Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary for Oct 19, 2026

Leave a comment

Bourbon County Commission

Highlights:

  • Asbestos testing to be discussed
  • Expenses of $13,145 to attorneys of Matthew Bonner, Clifford Lee, Justin Meeks, and Fisher, Patterson, Sayler & Smith LLP
  • Milburn wants to discuss a change to the TEC support contract which the County pays for the video stream equipment.

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda – October 19, 2026, 5:30 PM

agenda-packet (full PDF)

  • I. Call Meeting to Order (Page 1)
  • II. Pledge of Allegiance (Page 1)
  • III. Prayer – Beerbower (Page 1)
  • IV. Introductions (Page 1)
  • V. Approval of Agenda (Page 1)
  • VI. Approval of Minutes (Page 1)
  • VII. Approval of Accounts Payable (Page 1)
    • Batch due 10/9/2026 — $334,783.98
    • Batch due 10/16/2026 — $259,024.30
  • VIII. Executed Documents for Record (Page 1)
  • IX. Public Comments (Page 1)
  • X. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)( ) (Page 1)
    • a. Employee Benefits – Jeremy and Don
    • b. Sheriff Office personnel – Beerbower
    • c. Employee Performance – Tran
  • XI. Department Updates (Page 1)
    • a. PVD Compliance Call @5:45 – KDOR – Mike Dollman
    • b. Transfer Station – Diane – Tran
  • XII. New Business (Page 1)
    • a. Revising of Resolution 21-26 to address meetings that fall on BBCO approved Holidays – Clerk Clarkson
    • b. CIC accounting import – Milburn
    • c. PO Period of Performance Verizon – Milburn
    • d. TEC Remote Support Change – Milburn
    • e. Bourbon County Conservation District – Motley
  • XIII. Old Business (Page 2)
    • a. HR – RFP Review
    • b. Benefit Contribution Review – Milburn
    • c. Well Testing – Milburn
    • d. Backhoe Bid – Beerbower
    • e. Asbestos Report – Beerbower
    • f. Auction update – Allen
    • g. Election Space in Commission Room – Beerbower
  • XIV. Commission Comments (Page 2)
  • XV. Future Agenda Topics (Page 2)
  • XVI. Adjournment (Page 2)

Detailed Information Packet Summary

1. Accounts Payable Bills & Invoices (Pages 8–53)

The packet includes two full accounts-payable batches covering invoices across all county departments and funds.

Batch Due 10/9/2026 — Grand Total: $334,783.98 (Pages 8–19)

  • Non-Departmental / Funds Summary: Total $334,705.07 across 13 funds. Notable amounts include County Sheriff/Correctional $160,450.13 (including Enterprise FM Trust fleet lease/maintenance $115,835.32 and Benchmark Government Solutions inmate meals $16,734.25), Bond Sales Tax-County Jail $72,196.05 (Enterprise FM Trust fleet lease, prior year liabilities), Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund $65,060.78 (Coastal Energy Corporation PG64-22 asphalt product $14,219.10 and $8,180.10, G.W. Van Keppel Co repair labor $7,118.58), Landfill $7,804.51, Mental Disability appropriation $13,750.00 to Tri-Valley Developmental Ctr, and Road and Bridge $11,956.98 (John Deere Financial grader lease payments $9,126.40 combined). (Pages 8–13)
  • County Department Operations:
    • County Commission — $552.71 (Page 14)
    • County Treasurer — $15.95 (Page 15)
    • County Attorney — $13,145.00, including $3,500 each to contracted assistant county attorneys Matthew Bonner and Clifford Wayne Lee, and $2,500 to Justin Meeks (Page 16)
    • County Coroner — $1,750.00 for cremation of unclaimed body (Page 17)
    • District Court — $43,598.93, including a $42,244.25 deposit to McClelland Inc for a courtroom audio upgrade (state-reimbursed) (Page 18)
    • Emergency Preparedness — $191.63 (Page 19)

Batch Due 10/16/2026 — Grand Total: $259,024.30 (Pages 29–53)

  • Non-Departmental / Funds Summary: Total $157,781.83 across 12 funds. County Sheriff/Correctional totaled $64,951.94, dominated by INA Alert alarm system invoices of $5,093.54, $39,082.61, and $8,303.50, plus numerous Freeman Fort Scott Hospital inmate medical charges. Landfill totaled $14,598.87 (mostly Road & Bridge-supplied clear/dyed diesel and Allen County Public Works MSW hauling $5,858.35). Road and Bridge totaled $49,712.08, including Judy’s Fuel & Oil Co bulk fuel deliveries exceeding $10,000 per invoice and a $5,777.72 Foley Equipment steering system repair. Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund totaled $23,278.18, including $6,045.88 in dyed diesel for the asphalt plant. (Pages 29–38)
  • County Department Operations:
    • County Commission — $19.69 (Page 39)
    • County Treasurer — $475.90 (Page 40)
    • County Attorney — $14.88 (Page 41)
    • County Register of Deeds — $84.29 (Page 42)
    • Courthouse Maintenance — $57.99 (Page 43)
    • District Court — $13,222.54, including $11,865.00 to For The Record for a recording program (state-reimbursed) (Page 44)
    • Emergency Preparedness — $520.58 (Page 45)
    • I T — $9,893.24, including $9,828.24 to Stronghold Data LLC (Page 46)
    • Dispatch — $60,500.00 to City of Fort Scott for dispatching services (Page 47)
    • Juvenile Detention — $11,282.18 to SEK Regional Juvenile Det. Ctr (Page 48)
    • Ambulance Service — $3,912.98 (Page 49)
    • Courthouse General — $1,258.20 (Page 50)

2. Official Meeting Minutes Approval – October 5, 2026 (Pages 3–5)

  • Attendance & Logistics: Commissioners Motley (D4), Allen (D3), Beerbower (D2), Milburn-Kee (D5), and Tran (D1) were present, along with County Counselor Bob Johnson and Clerk Ann Clarkson. (Page 3)
  • Agenda & Minutes Approval: Agenda approved unanimously (Motley/Allen); September 28, 2026 minutes approved as written (Milburn-Kee/Beerbower). (Page 3)
  • Financial & Payables Approvals: Accounts payable, August financials, AP corrections from 9/18/26, and tax roll corrections were each approved unanimously. (Page 3)
  • Executive Sessions: Three separate executive sessions on employee job performance were held (5:36–6:01 PM, 6:02–6:22 PM, 6:23–6:43 PM); a motion authorizing Commissioner Allen to work with Dr. Cohen on payroll change forms failed 2-3. (Page 4)
  • Old Business: Updates on the asbestos inspection/IT move, transfer station pressure-washer and roll-off dumpster findings from KDHE, and discussion of a 5% transfer station wage increase with no consensus reached. (Page 4)
  • Backhoe Bid & HR RFP: Backhoe motions for five CAT models each failed for lack of a second; HR RFP closing October 7 reported with 3-4 responses received. (Page 5)
  • New Business: Motion to authorize Commissioner Motley to sign a letter of support for Dr. Roger K. Harris’s tobacco distribution license application passed unanimously. (Page 5)
  • Adjournment: Motion to adjourn carried unanimously (Tran/Motley). (Page 5)

3. Special Meeting Minutes – October 9, 2026, Columbus Day Rescheduling (Pages 6–7)

  • Purpose: Address cancellation and rescheduling of the October 12, 2026 Columbus Day holiday meeting. (Page 6)
  • Discussion: Commissioners weighed alternate dates (October 13, 14, 15); the conference room was confirmed unavailable on the 14th, and the Clerk did not object to holding accounts payable for one week. (Page 6)
  • Action: Motion to cancel the October 12 meeting entirely and reconvene October 19, 2026 carried by voice vote with no opposition (Motley/Milburn-Kee). (Page 6)

4. Tax Roll Corrections (Pages 59–82)

A series of county-approved tax abatement/correction forms for real estate and truck personal property, largely tied to a BOTA ruling (2026-907-TX from 9/1/17) and prior-year value protests.

  • Truck tax roll corrections for Kevic Lee Miler (2003 Ford Excursion) across tax years 2023, 2024, and 2025, each noting the vehicle was moved to Linn County and taxes paid there. (Pages 59–64, 80)
  • Grace Baptist Church Inc. real estate abatements (424 S Margrave, Fort Scott) for tax years 2017 through 2025, reducing assessed value to $0 under BOTA ruling 2026-907-TX. (Pages 65–79)
  • Farrington, Buddy E & Jannah L real estate corrections (1636 195th St) for tax years 2023 and 2024/2025, moving value to prior year due to protest, reducing total tax by $686.84 and $713.02 respectively. (Pages 69–70, 77)
  • Liberty Cellular Inc. real estate abatements (205th St, SC234 Scott Township) for tax years 2017-2019, reclassified as personal property per guidance from the state. (Pages 75–76, 78)
  • S&K Oil Production, Inc. oil lease correction (GEO8561, Marion Township) reducing assessed value from 641 to 572, a net tax change of -$10.96. (Page 81)
  • Curfman, Amanda B real estate correction (999 215th St) reducing total tax by $1,496.78 due to a quality/CDU/physical value adjustment. (Page 82)

5. Shared County Appraiser MOU with Allen County (Pages 54–56)

  • Purpose & Appointment: Establishes a shared county appraiser arrangement under which Danielle Louk serves as County Appraiser for both Bourbon and Allen Counties. (Page 54)
  • Payroll & Benefits Split: Allen County continues to administer Louk’s payroll, KPERS, and health insurance; Bourbon County reimburses half of the health insurance cost ($452.50/month, $5,430.00 annually). (Page 54)
  • Prorated 2026 Payment: Bourbon County’s prorated share from September 21–December 31, 2026 is $1,508.30, due through accounts payable by the second week of October 2026. (Page 55)
  • Term & Termination: Effective September 21, 2026 upon approval by both commissions; either county may terminate with written notice. (Pages 55–56)

6. Tobacco Distribution Support Letter – Roger K. Harris (Page 57)

  • Letter requesting Bourbon County’s approval of tobacco distribution in the county for Harris’s business, Eagles and Osprey LLC, operating from 804 195th St., Fort Scott (a HUBZone location), signed by the Commission Chairman on October 5, 2026. (Page 57)

7. Citizen Attendance Sign-In Sheet (Page 58)

  • Attendees included Roger Harris, Mike Milburn-Kee, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Marlon Merida, Jason Silvers, Teri Hulsey, Jean Tucker, and Bryan Murphy. (Page 58)

8. KPERS/PVD Compliance Report & Related Documents (Pages 83–109)

Background materials for the agenda’s PVD Compliance Call item, including the county’s 2026 compliance scorecard, PVD Directive #24-046 explaining the scoring methodology, the procedural compliance checklist, a ratio-study primer, and statewide/county appeal data.

  • 2026 Compliance Scorecard: Bourbon County’s overall score is 63.1 out of 100 (minimum for substantial compliance is 75), driven by residential median ratio and commercial statistical measures falling out of range, plus a statutory deduction for late trend-study publication. (Pages 83–84)
  • PVD Directive #24-046: Explains the statewide scoring criteria, statistical/procedural/statutory components, and includes worked compliance scoring examples. (Pages 85–99)
  • Procedural Compliance Checklist: Confirms Bourbon County met nearly all mass appraisal process, land valuation, depreciation, and cadastral mapping requirements, but flags non-compliance on publishing the trend study at least 10 business days before mailing change-of-value notices. (Pages 102–106)
  • Mass Appraisal Ratio Study Explainer: A primer on median ratio and coefficient of dispersion (COD) calculations used to judge appraisal level and uniformity. (Pages 107–108)
  • Appeal Data: Statewide and Bourbon-County-only valuation appeal statistics for 2024-2026, including percent of parcels appealed and adjusted by property class. (Page 100)

9. Proposed Resolution Revising Meeting Schedule (Repeal of Resolution 21-26) (Pages 110–112)

  • Purpose: Repeals Resolution 21-26 and establishes updated rules for meeting agendas, AP/payroll approval timing, work sessions, and public participation. (Page 110)
  • Meeting Schedule: Regular meetings every other Monday at 5:30 p.m. starting May 4, 2026; a dedicated AP-approval-only meeting on the alternating Monday, followed immediately by a work session. (Page 111)
  • Public Participation: Three-minute comment limit per speaker with a sign-in card requirement. (Page 111)
  • Holiday Provision (new Section 8): If a holiday on the County’s observed-holiday resolution falls on a regularly scheduled meeting day, that meeting is rescheduled to the following day — the specific change this item asks the commission to adopt. (Page 112)

10. CIC Software Proposal – Payroll Interface (Page 113)

  • Proposal for a CIC Payroll Interface (import/export) annual license at $1,200/year plus $360 in implementation hours, for a first-year total of $1,560.00; valid through November 14, 2026. (Page 113)

11. Verizon Wireless PO Period of Performance (Page 114)

  • GSA Multiple Award Schedule purchase order renewing cellular service on 150 lines for a 12-month term beginning October 9, 2026, with an estimated total of $120,000 for access and equipment fees. (Page 114)

12. TEC Remote Support Fee Change (Pages 115–116)

  • Total Electronics Contracting is introducing a $60-per-machine annual fee for remote support software beginning January 1, 2027; Bourbon County currently has 4 machines identified (phone system, livestreaming computer, health department DVR, hospital DVR), for an estimated $240/year. (Page 115)
  • Internal email from IT asks commissioners to determine which machines remain in the county’s purview, noting the hospital camera system may no longer be county-controlled. (Page 116)

13. HR RFP Review — Three Responses (Pages 118–149)

Supporting materials for the Old Business item reviewing proposals received for the Human Resource Services RFP issued September 14, 2026 (due October 5, 2026).

  • The RFP itself: Scope covers recruitment, employee relations, benefits/KPERS administration, compliance, training, and policy development; evaluation criteria and submission timeline included. (Pages 118–120)
  • OneDigital proposal: National HR advisory firm with a Kansas office in Overland Park; proposes a dedicated consultant/generalist/account manager team; estimated pricing of $4,000–$6,000 per month. (Pages 124–135)
  • HR Solutions On Call, LLC proposal: Firm already serving as Bourbon County’s interim HR provider (Dr. Steve Cohen, principal); proposes a $4,300/month retainer covering all listed services with no additional fees; lists other Missouri county/municipal references. (Pages 136–147)
  • Millie Lipscomb (individual) proposal: Current HR Manager at Niece Products of Kansas; proposes $2,800/month for 20–25 hours/week with a 6-month minimum, no insurance coverage carried. (Pages 142–144)

14. Benefit Contribution Review Materials (Pages 148–152)

  • Employee Insurance Benefit Proposal: Recommends standardizing the county insurance contribution at $1,100/month per employee electing coverage, and offering $2/hour premium pay (~$4,160/year) to the roughly 35 eligible employees who opt out, at an estimated $145,600 annual cost. (Page 148)
  • Proposed Compensation & Benefits Structure: Outlines a proposed Compensation & Benefits Committee of eight (four elected officials, four department reps) to oversee job descriptions, salary surveys, and a CPI-based performance raise matrix (1 to 5 rating scale tied to raise percentages). (Page 150)
  • Commissioner Milburn-Kee memo: Argues for completing a full compensation/benefits survey before adjusting wages, proposing 1.5%–2% cost-of-living plus a performance-based pool up to a 5% total increase, within each department’s existing budget. (Page 152)

15. Well Testing Update (Pages 153–155)

  • Email update reports wells have been located and cleaned out, with some needing concrete/regrouting repairs to stop surface water intrusion; requests better path access and mowing assistance, with repairs targeted for late the following week. (Page 153)
  • Ground Water Elevation 2026 maps for Bourbon County Landfill Permits No. 206 and No. 512 showing monitoring well locations and conditions (several noted “Poor” due to ground settling). (Pages 154–155)

16. Asbestos Report — Courthouse Air Monitoring (Pages 157–164)

  • Findings: APEX Environmental Consultants’ post-abatement air monitoring (October 1, 2026) found all five courthouse sample locations — basement elevator lobby, north/south janitorial rooms, janitorial restroom, and 3rd floor elevator lobby — below the clearance level of 0.010 f/cc. (Pages 158–161)
  • Background: Testing followed a suspected fiber release from asbestos-containing pipe insulation in the basement, thought to have traveled via the elevator shaft. (Page 158)
  • Technician certifications: Included for project manager Tristan O’Brien. (Pages 163–164)
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 18, 2026

Leave a comment

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 18, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 40 calls for service on October 18, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Traffic Stop — 2:40 AM, S#5 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0982BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Accident / Non-Injury — 7:08 AM, S#9 39 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-0983BB. Disposition: RPTA.

Domestic / Unknown — 3:27 PM, S#7 2281 215th. Complaint No. 26-0984BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Accident / Non-Injury — 7:14 PM, S#15 39 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-0985BB. Disposition: RPTA.

Traffic Stop — 8:16 PM, S#15 215th. Complaint No. 26-0986BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Fire and EMS

Fire / Alarm — 12:58 PM, 1708 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 22.

EMS / Transfer — 7:10 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Other Calls for Service

27,28,29 Checks — 12:33 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 4:07 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / County — 8:39 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Seeking Advice/Info — 10:36 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Hang Up — 10:58 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Lost Property — 11:04 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Livestock — 11:07 AM, 65 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

Juvenile — 11:42 AM, 216 S Eddy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Domestic / Verbal — 11:50 AM, S#7 812 Randolph, Bronson. Disposition: HBO.

Theft — 12:12 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Alarm / Burglary — 1:10 PM, 1508 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 1:16 PM, 215 Little St. Disposition: 77.

Traffic Complaint — 5:02 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: HBD.

Animal Control — 6:12 PM, 501 S Holbrook St, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Traffic Complaint / Livestock — 6:58 PM, S#15 7 Hwy. Disposition: 77.

Alarm / Burglary — 7:42 PM, S#5 715 Birch Rd. Disposition: 22.

Juvenile — 7:57 PM, 2500 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Alarm / Burglary — 8:26 PM, 715 Birch Rd. Disposition: 22.

Follow-Up — 8:36 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Check Area — 9:01 PM, 1010 Park Ave. Disposition: HBO.

Suspicious Activity — 10:24 PM, 730 S Eddy, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Check Subject — 11:27 PM, 10th St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 2:09 AM, Sheps Curve, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:27 AM, S#5 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:16 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:37 PM, 1st St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:20 PM, National Ave. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:09 PM, 2108 S Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:24 PM, S#5 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:45 PM, S#5 6th St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:55 PM, S#5 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:14 PM, S#5 1789 Hwy 54, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:41 PM, 2108 S Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Total Calls for Service: 40

Documents:

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – Oct. 19, 2026

Leave a comment

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – October 19, 2026

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Report

Arrested

Tinsley, Zoie Marie (Age 26) — Arrested 10/16/2026 4:00 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Sanction. Bond: No Bond.

Martin, Kyle Francios (Age 47) — Arrested 10/16/2026 8:57 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Driving Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (Misdemeanor), Ignition Interlock Device (Unknown Circumstance), Transporting an Open Container. Bond: $1,500.00 No Cash/Surety. Released 10/18/2026 11:23 AM.

Mader, Jeremy Dale (Age 44) — Arrested 10/16/2026 11:07 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Driving While License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked, Ignition Interlock Device (Unknown Circumstance). Bond: $500.00 No Cash/Surety. Released 10/18/2026 12:33 AM.

Hull, Kendra Shaye (Age 26) — Arrested 10/17/2026 11:15 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Battery. Bond: $1,500.00 No Cash/Surety. Released 10/18/2026 9:15 AM.

Cooney, Dustin Levi (Age 40) — Arrested 10/18/2026 9:05 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Driving Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (Misdemeanor), Operate a Motor Vehicle Without a Valid License, Possess Paraphernalia (Unknown Misdemeanor), Transporting an Open Container. Bond: No Bond.

Released

Hull, Kendra Shaye — Released 10/18/2026 9:15 AM via Surety Bond (A1 Bonding).

Mader, Jeremy Dale — Released 10/18/2026 12:33 AM via Cash Bond (Melissa Oberg).

Martin, Kyle Francios — Released 10/18/2026 11:23 AM via Surety Bond (A Plus Bonding).

Shapel, Dillon Matthew — Released 10/18/2026 4:22 PM via Transferred Out (Vernon County).

Total Inmates Released: 4

Documents:

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 17, 2026

Leave a comment

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 17, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 68 calls for service on October 17, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Traffic Stop — 2:28 AM, S#5 54 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-0979BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Accident / Non-Injury — 8:38 AM, S#7 912 Hwy 39. Complaint No. 26-0980BB. Disposition: RPTA.

Disturbance — 11:44 AM, 424 S Eddy. Complaint No. 26-01658FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Theft — 11:53 AM, 2500 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01659FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Traffic Stop — 4:34 PM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-01660FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Theft — 5:08 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01661FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Traffic Stop — 7:11 PM, S#4 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0981BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Battery — 10:16 PM, 206 N National Ave, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01662FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Fire and EMS

Fire / Other — 6:22 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: FIRE.

EMS — 7:19 AM, 2322 S Main St. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 7:31 AM, 1244 E Oak. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 10:51 AM, 845 S Crawford. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 12:10 PM, 857 Ridge Rd, Uniontown. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 2:03 PM, 402 Hulett St. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 3:33 PM, 845 S Crawford. Disposition: AMBU.

Other Calls for Service

Suspicious Activity — 12:19 AM, S#5 1442 225th St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 12:42 AM, 8 Scott St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Vehicle — 1:59 AM, 125 Caldwell, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Alarm / Burglary — 5:51 AM, S#7 1976 Maple. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 8:33 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Check Vehicle — 8:49 AM, 1808 S National Ave. Disposition: HBO.

Special Assignment — 8:49 AM, Old Fort Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Vehicle Unlock — 9:30 AM, 1920 S Main St. Disposition: HBO.

EMS / Transfer — 9:37 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 22.

Animal Control — 9:59 AM, 742 Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

Animal Control — 10:12 PM, 732 Lowman. Disposition: HBO.

Harassment — 11:05 AM, 107 N Eddy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 11:07 AM, N National Ave. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 12:12 PM, Andrick St. Disposition: 77.

Animal Control — 1:06 PM, S#7 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Civil Standby — 3:56 PM, S#9 1599 155th. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Livestock — 4:42 PM, S#7 69 Hwy. Disposition: 77.

Domestic / Physical — 5:43 PM, National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Vehicle — 5:46 PM, S#9 69 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 8:03 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Seeking Advice/Info / County — 8:45 PM, S#5 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Area — 8:57 PM, 802 S Shepherd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Check Area — 10:30 PM, 316 W 10th, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 77.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 9:16 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:28 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:47 AM, 2216 S Main St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 12:47 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:07 PM, 1226 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:08 PM, State St, Fort Scott. Disposition: NTA.

Traffic Stop — 1:22 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: NTA.

Traffic Stop — 1:38 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: NTA.

Traffic Stop — 1:59 PM, 1900 Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 2:07 PM, State St, Fort Scott. Disposition: NTA.

Traffic Stop — 2:54 PM, 1819 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:04 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:19 PM, Clark. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:52 PM, 2420 S Main St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 4:09 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 5:25 PM, 1st St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:05 PM, S#9 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:37 PM, S#5 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:38 PM, S#4 2403 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:44 PM, S#5 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:45 PM, S#9 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:52 PM, 149 3rd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:58 PM, S#9 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:20 PM, S#4 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:25 PM, S#9 1715 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:51 PM, S#9 1920 S Main St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:07 PM, S#4 Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:22 PM, S#5 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:04 PM, 149 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:18 PM, 149 2224 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Total Calls for Service: 68

Documents:

Advertisements

Ad: Rick James — Came Home

Leave a comment

I served my country for 30 years. I always knew I’d come home.

Re-elect Rick James, Republican, Kansas State Representative District 4: Rooted In Eastern Kansas

I’m Rick James, your State Representative for the 4th District.

I grew up in La Cygne and graduated from Prairie View High School in 1981. A few days later, I left for the Marine Corps.

There was never any doubt I’d come back to Eastern Kansas. In 2008 I moved my family to a small farm near Highway 69, and finished my Marine career nearby in Belton.

This is home. I’ll keep standing up for the values, the freedoms, and the future of Eastern Kansas.

Rooted in Eastern Kansas. Re-elect Rick James, State Representative, District 4.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Early voting at the Bourbon County Courthouse starts Oct. 19.

Paid for by Rick James for Kansas State Representative.

Learn more: Rick James on Facebook | rickjamesks.com

Bourbon County

Asbestos report coming. Before any testing, commissioners said the courthouse was fine

Leave a comment

October 18th, 2026

FORT SCOTT — Bourbon County has finally had its courthouse inspected for asbestos, and a report is on the commission’s agenda for Monday night.

An environmental firm did the inspection Sept. 29, under a contract the commission capped at $5,000. The Oct. 19 agenda lists “Asbestos Report – Beerbower,” two days before the courthouse elevator goes out of service for renovation.

Long before anyone took a sample, the public was told the building was fine. In July, then-Chairman Samuel Tran said the state had given the courthouse “a clean bill of health” and that “for the general public, we’re fine.” In September, he said the asbestos issue only became a controversy because “somebody took it and broadcast it all over the news prior to coming to the board.”

Monday’s report should show whether the building is safe for the public and for county employees. Tran’s claim that there would have been no controversy if “somebody” had brought the issue to the board instead of to news outlets can be checked against the record now.

What Jackson reported, and what happened next

On Friday afternoon, May 29, courthouse maintenance employee William Jackson sent his supervisor, Laura Krom, executive assistant to the county commission, a text message with photos of crumbling pipe insulation in the courthouse basement and asked for permission to have it tested for asbestos, FortScott.biz reported in June. He also photographed dust he said was collecting on desks in the basement work area.

Broken, crumbling insulation wrap at a pipe joint near the ceiling of the Bourbon County Courthouse basement.
Insulation at a pipe joint in the courthouse basement, one of the photos Jackson sent his supervisor on May 29. (Photo by William Jackson)
Dust on a desk calendar and computer keyboard in the courthouse basement work area.
Dust on a desk in the basement work area, photographed by Jackson on May 29. (Photo by William Jackson)

The next morning, the county’s contracted human resources consultant, Dr. Steven Cohen, told Jackson by phone that he was terminated. The termination memo, from Cohen and Krom to Jackson’s personnel file, says Cohen spoke with Jackson “after conversation with Ms. Laura Krom and consultation with two Bourbon County Commissioners.” It cites his probationary status and Kansas at-will employment. May 30 was his 90th day.

Memo dated May 30, 2026, from Steve Cohen and Laura Krom to Personnel File, Notice of Termination of William Jackson, stating Cohen spoke with Jackson after conversation with Krom and consultation with two Bourbon County Commissioners.
The May 30 termination memo. (Provided by William Jackson)

The memo does not name the two commissioners, but commissioners Gregg Motley, Joe Allen and David Beerbower all say they were not consulted about the firing. That leaves Commissioners Mika Milburn-Kee and Samuel Tran, who was chairman at the time.

“A clean bill of health”

In mid-June, a Kansas Department of Health and Environment representative walked the basement with county Emergency Manager Lou Howard. It was a visual look; no samples were taken. Howard told FortScott.biz the representative “did not see anything that was concerning,” but added: “He did say that if there was active construction going on at the time, then it would be a concern.”

FortScott.biz asked county officials about it the same day. Milburn-Kee said someone had given “a verbal” account and that “it wasn’t a negative report — like it wasn’t bad,” though she had nothing in writing and had not spoken with KDHE herself. Krom said she had not seen it but had “heard that the report is complete.”

Jackson came to the July 6 commission meeting to raise the same concerns he had communicated to his supervisor the day before being fired. “If there is no hazard, prove it,” he said. “Release the inspection records, show the testing, let the facts speak.” (video, 15:57)

Near the end of that meeting, Tran took up “the issue of health and wellness of the people within the building itself” (video, 1:55:38):

“KDHE did come through the building. They did tour the building. They did inspect the building. They gave us a clean bill of health.”

He said that did not mean the building was free of asbestos or lead, but that KDHE “did see it, they did annotate it, they gave us a clean bill of health. … So for the general public, we’re fine. As long as you don’t go eating it, licking it, crumbling it, and breathing it, you’ll be fine.”

Milburn-Kee replied: “Actually, I heard you could eat it, you just shouldn’t breathe it.” (video, 1:57:08)

There was no report, and no “clean bill of health” that could be verified. When the Bourbon County Monitor requested the documentation the county produced a single memo Krom wrote on July 8, two days after Tran spoke. Not only was there no KDHE “bill of health” attached, the memo specifically said KDHE would not issue anything in writing. Further it said that KDHE “only regulates asbestos in connection with construction or demolition, not deterioration alone.” This apparently put the deteriorating pipe insulation falling onto an employee’s desk outside KDHE’s purview.

“KDHE cannot give us a clean bill of health”

Four weeks later, Commissioner Gregg Motley contradicted Tran’s claim (video, 2:19:59):

“Asbestos is a federal EPA issue. KDHE cannot give us a clean bill of health. The only time the state’s involved is when there’s construction surrounding asbestos.”

“Some people are afraid to come in the courthouse, whether their fears are justified or not,” Motley said. Allen said some county employees “refuse to go down there now” (video, 2:20:46). When the board asked for a volunteer to take on the issue, Tran said, “I’m not volunteering” (video, 2:21:25). Motley took it.

On Aug. 31, Motley reported that asbestos expert Dr. Arthur Frank told him “we definitely need to have it tested” (video, 58:06). That night Milburn-Kee moved to have the entire courthouse tested; the motion failed. Two days later, she brought a testing firm to the board, and commissioners voted to hire it.

“Broadcast it all over the news”

On Sept. 21, Beerbower wanted to bring resident Michael Hoyt to the inspection. Milburn-Kee moved that the inspection be limited to “the employees, the elected official, the contractors,” and Tran seconded (video, 52:58). In the discussion that followed, Tran said (video, 54:04):

“This has been known in this building for a while, way before you became commissioner, way before I became commissioner, and it became a controversy because somebody took it and broadcast it all over the news prior to coming to the board with the results.”

“Yes, we have an issue, we’re trying to fix it,” he added. “But it didn’t need to be blown out of proportion.” The motion passed 3-1, with Beerbower opposed.

William Jackson was the one who raised the issue. According to his account, he had been fired for doing exactly what Tran said he had not done: raising the issue with the board first. He sent a written request with photos to the commission’s own executive assistant on Friday, May 29. Tran, Milburn-Kee, Krom and Cohen then decided to fire him, and he was told Saturday morning, less than a day after he sent the request.

Tran’s complaint points to a proper path: bring the concern to the board before going public. Jackson took that path, and within hours Tran was part of the decision to fire him. Tran did not say what Jackson should have done differently. Jackson’s photos reached the news only after he had raised the issue through his supervisor and been fired.

What Monday should answer

On Oct. 5, Beerbower told the board the inspection “did happen” but he had not received results (video, 1:16:11).

The report should say whether the material Jackson photographed contains asbestos and whether air samples in the building found fibers. If the insulation is asbestos, the crumbling pipes over the basement work area, and the dust on the desks below them, become a far more serious matter for the people in that area.

If the results are clean, they will support Tran’s July assurance that “we’re fine.” If they are not, residents will have the July 6 recording, the July 8 memo and the May 30 termination memo to set beside them.

The commission meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at the courthouse, 210 S. National Ave.

Opinion

Successful Failure by Carolyn Tucker

Leave a comment

Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

Successful Failure

Mom loved to make people happy with her home-cooked country meals. The one I remember most, and treasure the highest, was her fried quail, mashed potatoes, biscuits and gravy, sweet tea, and chocolate pie from scratch. As a youngster, I often helped her in the kitchen, but she was leery about me using a knife. She simply didn’t trust me to accomplish the task without cutting myself. I remember being willing to slice potatoes, but she wouldn’t allow me to do it. I was probably in high school when she finally let me to use a sharp knife. Because of her training, I’ve always had a healthy fear of knives. After all these years, I can remember only one time that I cut my finger with an electric knife. I blamed it on being tired and pregnant.

Having a reverential fear and awe of God will help keep believers from hurting themselves (morally and spiritually) as they navigate life. The Word of God is often referred to as an owner’s manual, instruction book, map, etc. I’m sure the owner’s manual for my electric knife included, “Unplug knife before removing blades.” There are times when we throw caution out the window, make an unwise decision, disappoint God, and foolishly hurt ourselves. John Wayne would say, “Live and learn or die stupid.”

I’m so thankful God made a way for Christ followers to receive healing for the wounds of our failures. John the Beloved wrote: “You are my dear children, and I write these things to you so that you won’t sin. But if anyone does sin, we continually have a forgiving Redeemer who is face-to-face with the Father. Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2 TPT). This is not rocket science because God knows we’re mortal beings with limited understanding. It’s grace-and-mercy science. I appreciate this encouraging passage on how to live a successful, victorious life. We’re cautioned, “Don’t sin. But if you do, ask for forgiveness, receive it, and get on with your life in Christ.”

“If we boast that we have no sin, we’re only fooling ourselves and are strangers to the truth. But if we freely admit our sins when His light uncovers them, He will be faithful to forgive us every time. God is just to forgive us our sins because of Christ, and He will continue to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9 TPT). Walking daily in God’s light is sweet fellowship at its highest. We all fall down at times, so while we’re down and on our knees, that’s when we turn to Jesus for mercy. Thankfully, our Redeemer continually turns failure into success when we ask for His forgiveness.

Jon Mohr and John Randall Dennis penned the lyrics to the song, “More than Anything.”  The recording, released in 1995 by Point of Grace, is a powerful reminder of God’s steadfast love for all people: “God loves the weary when they’re too weak to try. He feels their pain, He knows their shame. He cries with those who cry. He won’t give up or walk away when other people do ‘cause God loves people more than anything. God loves the wounded who’ve stumbled into sin. He reaches down and pulls them out and cleans them off again. And He will heal the broken heart that’s given up on love ‘cause God loves people more than anything. God loves people more than anything, God loves people more than anything. And more than anything He wants them to know He’d rather die than let them go ‘cause God loves people more than anything.”

The Key: Believers need a reverential fear of God so we won’t sin. But if we do, He knows how to take a failure and turn it into a success. Because God loves people more than anything.

Advertisements

Ad: Rob Hodgkinson — We Already Agree

Leave a comment

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

K-State Extension

The Importance of Youth Entrepreneurship by Amanda Clasen

Leave a comment

Amanda Clasen

Amanda Clasen, Community Vitality Agent
October 2026

The best part of fall, other than the weather turning cooler, leaves changing, and Friday Night Lights? It’s the start of the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge season across the Southwind District and the state of Kansas! What happens when we give a young person an idea and say, “Why not?” Maybe they have an idea for a product they want to create. Maybe they see a problem in their community and think they have a solution. Maybe they simply want to try something new. Whatever the idea may be, giving young people the opportunity to turn that idea into something real can teach lessons that reach far beyond the classroom.

Youth entrepreneurship isn’t just about teaching young people how to start a business. It’s about helping them develop the confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills they will need no matter where life takes them. When young people develop a business idea, they quickly learn that having an idea is only the beginning. They must ask questions: Who would want this? What should it cost? How will I tell people about it? What could go wrong? How can I make it better? Those questions require critical thinking, decision-making, and a willingness to take risks. And sometimes, things don’t work out as planned. That may be one of the most valuable parts of the experience. Young people learn that failure doesn’t mean they weren’t successful; sometimes, it simply means they learned something that will help them try again differently.

These are skills our communities need. We need young people who are willing to look at a challenge and ask, “Is there a better way?” We need future business owners, community leaders and engaged citizens who can recognize opportunities, develop solutions and work with others. This is especially important in our rural communities. If we want young people to become the leaders and business owners who help shape our future, we need to give them opportunities to practice those skills today. That might mean creating a lemonade stand, developing a product, participating in a Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge or identifying a problem and brainstorming a solution.

Not every young person who participates in entrepreneurship will become a business owner, and that’s okay. The goal is to help develop a generation of problem-solvers, innovators and confident community members. As adults, we sometimes forget how powerful it can be to let young people try. Let them pitch the crazy idea, figure out how to make something work, make mistakes and discover what to do next. Those experiences build confidence and help young people recognize that they have something valuable to contribute.

There are opportunities right here in the Southwind District for young people to put their ideas into action! The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) gives students the opportunity to develop a business plan, pitch their idea, receive feedback from judges and showcase their business at a tradeshow. It’s a hands-on experience that encourages creativity, builds confidence and helps students explore what it takes to turn an idea into a business. Watch for upcoming YEC events throughout the Southwind District and encourage the young entrepreneurs in your life to get involved! Another great opportunity is Lemonade Day, a youth entrepreneurship program that teaches young people the basics of starting and operating their own business through a lemonade stand. Participants learn about setting goals, creating a business plan, budgeting, marketing, customer service, and managing money, all while putting their ideas into practice.

When we invest in young people’s ideas, we are investing in the future of our communities. For more information on upcoming Youth Entrepreneurship opportunities in the Southwind District, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or at amclasen@ksu.edu.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Health Care

Who is behind the old Mercy Hospital building: the companies and people, mapped

Leave a comment

The company that sold the former Mercy Hospital building at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. shares an owner with Kansas Renewal Institute, and Kansas Renewal Institute shares a manager and an address with the building’s new owner, according to public filings in five states and New York City.

FortScott.biz reported that a deed recorded Oct. 13 conveys the building from Kansas RE Investment Group LLC to 401 Woodland Hills KS Realty LLC, and that the new owner and Kansas Renewal Institute LLC (KRI) took out a $17.5 million mortgage on it the same day. This story maps the relationships between the various entities and the people who had ownership, management, or business transactions related to the old Mercy building.

The interactive map below shows each connection. Click a name to see its links and the record that shows each one.

Company Person Government Shown in a record Likely or name match, unconfirmed

Click any name

Click a person or company in the map, or pick one from the list, to see how it connects to the others and which record shows each link.
Interactive map. If it does not load (for example in an email), the main connections are also described in the story above.

The seller and KRI share an owner

The seller, Kansas RE Investment Group, is a Georgia company based in Sandy Springs, Ga. The 2026 deed was signed for it by Erik Engebretson, as authorized signatory of Guild Dream Homes LLC, which the deed calls a managing member of the seller.

Guild Dream Homes is also one of the five companies that each own 5% or more of KRI, according to KRI’s 2026 report to the Kansas Secretary of State, which Engebretson signed. Georgia records list Engebretson as the registered agent for Guild Dream Homes, Kansas RE Investment Group and a third company, EME Consulting Inc., all at the Sandy Springs address. In 2024, FortScott.biz identified Engebretson as KRI’s chief financial officer.

Timothy Denning is the seller’s registered agent in Kansas, at the hospital building’s address. The 2024 story identified T.J. Denning as KRI’s chief operating officer.

Kansas Secretary of State records show the seller’s Kansas registration was forfeited July 15, 2026, for failing to file its annual information report, about six weeks before it signed the deed. Its Georgia registration is active.

KRI’s owners

KRI’s 2026 Kansas report lists five companies that each own 5% or more of it:

  • JG Healthcare Solutions LLC, Golden, Colo. Colorado records show it was formed in 2023 and is in good standing. The 2024 FortScott.biz story called it KRI’s parent company and identified Jonathan Gross as KRI’s chief executive.
  • Guild Dream Homes LLC, Sandy Springs, Ga. (Engebretson; see above).
  • Dennings LLC, Seneca, Mo. Missouri has a DENNING’S LLC, formed in December 2023 with Bounds Law LLC of Kansas City as organizer, the same firm that organized KRI in Kansas two weeks later. The Missouri filing names no owners or principal business address, so it is not clear it is the same company. The name is similar to that of KRI’s chief operating officer, but no record we found confirms a link.
  • KRI Otto HoldCo LLC, Lexington, Ky. Kentucky lists it as formed in April 2024 and now inactive and in bad standing, with Matthew Otto as registered agent. Its Kansas registration was also forfeited in July.
  • Tinervin Consulting LLC, Novato, Calif. California records show it was formed in December 2023 and is managed by its members. Its 2025 statements of information list Joseph Robert Tinervin as its manager or member and give its type of business as behavioral health care. The 2024 FortScott.biz story identified Joe Tinervin as KRI’s president of operations.

The new owner

401 Woodland Hills KS Realty LLC was formed in Kansas on July 1, 2026. Its formation filing was signed by Elliott Teitelbaum and does not name its owners.

David E. Marx signed the $17.5 million mortgage as manager of the new owner and, separately, as manager of Kansas Renewal Institute LLC. Both companies give the same address in Flushing, N.Y., on the loan papers. New York City housing records list 7MDR of Queens, Inc. as the owner of that building and a David E. Marx as its president. The website of Marx Development Group, a New York City developer, lists a David E. Marx as its owner and chief executive. KRI’s own Kansas filings still give the hospital building as its address.

Legacy and the BR companies

Bourbon County donated the building and $2 million to Legacy Healthcare Foundation in November 2022. Legacy’s 2024 IRS Form 990 lists Troy Schell as chairman, Jose Banos as chief financial officer, Juan Banos as president and Vanessa Banos as a director, with an address in Glendora, Calif. Schell signed the 2022 donation agreement and the 2024 deed for Legacy, and signed the 2024 mortgage assignment as manager of Legacy Health LLC, which gives the same Glendora address.

The donation agreement required Legacy to provide at closing proof of a purchase, or a signed agreement to purchase, of other Bourbon County property worth more than $300,000, or of a line of credit or loan of $2 million or more. Its opening section describes the line of credit as one “secured by a lending institution in the amount of no less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) which has already been verified by Donor.” County records released under the Kansas Open Records Act include a Sept. 27, 2022, letter headed “Re: Legacy Health Bourbon County Hospital” on letterhead listing Legacy’s Glendora address and www.brco.com. It says, “I am authorizing the use of $2,000,000.00 (TWO MILLION DOLLARS AND 00/100) as an additional operating line of credit from the B.R. General Fund I,” and describes the fund as “a private investment fund.” The letter is in the name of Camron Cubak, managing principal. Cubak emailed it on Sept. 29, 2022, from a brco.com address to Rob Harrington, then executive director of Bourbon County REDI, the county-funded economic development organization, with copies to Jose Banos and Juan Banos at brco.com addresses. Harrington forwarded it to commissioners and county officials. In a June 2022 email in the same records, Jennifer Massey, whom FortScott.biz identified in November 2022 as Legacy’s chief clinical operations officer, is addressed at a brco.com address. FortScott.biz’s review of the county’s records found no other proof of a line of credit, from a lending institution or otherwise.

California Secretary of State records show the same names as Legacy’s chairman and president, and as Cubak, on three corporations with B.R. names that list Legacy’s address. The records do not say who owns them or whether they are connected to Legacy:

  • B.R. Capital and Finance Corporation was incorporated April 16, 2021, at Legacy’s Glendora address. Troy Schell signed its articles as incorporator and was its registered agent. Juan J. Banos signed its election to wind up and dissolve on July 15, 2021, and the state lists it as terminated as of Aug. 12, 2021.
  • BR Capital & Finance, a separate corporation formed in January 2019 and still active, gives a principal address in Newport Beach and uses Legacy’s Glendora address as its mailing address. Its registered agent is Camron G. Cubak of Glendora.
  • BR Capital Inc., formed in August 2023 and active, gives Legacy’s Glendora address as both its principal and mailing address. Its registered agent, Mohamad Khattab, is listed at the same address.

Business listings also place The BR Companies and BR Real Estate at that Glendora address. None of the California records we reviewed mention B.R. General Fund I, the fund named in the 2022 letter.

We found no shared people or addresses between the Legacy companies and the new owner.

Where the companies are

These are the addresses the records give. Each links to Google Street View of the street address, which shows the building but cannot show which business is inside.

FortScott.biz called Marx Development and KRI on Thursday. Marx Development’s line reached an automated attendant and no one answered. A KRI receptionist returned the call to ask whether we could meet at the facility Monday morning, but declined to provide the telephone number of the person who could answer our questions.

Obituary

Obituary: Lylise R. (Hare) Evans

Leave a comment

Lylise R. Evans

Lylise R. (Hare) Evans left this world and entered eternal rest at 8:38 pm on Friday, October 9th, 2026, at Aspen Health and Rehab, where she had been residing since January 2026 after suffering a stroke on December 25th, 2025.

Lylise was the youngest child of Orville Hare and Nancy (LaRue) Hare, born on July 30th, 1939. Lylise’s parents loved their children; however, they were unable to provide for them, so Lylise and a brother entered the Goodlander Children’s Home in Fort Scott, KS. Lylise was 6 years old when she entered the home and she remained in Goodlander Children’s Home until she graduated from Fort Scott High in 1958.

Lylise attended college at the College of the Ozarks in Branson, MO. After attending College, she returned to Fort Scott, KS and worked at various insurance agencies in different capacities throughout the 60’s and early 70’s until she moved to the Broken Arrow, OK area in the early 70’s. She lived in the Broken Arrow and Tulsa, OK areas and worked at various insurance agencies until she retired in July of 1996. While living in Broken Arrow and Tulsa areas, she made several lifelong friends, including her best friend, Mary Davis.

On May 14, 1981, the truest love of her life, Jeremy Carl Woods, was born. She was an immensely proud, single mom, who raised her son in faith, and formed an everlasting bond with her only child. She enjoyed being involved in her son’s life and had him involved in many activities such as the Boy Scouts of America, Big Brother’s Club, and various athletics when he was a young boy. Some of her proud moments were seeing her son receive his Eagle Scout Honor, seeing him graduate from Pittsburg State University with a history degree, seeing him join the Navy, and seeing him receive his associate’s degree in respiratory therapy.

In May of 1996, she reconnected with a childhood friend, James Evans. She and James married on August 3rd, 1996. She enjoyed 18 years with her best friend and lived in homes in Osawatomie, KS and Fort Scott, KS. She and James were faithful members of Christian Gospel Chapel in Fort Scott, and James preceded her in death on January 10th, 2015.

In March of 2014, she gained a daughter, Tiffany (Jeremy’s fiancé) and 2 bonus granddaughters, Alexandria and Cecilia. On May 10th of this year, she became a great-grandmother to Phoebe Michelle.

Lylise loved to craft, sew, crochet, knit and do needlepoint in her spare time. She loved to square dance in her younger days and always loved listening to music. In her later years, she was an avid gardener and was in the Fort Scott Garden Club. She especially loved sunflowers, tulips, and surprise lilies. At one point, while living on the farm in Osawatomie, she had a sunflower patch, with many reaching heights of 10-12 feet tall. She and James also had several cats and dogs over the years. She and James had a pair of terriers that accompanied them in their last years, Nip and Tuck. Sassy, a little chihuahua, accompanied Lylise until she moved into Town Villages in October of 2025. She also loved to travel and after returning to Tulsa in 2016, she went on many trips with her son, Jeremy, including trips to San Antonio, the Great Smoky Mountains, and several Branson trips.

Lylise loved to visit with friends, going out to eat, going on car rides and just being active. She especially loved sweets and chocolates, often requiring multiple trips to the store every week. Her greatest joy was just spending time with her son and his family, visiting with them multiple times a day on a daily basis. She was a faithful friend and had a heart of gold, all who knew her would say the same thing: she was a wonderful friend and a lifelong servant of the Lord. She will be missed greatly by all her friends and her family. Her memory will always be cherished as we, her family, felt the void of her absence the minute she left us.

Lylise was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her husband and many other family members. She is survived by her only son, Jeremy and his fiancé Tiffany, her grand-daughter Alexandria, husband Clay and daughter Phoebe; and grand-daughter Cecilia and her partner, Cole.

Pastor Danny Brown will conduct graveside services at 12:30 PM Monday, October 19th, at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 11:30 AM until leaving for the cemetery. Memorials are suggested to either the Coffee Bunker or Little Light House and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County Local News