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Updated Agenda for the FSCC Trustees Meeting This Evening, July 1

July 21, 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, July
21, 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. J1 Conference Update, 4
B. Student Services Year in Review, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 5
A. Approval of Agenda, 5
B. Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on June 16, 2025 and Special
Meetings conducted on June 19, 2025, June 26, 2025, and July 10, 2025, 6
C. Approval Treasurer’s Report, 12
D. Approval of Personnel Actions, 5
DISCUSSION ITEMS, 40
A. Student Policies, 40
ACTION ITEMS, 51
A. Approval of Tentative Agreement with FSCAPE, 51
B. Approval of Proposed Salary Increases for 2025-26, 52
C. Consideration of Agreement with USD 344, 52
D. Consideration of Sale of Greyhound Lodge, 53
E. Consideration of Bids for Maintenance Enclosure, 54
F. Approval of Nursing Fee Revision, 55
CORRESPONDENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES, 56
TRUSTEE COMMENTS, 56
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 571
PROGRAM UPDATES
A.A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B.B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Recognitions, 4
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
Board Meeting
ADJOURNMENT, 58
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
July 21, 2025
August 25, 2025 (to facilitate budget process)
September 22, 2025 (to facilitate budget process)
October 20, 2025
November 17, 2025
December 15, 2025 Board Meeting
January 26, 2026 (Changed from January 19 due to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) Board Meeting
February 16, 2026 Board Meeting
March 23, 2026 (Changed from March 16 due to spring break) Board Meeting
April 20, 2026 Board Meeting
May 18, 2026 Board Meeting
June 15, 2026 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
Bryan Holt, Chair
Sara Sutton, Interim 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.2
ROLL CALL
_____ Ronda Bailey
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Chad McKinnis
_____ Doug Ropp3
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. RECOGNITIONS
C. J1 CONFERENCE UPDATE
D. STUDENT SERVICES YEAR IN REVIEW4
PROGRAM UPDATES
CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on June 16, 2025 and Special
Meetings conducted on June 19, 2025, June 26, 2025, and July 10, 2025
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT AND CHECKS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report, Financial Report, and Checks Written, Cleared, or Voided
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
Additions
1) Jerrod (JD) Handly, CDL Instructor, effective July 23, 2025
2) Larry Guerrero, Vice President of Academic Affairs, effective July 22, 2025
Separations
1) Jhawan Horton, Assistant Track Coach, effective June 30, 2025
2) Dan Boley, CTEC Director, effective June 30, 2025
3) Tiffany Myers, CTEC Assistant, effective June 30, 20205
4) Colette Stotts, Iowa MEP, effective June 30, 2025
5) Wisly Dange, Iowa MEP, effective June 30, 2025
6) Marcos DeMateo, Iowa MEP, effective June 30, 2025
7) Wendy Razam-Ruiz, Iowa MEP, effective June 30, 2025
8) Samuel Robertson, Iowa MEP, effective June 30, 2025
9) Emilia Marroquin, Iowa MEP, effective June 30, 2025
10) Austin Fontenot, Assistant Basketball Coach, effective July 16, 2025
11) Lynne Wheeler, CAMP Director, effective July 31, 2025
12) Pam Constans, CAMP Administrative Assistant, effective July 31, 2025
13) Jentry Page, HEP Instructional Support Services Coordinator, effective July 31, 2025
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp5
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Meeting
June 16, 2025
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis, and Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Sara Sutton – Interim President, Juley McDaniel – Board Clerk, faculty, staff, community
members.
Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm in the Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Agriculture Building.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and Holt reading FSCC’s mission statement.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: None
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by a unanimous
vote to approve the consent agenda.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT LOCATION
Construction Technology courses in Bourbon County are happening at FSHS. The deadline to spend the
$226,691.98 ARPA money has been extended to December 31, 2025. Sonia and Rory presented options
for buildings to lease to house the construction technology and heavy equipment programs in Fort Scott.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. SCHEDULED POLICY REVIEW AND APPROVAL: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by
Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the policies presented in the Scheduled Policy
Review as follows:
• News Coverage
• Non-Discrimination Statement
• Peaceful Assembly
• Policy Development System
• Policy Dissemination
• Privacy Act
• Professional Services to the College
• Program Review
• Public Display of Art/Printed Materials
• Public Hearings
• Recording Devices
• Sex Offender Notification
• Social Media
• Student Publications
• Tobacco Free Campus
• User Accounts and Password Policy
• Voting Method
• Web Page Publishing
B. CONSIDERATION OF GRAMM LEACH-BLILEY ACT (GLBA) INFORMATION SECURITY
POLICY: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the Gramm Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) Information Security Policy as presented.6
C. CONSIDERATION OF 2025-26 WORKER’S COMPENSATION MEMBER PARTICIPATION
AGREEMENT: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to
approve the KASB Worker’s Compensation Member Participation Premium Agreement.
D. CONSIDERATION OF PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE RENEWAL: A motion was
made by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the renewal for
property and casualty coverage from Kansas Insurance Cooperative for Schools for the 2025 – 26 fiscal
year.
E. CONSIDERATION OF ATHLETIC INSURANCE RENEWAL: A motion was made by
Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve Option 1 from Berkley Life
and Health Insurance Company for an annual premium of $87,000.
F. CONSIDERATION OF 2025-26 MEETING DATES AND TIMES: A motion was made by Ropp,
seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote approve the following meeting dates for the 2025-26
year.
July 21, 2025
August 25, 2025 (to facilitate budget process)
September 22, 2025 (to facilitate budget process)
October 20, 2025
November 17, 2025
December 15, 2025
January 26, 2026 (Changed from January 19 due to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
February 16, 2026
March 23, 2026 (Changed from March 16 due to spring break)
April 20, 2026
May 18, 2026
June 15, 2026
G. CONSIDERATION OF MEMBERSHIP AND CONSORTIUM DUES: A motion was made by Bailey,
seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the list of memberships and consortium dues
for 2025-26 as provided by Missy at the meeting.
H. APPROVAL OF ANNUAL CAMP GRANT LAPTOP PURCHASE: A motion was made by Ropp,
seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the quote from Lenovo Direct for CAMP
laptops for $21,984.75.
I. CONSIDERATION OF MAINTENANCE SHOP ENCLOSURE BID: A motion was made by Ropp,
seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to table the maintenance shop enclosure for
consideration no later than the regular July board meeting.
J. CONSIDERATION OF MANAGED FIREWALL SERVICE: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded
by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the use of KanREN’s managed firewall service for a
five-year period as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES:
• ADMINISTRATION – The Board reviewed correspondence and updates from Gordon Parks Museum,
Miami County Campus, Athletics Academic Affairs, Student Services, Finance and Operations,
Foundation, Career and Technical Education, and the Interim President.7
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous
vote to adjourn to executive session for fifteen minutes beginning at 6:40 pm for the purpose of discussing non-
elected personnel as it relates to discussion of identifiable information of non-elected personnel with no action
expected to follow.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to
return to open session at 6:55 pm.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at
6:55 pm by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk8
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Special Meeting
June 19, 2025
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt, Chad McKinnis, Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Juley McDaniel – Board Clerk, staff, and Greenbush representative Rich Proffitt
Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 3:03 pm in the Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Agriculture Building.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and Holt reading FSCC’s mission statement.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Bailey, seconded by Fewins, and carried by a unanimous vote to approve the consent
agenda.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. CONSIDERATION OF RELOCATION OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
PROGRAMS: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by unanimous vote to approve moving
forward with leasing the facility located at 1905 Judson Street to serve as the new home for Heavy Equipment and
Construction Technology programs. Upon board approval a formal lease agreement will be drafted and presented to the
Board for final review and execution. Fewins abstained from the vote due to a conflict of interest.
B. APPROVAL OF EAC VISUAL DATA LICENSE RENEWAL: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Ropp, and
carried by unanimous vote to approve to approve the renewal of the EAC Visual Data License quote for $8,354.
C. APPROVAL OF PANOPTO RENEWAL: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by McKinnis, and carried by
unanimous vote to approve the renewal for Panopto for $18,000.
D. APPROVAL OF ATI STANDARD TESTING AND REMEDIATION SOLUTION FOR NYURSING: A motion was
made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the quote from ATI.
E. CONSIDERATION OF CDL PROGRAM FEES: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried
by unanimous vote to approve the CDL program fees as presented.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to
executive session for twenty minutes beginning at 4:20 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel as it relates to
discussion of identifiable information of non-elected personnel with no action expected to follow. The Board invited Rich Proffitt to
join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to return to
open session at 4:22 pm.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to
executive session for twenty minutes beginning at 4:45 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel as it relates to
discussion of identifiable information of non-elected personnel with no action expected to follow. The Board invited Rich Proffitt to
join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to return to
open session at 5:06 pm.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 5:06 pm by Ropp,
seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk9
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Special Meeting
June 26, 2025
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Juley McDaniel – Board Clerk, staff, faculty, members of the public.
Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 10:34 am in the Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Agriculture Building.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and Ropp reading FSCC’s mission statement.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by a unanimous vote to approve the
consent agenda.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. CONSIDERATION OF KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS GRANT: A motion was made by
Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the extension to for the Kansas Wildlife and
Parks grant for renovating the dam of the college pond.
B. APPROVAL OF BLACKBOARD LICENSE RENEWAL: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer,
and carried by unanimous vote to approve to approve the renewal of the Blackboard license.
C. APPROVAL OF FCC PRESIDENTIAL EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT: A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by
Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the FSCC Presidential Employment Contract.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 10:26 am by
Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk10
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Special Meeting
July 10, 2025
PRESENT: Ronda Bailey, John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bryan Holt Doug Ropp
ALSO PRESENT: Juley McDaniel – Board Clerk, staff, faculty, members of the public.
Chairman Holt called the meeting to order at 12:00 pm in the Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Agriculture Building.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and Holt reading FSCC’s mission statement.
CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Fewins, and carried by a unanimous vote to approve the
consent agenda.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Ropp, and carried by unanimous vote to adjourn to
executive session for fifteen minutes beginning at 12:05 pm for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel as it relates to
discussion of identifiable information of non-elected personnel with action expected to follow. The board invited Jack Welch and Jim
Chandler to join.
OPEN SESSION: A motion was made by Bartelsmeyer, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous vote to return to open
session at 12:20 pm.
ACTION ITEMS:
A. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS: A motion was made by Ropp, seconded by Bailey, and carried by unanimous
vote to approve the personnel actions as presented.
B. CONSIDERATION OF EXCEEDING REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE (RNR) FOR BUDGET 2026: A motion was
made by Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate
for Budget 2026 and holding the Budget and RNR Hearings on August 25, 2025.
Ronda Bailey acknowledged recent positive feedback and activities including a note from a student to a faculty member and FSCC
pulling resources together to be able to host a regional softball tournament.
Dr. Welch applauded Sara Sutton and administration for their support and assistance in his transition into his president role.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 12:28 pm by
Fewins, seconded by Bartelsmeyer, and carried by unanimous vote.
Chairman Clerk11
Fund Beg Cash Bal Expenditures Revenue End Cash Bal
OUTSTANDING
Pos
11 GENERAL FUND 4,235.00 4,235.00 230,385.95
11 GENERAL FUND 510,337.13 -931,294.62 1,586,496.38 1,165,538.89
12 VOCATIONAL 1,190,338.72 -202,277.12 69,252.27 1,057,313.87 33,327.39
13 ADULT EDUCATION FUND -17,032.82 17,032.82 0
21 WORKSTUDY -44,744.27 -5,306.75 -50,051.02
22 SEOG -32,852.00 -600.00 300 -33,152.00
24 PELL -232,274.82 -74,311.00 151,153.97 -155,431.85
25 HEP GRANTS 116,900.40 -47,417.75 431.93 69,914.58 15,719.80
25 HEP GRANTS -119,912.17 -119,912.17
25 HEP GRANTS -124,984.90 -124,984.90
26 CAMP GRANTS -151,613.12 -42,492.27 -194,105.39 5,665.01
27 TITLE IV -67,841.31 -20,203.26 -88,044.57 2,247.72
28 PASS 9,268.76 9,268.76
28 PASS 156,937.24 156,937.24
28 PASS -72,837.82 -72,837.82
31 VARIOUS GRANTS 140,629.11 -5,393.41 135,235.70 12,673.56
31 VARIOUS GRANTS -162.67 -162.67
31 VARIOUS GRANTS -21,569.45 -21,569.45
32 IOWA GRANT -201,456.71 -38,651.09 1,380.99 -238,726.81 3,406.36
35 ONE GAS GRANT 9,309.69 -4,064.82 5,244.87 1,211.18
37 MIGRANT ED 1,874,357.95 115,175.92 1,989,533.87 56.46
37 MIGRANT ED -153,777.29 -153,777.29
37 MIGRANT ED -16,454.51 -16,454.51
37 MIGRANT ED -25,026.36 -25,026.36
37 MIGRANT ED -259,441.31 -259,441.31
37 MIGRANT ED -26,120.09 -26,120.09
37 MIGRANT ED -263,913.08 -263,913.08
37 MIGRANT ED -418,801.23 -418,801.23
37 MIGRANT ED -577,911.05 -577,911.05
37 MIGRANT ED -58,734.37 -58,734.37
38 STUDENT SUCCESS INITIATIVE 370,824.50 -18,089.32 352,735.18 10,950.00
39 BUSINESS/INDUS & APPRENTICE 335,581.00 -3,000.00 332,581.00
40 GUARANTEED STUDENT LOANS -111,121.75 -90,503.75 146,864.75 -54,760.75
41 CARL PERKINS -36,219.39 -10,479.18 48,851.25 2,152.68 11,262.06
61 CAPITAL OUTLAY 76,042.85 -20,517.55 55,525.30 20,418.69
67 ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER -85,214.76 6,142.70 -79,072.06 41,006.39
70 MISCELLANEOUS FUNDS 107,286.20 -65.19 980 108,201.01
71 STUDENT FEES 0 0
71 STUDENT FEES 693,503.55 -6,765.32 32,504.92 719,243.15 3,242.41
72 VARIOUS RETAIL SALES ACCTS 49,484.35 -62.00 1,390.32 50,812.67
73 NON CREDIT PROGRAMS 1,930.14 1,930.14
74 NURSING/ALLIED HEALTH 0 0
75 CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS 30,785.05 -2,954.95 27,830.10 885.00
75 CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS -87.98 -87.98
76 SALES TAX 0 -96.01 96.01 0
77 HEDGES FAMILY PROF DEVELOP 12,000.00 12,000.00
78 FORT SCOTT COSMETOLOGY 27,893.64 -47.34 2,129.07 29,975.37
79 CDL TESTING -14,406.90 -50,156.20 9,271.80 -55,291.30 3,812.53
80 CLEARING FUND 105,758.69 105,758.69
81 BOOKSTORE -6,340.97 -10,884.61 6,123.72 -11,101.86 5,248.40
82 STUDENT UNION 76,188.86 76,188.86
82 STUDENT UNION 175,472.10 175,472.10
83 RESIDENCE HALLS 618,426.91 -32,003.74 14,959.75 601,382.92 7,915.16
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
TREASURER’S REPORT
6/30/202512
84 DINING HALL -48,925.65 -4,302.88 2,291.19 -50,937.34 6,811.28
89 BOOSTER/ENDOWMENT CLEARING FD -302,786.41 -17,095.16 23,018.71 -296,862.86
96 ARPA CDL Grant -9,041.23 -9,041.23
98 REGISTRAR SPECIAL FUND 128,987.01 -6,843.63 1,466.70 123,610.08 7,721.25
3,320,872.46 (1,645,878.92) 2,237,315.17 3,912,308.71 423,966.60
FSCC Funds 4,035,260.19
FSCC Funds – Restricted 471,720.74
FSCC Grant Funds (490,631.18)
IDEA 189,354.58
Federal Funds – Pell, Loans, WS, SEOG (293,395.62)
Total Cash in Funds 3,912,308.71
Less: FSCC Encumbrances 423,966.60
Total Unencumbered Cash 3,488,342.1113
14
Fort Scott Community College
Large Revenue/Expenditures
Summary
Fiscal Year 2024/2025
Unencumbered Cash Balance, beginning 1,179,450.00 1,259,024.61
July August September October November December
TOTAL REVENUE 1,488,850.31 1,744,942.17 991,154.62 1,919,312.00 857,627.09 986,332.00
Debt Service/Leases 27,378.76 125,013.42 208,047.93 37,381.21 42,130.28 125,835.61
Payroll/Benefits 800,000.00 800,000.00 800,000.00 800,000.00 800,000.00 800,000.00
Insurance 348,679.74 89,005.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Service/Support Contracts 45,630.50 22,721.00 24,309.00 225.00 35,523.00 11,515.00
Memberships/Subscriptions/Software 130,539.37 32,147.00 22,138.50 195.00 195.00 214.50
Contracts 12,191.60 3,761.75 82,360.74 90,742.18 88,233.70 19,132.80
Utilities/Maintenance 49,371.54 139,537.69 37,660.96 45,753.49 42,902.12 43,246.45
Credit Cards 35,757.65 37,745.17 37,460.68 54,142.78 45,264.12 31,886.68
One Time Purchases 113,440.10 9,462.50 12,612.65 0.00 5,954.90 0.00
TOTAL EXPENSES 1,562,989.26 1,259,393.53 1,224,590.46 1,028,439.66 1,060,203.12 1,031,831.04
Overage/Shortfall (74,138.95) 485,548.64 (233,435.84) 890,872.34 (202,576.03) (45,499.04)
Unencumbered Cash Balance, ending 976,873.97 1,213,525.5715
Fort Scott Community College
Large Revenue/Expenditures
Summary
Fiscal Year 2024/2025
Unencumbered Cash Balance, beginning
TOTAL REVENUE
Debt Service/Leases
Payroll/Benefits
Insurance
Service/Support Contracts
Memberships/Subscriptions/Software
Contracts
Utilities/Maintenance
Credit Cards
One Time Purchases
TOTAL EXPENSES
Overage/Shortfall
Unencumbered Cash Balance, ending
1,817,019.53 3,480,585.00 4,571,288.67 3,661,190.00 3,312,271.86 2,860,210.27
January February March April May June
3,987,491.79 529,486.00 626,331.64 84,817.00 441,782.00 1,437,152.00
31,080.91 129,960.58 70,861.27 184,808.01 55,502.95 168,935.53
700,000.00 600,000.00 600,000.00 636,000.00 607,000.00 741,490.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
19,143.00 47,177.25 43,133.00 51,176.00 70,974.00 30,300.50
214.50 211.75 211.75 211.75 211.75 669.99
100,113.00 68,424.32 57,283.24 108,650.60 54,174.82 18,994.77
52,919.86 46,366.02 62,988.56 53,101.47 43,415.47 46,991.62
22,154.32 40,507.00 39,979.43 44,158.00 45,544.00 46,100.00
40,159.01 29,453.76 4,409.92 749.73 9,460.04 90,356.32
965,784.60 962,100.68 878,867.17 1,078,855.56 886,283.03 1,143,838.73
3,021,707.19 (432,614.68) (252,535.53) (994,038.56) (444,501.03) 293,313.27
4,838,726.72 3,047,970.32 4,318,753.14 2,667,151.44 2,867,770.83 3,153,523.5416
100.0%
Adopted Budget Month Activity YTD Activity YTD %
2024-2025 6/30/2025 6/30/2025 of Budget
Ad Valorem (Property Taxes) 3,980,200 1,279,652 4,165,944 3,980,200
Tuition and Fees 3,782,510 135,611 3,887,833 3,782,510
State Aid 5,452,861 (672) 5,725,345 5,452,861
Investment Income – – 145,373 –
Auxillary Income 1,696,266 20,936 1,517,571 1,696,266
Other Income 180,559 1,625 390,847 180,559
Total Revenue 15,092,396 1,437,151 15,832,913 15,092,396
Salaries and Benefits 7,314,149 741,490 6,879,505 7,314,149
Current Operating 6,102,467 368,563 4,637,565 6,102,467
Capital 445,914 42,846 135,639 445,914
Debt Service 789,787 – 635,962 789,787
Total Expenses 14,652,317 1,152,899 12,288,671 14,652,317
Revenue over Expenses 440,079 284,253 3,544,243 440,079
3% of Revenue – Cash Reserves 43,115
Round up to: 44,000
Fort Scott Community College
Financial Report
30-Jun-25
100% of Fiscal Year Expired17
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
EXPENDITURE SUMMARY REPORT
6/30/2025
Dept/Acct Department Name Revised Budget YTD Act Outstanding Enc Balance Prior YTD Bal
11-0000 UNCLASSIFIED -370,000.00 13,825.52 0 -383,825.52 100,524.39
11-1000 INSTRUCTION 1,000,419.00 983,718.51 0 16,700.49 1,105,298.18
11-1109 ART 1,100.00 999.47 0 100.53 1,102.57
11-1129 PAOLA 361,819.00 361,411.97 0 407.03 354,696.61
11-1130 EXTENSION-OTHER 131,000.00 121,460.58 0 9,539.42 128,359.57
11-1180 CHORUS 8,050.00 0 0 8,050.00 920
11-1181 BAND 2,450.00 2,033.37 0 416.63 926.72
11-1197 SPEECH/DRAMA/THEATRE 2,700.00 1,544.62 0 1,155.38 1,733.58
11-2900 STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER 42,883.00 29,038.31 0 13,844.69 36,314.95
11-3200 COMMUNITY SERVICES 3,523.00 3,021.52 0 501.48 1,575.45
11-3400 EMPLOYEE RELATIONS COMMITTEE 0 1,110.00 0 -1,110.00 0
11-4100 LIBRARY 69,829.20 70,123.39 0 -294.19 67,448.28
11-4200 ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATION 252,925.00 245,213.39 0 7,711.61 252,387.49
11-5000 STUDENT SERVICES 157,988.12 75,861.68 0 82,126.44 187,599.83
11-5100 ADVISING 128,350.00 213,543.35 0 -85,193.35 214,157.98
11-5200 FINANCIAL AID 135,671.00 122,105.77 0 13,565.23 101,930.36
11-5300 REGISTRAR 107,347.00 108,636.97 0 -1,289.97 103,909.76
11-5350 ADMISSIONS 121,450.00 111,064.28 0 10,385.72 129,604.81
11-5500 GENERAL ATHLETICS 478,832.00 444,278.84 0 34,553.16 478,632.05
11-5503 ATHLETIC TRAINING 135,160.00 94,496.79 0 40,663.21 141,577.62
11-5504 GOLF-WOMEN 0 2,102.47 0 -2,102.47 54,616.43
11-5506 GOLF-MEN 0 2,157.46 0 -2,157.46 55,647.04
11-5510 BASKETBALL-MEN 87,125.00 77,355.92 0 9,769.08 115,819.30
11-5515 BASKETBALL-WOMEN 96,973.00 86,517.49 0 10,455.51 84,029.48
11-5520 VOLLEYBALL 87,112.00 95,220.62 0 -8,108.62 93,011.98
11-5525 BASEBALL 169,611.00 162,709.41 0 6,901.59 177,820.70
11-5530 RODEO 192,643.00 191,799.81 0 843.19 191,369.89
11-5545 SOFTBALL 113,873.50 107,235.56 0 6,637.94 146,514.22
11-5550 TRACK/XC-WOMEN 91,305.00 70,853.15 0 20,451.85 78,404.48
11-5552 TRACK/XC-MEN 96,788.00 76,661.57 0 20,126.43 87,861.66
11-5555 FLAG FOOTBALL-WOMEN 0 3,658.37 0 -3,658.37 51,473.37
11-5560 ATHLETIC FIELDS 22,007.00 23,888.04 0 -1,881.04 6,468.79
11-5565 NATIONAL COMPETITION 50,000.00 44,030.36 0 5,969.64 5,013.02
11-6100 PRESIDENT’S OFFICE 433,204.00 325,647.42 0 107,556.58 392,053.69
11-6140 HUMAN RESOURCES 77,262.00 67,104.81 0 10,157.19 77,709.90
11-6200 BUSINESS OFFICE 456,693.00 484,529.44 0 -27,836.44 518,933.73
11-6300 MARKETING/DIGITAL CONTENT 141,235.00 126,938.41 0 14,296.59 114,202.84
11-6400 MIS DEPARTMENT 868,320.29 861,934.19 0 6,386.10 583,310.16
11-6500 LOGISTICS 200,289.00 170,358.17 0 29,930.83 239,286.52
11-6600 PRINT SHOP 7,350.00 33,636.79 0 -26,286.79 11,792.96
11-6800 FOUNDATION 31,771.00 99,666.71 0 -67,895.71 31,144.22
11-6830 EFAC/THEATRE LOGISTICS 50,067.00 41,529.94 0 8,537.06 40,191.69
11-6850 GORDON PARKS CENTER 68,299.00 65,698.02 0 2,600.98 65,419.18
11-7100 FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS 1,412,031.00 1,332,212.28 0 79,818.72 1,461,428.40
11-7200 SPECIAL OPERS/MAINT 185,800.00 192,890.00 0 -7,090.00 209,240.35
11-8300 INSTITUTIONAL WORKSTUDY 0 14.48 0 -14.48 36,125.50
7,711,255.11 7,749,839.22 0.00 -38,584.11 8,337,589.70
12-0000 UNCLASSIFIED 250,000.00 0 0 250,000.00 0
12-1129 PAOLA 1,792.00 0 0 1,792.00 -0.83
12-1201 PTE ADJUNCT 14,559.00 0 0 14,559.00 8,438.94
12-1202 HARLEY DAVIDSON 194,655.00 203,493.32 0 -8,838.32 240,110.99
12-1203 HVAC PROGRAM 51,308.00 54,474.72 0 -3,166.72 52,546.53
12-1205 AG DEPARTMENT 139,904.00 120,160.11 0 19,743.89 194,901.95
12-1206 JOHN DEERE PROGRAM 230,232.00 224,555.82 0 5,676.18 222,980.99
12-1208 BUSINESS & INDUSTRY/GRANTS 48,142.00 47,352.08 0 789.92 48,406.4918
12-1210 BUSINESS DEPARTMENT 53,764.00 60,540.61 0 -6,776.61 66,038.38
12-1215 FT. SCOTT COSMETOLOGY 197,648.00 173,245.29 0 24,402.71 143,621.86
12-1216 PITTSBURG COSMETOLOGY 0 25,611.29 0 -25,611.29 181,448.33
12-1220 COMPUTER SCIENCE 7,704.00 2,443.75 0 5,260.25 3,582.73
12-1222 CTEC 77,483.00 162,466.95 0 -84,983.95 36,915.14
12-1223 CTEC-AG DEPT 5,172.00 3,714.91 0 1,457.09 2,664.00
12-1224 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 75,618.00 23.18 0 75,594.82 -23.16
12-1225 CRIMINAL JUSTICE 42,700.40 95,027.77 0 -52,327.37 78,361.18
12-1230 S.T.A.R.S. 330,876.00 271,089.50 0 59,786.50 228,290.69
12-1235 NURSING 476,168.00 351,515.62 0 124,652.38 924,720.59
12-1240 ALLIED HEALTH 172,587.00 176,860.17 0 -4,273.17 214,323.30
12-1250 ENVIRONMENTAL WATER 32,182.00 30,069.48 0 2,112.52 32,495.12
12-1744 CDL 148,850.00 144,973.05 0 3,876.95 128,640.85
12-2601 CONSTRUCTION TRADES-CTEC 173,972.00 168,302.68 0 5,669.32 148,208.18
12-2602 WELDING-CTEC 85,232.00 86,419.39 0 -1,187.39 79,594.40
12-2603 WELDING-FT SCOTT 66,413.34 76,566.15 0 -10,152.81 71,648.64
12-2604 WELDING-PAOLA 74,856.00 35,444.89 0 39,411.11 71,388.56
12-3551 HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR 63,999.00 52,336.62 0 11,662.38 64,874.35
12-4250 ASSOC DEAN OCCUP/VOCATIONAL 38,463.00 2,479.55 0 35,983.45 34,569.47
12-7425 EMT 8,963.00 11,131.85 0 -2,168.85 12,466.30
3,063,242.74 2,580,298.75 0.00 482,943.99 3,291,213.97
13-1300 ADULT EDUCATION 17,250.00 17,032.82 0 217.18 17,084.45
17,250.00 17,032.82 0.00 217.18 17,084.45
38-0000 UNCLASSIFIED 410,676.00 57,940.82 0 352,735.18 0
410,676.00 57,940.82 0.00 352,735.18 0.00
39-0000 UNCLASSIFIED 0 3,000.00 0 -3,000.00 0
0.00 3,000.00 0.00 -3,000.00 0.00
61-0000 UNCLASSIFIED 305,628.00 0 0 305,628.00 0
61-7100 FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS 95,000.00 95,043.36 0 -43.36 0
61-7200 SPECIAL OPERS/MAINT 6,000.00 5,300.00 0 700 0
406,628.00 100,343.36 0.00 306,284.64 0.00
67-7100 FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS 0 174,893.16 0 -174,893.16 215,752.52
0.00 174,893.16 0.00 -174,893.16 215,752.52
71-1142 ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS 700,000.00 298,006.60 0 401,993.40 565,343.64
71-1144 ADM./ACTIVITY SCHOLARSHIP 350,000.00 271,954.04 0 78,045.96 527,938.10
71-7190 STUDENT ACTIVITIES 0 393.29 0 -393.29 6,950.47
71-7199 STUDENT FEES 329,833.30 6,101.96 0 323,731.34 9,865.13
1,379,833.30 576,455.89 0.00 803,377.41 1,110,097.34
81-8100 BOOKSTORE 166,867.00 141,434.72 0 25,432.28 168,689.89
166,867.00 141,434.72 0.00 25,432.28 168,689.89
83-8383 GREYHOUND/BOILEAU RESID. HALLS 456,787.39 370,447.92 0 86,339.47 432,637.58
83-8384 GREYHOUND LODGE 102,524.00 92,673.74 0 9,850.26 103,857.88
83-8385 SYCAMORE GROVE APARTMENTS 1,750.00 1,717.82 0 32.18 163,347.15
83-8387 GARRISON APARTMENTS 35,419.68 37,985.40 0 -2,565.72 39,281.75
596,481.07 502,824.88 0.00 93,656.19 739,124.3619
84-0000 UNCLASSIFIED -125,000.00 0 0 -125,000.00 0
84-8400 FOODSERVICE/DINING HALL 674,471.98 591,563.31 0 82,908.67 671,755.38
549,471.98 591,563.31 0.00 -42,091.33 671,755.38
14,301,705.20 12,495,626.93 0.00 1,806,078.27 14,551,307.61
OTHER
21-0000 UNCLASSIFIED 0 50,051.02 0 -50,051.02 84,984.08
22-0000 UNCLASSIFIED 0 33,152.00 0 -33,152.00 32,289.00
24-0000 UNCLASSIFIED 0 1,819,603.71 0 -1,819,603.71 2,029,924.86
25-2543 HEP YEAR 3 0 -0.46 0 0.46 477,542.86
25-2544 HEP 2024-25 513,092.39 442,781.79 0 70,310.60 0
25-3813 CAMP YEAR 3 0 -246.94 0 246.94 450,185.62
26-3814 CAMP 2024-25 565,107.39 516,038.20 0 49,069.19 0
27-2718 TITLE IV/SSS-YEAR 3 0 23.73 0 -23.73 42,747.80
27-2719 TITLE IV/SSS-YEAR 4 48,583.21 48,676.68 0 -93.47 225,250.72
27-2720 TRIO 2024-25 281,166.45 214,936.83 0 66,229.62 0
28-2812 PASS YR12 0 56,688.55 0 -56,688.55 36,694.55
28-2850 NATIONAL PASS 0 24,491.31 0 -24,491.31 69,653.26
31-1235 NURSING 46,342.87 34,604.25 0 11,738.62 10,350.00
31-3010 CARL PERKINS GRANT 0 -1,187.90 0 1,187.90 176,700.56
31-3124 Academic Services Grant 0 180.59 0 -180.59 823.22
31-3505 3D Printer – First Option Bank 0 862.64 0 -862.64 1,427.89
31-6855 Pantry FSACF Grant 1,500.00 1,530.04 0 -30.04 0
32-3961 IOWA PROJECT-11 0 238,726.81 0 -238,726.81 0
35-0000 UNCLASSIFIED 50,000.00 35,371.38 0 14,628.62 0
37-2220 MEP B YEAR 4 0 319,884.15 0 -319,884.15 623,248.07
37-3500 IDEA – MICHIGAN 0 41,303.26 0 -41,303.26 41,841.18
37-3601 LA PROJECT YEAR 1 0 5,940.71 0 -5,940.71 253,086.08
37-3720 MEP A YEAR 20 0 257,714.52 0 -257,714.52 448,715.70
37-3769 ISOSY YR1 0 51,229.74 0 -51,229.74 83,384.36
37-3789 IDRC YR 1 0 108,080.75 0 -108,080.75 186,699.82
37-3961 IOWA PROJECT-11 2,750,000.00 283,115.16 0 2,466,884.84 709,380.32
40-4000 GUARANTEED STUDENT LOANS 0 1,048,904.75 0 -1,048,904.75 977,847.99
41-3010 CARL PERKINS GRANT 132,600.00 134,185.90 0 -1,585.90 0
70-3200 COMMUNITY SERVICES 1,458.25 16.5 0 1,441.75 -320
70-3505 3D Printer – First Option Bank 195 0 0 195 0
70-7020 FACULTY/STAFF FUND 0 70 0 -70 -5
70-7040 SPECIAL STUDENT SERVICES 1,032.33 0 0 1,032.33 0
70-8383 GREYHOUND/BOILEAU RESID. HALLS 75,324.02 0 0 75,324.02 4,728.00
72-2711 TITLE IV YEAR 1 63.78 0 0 63.78 0
72-7220 EQUIPMENT SALES FUND 2,363.03 0 0 2,363.03 0
72-7230 GATE RECEIPT FUND 12,226.58 0 0 12,226.58 1,373.54
72-7240 PRINT SHOP FUND 20,545.33 0 0 20,545.33 337.67
72-7260 PHYSICALS/FINES 2,115.00 0 0 2,115.00 920
72-7262 SOFTBALL EQUIP STUDENT FINES 330 0 0 330 0
72-7263 WOMEN BB EQUIP STDNT FINES 183.27 0 0 183.27 0
72-7264 MEN BB EQUIP STDNT FINES 455 0 0 455 0
72-7265 VOLLEYBALL EQUIP STUDENT FINE 128 0 0 128 0
72-7266 TRACK EQUIP STDT FINES 720 0 0 720 0
72-7267 CHEER EQUIP STDT FINES 267.5 0 0 267.5 0
72-7268 DANCE EQUIP-STUDENT FINE 175 0 0 175 0
73-1300 ADULT EDUCATION 1,832.04 0 0 1,832.04 0
73-7303 COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS 54.1 0 0 54.1 0
74-7430 NURSING 46 0 0 46 0
75-1744 CDL 50 0 0 50 0
75-7513 ART CLUB 690.14 0 0 690.14 0
75-7523 FRIENDS OF PHOTOGRAPH 240.86 0 0 240.86 0
75-7525 HVAC-SPECIAL FUND 710.88 0 0 710.88 0
75-7526 HISTORY CLUB 1,698.62 0 0 1,698.62 020
75-7530 LIVESTOCK/MEATS 1.79 0 0 1.79 0
75-7533 COLLEGIATE FARM BUREAU 3,835.22 246 0 3,589.22 0
75-7535 MUSIC/BAND/CHORUS 2,486.63 72.5 0 2,414.13 0
75-7536 PHI THETA KAPPA-PAOLA 1,567.61 476.78 0 1,090.83 0
75-7537 PAOLA AMBASSADORS 199.59 93.5 0 106.09 0
75-7538 CHRISTIANS ON CAMPUS 273.48 0 0 273.48 479.06
75-7539 PHI THETA KAPPA-FORT SCOTT 8,390.11 4,248.14 0 4,141.97 3,575.24
75-7540 RODEO 73,070.00 74,075.00 0 -1,005.00 78,684.68
75-7541 FINE ARTS CENTER 7,774.28 0 0 7,774.28 0
75-7550 STUDENT NURSE ORGANIZATION 3,123.78 -18.03 0 3,141.81 373.04
75-7560 HD SKILLS/T-SHIRTS 681.38 0 0 681.38 0
75-7561 SKILLS-CBJTG 4,126.00 0 0 4,126.00 0
75-7562 PAOLA WELDING 2,677.10 0 0 2,677.10 0
75-7563 RODEO FACILITIES 64,953.81 0 0 64,953.81 0
75-7565 STUDENT SENATE CLUB ACCOUNT 40 0 0 40 0
75-7575 STEM 253.78 0 0 253.78 208.6
75-7579 MISC. INCOME – JD FACTORY TOUR 3,720.00 7,061.97 0 -3,341.97 0
79-1205 AG DEPARTMENT 0 8,979.88 0 -8,979.88 0
79-5500 GENERAL ATHLETICS 0 6,216.79 0 -6,216.79 0
79-5510 BASKETBALL-MEN 0 6,408.22 0 -6,408.22 0
79-5515 BASKETBALL-WOMEN 0 2,900.90 0 -2,900.90 0
79-5520 VOLLEYBALL 0 2,573.73 0 -2,573.73 0
79-5525 BASEBALL 0 29,290.32 0 -29,290.32 0
79-5530 RODEO 0 40,779.56 0 -40,779.56 0
79-5545 SOFTBALL 0 35,295.45 0 -35,295.45 0
79-5550 TRACK/XC-WOMEN 0 11,532.67 0 -11,532.67 0
96-1744 CDL 0 194,425.00 0 -194,425.00 192,085.00
98-0000 UNCLASSIFIED 130,137.28 10,400.83 0 119,736.45 12,123.36
4,818,608.88 6,201,788.88 – (1,383,180.00) 7,257,341.1321
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RECOGNITIONS
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Student Policies – Many following policies are revisions of current policies, and a few are new
policies for FSCC. These will be presented for final approval at the next regular board meeting.
• Accidents and Illnesses
• Coordination of Policies by Enforcement Official
• Copyright Policy
• Searches of Dorm Rooms and Students
• Student Conduct
• Student Educational Records
• Student Social Events40
ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESSES (update in grey)
If a faculty member or student becomes ill or is injured in a college-sponsored activity, the faculty
member should proceed with emergency care as the case may warrant, as described in this section. Any
college employee who discovers an accident involving a student on college property shall report the
accident in a timely manner to the appropriate dean or Vice President or designated representative and
follow the rules approved by the Board.
Only qualified college employees may assist a student suspected of injury other than attempting to
make the student as comfortable as possible while waiting for competent medical treatment. Qualified
employees, for the purpose of this policy, are those employees who have successfully completed an
approved Red Cross first aid program or who have otherwise been approved by the President to
administer treatment. College employees shall not attempt to treat any student injury after the initial
treatment of emergency first aid. The college will not assume liability for employees acting outside the
scope of their authority under these policies.
ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESSES (PROPOSED CHANGE)
Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for
students, faculty, staff, and visitors. In the event of an accident occurring on campus, it is essential that
all incidents are properly reported and, when necessary, emergency personnel are contacted
immediately.
Procedure
1. Emergency Response
o If an accident results in serious injury or poses an immediate danger, individuals should
call 911 or contact campus security immediately.
o If medical attention is needed but is not an emergency, individuals should seek
assistance from local medical providers or campus personnel.
2. Accident Reporting
o All accidents, regardless of severity, must be reported through the FSCC Accident
Report Form, which is available online.
o The accident form should be completed as soon as possible by the individual involved, a
witness, or an FSCC employee.
o Completed forms will be submitted to the appropriate FSCC office for review and
record-keeping.
3. Follow-Up and Documentation
o The college administration will review accident reports and take appropriate follow-up
actions as needed.
o If necessary, FSCC may conduct an internal review to address any safety concerns and
implement preventive measures.
Compliance
Failure to report an accident may result in corrective action as deemed appropriate by FSCC
administration.41
COORDINATION OF POLICIES BY ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL (new proposal below)
Law enforcement officers may be requested to assist in controlling disturbances of the college
environment which the President or other college administrators have found to be unmanageable and
which have the potential of causing harm to students, other persons or college property, who have
exhibited undesirable or illegal conduct on college premises or at a college event held on college
property and who have been requested to leave by an administrator, but have failed or refused to do so.
College administrators shall meet at least annually with local law enforcement officials to discuss the
college’s policy and rules regarding law enforcement contacts with the college. Law enforcement
officials will be asked to instruct their staffs as to the terms of the college’s policies and rules
Investigation of Student Conduct
Designated college officials, as appointed by the President, are authorized to investigate and question
students regarding potential violations of college policies, the student conduct code, or other
infractions. If there is reasonable belief that a criminal law has been violated, the administrator shall
notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and may request further investigation into the alleged
violation.
Coordination with Law Enforcement
College administrators may engage in periodic meetings with local law enforcement agencies to discuss
policies and protocols related to law enforcement interactions with the college. Law enforcement
officers shall not conduct investigations on campus during college hours unless an emergency situation
necessitates immediate action. In such cases, the administrator must verify the identity of the officers
and the justification for the investigation or questioning of a student. If the administrator determines
that the identification or justification is insufficient, the request may be denied. The administrator shall
make reasonable efforts to notify the President and the officer’s superiors if a request is refused.
Handling Criminal Violations
Any information regarding criminal activity occurring on campus shall be reported to the appropriate
law enforcement agency for further action.
Law Enforcement Custody of Students
College officials shall not voluntarily release students to law enforcement unless the student has been
formally placed under arrest or taken into custody by law enforcement or another authorized agency. If
a student is taken into custody on college premises without prior notification to college administration,
the college staff present shall request that the law enforcement officer notify an administrator as soon
as possible.
Managing Campus Disturbances
Law enforcement officers may be called upon to assist in managing disruptions on campus. If necessary,
officers may take students or other individuals into custody to restore order and ensure the safety of the
college community.42
SEARCHES OF DORM ROOMS AND STUDENTS (same, but added wording in blue)
Searches of dorm rooms and students shall be conducted in accordance with institutional guidelines
found in the Housing Handbook. No law enforcement officer may search any dorm room without a
search warrant unless he has the consent of the President or designee and is accompanied by the
President or designated representative. If a law enforcement officer wishes to search a student’s dorm
room, and he has a warrant for such search, the President or a designated representative shall
immediately take such person to the student’s dorm room and permit him to search the room.43
STUDENT CONDUCT (revised)
All student behavior shall be based upon respect and consideration for the rights of others. Students
shall be responsible for knowing, and abiding by, the rules and regulations of the college. The college
assumes that all students are able and willing to maintain standards of self-discipline appropriate to
membership in a college community. A rigid code of conduct is purposely omitted in order to establish
confidence in this assumption. The college reserves the right to take disciplinary measures in the best
interest of FSCC. Discipline is the responsibility of the Dean of Students. Cases involving minor
infractions of normal discipline are handled by the Disciplinary Review Board. Disciplinary action will be
initiated when a student’s behavior/action is determined to be dangerous to that individual’s
health/well being, infringement on others’ rights, damage to college property, or any other situation
which reflects negatively on the college community, programs, organizations, or activities. The college
reserves the right to dismiss a student whose conduct is at any time unsatisfactory in the judgment of
college officials. Conflicts with rules/regulations governing the following areas place a student in
violation, and subject to discipline of the Student Code of Conduct. Students should refer to the Student
Handbook for specific offenses that violate the student conduct expectations. (added this to remove the
listing below)
ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY – Alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are prohibited on college
property. Possession, distribution or use of alcoholic beverages, 3.2 beer, or the unlawful
manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance on the Fort
Scott Community College Campus, within the college buildings or at any college-sponsored
event is strictly prohibited. Violation will result in immediate disciplinary action up to and
including dismissal from college.
ASSAULT AND BATTERY – includes any action, including hazing, which threatens the physical
well being, mental health, or safety of others.
DISHONESTY – includes cheating, plagiarism, other areas of academic dishonesty, or
intentionally giving false information to the college.
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR – includes disorderly, indecent, or obscene conduct either in the
classroom or on campus owned/operated facilities or properties on/at college sponsored
events.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS – Students are expected to abide by ethical standards in the
use of all electronic communications which includes, but is not limited to, electronic mail,
Internet services, and electronic mail.
FIREWORKS, FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION, KNIVES OR OTHER WEAPONS – A Fort Scott
ordinance forbids the detonation of fireworks within the city limits. Kansas Statute 39-17-1309
forbids carrying weapons on school property. Firearms, ammunition, knives, explosives,
explosive weapons, weapons of any type of any stolen property are strictly prohibited on the
campus. This list includes, but is not limited to, any weapon designed to fire any projectile, i.e.,
paintball guns, bb guns, air rifles, pellet guns, etc. The college cooperates and will report any44
violations to local law enforcement agencies for prosecution. Students will also be dismissed
from the college should any type of weapon be used in a threatening manner.
GAMBLING – by Kansas Statute 21-4303, gambling is illegal and is not permitted.
SMOKING IN RESTRICTED AREAS – All buildings owned and leased by FSCC are tobacco-free.
Neither smoking nor chewing of tobacco is allowed within the buildings.
TELEPHONE/LONG DISTANCE DISHONESTY – Students are not to make personal long distance
calls on the college’s phone line. Should students need to make personal long distance calls,
they should use a personal credit card, call collect, or have the call charged to their home phone
number. Unauthorized use of another student’s credit card is strictly forbidden.
THEFT/VANDALISM – Theft or damage to college or other’s property will subject students to
college disciplinary measures as well as legal action.
TRAFFIC LAWS AND REGULATIONS – All local and state regulations are in effect on campus 24
hours a day. City, county and state law enforcement agencies have jurisdiction on campus. All
laws and regulations are strictly enforced to assure safety.45
STUDENT EDUCATIONAL RECORDS & PRIVACY RIGHTS (proposed new policy)
Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA) of 1974 in the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of student records. FERPA grants
certain rights to students who are 18 years of age or older or who attend a postsecondary institution.
These rights include:
Student Rights Under FERPA
1. Right to Access Records
o Students have the right to inspect and review their education records within 45 days of
submitting a request.
o Requests must be submitted in writing to the Registrar, Vice President of Academic
Affairs, or another appropriate FSCC official.
o FSCC will notify the student of the time and location where the records can be reviewed.
o If the requested records are maintained by a different office, the student will be
directed to the appropriate official.
2. Right to Request an Amendment
o Students may request corrections to their education records if they believe the
information is inaccurate, misleading, or violates their privacy rights under FERPA.
3. Right to Control Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
o FSCC requires written consent from students before disclosing PII, except in cases where
FERPA allows disclosure without consent.
4. Right to File a Complaint
o Students may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe
FSCC has failed to comply with FERPA regulations.
Directory Information & Disclosure
FSCC may publish student information in bulletins, catalogs, directories, news releases, honor roll lists,
and other official publications unless the student opts out in writing to the Registrar.
Directory Information (May Be Publicly Released):
• Name
• Address
• Telephone listing
• Date of birth
• Major field of study
• Participation in officially recognized activities
• Weight and height of athletic team members
• Dates of attendance
• Degrees and awards received
• Previous educational institutions attended46
Private Information (Confidential & Not Released Without Consent):
• Course grades
• Grade point average (GPA)
• Credit hours earned
• Academic standing
Guidelines for Release of Student Information
Disclosure to Students
• Students may request an official transcript by following the procedures outlined on the FSCC
website.
• Students may inspect their academic records under supervised conditions to prevent alteration
or damage.
• Documents submitted by or for students (e.g., transcripts from other institutions) are
considered the property of FSCC and will not be returned or forwarded elsewhere.
Disclosure to Parents, Educational Institutions, & Agencies
• Academic records will only be released to parents/guardians with the student’s prior written
consent.
• FSCC may provide transcripts to other educational institutions upon request, as a matter of
inter-institutional courtesy.
• Requests from scholarship providers or philanthropic organizations supporting a student may be
honored without prior student approval.
• Statistical studies conducted by research organizations may be approved if no personally
identifiable information is disclosed.
Release of Information to Non-Educational Agencies
• Student information will only be released to non-educational agencies or individuals with
written student consent.
• Without consent, information will only be released if required by a court order or subpoena, and
FSCC will attempt to notify the student before compliance.
Telephone Inquiries & Emergency Disclosures
• FSCC does not release student information over the phone except in urgent cases.
• Emergency requests for student contact information will be handled by the Vice President of
Academic Affairs or an appropriate administrator.
Institutional Compliance & Responsibilities
• All FSCC faculty, staff, and administrators are expected to maintain student record
confidentiality and refer any information requests to the Office of the Registrar.47
• Faculty and advisors may provide limited information relevant to their role but should direct
official transcript or certification requests to the Registrar’s Office.48
COPYRIGHT POLICY (new policy)
Fort Scott Community College takes copyright protection very seriously. Many scholars, musicians, and
performers rely on copyright to protect their intellectual property. The following information explains
what copyright infringement is, what the consequences of copyright infringement are, and the policy for
those who illegally access music, TV shows, or movies. This information is not intended to be a
comprehensive treatment of copyright laws; it is intended to provide basic information to help you
avoid copyright infringement.
Fort Scott Community College prohibits the use of its network resources (i.e., internet/WiFi) to conduct
inappropriate and/or illegal activity. The College complies with applicable federal and state laws and
requires that network account holders do the same in accordance with FSCC’s Policy on Computer and
Internet Acceptable Use. Alleged violations of the Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Policy shall be
subject to disciplinary due process. Unauthorized or improper use will lead to the possible revocation of
the user’s access, and the College may also require restitution for any use which is in violation of the
usage guidelines. Fort Scott Community College will pursue criminal and civil prosecution of violators
when appropriate.
What is Copyright Infringement?
Copyright holders are granted exclusive rights under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the
United States Code) including the right to reproduce, distribute, display, or perform the copyrighted
work or to make a derivative work. Copyright infringement is the act of using works protected by
copyright law without permission or legal authority. In the file-sharing context, downloading or
uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without permission or the authority to do so
constitutes an infringement.
Penalties
Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In general, anyone found liable
for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages or “statutory” damages
affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For “willful” infringement, a
court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion, also assess costs and
attorney fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.
Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five
years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense.
For more information, please see the Web site of the U.S. Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov.49
STUDENT SOCIAL EVENTS/ACTIVITIES (NEW ADDITION IN BLUE)
Student social events such as dances and parties contribute an important element in the development
of the individual. All such events must have prior approval of the Dean of Students and the faculty
sponsor of the club or class sponsoring the event. Every college-sponsored activity held during school
hours or after school hours will have at least one college-designated representative in attendance that
shall have general supervisory responsibilities over the student group.
Disorder and disruption of college activities will not be tolerated, and persons attempting to endanger
the safety of students, college personnel or other adults, to damage college property, to interfere with
college activities or the educational process, will be asked to leave the premises.
The college administration and staff are responsible for handling any problem. The final decision for
determining if assistance is needed is the responsibility of the college administrator. In the absence of
the administrator, the determination shall be made by the assistant administrator or person designated
to be in charge of the activity. The president shall be notified of any serious problem at the college.50
ACTION ITEMS
A. APPROVAL OF TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WITH FSCAPE
BACKGROUND: FSCAPE and Administration have come to an agreement on the terms of the 2025-26
Negotiated Agreement. Items agreed upon by both parties are represented below. FSCAPE has ratified the
terms, leaving Board approval as the final step in implementing the terms into the 2025-26 Negotiated
Agreement.
RECOMMENDATION: It is the recommendation of administration to approve the tentative agreement with
FSCAPE.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp51
B. APPROVAL OF PROPOSED SALARY INCREASES FOR 2025 – 26
BACKGROUND: In addition to the faculty salary increases, administration would like to increase staff
salaries. The chart below shows a 3.5% increase for staff as well as an allotted amount to increase
positions that are extremely low in comparison to similar positions at other community colleges. The
chart below includes the amount of staff increases plus the faculty increase that was part of the
agreement with FSCAPE (Action Item A).
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board the proposed expenses toward salary
increases as presented for 2025-26.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp
C. CONSIDERATION OF AGREEMENT WITH USD 344
BACKGROUND: Negotiations with USD 344 have been ongoing. An agreement may be presented the
night of the meeting for consideration.
RECOMMENDATION: Administration will provide a recommendation on an agreement if it is
presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp52

 

D. CONSIDERATION OF SALE OF GREYHOUND LODGE
BACKGROUND: The Board previously gave authority to administration to negotiate the sale of
Greyhound Lodge with a potential buyer. If the buyer issues a proposal, it will be shared with the
Board at the meeting.
RECOMMENDATION: Administration will make a recommendation regarding any potential
proposals for the sale of Greyhound Lodge at the meeting.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp53
E. CONSIDERATION OF BIDS FOR MAINTENANCE BUILDING ENCLOSURE
BACKGROUND: This item was tabled at the last regular board meeting. The information
below was what was provided at that meeting.
RECOMMENDATION: Administration will provide a recommendation at the meeting
regarding the maintenance enclosure bids.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp54
F. APPROVAL OF NURSING FEE REVISION
BACKGROUND: With a change in vendors, the ATI Student Testing Fee has reduced. The
previously approved ATI fee of $675 needs to be reduced to $519.50.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended the Board approve the revised fee for ATI Student
Testing Fee at a rate of $519.50.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp55
CORRESPONDENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES
TRUSTEE COMMENTS56
EXECUTIVE SESSION
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board adjourn to executive session.
MOVE TO EXECUTIVE SESSION:
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp
MOVE TO REGULAR SESSION:
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp57
ADJOURN
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp58

Ks 4-H Scholarships Announced

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas 4-H youth have been recognized as recipients of the State 4-H
Scholarship and the Vanier Family Scholarship for the 2025–26 academic year. In total, 68 State 4-H
Scholarships and five Vanier Family Scholarships were awarded, with combined funds totaling nearly
$381,000.
The State 4-H Scholarships are awarded to Kansas 4-H members who demonstrate strong involvement,
leadership, and citizenship. Eligible applicants must have participated in the Kansas 4-H program for at least
three years and be enrolled in a post-secondary academic institution.
The Vanier Family Scholarship Program focuses on financial need, leadership, and perseverance.
These awards are available to students’ attending college or university for the first time and are renewable until
the student graduates.
“Kansas 4-H is proud to support our 4-H members and alumni as they pursue higher education and
career goals. Many of these young leaders discovered their passions through hands-on 4-H project work, and
these scholarships are a way to honor their dedication and help turn their dreams into reality.” Dr. Sarah Maass,
State 4-H Program Leader said.
Both scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors to the Kansas 4-H Foundation.
This year, more than 210 youth applied for the State 4-H Scholarship, and over 110 applied for the Vanier
Family Scholarship.

Vanier Family Scholarship Program Recipients
*Denotes a first-year recipient
Barber County
Rhyann Marshall
Cottonwood District – Barton
Jayla Wyant
Frontier District – Franklin
Adelle Higbie
Laura Wingert
Geary County
Gracie Erichsen*
Wild West District – Haskell
Kara Kunselman
Kingman County
Sukesh Kamesh
Post Rock District – Lincoln
Jaden Huehl
Marais Des Cygnes District – Linn
Brynn Collier
Lyon County
Ava Karcher*
Emily Miser
Marshall County
Garret Fincham
Paxton Voet*
Meade County
Kaylen Langhofer
Central Kansas District – Ottawa
Chloe Ecord
Midway District – Russell
Conner Miller
Central Kansas District – Saline
Brenna Anderson
Acacia Pracht*
Sedgwick County
Amy Crow
Elizabeth Giebler
Brady Hoffman
Shawnee County
Daniel Biggs
Riley Showalter
Wild West District – Stevens
Lakota Persing
Sunflower District – Wallace
Hayden Stubbs*
River Valley District – Washington
Mandy Simmons
Scholarship winners are listed below by County/District:
Southwind District – Allen
Abigail Meiwes, Evelyn N. Nelson Educational
Scholarship
Brown County
Landry O’Bryan, John Junior and Ula Armstrong
Scholarship
Southwind District – Bourbon
Byron Fry, Thomas M. Potter II 4-H Scholarship
Gwenyth Fry, Goppert Southeast 4-H Scholarship
River Valley District – Clay
Chayla Maichel, John C. Carter Memorial 4-H
Scholarship
River Valley District – Cloud
Daegen DeGraff, J. Harold and LaVerne Johnson
4-H Scholarship
Cowley County
Abigail Reid, Oscar W. Norby Scholarship
Wildcat District – Crawford
Jade Peak, J. Clifton and Helen E. Ramsey
Scholarship
Chisholm Trail District – Dickinson
Carter Rock, William F. and Marita Jean (Spiers)
Willis Scholarship
Douglas County
Claire Mullen, Mary E. Border Scholarship
Cottonwood District – Ellis
Grace Schmeidler, Jack and Lindy Lindquist 4-H
Youth Council Leadership Scholarship
Midway District – Ellsworth
Hallie Thielen, Georgia Wertzberger 4-H
Scholarship
West Plains District – Finney
Adison George, June Beaver 4-H Scholarship
Grady Gleason, Ron and Nancy Honig Family 4-H
Scholarship
Frontier District – Franklin
Calla Higbie, Master Farmer – Farm Home
Homemaker 4-H Scholarships
Geary County
Kourtney Dibben, Gary and Lorraine Kilgore 4-H
Scholarship
Harvey County
Abigail Banta, Marceil Gradwohl 4-H Scholarship
& Extension Step Ahead Scholarship
Jadyn Eckert, Evelyn N. Nelson Educational
Scholarship
Wild West District – Haskell
Dyson Winfrey, A. B. Mahieu Scholarship
Johnson County
Allyson Rietcheck, John L. Wilson Memorial 4-H
Scholarship
Kyndal Romero, Douglas F. and Linda Beech
Educational Scholarship & M. H Coe Memorial
Scholarship
Kingman County
Nash Young, Allan and Carolyn Harms Family
Scholarship
Leavenworth County
Malia Pebley, June Beaver 4-H Scholarship
Marais des Cygnes District – Linn
Isabella Stolle, Goppert Southeast 4-H Scholarship
Lyon County
Eli Hauff, Roy B. and Elizabeth Curry Oyer
Scholarship
Meade County
Kaylen Langhofer, Ross E. and Margaret Colman
Wulfkuhle Scholarship
Adeline Woods, Winter Family Grant
Marais des Cygnes District – Miami
Roy Bauer, Goppert Southeast 4-H Scholarship
Grace Young, Goppert Foundation 4-H Scholarship

Wildcat District Montgomery
Maggie Chandler, Goppert Southeast 4H
Scholarship
Meadowlark District Nemaha
Adelaide Haverkamp, Glenn M. and Rosemary
Busset 4H Scholarship
Maddy Mosteller, Cecil and Merle Eyestone
Scholarship
Kinzey Niehues, Mandy and Joseph Kern 4H
Scholarship
Post Rock District Osborne
Addison Poore, Extension Step Ahead
Pawnee County
James Seeman, Roscoe M. and Winona M. Starkey
Scholarship
Pottawatomie County
Sariah PittengerReed, Frank W. and Gwen Romine
Jordan Scholarship
Isabella Wilber, Andrew C. Clawson Memorial
Scholarship
Riley County
Maggie Brummett, Lorane Havenly Minis
Scholarship
Julie Peterson, Mary Lou Gibbs 4H Scholarship
Marshall County
Dustin Denton, Donald E. Leu Memorial 4H
Scholarship
Rhett, Frank W. and Gwen Romine Jordan
Scholarship
River Valley District Republic
Sean Morgan, Elmer and Mary Schlagel Pelton
Family 4H Scholarship
Midway District Russell
Kierra Eck, Winter Family Grant
Hailey Gier, Kansas Wheat Scholarship
Christian Miller, Roger E. Regnier Scholarship &
NeuwayAdams 4H Dog Scholarship
Central Kansas District Saline
Carson Fouard Warren L. and Mabel Johnson and
Ann Johnson Sparke 4H Scholarship
Acacia Pracht, A. Lois Redman 4H Scholarship
Matthew Redden, Extension Step Ahead
Kaitlyn Watkins, Ronald W. Schmutz Memorial
Scholarship
West Plains District Scott
Katherine Rogers, Clara L. Dubbs 4H Scholarship
Sedgwick County
Mary Skolaut, Allan and Carolyn Harms Family
Scholarship
Shawnee County
Daniel Biggs, Ross and Marianna Beach

Foundation Scholarship
Kaitlin Jackson, Frances W. Dunbar Memorial
Scholarship & Geology Scholarship
Gwenyth VanLeeuwen, Allan and Carolyn Harms
Family Scholarship
Post Rock District Smith
Addison Green Russell, Donald E. Leu Memorial 4
H Scholarship
Wild West District Stevens
Faith Beesley, Extension Step Ahead
Elisha Staggers, Allan and Carolyn Harms Family
Scholarship
Thomas County
Claire Denny, Pierre C. Henry Scholarship
Wabaunsee County
Jalyn Davis, June Beaver 4H Scholarship
Dalton Debler, Justin Schmutz Scholarship
Sunflower District Wallace
Hayden Stubbs, Nathan Carroll Memorial 4H
Scholarship
River Valley District Washington
Amber Kolle, J. Clifton and Helen E. Ramsey
Scholarship & Geology Scholarship
Southwind District Woodson
Aidan Yoho, June Beaver 4H

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Minutes of June 6  

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

 Minutes of June 6

 

 

  1.  Welcome: Twenty-four members representing thirteen agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.

 

 

  1.  Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Jenny Layes – HBCAT Community Health Worker- Shared of resource share and and event to come.
  • Rhonda Dewitte-Sparkwheel

-First Missionary Baptist Church of Uniontown Food Pantry.

 

  • Rachel Eden-Sparkwheel Student Support Coordinator at FSHS.
  • Shelby Moore-Families Together-Flyers were provided explaining the services provided by FAST.
  • Ashley Reeder-SEKMCH
  • Stephanie Breckenridge – Family Strong Social Worker – Always accepting referrals.
  • Christine Abbott-SE Kansas Works-Promoting Job Fair June 24th at the Ellis Center with a flyer. Resources are available for youth wanting to work on employment.  Fort Scott office space inside the HBCAT office.
  • Michelle Stevenson – FS Early Childhood Program – Fully funded by the Early Childhood Block Grant. She has 2-3 spots available.  She attended the BBCO Baby Shower, which provided safe sleep for families.
  • Star Culp-Parents As Teachers through Greenbush- They have been able to add more spots throughout the program. There are no necessary qualifications, but must have a child prenatal-6. PAT has an open position for an additional parent educator.
  • Janelle Tate – ECBG – Transitions Coordinator of ECBG. Along with Kelli Mengarelli, Michelle Stevenson, and Samantha James, our program was fully funded by the Early Childhood Block Grant.  Planning a recruitment event along with other non-profit organizations to promote resources to families.

Mentioned update from Jenni Simhiser’s Path of Ease Association announcement about the new van awarded by grant funding.

  • Kelli Mengarelli-FRC ECBG-
  • Samantha James-FRC ECBG-
  • Jalaine Davis – Core Community – Informational meeting about Core Community coming up in the fall. Great program for volunteer opportunities.
  • Tori Riebel-SEK MCHD-Shared about the BBCO Baby Shower SEK MCHD hosted, with many more to come in other surrounding communities.
  • Lauren Klinksick- Angels Care Home Health -Flyers were available for the Angels Fall Prevention Program, and a coverage map. One of the many therapies offered is physical therapy, and assisting those in home health care.
  • Dave Gillen – Beacon – Help clients with food twice a month. Help with other personal items.  A limited number of taxi passes and gas vouchers are available.  The Beacon is open  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.  Clients must live in Bourbon County, and qualifications must match DCF.  The Beacon served 340 families last month..  Other items they have helped with include hygiene items, laundry and dish soap, taxi passes, rent, and utilities.
  • Patty Simpson – Fort Scott Housing Authority – FSHA has 190 income-based apartments. She shared that there would be some available housing authority apartments soon.

Patty introduced Guests from High Rise Group-Martha and Lynn.  Shared about how the program they are a part of wanted to see how they can help others by monetary donation.

  • Rhonda Hoener-Sparkwheel-Post Secondary Success Coach -Works with ages 18-25 years old who have ever been enrolled in Sparkwheel in the southern region.
  • Lacey McCarley-Head Start Teacher-Accepting applications for fall center-based preschool.
  • Janice Durbin- Head Start SEK CAP – Home-Based Teacher – Always accepting applications. Flyers were available for distribution.  Attended the BBCO Baby Shower.
  • Larry Jump-SEKCAP-Area Liaison
  • Theresa Amershek – Safe House Children’s Director- Currently seeking a part-time residential staff member to work evenings and weekends at the shelter.
  • Ana Salas – Safe House Crisis Center –
  • Heather Shepherd CHCSEK/USD 234 Community Health Worker-
  • Lora Wilson-CHC/SEK
  • Dee Dee LeFever – Greenbush Community Liaison – Accepting applications for Parents As Teachers through Greenbush.

 

 

 

  1.  Program: 

 

Rhonda Dewitt presented to our group about her Church’s Free Food Pantry.  She and some of her congregation members who attend the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown have organized a pantry that is for those in need 24 hours a day.  She listed the multiple ways they are helping the community, such as Outreach Programs, Food Pantry, Commodities, Emergency Night Stay, Celebrate Recovery, and GriefShare.  She mentioned having breakfast foods available for summer grab and go for kids, and they have a way to have cold items as well.  She has great community support, even mentioning the Ruritan Club.  To help Rhonda out they are always accepting donations of snacks.

 

Rhonda also presented to us about her position as the Sparkwheel Student Support Coordinator K-12 in the Uniontown School District.  She mentioned her caseload is usually around 60 students.  She said she gets to do all the things the administration and teachers want to do, but there is sometimes not enough time to do so by bridging gaps.  There are many ways she can assist students, whether it be assisting in getting homework done to meet academic goals, making sure students’ needs are met to prevent truancy, or helping support parent and school relationships.  With her help, students have access to food, clothes, and hygiene products if needed.  Hoping she can help someone have a better day than yesterday.

 

There are also ways others in the school district are supported universally, such as a grade school monthly award.  This program serves students who aren’t on her caseload.  She has all staff recognizing positive behavior by passing out recognition cards so they are rewarded, and hopefully the behaviors modelled are repeated.  Students can exchange the cards for prizes.  They also hand out goodie bags to all.  Other events Sparkwheel has hosted include  Fun Night, as well as a mock interview and career fair.

 

She introduced the Sparkwheel staff who were present.

 

Rhonda Hoener’s position through Sparkwheel is a Post Secondary Success Coach serving 9 high schools, including Garden City and Dodge City.  She stated that anyone who had been enrolled in Sparkwheel would qualify for her program as long as they were in the 18-25 age range.  By contacting the Juniors and Seniors each year to see if this program would benefit them after graduation, she is able to help her clients by setting goals that will, over time, improve their lives.  Sometimes these goals change due to a crisis occurring.  She is able to support them through the crisis by being able to teach them life skills that will help them be more self-sufficient.  Some are facing homelessness, or losing jobs due to illness, with her help, she is able to help them navigate some pretty tough challenges.

 

There are also college campus-based programs that work with colleges such as PSU, and they are hoping to branch out more soon.  This program serves all students, not just Sparkwheel graduates.

 

Rachel Eden, the Student Support Coordinator for Sparkwheel at Fort Scott High School, shared about building relationships with staff and students.  Working on academics, life skills, and connecting students with resources.  Assisting with FASFA to help with future planning.  She mentioned we have a Student Support Coordinator at the Fort Scott Middle School as well, her name is Winter Moore.

 

  1.  Open Forum:  Nothing further came before the membership.

 

 

  1.  Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be August 6, 2025. 

Ad: Screen Printer – Open Position At Key Apparel

Screen Printer

Key Apparel is seeking a motivated person to join our Embellishment Team as a Screen Printer. This position will work with screen printing, digital printing, and embroidery equipment and processes.As part of the Embellishment Team, you are responsible for embellishing uniforms, hats, outerwear, and other accessories.

A Screen Printer should have an eye for detail, be comfortable on their feet and moving product, be able to navigate graphic design software, and be able to create expertly designed prints that fully meet the customer’s expectations. You should have the ability to work efficiently while staying on top of multiple projects.  Prior experience is not required, but a willingness and excitement to learn is!

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Receiving work order jobs for Screen Printing.

  • Examining work orders to determine estimated printing times, ink, and material quantities.

  • Designing screen patterns according to customer specifications.

  • Selecting screen size, degreasing agents, and emulsion coatings.

  • Running prints and performing quality checks throughout the printing process.

  • Troubleshooting problems as they arise.

  • Drying, folding, and packing completed articles after the run.

  • Loading screen into printer.

  • Installing and repositioning screen printing plates and pressure roles.

  • Calibrating printer before batch is printed.

The ideal candidate must have:

  • Excellent hand-eye coordination.

  • Ability to manually operate large machinery.

  • Ability to work alone for long shifts.

  • High level of creative and artistic skills. Some graphic design experience is required.

  • Ability to stand for long periods.

  • Ability to work with ink and chemicals every day.

Compensation/Benefits:

Key offers competitive compensation, including a highly competitive benefits package.

Please submit your resume to: [email protected], or stop by and pick up an application at our offices located in the Industrial Park at 400 Marble Rd in Ft Scott.

Click here to view all of Key Apparel’s open positions.

County Commissioners Discuss Zoning Forums and Animal Control

The Bourbon County Commission addressed restructuring county administration, animal control, and public forums on zoning in their meeting this week.

The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Old Business

Policy and Procedures

Letter Head

Commissioner Mika Milburn brought examples of letterheads made with a smaller font than the current letterhead for use on all official county documents to make them uniform. She proposed two letterheads for Bourbon County, one for books, cover pages, and official documents, and the other for documents that will have the larger letterhead style, where feasible. She instructed that the county keep its current letterhead with the font changed to match the new, smaller letterhead the board chose.

Milburn moved to approve the letterhead per KSA 19-2126. The commission approved.

Dump Fees for Employees

“So that’s complicated,” said Milburn.

Commissioner David Beerbower said he had received emails about the policy of allowing county employees to dump for free as it pertains to the IRS definition of fringe benefits. “I’m not even sure why this has become such an urgent topic,” he said. This benefit has been in place longer than any of the commissioners have been alive, since before the current county landfill started. “It’s always been kind of an unwritten rule, but in today’s society we can’t do that,” he said. He talked about the need to get numbers from payroll as well as other information.

“I think we need to table it and figure it out…There’s more benefits than just the dump fees that we got to figure out. There’s just a lot to consider,” said Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt.

They tabled it until June 9.

Separation of Public Works and Landfill Departments

Beerbower said the original idea came from Whisenhunt and has been a part of the commissioner’s discussion for a number of months.

“The landfill has its own budget,” said Whisenhunt, of about $800,000 for 2025. “There’s not any reason why it can’t stand on its own, be its own budget item, have its own supervision. And then that person reports directly to the commission,” he said.

“What’s driving us to make this choice?” asked Milburn. She said she would like a risk assessment, benefit analysis, and cost analysis before making the decision to separate the landfill from the Public Works Department. Beerbower said they end up “spinning our tires” when trying to get a cost analysis, due to the cost of getting a cost analysis.

“2025 is the perfect way to go because in 2026 we go to five commissioners, so if this experiment does not work with the 2025 budget as it stands, we can reverse this,” said Beerbower.

“I’m not willing to experiment with taxpayer money,” said Milburn. Pointing out that “everything costs.”

Someone in the audience asked what the benefit of the restructuring would be. Beerbower said that restructuring is needed because the county needs change, as continuing to do things the way they always have will not lead to improvement. “The advantage of it is that they’re smaller, more workable departments,” Beerbower said. It will be more economical in the long run to streamline things. However, he did not have numbers to share to support his position.

“The people that I was trying to work with to develop an overall plan…nobody wants to work out a possibility of change…it’s all about protecting what they’ve got,” said Beerbower.

Another person asked what the benefit to the public would be of making this change.

Whisenhunt explained that the landfill, as a government entity, is not allowed to make a profit, but if they can lower operating costs, they can pass those savings on to customers in the form of lower rates or fewer tax dollars being spent to operate the landfill.

One audience member said that Bourbon County charges more than surrounding counties for waste disposal.

Haulers in attendance expressed concern about landfills in the area increasing their rates and suggested up-charging for non-local dumping, since local businesses are already supporting the county through their taxes. They also expressed concern about giving free dumping to county employees and charging everyone else extra to make up the difference.

“We’re not changing anything from the operational standpoint other than the supervision of it,” said Beerbower. “That’s not a good enough reason to separate it,” said Milburn.

“It’s about the money. I think we need to do a cost analysis on everything,” said Milburn, addressing the issue of restructuring county departments.

Jennifer Hawkins, Deputy Clerk, talked about the budget reports, showing all the money that’s come in and gone out of the various funds, including the landfill. The report shows that in 2025, the landfill has incurred $229,724 in expenses while bringing in $178,175 in revenue. Whisenhunt pointed out that the negative balance is in part due to the large building payment made at the first of the year. “It should start coming back,” he said.

Whisenhunt said his experience in the trash business has shown him how much money it could make if it was prioritized. “I work for the biggest trash company in the world…and I just see how trash can make money.” It has to go from being a second thought to make that profit.

Whisenhunt made a motion that the county separate them but didn’t get seconded.

The commission voted to table the issue to June 16 to allow time to find and crunch the numbers to support their disparate claims.

Beerbower invited the vocal audience members to come back June 16 when the item will be brought up again.

New Business

Animal Control

The commissioners spoke over the phone with Ealyn Taylor about animal control issues in the county. She said she was coming to them on behalf of animals being dumped in the county. For the last three years, she’s been picking up, vetting, and re-homing animals dumped in the county. The change to the city’s animal control laws has led to an excessive amount of dumping, especially in the last two years. She’s at capacity and needs help or land to be able to keep doing the work she’s been doing. She asked the county if there is any land available to start housing animals that are being dumped.

“I do anything that I possibly can for the community as far as the animals go, but I’m at the point where I need some help on getting them some sort of temporary housing,” she said. The shelter here is a kill shelter, and she’s trying to keep the animals from dying.

“I have a plan for a self-sustaining sanctuary. I’ve been looking for acreage,” said Taylor.

Beerbower said The first step in this process is looking at the list of land that Bourbon County owns and then start chipping away at the process, including the legal ramifications.  Taylor said she would apply for non-profit status if the county could offer her land for this purpose.

“I know we all care,” said Beerbower. Hopefully, others will get involved and offer assistance.

“I need a little boost up in the right direction from the community,” said Taylor, thanking the commissioners for their help.

Zoning Advisory Board

The citizen zoning advisory board is planning three public forums scheduled for May 14 at 6 p.m. in Uniontown, May 20, 6 p.m. in Fulton, May 21, 6 p.m. at Memorial Hall in Fort Scott.

Beerbower moved to extend the board’s deadline for presenting recommendations to the county commission to Monday, June 9, to allow them time to meet again after the public forums.

He also explained the board’s decision not to post their meetings to YouTube. The meetings are open to the public, which is all that is required by state statutes.

Freeman Timeline Extension

Freeman has asked to extend their deadline for opening the Emergency Room from June to September 1, 2025. Part of the reason is getting it up to the new ADA codes, particularly the fire monitoring equipment. The company that does that is backlogged.

Whisenhunt moved that the chairman sign the extension, and the commission approved.

County Cameras

The commission spoke with Public Works Director Eric Bailey and Brian Murphy, Advisory Deputy to the Sheriff’s Department about the cameras used throughout county facilities.

The purpose of the cameras is for supervisors to be able to monitor their departments when not on site, said Milburn.

Murphy advised that the county be sure supervisors can access the footage of their own department only for monitoring when they are off-site.

Beerbower expressed concern that the proper chain of evidence of footage be maintained in case of criminal activity being caught on camera.

Beerbower moved that all camera systems be placed under the operational control of the sheriff’s department and transfer all equipment and programs to be housed independently at the sheriff’s office. The motion died for lack of second.

Milburn moved to bring the discussion to a county work-session for further discussion on June 23.

Commissioner Comments

Milburn asked that commissioners not introduce motions in the commissioners’ comments section of the meeting, but add them to the agenda in the business section. She also apologized for the lengthy meeting at the beginning of her time in office and said she will make an effort not to overload the agenda in the future.

Whisenhunt agreed with Milburn. He said it’s important for the commissioners to be transparent with one another through the meeting agenda process, since they aren’t permitted to talk to one another outside of the meetings themselves.

Beerbower spoke of the election to add three new commissioners, saying that currently one candidate for District 4 and no candidates for District 5 have filed. The deadline to file is noon on June 2. He expressed concern that there be candidates for those seats. He was advised that many people wait to file for election until the last minute.

Whisenhunt said in his radio address he will mention the need for nurses and support staff at Freeman Hospital.

Sales Tax Question, Park Improvements Discussed in May 6 City Commission Meeting

Fort Scott City Hall.

Disc golf, sales tax, and fireworks were all dealt with at the May 6, Fort Scott City Commission Meeting.

Appearances

Parks Advisory Board, Purchase of Disc Golf Baskets

Danny Craig spoke to the commission about the Parks Advisory Board’s decision to purchase a new set of disc golf baskets. “The more baskets we have the more people we can have for our tournaments,” he said. By having 36 baskets the parks can facilitate 180 tournament players.

The baskets with numbers and columns will cost $9,100. The plan is to add 18 new baskets to Gunn Park with the option to move them to other locations such as Riverwalk Park of Fort Scott Community College for tournaments. Gunn Park has two to three placements for each basket. The new baskets have more chains and catch discs easier than the old baskets.

“It is impressive how many people are playing at Gunn Park,” said Commissioner Dyllon Olson. Craig noted that it’s a growing sport in the area.

City Manager Brad Matkin asked if he would consider placing them permanently at Fort Scott Community College. Craig said he would.

The commission approved the purchase.

Jake’s Fireworks Sales

Marcus Shearhart, regional building manager for Jake’s Fireworks in Kansas asked that the city adapt to the state law for fireworks selling season, which is June 20 to July 7. Current selling dates in Ft. Scott are June 27 to July 5. Jake’s Fireworks has purchased the old Walgreens building, where they are currently selling Memorial Day Flowers.  Next they will sell fireworks. Starting August 1, they will convert to Jumpy Jumpland, an inflatables park. Jake’s Fireworks has also purchased the old Taco Tico and will bring in a Quick Sip coffee shop. They also have plans for the old Pizza Hut building.

The commission voted to amend the current ordinance to match the state’s dates. Shooting dates remain unchanged.

GAAP Audit, tabled from 4/15/2025

Ben Hart talked to the commission about the meaning of switching over to a GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) system. GAAP are adopted nationwide, but the state of Kansas has decided that some cities and counties didn’t need to adopt them because of cost of changing over. Other cities in the state go by Kansas Municiple Audit Accounting Guide (KMAAG).

He gave the commission a three-page memo on the subject, as they had voted in an early meeting to switch over to the GAAP system in 2025, and he wanted them to understand the potential cost.

Mayor Timothy Van Hoeke asked Hart to give his professional estimate of the cost to the city to move to the GAAP system. Hart answered it would be at least $100,000 the first year, and the ongoing annual cost will be anywhere from $60,000 to $80,000 more than currently paying. The main reason for the increase is the people that would have to be hired to write up the financials and do asset assessments. The city would need to have permanent staffing to facilitate it. Currently, they only do cash basis and statutory audits.

Hart said that he was not asking for a decision tonight, but giving information. It will require budget amendments to pay for the new hires, and this is not an easy decision to reverse.

Matkin asked about the benefits of choosing GAAP versus KMAG. Hart said that GAAP is of more benefit to entities that issue a lot of debt, which Fort Scott does not do.

The commission decided to have the financial staff bring back a waiver to not go with GAAP and to address it in the next budget meeting

“I would like to see the city do a GAAP, but not for that cost,” said Olson.

Unfinished Business

Pumper Truck Purchase tabled from 4/15/2025

The commission approved the purchase of the Spartan, top-mount pumper truck for $784,702.

New Business

Public Hearing: CDBG Grant from Memorial Hall

Kylie Moore, grant specialist, said she’s hopeful they will be awarded the grant this year, as there’s more funding this round than there was last year.

The grant would be used to replace windows, restore masonry and mortar, and repair the northeast corner of the building. Some of which was damaged by water infiltration. The total cost estimate for the project is $766,484 and the city would match the grant at $184,282.

The application will be submitted on May 21, and results will be available two to three weeks after submission.

The commission approved going after the grant.

Request to Vacate Alley and Street at 123 McCleverty Street

The commission denied this request when it was first presented, However, the owner, Alyssa Green, says the information was incorrect at the original hearing and asked to present accurate information.

Mr. Williams spoke to the commission on Green’s behalf. Williams claimed that Second Street runs through Green’s house, and the alley intersects a building. He also said that Second Street ended at Lincoln and wasn’t plotted to go further in 1857.

Commissioner Matthew Wells and Olson both said that the city was plotted to have Second Street run all the way through. This issue is common in Fort Scott. Wells expressed concern that the precedent set by this would send landowners the message that if they build on city property, the city will give them the land.

Williams said that the city should not have allowed a building permit to build homes on city land.

Wells said that the city is following a rule of not choosing to vacate properties in this situation. He also said it’s incumbent on the property owner to do a survey to determine where the city’s property lines and easements are.

Matkin suggested offering Green the piece that part of her house rests on in exchange for her giving another piece of her property to the city.

Van Hoeke suggested that realtors in the area shouldn’t tell prospective buyers that getting the city to vacate property in dispute is to be expected.

Commissioner Tracy Dancer proposed that the engineer and the city attorney work out a land swap pursuant to a survey paid for by the owner or any agent of the owner. Motion carried.

“Rather than just saying ‘no,’ we’re giving you an opportunity to work this out,” said Van Hoeke.

Action items

Consideration of bid for CDs for wastewater, $2,000,000

The commission approved putting $2,000,000 from the wastewater fund into a CD at UMB Bank at the rate of 3.85%.

Consideration of Sales Tax Ballot Question

City Manager Brad Matkin spoke to the commission about the vote for the half-cent sales tax coming up this year. They need to make a decision at their May 20th meeting to get the question onto the ballot in time.  Of the current half-cent tax, 90% is paid to streets, 10% to parks and community facilities. Matkin suggested a couple of possibilities, including staying at a half-cent and sending 80% to streets, 10% to public safety, and 10% to parks. This would help pay for the new pumper truck while not taking much from streets. Another option is to increase the tax to one cent, giving 85% to streets, 5% to parks, and 10% to public safety.

“We want to make sure we’re doing the best we can with the funds we’re getting. One thing to remember, sales tax comes from everyone,” said Matkin, including out-of-town visitors. Without the sales tax, a property tax increase may be needed, which would only be paid by residents. Raising the sales tax could allow for a reduction in property taxes.

Olson asked if the reduction in the amount going to the streets would affect the city’s ability to get planned future projects done. Matkin said that the city is doing more in-house work and has more equipment now than in the past, which will allow them to do the street projects for less.

Matkin suggested that the ballot question be to approve a 10-year tax. He also recommended having two or three town halls before the vote to explain it to the public and answer questions.

VanHoeke suggested that the commission take the information home and think it over for a vote next meeting. The commission voted to do so.

Consideration of Gunn Park Shelter Three Improvements

Brad Matkin said the only bid for repairs that the city received was for $55,000. This would be to repair masonry and wood elements of the shelter and would come from the parks sales tax fund. This shelter is one that the city rents out.

Consideration of 2025 Hay Rights Bids

The bid for haying at the airport went to Tip and T Cattle for $9,000.

Discussion of revamping land bank program

Brad Matkin said the land bank would like to have the city’s Housing and Revitalization coordinator take over management. She will help clean titles and coordinate neighborhood revitalization with the land bank properties. She deals with land bank issues daily. It would fit right into her job scheme and allow the city to keep the current funds for management.

VanHoeke asked Bob Farmer, city counsel, to look at the ordinances and make sure they can do that.

“It’ll make the whole process a lot smoother and allow us to coordinate things better with the city and the contractors moving forward,” said Wells.

Consideration of Use of Law Firm for Land Bank

Wells said that the land bank wants a Memo Of Understanding (MOU) with the attorney that Bourbon County will be using for its sheriff’s sale so that he can clear property titles as needed.

Motion carried with “no”s from Dancer and Olson.

Request to pay Heck & Wicker Inc. for Horton Street and Sixth Street Improvements $422, 022.76

Mr. Dickman, engineer, said that inspection shows that every item billed has been completed. The striping is still to be done.

Wells was very displeased with the asphalting job. “That road should have been done right. It should have been done according to specs.”

Wells moved to litigate for having the road re-done. Dancer and Wells voted yes, but the other commissioners voted it down.

Olson moved to pay it, but it didn’t pass. Salsbury, Wells, and Dancer voted against paying it.

Dickman will start the process with H&W to have unsatisfactory items repaired.

Consideration proposal for East National Project Design

Tabled until next meeting.

Reports and Comments

City Manager Brad Matkin

Hometown Parking Lot south of Hometown Pub has one more pour and they hope to finish it this week. It should be a 30-spot lot.

Sixth and Main Intersection is scheduled to be concreted by the end of May as well as the First Street Parking Lot, weather permitting.

The Eddie Street project is next in line. The water department will be doing the waterline project between 8th and 9th street after school is out at the end of May.

Moody Building update: There is a permit, but no work has been done in the last two weeks. Matkin hopes for more info on that by the next commission meeting.

“Things are going good in Fort Scott,” said Matkin. He mentioned the successful First Friday for May. The next one will be in August, as Good Old Days and Fourth of July will be at the beginnings of the next two months.

May 17, a Luau and opening of splash pad with sno cones and bands is planned. The Aquatic Center opens Memorial Day, May 26.

Farmers Market started May 3 and will continue on Saturdays from 8-12 and Tuesdays 4-6.

Commissioner Kathryn Salsbury asked to add to the next meeting agenda revisiting the idea of making the window when fireworks are allowed to set of fireworks shorter. She expressed concerned for veterans, pets, victims of domestic violence, and autistic kids.

Wells mentioned that St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church will host a melodrama during the Good Old Days Festival this year.

Olson said he is pleased will the filling of businesses in town. “Fort Scott’s not dying.” He thanked city manager and his various crews for what they do for the city. He also expressed gratitude for the other commissioners and the progress he sees.

County Commissioners discuss restructuring county departments

County Commissioners began discussions to restructure those departments within the county that the commission is over. They also ordered a safety study for the Elm Creek Lake Dam.

The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Old Business

Policy and procedures

Commissioner Mika Milburn talked about the need for an interim reference addendum to the county’s 2002 policy book as the commission revisits and revises it. She suggested assigning reference numbers to the forms and procedures as they make or revise them for easy reference during revision and in the final product.

County Clerk Susan Walker has started adding reference numbers to forms as they are being amended. She has also requested an administrative procedure book separate from the original policy and procedure book. Commissioner David Beerbower agreed.

Per the commission’s decision in the April 28 meeting, the road closure request form now has relevant statutes on the back, instructions for accurately filling out the form, and includes the proviso that those applying for road closures pay the county’s administrative costs to close the road.

An audience member expressed that requiring a citizen to pay for administrative costs of road closures seemed unfair in light of the taxes paid by citizens for the maintenance of that road.

The commission approved Resolution 1625 to update the road closure form and costs.

Resolution for waiving landfill fees for cities of fewer than 400

Beerbower expressed concern that the reduction in landfill fees will reduce income for the Public Works Department. However, he’s okay with giving the break to cities that do the demolition themselves.

“I’d rather all of the garbage be in one spot than all over the county, personally,” said Milburn. She sees this an opportunity to help build and grow in the county.

Public Works Director Eric Bailey said there’s been inconsistent charges to municipalities for construction and demolition waste in the past. He recommended charging for C&D because of the work it requires.

Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt moved to approve the resolution. Milburn and Whisenhunt voted “yes,” Beerbower voted “no.”

Set public hearing for vacation of road for May 19, 2025 at 5:35pm

The road for the hearing is the alley in between lots 3 and 4 of sub of lot one block eight in Hyattville.

Budget Work Session Update

Milburn wanted to put out a reminder that the commission has requested each department’s detailed budget be submitted to the commission by June 1, 2025.

Work Comp Procedures and Benefits

Beerbower spoke of changes he is proposing to the way the county handles Workman’s Comp. He said the purpose of Workman’s Comp is to protect employees from financial hardship due to injury on the job. With added medical expenses costs amount to more than the 66.67% that comp provides to an employee. In light of the impact on the employee’s inability to work and possible need for care causing their spouse to be unable to work, Beerbower believes there should be changes.

His suggested changes state that any employee injured on the job will be placed on administrative leave until their status is determined, with pay. If placed on workman’s comp, they will remain on administrative leave with 50% pay and remain in that status until released from workman’s comp.

County Counselor Bob Johnson cautioned that it would be wise to run this change by the county’s insurance provider to be sure that if the county has a policy to continue to pay an employee it won’t affect their workman’s comp benefits.

The commission chose to table it until the May 12 meeting to gather more information.

Human Resources

Bob Johnson, county counsel, said most counties don’t have human resources, but it runs through the clerk’s office and then goes to the county counsel if needed. Regarding grievances, he said he would be glad to assist. He also referred to the handbook as the main source of information and guidance.

He offered to talk to Susan’s office to help them make a plan for how to handle employee grievances and infractions in the future.

Milburn expressed concern about a conflict of interest in using the clerk’s office as the county’s HR resource. Johnson agreed, saying she was right and that he would be glad to help.

Hiring for a Floater Position

Milburn said the commission allocated $13,000 at the last meeting for a floater position to help in various offices and report directly to the commission. As it is the county’s policy to hire from within whenever appropriate and possible, she moved to hire Jennifer Hawkins for the position.

The commission approved the motion.

News Business

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Don George with KDWP spoke to the commissioner about the $40,000 grant from his department that the county received to help with the dam at Elm Creek.

George recommended that the commission renew its current grant, which has expired. The project has been ongoing since August of 2021, but it is much more extensive than a $40,000 project. The grant is a 25/75 split, committing the county to pay 75% of the costs of dam repairs. However, George said they could apply for a phase II grant of another $40,000.

Milburn expressed concern that the project would end up being much more extensive than currently projected.

Eric Bailey suggested they look at minutes from previous commission’s discussion to see if they made any decisions about it.

He also spoke to Frank Young from  AG Engineering today, who strongly encouraged the commission to do a safety inspection on the dam to give them recommendations on all that they notice out there. The inspection will cost the county $3000 and has at least a 60 day wait.

Bailey strongly encouraged an inspection and George agreed. Bailey said they know of 3 areas where water is getting through and a valve that needs to be dealt with.

Whisenhunt said he is on a hunt for other money to help with the lake.

The dam was a WPA project and has historical value, said George.

Milburn asked who the county had that could go look for grants. But there’s not currently an economic development resource for the county.

The commission approved motions to extend the grant application and to hire Ag Engineering to do a safety inspection of the dam.

Hard Surface Roads and Bridge Repair Request

Eric Bailey, public works director, spoke to the commission about Uniontown Maple Road connecting a county road to a highway, which will be done later this year as the funds become available.

Yale Road is a priority for his department this year.

The commission approved the current hard surface plan and asked Bailey to come with to the commission with any changes.

Bridge

It’s time to apply for grants for bridges. This year’s bridge is on Jayhawk between 195th and 205th. “It really needs to be replaced,” said Bailey. It would be a project similar to the one at 60th and Grand.

The current estimated cost is $889,127, with the cost to the county being around $85,000. May 23 is the deadline to apply for the 90/10 grant, with the state paying 90 and the county paying the 10 percent.

In the past the county set aside money from a previous FEMA declaration to pay its portion of the bridge replacement costs. When Bailey took over, the county had about $300,000 set aside for that use. A good deal of that was used up with the flood of 2024, but they are expecting a reimbursement from FEMA.

The commission moved that Bailey apply for the grant.

Elm Creek Shelter House #2 has the roof off for replacement, and two large trees near it had to be taken down.

The commission approved the culvert requests.

Adopt a Countywide Letterhead

Milburn suggested that the commissioners bring examples of letterheads for them to choose from.

“Things are changing so we need to change our logo,” said Whisenhunt. He suggested having a school competition at the start of the 2025-26 school year for students to design a new logo for the county.

Dump Fees for Employees

Milburn moved to end the perk of no dump fees for county employees because of complaints she had received from more than one person.

Beerbower wants to deal with the inconsistency issues but keep the benefit for county employees.

Whisenhunt said that if they are going to run it as a benefit, they should figure out what it’s costing the county.

The motion failed for lack of a second, and the issue was tabled for discussion at the next commission meeting.

Bourbon County Mission Statement

Milburn said, “I think we need a mission statement.” Beerbower agreed, and the commissioners agreed to bring it back up on June 2.

Commissioner Comments

Beerbower announced that due to surgery, he will be unavailable after the 13th for a couple of weeks and needs a commissioner to attend the zoning committee meeting on May 14th.

Beerbower then spoke of the changes the commission has been working on, particularly in how the county does its work. He said he believes it’s time to start restructuring some of the departments that the commission oversees. He moved to separate the landfill from public works, using revenues generated by the landfill to offset their budget. The landfill is vital to the community, he said, “I believe they will benefit more from having their own supervision and answering directly to the commission.”

Milburn said she thought separating that would cause additional cost to the county in the form of hiring a director.

Beerbower said that he had reservations about the seperation when it was first proposed, but now believes it’s the right move.

Milburn suggested that they let Johnson help with the personnel issues and wait until they get to the budget talks to do anything further. She wants to see all the restructuring as a whole rather than starting on it piecemeal.

Whisenhunt believes restructuring is also in order, but the problem is that they have a building they need to pay for. The need to crunch the numbers is the only reason Whisenhunt didn’t second it so the motion died.

Milburn then moved to table the discussion and to look at the restructuring as a whole.

The motion carried.

Milburn thanked the cooperating agencies that have kept on through the years advocating for the community, particularly George with KDWP.  She also thanked Johnson for offering to help with the HR issues and Greg Motley for his help with the budget meetings.

“I am committed to improving and becoming more proficient,” she said.

“I want to thank you [Milburn] for jumping right in and taking the bull by the horns,” said Whisenhunt. He also thanked the citizens who speak up and tell the commission what they think.

Laura, the register of deeds, is fighting pneumonia. Whisenhunt asked that we please pray for her. She is a vital part of the county.

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson April 25, 2025

Caryn Tyson
Even though the 2025 session ended a couple of weeks ago, several bills were recently signed into law. After a bill passes the legislature, there is a 10-day time frame to get it to the Governor.  The Governor then has another 10 days to sign or veto the bill, if not it becomes law without the Governor’s signature.  This week my update focuses on tax policy.  All legislation can be found at www.KSLegislature.gov.
No Personal Property Taxes on electric wheelchairs, ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), snowmobiles, off-road motorcycles, golf carts not operated on the highway, motorized bicycles, trailers 15,000 pounds or less used for personal use, and watercraft.  A couple of years ago a constituent called and said she paid more property taxes on her ATV than on her home.  Coincidently, the president of the Kansas County Appraisers Association (KCAA) called me and suggested exempting certain items from property taxes, such as electric wheelchairs, ATVs, and such.  It took a few years, but we got it into law.
Property Tax Increase Notices, (CCR 2125) sometimes referred to as notices to exceed revenue neutral, printing and postage will be paid by the state for 2025 and 2026.  A few local officials will complain about the cost of the letter, but the state has offered reimbursement since the law passed.  It is the only advance notice of proposed property tax increases that taxpayers receive.  Last year, over 60% of the over 4,000 property taxing authorities remained revenue neutral, they did not collect more in property taxes than the previous year.  That would have never happened without the revenue neutral process in law.  The format of the letter will also include totals and a couple of other changes.
Property Tax Statements that county treasurers mail are now required to be mailed by December 1, instead of December 15.  Payments will still be due on December 20.
Local Government Budgets will be due to the county clerk by Oct 1, or the clerk will use the previous year’s budget and amount of property taxes to be levied.  Currently, local government budgets not exceeding revenue neutral are due Aug 25, and the rest are due Oct 1.  Why? Because it wasn’t changed when another statute was repealed, so I worked to make the change.
Filing Fees for the Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) will be good until the BOTA case for that parcel is heard.  It didn’t make sense that taxpayers had to pay the fee each year until the case was heard.
Property Tax Freeze for Seniors and Disabled Veterans was expanded by exempting Social Security from household income.  It was the only expansion we could get passed by both chambers.  I will continue to work on addressing the broken property tax system so more people are able to stay in their homes.
Head of Household and Disabled Veteran income tax filers will have an increased personal exemption.  Last year we increased personal exemptions and exempted Social Security from state income tax.  At a legislative coffee, I was thanked for my work on this.  It was very kind to hear, because I have worked diligently in leading this effort to get these and other tax cuts into law.
Countywide Sales Tax Apportionment will keep the current sales tax distribution of the countywide sales tax.  You may remember, county sales tax must be shared with municipalities unless specified differently.  That distribution is based off mill levies.  By keeping the current distribution until December 2026, this will allow counties to lower mill levies without decreasing sales tax apportionment for a year.  This should give the legislature time to change the equation so that counties attempting to lower property taxes will not receive less sales tax.
Sales Tax Exemption on Custom Meat Processing was passed into law last year, but the Department of Revenue was requiring a form be signed by each customer claiming the sales tax exemption.  This form will no longer be required.  The customer will be responsible for paying the sales tax if it is not custom for their own use.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn

Weekly Newsletter from U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt

Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,
I’d like to wish a Happy Passover to everyone celebrating beginning this evening, as well as a blessed Palm Sunday to all observing on Sunday!

 

We had another productive week on Capitol Hill as the House passed legislation to limit judicial overreach and improve our nation’s election integrity. We also formalized the first step to slowing the explosion of federal spending to give our country a chance to right its financial situation.

Restoring Fiscal Sanity

This week, the House agreed to the Senate-amended version of the budget framework we passed last month. I supported this critical step toward funding border security, restoring our national defense, slowing the rate of spending growth, and preventing a massive tax increase on Kansas families and small businesses.

 

We have to face the facts: an enormous debt crisis fueled by unchecked spending threatens America’s future. Washington’s usual approach of overspending and kicking the can down the road isn’t sustainable. Thanks to decades of fiscal irresponsibility, we now must make hard decisions.

 

One of the most important aspects of passing the budget framework is allowing the movement toward the extension of President Trump’s 2017 tax relief, which will expire at the end of the year without Congressional action. If this relief expires, it will represent the largest tax increase on middle-class Americans in history. In fact, if Congress doesn’t extend these provisions:

 

  • The average Kansas family’s federal tax bill will increase by $2,228;
  • Kansas could lose up to 6,761 jobs, and;
  • the average Kansas business’ taxes will increase by $988.

Extending this tax relief for families and small businesses is critically important, especially after four years of Bidenflation.

 

This budget certainly didn’t have all the spending restraint our country needs, but it’s a step in the right direction; we’re beginning to slowly turn the Titanic. Our financial situation is in a place where this budget resolution – which mandates billions of dollars of spending reductions – doesn’t even put us in the negative spending category. It simply slows the rate of federal spending growth while strengthening critical programs Kansans rely on.

 

Make no mistake though; our work is just beginning.

Limiting Judicial Overreach

This week the House passed the No Rogue Rulings Act (NORRA). I spoke about the importance of this legislation on the House floor:

Video

As I touched on last week, nationwide injunctions are designed to be an extraordinary remedy; unfortunately, these injunctions are being abused through overuse and are at risk of becoming just another step in the public policy process rather than the check and balance of traditional judicial review.

 

My amendment to allow nationwide injunctions only in extraordinary cases where the impact of a ruling would affect the nation at large was included in the bill that passed the House. My amendment also includes important procedural safeguards to limit stalling tactics.

 

The policy of reining in the overuse of nationwide injunctions was once supported by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, who have now turned into opponents of the concept. Let’s look at the facts: President Biden’s entire four-year term in office saw 14 nationwide injunctions brought against his policies. In the first three months of President Trump’s second term alone there have been 17. In President Trump’s first term, which saw significantly more nationwide injunctions than any other President, these sweeping nationwide injunctions were overwhelmingly issued by Democrat-appointed judges.

 

NORRA now heads to the Senate, where I hope the Democrat Senators who were championing similar legislation last year stick to their guns and pass this commonsense measure for the good of the American people.

Securing America’s Elections

This week the House also passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which requires documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, and it had bipartisan support. Last week, I joined House Republican leadership to talk about the importance of this bill:

Video

Years ago, a similar Kansas state law passed with large bipartisan majorities, but was subsequently struck down when courts found federal law prohibits states from enacting these proof-of-citizenship requirements. The SAVE Act amends federal law to fix that problem. I thought this issue was a no-brainer; unfortunately, more than 200 of my colleagues across the aisle voted against it.

We require documentary proof of age to drink at a bar; surely we should have at least that standard of proof in place to protect the sanctity of our elections.

Telephone Town Hall

Thank you to the thousands of Kansas who joined me this week for another telephone town hall!

We covered everything from veterans’ healthcare to DOGE to the Biden border crisis. Thank you to everyone who asked a question or listened in! We’ll be doing these monthly, so be sure to be on the lookout for the next one.

Civil War Camp Dance April 12

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Friends of

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Saturday, April 12th

Doors open at 6pm

Dancing begins at 7pm

$15 per person

$25 per couple

Memorial Hall

1 East 3rd St.

Dust off your dancing shoes and mark your calendar for the Civil War Camp Dance this Saturday, April 12. The fun filled evening, hosted by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Inc., is being held at Memorial Hall 1 East 3rd Street in Fort Scott and will feature 19th century music, Victorian dance instruction and light refreshments.

Doors open at 6:00 pm with dancing to begin at 7:00 pm. Admission is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Period dress is encouraged but not required.

Dancing was a favorite form of entertainment during the Victorian era (1840s-1890s) and especially during the Civil War as it offered respite from the worries and horrors of a war that affected the entire nation. Come find some respite from your own busy schedule as you are transported to times past. All ages are welcome and no prior dance experience is necessary to

enjoy the evening. This event is being offered in conjunction with Fort Scott National Historic Site’s (FSNHS) Civil War Encampment.

For more information concerning FSNHS’s Civil War Encampment click HERE!

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site is a non-profit organization established in partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of FSNHS.

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US

Fort Scott High School Football Booster & Athletes Fundraiser “Egg My Yard”

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott High School Football Booster

Fort Scott High School Football Booster & Athletes

invite you to their fundraiser

“Egg My Yard”

Order pre-filled eggs to be hidden in your yard the night before Easter along with a note from the Easter Bunny!

24 EGGS $35

36 EGGS $50

48 EGGS $60

Deadline for orders: April 17th

Yards will be egged on April 20th after dark!

Click HERE to book your spot today

or use the QR code on the flyer.

Payment MUST be made before delivery.

Payment:

Cash

  • Misty Adams at Citizen’s Bank
  • Brian Williams at The Butcher Block

-OR-

VENMO @rebecca-williams-38

Proceeds will benefit the 2026 FSHS Football Team.

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US