Category Archives: Government

Bourbon County, Elections, Government, Kansas

2026 Bourbon County Primary: Full Candidate List & Ballot Question

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2026 Bourbon County Primary Election: Candidates and Ballot Question

The Bourbon County Clerk’s office has released the official list of candidates and ballot question for the August 2026 Primary Election. Below is a complete breakdown of every race and the constitutional amendment question that Bourbon County voters will see on their ballots.

Democratic Primary Candidates

United States Senator

  • Damon Anderson – Shawnee
  • Christy Davis – Cottonwood Falls
  • Adam Hamilton – Stilwell
  • Jason Hart – Wichita
  • Kevin Latz – Mission Hills
  • Erik Murray – Kansas City
  • Sandy Spidel Neumann – Overland Park
  • Anne Parelkar – Overland Park
  • Patrick C. Schmidt – Topeka
  • Michael “Mike” Soetaert – Wellington
  • Noah Taylor – Kechi

U.S. House of Representatives – District 2

  • Don Coover – Galesburg

Kansas Governor / Lt. Governor

  • Ethan Corson / Renee Duxler – Salina
  • Cindy Holscher / KC Ohaebosim – Wichita
  • Curt Skoog / Jennifer Bacani McKenney – Fredonia

Kansas Secretary of State

  • Jennifer Day – Overland Park
  • Samuel Lane – Shawnee

Kansas Attorney General

  • Chris Mann – Lawrence

Kansas State Treasurer

  • Juan C. Luengo – Olathe

Commissioner of Insurance

  • Dinah Sykes – Lenexa

State Board of Education – District 9

  • Heather Guernsey – Chanute

Bourbon County Commissioner – District 1

  • Clinton L. Walker – Mapleton

Bourbon County Commissioner – District 3

  • No candidate filed

Bourbon County Commissioner – District 4

  • No candidate filed

Township Clerk (Democratic)

No candidates filed in Drywood, Franklin, Freedom, Marion, Millcreek, Marmaton, Osage, Pawnee, Scott, Timberhill, or Walnut townships.

Democratic Precinct Committeeman/Committeewoman

Precinct Position Candidate
7th Ward Committeewoman Tracy J. Schafer – Fort Scott
Marmaton D2 Committeewoman Thelma J. Quirin – Redfield
Millcreek Committeewoman Jane L. Gaines – Fort Scott
Scott D4 Committeewoman Carol K. Lydic – Fort Scott
Timberhill Committeeman Clinton Lee Walker – Mapleton
Timberhill Committeewoman Rachel Walker – Mapleton
All other Democratic precinct positions: No candidate filed

Republican Primary Candidates

United States Senator

  • Roger Marshall – St. John
  • Pond Naramore – Lawrence

U.S. House of Representatives – District 2

  • Derek Schmidt – Independence
  • Chad E. Young – Lawrence

Kansas Governor / Lt. Governor

  • Ty Masterson / Jeffrey Klemp – Lansing
  • Charlotte O’Hara / Michelle Dombrosky – Olathe
  • Nick Reinecker / Katy Reinecker – Inman
  • Stacy L. Rogers / Michael W. Smith – Lansing
  • Philip Sarnecki / Joy Eakins – Wichita
  • Vicki Schmidt / Joe Newland – Neodesha
  • Scott Schwab / Ken Rahjes – Agra

Kansas Secretary of State

  • Pat Proctor – Leavenworth

Kansas Attorney General

  • Kris Kobach – Lecompton

Kansas State Treasurer

  • Steven Johnson – Assaria

Commissioner of Insurance

  • Daniel Hawkins – Wichita

Kansas House of Representatives – District 4

  • Rick James – La Cygne

State Board of Education – District 9

  • Destry Brown – Fort Scott
  • Kristian Gerken – Paola
  • Renee Slinkard – Parker

Bourbon County Commissioner – District 1

  • Lyle K. (Pete) Owenby – Redfield
  • Mike Hueston – Mapleton
  • Lisa Dillon – Fort Scott

Bourbon County Commissioner – District 3

  • Joe Allen – Fort Scott
  • Josh Jones – Fort Scott

Bourbon County Commissioner – District 4

  • Gregg Motley – Fort Scott

Township Clerk (Republican)

  • Drywood: Laura Krom
  • Franklin: No candidate filed
  • Freedom: No candidate filed
  • Marion: Brent M. Smith; Michael Ramsey
  • Millcreek: No candidate filed
  • Marmaton: No candidate filed
  • Osage: No candidate filed
  • Pawnee: No candidate filed
  • Scott: Donald Banwart
  • Timberhill: Jennifer Epting Williams
  • Walnut: No candidate filed

Republican Precinct Committeeman/Committeewoman

Precinct Position Candidate(s)
1st Ward Committeeman Kevin W. Davidson
1st Ward Committeewoman Cheryl L. Adamson
2nd Ward Committeeman Robert J. Uhler
2nd Ward Committeewoman Laurie R. Uhler
3rd Ward Committeeman Brian Rhoades
3rd Ward Committeewoman Brandy L. Rhoades
4th Ward Committeeman Matthew Wells
4th Ward Committeewoman Katie Wells
5th Ward Committeeman No candidate filed
5th Ward Committeewoman Jana R. Walker
6th Ward Committeeman Douglas E. Niemeir
6th Ward Committeewoman No candidate filed
7th Ward Committeeman Michael Hoyt; Robert S. Love
7th Ward Committeewoman Patricia S. Love
Drywood Committeeman Larry Shead
Drywood Committeewoman Vickie Shead; Laura Krom
Franklin Committeeman Tony Bradbury
Franklin Committeewoman Kaitlyn Bradbury
Freedom D1 Committeeman No candidate filed
Freedom D1 Committeewoman Janice Seested
Freedom D5 Committeeman Lawrence Paddock
Freedom D5 Committeewoman Karen A. Paddock
Marion Committeeman No candidate filed
Marion Committeewoman Nancy Holt
Marmaton D2 Committeeman Jeffrey L. Reed; Micheal Bryant
Marmaton D2 Committeewoman Angela Soetaert
Marmaton D4 Committeeman No candidate filed
Marmaton D4 Committeewoman No candidate filed
Millcreek Committeeman Boa Casper
Millcreek Committeewoman Katie K. Casper
Osage Committeeman Joshua Kee; Marvin Creager
Osage Committeewoman Mika Milburn-Kee
Pawnee Committeeman Kevin Wagner
Pawnee Committeewoman Rachel Wagner
Scott D1 Committeeman Jim Sackett
Scott D1 Committeewoman Gayle Sackett
Scott D2 Committeeman Bryan Holt
Scott D2 Committeewoman Tara Holt
Scott D3 Committeeman Luke Demko
Scott D3 Committeewoman No candidate filed
Scott D4 Committeeman Roy D. Dare
Scott D4 Committeewoman Anne Dare
Scott D5 Committeeman Bill Lalman
Scott D5 Committeewoman Glenda Lalman
Timberhill Committeeman Timothy H. Emerson Sr.; Brandon Whisenhunt
Timberhill Committeewoman Rebecca Whisenhunt
Walnut Committeeman Jason Sutterby
Walnut Committeewoman Rebecca Sutterby

Constitutional Amendment Question

In addition to candidate races, voters will be asked to decide on a proposed constitutional amendment regarding how Kansas Supreme Court justices are selected.

Explanatory Statement

This amendment gives voters the right to elect the justices of the Kansas Supreme Court. The justices shall serve terms of six years, with elections of justice positions 1, 2 and 3 to occur in 2028, positions 4 and 5 to occur in 2030, and positions 6 and 7 to occur in 2032, and every six years thereafter. The rules applicable for such elections and the designation of position numbers shall be provided by law. Any vacancy on the court for an unexpired term shall be filled at an election as provided by law.

A vote FOR this proposition would give Kansas citizens the right to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices as provided by law. Justices will hold office for terms of six years. The Kansas Supreme Court nominating commission, whose membership consists of a majority of lawyers, would be abolished.

A vote AGAINST this proposition would continue the current system in which the Kansas Supreme Court nominating commission, whose membership consists of a majority of lawyers, provides the governor a list of three individuals to choose from for vacancies on the Kansas Supreme Court. Justices hold office for a term of six years and retain their offices if they win a retention election in which they do not face an opponent.

Proposed Amendment Text (§ 5 – Selection of Justices of the Supreme Court)

The citizens of Kansas who are qualified electors shall elect the justices of the supreme court. The rules applicable for such elections and the designation of position numbers shall be provided by law. Justice positions 1, 2 and 3 shall be elected at the general election in November of 2028, justice positions 4 and 5 in November of 2030 and justice positions 6 and 7 in November of 2032, and every six years thereafter, respectively. Any vacancy occurring on the supreme court for an unexpired term shall be filled by election as provided by law.

The full text of the amendment, including proposed changes to §§ 8 and 15 of the Kansas Constitution, is available in the attached ballot PDF.

Source: Bourbon County Clerk’s Office.

Documents:

Government, Kansas

Kansas June Tax Collections $1.07B, 3.2% Above Estimate

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TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends June 2026 with total tax collections at $1.07 billion. That is $33.5 million, or 3.2%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 1.0% from June 2025.

Individual income tax collections were $490.0 million. That is $25.0 million, or 5.4% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 4.0% from June 2025. Corporate income tax collections were $185.1 million. That is $7.1 million, or 4.0% above the estimate, and down 11.0% from June 2025.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $296.8 million, which is $1.2 million, or 0.4%, below the estimate, and up 2.0% from June 2025.

Fort Scott, Government

FS Public Library Board Is Seeking A Member

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VACANCIES FOR LIBRARY BOARD – (1) opening for a (4)-year term. This board meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Fort Scott Public Library.  For further information please contact the library director, Jennifer Gum-Fowler at (620) 223-2882. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS MONDAY, JULY 6th AT 5:00pm.

Please submit ALL Letters of Interest to the City Clerk by the deadlines indicated either in person at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street or by email.  PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE CONTACT INFORMATION. All letters will be verified, and all candidates must appear before the City Commission when scheduled by agenda. If letters cannot be verified, they will not be considered. For questions, please contact Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at [email protected]or (620) 223-0550 ext. 507.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Courts Launch Eviction Expungement Portal

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TOPEKA—People who’ve gone through an eviction case now have access to an online resource to request that the eviction be removed, or expunged, from the court record if certain criteria are met.

The Kansas judicial branch launched the new Eviction Expungement Portal on July 1. It allows people who are not represented by an attorney to file electronically to request the record of their eviction be removed if they meet certain qualifications under law.

Using the portal, a person can file a court motion to remove the record and submit a return of service to show the motion was served on the plaintiff in the case. The plaintiff has 30 days after the motion is delivered to them to file an objection with the court.

The portal walks the person through finding their eviction case and filing the motion to have the record of it removed. The portal also collects information that it uses to generate forms.

After the person submits the necessary forms through the portal, the documents are sent to the appropriate district court for filing in their eviction case.

The portal also connects the filer with forms created by the Kansas Judicial Council to help with the process.

If a person is represented by an attorney, their attorney would file the motion through the Kansas Courts eFiling system.

During the 2026 session, the Kansas Legislature passed 2026 Substitute for House Bill 2357. The bill created the option for someone to request that an eviction be removed from the court record and required that an electronic process be available for submitting that request.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, Government, History

Immerse Yourself in America’s History at the Fort On July 4

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Join Fort Scott NHS for the Sights and Sounds of American Independence

Fort Scott, Kan. – Celebrate American independence with the sounds of cannon fire and immersion in America’s history while honoring the men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation.

 

On Saturday, July 4th, we will fire artillery, lead Fort tours, and honor all those who have fought for our freedom.

 

SATURDAY, JULY 4

10 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration

11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration

1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration

3 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration

 

Visitors and community members are reminded that fireworks are not permitted on the grounds of Fort Scott National Historic Site.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information or to learn how to get involved, call 620-223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

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About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.

 

Credit Photo as: NPS Photo of an artillery firing.

 

 

Submitted by Carl Brenner
Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management
Fort Scott National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fosc)

National Park Service, DOI Region 5

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Bridge Repair Bid Approved on Hwy. 69

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KDOT announces approved June bids

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place on June 17 in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑7454‑02 – Statewide, special, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $461,200.00.

District One — Northeast

Johnson ‑ 35‑46 KA‑7668‑01 – Southbound I‑35, located 0.18 mile north of Johnson Drive in Johnson County, signing, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $654,869.00.

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑7635‑01 – Highways K‑9, K‑63, K‑71, K‑87, K‑88, K‑110, K‑178, K‑187, K‑236, K‑246, U.S. 75 and U.S. 36 in Nemaha, Brown, Jackson, Pottawatomie and Marshall counties, signing, KOMO Construction LLC /DBA A&H CO., ELKO New Market, Minnesota, $671,222.00.

District Two — North Central

Geary ‑ 70‑31 KA‑7706‑01 – I‑70, I‑70/K‑177 junction, lighting, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $828,854.00.

District Four — Southeast

Bourbon ‑ 69‑6 KA‑7621‑01 – U.S. 69, bridge #059 carrying U.S. 69 southbound lanes over Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad located 7.87 miles north of the U.S. 69/U.S. 54 north junction, bridge repair, PCI Roads LLC, Maple Grove, Minnesota, $438,969.97.

Miami ‑ 68‑61 KA‑2373‑04 – K‑68, from U.S.169 east 6.8 miles to 0.8 mile west of U.S. 69 at Louisburg, grading, bridge and surfacing, 6.8 miles, Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Missouri, $59,986,178.61.

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑7646‑01 – Highways K‑31, K‑58, U.S. 59, U.S. 169 and U.S. 169B in Anderson, Franklin, Linn, Allen and Coffey counties, signing, Cooper Construction LLC, Emporia, Kansas, $593,557.00.

District Five — South Central

Cowley ‑ 77‑18 KA‑4137‑01 – U.S. 77, from 1.86 miles north of the north U.S. 77/U.S. 166 junction past the south Winfield city limits to the south edge of wearing surface of the Walnut River Bridges #009 and #074, grading, bridge and surfacing, 8.6 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $67,798,669.93.

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑7641‑01 – Highways K‑44, K‑49, U.S. 81, U.S. 160, U.S. 166 and U.S. 177 in Sumner, Sedgwick, Cowley and Harper counties, signing, Jon Fulsom Construction LLC, Wellington, Kansas, $615,715.35

District Six — Southwest

Seward ‑ 54‑88 KA‑6280‑01 – U.S. 54, located at U.S. 54 and South Western Avenue in the city of Liberal, traffic signals, TLS Group Inc., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, $504,635.30.

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑7647‑01 – Highways K‑27, U.S. 160 and U.S. 400 in Hamilton, Greeley, Kearny and Stanton counties, signing, Red Line Signing LLC, Victoria, Kansas, $338,449.80

 

 

The following projects were approved from the May 20 bid letting.

Lyon ‑ 99‑56 KA‑7274‑01 – K-99, geometric improvements in Emporia from Soden Bridge to Kansas Avenue, grading and surfacing, 0.6 mile, Killough Construction, Inc., Ottawa, Kansas, $1,826,160.61.

Thomas ‑ 97 C‑5361‑01 – Bridge over South Fork of Saline River, located 8.4 miles south and 3.0 miles west of Mingo, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, Wildcat Construction Co., Inc., & Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $256,736.70.

Pawnee ‑ 73 C‑5357‑01 – Bridge over Ash Creek located 3.0 miles north and 2.5 miles east of Larned, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, L & M Contractors, Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $529,495.50

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Government, Kansas

Ks Dept. of Agriculture Announces Photo Contest

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The beauty of Kansas agriculture can’t be captured by a camera, but we encourage you to try in the annual Kansas Department of Agriculture Photo Contest. KDA is now accepting photo entries, and will continue accepting entries through August 16.

This year’s KDA Photo Contest categories were selected to celebrate the hard work that happens all year long in Kansas agriculture by recognizing the seasons: Spring into the Fields, Life in the Summer, Fall on the Farm, and Winter at Work. These categories allow you to showcase Kansas agriculture in many ways — from spring planting through fall harvest, from the intense heat of summer to the bitter cold of winter. As always, there is a separate Youth division, for young photographers age 18 and under. And a video category will welcome drone footage, harvest videos, or other short clips of under 30 seconds that showcase Kansas agriculture. Prizes will be awarded to the top two winners in each of the six categories.

KDA serves to advocate for agriculture, the state’s largest industry and economic driver. Photos which best capture the categories will be used throughout the year as we tell the story of Kansas agriculture. After submission, KDA is granted permission to use any photograph for publications, social media, websites, displays, etc. without payment or other consideration from the photographer.

Photo entries should be sent in .jpg format to [email protected]. Videos should be sent in .mp4 or .mov format. Entries must include a title and brief description, where and when the photo/video was taken, the photographer’s full name and age, entry category, hometown, and email address.

Guidelines for the KDA Photo Contest, including deadlines, categories and prizes, can be found at agriculture.ks.gov/PhotoContest. Voting to select finalists will begin on KDA’s social media sites in mid-August. For more information, contact Heather Lansdowne, KDA director of communications, at [email protected] or 785-564-6706.

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Entries Now Open for KDA Photo Contest.pdf
Government, Kansas

KDOT Requests Comment on Statewide Transportation

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The Kansas Department of Transportation requests comments on an amendment to the Federal Fiscal Year 2026-2029 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at ksdot.gov/about/publications-and-reports/state-transportation-improvement-program-stip.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes July 9. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at 785-296-2252.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 785-296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

 

Fort Scott Community College, Government

Agenda For the FSCC Trustees Special Meeting on June 15

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING
ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER
JUNE 15, 2026 – 5:30 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER – CHAIR DOUG ROPP
1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk
___Bailey___Brown___Cosens___Hoyt___McKinnis___Ropp
2.0 FLAG SALUTE & INVOCATION
3.0 APPROVAL OF OFFICIAL AGENDA (ACTION)
4.0 APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (ACTION)
4.1 Minutes
• May 14, 2026, Board of Trustees Special Meeting
• May 18, 2026, Board of Trustees Meeting
• June 2, 2026, Special Board Meeting
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register – $386,285.99
4.4 Payroll
• May 15, 2026 – $755,977.54
• June 15, 2026 – $635,645.75
4.5 Contract Ratification
• Contract – UAMS e-Link
5.0 COMMUNITY, EMPLOYEE, AND STUDENT RECOGNITION (INFORMATION)
5.1 Program Review – none
5.2 Recognition: Students & Program Update
o Kirk Sharp and Gordon Parks Museum
6.0 LEADERSHIP REPORTS & UPDATES (INFORMATION)
7.0 OLD BUSINESS
7.1 Reserve Unencumbered Fund Balance Policy (ACTION)
8.0 NEW BUSINESS
8.1 Remote Work Policy (INFORMATION)
8.2 KASB Workers Compensation Agreement (ACTION)
8.3 Certification of the Mill Rate (ACTION)
8.4 ARPA Grant – Van Purchase (ACTION)
9.0 PUBLIC FORUM
Comments should be restricted to no more than three minutes. Requests should
be submitted by noon on the day of the Board meeting. Forms will be presented to
the Board Chair for consideration. Matters which are personal in nature or relate to
personnel matters will not be heard publicly.
10.0 PERSONNEL
10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (ACTION)
10.2 Exit Executive Session – Return to Open Session (ACTION)
10.3 Employment Matters of Non-Elected Personnel (ACTION)
10.4 President’s Contract (ACTION)
10.5 Addition of CTE Development Coordinator (ACTION)
11.0 BOARD REPORTS (INFORMATION)
• Finance Committee – Chad Cosens & Doug Ropp
• Policies – Marilyn Hoyt
• Negotiation Committee – Destry Brown
• Strategic Plan Committee – TBA
• KACCT & Greenbush – Ronda Bailey
• Student Leadership/Coaching Academy – Chad McKinnis
• Correspondence
12.0 ADJOURN (ACTION)Agen

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the June 2 City of Fort Scott Meeting

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FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of June 2, 2026                                                                                                                       Regular Meeting

 

A meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held  in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer Tim Van Hoecke (via Teams), Julie Buchta, were present with Mayor Kathryn Salsbury (via Teams). Julie Buchta presided over the meeting this evening.

 

In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Chief Jason Pickert/FSPD, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspections LLC, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Deana Betts/Core Community, Brian Coomes/Olsson, Kristene Gemsky, Gavin Gemsky, Aleksei Gemsky and Michael Hoyt.

 

BUCHTA led the Pledge of Allegiance and WELLS said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda

MOTION:  WELLS moved to amend the agenda to include an Executive Session after Reports and Comments. DANCER seconded.

 

       MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

       MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve the amended agenda.  DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consent Agenda

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1409-A – Expense Approval Report –

Payment Dates of May 14, 2026 – May 27, 2026 – $487,980.60              

  1. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of May 19, 2026
  2. Approval of New License – Retailer’s Liquor License – Don’s Spirits & Wine – 1705 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, KS – New Ownership – Licensing May 20, 2026 – May 19, 2028.
  3. Approval of Renewal of License – Drinking Establishment/Caterer – Sharkys – 16 N. National Ave., Fort Scott, KS – Licensing May 24, 2026 – May 23, 2028
  4. Approval of Retail Fireworks Vendors Permits – Jake’s Fireworks (2229 S. Main St.) – Bellino Fireworks, Inc. (2400 S. Main St.) – Ka-Boomers Enterprises, Inc. (1712 S. National Ave.)
  5. Request to Pay Invoice# 9203 – JCM Restoration – Gunn Park Retaining Wall Repairs – Progress Billing – Completion over 50% – $13,000.00
  6. Request to Pay Olsson – Project No. AV-2026-16 – FSK Reconstruct Taxiway Lights – Design & Bidding – Invoice# 555897 – $28,750.00 (Oct. 4, 2025); Invoice# 572809 – $23,000.00 (Mar. 14, 2026); Invoice# 576737 – $5,750.00 (Apr. 11, 2026) – $57,500.00

 

              MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve the Consent Agenda.  WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

Public Comment – No comments.

 

 

 

Appearance

Deana Betts /Bourbon County Core Community

Program Overview: Core Community aims to “Engage a community to lift people out of poverty” by addressing 11 types of poverty, not solely financial. The program utilizes Ruby Payne’s “Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World” curriculum, with Phase One focusing on mindsets and Phase Two connecting members with resources, “core friends” (middle-class volunteers), and a coach for barrier elimination and crisis management. The program serves as a “wraparound service” for Redemption House, assisting women with re-entry into the community, housing, and life skills, and plans to expand to an upcoming men’s house. Core Community has 29 class graduates, with 4 “declarations of poverty” (exited poverty). Participants collectively saved over $26,000 in taxes,

decreased debt by almost $40,000, and increased income by $160,000. The coach’s role is “instrumental” and “vital” to the program’s success, encompassing recruiting, crisis intervention, and navigating barriers for participants, including middle-of-the-night calls.

Funding Request: Core Community requested support from the city’s drug and alcohol tax revenue in the amount of $30,000.00. VAN HOECKE requested that upon voting, that the stipulation that it be reviewed in (1) year with an update of how the (2) programs (Core Community and Redemption House) are working together.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to table discussion for funding until the next meeting in June

 

MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND.

 

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to fund this particular program for a one-year cycle with the stipulations that Commissioner Van Hoecke asked be placed upon it. SALSBURY seconded. VAN HOECKE, SALSBURY, WELLS and BUCHTA voted yes.  DANCER voted no.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-1.

 

 

Jose Montanez/ Owner of 118 E. Wall/Barber Shop – An invitation was extended to the owner to appear and provide status update however he could not attend the meeting.

 

 

Unfinished Business

Consideration of Resolution No. 6-2026 Resolution Directing The Repair Or Removal Of An Alleged Unsafe And Dangerous Structure at 1403 E. Oak – Tabled November 18, 2025, January 20, 2026, and February 16, 2026 – L. Kruger

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve the removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure at 1403 E. Oak.  VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 11-2026 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of An Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 18 S. Holbrook – Tabled September 19, 2025, November 18, 2025, and February 3, 2026 – L. Kruger

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve the removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure at 1403 E. Oak.  DANCER seconded. DANCER, BUCHTA, VAN HOECKE and SALSBURY voted yes. WELLS voted no.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-1.

 

New Business

Action Items

Consideration of Bid Award for Fort Scott Municipal Airport (FSK) – KAIP Project No. AV-2026-16 – Olsson No. 025-04135 – Replace Taxiway Edge Lighting System – B. Coomes/Olsson

A bid award was considered for the Fort Scott Municipal Airport KAIP project to replace the taxiway edge lighting system, which is a continuation of efforts from last summer and funded 90% by a KDOT grant. Strukel Electric was the low bidder at $398,158.40 and was recommended due to their low bid, familiarity with the facility from a previous runway lighting project, and reputation in airport work. The total anticipated project cost of $562,258.40 is approximately $200,000 under the KDOT grant award, resulting in about $20,000 less for the city’s share.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to award Strukel Electric out of Girard the contract for replacement of the lights at the airport. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

Consideration of Letter Agreement Amendment No. 1 to Current Design and Bid Phase Agreement with Olsson for Professional Services KAIP Project No. AV-2026-16, Olsson Project No. 025-04135 the FSK Taxiway Edge Lighting System – B. Coomes/Olsson

Letter Agreement Amendment Number One was considered for Olson’s professional services for the FSK Taxiway Edge Lighting system, covering the construction engineering and closeout phase. This amendment includes construction administration, full-time on-site personnel for construction observation, and materials testing (concrete testing).

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to award Olsson Amendment number one so they can continue with the project, provide the professional service and the closeout for the taxiway edge lighting system.                DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MATKIN left the meeting at 7:08PM and returned at 7:10PM.

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 20-2026 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1701 E. Wall – L. Kruger

The property owner has been in communication, but no action has been taken; the roof is falling in, windows are missing, and doors are open, making it accessible and dangerous.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve Resolution No. 20-2026.  VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 21-2026 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 723 W. 5th – L. Kruger

The owner’s grandson has promised action for over a year with no changes; the city regularly mows the property due to nuisance violations, and the house is dilapidating with sagging roof levels and a falling privacy fence.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 21-2026. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 22-2026 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 123 S. Wilson – L. Kruger

There has been limited interaction with the owner, who did tarp a gigantic hole in the roof after an extended period; many windows and doors are boarded up, and the house is dilapidating to the point of no repair.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve Resolution No. 22-2026.  WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 23-2026 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 414 W. 4th – L. Kruger

The owner advised they would tear it down and started the process but stopped, with no movement for a while.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve Resolution No. 23-2026. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

406 South Horton: Resolution No. 24-2026 was removed from the agenda as the house already been taken down.

 

 

Consideration to Further Define Gunn Park Camping Regulations Regarding 14-Day Permit in Ordinance No. 3606

MATKIN recommended amending Ordinance No. 3606 to require campers to vacate the park for (30) days after a (14)-day stay, addressing a “tremendous problem” where campers could stay indefinitely by leaving for a day and returning.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to go forward with the recommendation of City staff on making the (2) weeks in effect and then must vacate the campground for at least (30) days.  DANCER seconded. BUCHTA, VAN HOECKE, SALSBURY and DANCER voted yes.  WELLS voted no.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-1.

 

 

Reports and Comments

 

Commissioner Wells:

–  Good Ol Days and Melodrama

–  Standard Traffic Ordinance (STO) and parking laws

 

Commissioner Dancer:

–  IPAWS Alert System

–  City Manager evaluation criteria

–  School Zones concerns at 9th, 10th & 11th streets

 

Commissioner Buchta:

–  Lake lots encroachment

–  School zones

–  Crosswalk painting

–  Common Consumption area

 

Commissioner Van Hoecke:

–  Good Ol Days

–  Freeman grant

–  Golf cart safety reminder

 

FARMER left the meeting 7:51PM and returned at 7:54PM

 

Commissioner Salsbury:

– Status of CLG scholarship

–  Fireworks discharge ordinance

 

City Attorney:

–  Moody Building update

 

 

City Manager:

–  Monthly newsletter

–  Good Ol Days – streets closures

–  Outdoor Fitness Park

–  Gunn Park retaining wall

–  Street projects update

–  City-issued alcohol licenses – next agenda

 

City Engineer:

–  Memorial Hall update

–  Davis Lift Station update

–  Railroad permit

–  Wall Street – Phase III

–  E. National Project update

–  Traffic and school signs

 

Executive Session

MOTION:  BUCHTA moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(6). In the meeting will be the City Manager, City Attorney and (5) City Commissioners in the City Manager’s office. The open meeting will resume in the Commission Room at 8:48PM. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

       

        MOTION:  DANCER moved to come out of Executive Session with no action.  WELLS seconded.

 

        MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

Adjourn

 

        MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn at 8:51PM.  DANCER seconded.

 

        MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:51PM.

 

 

 

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis/City Clerk