John Erie, Terri Erie-his wife, and Mia Bryant-his granddaughter, man the Slick Rock Cattle Co. booth at the Fort Scott Home and Farm Show on April 4 at Fort Scott Community College.
Slick Rock Cattle Co., Fort Scott, has recently started delivering beef products in a strategy to market their product from farm to table.
“In the last three months, we have started delivering to Fort Scott, Overland Park, Girard, and Chanute at designated sites for pick up,” said John Erie, who is co-owner with Kevin Stark, of the cattle company.
Kevin Stark, co-owner of Slick Rock Cattle Company from the business website.
Erie has been in the cattle business since childhood, working outside jobs, he said. Stark had a farming operation. They both attend the same church and one day started a conversation that ended in a cattle company partnership that has lasted 11 years.
“We had sold one-quarter beef, one-half or whole, and still do. Some people were wanting to buy certain cuts. Enough people asked, so we are going down that road,” Erie said. “Seems like people are wanting to help local farmers that produce hormone-free, grass-fed, grain-finished on-the-farm beef.”
“We reduced the number of cattle to specialize in a farm-to-table operation.”
They sell 12-month subscriptions, with the option of $125 per month over the years time. “Different cuts each month with ground beef. People can make their own bundle and it’s for people with not a lot of freezer space and not a lot of money at one time.”
“We can do 1/4, 1/2, or whole or all rib eye or all ground beef… a custom order,” he said.
The cattle are raised locally in northeast Bourbon County, and butchered and packaged locally at the Bronson Locker, in western Bourbon County, a U.S. Dept. of Agriculture-certified business.
This reduces the environmental impact (lower fuel cost) because of the lower mileage needed to reach the customer.
The business employs Erie, Stark, and Erie’s granddaughter Mia Bryant along with some high school employees at times.
The cattle company has an office at the Hammond Elevator, northeast of Fort Scott, and can be reached at 620.224.8033 or slickrockcattlecollc.com
Black Angus cattle are the basis of the business, from their website.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Bourbon County Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt began the meeting by reading and signing the Bourbon County Proclamation of National Health Week, April 7-13.
The commission decided to postpone discussion of the county’s budget for the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center. Allen County Commissioner David Lee is planning a multi-county meeting to discuss SEK Mental Health, the time of which will be determined. Beerbower asked to attend on behalf of Bourbon County. The Commission then agreed to put the SEK Mental Health budget discussion back on the Bourbon County Commission agenda after the multi-county meeting.
Hay Bid Openings
The county received three hay bids from Joe Tirri: 255th Radio Tower Property for $30; Elm Creek East Side for $1000; and Elm Creek West Side for $2050. All bids were accepted.
The old landfill property on Native Road received no bids. The commission opted to mow it, rather than resubmit for bids.
Old Business
Tax Sale Redaction and correction of the motion made on 3/27/2025
The original motion by Whisenhunt included the land bank, which was an error. A new motion to use the firm of Klenda Austerman for county tax sale properties only was made and approved.
Public Comments for Items Not on the Agenda
Mary Pimperton regarding roads
Mary Pimperton requested that the county pave the half-mile section of Maple Road that runs from 3 Highway to 75th Street. It is a main road through Uniontown, frequently traveled by buses. “It’s in extremely poor condition,” she said. For the past several years the city has been patching it, but it’s beyond patching now. During the work session following the meeting, the commission asked public works to do a cost assessment on paving that section of road.
New Business
Commissioner Comments
Beerbower read a statement about zoning, to clarify comments he made at the last commission meeting.
Based on the comments he saw on Facebook and the texts and phone calls he had received, one would believe that zoning was always a bad thing. Beerbower went on to explain the history of zoning in Bourbon County and the previous commissioners’ naming lack of zoning in the county as the reason citizens have no way to defend their property from their neighbor’s actions. “Those that hold on to the outdated ideology that zoning somehow robs their freedom and right to do whatever on their land are shortsighted,” said Beerbower.
He explained the validity of zoning as a way to protect rural property from industrial encroachment and pointed to the efforts of companies looking to come to Bourbon County as a second industrial revolution that is looking for land instead of labor. Beerbower said, “Let me reiterate, it is not a matter of if we will zone. It is a matter of what zoning will look like.” He ended his speech with an appeal to citizens who are interested to submit letters of interest to join the advisory committee that the commission voted to form at last week’s meeting so their voices can shape the future zoning of Bourbon County.
There were questions and comments from those in attendance asking if adjacent counties have zoning. Whisenhunt said Allen County has minimal zoning, while Crawford and Lynn County both have zoning. Parts of Crawford aren’t zoned yet, but the zoning they do have is “pretty strict.”
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
Jeff Fischer and Marty Dewitt spoke to the commission about the role of SEK Mental Health in Bourbon County. Fischer said that behavioral health is an area of great need and not many organizations are capable of an integrated care model. Throughout all the healthcare provider changes that Bourbon County has undergone in the past several years, the SEK Mental Health Center has been a stabilizing force, he said.
Fischer and Dewitt both gave the commissioners their contact information and asked that they be contacted with any questions the commission may have so they can provide truthful answers.
Work Session for 2025 roads and equipment plan for public works
Eric Bailey, director of public works, showed a video of his department doing a blast, running it through the crusher, making and laying asphalt, and chip and seal road maintenance, to inform the commission of the procedures his department goes through.
Annually, after the winter freezes and thaws, public works workers drive around the county and rate the condition of the roads based on the Pacer Asphalt Roads Manual, rating from 0-9. The higher the number, the better the road’s condition.
He also reported the asphalt produced and laid by the county: 9336 tons laid in 2024. Reduced sales tax numbers and flooding reduced the amount laid from previous years: 14,302 in 2023: 11,474 in 2022; and 23,600 in 2021.
2025 plan based on analysis of the roads
District 1
Hackberry on 120th to Kansas. Major road failure there that the county has been battling for some time. It needs to be taken back down to gravel, re-work the sub-base and look at asphalting it in the next few years.
Yale Road: asphalt from Mapleton to 95th this year to get a good base coat down on the road.
Chip and seal is everything asphalted in 2021 in the district.
District 2
State Line Road: Vernon County owns half, and has expressed that they would pay for the asphalt if Bourbon County will lay it.
Eagle Road from RR tracks in Garland to State Line needs a 2-inch seal coat on it. Should have been done last year, but they ran out of funding.
Chip and seal the remainder of the asphalt laid in 2021.
District 3
215th from Xavier to Yale damaged by flooding last year, needs to be relayed.
Soldier Road from 215th to 225th didn’t get finished in 2023 and it needs to be finished to prevent losing the work done on it from that year.
Chip and seal the roads asphalted in 2021.
Bailey also provided a list of all the roads that could be done if the commission chooses to. It would take $3.3 million to do every road in Bourbon County that could use improvement and maintenance, based on the current analysis.
Bailey has goal to get started laying asphalt on the smaller areas in May and June, chip and seal in July and August, then spend the remainder of the sales tax funds on Yale and go as far as they can.
His recommended order is Garland, Soldier, 215th, then chip and seal.
“We can only do what sales tax money we have,” said Bailey.
Bailey emphasized the need to improve preventative maintenance (chip and seal).
Whisenhunt said the commission should have a decision for the road maintenance plan by the first meeting in May.
Chamber members and the community are invited to hear 7-minute updates by the following entities: City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Fort Scott Community College, and the USD-234 and USD-235 School Districts.
The event is free to attend but registration is requested. Box lunches are available by pre-order for $10.
Those planning to attend may RSVP here. (lunch orders being accepted online thru 12pm, Monday the 7th.)
Moderator for the event will be Chamber Board Member Colleen Quick of Labconco.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 for more information or visit fortscott.com.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS:
DAVIS ACCOUNTING
&
LYONS REALTY GROUP
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
In Step 2, students create an original work of art. Artworks visually interpret the stories of LMC Unsung Heroes as role models. For their artworks, students may wish to explore the Unsung Heroes’ character traits and actions, the consequences of their events and decisions, their impact on the course of history—past or present, or other approaches.
Take time to review the judging rubric for the artworks, which includes 40% for creative interpretation of the Unsung Hero’s story.
Artworks in a variety of 2D and 3D media are eligible for submission. Students submitting digital art will be asked to answer 3 short questions on the application about their selection of media and their creative process. Students submitting 3D artworks are required to upload 4 images of their artwork.
RESOURCE: Thumbnail sketches are great for idea generation. Use this worksheet to explore various compositions: Thumbnail Sketch Worksheet
Awardees from 2024 Dyne Kim (Left) and Vanessa Hoyt (Right). Click the images to learn more about the students and their chosen Unsung Heroes.
Step-by-Step Competition Submission Guide
Attention teachers and students! Follow this 10-Step Submission Guide to submit projects for the 2025 ARTEFFECT competition. Allow at least 30 minutes to complete your submission using the online portal once you have gathered all the required information and materials on the Submission Checklist. There is no fee to enter the competition.
The Submission deadline for the 2025 Competition is April 27, 11:59 PM (Pacific Time). For more information and to submit, visit the ARTEFFECT Competition.
2025 ARTEFFECT Competition –
Certificate of Participation!
Making a complete submission to the ARTEFFECT 2025 Competition is an achievement unto itself! ARTEFFECT honors the teaching and learning of all participating students with a Certificate of Participation.
Students: If you would like to request a Certificate of Participation, please email arteffect@lowellmilken.org upon completion of your submission.
Educators: If you would like to request a Certificate of Participation template for your students, or to confirm submissions for your students’ participation, email arteffect@lowellmilken.org.
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT through our expanding social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Establishing Task Force to Tackle Kansas’ Water Challenges
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed Senate Substitute for House Bill 2172, creating the water program task force to create a long-term investment program for water with a dedicated revenue source, similar to the state’s rolling 10-year transportation programs. The task force will also evaluate current funding for water and the state’s water planning statutes, submitting reports detailing its findings to the governor and the Kansas Legislature in 2026 and 2027.
“Developing a comprehensive, long-term, and sustainable water program is long overdue and a significant step forward in ensuring Kansas’ water supply is preserved for generations to come,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to this legislation, there will now be a bipartisan strategic plan with a dedicated funding source to tackle Kansas’ most pressing water challenges. I commend the Legislature for advancing my proposal and acting on this critical issue.”
The task force will include 13 voting members spearheaded by a bipartisan group of legislators. Of those 13 voting members, six members will be Kansans appointed by legislative leadership. The task force also includes a five-member water planning work group, which is tasked with reviewing and modernizing the State Water Resources Planning Act.
“Water is truly vital to Kansas agriculture, business, and communities throughout the state,” said Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives Dan Hawkins. “I commend Chairs Minnix and Rahjes, along with the members of the House Water and Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees, for their leadership in forming the Water Task Force, an essential step toward maintaining our precious water resources.”
The task force is charged with evaluating major risks to Kansas’ water quality and quantity, including any impact on current and future economic growth. It will also examine current funding for water and determine whether this funding is sufficient to address the water issues included in the State Water Plan, including Kansas’ current and future water infrastructure needs. The task force will represent every corner of Kansas by including at least one member from each of the five conservation regions of the state.
“This is a critical step forward in addressing Kansas’ water challenges by establishing a dedicated task force and work group to guide our state’s water policy and funding decisions,” said Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson. “This bill reflects a bipartisan legislative commitment to ensuring sustainable water resources for future generations, and I’m proud to see it move forward with the governor’s support.”
The task force will prepare and submit a preliminary report to the governor and Legislature on or before Jan. 31, 2026, and a final report on Jan. 31, 2027. The report will include recommendations on the water program’s long-term structure to address Kansas’ current and future water needs, the roles and responsibilities of the state, municipalities, and regional entities, and identifying a dedicated funding source for the State Water Plan fund.
“Establishing a task force that is dedicated to making progress on Kansas’ water issues is critical to the success of our agriculture industry and economy,” said Representative for House District 110 Ken Rahjes. “This bill will allow us to take steps so our agriculture communities and rural areas can thrive. It’s crucial we secure Kansas’ water supply now, so our state remains an agricultural and economic powerhouse for decades to come.”
Governor Kelly encouraged the Legislature to form the task force during her State of the State address in January. The Kelly Administration and Kansas Water Authority also conducted 14 public meetings across the state in 2024 to gather feedback from Kansans on local priorities and needs for a long-term program. The results of these meetings were published in the Strategic Implementation Framework for water, which can serve as a blueprint for the task force’s work in constructing a long-term, well-resourced water program.
“Protecting Kansas’ water is paramount for our generation and future generations of Kansans,” said Representative for House District 22 Lindsey Vaughn. “In passing this legislation, the Legislature and Governor Kelly are taking a critical step to ensuring we have a long-term strategic plan for a safe and secure water supply. I’m proud to support this groundbreaking bill and look forward to seeing everything the task force accomplishes.”
In addition to Senate Substitute for House Bill 2172, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:
Substitute for Senate Bill 54: Enhances transparency by creating a process for judicial review of third-party funding agreements in court proceedings.
House Bill 2016: Ensures that active military members, their spouses, and dependents that are stationed in Kansas but have maintained residency in another state are able to serve as poll workers for Kansas elections. The bill also allows county election officers to remove the name of a registered voter from the registration books when an obituary for such voter is published online, as well as clarifying technical requirements for advanced ballot applications.
House Bill 2030: Excludes dealers and manufacturers of non-motorized trailers from certain provisions of the Vehicle Dealers and Manufacturers Licensing Act.
House Bill 2118: Provides new protections for Kansas consumers by requiring any private entity that solicits a fee for filing or retrieving certain government documents to provide disclaimers to consumers that said solicitations are not made by or on behalf of a government agency.
House Bill 2122: Increases the annual license fees of electric and hybrid vehicles, ensuring that electric vehicle drivers pay their fair share to maintain Kansas highways. The bill also aligns quarterly truck payment statutes for interstate and intrastate motor carriers.
House Bill 2168: Extends the amount of time required for certain reports to be filed by public land surveys from 30 to 90 days, aligning Kansas with industry standards.
House Bill 2242: Authorizes the governor to accept requests of concurrent jurisdiction from the federal government in certain circumstances, allowing juvenile incidents that occur on federal military installations to be adjudicated with state resources and in state juvenile courts which are better equipped to address such matters than federal courts.
Judith Ann (Franklin) Beasley was born in Chanute, Kansas on June 3, 1951, to Robert Lee Franklin and Frances Ilene (Tripp) Franklin. As the oldest of four children and as her mother battled sickness, she learned early on to take care of those around her.
She graduated from Ruskin High School in 1969, got married and had two beautiful daughters with John Ronald Burch.
Somewhat of a nomad after losing her mother, she moved a lot to try new jobs, always searching for the one that would provide the best for her and her family.
In Colorado, she found her love of police work and became a Sherriff Deputy. She worked in many other lines of business from secretary to EMT to dispatch, and after planting roots in Fort Scott, Kansas, she found her favorite job as a corrections officer from which she retired.
Her hobbies included soaking in a hot bubble bath and cross-stitching. She made beautiful creations that she gave as gifts and donated to the local hospital after her husband, Delbert passed away.
One of her favorites showed devotion to Jesus, depicting The Last Supper. This piece won the purple grand champion ribbon at the Kincaid Farmers Fair which she was very proud of.
She was a loving sister, mother and grandmother who was not afraid to say anything that came to mind. She enjoyed cracking jokes that would sometimes make people blush and she would giggle when she knew she caught them off guard. She never knew a stranger and loved so much that if you were a friend, you knew you were also family.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Frances, father, Robert, brother, Robert Eugene “Gene” Franklin, and her husband, Delbert Lee Beasley, Jr.
She will be greatly missed by her sister, Linda Diana Langley and husband, Brad, brother, Howard Russell “Rusty” Franklin and girlfriend, Sonji Clary, daughter, Deanna Ilene (Burch) Maiseroulle and husband, Paul, daughter Holly Jeanette (Burch) Welton and boyfriend, Brandon Graham; two bonus children, Susan (Beasley) Crews and Tim Beasley; grandchildren Jordan Woods and wife, Haley, D.J. Blethen and wife Angela, Logan Woods and wife, Jordan, Kimberlee Blethen, Brock Johanning, Blake Johanning, Brenna (Johanning) Whittington and Cameron Johanning; five great-grandchildren, Olivia, Copelan, Bryson, Beau and Isaiah, three nephews, Robbie, Danny and William, one niece, Alyssa and numerous other family members.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, April 14th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Judy Beasley Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O, Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Linda Ann Pruitt, age 71, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Monday, April 7, 2025, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, MO. She was born May 8, 1953, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Walton “Walt” and Evelyn Vest Ham. She attended Prescott, KS grade school, Pleasanton, KS high school, and Fort Scott Community College.
She married Urvy Pruitt on February 14, 1991, in Fort Scott. Linda worked for the Prescott State Bank and later as City Clerk in Prescott.
Her many interests included crocheting, crafts, jewelry, homemaking, and visiting the casino.
She formerly attended the Prescott Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband Urvy of the home; 3 sons, Jeff Fugate (Robin) of Greeley, Co, Derek Fugate (Michelle) of Kearney, MO, and James Pruitt (Megan) of Wichita, KS; a daughter, Aleah Stice (Jacob) of Emporia, KS; a brother, Larry Ham (Pam) of Fort Scott, KS; a cousin Debbie Taylor of Fort Scott, KS; and numerous grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law Francis Pruitt, and a grandson, Johnathan Wane Fugate.
There was cremation. No services are planned.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to the Linda Pruitt Memorial Fund 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.
April 8, 2025 — Less than a month remains to apply for the 2025 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, to be held Sunday, June 1, through Saturday, June 7, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. The deadline is set for Wednesday, April 30. Applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. This will be the 87th session of the Kansas Boys State program and the 33rd consecutive year at KSU.
Traditionally, Kansas Boys State has been for individuals who will complete their junior year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. However, the ALBSK program has again expanded the pool of applicants for this year’s session to also include those who will complete their sophomore year of high school this spring. There is no limit on the number of delegates a school, community or American Legion post can send to attend Kansas Boys State.
The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.
The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2025 session should visit ksbstate.org to apply.
Kansas Boys State attendees are eligible to receive a three-hour course credit (Introduction to Political Science [POLSC 110]) through Kansas State University, as well as earn merit badges to attain the Eagle Scout rank through Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, attendees can apply to win a Samsung American Legion Scholarship. The American Legion Department of Kansas finalist is guaranteed to receive a $1,250 scholarship, with the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 as a national scholar.
Mike Finnegan, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of K-State Strengths initiative within the Staley School of Leadership at Kansas State University, and a 1998 Kansas Boys State delegate, will be the featured keynote speaker during the Kansas Boys State opening session on Sunday, June 1, starting at 1:30 p.m. in McCain Auditorium. The mission of K-State Strengths is to be a catalyst for students to develop their unique talents in pursuit of being their best selves with a goal to increase student engagement and well-being across campus so students can thrive.
In addition, Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, also a 1998 Kansas Boys State delegate, will provide remarks and swear-in the elected mayors of KBS cities during a ceremony on Monday, June 2, starting at 6:50 p.m. at the Boys State Assembly Area (Goodnow/Marlatt Hall parking lot).
For complete information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas program, visit ksbstate.org. For information about the 2025 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, June 1, through Friday, June 6, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit ksgirlsstate.org.
— #KSBoysState —
The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.
The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.
