room and EMS are mutually beneficial services.  Having an E.R. improves our overall community health outcomes.  “(We) recognize most E.R. visits are by walk-in patients so without an E.R. it’s likely there will be more ambulance calls and all runs will be out of the county.    Statistically, a majority of those people will not require hospitalization and would be better/ more efficiently served locally.   An E.R. was also recognized to have county-wide economic development and long-term property tax benefits.”

 

The Vote Here sign sits in front of the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. Nationa. There will be a sales tax question on the ballot on May 14, 2024.