There will be a special meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Monday, May 12th at 12:00 PM.
Topic of discussion is for non-elected personnel with possible action.
Category Archives: Government
Bo Co Zoning Committee Meets May 13
The Bourbon County Commission Zoning Committee’s next regular committee meeting is Tuesday, 5/13 at 5:30 pm in Courthouse, commission room.
Up coming Public Forums:
Wednesday, 5/14 at 6:00 pm at Uniontown Community Center.
Tuesday, 5/20 at 6:00 pm at Fulton Community Center.
Wednesday, 5/21 at 6:00 pm at Memorial Hall in Fort Scott.
Susan Walker, Bourbon County Clerk
Bo Co Commission Agenda Packet for May 12
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt, Chairman
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower, Vice-Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Mika Milburn-Kee
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
May 12, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 05.05.25
IV. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of 05.09.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $58,537.22
b. Tax Roll Corrections
V. Old Business
a. Policy & Procedures
i. Workers Compensation – Beerbower
ii. Letterhead
iii. Dump Fees for Employees – Milburn
b. Separation of Public Works and Landfill Departments – Beerbower
VI. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VII. New Business
a. Ealyn Taylor – Animal Control
b. Commissioner Comments
VIII. Adjournment
Future business that has been tabled in past meetings or planned for future meetings:
Public Hearing 05.19.25 5:35PM Vacation of Road
SEK Mental Health Budget
Juvenile Detention Budget
Office Restructuring Cost
Handbook: Personal Improvement Plan, Corrective Action Plan, Formal Written Notice,
Deviation Policy
Mission Statement (June 2nd)
Job Descriptions
Handbook Updated
Economic Development Direction
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their
privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which would be
deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in
consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations,
partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters
at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.
$33 Million is Terminated for Health Care and Mental Health Service Grants
Trump Administration Cuts Critical State
Health Funds, Eliminating Access to Vital Services During Disease Outbreaks
~Grant Terminations Harm Mental Health Programs
and Response to Disease Outbreaks~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday that the Trump administration’s abrupt unilateral termination of more than $33 million in health care and mental health service grants has forced the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to abolish 56 positions in vital health posts, leaving communities without access to critical services. This marks the first large-scale state employment dismissal initiated by the Trump administration’s cuts to congressionally authorized funds.
On Tuesday, March 25, the Trump administration notified KDHE and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) that six of the grants they administer were immediately terminated as of the previous day, Monday, March 24.
The mission of the grants and employees paid through that funding was to strengthen the state’s epidemiology and laboratory work, monitor and respond to disease outbreak, administer critical programs that provide vaccines for children, and address health disparities for underserved communities and rural Kansans. These actions also eliminated $7.4 million in funding that goes directly to local non-profits in Kansas.
After receiving notification that the grants were terminated, Governor Kelly called upon Attorney General Kobach to bring a case on behalf of Kansas to fight back against federal cuts to vital state health services. The attorney general declined.
“The Trump administration’s abrupt and unilateral funding cuts will have severe and immediate consequences for the health, safety, and quality of life of Kansans across the state, especially in rural areas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These cuts come when Kansas is in the midst of fighting two outbreaks — tuberculosis and measles — and has no additional resources to continue this work.”
The governor is committed to pushing back against the Trump administration’s harmful actions that impact Kansans and has directed the Department of Administration to take proactive steps to provide resources to those affected by the separations, including rapid response, outplacement services, and mental health assistance. The Kelly administration will continue to monitor federal actions taken and inform employees, partners, and stakeholders of any relevant developments in a timely manner.
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The Next Bourbon County Zoning Advisory Committee Forum is May 14
The Bourbon County Zoning Advisory Committee will hold public forums to inform residents of the proposal to add zoning in the County and to hear input from citizens. The first forum will be held on Wednesday, May 14th, at the Uniontown Community Center. Additional forums will be held on Tuesday, May 20th, at the Fulton Community Center and on Wednesday, May 21st, at Memorial Hall in Fort Scott. All forums will begin at 6:00 pm. We need and value your opinion, so every person who wishes to speak will be given 3 minutes to express your thoughts. All Bourbon County residents are encouraged to attend one of the forums; those dates again are May 14th at Uniontown, May 20th at Fulton and May 21st at Fort Scott.
Submitted by Mary Pemberton
Agenda of Bourbon County Commission Meeting on May 12
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt, Chairman
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower, Vice-Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Mika Milburn-Kee
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
May 12, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 05.05.25
IV. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of 05.09.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $58,537.22
b. Tax Roll Corrections
V. Old Business
a. Policy & Procedures
i. Workers Compensation – Beerbower
ii. Letterhead
iii. Dump Fees for Employees – Milburn
b. Separation of Public Works and Landfill Departments – Beerbower
VI. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VII. New Business
a. Ealyn Taylor – Animal Control
b. Commissioner Comments
VIII. Adjournment
Future business that has been tabled in past meetings or planned for future meetings:
Public Hearing 05.19.25 5:35PM Vacation of Road
SEK Mental Health Budget
Juvenile Detention Budget
Office Restructuring Cost
Handbook: Personal Improvement Plan, Corrective Action Plan, Formal Written Notice,
Deviation Policy
Mission Statement (June 2nd)
Job Descriptions
Handbook Updated
Economic Development Direction
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their
privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which would be
deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in
consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations,
partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters
at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.
Personal Property Change Refund Tax Year Trucks Change Refund Tax Year
2307 245th Street, Fulton (32.54)$ 32.54$ 2023
2307 245th Street, Fulton (26.04)$ -$ 2024
901 S Margrave (69.26)$ -$ 2024
(127.84)$ 32.54$
Tax Roll Corrections for Personal Property, Special Assessments, and Trucks
05.12.25
To view the entire packet, which couldn’t be copy and pasted:
K-7 closed to through traffic between U.S. 69 and K-47
The Kansas Department of Transportation closed K-7 today to through traffic from U.S. 69 south to K-47 at Girard. Local traffic can still access the highway.
The K-7 closure was made to address safety concerns at the intersection of K-39 and K-7, which is undergoing reconstruction. Traffic is following a signed state detour on U.S. 69, K-47, K-3 and U.S. 54.
The intersection reconstruction is the first phase of tied K-7 pavement rehabilitation and widening projects in Bourbon and Crawford counties. KDOT awarded the K-7 construction contracts totaling $20.4 million to APAC-Kansas Inc., Shears Division, Hutchinson.
Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.kandrive.gov, for more highway conditions and construction details. People with questions may contact Construction Manager Warren Ebberts at (620) 901-6549 or Public Information Officer Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
Commerce Opens Nominations for 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The increasingly popular annual award program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make on the Kansas economy and their communities.
During the event, Commerce also will announce the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence, the 2025 Governor’s Exporter of the Year, and the two newest inductees of the Kansas Business Hall of Fame.
This year’s To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards ceremony will be held this fall, bringing together leaders, innovators and supporters from across the state to celebrate business excellence. The awards also underscore Kansas’ commitment to celebrating and supporting businesses at every stage of growth. The day and location of the event will be announced soon.
“Each year, our To The Stars honorees exemplify the vision, passion and drive needed to excel in business and have a lasting impact,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “They go the extra mile for their customers and communities — and it’s an honor to recognize all they do for the Kansas economy. I encourage everyone to nominate their local stars for these distinguished awards.”
Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following award categories:
- AgriBusiness – Companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
- Apprenticeship Champion – Companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
- Business Innovation – Companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
- Healthcare/Nonprofit – Noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
- Main Street Momentum – Businesses revitalizing main streets or neighborhood commercial districts through growth or engagement
- Manufacturing/Distribution – Outstanding achievement for companies of all sizes involved in manufacturing and distribution
- Non-Traditional Talent Pools – Companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
- Retail/Service – Exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
- Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner Award (state-level only) – Honors a corporation that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to small business growth in Kansas through investment and partnerships
- Under 30 Entrepreneur – Young entrepreneurs under the age of 30 who are achieving business success
- Welcome Back – Entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State
“During the past year, the surge of economic development successes driving the Kansas economy continued unabated,” Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson said. “Kansas businesses both small and large are giving outsized contributions to their communities and the entire state. We look forward to highlighting the efforts these honorees make.”
Award nominations will be accepted until July 7. To learn more, view past winners, and to submit nominations, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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Opportunity to Attend 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress
Commerce Offers Opportunity to Attend 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress
TOPEKA – Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson today announced applications are being accepted to attend the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) on June 2-5 in Indianapolis. Small business owners, entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs), ecosystem builders and university partners are encouraged to apply. Applicants selected will become part of the 40-member Kansas delegation attending the event.
Hosted in a different rising entrepreneurial city each year, the GEC is the world’s largest gathering of entrepreneurial ecosystem leaders — uniting thousands of founders, policymakers, investors, researchers and ecosystem builders from more than 200 countries. Over the four-day program, delegates engage in high-impact sessions that challenge outdated approaches, share breakthrough ideas, and form new collaborations across sectors and geographies.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Kansas communities, and this delegation ensures their voices are part of the global conversation,” Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson said. “By connecting Kansas entrepreneurs with world-class ideas and international partners, we’re helping them bring innovation home — and strengthening our state’s economy from the ground up.”
The state’s delegates will participate in exclusive networking opportunities, high-impact learning sessions, and direct engagement with international investors and policy leaders.
To ensure financial barriers do not prevent a small business from participating in this opportunity, 20 scholarships of $1,500 each are available to eligible delegates to help cover airfare, hotel, and meal expenses. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and meet the criteria outlined in the application.
Applications will be accepted through Friday, May 9. For additional information or to apply, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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USDA Announces New Presidential Appointee to Serve Rural Kansas
(Topeka, Kan., May 6, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Gimmie Jo Jansonius is appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the USDA Rural Development State Director for the state of Kanas. Director Jansonius will implement President Trump’s America First agenda at USDA Rural Development, ensuring the needs of America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers remain a top priority.
“I’m excited to help our farming communities prosper,” said Director Jansonius. “The entire nation thrives when our farmers and ranchers thrive. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve rural Kansas and America.”
Gimmie Jo Jansonius serves as State Director for Rural Development in Kansas. A sixth-generation rancher actively involved in production agriculture, Mrs. Jansonius’ family business consists of a cow calf herd, small row crop farm, and direct beef sales enterprise where the seventh generation has also put down roots and returned home to rural America working in agriculture and healthcare.
State Directors serve as the Chief Executive Officer of USDA Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with leading teams to carry out the mission of Rural Development to the benefit of all rural Americans. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, State Directors are responsible for advancing the key priorities and initiatives of the Presidential Administration, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development. State Directors also provide key leadership to foster a mission-driven, accountable, and high-performing workforce focused on operational excellence, public trust, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
To learn more about USDA Rural Development’s leadership and programs, view www.rd.usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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KS Governor Asks Congressmen To Protect Medicaid
Governor Kelly Calls on Federal Leaders to
Protect the Medicaid Program
~Letter to the Kansas Congressional Delegation requests
they reject proposed billion-dollar cuts to Medicaid that
would harm Kansas hospitals and providers~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced on Monday that she has sent a letter to the Kansas Congressional Delegation, requesting they protect Kansans from the looming federal Medicaid cuts that threaten quality, affordable health care access for the most vulnerable Kansans. Under the latest plan proposed by Congress, Kansas’ Medicaid program could lose up to $1 billion in federal funding within the first year alone.
“Significant cuts to the Medicaid program will directly affect Kansans across the state, regardless of their political views. These cuts would be particularly detrimental to our rural hospitals and providers,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We must stand up against these changes to ensure the hundreds of thousands of Kansans covered under Medicaid can continue to receive quality, affordable care.”
The state’s Medicaid program covers more than 443,000 vulnerable Kansans, including low-income seniors, children, pregnant mothers, and individuals with disabilities. The suggested reductions in federal funding put these Kansans at risk of losing their health care coverage. Additionally, the 64% of Kansas rural hospitals already at risk of closing will be further financially strained under these cuts due to an increase in uncompensated care costs and lower reimbursement rates.
Kansas is one of ten states that has not expanded Medicaid, which has subjected the state’s hospitals and providers to high levels of charity care expenses for the uninsured. Governor Kelly has consistently introduced proposals to expand Medicaid every year of her administration, but due to the Legislature’s inaction on this issue, over $7 billion in federal funding has been left behind in Washington D.C., dollars that should have been injected into the state’s healthcare ecosystem and economy. Since Kansas is already operating with reduced resources and limited federal funding, billion-dollar cuts proposed at the federal level would further destabilize the state’s health care system.
By restricting access to care, the reduction in federal funding will weaken Kansas’ health care workforce, jeopardize the health of Kansans, and worsen financial instability. Governor Kelly urges federal and state leaders to work together to stop these cuts and build upon the progress made thus far by continuing to invest in the state’s health care system.
Governor Kelly’s full letter to the Kansas Congressional Delegation can be found here.
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Congressman Derek Schmidt’s Weekly Newsletter
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