Government, Kansas

6th District Nominating Commission Sets Judge Interviews

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TOPEKA—The 6th Judicial District Nominating Commission will convene at 9 a.m. Tuesday, October 27, to interview applicants to fill a district judge vacancy.

The 6th Judicial District is composed of Bourbon, Linn, and Miami counties. The judicial vacancy was created when District Judge Mark Ward retired October 9.

Public interviews

Interviews are open to the public and will take place at:

Linn County Justice Center
308 Main St.
Mound City

Interview schedule

9:30 a.m. — Madeline Jensen, Spring Hill, assistant county attorney, Miami County

10:15 a.m. — James Crux, Pittsburg, Bourbon County attorney

11:00 a.m. — Joshua Albin, Andover, attorney, Adams Jones Law Firm, P.A.; city attorney, Burden

12:30 p.m. — Terra Tecchio, Ft. Scott, attorney, Tecchio Consulting, LLC; Baseley Law Office

1:15 p.m. — Jacklyn Paletta, Paola, municipal judge, Louisburg; county counselor, Linn County; Pascolo Law LLC

Accommodation

Any person with a disability who requires accommodation to access the nominating commission meeting should notify the judicial branch ADA coordinator as early as possible: ADA@kscourts.gov, 785-296-2256, TTY at 711.

Nominating commission

The 6th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Larkin Walsh as the nonvoting chair; Mark McCoy and Zackery Reynolds, Fort Scott; Patton Apple and Ronald Wood, Louisburg; Todd Schneider, Mound City; and Mary Stephenson, Paola.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Halloween Trick-or-Treat Parade Set for Saturday, Oct. 31

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Grab your costumes and candy bags! Join us October 31st for trick or treating, costume photos, and Halloween fun in Downtown Fort Scott!

Trick or Treat Parade flyer

Halloween Trick-or-Treat Parade

Saturday, October 31st
10am Festivities | 11am Parade
Downtown Fort Scott

Start at the City Scales building on North Main at 10:00 a.m. for photos with a Halloween backdrop and face painting by the Fort Scott High School Thespians.

The parade begins at La Hacienda at 11:00 a.m. Families will trick-or-treat with downtown merchants as they travel south on Main Street to 2nd Street, cross the street and return north to Skubitz Plaza. Be sure to bring a bag for treats!

Following the parade, children in costume will receive a free slice of Papa Don’s pizza and a drink.

Planning to hand out candy?

Please let us know so we can include you on the parade map and make sure everyone is spaced out along the route with no big gaps between candy stops!

Call: 620-223-3566
Text: 620-644-8050
Email: communications@fortscott.com

600+ Little Smiles, One Big Community Tradition!

Each year, more than 600 children fill Downtown Fort Scott for our annual Halloween Parade! This free community tradition is made possible with the support of local businesses, organizations, and individuals who help us bring a little Halloween magic to Main Street.

Want to be part of the fun?

We’re inviting our community to join us as event sponsors or contribute drinks, candy, and other supplies to help make this year’s parade another memorable one!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Presenting Sponsor: $500
Jack-o’-Lantern Sponsor: $250
Bat Sponsor: $100

Drink donations, monetary contributions, and sponsorship checks can all be dropped off or mailed to:

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall St.
Fort Scott, KS 66701

Please make checks payable to the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

Questions or interested in sponsoring? Call us at 620-223-3566 or email communications@fortscott.com.

Every contribution helps us keep this Halloween tradition FREE and fun for hundreds of local children!

Thank you for helping us make Halloween a fun day for Fort Scott children and families!

Trick or Treat Parade poster

Click HERE for the FS Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-3566
fortscott.com

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – Oct 27, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Report

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – October 27, 2026

Arrested

Hill, Michael T (Age 38) — Arrested 10/26/2026 10:44 AM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond required).

Stoker, Jason K (Age 37) — Arrested 10/26/2026 10:56 AM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond required).

Ahtone, Randy (Age 32) — Arrested 10/26/2026 11:04 AM by Douglas County. Charge: Out of County Hold. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond required).

Tweet, Garan Walter (Age 27) — Arrested 10/26/2026 9:31 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant – Out of County. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Taala, Pese Filisi-Lepani (Age 43) — Arrested 10/27/2026 12:11 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Possess Paraphernalia; Unknown Misdemeanor, Possession of Opiate, Opium, Narcotic or Certain Stimulant. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Released

Falley-Wallace, John L — Released 10/26/2026 11:00 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas Co).

Grewing, Joseph Edwin — Released 10/26/2026 1:19 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Marquec-Perez, Gian — Released 10/26/2026 11:27 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas County).

Murray-Crawford, Benz — Released 10/26/2026 11:29 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas County).

Total Inmates Released: 4

Documents:

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Ad: Rob Hodgkinson — We Already Agree

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If you’ve voted Republican for lower taxes and smaller government, we already agree.

Rob Hodgkinson, Libertarian, Kansas House District 4: Lower taxes. Less government.

Lower taxes. Less government. Property rights. Personal responsibility. If those are the reasons you vote the way you do, you and I want the same things.

The reality is we need less government, not more. It won’t happen overnight, but I’ll work toward it one step at a time.

I’ll answer to the people of Bourbon and Linn counties, not party leaders in Topeka.

You don’t have to be a Libertarian to vote for me. You only have to believe District 4 deserves a better choice. Rob Hodgkinson for Kansas House, District 4.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. In Bourbon County, early voting at the Courthouse runs Oct. 19 through noon Nov. 2.

Paid for by Hodgkinson for Kansas, Ric Koehn treasurer.

Learn more: rob4ks.com

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Ad: Rob Hodgkinson — Earn Your Vote

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District 4 deserves an election, not a coronation.

Rob Hodgkinson, Libertarian, Kansas House District 4: An election, not a coronation.

For too long, this seat has felt more like a coronation than an election. No elected office should be treated as automatic. Your representative should have to earn your vote.

That means answering questions, explaining where you stand and listening. I’ve been doing that at my booth at the Linn County Fair and at the state fair, and I’ll keep doing it.

At the state fair, I had Republicans come to my booth looking for another option. I’m offering one.

You deserve a real choice. Rob Hodgkinson for Kansas House, District 4.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. In Bourbon County, early voting at the Courthouse runs Oct. 19 through noon Nov. 2.

Paid for by Hodgkinson for Kansas, Ric Koehn treasurer.

Learn more: rob4ks.com

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 25, 2026

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Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 25, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 45 calls for service on October 25, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Accident / Non-Injury — 5:25 AM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-1011BB. Disposition: RPTA.

Warrant Service / Arrest — 9:00 AM, 1251 N Main St, Mapleton. Complaint No. 26-1012BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Remove Subject — 9:08 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01706FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Juvenile — 11:55 AM, 1313 S Little St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01707FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Traffic Stop — 5:02 PM, 2207 S Main St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01708FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Check Vehicle — 5:45 PM, 215th, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-1013BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Fire and EMS

EMS — 1:28 AM, 101 Andrick St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 5:44 AM, 315 Scott St #311, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 5:59 AM, 315 Scott St #311, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Fire / Other — 7:22 PM, Soldier Rd, Fort Scott. Disposition: FIRE.

EMS — 9:24 PM, 315 Scott St #412, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Other Calls for Service

Check Vehicle — 12:14 AM, 1411 E Wall, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Check Welfare — 12:41 AM, 101 Andrick St. Disposition: * Multiple.

Other Agency Assist — 5:20 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 7:15 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Public Assist — 7:20 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: NR.

Public Assist — 7:41 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Follow-Up — 8:01 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Welfare — 8:00 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

27,28,29 Checks — 8:53 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: NR.

Traffic Complaint / Dead Animal Pickup/Debris — 9:47 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

Missing Person — 9:46 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 12:43 PM, Wilson St. Disposition: HBO.

Check Welfare — 2:01 PM, 101 Andrick St. Disposition: HBO.

Vehicle Unlock — 2:49 PM, 1510 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 3:56 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Threat — 3:57 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 4:04 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 5:06 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Remove Subject — 6:52 PM, 601 S Little St. Disposition: HBO.

EMS — 7:08 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: * Multiple.

Check Vehicle — 7:53 PM, 2121 Arapahoe Rd, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Dead Animal Pickup/Debris — 8:20 PM, 235th, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 8:47 PM, 101 Andrick St. Disposition: HBO.

Accident / Non-Injury — 8:47 PM, 996 Maple, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Juvenile — 8:50 PM, 702 N Shute St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Public Assist — 11:28 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 2:39 PM, 7th St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 4:37 PM, 18th St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 6:46 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:57 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:41 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:21 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:33 PM, 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Total Calls for Service: 45

Documents:

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – Oct 26, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – October 26, 2026

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Report

Arrested

Grewing, Joseph Edwin (Age 36) — Arrested 10/24/2026 10:02 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Driving Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (Misdemeanor), Driving While License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked (Misdemeanor, Unknown Conviction), Transporting an Open Container, Vehicle Liability Insurance Required (Unknown Circumstance), Vehicles Unlawful Acts (e.g., Registration). Bond: $2,500.00 No Cash/Surety.

Blevins, James Robert (Age 41) — Arrested 10/25/2026 9:39 AM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Bond Revoke). Bond: No Bond.

Nunley Jr, Richard Darrell (Age 22) — Arrested 10/25/2026 6:41 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Possess Paraphernalia (Unknown Misdemeanor), Possession of Opiate, Opium, Narcotic or Certain Stimulant. Bond: No Bond.

Ayers, Joshua Lorenzo (Age 36) — Arrested 10/25/2026 6:41 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Possession of Controlled Substance (Unknown Substance, Misdemeanor), Possess Paraphernalia (Unknown Misdemeanor), Possession of Opiate, Opium, Narcotic or Certain Stimulant. Bond: No Bond.

Released

Hall, Michael Leon — Released 10/23/2026 6:40 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Snow, Brandon — Released 10/23/2026 4:51 PM via Transferred Out (DGCO).

Total Inmates Released: 2

Documents:

Obituary

Obituary: Doyle Dean Zimmerman, Age 77

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Doyle Dean Zimmerman, 77, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away on October 16, 2026, at Freeman Hospital in Fort Scott following a long battle with Lewy body dementia.

Doyle was born on April 1, 1949, in Girard, Kansas, to Enos Doyle Zimmerman and Wilma Turner Zimmerman. He attended grade school in Hiattville, graduated from Uniontown High School, and went on to earn a certificate in electricity from Kansas State College of Pittsburg.

Doyle served six years in the Army National Guard, completing training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Fort Lee, Virginia.

Doyle dedicated 50 years to his profession as an electrician. He was certified through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration and conducted electrical inspections in coal mines throughout the region. In addition to owning and operating Zimmerman Electric, he worked in maintenance for Dayco/Carlisle and The Timken Company.

Family was at the heart of Doyle’s life. He and his wife, Rebecca, loved bringing family together and creating lasting memories through annual Fourth of July celebrations at Elm Creek Lake, Christmas gatherings, and trips to Table Rock Lake in Branson. Doyle also enjoyed motorcycle trips across the country, creating memories and experiencing the open road along the way. One especially cherished family memory was the annual Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days bed race, where Doyle’s bed claimed victory for many years.

Doyle will be remembered for his dedication to his work, his love for his family, and the many traditions and memories he helped create over the years.

Survivors include his wife, Rebecca Zimmerman, of the home; two brothers, David Zimmerman and his wife, Teresa, of Fort Scott, and Darel Zimmerman and his wife, Crystal, of Garland; and several nieces and nephews.

Doyle was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Donathan Zimmerman.

Rev. Mike Buckamneer will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow at Mount Orum Cemetery.

Words of remembrance may be shared in the online tribute book at cheneywitt.com.

Business, Fort Scott

Coming Soon: Waters Hardware in Fort Scott, Heidricks Hardware Closes After 51 Years

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Denny and Nancy Heidrick.
Heidricks Hardware, 1508 S. National, was acquired by Waters Hardware on October 15, after 51 years in Fort Scott.
Denny Heidrick will be slowing down and traveling following the acquisition, but his sister, Nancy Heidrick, will stay on for 60-90 days until a new manager is found,  helping the transition to Waters Hardware.
The new business has hired all the current staff,  four employees.
“They will be adding many improvements,” Nancy Heidrick said. “More merchandise…and the whole inside….will get a facelift.”
“We could not have lasted without the wonderful support of the Fort Scott Community,” she said.
Waters is actively looking for a new manager, Randy Gerken, a part of the Waters Hardware leadership team, said.

Pictured from left to right: The Waters Hardware leadership team, including brothers Bo Gerken, Wes Gerken and Rusty Gerken, alongside their brother-in-law Mike Valent. Photo from the Waters website.
Waters Hardware 
Waters Hardware was founded in 1894 in Manchester, KS, and is a family-owned regional home improvement, hardware, and equipment rental chain operating across Kansas and Missouri.
It is an affiliate of Do It Best.
Gerken Rent-All purchased Waters Hardware in 2019.
The new Fort Scott hardware store will focus on paint, appliances, and equipment supplies, Gerken said.
Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary for Oct 26, 2026 Meeting

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Bourbon County Commission

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda – October 26, 2026, 5:30 PM

agenda-packet (full PDF)

Agenda as of October 23rd, 2026 4:43 PM Central for the October 26th, 2026 5:30 PM meeting, fetched from HeyGov when this draft was created.

  • I. Call Meeting to Order (Page 1)
  • II. Prayer – Allen (Page 1)
  • III. Introductions (Page 1)
  • IV. Approval of Agenda (Page 1)
  • V. Approval of Minutes (Page 1)
  • VI. Approval of Accounts Payable $78,932.08 (Page 1)
    • Hampton Inn — $129.32
    • Hometown — $69.75
    • New Grill — $63.74
  • VII. Executed Documents for Record (Page 1)
  • VIII. Public Comments (Page 1)
  • IX. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)( ) Subject: (Page 1)
    • a. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) Subject: – Allen (Page 1)
  • X. Department Updates (Page 1)
    • a. Security Cameras – Maint – Krom (Page 1)
  • XI. Old Business (Page 1)
    • a. Asbestos Report – Beerbower (Page 1)
    • b. Well Testing – Milburn (Page 1)
    • c. HR – End of Contract Letter – signing of new contract – Milburn (Page 1)
    • d. Policy pertaining to use of county property for personal use – Milburn (Page 1)
  • XII. New Business (Page 2)
    • a. 108 W. 2nd Street (Page 2)
    • b. Grant Opportunity – Milburn (Page 2)
    • c. Transportation letter of support – Casey Brown – Milburn (Page 2)
    • d. Transportation letter of support – Becky Gray – Milburn (Page 2)
    • e. Benefit Contribution Review – Milburn (Page 2)
    • f. Kansas Association of Counties Membership – Motley (Page 2)
  • XIII. Commission Comments (Page 2)
  • XIV. Future Agenda Topics (Page 2)
  • XV. Adjournment (Page 2)

Detailed Information Packet Summary

1. Accounts Payable Bills & Invoices (Pages 9–20)

The packet includes the detailed open-invoices report for the batch due 10/23/2026, totaling $78,932.08 across 73 invoices.

Batch Due 10/23/2026 — Grand Total: $78,932.08 (Pages 9–20)

  • Non-Departmental / Funds Summary: Total payouts $52,522.61 across 52 invoices. Notable funds: County Sheriff/Correctional $15,517.47 (including Evergy electric $5,497.75, Johnson Controls fire alarm repair $7,586.54), Bond Sales Tax – County Jail $9,827.76 (Advantage Computer Enterprises remote-court computers $6,825.00 and courtroom AV work), Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund $8,320.43, Landfill $5,466.48, ROD-Tech Fund $5,136.00 (new copier), Employee Benefit $2,618.80, Addiction Settlement Fund $1,410.00 (Progressive auto insurance reimbursement), Election $915.15, Road and Bridge $3,108.54. (Pages 9–12)
  • County Department Operations:
    • County Attorney: $12,150.00 (Karpel Solutions annual maintenance/hosting/e-discovery) (Page 13)
    • Courthouse Maintenance: $262.73 (Page 14)
    • Emergency Preparedness: $100.99 (Page 15)
    • Ambulance Service: $5,827.69 (fuel, medical supplies, tire balancing) (Page 16)
    • Courthouse General: $3,768.06 (includes Apex Environmental asbestos sampling/ambient air monitoring $2,124.80) (Page 17)
    • Human Resources: $4,300.00 (HR Solutions On Call monthly support package) (Page 18)

2. Official Meeting Minutes Approval – October 19, 2026 (Pages 3–8)

  • Attendance & Logistics: Chair Motley called the meeting to order; Commissioners Tran, Beerbower, Allen, Motley and Milburn-Kee present along with Clerk Clarkson and numerous members of the public. (Page 3)
  • Agenda Modifications: PVD compliance call moved to follow Public Comments; Sheriff’s Office personnel executive session postponed a week; Backhoe Bid struck from Old Business; Range Road added under New Business; Treasurer’s quarterly reports added as Department Update item XI.c. Approved as amended by voice vote. (Page 3)
  • Minutes Corrections: Minutes of October 5 and October 9, 2026 approved by voice vote with no opposition. (Page 3)
  • Financial & Payables Approvals: October 9 accounts payable total corrected from $334,783.98 to $428,742.99; commissioners questioned several credit card charges (Hometown $69.75, New Grill $63.74, Hampton Inn ~$129) and approved accounts payable of $428,742.99 less those three amounts; a possible duplicate billing in Fund 108 was flagged for staff follow-up; Treasurer’s quarterly reports approved. (Page 3)
  • Administrative Actions: KDOR PVD compliance call reviewed (county scored 63.1/100, below the 75 required for substantial compliance); transfer station backhoe and rate discussion; Resolution 21-26 revised so meetings on county holidays move to the next business day; CIC payroll-accounting interface license signed; Verizon contract updated and administrative phone-line rights extended to department heads; TEC remote support continued at $60/device; Conservation District commitment increased by $5,000; Range Road concerns raised and biweekly Public Works department updates established; HR RFP awarded 3-2 to local consultant Millie amid contentious discussion; election early-voting space prompted moving the October 26 and November 2 meetings to Fort Scott City Hall; meeting adjourned. (Pages 5–8)

3. Accounts Payable Batch Due 9/21/2026 (Pages 9–14, from prior packet material)

  • Grand Total: $110,758.06 across 32 invoices, including Dispatch appropriations $60,500.00 to City of Fort Scott, Health Board $22,687.50 third-quarter mill levy to SEK Multi-County Dept of Health, County Attorney $10,271.56 (contracted assistant county attorneys), Human Resources $7,093.10, Courthouse General $4,004.67, Non-Departmental $3,316.95.

Note: the packet also contains a large volume of historical county financial material (September 28 and October 5 meeting minutes, quarterly treasurer and fund status reports, numerous vendor contracts, resolutions, an asbestos inspection/air-monitoring report series for the courthouse and 108 W. 2nd Street, a real-estate contract for 108 W. 2nd Street and 201 S. Crawford Street, a repair-cost estimate, a KCAMP grant application, an EMPG grant application, a Murphy Tractor training report, surveillance system proposals, a KORA resolution draft, a purchasing policy draft, and employee compensation/benefit proposals). These are summarized only at a high level above; readers wanting full detail should consult the linked PDF directly.

Bourbon County Local News