City of Fort Scott May 5, 2026 Commission Agenda Summary

Fort Scott City Hall.

Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Agenda

5-5-26 Agenda AMENDED

May 5, 2026 | 6:00 PM

  • I. Call to Order

  • II. Pledge of Allegiance

  • III. Invocation

  • IV. Approval of Agenda

  • V. Consent Agenda

    • A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1407-A ($183,512.30)

    • B. Approval of Minutes: April 21, 2026

    • C. Request to Pay: JCM Restoration ($20,000.00 for Gunn Park Retaining Wall)

  • VI. Public Comment

  • VII. Appearances

      1. Garth Herrmann: Bond Notes for Davis Lift Station (Resolution No. 19-2026)

      1. Stephen Mitchell: IT Update for City

      1. Safe Routes to School Plan Adoption

      1. Transportation Alternative Grant

  • VIII. Unfinished Business

    • A. Memorial Hall CDBG Grant & Environmental Review

    • B. Gunn Park Caretaker’s House Discussion

  • IX. New Business

    • A. Resolution No. 18-2026: Expanded Alcohol Sales for 2026 FIFA World Cup

    • B. 2026-28 Airport Hay Rights Bids

    • C. Change Order No. 1: Davis Lift Station ($126,323.58)

  • X. Reports and Comments

  • XI. Adjourn (Reference: Word Doc Page 1)


Information Packet Summary & Detailed Discussion

Financial Approvals and Consent Items

The Commission is set to review Appropriation Ordinance 1407-A, covering expenses from April 17 to April 28, 2026, totaling $183,512.30. A notable payment within the consent agenda is a $20,000.00 progress billing to JCM Restoration for repairs being made to the retaining wall at Gunn Park (Page 1).

Infrastructure and Public Works

Significant focus is placed on the Davis Lift Station project. The Commission will hear from Garth Herrmann regarding Resolution No. 19-2026, which authorizes the sale of bond notes to fund the project. Additionally, a change order for $126,323.58 from Asbell Companies is under consideration to address groundwater levels that require a new anchoring system for the force main pipe (Page 1).

Community Projects and Grants

Several community-focused initiatives are on the agenda:

  • Safe Routes to School: Rachel Carpenter and Lisa Dillon will present a plan for adoption to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety for students (Page 1).

  • Memorial Hall: M. Wyatt will provide an update on the CDBG Grant and seek approval for a completed environmental review, a necessary step for the project’s progression (Page 1).

  • Transportation Grant: Discussion regarding a Transportation Alternative Grant is scheduled (Page 1).

New Business and Local Regulations

  • 2026 FIFA World Cup Sales: The Commission will conduct the first reading of Resolution No. 18-2026. This proposal would temporarily expand the hours for alcoholic liquor and cereal malt beverage sales between June 11 and July 19, 2026, to accommodate fans during the World Cup tournament (Page 1).

  • Airport Management: Bids for the 2026-2028 hay rights at the local airport will be considered (Page 1).

  • IT Services: Stephen Mitchell from USD 234 will provide a general IT update for the city (Page 1).

May 4, 2026 Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda Summary

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda

05.04.26 Agenda

May 4, 2026 | 5:30 PM

  • 1. Call Meeting to Order

  • 2. Pledge of Allegiance

  • 3. Prayer

  • 4. Introductions

  • 5. Approval of Agenda

  • 6. Approval of Minutes: 04.13.26, 04.20.26 & 04.27.26

  • 7. Approval of Accounts Payable: 05.01.26 ($309,460.54)

  • 8. 2025 Audit: Emily Franks

  • 9. Public Comments

  • 10. Old Business

      1. SEK Juvenile Detention – Allen

      1. Unclaimed Property – Allen

      1. Auction – Allen

      1. Sewer Issue – Milburn-Kee

      1. Attorney List Review – Motley

      1. County Dump Day

  • 11. New Business

  • 12. Department Updates

      1. County Clerk

  • 13. Future Agenda Topics

      1. Reminder Worksession 5.11.26: Vacation/Sick Leave (5:30 PM)

  • 14. Commission Comments

  • 15. Adjournment (Reference: PDF Page 1)


Information Packet Summary & Detailed Discussion

Financial Approvals and Audit Updates

The Commission reviewed and approved various financial reports and payments across several meetings. On April 13, accounts payable totaling $445,485.34 were approved (Page 1). By April 27, discussions focused on account coding, specifically moving a Baker Tilly invoice from the Commission budget to the Finance budget (Page 4). The first-quarter 2026 financial publication was also approved in a 3-2 vote (Page 4). The May 1 accounts payable report shows a total of $309,460.54, with major expenditures including a $117,331.61 payment to City State Bank for a rock crusher (Pages 9, 11).

Personnel Policies: Vacation and Sick Leave

A significant portion of recent meetings involved a deep dive into the county’s leave policies following a transition to a new payroll system. On April 13, County Clerk Susan Walker and approximately 40 employees raised concerns regarding altered hire dates and the loss of accrued leave (Page 2).

  • Resolution 51-25: On April 27, the Commission voted to restore leave balances to their December 31, 2025, levels as a “Band-Aid” fix while a more comprehensive resolution is drafted (Page 6).

  • Proposed Revisions: Commissioner Beerbower has proposed a “front-loading” system for vacation and sick leave, which would move away from incremental accrual to a yearly allotment based on years of service (Pages 2, 5).

  • Work Session: A dedicated session to finalize these handbook amendments is scheduled for May 11, 2026 (Page 7).

Infrastructure and Department Operations

  • Landfill/Transfer Station: On April 27, the Commission voted to align the transfer station’s physical gates with its posted hours (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM). This addressed constituent complaints about being turned away at 3:45 PM under a previous operating procedure (Pages 7-8).

  • Elm Creek Lake: Operations for a proposed quarry at Elm Creek were halted following public concern regarding the loss of recreational space. The Commission is now exploring grants to repair the lake’s dam and improve its potential for RV camping (Page 9).

  • Technology & Security: Stronghold Data reported that county systems are 98% secure on Microsoft 365 metrics. However, the County Clerk requested urgent surveillance camera installation for the election equipment storage room to comply with state regulations (Pages 2, 5).

Inter-Governmental Relations

  • SEK Juvenile Detention Center: The county is currently weighing the cost-benefit of terminating its membership with the Southeast Kansas Juvenile Detention Center. While withdrawal could save on flat contract rates, officials warned that new legislation (HB 2329) may increase the need for local beds (Pages 3, 9).

  • Legislative Updates: Senator Tim Shallenberger visited on April 13, noting that he receives more complaints from Bourbon County than his other districts combined, and urged more cooperative governance (Page 2).

  • Disaster Proclamation: A local disaster emergency was declared following storm damage on April 17, 2026, to facilitate aid and damage assessment (Page 10).

What’s Happening in Fort Scott May 1 Edition

🚎 Historic Trolley Tours

Ride Dolly the Trolley and explore Fort Scott’s history with a narrated tour.

Fridays & Saturdays – Now Boarding!


Spring Town-wide Garage Sale

Click below on the image for the interactive Google map of the sales!

2026 Spring Town-wide Garage Sale


SAVE THE DATE!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees

Every Thursday at 8am


UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Visit your National Park! Visitor Center and historic buildings are open Friday through Tuesday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds continue to be open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset.

Click HERE to visit the website.

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)

KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott

Every Tuesday 9am-4pm

Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.

620-231-4250

FS Public Library

*Wednesday Writers every Wed. @ 1:30-3pm

201 S. National Ave.

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

Kansas Small Business Development Center

at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

Every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month 9am-3pm

Want more details or updates on Community, Chamber, and Member events? You can find full dates, times, locations, and links on our community calendar on the Chamber’s website at:

👉 fortscott.com/events/calendar/


RECURRING EVENTS

Bartelsmeyer Jewelry Estate Sale

25% off April 21st to May 2nd

50% off May 5th to May 16th

Mother’s Day Giveaway!

📍 22 N. Main St.

Fort Scott Tiger Wrestling Takedown Club Gun Raffle!

🎟️ Tickets:

  • 1 for $20
  • 6 for $100

🏆 Prizes:

  • Prize #1: Ruger American Predator .223 Rem, 10 rounds
  • Prize #2: Tokarev SDS Imports TAR 12P, 12GA 3″ chamber, 5 rounds
  • Prize #3: CZ P-10 F 9mm Luger, 19 rounds, 2 mags

📅 Drawing: May 15

⏰ Deadline: May 13

Hosted by Tiger Wrestling Takedown Club — not affiliated with USD 234.

You can visit the Chamber for Tickets or reach out to Leslie Godden 620-644-8050.


UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, May 1

🎡 Winfield Scott Carnival

🕔 5:00–7:00 PM

📍 Winfield Scott Elementary School, 316 W. 10th St.

Food, games, prizes, dunk tank, bounce houses, face painting, barrel rides, snack walk, and more.

🎨 First Fridays at The Artificers

🕕 6:00–9:00 PM

📍 The Artificers, 8 N. National Ave.

Browse art, enjoy light refreshments, and stop in for good conversation. Hosted by Kate & Trent Freeman.

Saturday, May 2nd

🛍️ Spring Town-Wide Garage Sale 2026

📅 Friday, May 1 & Saturday, May 2

📍 Fort Scott, KS

Plan your shopping route and check out garage sales throughout town. Printed maps are available through the Chamber and local distribution spots.

🚜 Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Swap Meet — 70th Anniversary

📅 Friday, May 1 & Saturday, May 2

📍 Bourbon County Fairgrounds, Fort Scott, KS

Part of the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta’s 70th anniversary celebration. The Swap Meet takes place May 1–2, with show dates coming later in October.

⛳ Flight of Honor Golf Tournament

🕗 8:00 AM–2:00 PM

📅 Saturday, May 2

Golf tournament benefiting Flight of Honor.

🌱 Fort Scott Farmers’ Market – Opening Day!

🕗 8:00 AM–12:00 PM

📍 Gathering Square Pavilion, Downtown Fort Scott

Shop local produce, goods, and more at the Farmers’ Market, held Saturdays May through October.

🌸 Bourbon County Garden Club Booth at the Farmers’ Market

🕗 8:00 AM–12:00 PM

📍 Gathering Square Pavilion, Downtown Fort Scott

The Bourbon County Garden Club will be selling perennials, annuals, and other gardening items as a club fundraiser.

🏃 1st Annual Summer Stride 5K by FSRD

🕘 9:00 AM

📅 Saturday, May 2

Run or walk to kick off summer with the 1st Annual Summer Stride 5K.

🚎 Trolley Tour of Historic Fort Scott

🕙 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

📍 Pick up/drop off: Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, 231 E. Wall St.

Hop aboard Dolly the Trolley for a 50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott. Saturday tours depart at 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, and 2 PM. Adults are $6 and children 12 & under are $4.

🌴 Summer Luau & Splash Pad Launch Party featuring 90s Kids Superfly Tribute

🕔 5:00–9:00 PM

📍 Gathering Square Pavilion / Downtown Fort Scott area

Enjoy a summer luau, splash pad launch, face painting, food vendors, and live 90s tribute music.

🎨 Celebrating Sobriety Art Fair

🕕 6:00 PM

📍 HBCAT, 104 N. National Ave., Fort Scott, KS

Free, all-ages art fair celebrating recovery, wellness, and creative expression. Includes art, food trucks, $5 walking tacos, and live music by 90s Kids Superfly Band at 7:00 PM.

Sunday, May 3rd

🛍️ Spring Town-Wide Garage Sale 2026

📅 Friday, May 1 & Saturday, May 2

📍 Fort Scott, KS

Plan your shopping route and check out garage sales throughout town. Printed maps are available through the Chamber and local distribution spots.

✅ See more events & details: https://fortscott.com/events


SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member specialty shopping & other retail in Downtown & other areas of the community.


Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema

Fort Cinema Movie Schedule


REMINDER TO GET YOUR TICKETS ⬇️

Ticket Reminder

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall Weekly Press Overview, April 27-May 1, 2026

Senator Marshall Drops Bill to Cut Fertilizer Costs for American Farmers

Washington – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), introduced the Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act, legislation to lower the cost of fertilizer for American farmers. The bill would eliminate tariffs and countervailing duties (CVDs) on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco, delivering direct relief to American farmers crushed by rising input costs.

“Kansas farmers are getting hit by a fertilizer market that’s working against them,” said Senator Marshall. “Phosphate is a critical nutrient for crop production, and right now farmers are paying prices that threaten their bottom line. This bill removes duties that are driving up costs for farmers, and puts money back in the hands of the people feeding this country.”

This legislation is part of Senator Marshall’s wider effort to cut the cost of production for Kansas farmers. It builds on last month’s Homegrown Fertilizer Act — which expands American production and storage — and follows up years of efforts in the Senate to designate phosphate and potash as critical minerals.

Click here to learn more.

Senators Marshall & Whitehouse Introduce Bill to Fix Medicare Advantage for Seniors

Washington – On Monday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) introduced the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation designed to reform Medicare Advantage and ensure Kansas seniors receive the reliable, patient-centered care the program promises. Medicare Advantage now serves more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries—and that number is growing. But as enrollment has surged, so have reports of delayed approval, surprise denials, confusing appeals processes, and disruptions to care that seniors depend on.

This bill requires standard prior authorization approvals in 72 hours, expedited decisions in 24 hours, and even real-time approvals in some cases. Once care is approved, plans cannot require new authorizations mid-treatment or retroactively deny coverage (except for fraud or error). It also requires public reporting of prior authorization standards to increase accountability, while no longer allowing stricter medical necessity standards than those of original Medicare.

Click here to learn more.

Senator Marshall Introduces Bill to Free Small Businesses from Intrusive Reporting

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) in introducing a bill to reform the Corporate Transparency Act by narrowing its scope to foreign businesses, preventing the Treasury Department from collecting U.S. small business owners’ personal information, and saving small businesses billions of dollars.

Specifically, the legislation will narrow enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act to foreign companies, stop the collection of Americans’ data, and require the government to delete any personal data it has already collected from Americans. As a result, the legislation will save taxpayers an average of $9 billion per year and U.S. small businesses $6.7 billion over 10 years.

Click here to learn more.

Senator Marshall Praises DHA Decision to Maintain Services at Fort Riley’s Irwin Army Community Hospital

Throughout 2025 and into 2026, Senator Marshall engaged directly through letters and meetings with the Department of War, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, DHA leadership, and Fort Riley officials through to ensure Kansas voices were heard on this topic and secure an on-site DHA assessment as well as advancing provisions in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act to strengthen coordination between the Pentagon and the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve access for veterans to be seen at Military Treatment Facilities.

Click here to learn more.

Senator Marshall Introduces Bill to Expand Assisted Living Under Medicaid

Washington – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) introduced legislation to make assisted living a covered Medicaid benefit for seniors who meet nursing facility level-of-care criteria—aiming to lower federal Medicaid costs while expanding access to community-based care.

Medicaid currently requires coverage for nursing facility care but not assisted living, often leading to higher spending on more intensive care settings. Not only is this unsustainable, but this policy often pushes seniors into higher-cost care they don’t actually need. Many Kansas seniors would prefer assisted living over a nursing facility if given the choice.

Medicaid is projected to grow 63% over the next decade, intensifying pressure on federal and state budgets. This legislation would realign incentives by allowing states to better match patient needs and give choices back to seniors without increasing overall program costs.

Click here to learn more.

Senators Marshall & Hickenlooper Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Workforce Training Programs

Washington – On Monday, U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) and John Hickenlooper reintroduced the bipartisan Workforce Data Enhancement Act to improve how we track workforce data across states. Specifically, it would make Workforce Data Quality Initiative (WDQI) grant funding permanent to ensure State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) and other providers of workforce training have the tools they need to measure and evaluate their workforce programs.

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it,” said Senator Marshall. “The Workforce Data Enhancement Act will help states like Kansas and Colorado improve their workforce development programs and connect more Americans to good-paying jobs. I’m glad to partner with Senator Hickenlooper on this effort.”

Click here to learn more.

Senator Marshall Introduces Bill to Ban Child Sex-Change Procedures with $100K Penalties

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), introduced the Safeguarding the Overall Protection of Minors (STOP) Act, landmark federal legislation that bans gender transition procedures performed on minors, imposes strict civil penalties on perpetrators, and for the first time creates a federal compensation fund dedicated to helping victims detransition.

“As an OB-GYN with over two decades of clinical experience, I know firsthand what these irreversible procedures do to children,” said Senator Marshall. “These are not medical treatments — they are child abuse. The STOP Act sends a clear message: if you harm a child by performing these procedures, there will be serious consequences. Our children deserve nothing less.”

Click here to learn more.

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Governor Kelly Announces Pardon

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that she granted a pardon for Chung Pham. The decision to grant the pardon was made following independent reviews by the Prisoner Review Board, the Kansas Department of Administration, and the Governor’s legal team.

“The decision to grant a pardon is a serious one,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “A thorough vetting and review process determines individuals considered for pardons have indeed made amends for their actions and have been consistent in positively contributing to society and to their community. Individuals who have long maintained their law-abiding behavior and positive community impact, have earned the second chance a pardon can provide.”

Governor Kelly takes into consideration numerous factors to determine if a pardon is warranted, including but not limited to: the nature of the offense, length of time since the offense, impact of the crime on any victims or survivors, demonstration of rehabilitation, criminal history, absence of disciplinary issues in prison, and contributions to society post-release.

Article 1, Section 7 of the Kansas Constitution and K.S.A. § 22-3701 grants the Governor’s authority to grant clemency.

Review of clemency applications by the Governor is ongoing, and there is no set timeline for review. By law, clemency applications in Kansas must be submitted to the Prisoner Review Board and notice of an individual’s application for clemency must be published in the county newspaper where the crime was committed. The Board reviews all applications before forwarding them for further review. Additional information about the process can be found at the Board’s website: https://www.doc.ks.gov/prb.

The Governor’s Office encourages victims and survivors to reach out to the Office of Victim Services, which provides confidential support and information to victims, survivors, or witnesses of a crime. Information can be found here or by phone at 866-404-6732.

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April Total Tax Collections at $1.4 Billion; 2.3% Above Estimate

TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends April 2026 with total tax collections at $1.4 billion. That is $31.6 million, or 2.3%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 4.0% from April 2025.

Individual income tax collections were $803.5 million. That is $31.7 million, or 4.1% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 17.3% from April 2025. Corporate income tax collections were $237.4 million. That is $3.0 million, or 1.3% below the estimate, and down 25.0% from April 2025.

“Total April tax collections returned as projected, though this month’s report indicates the continued softening of corporate income tax collections, significantly missing the mark,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We must remain vigilant and continue to keep an eye on this to ensure Kansas has a solid fiscal foundation in the years ahead.”

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $302.9 million, which is $2.0 million or 0.7% above the estimate, and up 2.2% from April 2025.

Click here to view the April 2026 revenue numbers.

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Ad: Automotive Technology Instructor – LaHarpe, KS Campus

Automotive Technology Instructor – LaHarpe, KS Campus

Flint Hills Technical College is seeking a full-time instructor for the Automotive Technology program, located in LaHarpe, KS, beginning with the Fall 2026 semester.

The successful candidate will have knowledge of the principles of operation for fundamental concepts of at least half of the following subjects:

  • Automotive Engines
  • Automotive Brakes
  • Electrical
  • Engine Performance                 
  • Automotive HVAC
  • Steering and Suspension
  • Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles
  • Manual Power Trains

Qualifications:

  • Associate’s Degree in related field required (or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe); Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Minimum of two years’ work experience in the automotive field or two years of teaching experience in automotive education.
  • ASE Certifications in instructional areas (or ability to obtain certification within a specified timeframe).
  • Strong communication skills – both verbal and written
  • A Kansas teaching certificate is not a requirement for this position.

Salary and Benefits:

  • Full-time, 9-month position
  • A competitive salary range of $40,000-$54,000, commensurate with experience and education level
  • KPERS retirement plan
  • Employer-paid health insurance for the employee
  • Annual salary is distributed over 12 months
  • Flexible teaching schedule.

Application Process:

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, unofficial college transcripts, and contact information for three professional references to Human Resources at [email protected].

The FHTC Board of Trustees reserves the right to withdraw positions prior to being filled.

 

Obituary of Jack Leroy Butler

Jack Leroy Butler, age 93, resident of Frontenac, KS, passed away Monday, April 27, 2026, at Pittsburg Care and Rehab in Pittsburg, KS. He was born July 15, 1932, in Pittsburg, KS, the son of Cleo Roy Butler and Emma Dillow Butler. Jack married Lillian Maxine Tripp on September 10, 1955, in Pittsburg. She preceded him in death on September 10, 2014. He served in the U. S. Army during the Korean conflict. Jack worked most of his career as a truck driver. In his spare time, he enjoyed being outdoors doing yardwork and gardening. He could often be found in the garage making or fixing something. He liked telling stories and discussing his Army career. Jack was an avid reader, especially the Bible. He loved spending time with family, especially during the holidays.

Survivors include 7 children, Vickie Smith, Spokane, WA, Karen Cox (Virgle) Lamar, MO, Cindy Albertson, Provo, UT, Danny Butler, Arizona, Steven Butler (Lindy) North Carolina, Christina Boren (Glen) Mesa, AZ, and Kimberly Gilbert (David) Paola, KS; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by 3 sisters, a grandson, and his parents.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct graveside services at 12:30 PM Monday, May 11th, at the U.S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com

A Mental Health Day Off Work by Patty LaRoche

Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

Jacee asked for a Mental Health Day. She needed time off work because she was stressed, not to mention her employee contract allowed her three of those days a year, so she was entitled to it.

Where were those days when we were living in Houston, Dave was playing baseball in another part of the country and our children were young? No one offered me a day to regroup, not even when I found my outdoor wreath nailed 18” above the baseboard in the living room (i.e., where the ping pong table was located, of course). As it turned out, when Adam beat Jeff in a game, Jeff threw his paddle at his younger brother who retaliated by shoving Jeff through the drywall. The wreath was their brilliant plan to hide the butt cheeks’ hole in the wall.

Or how about the time teenager Jeff placed the riding mower in drive instead of reverse, pinning me against the wall in the shed…the same teenage Jeff who tried to take a shortcut home from mowing a neighbor’s yard and drove into a ditch full of water, dropping the keys in the muddy water when he jumped off the mower? I never got time off work when I was mentally unstable. I got time off work when the principal of Adam’s middle school called me to say that the history teacher was tired of Adam’s shenanigans. Would I trail Adam at school for a day to see if he behaved better? That was my mental health day.

According to Jessica Brodie, author of “5 Sneaky Habits that Cause Serious Mental Health Problems,” mental health issues range from diagnosed mental illness (many times caused from a chemical disorder, genetics or trauma) to short-term periods of mental imbalance. What intrigued me about Brodie’s article was that mental health problems can be caused by five behaviors: lack of sleep, poor nutrition, not exercising, substance abuse and lack of self-love.

Except for substance abuse, I was guilty of the other four but certainly not unsympathetic to single parents who resorted to “substances.” I mean, how was I to sleep when I realized Adam disconnected the security system so he could sneak out his window at night? I guess I needed to be more like Jesus whose disciples had to wake him when a storm arose. (I could not relate.)

As for nutrition, yes, I know that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and deserves proper nutrition (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), but was it my fault Little League concession stands sold only hotdogs and nachos instead of salads? Then there’s exercise—so over-rated. Who has time for a spin class? Wasn’t it enough that daily I played catch with my sons and retrieved balls that somehow missed my glove? Proverbs 31:17 addresses the strength of a godly woman: “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.” My arms were strong; it was the rest of my body that suffered.

Matthew 22:39 deals with self-love. Matthew never met my kids. How does one love herself when she is told by other parents that on several occasions her older two sons put a football helmet on their younger brother and had him run through the woods, target practice for their BB guns? No doubt, I was the topic of conversation for many of my son’s friend’s parents.

As I reflect on the hundreds (thousands) of incidents with my children, I understand that had mental health days been offered to parents who deserved them, I never would have worked a day in my life. Still, the wildest thing about all of this is that I now consider my children as some of my greatest blessings. Crazy how that works, isn’t it?

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 1

Arrest Summary

GRUBB, KELSEY RENEE, 31
Arrested: 4/30/2026 10:00 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Sanction
Bond: $0

FRYE, JESSE, 44
Arrested: 4/30/2026 11:14 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Warrant: Bourbon County ( Failure To Appear) *
Bond: $0

WINDSOR, GAIL RENEE, 62
Arrested: 4/30/2026 1:06 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Battery; Causing Rude Physical Contact (NO BOND)
– Interference With Leo; Obstruct/Resist Misd (NO BOND)
– Viol Of Protection Order; Restraining Order (NO BOND)
Bond: $0

Inmate Released List

LOTTERER, JOSHUA PAUL, 36
Booked: 04/27/2026
Released: 4/30/2026 at 3:15 PM
Type: Time served
Released to: Self

NEER, JESSICA ANN, 39
Booked: 04/27/2026
Released: 4/30/2026 at 9:01 AM
Type: Probation
Released to: Self

PRICE, SHANNEN LEEVIY, 46
Booked: 04/24/2026
Released: 4/30/2026 at 11:15 PM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: Able Bonding

ZORNES, BRANDON EUGENE, 37
Booked: 04/01/2026
Released: 5/1/2026 at 7:25 AM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: KDOC

Source: Arrest Summary PDF | Inmate Released List PDF

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter

Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

It was a productive week in Washington as the House passed the Farm Bill, which will help farmers and ranchers across Kansas. The legislation expands investment in rural America, improves producers’ access to credit, and strengthens conservation programs – providing certainty for producers and helping ensure long-term stability and growth across the agricultural economy.

I’ve been pushing for the passage of a Farm Bill for a long time. This legislation helps farmers and ranchers in Kansas, strengthens our food system, bolsters rural communities, and provides the certainty producers need to plan for the future.

 

As part of the Farm Bill, I secured an amendment to promote domestic production of crops used in natural color additives. The amendment directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate research aimed at expanding the ability of American producers to grow crops used in natural food colorings – an emerging market driven by increasing consumer demand.

 

I’m also expecting year-round E-15 to be voted on in May, which would be another win for farmers if we can get it passed. I will certainly support it.

I had the opportunity to preside over the Farm Bill debate on the House floor, and I’m glad I helped see it to the finish line.

I also had the chance to join RFD TV this week to talk about how the Farm Bill will help folks back home.

We also passed long-overdue funding for the Department of Homeland Security. That bill now goes to the President for his signature. The two-month shutdown of that important agency never should have happened, and I’m relieved it is finally coming to an end. Funding for the two major immigration-enforcement agencies is still to be resolved, but they have adequate funds to keep operating while that is worked out.

I spoke with Secretary Pete Hegseth during this week’s House Armed Services Committee hearing on the conflict in Iran, focusing on concussions and traumatic brain injuries affecting our service members.

 

We owe our troops the highest standard of care when they return home. Secretary Hegseth confirmed these injuries are being closely tracked and that the Department has proposed $70 million to expand research into brain injuries and improve treatment for those who have served.

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Expanding broadband access in rural Kansas remains a priority. I appreciated meeting with the Rural Broadband Providers of America to discuss ongoing efforts to improve connectivity and close the digital divide. Reliable internet access is critical for education, health care, and economic opportunity, and I support continued progress in this area.

I hosted an interactive tele-town hall this week. These are valuable opportunities for me to hear your questions and concerns directly from you. Thank you to the thousands of Kansans that joined the discussion, and I look forward to hosting another tele-town hall very soon.

 

Be sure to remain subscribed to my newsletter and follow me on social media @RepDerekSchmidt for future opportunities to join.

 

 

 

Bourbon County Local News