The Bourbon County Commission has moved their regular meeting to February 19th at 5:30 at 210 S National. They will not meet on Monday the 16th for observance of Presidents’ Day.
Bourbon County Commission Meeting Move to Feb. 19
Nevada Hospital Offers Free, Take-home Colon Cancer Screening Kits
NRMC to Make Free Colon Kits Available
Nevada Regional Medical Center is joining other healthcare organizations around the country to observe Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month during March. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, with about 2 million cases diagnosed each year. It is the second leading cause of cancer death despite the fact that effective screening techniques exist that can greatly reduce the number of deaths.
NRMC Internal Medicine physician, Dr. John Fox recently said, “The good news is that a simple colonoscopy allows a physician to quickly spot and remove polyps before they ever become cancerous. It’s one of the few cancers that we can spot early and deal with before it becomes a problem.”
NRMC will have free, take home colon cancer screening kits available to the public starting Monday, March 2nd, throughout the month as supplies last. The kits can be picked up any weekday between 8:00 and 4:30 at the Information Desk in the hospital’s main lobby. Instructions on how to mail in the samples are provided with the kits. For further information the public is asked to call 417-448-3710.
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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, NRMC is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital providing comprehensive health care services. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties including ear, nose & throat, family practice, general surgery, gynecology, internal medicine, orthopedics, pain management, pediatrics, psychiatry and wound care services. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in cardiology, dermatology, neurology, podiatry, pulmonology and urology.
NRMC is centrally located between Kansas City and Joplin along the I-49 corridor.
Ad: What FSCC Offers
Looking for a college that gives you options? At Fort Scott Community College, students can choose from associate degrees in Arts, Science, Applied Science, and General Studies, along with a variety of certificates that lead straight to rewarding careers. Whether you’re interested in healthcare fields like Certified Medication Aide, Nurse Aide, EMT, Home Health Aide, Manicuring, or Phlebotomy, or want to take on a technical challenge with certificates in Ag Technology (John Deere), Construction, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Environmental Water Tech, Farm & Ranch Management, Harley-Davidson Technology, Heavy Equipment Operation, HVAC, Masonry, or Welding we’ve got you covered!
But college isn’t just about the classroom. FSCC offers plenty of ways to get involved through music and performance opportunities (band, choir, theater), student clubs and organizations (like Collegiate Farm Bureau, Phi Theta Kappa, SkillsUSA, STEAM Club, FSCC Media Team, and more), and even competitive judging teams in livestock and meat.
If athletics is more your thing, FSCC is home to intercollegiate sports for both men and women. Compete in basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, rodeo, track & field, or cross country, all while building friendships and representing the Greyhounds.
And the best part? We’re still growing. New programs, degrees, certifications, and athletic opportunities are on the horizon! There’s never been a better time to join FSCC!
Fort Scott Community College; where opportunity meets possibility.
Let ‘Em Have It by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Let ‘Em Have It
Hallie was my coworker/friend and I miss her. We worked together for seven years in the 1980s, so we came to know each other quite well. As time marched on, she spent her last days in a local healthcare facility. She was still sharp as a tack and when I walked through the door of her private room, she would enthusiastically greet me and immediately pay me a compliment on my attire or jewelry. Although my visits were to brighten her day, she made my day sweeter because she had mastered the art of heartfelt conversation by speaking forth good words.
Believers should do our best to live according to this scripture: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it” (Proverbs 3:27 NASB). Our faith is openly displayed in how we conduct our daily walk with God — which transfers into our relationships with people. If we truly revere God and practice His ways then we’ll want to treat our fellowman with kindness and goodness. It is no secret that it’s within our power to make or break someone’s day. Our attitude and words truly reach out and touch people, whether for good or bad.
We mustn’t withhold good from people when it’s within our power to do it. If an individual has done agood job, etc., then we should “let ’em have it” with positive words in a genuine compliment. If a friend is down in the dumps, we have the golden opportunity to cheer him/her up. So, “let ’em have it” with both barrels! Do you realize that people can often be cheered up with just an ice cream cone and friendly conversation? (I’m referring to bummer situations, not serious ones.)
As a rhetorical question, what does it mean to be a Christ follower? It seems that many Christians make it complicated. “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (Acts 10:38 NASB). We used to sing a chorus entitled, “Your Love Compels Me.” The lyrics, written by Doug Holck, are simple: “Your love compels me, Lord, to give as You would give. To speak as You would speak, to live as You would live. Your love compels me, Lord, to see as You would see. To serve as You would serve, to be what You would be.“ This is uncomplicated theology, and a great place to start if you want to be like Jesus and go about your everyday life speaking good and doing good.
You’ll never go wrong by doing what’s right in God’s sight. “What is desirable in a person is his kindness” (Proverbs 19:22 NASB). We can have the whole world by the tail, but if we don’t give a hoot
about people, we’ve missed the mark of Christianity. Believers are known by our love for one another. That’s it — nothing more and nothing less. So don’t hold back from being good to people when you have the opportunity.
The Key: Be a do-gooder and “let someone have it“ with a genuine compliment…and an ice cream cone.
(Make mine chocolate.)
Feb. 17 City Commission Agenda Summary
City Commission Meeting Agenda – February 17, 2026
Meeting Overview
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Date: February 17, 2026
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Time: 6:00 PM
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Location: City Hall Commission Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS
Agenda Outline
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Call to Order (Page 1)
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Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation (Page 1)
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Approval of Agenda (Page 1)
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Consent Agenda (Page 1)
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Appropriation Ordinance 1402-A ($363,090.91)
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Approval of February 3, 2026 Minutes
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January Financials
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Payment to Earles Engineering & Inspection LLC ($20,700.00)
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Public Comment (Page 1)
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Appearances (Page 1)
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Land Bank End of Year Report & Resolution No. 12-2026
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922 E. Wall Update
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Unfinished Business (Page 1)
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Status of 121 S. Margrave
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New Business: Action Items (Page 1-2)
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Milling Machine purchase
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Golf Tournament Daily Maximum Fee increase
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Certificate of Appropriateness: 5 E. Wall
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Abatement Process: 523 Heylman
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911 Communication Dispatch MOU
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Ordinance No. 3793 Changes (Public Offense Code)
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Reports and Comments (Page 2)
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Adjournment (Page 2)
Detailed Agenda Information
Consent Agenda & Financials
The commission will consider the approval of expenditures totaling $363,090.91 for the period of January 31 through February 12, 2026. Also included is a request to pay $20,700.00 to Earles Engineering & Inspection LLC for preliminary 80% work on the East National Project Phase I. (Page 1)
Appearances & Reports
Land Bank & Blight Mitigation: Lisa Dillon will present the Land Bank End of Year Report. The commission will also consider Resolution No. 12-2026, which would authorize the Land Bank to engage in blight mitigation activities specifically for areas in close proximity to properties already owned by the Land Bank. (Page 1)
Property Updates: Garrett Knight is scheduled to provide an update regarding the property at 922 E. Wall, and the commission will review the ongoing status of 121 S. Margrave under Unfinished Business. (Page 1)
Action Items
Equipment & Fees: The commission will evaluate the purchase of a new milling machine and a proposal to increase the maximum daily fee for golf tournaments at the city course. (Page 1)
Codes & Historic Preservation: * 5 E. Wall: Consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness for a metal sign for The Reynolds Law Firm, P.A., which received approval from the Design Review Board on February 10th. (Page 1)
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523 Heylman: Consideration to officially begin the abatement process for this property. (Page 1)
Public Safety & Ordinances:
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911 Dispatch: Discussion regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 911 Communication Dispatch services. (Page 1)
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Ordinance No. 3793: Mayor Salsbury will present changes to this ordinance, which regulates public offenses. The update incorporates the 41st Edition of the Uniform Public Offense Code for Kansas Cities and repeals the previous Ordinance No. 3749. (Page 1-2)
City Commission Meeting Summary, Feb. 3, 2026
City Commission Meeting Summary – February 3, 2026
Meeting Overview
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Date: February 3, 2026
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Time: 6:00 PM
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Location: City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS
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Attendance: Mayor Kathryn Salsbury; Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer, Tim Van Hoecke, and Julie Buchta.
Agenda Outline
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Call to Order & Roll Call (Page 1)
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Pledge of Allegiance & Prayer (Page 1)
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Approval of Agenda (Page 1)
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Consent Agenda (Page 1)
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Appropriation Ordinance 1401-A ($420,842.25)
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Approval of Minutes from January 20, 2026
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Public Comment (Page 1)
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Appearances (Page 1)
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IT Update – Stephen Mitchell
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Unfinished Business (Page 1)
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Status of 602 S. Barbee
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New Business & Public Hearings (Page 1-2)
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310 N. Cleveland (Resolution No. 9-2026)
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601 S. Little (Resolution No. 10-2026)
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Action Items (Page 2-3)
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18 S. Holbrook Status Update
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Bid Approval: 2026 Cape Seal Project
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Discussion: City Lake Properties
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Discussion: Contractor Licensing
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Discussion: Horton Street Condition
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Reports and Comments (Page 3)
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Executive Session (Page 3)
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Adjournment (Page 3)
Detailed Meeting Summary
Public Comments & Appearances
Housing Grant & Public Hearing: Lisa Dillon requested a special meeting/public hearing for February 13, 2026, regarding a CDBG grant for a Housing Rehabilitation Program. (Page 1)
Traffic & Utilities: Kevin Allen raised concerns regarding idle trains blocking traffic and requested that water leak bill relief be extended to rural water customers, as it currently only applies to city residents. (Page 1)
IT Infrastructure Update: Stephen Mitchell reported that the dispatch move is complete and equipment inventory is 98% finished. Future priorities include the Water Plant and establishing a long-term upgrade schedule (1, 3, and 5 years). (Page 1)
Property & Structure Reviews
310 N. Cleveland: The owner, Mr. Peterson, requested the city not demolish the structure. He admitted to living there without utilities and stopping repairs due to weather
601 S. Little: Following a fire, this structure was deemed a safety hazard and is six years behind on taxes. Despite the owner’s representative (Mr. Eastwood) offering to clean the site, the Commission approved Resolution No. 10-2026 for the city to proceed with demolition. (Page 2)
18 S. Holbrook: The Land Bank remains interested in this property via tax sale to clear the deed. The City Manager was directed to bring this back to the agenda within 90 days for a final resolution. (Page 2)
Infrastructure & City Operations
Cape Seal Project: The Commission unanimously approved going out for bids for the 2026 Cape Seal project based on specs from Earles Engineering. (Page 2)
Horton Street Remediation: Jason Dickman identified “bleeding” asphalt on Horton Street. The city will initiate a warranty claim with the contractor (Heck and Wicker) to develop a work plan for repairs. (Page 3)
Contractor Licensing: There was an extensive discussion regarding the feasibility of city-level contractor licensing. Concerns were raised about the administrative burden and liability. Staff will research how surrounding cities handle licensing and reciprocal agreements. (Page 3)
City Lake Lots: Commissioners discussed leaning toward a leasing model for city-owned lake properties, primarily for storage use. Commissioner Buchta will tour the area with the Codes Department for further evaluation. (Page 3)
Commission & Staff Reports
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City Engineer: Reported that the Davis Lift Station work begins February 16, 2026, and the CCLIP Phase 4 application will be submitted in March. (Page 3)
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General Comments: Commissioners discussed recent snow removal efforts and street sweeping. Commissioner Van Hoecke noted the Dragoon is scheduled to open June 1st. (Page 3)
Why Checking Your Blood Pressure Matters More Than You Think by Tara Soloman-Smith
Why Checking Your Blood Pressure Matters More Than You Think
Most of us don’t think about our blood pressure until a doctor mentions it—but waiting can be risky. High blood pressure is often called a “silent” condition for a reason—you can have it without feeling any symptoms. Yet it remains one of the top risk factors for heart attack and stroke.
In Kansas, 34.3% of adults—about 750,000 people—have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, enough to fill Arrowhead Stadium nearly ten times. It’s a reminder of just how common this condition is and why keeping an eye on your numbers is so important.
The first step in understanding your blood pressure is simple: check it regularly. Accurate, consistent readings help you notice patterns and spot changes early. This information also helps you have more informed conversations with your healthcare provider and take action before small issues grow into serious health problems.
Recognizing the need for easier access to blood pressure monitoring, five local libraries have joined together to launch the Libraries with Heart initiative. This program aims to make blood pressure checks and related education more accessible to everyone in the community.
Program Highlights
- Blood Pressure Monitors for Checkout: Patrons can borrow validated monitors through each library’s Library of Things catalog.
- Easy-to-Understand Educational Materials: Resources help users learn how to take readings, understand their results, and take steps toward better heart health.
- Connections to Local Healthcare Providers: Additional support and follow-up care are available through local partners.
The Libraries with Heart initiative is supported by a Basic Human Needs grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, in partnership with K‑State Extension, the American Heart Association, and participating libraries.
Heart‑Healthy Habits to Start Today
- Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly
- Eat Smart: Choose herbs and spices instead of salt.
- Move More: Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity daily.
- Sleep Well: Get 7–9 hours each night to support heart recovery.
- Manage Stress: Try deep breathing, stretching, or a short walk.
- Avoid Tobacco: Your heart begins to heal within weeks of quitting.
For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith at [email protected] or 620‑244‑3826.
Tips to Extend the Life of Valentine’s Day Roses by Kendal Henson
Tips to extend the life of Valentine’s Day roses
Many people receive Valentine’s Day gifts from loved ones, especially roses, but the holiday’s favorite flower often declines shortly after Feb. 14. Kansas State University horticulture expert Matthew McKernan offers guidelines to extend the life of floral
arrangements and cut flowers.
“For floral arrangements, keep the vase filled or floral foam soaked with water,” McKernan said. “Add fresh water daily and if the water turns cloudy, replace it immediately.”
McKernan suggests recutting flower stems every time water is replaced by removing 1-2 inches with a sharp knife, scissors or garden pruner to allow the stem to continue drawing water.
“Keep flowers in a cool spot (65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, directly under ceiling fans, or near radiators,” McKernan said.
When arranging cut flowers, begin by filling a clean, deep vase with water and add the flower food obtained from your florist.
“Remove leaves that will be below the waterline. Leaves in water will promote bacterial growth, which will dirty water and shorten flower life,” McKernan said. “Stems should be cut at a 45-degree angle immediately before putting them in water to further extend the
life of the bouquet.”
If you cannot get flowers in a food solution right away, keep them cool, he added. McKernan and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home
landscapes and gardens. https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/horticulture-newsletter
Kendal Henson is a Kansas State University Extension 4-H & Youth Development agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-625-8620. Kansas State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Masterson: Senate Will Stand for Truth
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Governor Kelly Vetoes Poorly Drafted Legislation
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Bo Co Coaliltion Meeting Minutes of Feb. 4
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
February 4, 2026
- Welcome: Twenty-two members representing nineteen agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
Coalition Board News: There is an open seat on the Coalition Board. Reach out to Nick if you are interested.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Craig Campbell Good Neighbor Action Team – GNAT builds wheelchair ramps, paints houses, and gets yard work back to zero. They can also help with grant applications. GNAT has been getting lots of requests from area communities. If you have connections with anyone who builds ramps in area communities, let Craig know.
- Cameron Johnson – CHC/SEK School Health Worker with USD 234.
- Shelby Moore- Families Together FAST – Shelby works with families who have children with intellectual disabilities and helps navigate the special education process.
- Star Culp Parents As Teachers – Free early learning program, no qualifications- for everyone. PAT has hired more educators, so they have openings.
- Michelle Stevenson – Fort Scott Early Childhood Program – Home visiting program for families with children prenatal through 6 years old. Michelle tracks development, models for parents, and helps families get kids ready for preschool or kindergarten. Michelle hosts parent-child cafes for socialization. The program is pretty full right now, but will be graduating kids in June.
- Janelle Tate – ECBG – Transitions Coordinator in 6 counties in SEK
- Patty Simpson – Fort Scott Housing Authority – FSHA has 190 income-based apartments. All units are currently full, but 6 units will be available soon. There is a short waiting list.
- Clayton Whitson – Faith Church – Clayton is hoping to connect to resources in the community so he can help visitors at the church.
- Jennifer Gumfowler – Fort Scott Public Library- Private booth space is now available, sensory toys are coming in. Some can be checked out, and some are to be used in the library. Now have blood pressure cuffs to be checked out. Starting Feb 1, Canopy online streaming services will be available. Everyone with a library card has 25 tickets, childrens programs are free.
- Lora Wilson CHC – Lora helps clients with any resources.
- Tammy Alcaantor – Crawford Health Department – Tammy hosts a Baby and Me Tobacco Free program. It is now a 6-month program that provides education and incentives for clients trying to quit tobacco and nicotine. Tammy is part of the Kansas Perinatal Community Collaborative. Ask Tammy about resources from KPCC.
- Theresa Amershek – Safe House CVEC- Theresa completes intakes for visits between parents and kids. The goal is to provide a safe place for parents to visit their children. Safehouse has its annual Bags to Riches fundraiser on March 28 in Pittsburg.
- Kelly Stammer – DCF – LIEAP program is now open. Events in the area will help clients sign up electronically.
- Dave Gillen – Beacon – The Beacon is an interfaith, non-profit organization helping with food, hygiene, and other necessities since 1985. Partners with several local agencies to provide help to those in need. 2025 was a successful year for the Beacon. The Beacon distributed over $28,000 in financial assistance in 2025. The Beacon provided more than 150 tons of food and served 4500 families. Shoe vouchers helped 142 children starting school. The Beacon worked with the Bourbon County Coalition to provide swim passes to families. The Beacon organized and donated Christmas gifts for children. There were 146 applications for food baskets. In January, the Beacon helped 343 families, $2, 200 dollars. The Beacon receives donations from Walmart on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The Beacon also helps families with taxi passes and gas vouchers.
- Jalaine Davis – Core Community – Core helps those in poverty get out of poverty. Graduation from phase 1 will be coming up on March 24. Phase 2 will begin later this year.
- Kathy Brennon – Area Agency on Aging- On-site meals are available at Buck Run. Also have bingo twice per month. These programs are for those aged 60+. Transportation is a big issue for people getting to the meal site. If you know of a church or someone with an accessible van who could help with transportation, let Kathy know. The third Wednesday caregiver support group meets at Papa Don’s. Medicare counselling is available for those new to Medicare. Funding is available for in-home support, home modification, and case management. The Kansas respite and dementia program can provide assistance or equipment for those living with someone with dementia. A small emergency fund is available for 60+, up to $500 per year. Call the office for more information.
- Dee Dee LeFever – Greenbush – Greenbush offers PAT and Infant Toddler Systems for area preschools and programs. Also provide audiology services, virtual parent trainings, and the SEK Community resource guide.
- Cheyenne Bolin – SEK-CAP family educator, 0-3 and prenatal services. SEK-CAP currently has four open spots. They offer 90-minute home-based visits and help with community resources.
- Janice Durbin – Child and Family Development Educator, 3-5 year olds, advocate for Head Start center. Janice can help locate resources for families.
- Larry Jump – Community Liaison for SEK-CAP – Early education -Supports those in the area Head Start centers/programs. Head Start is always looking for employees and children.
- Program:
Teresa Davenport, Care to Share
Care to Share is a cancer support group that began in 2007. They began raising funds in 2009. Care to Share does not employ any staff; it is 100% volunteer based. Care to Share is located at 9 E. Wall. Volunteers staff the location from 11:00 to 2:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Care to Share has raised $1.8 million since 2009; all money raised goes to cancer fighters. Care to Share began in Bourbon County and is now helping cancer fighters in Linn County and Crawford County. They raise funds in all three counties and distribute about the same amount in each county as was raised. Recent fundraisers include Pink Out night in Linn County, which raised $10,000, and a pool tournament in Bourbon County, which raised $20,000. Care to Share is currently helping about 75 people, including 6 families with children who have cancer. Last year, Care to Share raised about $100,000. They distributed about $51,000 in gas vouchers.
Care to Share helps cancer fighters financially and emotionally in a variety of ways, including help with utilities, gas, food, home maintenance, transportation costs, and car maintenance. They have tons of medical equipment and lift chairs available for cancer survivors and those in need. They also have sharing shelves, books, puzzles, wigs, and bras available for cancer fighters. There are no income guidelines- they will help anyone. Provide both financial and emotional support. Care to Share will try to do about anything for cancer fighters. Care to Share does not receive referrals from doctors’ offices, so if you know of someone battling cancer, have them get in contact with Care to Share.
Upcoming fundraisers include an Elvis Impersonator show on Feb 28, bake sales, and golf tournaments. Care to Share will be starting a cancer support group in the coming months. There are many ways to help Care to Share that don’t require money. Volunteers can be a part of the prayer team, make phone calls, and send cards. If you would like help Care to Share, call 620-644-9090 or visit their Facebook page for more information.
- Open Forum:
Adjournment: The next General Membership meeti
Kansas Launches Community Empowerment Program
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