The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office located at 104 N. National.
The first meeting of the year for the Fort Scott Farmers Market is on March 11 from 6-8 p.m. in the Healthy Bourbon County office at 104 N. National, directly across from the pavilion where the farmers market occurs.
“This is a business meeting for returning vendors only,” said Teri Hamilton, spokesman for the group. “We’ll be discussing finances and voting on leadership. One can pay for the season and put in location requests.”
On April 17, from 6 to 8 p.m., there will be a vendor welcome meeting.
“This meeting is for new and returning vendors,” she said. “We’ll go over market guidelines, talk about the SNAP program and accept applications and fees for the season.”
Fees remain the same from last year:
$5 registration fee, $5 per week booth rental, or $108 for the full season from May until October.
The Downtown Pavilion is at the corner of National Avenue and Old Fort Boulevard. The pavilion houses the Farmers Market on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, and Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m.
The farmer’s market moved to the new Downtown Pavilion in 2024.
“The first year under the pavilion was great,” Hamilton said. “All of our vendors saw an increase in our sales. It didn’t matter what the weather was like, people came to shop and visit. We are so thankful for it.”
New this year is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture website.
“This is for people who qualify for Food Stamps,” Hamilton said. “Any who has SNAP can use it at the Fort Scott Farmers Market.”
Venors interested in joining the 2025 Fort Scott Farmer’s Market season are welcome to the April 17 meeting.
The farmers market is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. at the Downtown Pavilion at North National and Old Fort Boulevard starting the first Saturday in May, this year it’s May 3, and ending on the last Saturday in October, this year it’s October 25.
Voters yesterday approved an improvement plan for USD 235.
In 2021, Uniontown’s school district board of education had an engineering study in which they identified needs to be addressed, Superintendent Vance Eden said.
In November 2023 there was a bond issue put before the patrons of the district. That bond proposal failed, but the board felt that they still needed to address the issues pointed out in the 2021 study.
“The board came up with the money in the capital outlay fund to improve the agriculture department at the high school,” Eden said. “That took the majority of what they had in capital outlay.”
“The board didn’t have the cash to take on the other needs,” he said.
All graphics are from the Uniontown School District Facebook page.
Yesterday, March 4, another bond issue was presented to the patrons for approval, that has a $1,250,000 price tag with no annual tax rate increases for property owners.
It passed, with 67 percent of “yes” votes
“I’m glad the community had some consensus,” Eden said.
The next step in the process is that the finance team works with the Kansas Department of Education, with engineering and architectural work being approved, he said. Then contractors are sought for the construction and bids are let.
There are three components to the project: a new preschool building, a new fire alarm system at the high school, and a new front door area at West Bourbon Elementary School that is ADA and security compliant.
The fire system and front door areas should be completed by the start of the 2025-26 school year, Eden said.
The build of the preschool will take from 6-12 months and will likely start in the fall 2025.
The preschool program will continue in temporary accommodations until the new building is completed, he said.
Graphic of the unofficial results from yesterday’s voting on the bond issue. 211 patrons voted yes, 104 voted no. Graphic provided by the Bourbon County Clerk.
Uniontown High School houses the district’s school superintendent and board office.
The Preschool Building
The current modular preschool building, which is nearing the end of its usable life, will be replaced with an on-site built facility that will house the preschool and two offices.
Kansas law requires the district to provide special education services for children ages 3 and 4. Slots not filled by special education students are funded by Kansas law for at-risk children.
“After that, we fill with other students, most commonly referred to as model students,” he said.
Up to twenty students for the morning session and twenty more in the afternoon can be served in the district.
Also housed in the new building will be the speech therapist and the school psychologist, “who spend the majority of their time in that classroom,” he said.
The High School New Fire Alarm System
The new high school fire alarm system will replace the outdated one that operates by manual pull stations, which does not notify the fire department should a fire occur while no one is in the building. The new fire alarm system will have heat and smoke detectors and notify the fire department immediately.
The New Entrance Doors At the Elementary School
The current doors do not always close and latch, in spite of frequent repairs, and are a security risk. In addition, they are not in compliance with Standards for Accessible Designs.
19 South Gathering Place Event Venue will be open for family gatherings and more at the end of March, if all goes as planned.
The 2,200 sq. ft. is located at 19 S. Main, adjacent to Main Street Vintage and Co, at 23 S. Main. The owner of both the businesses is Rechelle McClellan.
Rechelle McClellan is the owner of 19 South Event Venue. Submitted photo.
Available with the space are tables, chairs, wifi, and a kitchen for private use that includes a fridge and sink.
Kitchen area. Submitted photos.
The restroom of 19 South. Submitted photo.
“This can be used for baby showers, photography, birthday parties, reunions, family gatherings, and bridal showers,” McClellan said.
We have lots of exciting things that are happening at both locations.
The 2.200 event venue will be ready to rent by the end of March. Submitted photo.
Rentals are available for 4 hours Monday through Thursday for $75 and on Friday-Sunday for $100. For an 8-hour rental Monday-Thursday: $150 and Friday-Sunday: $200.
The venue can also be rented for a minimum of 2 hours for $25 on Monday-Thursday and $35 Friday through Sunday.
For more information, contact Rechelle McClellan at (417) 391-6153
Rechelle McClellan stands in front of 19 South Gathering Place. Submitted photo.
The Kansas Association of School Boards recently announced its Leadership for Tomorrow (LFT) Class of 2025, according to a KASB press release.
Participants are nominated and then chosen through an application process that focuses on individual leadership in Kansas public education and participation in activities that promote effective governance and raise student achievement.
Scott Kimble, Fort Scott High School Principal was selected to participate in the leadership class.
The class gives board members, superintendents and administrators time to explore change theories and strategies, participate in leadership skill training and expand understanding of education and key issues for effective governance and raising student achievement, according to a press release. Through five two-day sessions, the class will visit local schools, hear classroom presentations and participate in class discussions of issues and challenges facing Kansas education.
“My participation in the KASB Leadership for Tomorrow class will greatly benefit our school district by enhancing my leadership skills and deepening my understanding of effective governance and educational policy,” Kimble said. “This program will provide valuable insights into best practices, innovative strategies, and emerging trends that can be applied to improve student achievement and district operations. Through collaboration with other educational leaders, I will gain new perspectives and ideas that can help us address challenges and implement meaningful changes. The knowledge and skills I develop will enable me to advocate more effectively for our students, staff, and community, ensuring that our district remains forward-thinking and student-centered. Ultimately, my participation will strengthen our district’s leadership capacity and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.”
The KASB Leadership for Tomorrow Class of 2025 includes:
Rex Boley, Blue Valley USD 384 Superintendent
Kristin Borrowman, Lyons USD 405 Building Leader
Ashley Bugbee, Oxford USD 358 Building Leader
Jordan Carlson, Washington USD 108 Building Leader
Leslianne Craft, Andover USD 385 Building Leader
Anne Costello, Lawrence USD 497 Board Member
Alec Gartner, KASB Staff
Dan Grundy, Columbus USD 493 Superintendent
Amy Jones, Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 District Leader
Tyson Kendrick, Canton-Galva USD 419 Building Leader
Scott Kimble, Fort Scott USD 234 Building Leader
Gina Loomis, SPT Architecture KASB Partner
Jared Meitler, Rock Creek USD 323 Board Member
Liz Plunkett, Syracuse USD 494 Building Leader
Jennifer Reed, Haysville USD 261 District Leader
Chase Rietcheck, Ulysses USD 214 Building Leader
Heather Stapp, Colby USD 315 Building Leader
Megan Storey-Kupersmith, Osawatomie USD 367 District Leader
Melody Stuckey, Goddard USD 265 District Leader
Christy Weiler, Seaman USD 345 Board Member
The events schedule over the next year:
SESSION 1 Topeka KSHSAA Office and Seaman USD 345 on March 27- 28.
SESSION 2 Troy USD 429 and Easton-Pleasanton Ridge USD 449 on April 24-25.
SESSION 3 Herington USD 487 and Manhattan USD 383 on June 12-13.
SESSION 4 Ellsworth USD 327 and Russell USD 407on Sept. 4- 5.
SESSION 5 Frontenac USD 249 and Fort Scott USD 234 on Oct. 2-3.
November 14-16, 2025: Wichita will be the class graduation, held during KASB Annual Conference.
Kimble’s Education and Experience
Kimble graduated from Derby High School and continued his education at Montana State Northern. After earning his degree he spent several years teaching in both Colorado and Oregon before returning to Kansas in 2003.
“I dedicated nine years to teaching at Buhler High School before transitioning into administration. With 15 years of classroom teaching experience and 12 years as an administrator, I have developed a deep commitment to education as the true equalizer in life. I believe every student deserves our very best, and I am passionate about empowering teachers to be great and make a lasting impact on their students.”
Jay Leek, Michael Zafuta, Don Doherty, Paula Baker, Greg Motley and Lindsay Madison were announced today as the Freeman Health System Board of Directors at Fort Scott.
Six Named to New Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. Board of Directors
FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. has formally appointed an inaugural board of directors, a significant milestone in developing the new Bourbon County-based hospital to best serve its residents and the surrounding communities.
The six-member board, representing multiple businesses and professions, includes:
Paula Baker, Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Michael Zafuta, Freeman orthopedic surgeon
Don Doherty, Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual
Lindsay Madison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
Jay Leek, Chief Financial Officer at Beachner Companies of Fort Scott
Gregg Motley of Fort Scott
Doherty has been elected Board Chairman. The governing body will oversee the new hospital’s operations, financial health, quality of care, and overall direction – ensuring everything aligns with the community’s needs.
“When I was asked about considering being a board member, I had to really take time to consider this honor. However, I really want this hospital and emergency room to be here long after I am gone from this life,” Doherty said. “People should not have to fear where they will take their kids, elderly parents, themselves, or anyone in the event medical care is needed.”
The other members of the board, he added, “are really good, smart, professional, and honest people in my opinion. I am fortunate to serve with them.”
Until the new Freeman hospital was announced in June, 2024, Fort Scott had been without a hospital since 2018. The hospital’s attached emergency department managed to stay open until it, too, closed in late 2023, forcing local residents to seek medical treatment in communities 30-plus minutes away.
“I saw and heard the fear from people,” Doherty said, describing the mood of the community’s 7,600 residents when the former hospital at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. closed its doors for good. “Many considered moving away. Some did move away. Everyone experienced some type of fear for either themselves or others.”
Immediately after Freeman’s Paula Baker announced the establishment of a 10-bed acute care hospital and 24-hour, six-bay emergency department in Fort Scott, deep worries from a vast majority of city and rural residents evaporated almost immediately, Doherty said. In fact, after the public announcement was made for the new hospital, Baker was surrounded by overjoyed Fort Scott residents, some of them wiping away tears.
“From individuals to schools to businesses, everyone is more peaceful now,” Doherty said.
Renovations are now underway and Freeman officials are currently in the process of preparing for licensure surveys. The hospital is expected to open this spring. The health system – Southwest Missouri’s largest employer – will lease the space from Kansas Renewal Institute, which purchased the former hospital building located in south Fort Scott.
“My goal (as board chairman) is to listen to what the community is saying, to discuss it in an accurate and honest approach to Freeman officials, and to help get the best outcome possible for a hospital and emergency room established in our community,” Doherty said.
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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2024, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
“The Keyhole has been falling short of its intended purpose for some time now,” said Nick Sprague, a board member. “The funding provided by Key Industries has been withdrawn. From my understanding, the Keyhole was a valuable component of this community for many years and actively engaged in ministry to the youth of Bourbon County.”
“However, in the past two years, the youth of Bourbon County have shifted their preferences from physical gatherings to online interactions and participation in sports and activities. While these changes are not necessarily negative, they reflect a shift in our culture and community.”
“The most productive aspect of the Keyhole over the past two years has been renting out the facility to families and groups on a regular basis. The building’s size and prime location make it unsuitable for solely serving as a rental facility.”
“The Keyhole served as a safe haven for the youth of Bourbon County, fostering a sense of belonging and providing a personal space for teenagers,” he said. The name ‘Keyhole’ referred to the building operated by Bourbon County Youth Ministries, which received funding from Key Industries and various churches and organizations throughout its history.”
“The building will be sold. Bourbon County Youth Ministries, the current owner, will transfer ownership to another youth-focused organization, business, or community entity. The proceeds from the sale will not be retained by the organization; instead, the board is deliberating on the most suitable recipient for the funds, with the intention of reinvesting them within the community. This may involve supporting Key Industries or other organizations.”
In December 2024, the Bourbon County Youth Ministries Board of Directors voted to close the Keyhole. The voting members of the Board are Sprague, Ryan Goodbody, Amber Goodbody, and Janelle Tate.
“As a non-profit organization, we will donate items (in the building) to families in need or other local non-profit organizations. Bourbon County Youth Ministries will not retain any of the donated items; instead, they will either be sold with the building or donated to another organization.”
” I would like to express my personal sadness at the closure of the Keyhole,” Sprague said. “However, I am also confident that the community has great opportunities ahead. Our teenagers are an invaluable and essential component of our community, and I sincerely hope that someone with the necessary time and vision will establish a space for them.”
“Furthermore, it is prudent to acknowledge and celebrate the legacy of the Keyhole. Its longstanding history of serving our community is truly remarkable. I want to honor and recognize all the individuals who have dedicated their time and energy to the Keyhole, whether they were the founders or those who dedicated many years to its operation.”
“The Keyhole’s era has come to an end, and I am eager to witness and ready to participate in the community’s future endeavors,” he said.
Nick Sprague is youth pastor at Fort Scott church of the Nazarene
The Keyhole building is located across from Fort Scott High School at 10th and Main Streets.
In today’s hearing of BB-2024-CV-000075, Jennifer Hill was allowed to withdraw from her role on the case defending the Bourbon County Commission which consists of Beerbower, Kruger, and Wisenhunt.
Patrick Hughes representing the Plaintiffs (which include all three county commissioners) objected to the reason for her withdrawal stating that there is no conflict of interest according to rule 1.7. He stated there were no objections to her withdrawing other than an objection to the reasoning that there was a conflict of interest.
Judge Richard Fisher asked if there were any objections to the withdrawal and none one objected so he allowed her to withdraw without making any mention of whether their was a conflict or not.
Seth Curtis Wright, defense for Tennyson Creek Solar I & II, pointed out that any conflict in Jennifer Hill representing the Beerbower, Kruger, & Wisenhunt as commissioners would also apply to Mr. Hughes representing all three of them as individuals. Further, he pointed out, that anyone replacing Jennifer Hill will have the same conflict of interest since all three of the commissioners are defendants in a suit filed with the three of them as plaintiffs.
He said he wasn’t presenting that today but would file a motion. Hill said that the county commissioners were working to secure the services of a lawyer, but there were some things that needed to resolve before it could be done. It wasn’t clear what lawyer was being referenced.
The case will be revisited once the conflict of interest motions are filed and the county commissioners obtain someone to represent them in their capacity as commissioners.
There will be a hearing on February 24th at 3 pm in the District Court of Bourbon County in regards to the lawsuit BB-2024-CV-000075. The plaintiffs in the case are David Beerbower, Leroy Kruger, Brandon Whisenhunt, Boa Casper, Katie Casper, Timothy Emerson, Samuel Tran, Karen Tran, and Michael Wunderly. The defense consists of the Board of County Commissioners (made up of Beerbower, Kruger, & Whisenhunt), Hinton Creek Solar LLC, Kingbird Solar Energy LLC, Tennyson Creek Solar LLC, and Tennyson Creek Solar II LLC.
Previously, the solar companies filed a motion to dismiss the case, saying that while they recognize plaintiffs may not like their agreements with the landowners and county, the plaintiffs haven’t shown any actual legal injury that would entitle them to relief.
The attorney representing Beerbower, Kruger, Whisenhunt in their capacity as commissioners has filed to withdraw from the case based on the conflict of every member of the commission being both plaintiffs and defendants. The commissioners (in their capacity as individuals) and other plaintiffs, on the other hand, responded, saying that there was no conflict, but wouldn’t contest her withdrawal if she stated that the cause was the insurance company refusing to pay for the defense.
Lynn County News is reporting that USD 346 was informed that the board of Southeastern Technical Academy for Rural Students has voted to seek separation from Fort Scott Community College for the upcoming school year. They plan to ask the Kansas Board of Regents to provide mediation in the efforts to separate from FSCC.
FortScott.biz reached out to the STARS, but the employees had been instructed not to communicate with the paper.
According to the FSCC website and USD346’s website, South Eastern Technical Academy for Rural Students offers high school students dual credit college-level courses through FSCC in the following programs from the location in Pleasanton:
Certified Nurse Aide
Emergency Medical Technician
Criminal Justice
Construction Trades
Welding
Heavy Equipment
HVAC
STARS 2024 Graduates in front of 1701 Laurel St. Pleasanton, KS. Photo from FSCC promotional literature. Photo credit Kristie Kern
The program was announced in 2021 and began in the fall semester of 2022 with programs offered through the Kansas Board of Regents for Excel in CTE funding, which meant students could complete technical college courses without being charged tuition and most fees.
This Sunday, Feb. 23, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., parents of children with special needs will have an opportunity to connect with others who understand the challenges and joys of this responsibility.
“You’re not alone. We’re here to inspire, educate, and connect you with others who understand your unique challenges and joys,” according to Cherri Walrod, who is a Community Health Worker with K-State Research and Extension Southwind District.
The Parent Empowerment Circle event will be at First Southern Baptist Church Family Life Center at 1818 S. Main this Sunday.
There will be refreshments and parents are welcome to bring their children.
A head count is needed, so please contact Walrod at 620-945-9081 or [email protected]
Cherri Walrod. From her Facebook page.
Background of the group
“In December of 2023, I was giving a presentation for a local church,” Walrod said. “During my presentation, I mentioned that I am the mom of special needs children. I talked briefly about the special kind of loneliness and isolation that many parents of special needs children experience. After the presentation, Becky Lee (also a mom of a special needs child) asked if I would be willing to meet with her to discuss ways to begin a group to help connect, inspire and educate parents of special needs children.”
“The Parent Empowerment Circle is the result of working with many community members and partners over the last year to launch this important resource for local parents,” Walrod said.
Walrod joined the K-STATE Southwind District in August of 2024 as the Community Health Worker.
Community Health Work aims to address the social determinants of health, some of which include isolation and loneliness. The Parent Empowerment Circle fits well within the scope and mission of the CHW by helping to reduce the isolation and loneliness the parents of children with behavioral or physical differences sometimes experience.
“Parents of children with behavioral and physical differences are invited to become part of the Parent Empowerment Circle in Fort Scott for inspiration, education, connection, and empowerment, according to a press release from Walrod.
Why Join?
Inspiration: Find motivation in shared stories, successes, and resilience within our community. Let’s turn obstacles into opportunities together.
Education: Gain access to expert-led workshops, resources, and the latest information tailored to support your child’s needs. Knowledge is power, and we’re here to empower you.
Connection: Build a network of support. Meet parents who share your experiences, exchange advice, and form lasting friendships. From navigating the educational system to understanding therapy options, we’re a collective of shared wisdom.
Empowerment: Move from merely surviving to truly thriving. Our circle is designed to elevate your parenting journey, providing you with the tools and encouragement to embrace every moment.
What Is Offered:
Monthly Meetups: Engage in discussions, learn from guest speakers, and find solace in community. At this time, monthly meetups are scheduled for the fourth Sunday of the month, at the First Southern Baptist Church, Family Life Center at 1818 S. Main Street, Fort Scott. Meeting time is from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Children are welcome to attend with parents. Refreshments will be served.
Special Workshops: Topics range from advocacy strategies, understanding IEPs, to self-care for parents. Once we have additional feedback from parents, we will work to schedule programs the parents feel will help them the best.
Join – Because Together, We Thrive
Whether you’re facing questions about education plans, therapies, or daily life, our group is here to provide the answers and support you need. No judgment, just understanding and empowerment.
Let’s inspire each other. Let’s educate ourselves. Let’s connect hearts and minds.”
The CHW project has received funding and support from K-State 105, Kansas State University’s economic growth and advancement initiative for all 105 counties in Kansas. Learn more at k-state.edu/105.
I am pleased to announce that I have filed as a Republican candidate to run for the open District 4 County Commission seat. Bourbon County is well-positioned to thrive well into the future provided we come together and elect competent and compassionate leaders who will help bring out the best in us. My top priorities are:
Helping to rebuild trust inside and outside of county government
Lower mill levy and fees to improve property values and quality of life
Detailed review of department budgets to improve efficiency and save money
Improve human resource routines to improve performance and fairness
Reduce risk by improving the use of legal representation
My qualifications include a B.A. in Business Administration, Accounting and Economics along with a graduate degree in Bank Management. I recently retire from a 45-year career in banking, business and non-profit work, having been president of three banks. I have worked for the largest bank in the state and some of the smallest. My expertise was developed in real estate, business and real estate law, small business, agriculture and public finance. I have banked cities and counties all across eastern Kansas, including Bourbon County, the City of Fort Scott, USD 234 and Fort Scott Community College.
My hometown is Barry, IL, population 1,300, and I graduated from Lee’s Summit High School in Lee’s Summit, MO. I got my undergraduates degree from a private Christian college located in a small town of about 5,200 people and attended the University of Virginia for my graduate degree. After a 25-year career in the Kansas City area, my wife, Kim and I returned to our small-town roots when I took a banking job in Southeast Kansas in 2010. We moved to Bourbon County in 2015. I retired in 2024.
My political experience includes precinct committeeman, Vice-Chairman of the Johnson County (Kansas) Republican Party and Vice-Chairman of the Republican Party of the State of Kansas. I retired from my political activity in 1998 when I lost my first wife to cancer and became a single father to five.
Restoring trust takes time and must be won every day by the way we treat people. My focus will be listening to, and caring about constituents, other elected officials, employees of the county and other governing bodies across the county. There is much to do and I am anxious to get started.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
The commissioners spent a good portion of this week’s meeting discussing the technicalities of the sale of tax-foreclosed properties.
The county currently has properties going back to 2020 that would be eligible for a tax sale. The commissioners spoke with attorney Christopher McElgunn with Klenda Austerman, attorney’s at law.
McElgunn explained the service his firm offers to counties with properties that are in tax foreclosure. They will handle the entire process “from soup to nuts,” he said. His firm will contact the property owners whose taxes haven’t been paid and notify them of the county’s intent to sell them, should the back taxes and fees not be paid.
He said their primary goal is to get people to come in and pay their taxes before foreclosure. He gave information on several issues to the commission, including that only owners and mortgage holders have the right to try to have a tax sale of their property set aside by the court. In order to do that, the owner must be able to show they weren’t serviced properly with notice of unpaid taxes.
McElgunn also said that in tax foreclosure the county doesn’t give any warranties. The property deed comes from the court. For that reason, anybody who buys property at a tax foreclosure sale takes it with notice of all defects and it becomes the buyer’s issue.
McElgunn also said that he has been doing this job for 30 years, and in the last 15 years, he’s had 3 set aside motions filed and his firm won all three of those.
In discussing the county’s liability regarding these property sales, he said that the county has no obligations coming out of that tax sale after that property is sold, as a matter of law. If somebody comes in and says they weren’t served with process and they are able to get the sale set aside, the bidder gets his bid back, but the owner must pay all the back taxes and costs at that time.
McElgunn said that his service starts the lawsuit, making an initial filing for all the parcels that are eligible for foreclosure that year. They collect tax roll information and serve those people first to give them time to pay their back taxes, fees and costs on the property. In the meantime they get the title work from the title company, and add all the parties that the title work reveals to the lawsuit, serving them notice. Next, they make a showing to the court that they’ve made a reasonable attempt to locate them. That’s enough to withstand any type of challenge after the sale.
Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt said, “We’re several years behind on having our tax foreclosure services even caught up, I believe. So we are looking for a way to start having these auctions and getting these back taxes.”
The county has approximately 180 tax foreclosure properties going back to 2020 and before.
McEgunn said his firm charges a per parcel flat fee of $300-350 per parcel which is added to the amount the owner must pay to redeem the parcel. These services create an incentive for the owners to come in and pay all the taxes and interests, attorney fee, title company fee, and court fee.
Once properties are sold, the proceeds go into paying remaining costs. If there’s not enough to pay the attorney’s, the attorney fees are reduced to whatever is left to pay, passing the cost of the foreclosure action to the property owner, rather than the county.
He said that properties which don’t sell can be brought back up at a later date. They stay pending if they don’t sell at the sale, but they can be rolled into the next year’s sale. Alternatively, the county can also sell it as a private sale.
McElgunn agreed to come to a Fort Scott Land Bank meeting, followed by the county commissioner meeting on Feb. 24 to answer any further questions.
The commission tabled the issue until that in-person meeting, Feb. 24
Hospital Equipment Disposal
Commissioner Leroy Kruger brought a list of 10-12 items from Freeman, but there’s more that’s been collected from throughout the hospital. Upon speaking with the county attorney, Kruger suggested holding an auction to sell what can be sold before donating the rest of the unwanted items to a non-profit.
Kruger said the items range from hospital equipment to desks, chairs and fixtures. Some of the equipment is outdated and obsolete.
The commission voted to have Kruger continue working on equipment disposal by finding an auctioneer and date to hold the auction.
Public Comments
Clint Walker on Flags and Dispatch
Walker told the commissioners that the American flag, Kansas State flag, and POW/MIA flag are the only three that should be on a county building. They should have a light on them at night and in rainy weather and not be flown when they get ragged.
Regarding dispatch, he asked if the city [Fort Scott] pays for it’s prisoners when held in a county jail. He advised the commission to make sure it’s equal both ways for county use of city resources and city use of county resources.
Michael Hoyt on Elections.
When spending time in Topeka for county government day, he had conversations about holding a special election for the two new commissioners. “I don’t think anyone within the state would give a legal opinion to just anybody as to how to proceed,” he said. The Secretary of State is in charge of state and federal elections and local elections are left to local officials. The county elections officer is in charge of conducting them, but not in charge of making policies or procedures.
He urged the commissioners to move quickly, as the new districts leave large sections of the county unrepresented, based on the new maps. We should move ahead so that at the latest we could have the new ones seated by Jan. 1. 2026, he said.
Kruger asked, “If there is a chance of wrong doing or legality, in your words explain to me the rush to doing it right now as opposed to doing it in the regular cycle.”
Hoyt replied, “My only concern is mixing the partisan with non-partisan.” And went on to ask who would sue the county regarding the legality of a special election.
Kruger said the commission is accountable at the state level.
Beerbower said the reason he is opposed to a special election is that the parties pick people to run for the open commission seats, versus people picking people to fill the empty seats in a primary and then general election cycle.
“I think it would be beneficial to having the people pick these people, rather than a party,” said Kruger.
Hoyt and Beerbower agreed.
Budget Meeting Decisions
Susan Walker, County Clerk, asked the commission how they would like to handle the budget process, commenting that meeting usually being in March.
Whisenhunt said he would like to start earlier and have more time to work on it, saying the commission should notify departments to get their budgets together and then start work sessions with each department head.
Kruger voiced the idea of face to face work session immediately after budgets are submitted to get the discussions off on the right foot.
Beerbower wants to have a commission work session first to decide what the commission wants the department heads to bring to the meetings.
Kruger said he is in favor of detailed reports for each budget.
Walker asked if they wanted a work session to better understand fund accounting. Kruger replied, “Anything that teaches us what we need to know for this job is what we need to do.”
The commission scheduled a work session March 12 at 2 p.m. open to the public.
Other business
No County Commission meeting will be held Feb. 17 for the holiday of President’s Day.
Whisenhunt talked with the commission about their upcoming work session scheduled for Feb. 19, saying that in light of winter weather, it may be cancelled. “I don’t want to put nobody in danger, trying to get here.”
He also asked the commission to look at the situation of Unique Road and 95th Street, which requires a decision. Unique Roa was closed, per county maps, in 1954. It goes 1000 feet past 95th St. beyond that is a house and the owner wants the road re-opened. That is a cost the county would incur, unless the commission chooses to use the state law that allows for telling the homeowner that he can build the road up to county standards first and the county will maintain it afterward. Whisenhunt asked commission to make a decision soon.
He also said that the commission is now “past our 2 and 3 hour long meetings,” and proposed changing the meeting format to a short business meeting every other week, followed by a work session, and hold full-length meetings in between.
Every Tues. at 7:45, Whisenhunt is on the radio. He asked the commission who could step in for him if he can’t make it. Both offered to cover for him.
Commissioner comments
Kruger mentioned their joint meeting the other night. It went well. “But what I appreciated more than anything was that everybody in the audience were our county people that come to these meetings…I want to applaud you guys for being there.”
Beerbower clarified that the work being done at entrance to hospital is not on county property. Wood is being cut for the use of the wood. It is going to be cleared by Legacy.
