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Category Archives: Government
Revised Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission
Agenda Packet for the Fort Scott Community College on November 17, This Evening
To view the total packet:11.17.25 Consent Agenda
November 17, 2025
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
November 17, 2025. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Boileau-Burris Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
BOARD PRAYER
MISSION STATEMENT
Fort Scott Community College is an institution of higher learning with a long history of culture and diversity that
provides affordable academic, technical and occupational programs to meet student needs while fostering a
mutually supportive relationship between the college and its communities.
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Recognitions and Retirements, 4
PROGRAM REVIEW AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 9
A. Approval of Agenda, 9
Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on October 20, 2025 and Special
Meeting conducted October 17, 2025, 10
B. Approval Treasurer’s Report, 13
C. Approval of Personnel Actions, 9
ACTION ITEMS, 24
A. Consideration of Alcohol Policy Exception, 24
B. Consideration of Cheerleading Proposal, 25
C. Consideration of Soccer Proposal, 27
CORRESPONDENCE AND TRUSTEE COMMENTS, 32
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 35
ADJOURNMENT, 361
November 14, 2025 Board Workshop
November 17, 2025 Board Meeting
December 12, 2025 Board Workshop
December 15, 2025 Board Meeting
January 23, 2026 Board Workshop
January 26, 2026 (Changed from January 19 due to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) Board Meeting
February 13, 2026 Board Workshop
February 16, 2026 Board Meeting
March 13, 2026* adjusted for spring break Board Workshop
March 23, 2026 (Changed from March 16 due to spring break) Board Meeting
April 17, 2026 Board Workshop
April 20, 2026 Board Meeting
May 14, 2026* adjusted for graduation Board Workshop
May 18, 2026 Board Meeting
June 11, 2026* adjusted for summer schedule Board Workshop
June 15, 2026 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
Bryan Holt, Chair
Dr. Jack Welch, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:2
ROLL CALL
_____ Ronda Bailey
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Chad McKinnis
_____ Doug Ropp
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. RECOGNITIONS AND RETIREMENTS
Math Relays
Greyhound Student Leadership Organization
PROGRAM REVIEW AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES
A. MARKETING PLAN REVIEW
B. PLEASANTON CAMPUS UPDATE4
President’s Update to the Board of Trustees
November 2025
Community colleges across the country are rethinking how they grow. In a time of limited
budgets, shifting student demographics, and rising competition, adding a new athletic or
academic program isn’t just about filling schedules, it’s about long-term sustainability. The
institutions that thrive are those that plan with purpose. I’d like to share some updates and
reflections from Greyhound Nation.
Academic and Program Development
The first step in program growth is simple but often overlooked: research the community.
Successful colleges study local high schools, club participation, and workforce data before
adding programs. They talk to parents, coaches, employers, and students to learn what truly
sparks interest. Without that groundwork, even the best-intentioned programs risk falling flat.
As part of our continued community engagement, two events are further strengthening our
connections:
• Town Hall Meeting: Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 5:45–6:45 p.m. in the Ellis Building
Auditorium on the Fort Scott Campus. We received several good ideas from our
community about things to add at FSCC.
• John Deere Program Open House: Friday, November 14, 2025, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at
the John Deere Tech Building
When adding programs, cost analysis is critical. Each new program carries hidden expenses,
facilities, equipment, salaries, insurance, travel, and maintenance. I want to commend Ben Souza
and Jared Wheeler for their excellent presentation outlining these factors in a clear, data-driven
matrix.
A smart strategic approach, as Jared noted, is to identify a niche rather than competing directly
with nearby universities. Community colleges thrive when they specialize in programs that fill
unmet needs, strengthening both recruitment and institutional identity.
Equally important is involving faculty and staff from the beginning. Those closest to our students
often hold the best insights. When included from concept to implementation, the result is
stronger programs and deeper collaboration.
After reviewing data presented by Ben and Jared, faculty and staff voted to recommend adding
two new programs for next year, which I am bringing forward for approval at our November
board meeting:
• Non-Competitive Cheerleading
• Men’s and Women’s Soccer5
Research consistently shows that forward-thinking colleges create career-connected and student-
driven experiences. FSCC will continue to explore new opportunities while maintaining a
deliberate pace to ensure sustainability and success.
Campus Life and Student Engagement
Our Greyhound Student Leadership Organization continues to impress with thoughtful input and
creative ideas. Recently, they proposed adding a student game room to enhance campus life and
provide a welcoming space for students to relax and connect. A pool and ping pong tables have
been located in the north west room of the cafeteria, marking a new game room space for the
student body. Our students deserve a vibrant space to unwind, build friendships, and experience
the full life of the college.
Institutional Planning and Organization
Following the completion of our HLC visit, we have begun a thoughtful internal restructuring
process. Faculty and staff are now engaged through committees focused on:
• Mission Statement and Strategic Plan
• Non-Academic Program (Sunset) Review
• Job Description and Salary Structure
• Facility Plan
• Scholarship Plan
• Accreditation Committee
These efforts will strengthen transparency, inclusion, and collaboration as we align our
institutional goals with student and community needs.
Legislative Outreach
In the last month, I have met with Senator Tim Shallenberger, and also had a productive visit
with Representative Rick James, who expressed strong support after hearing about our high
academic standing and community impact.
Institutional Achievements
Greyhound Nation continues to shine:
• 2nd out of 19 Kansas community colleges in 2-Year to 4-Year Transfer GPA
• 6th in total transfer of all completed courses
• Serving 324 Bourbon County students (182 high school / 142 adult)
• Generating 2,929 total credit hours (1,279 high school / 1,650 adult)
Senator Shallenberger and Representative James were particularly impressed by these results, a
direct reflection of our faculty and staff’s dedication.
Athletics and the Arts
Athletics are in full swing, and it’s inspiring to see so many faculty and staff supporting our
teams.
• Women’s Basketball opened the season with three impressive home wins.
• Men’s Basketball dominated Avila University JV with a 111-point performance
showcasing skill, teamwork, and discipline.
• Special thanks to Chris Goddard and our incredible pep band for creating an electric
atmosphere during one of the home games.
Our performing arts program also continues to flourish. The recent production of “The
Fantasticks,” directed by Alan Twitchell, was outstanding, a true testament to our students’
creativity and talent.
Community and Fundraising
A heartfelt thank-you to Lindsay Hill and everyone who helped organize the Big Benefit
Auction, raising $30,000. The event was well attended and raised generous funds that will
directly support student scholarships, a great example of teamwork in action.
Looking Ahead
As we turn our focus toward enrollment management and strategic planning, our goal is to
increase enrollment by at least 200 students next fall while expanding our winter, spring, and
summer sessions.
We’ll also begin developing a new strategic plan and mission statement to guide FSCC into the
future.
Following Monday’s board meeting, we’ll hold our Conversation Meeting on Tuesday at
2:00 p.m. in the Round Room, combined with our Cabinet Meeting so all faculty and staff can
attend.
Our Admissions Office has built a robust recruitment plan, our CTE programs continue to thrive,
and both the Frame Grant and ARPA Grant projects are progressing with construction expected
to begin soon. A comprehensive Facilities Plan is also underway to ensure meaningful
improvements across campus.
Closing Thoughts
Whether in business or in the classroom, success is never accidental. It’s the result of inspired
leadership, intentional design, and a shared belief that great things are possible.
That’s what makes Fort Scott Community College so special, you are part of that leadership.
Together, we’re building not only a strong regional community college, but one that truly serves
its people with excellence, purpose, and heart.
Thank you for your commitment, collaboration, and care for our students. Let’s keep moving
forward, together.
Jack
Amended Agenda for the FS City Commission on November 17
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
November 18, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
AMENDED
- Call to Order/Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
- Approval of Agenda
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1396-A – Expense Approval Report –
Payment Dates of November 1, 2025 – November 11, 2025 – $190,896.79
- Approval of Minutes: Special Meeting of November 1, 2025, and Regular Meeting of
November 3, 2025
- October Financials
- Approval of 2026 Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) Licenses: Walmart, G&W Foods and
Casey’s General Store
- Public Comment
VII. Appearances
- Lisa Dillon/Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator – Consideration of Resolution No. 39-2025 – A Resolution to Support the Main Street Program
VIII. Unfinished Business
- New Business
Public Hearings:
- Consideration of Resolution No. 40-2025 – A Resolution Of The Governing Body Of The City Of Fort Scott, Kansas Determining The Advisability Of Issuing Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds For The Purpose Of Financing The Acquisition, Renovation, Furnishing, And Equipping Of A Commercial Facility Located In The City; And Authorizing Execution Of Related Documents – Fort Scott Dialysis – 2526 S. Main Street – Dominic Eck/Gilmore & Bell
- Consideration of Resolution No. 25-2025 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 18 S. HOLBROOK – Tabled from September 16, 2025
- Consideration of Resolution No. 35-2025 A Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 1815 E. OAK – L. Kruger
- Consideration of Resolution No. 36-2025 Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 1626 E. PINE – L. Kruger
- Consideration of Resolution No. 37-2025 A Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 1403 E. OAK – L. Kruger
- Consideration of Resolution No. 38-2025 A Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 505 S. COUCH – L. Kruger
Action Items:
- Consideration of Proposals for Fort Scott Lake Lift Station – B. Lemke and S. Flater
- Consideration of 2026 City Holiday Schedule – B. Matkin
- Consideration of Ordinance No. 3791 – An Ordinance Providing For The Salaries Of The Appointive Officers And Employees Of The City Of Fort Scott, KS And Replacing Ordinance No. 3779 – B. Matkin
- D. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3787 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 10.04 0f The Fort Scott Municipal Code To Incorporate The Standard Traffic Ordinance By Reference Repealing And Replacing Ordinance No. 3772.
- Consideration of Ordinance No. 3788 – An Ordinance Increasing the Basic Monthly Charge for Sanitary Sewer Rates in the City of Fort Scott by Amending Chapter 13.24.100 and 13.24.110 of the Fort Scott Municipal Code and Repealing Ordinance No. 3778
- Consideration of Ordinance No. 3789 – An Ordinance Setting New Water Rates and Repealing Ordinance No. 3777 for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas, Pursuant to the Fort Scott Municipal Code, Chapter 13.04.030.
- Consideration of Ordinance No. 3790 – An Ordinance Amending the Fort Scott Stormwater User Charge and Repealing Ordinance No. 3776 for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas, Pursuant to the Fort Scott Municipal Code, Chapter 13.24.121
- Discussion of Ordinance for Limit on Number of Dogs
- Reports and Comments
- Adjourn
Input Sought On Public Lands Trail Cameras
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Bourbon County Commission Agenda Packet for November 17
The Bourbon County Agenda for their meeting on 11.17.25 at 5:30 PM at 210 S National Avenue. There will also be the final canvassing of election results at 5:15 PM.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall’s Weekly Newsletter
Bourbon County Planning Commission is November 19
The next scheduled planning commission meeting will be on 11/19/25 at 5:30 PM in the Bourbon County commission room located at 210 S National Avenue. Future meetings will be held the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
Agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission On November 18
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
November 18, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
- Call to Order/Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
- Approval of Agenda
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1396-A – Expense Approval Report –
Payment Dates of November 1, 2025 – November 11, 2025 – $190,896.79
- Approval of Minutes: Special Meeting of November 1, 2025, and Regular Meeting of
November 3, 2025
- October Financials
- Approval of 2026 Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) Licenses: Walmart, G&W Foods and
Casey’s General Store
- Public Comment
VII. Appearances
- Lisa Dillon/Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator – Housing Update and
consideration of Resolution No. 39-2025 – A Resolution to Support the Main Street
Program
VIII. Unfinished Business
- New Business
Public Hearings:
- Consideration of Resolution No. 40-2025 – A Resolution Of The Governing Body Of The City Of Fort Scott, Kansas Determining The Advisability Of Issuing Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds For The Purpose Of Financing The Acquisition, Renovation, Furnishing, And Equipping Of A Commercial Facility Located In The City; And Authorizing Execution Of Related Documents – Fort Scott Dialysis – 2526 S. Main Street – Dominic Eck/Gilmore & Bell
- Consideration of Resolution No. 25-2025 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 18 S. HOLBROOK – Tabled from September 16, 2025
- Consideration of Resolution No. 34-2025 A Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 308 N. MINERAL – L. Kruger
- Consideration of Resolution No. 35-2025 A Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 1815 E. OAK – L. Kruger
- Consideration of Resolution No. 36-2025 Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 1626 E. PINE – L. Kruger
- Consideration of Resolution No. 37-2025 A Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 1403 E. OAK – L. Kruger
- Consideration of Resolution No. 38-2025 A Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 505 S. COUCH – L. Kruger
Action Items:
- Consideration of Proposals for Fort Scott Lake Lift Station – B. Lemke and S. Flater
- Consideration of 2026 City Holiday Schedule – B. Matkin
- Consideration of Ordinance No. 3786 – An Ordinance Providing For The Salaries Of The Appointive Officers And Employees Of The City Of Fort Scott, KS And Replacing Ordinance No. 3779 – B. Matkin
- D. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3787 – An Ordinance Amending Chapter 10.04 0f The Fort Scott Municipal Code To Incorporate The Standard Traffic Ordinance By Reference Repealing And Replacing Ordinance No. 3772.
- Consideration of Ordinance No. 3788 – An Ordinance Increasing the Basic Monthly Charge for Sanitary Sewer Rates in the City of Fort Scott by Amending Chapter 13.24.100 and 13.24.110 of the Fort Scott Municipal Code and Repealing Ordinance No. 3778
- Consideration of Ordinance No. 3789 – An Ordinance Setting New Water Rates and Repealing Ordinance No. 3777 for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas, Pursuant to the Fort Scott Municipal Code, Chapter 13.04.030.
- Consideration of Ordinance No. 3790 – An Ordinance Amending the Fort Scott Stormwater User Charge and Repealing Ordinance No. 3776 for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas, Pursuant to the Fort Scott Municipal Code, Chapter 13.24.121
- Discussion of Ordinance for Limit on Number of Dogs
- Reports and Comments
- Adjourn
Bourbon County Election Results Finalized on November 17
Community Endeavors To Honor Veterans With Flags and Ceremonies
Early this morning community volunteers placed American flags on National Avenue from the Fort Scott Police Station, 1604 S. National Avenue, to the U.S. National Cemetery, on east National Avenue.
The Fort Scott Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, the Fort Scott Fire Department, Fort Scott Community College Softball Team members and other volunteers, placed American flags on National Avenue that leads into the national cemetery.
“We do it every year, ” said Fort Scott Fire Department Assistant Chief Mike Miles. “On holidays such as Flag Day, Veterans Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day. We start at 7 to 8 a.m. then pick them up before dusk.”
“The vets take all the help they can, there are a couple of hundred flags to place,” he said. “Whoever will get involved.”
An estimated crowd of 30 helped this morning.
At noon today, there was a Veterans Day Program at Memorial Hall at 11 a.m. followed by a ham and bean lunch at the VFW on South National Avenue. In both the USD234 School District and USD235 School District there were Veteran honoring assemblies at different schools.
History of Veterans Day, taken fromhttps://department.va.gov/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day/
“World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
Minutes of the USD234 Board of Education Meeting New Release on November 10
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, November 10, 2025
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at Fort Scott Middle School
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
10-13-25
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – October 20, 2025 – $1,826,376.48
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Resolution 25-13 Add Bank Signers
FCA Fundraising Application
Orchestra Fundraising Application
Choir Fundraising Application
DJ Brown, Middle School Principal, and a couple from his team were able to present to the Board. Travis Wilcoxen, SPED teacher, gave a report about Special Olympics. Track & Field, Basketball, Bowling, and Corn hole are a few of the events that the students have been participating in. Tracy Homan, Language Arts Teacher, is working with Student council and Leadership Class students. They are focusing on creating a positive school culture where students enjoy coming to school. They also will be attending Leadership and Team Building at Greenbush throughout the year. Matt Harris, Assistant Principal, explained about the advisory period schedule. This is designed to specifically help students in ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Science. The teachers can work directly with students on skills that will help keep them on grade level. They have seen great growth with this program. Mr. Brown informed on the Veteran’s Day program the Middle School will be having on Wednesday. He also explained that a major goal for the school is building relationships between staff and students. The staff is working great together to make sure each student is involved and has someone they can turn to.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided information on the completed financial audit and the upcoming KSDE audit. Mr. Mayfield is working on several grants that will help offset some costs with the Preschool and the CTE program.
Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on the Veterans’ Day Assemblies that will be held throughout the district on Tuesday and Wednesday. He also updated on iReady testing and other training that has been taking place.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes praised the SPED team and informed the Board of future planning for transitioning students between buildings.
There were none present for public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
November 10, 2025
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Hazen, Clint – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Jackman, Sara – Supplemental Resignation – History Club – High School
Mitchell, Jacqui – Supplemental Resignation – PBIS – Winfield Scott
Pearson, Vanessa – Resignation – Paraprofessional – KRI
LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
Nation, Laura – LOA – Winfield Scott
TRANSFER:
Brown, Jodi – Speech Pathologist – .5 to .75
Whitt, Derrick – ISS Supervisor – High School to Alternative School Director
EMPLOYMENT:
Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:
Brown, Khya – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Isaac, Britney – Paraprofessional – High School
Khang, Julianne – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Lail, Brandon – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:
Allen, Brian – History Club – High School
Bowels, Kendall – PBIS – Winfield Scott
Coyan, Paula – Assistant Softball – High School
Hartman, Heather – Assistant Softball – High School
Nelson, Andrew – PBIS – Eugene Ware
Nickelson, Aaron – Assistant Softball – High School
Norris, Danielle – PBIS – Eugene Ware
Whitt, Derrick – Assistant Girl’s Basketball – High School