Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Far-out Prayer for a Wife
As a young girl, I remember the congregation of my childhood church gathering around the altar to pray for the healing of a newborn baby girl. She was born without soft spots (fontanelles) on her head. As the adults fervently poured out their hearts before God, baby Cynthia was precious and content. Her parents,
Leo and Geneva, returned her to the doctor’s office a few days later and she was deemed completely healed and whole. Because I was there for this special prayer and experienced the entire situation, I have never doubted that God answered our prayers. And I have a lifetime of answers to prayer.
I think God actually enjoys answering bizarre prayers just to prove He’s a listening all-powerful God. In the Old Testament, Abraham’s senior servant, Eliezer, was told to go back to Abraham’s home country and get a wife for his son Isaac. Abraham told Eliezer, “God will send His angel ahead of you to get a wife for my son.” So Eliezer took ten camels loaded with gifts and headed to the city of Nahor. Just outside the city, he made the camels kneel at a well and he prayed a far-out prayer: “O God, God of my master Abraham, make things go smoothly this day… Let the girl to whom I say, ‘Lower your jug and give me a drink say,’‘Drink and let me also water your camels’ – let her be the woman You have picked out for your servant Isaac. Then I’ll know that You’re working graciously behind the scenes” (Genesis 24 MSG).
Eliezer wanted to make sure he brought home the right wife for Isaac, so he prayed very specifically. And we know Eliezer’s prayer was answered exactly as he prayed. When Rebekah offered to water all the camels (at least 11), that was the clincher. A normal woman wouldn’t offer to water any of the camels, a considerate woman might offer to water Eliezer’s camel, but only the right woman would offer to water all the camels! It’s been roughly estimated that one camel can drink 25 gallons of water after a long journey. Rebekah sure wasn’t lazy or puny – she drew approximately 275 gallons of water for all the camels. If I had been Rebekah I guess I’d have remained unmarried.
Some Christ followers might think, “Well, I’m not going to ask for anything from God, that way I won’t be disappointed.” That’s a strange way to think about your heavenly Father. I’ve heard it said this way: “I’d rather ask God for a lot and receive half of it than not ask for anything and get all of it.”
God’s Word tells believers to ask for what they need. “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT). “I always pray, I don’t faint, quit or give up” (Luke 18:1). “Because of my faith in Him, I dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear)” (Ephesians 3:12 AMP). The definition of “Amen” is the end of a prayer and the beginning of an answer.
“You do not have what you want because you do not ask God for it” (James 4:2 GNT). I double-dog dare you to ask God for what you need and then step back and watch Him work.
The Key: Never underestimate the power of a far-out prayer to an awesome God.
On October 25th, 2025, early voting was taking place at the Bourbon County Courthouse. The hallway outside the commission meeting room held voting booths, and the commission meeting on the North side of the hallway was being used as an area to validate voters and deal with provisional ballots. The use of the areas was described in a memo written by the Clerk on October 10th and discussed at the October 14th commission meeting.
The charges by the Kansas Attorney General against Commissioner Milburn-Key cite an October 25th incident that led to the two counts. The following is a summary of the contents of a video from the security camera in the commission room on that date, and is likely the incident in question. The Kansas Attorney General’s office gave FortScott.biz permission to view the video, but did not provide the actual file. A narrative of the video contents follows:
At 9:37 am, Commissioner Mika Milburn enters the commission meeting room, sits at her usual spot at the table, and takes out a newspaper. County Clerk Susan Walker enters at 9:38, and they converse. The conversation is hard to hear, but it is clear that Walker is telling Milburn that, under election law, people aren’t allowed in the commission room while it is being used as a polling place. Milburn appears to object
Milburn remains at the table and continues to read the newspaper after Walker leaves. To Milburn’s immediate right are a stack of provisional ballots that have been cast, but won’t be counted until they are verified.
Sounds of people coming in to vote can be heard on the recording. Milburn is sitting on the North side of the table, facing South toward the open door that opens into the hallway where people are coming in to vote.
At 9:40 Milburn unrolls her laptop charger, plugs it into the wall behind her and continues reading the newspaper. She uses a remote to adjust the TV at the back of the room.
At 9:41, someone enters the hallway, apparently to get their ballot, and Milburn waves and greets them through the open doorway.
Around 9:48, Walker returns and reiterates that election laws do not allow Milburn to be in the polling areas. Commissioner Milburn objects, saying that this is her office and that it won’t take her long to prep things. Walker says that she does not make the law, but she will call the police if necessary. This all happened right around 9:49. The exact wording is hard to hear, but Milburn seems to be saying that her prep work won’t take very long. Walker gestures to the office 4 or 5 feet behind Milburn and asks her to move into that room. She offers to help her move her things into that office, where she can continue to work.
At 9:50 Milburn asks how long this is going to go on and how long she will not be able to use the commission room as her office. The clerk says the area will be used for voting while the elections are ongoing, and the discussion continues for a bit with Milburn saying that she needs to be in there to do her work.
Walker reiterates that she is asking Milburn to please leave the room, but Milburn says that it is unreasonable. Walker suggests it is not unreasonable. At 9:51 Milburn takes her stuff into the adjoining room, comes back and gets her bag, and then mostly closes the door.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
There will be a work session on 03.30.26 at 4:30 PM to discuss Budget Goals for the Bourbon County Commission. Following the work session at 5:30 PM the board will meet for their regular commission meeting at 210 S National Avenue, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
a. Culvert Permit: Tuchscherer (874 210th) – K Allen
b. ADM Agreement: Transfer Station – K Allen
c. Culvert Permit: Farley (2445 Jayhawk) – K Allen
XII. Old Business
a. Elevator Package: Presented by Commissioner Tran
b. Vending Machine Placement
c. Title IV-E County Reimbursement Opportunity
d. Audit RFP
XIII. New Business
a. Hay Bids: Presented by the County Clerk
XIV. Future Agenda Topics
XV. Commission Comments
XVI. Adjournment
(Source: PDF Page 1)
Agenda Packet Detailed Summary
1. Previous Meeting Minutes (March 23, 2026)
The packet includes minutes from the previous week’s session. Key highlights include:
Public Comments: Clint Walker voiced concerns regarding the condition of flags in the chamber. County Clerk Susan Walker presented legal opinions regarding the restricted access individual commissioners have to personnel records. (Page 3)
Cintas Proposal: A representative from Cintas presented a plan to provide hygiene products and dispensers, claiming a potential 10% cost reduction over current providers. (Page 4)
Sewer Issues at Hidden Valley: Discussion of serious sewage violations at Hidden Valley lake community, where 30-40 homes lack regular pumping, leading to environmental concerns and potential KDHE fines of up to $7,000 daily. (Page 4)
Forensic Audit RFP: Commissioner Tran presented a draft for a forensic audit covering multiple county offices from 2021 to the present. (Page 4)
ADM Composting Agreement: Tabled for further cost analysis; current equipment issues (a tractor in the shop since June) have made managing the bean composting volume difficult. (Page 5)
(Source: PDF Pages 2-6)
2. Accounts Payable (March 27, 2026)
The total accounts payable for this period is $60,156.30. The packet includes a line-item breakdown by department:
Appraisers: $387.49 for wireless services and fuel. (Page 7)
Landfill: $10,740.00, including significant diesel fuel costs and waste services from Allen County Public Works. (Page 7-8)
Sheriff/Correctional: $17,475.40, which includes nursing services ($7,678.50), utility costs for the jail ($3,495.17), and plumbing repairs. (Page 8-9)
Road & Bridge: $4,887.10 for equipment parts, fuel, and vehicle leases. (Page 9-11)
County Jail Bond: $7,641.00 for vehicle fleet leases and equipment principal/interest payments. (Page 11-12)
Commissioners: $1,911.32, which includes a new laptop for Commissioner Joe Allen ($1,618.21). (Page 13)
(Source: PDF Pages 7-13)
3. Financial Reports (January 2026)
The packet contains the “Revenue and Expense Report” for the start of the year:
General Fund: Provides the percentage of budget remaining for various departments like the Register of Deeds and Courthouse Maintenance. (Page 98)
Tax Distributions: Detailed records of tax receipts for employee benefits, public safety, and road and bridge funds. (Pages 106, 125, 133)
School District & Watershed Distributions: Records of tax distributions to local entities including USD 234, USD 248, and various watersheds. (Pages 158, 163, 168, 177)
Victor Johnnie Snow Jr., of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away on March 23, 2026.
A man of deep faith, Victor lived with sincere devotion to God’s word and a generous spirit toward his community. He was a dedicated father who cherished his children and held them close to his heart. Victor was known for his kindness, fairness, and willingness to help anyone in need.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor Snow and Frances Snow; his sister, Edith Boeding; his former wife, Carolyn Snow; and his wife, Naomi Snow.
He is survived by his children: Victor Snow III and Lori Snow of Independence, Missouri; Michael Snow of Kansas City, Kansas; Vickie and Steve Henderson of Kansas City, Kansas; and Robert and Carmen Snow of Gentry, Arkansas. He is also survived by his sister, Virginia Barnes and her husband, David Barnes of Appleton, Missouri. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Nicholas Snow and his wife, Becka; Victoria Goldberg and her husband, Nathan Goldberg; Steven Snow and his wife, Heavenly Snow; Steven Smith, Austin Smith, and Mel Henderson; and Cheyenne Smith, Laramie Smith, and Casey Snow; and great-grandchildren, Anastasia Snow and Nicholas Snow.
He will be greatly missed by his children, family, and all who knew him. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.
Pastor Danny Brown will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Monday, March 30th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Pittsburg Meals on Wheels and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
A meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer, Tim Van Hoecke, Julie Buchta and Mayor Kathryn Salsbury were present.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Chief Dave Bruner/FSFD, Chief Jason Pickert/FSPD, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Lisa Dillon/Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspections LLC, Ben Hart/BakerTilly (by phone), Darrin Petrowski/KDOT, Michael Hoyt, Patrick Wood, Geoffrey Marr, Dilynn Marr, Anita Walden/Freeman, Kevin Allen, Doug Eden .
SALSBURY led the Pledge of Allegiance and BUCHTA said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the agenda with the amendment of removal of Unfinished Business/Item A Consideration to Initiate Contractor License. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1404-A – Expense Approval Report–Payment Dates of February 25, 2026 – March 10, 2026 – $1,270,095.98
– Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of March 3, 2026
– February Financials
Public Comment
Geoffrey Marr addressed the Commission regarding the airplane hangar currently owned by the City. He would like to lease or purchase it and fix it up and negotiate a long lease instead of it being torn down.
ACTION: MATKIN will meet with MARR regarding an arrangement.
Anita Walden addressed the Commission to introduce herself as the Chief Administrative Officer at the new Freeman Hospital. She also thanked the City for their continued support.
Kevin Allen addressed the Commission in hopes to comment on the KDOT maintenance agreement specifically on Wall Street.
Appearances
Garth Herrmann/Gilmore & Bell – HERRMANN could not be present. HART presented Resolution No. 17-2026 Authorizing and Providing for the Construction Sanitary Sewer Pumping Station Improvements and Providing for the Payment of the Costs. He stated that there will be another Resolution in the future.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the Resolution. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Darrin Petrowski/KDOT – PETROWSKI addressed the Commission regarding KDOT Maintenance Agreement on Hwy 69 and Hwy 54.
New Business
Public Hearing:
Vacation of Street and Alleys – Doug Eden – Consideration of Petition to Repeal Ordinance No. 3579 and Approve Ordinance No. 3796 – Vacation of Street and Alleys
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
FARMER left the meeting at 6:58PM and returned at 7:00PM.
EDEN presented his petition to vacate the north-south alley. It was recommended that the prior ordinance (No. 3579) be repealed and replaced with Ordinance No. 3796 addressing the vacation of Durkee Street, the east-west alley and the north-south alley for clarity.
MOTION: WELLS moved to close the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the vacation. After having heard all the testimony on said petition on the 17TH day of MARCH, 2026 and all necessary information in order to fully understand the true nature of this petition, the City Commission of the City of Fort Scott, upon motion of DANCER and seconded by BUCHTA, passed and approved to repeal Ordinance No. 3579 and the petition of the Petitioner to and vacate the platted Durkee Street located between Lots 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, Block 4 and Lots 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19,21, 23, 25, 27, Block 2, all in Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas; AND the alley running East and West through Lots 1-28, Block 2, Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas; AND the alley running North and South along the East side of Lots 27 & 28, Block 2, Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas. BUCHTA seconded. (Excerpt of Minutes of the same but separate document was submitted to Bourbon County Deeds for recording of the vacation).
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Action Items:
Consideration of Resolution No. 16-2026 and MELPA – Firetruck Financing
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve Resolution No. 16-2026. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of Proposals for Fire Station Exhaust system
BRUNER stated that they received an Assistant to Firefighters Grant (AFG) last year for $106, 571.42 to be used for the exhaust systems in both fire stations. He went out for proposals (RFP) and received (2) back. The first was from Air Clean for $101,750.00, the second from MagnaGrip that submitted (3) options however their lowest option was $106,913.00. BRUNER requested that the Commission approve the proposal from Air Clean.
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to approve the recommendation to accept the proposal from Air Cleaning for $101,750.00. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of 2026 Ground Lease Bids
MATKIN stated that (3) bids were received: $15,700.00, $13,160.00, and $11,776.00.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the bid for $15,700.00 from Mike Fritter of Richards, MO for the Ground Lease Bid of 94-acres. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of 2026 Cape Seal Program Proposal
MATKIN stated that we received (1) proposal from Vance Brothers for $388,948.00 and recommended that the Commission accept their proposal for the 2026 project.
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to approve the 2026 Cape Seal Program proposal as it’s been presented. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of Ordinance No. 3795– AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 3782 for CLG
DILLON stated that SHPO and the National Parks Service requested amendments to the ordinance for the CLG. She drafted what they asked for and FARMER approved to form. She requested that the Commission approve the ordinance so it could be submitted and the City could receive its CLG status.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve Ordinance No. 3795. DANCER seconded. BUCHTA, WELLS, DANCER and SALSBURY voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1
Consideration of Amendment to Zoning Regulations – Connex Boxes – L. Dillon
DILLON stated that the Planning Commission has viewed the City Commission’s initial request and is returning it to the City Commission to make the decision.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve to table until April 7, 2026. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Reports and Comments
City Engineer:
– Davis Lift Station update
– Railroad permit
– Survey scheduled for Wall St.
– E. National utility plan sent out
City Attorney: No Comment
City Manager:
– Moody building update
– Railroad dialogue and spur system talks happening
– Homeless situation in town
Commissioner Wells:
– Fort Scott Greyhounds going for title
Commissioner Van Hoecke:
– Homeless situation
Commissioner Dancer:
– SLA draft and 5-year lifecycle management plan for IT – April 7th
ACTION: MATKIN will email all Commissioners prior to next meeting.
Commissioner Buchta:
– Shop local to help with sales tax
Commissioner Salsbury:
– Fish Fry until Good Friday at St. Mary’s
– 8th & Eddy intersection open
Adjourn
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:51PM. DANCER seconded.
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is excited to announce the hiring of Kayley Hartman as its new Accounting Manager!
Kayley comes to CFSEK and its affiliates in Columbus, Fort Scott, and Girard with a passion for helping those in need, and great hopes and aspirations for the future of our communities in Southeast Kansas. She is actively training with current CFSEK Accounting Manager, Kim Lynch, who will be retiring in April.
“We are excited to welcome Kayley to our team,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “As a Pittsburg native with a strong background in accounting and finance, she is a great fit for this role. Her enthusiasm for our community is evident, and I know she will be a strong advocate for our work throughout Southeast Kansas.”
After graduating from Pittsburg High School, Kayley attended Pittsburg State University earning a double major in Finance and Accounting. After several years in business accounting and management, Kayley has made the transition to nonprofit work, wanting to make an impact in her community.
“I want to make sure our children thrive because they are the driving force of tomorrow,” Kayley said. “It’s great to be able to work with a like-minded team to support our communities to make our future brighter in Southeast Kansas.”
When outside of the office, Kayley spends her time with her 6-month-old daughter and her fiancé. She is also a self-described bibliophile and is currently creating her own personal library. With 4 dogs and 2 cats, Kayley says walks are a necessity for her.
When asked about her new position, Kayley had this to say: “Accounting is more than just numbers, it’s about the big picture and making sure everything runs smoothly. Working and learning alongside Kim is helpful, and I look forward to this new and exciting challenge supporting our communities in Southeast Kansas!”
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas has awarded over $2.8 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $28 million in grants since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with a wide variety of charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.
Fort Scott, KS – Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) is expanding its Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program to the FSCC Miami County Campus, with the first class scheduled to begin in March 2026. Enrollment is now open.
The expansion follows the successful re-establishment of the CDL program at the Fort Scott campus in 2025 and is part of the college’s continued commitment to workforce development and addressing the regional and national shortage of professional truck drivers.
The six-week training program prepares students to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License and enter high-demand careers in the transportation and logistics industry. Students receive classroom instruction, range practice, and behind-the-wheel driving experience using industry-standard equipment while meeting all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.
“This expansion allows us to bring career training directly to more students and employers in our service area,” said J.D. Handly, CDL Instructor. “The trucking industry is essential to our economy, and employers need safe, well-trained drivers. Our goal is to remove barriers and provide a clear pathway to a strong, well-paying career.”
Graduates of the program may qualify for positions in local, regional, and over-the-road trucking, as well as employment with construction companies, agriculture operations, and municipal fleets. Many employers offer tuition assistance, sign-on bonuses, and immediate job placement opportunities.
The FSCC CDL program emphasizes safety, compliance, and real-world driving skills. Students train on modern tractor-trailer equipment and receive instruction from experienced industry professionals. The FSCC CDL Training Program offers a variety of options: Class A or Class B CDL, Manual or Automatic transmissions, as well as additional training options with Passenger, School Bus, HazMat, Tanker and Doubles/Triples endorsements.
The Miami County expansion increases training accessibility for residents of Paola, Osawatomie, Louisburg, and surrounding communities while supporting regional employers seeking qualified drivers.
Classes are limited in size to maximize behind-the-wheel training time. Interested students are encouraged to enroll early.
For enrollment information or to apply, contact Fort Scott Community College at (620) 223-2700 or visit www.fortscott.edu.
Oath of Office: Joe Allen was sworn in to his new position as commissioner of District 3.
Executive Sessions & Department Updates
Executive Sessions
The Commission will enter three private sessions under K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss non-elected personnel matters.
Session 1: Led by Greg Motley regarding specific personnel. 15 minutes. Returned with no action.
Session 2: Led by Samuel Tran to protect the privacy of individual personnel. 20 minutes. Returned with action: Allow Tran to sign payroll change forms for the reviews discussed in the meeting. Approved.
Session 3: Attorney Client Privilege. Called by David Beerbower. 10 minutes. Returned to regular meeting with no action.
County Clerk Susan Walker addressed the commission regarding the need for the County Clerk, Treasurer, and Register of Deeds offices to change to a new independent mail server, managed by CrawKan.
“This change is needed due to decisions made regarding our technology system,” said Walker. “As well as several ongoing security concerns.”
Because each of the offices is separately elected and responsible to the citizens of Bourbon County, this is the most responsible path forward, Walker stated.
The new server is on order. New email addresses will be implemented in the next 7-10 days. It will be housed in the clerk’s office and the network system is already set up for an easy transition. It will be a separate network from the remainder of the county.
This change is necessary because all the offices have had several issues with CIC (Computer Information Concepts, the county’s accounting software provider) when doing entries throughout the day, causing duplicate and triplicate entries in their software. It will also ensure that their data is protected.
Walker said their biggest concern is that they were unable to issue accounts payable checks because of year-end issues that delayed payment almost a month, resulting in penalties to the county.
They contacted the county’s IT company, Stronghold, multiple times and were told that backups four times a day is their standard procedure. Walker also contacted the head of CIC, who told them that they weren’t getting the software updates they should have. She said they have asked numerous times for administrative access to their machines to do updates. When the access has been granted, it’s been temporary.
“This is the only way that we can get our updates timely and make sure that our data is secure,” she said.
Tran said he wished the conversation had come to the table so they could be sure all actions were necessary. He asked if she had gotten a second opinion on the need for a new server.
She said that neither she nor the County Treasurer nor the Register of Deeds trust Stronghold. They do trust CrawKan and RTS.
Tran said that without one entity having control of all the county’s IT, which oversees it “from the 30 thousand foot level,” there’s a lack of safeguards.
Walker said that she was not consulted about the use of Stronghold as the county’s IT department.
“I seriously think this is an ill advised move,” said Tran.
Regarding paying the invoice for the server, Tran said he had serous reservations.
He went on to say that he has personally called Stronghold on numerous occasions on behalf of county officials who had issues. Those officials and some county employees don’t understand the concept of a help desk being there to help you, not fix it for you.
“That’s how the industry is,” said Tran.
Sheriff Bill Martin said they’ve had several issues and he has asked his employees to start documenting them. Most recently, he couldn’t update the software the county uses for accident reports.
He asked Stronghold for administrative rights to his equipment, but they were unable to help him and told him it was an internal problem.
“I would have to agree with Mrs. Walker” about the issues, he said.
Tran said he wished he had heard about these problems earlier so the commission could address it.
“Having one IT department keeps us safe,” said Tran.
Martin reiterated his position that he doesn’t want Stronghold to continue to have the county’s IT contract once the project it is working on for the county is completed.
Tran predicted budget creep would be inevitable in a county with multiple separate servers and no overarching IT department.
Accounts payable were approved, including the new server for the Clerk, Treasurer, and Register of Deeds offices.
Citizen Comments:
Clay Walker: This county commission didn’t even honor a guy that retired after more than 20 years of service. “We need more transparency,” he said. “I don’t see this county taking care of their employees. I’m sorry,” he said as he left the table.
Dereck Ranes came to talk about the noise issue and find out where the county is at in addressing it.
Commissioner David Beerbower responded by saying that he inquired about how to gather evidence and they are looking into who they are going to assign that to and what equipment they will use. He said he would work on it the next day.
“I’d like to file a complaint every day until something gets addressed,” said Ranes.
Department Reports
Payroll: Update provided by Milburn-Kee.
Milburn-Kee read a letter to the commission from their administrative assistant requesting permission to put the county’s health insurance payments on auto-withdrawl to minimize manual paperwork and the possibility of missing a payment, which nearly happened in January.
Commissioner Greg Motley looked at the paper work and said that someone on the county’s signature card with ACH authority would have to fill out the form for Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Susan Walker again addressed the commission, saying that on Jan. 1 everything was handed over to the new administrative assistant. She offered multiple times to walk her through everything and gave her the files and other information she needed to do her job, offering to go over it with her.
“When I handed that off, I just assumed they were being done,” said Walker. There are several things that are late. Walker said she passes those notices on to the administrative assistant as soon as she gets them.
“I do not feel like the ACH is the best approach for us because of how our system is set up,” said Walker. She wouldn’t know when it’s being withdrawn to have the Treasurer transfer the money into the account in time. The money doesn’t go into the account until it’s time to pay the bills.
“There are things hitting our bank account that we cannot say what they are for,” she said. “The communication [with the administrative assistant] is very much lacking.”
Milburn-Kee moved they allow the ACH. Tran seconded. Motley said they need a procedure in place to notify the clerk with the amount and exact date of withdrawl in order for the ACH to be workable.
Milburn-Kee rescinded her motion. She then made a motion for an executive session for non-elected personnel. Motion carried, Motley and Allen voting against. They returned with action.
Tran moved to pay Blue Cross Blue Shield through an ACH and ask the clerk to provide a list of potential bills that the administrative assistant would be responsible for. Motley reminded Tran of the need to give the clerk notice ahead of the bill. The motion was amended to have the clerk notified 5 days in advance of the ACH withdrawl with the exact amount being withdrawn.
Motion carried.
County Clerk, Susan Walker gave a comprehensive discussion on inventory management, commission minute procedures, resolutions, and the 2025 end-of-year financials.
The commission voted to make a number of adjustments to various department budgets to close out the 2025 financial year.
Walker said she had yet to receive inventory for what the commission is responsible for. She gave a partial report and asked for a commissioner to do inventory for the commission, including the emergency management, IT, the commission proper and the executive assistant.
Walker also requested that custodial services to her offices be resumed. She wants keyfob access limited to her employees but not the custodial staff.
Tran asked how much security is required for her election equipment and they discussed it.
She also addressed the job description of the administrative assistant which includes taking minutes of the Commission, reminding them of the state statutes requiring the County Clerk to take the minutes.
Walker also brought up several issues with communication between the board’s administrative assistant and her office.
She also brought up a memorandum that was reported on Fort Scott.biz as having gone out to all the county employees. She said it didn’t go to her office or anyone else housed in the courthouse.
There was then some finger-pointing among the commissioners as to where the memorandum originated with no conclusion.
She then read some minutes from March 29, 2022 saying that elected officials are exempt from following the handbook if they so choose. She also went over records of previous commission meetings where front-loading sick leave was approved, prior to the handbook being updated.
Walker says that the amount of sick leave listed for employees now under the new system begun Jan. 9 is incorrect. She also says several employees have come to her because their sick leave and vacation hours are not right. She then asked that there be, “some cooperation” to have someone from payroll come in and go over it with her.
Finally, Walker presented a letter to the commission from Lora Holdridge, apologizing for her behavior in the last meeting.
Old Business
Policies & Planning: Follow-ups on the County Handbook and updates on Strategic Planning and the Commission Calendar.
Milburn-Kee said she talked to KCamp and got an example handbook with updated legally correct languages.
The commission is awaiting a return of the updates in the handbook from the HR department.
Strategic Planning: Greg Motley
This will be budget focused planning. He started with the statutes that govern the commission and working to define the commission’s goals and a commission calendar with all their deadlines in one place.
They set a date for a work session for Feb. 12 at 6 PM.
The commission scheduled a special meeting to interview applicants for the position of Emergency Manager right before the Feb. 12 work session.
Sewer project progress:
County Attorney Bob Johnson said he spoke with KDHE and the neighbor to the property in violation. KDHE will come out to reinspect and if it’s not fixed, they will file the appropriate action.
Administrative Contracts: Ongoing discussions regarding County Benefits. Tran
Tran began by stating that it has been said numerous times that we do not direct public officials and their employees. Tran said his issue is that the commission pays employee benefits for employees hired by those department heads. He asked that the department heads and elected officials notify the board when they hire someone so they can watch the budget.
Milburn-Kee suggested making employee benefits a part of each department’s own budget rather than the having benefits paid by the county.
Patty LaRoche. 2023. Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection www.alittlefaithlift.com AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Years ago, a major league draft coordinator sent out a message to all professional baseball employees. He used the scripture “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13a) to encourage them not to become lazy but to understand their purpose. As a Christian and a person who chooses salt over sugar every time, I find this metaphor intriguing.
This past Christmas, I received rechargeable salt and pepper shakers. Just push a button and out comes the salt or pepper. Automatic. Easy. On top of that, they are pretty, so they became a centerpiece on my kitchen table. Of course, they are of no use if they just sit there and do nothing. They must be poured out to be of any good at all.
Matthew 5:13 reminds us of how salt is to be used: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Salt, left in its shaker, is a waste of…well, salt.
When I was four years old, my mother was unable to wake me up. I was rushed via ambulance to K.U. Medical Center where I was diagnosed with a “calcium deposit on my adrenal gland.” To this day, I have no idea what that means except for years after, I craved salt. My favorite snack was a glass of ice cubes covered in salt. I even gave that up for Lent one year…and thought I would die. Addictions are like that.
So, why does Jesus talk about salt? Think of its functions. Most importantly, it adds flavor. If you, like me, have ever made cookies or oatmeal and forgotten to add salt, you know what I mean. Just a teaspoon full makes all the difference. As a Christian, I am to add flavor. Sometimes, I do. Other times, not so much. Being a teacher reminds me that some days that objective is easier than others. Yesterday was that kind of day.
A student decided he “couldn’t” do the assignment. He just needed “to walk.” And “talk.” At first, I thought it might be his way of dealing with the recent death of one of his classmates. Everyone grieves in a different way, and the administration had asked that we be understanding towards students who might be suffering, but when he became disruptive, I explained that his work was due at the end of the hour, so he needed to sit still, be quiet and complete it. He admitted he had not taken his A.D.D. meds. Instead, he had enjoyed three energy drinks. Other students, trying to concentrate, were frustrated with him.
This was not a grieving student; it was an annoying one. As the minutes passed, I lost any desire to add metaphorical salt to the situation. Instead, I “peppered” him with warnings (not effective teaching, I admit). He continued his behavior into his next class where he was removed from the room.
Jesus never wasted words. In his day, salt was valuable as a preservative. Roman soldiers sometimes were paid with salt rations, hence the expression, “they are not worth their salt.” We are valuable…but not by ourselves. Salt is not the meal. It flavors the meal. So it is for the Christian. We are the salt; Jesus is the food. We exist not for ourselves, but to add something to others’ lives. If we are not making the Christian life appear flavorful, desirable, we have lost our purpose.
And get this–we don’t have to be obnoxious in sharing our faith. A little bit goes a long way. The trouble is, too many Christians are not willing to give even that much.
Marsha Ann White passed away on November 22, 2025 at her residence in Belton, MO. Marsha was born Juloy 24, 1944 to the late Thomas Beauford and the late Lora Irene New of Mound City. Born in Fort Scott to a farm family of three brothers and five sisters, Marsha was very much a caring and compassionate soul. She was know for her warm heart, wittiness, and the kindness she showed to everyone she met. Marsha graduated from Mound City High School and later lived in Pleasanton, Olathe, and Melton, MO.
She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers (JB and Wilbur), and two sisters (Alberta Murray and Janet Keating). She is survived by her children: Bobby Smith of Belton, MO; Danny (Jenny) Smith of Olathe; and Mark (Jessica) White of Olathe, along with her six dear grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; siblings: Charolote Dunavan of Pleasanton, Charles (Dorothy) New of Kansas City, Sandra (Bobby) Snow of Pleasanton, Joetta (Darin) Marti of Manhattan, and brother-in-law Ed Keating (Janet) of Bucyrus. Additionally, there is a long list of nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory always.
A Celebration of Life is being planned of immediate family in the spring.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
The Bourbon County Commission gained one new member this week, with another on the way. Citizens of Bourbon County had voted to change the county from a three-commissioner district to a five-commissioner one. In the fall of 2025, Greg Motley was elected to district 4 and Mika Milburn to district 5. Milburn was already serving as the old district 3 commissioner, which lead to an interesting situation.
Oaths of Office
Prior to taking the oath of office to serve as commission of the new fifth district, Commission Mika Milburn officially resigned her position as commissioner of the third district of Bourbon County.
County Clerk Susan Walker administered the oath of office to Greg Motley as commissioner for district 4, and Mika Milburn for district 5.
Chair of the Bourbon County Republican party, Kaety Bowers thanked Motley for his willingness to serve and Milburn for her service in 2025. She then read an excerpt from President Theodore Roosevelt’s “The Man in the Arena” speech.
The Republican Party will appoint another commissioner to serve for district 3. Those who live in the district and want to serve in this way should contact Bowers.
Reorganization of Board
Appoint Chairman: 2025 Chair David Beerbower nominated Samuel Tran. Milburn seconded and the nomination passed, Tran abstaining.
After discussion the commissioners will serve as follows:
Beerbower serves on the SEK Mental Health and SEK Health Department boards.
Milburn serves on the Fair Board and Soil Conservation Board.
Motley will serve on the SEK Regional Planning Commission and the Juvenile Detention Center board.
Tran serves on the SEK Mental Health Board, Bourbon County Senior Citizens, and SEK Area on Aging.
When the new commissioner is appointed for district 3, he or she will take board positions as well.
Liaison Assignments
David Beerbower: Public Safety including EMS, Sheriff/Corrections, Emergency Management
Samuel Tran: Public Works
Mika Milburn: Courthouse
Greg Motley: Finance
Motley said his vision is to get the commission off to an early start and keep them on schedule regarding creating a budget for 2027. He said he would want to identify the county’s priorities via work sessions early in the year and then put numbers to them closer to the end of the year.
Motley pointed out that tying the county’s priorities to its budget helps keep continuity of purpose within the county.
Beerbower suggested putting the fifth commissioner onto an economic development and grant writing liaison possition.
Motley then suggested that he work on the grant writing and economic development and the courthouse liaison position get split into two parts, one to deal with the building and the departments it contains and the other to liaise with the vendors who serve the county.
Milburn said she isn’t clear how to divide those positions out right now.
Tran suggested they keep everything the same for now, adding economic development with the new commission.
Milburn formalized the decision with a motion and the motion carried.
Public Comments
Mark McCoy is the community emergency response team (CERT) leader in Bourbon County. He spoke with the commission about the importance of having an Emergency Manager in place. Reasons a manager is needed include: emergencies don’t happen on a shared schedule; preparedness is a full-time mindset, not an occasional task; liabilities and legal exposure; the manager has the ability to lead, guide, follow, and assist throughout the county. Disasters don’t wait. Volunteers need official plans and connections with entities facilitated by the Emergency Manager.
Beerbower said that the part-time position of Bourbon County Emergency Manager is posted on the county website.
County Clerk Susan Walker showed the commission the program HeyGov for making meeting agendas. She demonstrated it for the commission. It creates the minutes from the YouTube video as well as linking to the county’s website. The program allows the commissioners to work on the agenda without violating the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA). It can also be used by other boards in the county such as the building commission. The cost is about $1,100 per year.The commission voted to purchase the program.
Old Business Handbook Review
Beerbower said he received his copy of the revised handbook the day of the meeting at noon. Motley said he hadn’t received a copy yet.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Treasurer, spoke to the commission, expressing concerns with several parts of the handbook including the handling of complaints, who qualifies as full-time, definitions of longevity, vacation and leave policy, and dress code.
Tran said he wanted to have another work session before approving the handbook. Milburn said they received the changes everyone requested last week.
Sheriff Bill Martin joined the conversation, saying elected officials should have an opportunity to see the changes before the commission votes on the new handbook. He said that military leave and take-home cars aren’t addressed. He was concerned with the time crunch the commissioners put on the other elected officials regarding their feedback on the proposed new handbook.
Milburn said that the process of updating the handbook was started in 2022 and never completed.
Terry with EMS said that the department heads haven’t seen the updated copy yet.
Susan Walker, County Clerk, said that the department heads should be in on the discussion to make changes to the handbook. “Right now, I don’t feel like we have a voice,” she said.
Beerbower and Motley both said that a work session with the other elected officials and department heads seemed like a good idea.
Tran said that a meeting will not lead to a 100% consensus, as we don’t live in a perfect world. The handbook is intended to be a guide, but is not written in stone.
“You’re not going to get everything you want,” he said.
He then moved to have a special meeting to include elected officials and department heads on Jan. 13 at 4:30 with a 2 hour limit.
“It’s going to be better than what we had and we’re going to keep improving upon it,” said Tran of the upcoming new handbook.
New Business
Kansas Public Employees Retirement System
The commission appointed its executive assistant, Laura Krom, as the KPRS designated agent, with Mika Milburn as her alternate.
Kansas Department of Labor and Unemployment
Milburn said that the unemployment claims need to go to the HR department, Dr. Cohen, who will contact their department heads. This only applies to employees of the county working for the commission, not those working for other elected officials.
Disposition of Body K.S.A. 22a-215
Susan Walker, County Clerk, said that no next of kin could be found for an individual who died in Bourbon County last summer, so the county paid for the body’s cremation. Next of kin have since been found, but are on a fixed income and have asked for a waiver of the policy that they should pay cremation costs in order to recover the body.
The commission was in favor of waiving the fee.
November 2025 Financials
Susan Walker said she and the county treasurer have run into issues with past entries that were made in the county’s books. They will have a quarterly report ready at the end of Jan. The county’s audit is the last week of February.
Build Agenda for Following Meeting
Motley asked to plan to set work sessions for the budget and strategic planning in the first quarter of the year.
Milburn also asked to add a first quarter meeting with the City of Fort Scott.
Commission Comments
“I’m going to need each and every one of you to assist me as I chair the helm,” said Tran. He then thanked Beerbower for his work as chairman in 2025 and Milburn for her work on the commission as well. He welcomed Greg Motley aboard and adjourned the meeting.
