Agenda & Minutes: Approval of the current agenda and minutes from the January 15 and January 26 sessions. (Page 1)
Accounts Payable: Review of the January 30, 2026, payables totaling $114,143.02. (Page 1)
Tax Corrections: Approval of any pending tax adjustments. (Page 1)
Executive Sessions & Department Updates
Executive Sessions
The Commission will enter two private sessions under K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss non-elected personnel matters.
Session 1: Led by Motley regarding specific personnel. (Page 1)
Session 2: Led by Samuel Tran to protect the privacy of individual personnel. (Page 1)
Department Reports
Payroll: Update provided by Milburn-Kee. (Page 1)
County Clerk: A comprehensive discussion on inventory management, commission minute procedures, resolutions, and the 2025 end-of-year financials. (Page 1)
Old Business
Policies & Planning: Follow-ups on the County Handbook and updates on Strategic Planning and the Commission Calendar. (Page 1)
Infrastructure & Operations: Updates on EOC access (Beerbower) and Sewer project progress (Milburn-Kee). (Page 1)
Administrative Contracts: Ongoing discussions regarding County Benefits and the DMV contract. (Page 1)
New Business
Public Safety & Finance
Equitable Sharing Agreement: Sheriff Martin will present the certification for federal sharing programs. (Page 2)
Liaison Program: A critical review of the current liaison program led by Beerbower. The Commission will discuss whether to revise the program’s structure or terminate it entirely. (Page 2)
Economic Discussions: Matt Quick will present on Bitcoin Valuation. (Page 2)
Financial Auditing & Memberships
Financial Oversight: Samuel Tran will lead discussions on hiring a Fractional CFO and initiating a Forensic Audit. (Page 2)
SEKRPC Dues: Approval of $4,554 for Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission membership dues, historically funded by the General Government account. (Page 2)
According to Lora Holdridge, her outburst calling a commissioner “chicken shit” on Monday, January 26th, occurred after some interactions that occurred before the commission meeting started being broadcast, as well as ongoing frustration working with the commissioners.
The agenda for the January 26th meeting shows that Lora Holdridge, Register of Deeds, was on the schedule to talk with the commissioners about space concerns under the “departmental updates” section. However, according to Holdridge, before the meeting began, Commissioner Mika Milburn told her that the commissioners would not be discussing her agenda item.
Lora Holdridge – Bourbon County Register of Deeds. Photo from BBCO website.
When the meeting began, Commissioner Milburn requested that Holdridge’s agenda item be removed. Commissioner Beerbower (acting as chair since Tran was absent) asked Holdridge if she wanted to discuss something that she hadn’t brought up before. Holdridge said yes and then there was the following exchange:
Holdridge: “Mika told me that as soon as dispatch got out…”
Milburn: “I did not do that…”
Beerbower: “Ok that, this is still more of the same. We are going to be reviewing all the space, so yes, we’re not going to discuss that.”
Holdridge says she then filled out a card to make a public comment. The meeting proceeded and when it was time for public comments, Beerbower read the card and said, “Is that the only one?” At this point, Holdridge went up to the table. Beerbower continued, “We do not allow public comments regarding any specific commissioner. If you are going to address the commission, you may address the commission about the board, but you can’t talk about one particular commissioner.”
Holdridge asked what statute said that. Beerbower said that he went to a class that said public comments were addressed to the commission, not to a specific commissioner. Holdridge pressed for a statue. Beerbower finally said, “Go ahead. I can’t challenge it” and gave her the floor for three minutes.
Before Holdridge could proceed, Milburn asked for a break, Beerbower called for a three-minute recess, and Milburn left the room. When she returned, she got a telephone call and stepped out again. Beerbower continued by first saying that they had this discussion with Holdridge several times and reiterated that they would be working with all the department heads to give them the space they need. He said he has had several people claim that they wanted the dispatch space.
There was some back and forth about whether any of the Register of Deeds stuff could be stored in the basement. At this point, Milburn returned, and Beerbower said the commissioners would look at everything, but not discuss it in this meeting.
Milburn then told Beerbower, “Our council has said to remove this public comment.”
Holdridge responded with, “You’re not going to remove me. I’ll just sit here and talk.”
Milburn and Beerbower voted to terminate the meeting as can be seen in this video which led to Holdridge calling them “chicken shit.” https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19RpAw2zJL/
According to Holdridge, a number of events led up to her frustrated outburst at the meeting. “I have had a problem with Mika [Milburn]. She’s the liaison of the courthouse. She locked me out of every room possible that I had my equipment in.” This equipment includes plotters that are used to make maps and blueprints for the county and also, for a fee, for the public.
Holdridge also said that one of her large plotters remains missing and she is locked out of the rooms where she would need to go search for it. Holdridge expressed concerns that Milburn is doing things outside the scope of the duties of a commissioner. She said, “[Milburn] is entering payroll information, removing payroll time and entries. They’ve got me not even starting till 2017 and I’ve been here, almost 22 years.” She said the commissioners took payroll out of the clerks office and hired someone else to do it, but “she doesn’t know what she’s doing, so this commissioner [Milburn] is coming in to help do it. She has no business doing that outside the scope of her commission duties.” Holdridge said the personnel files were taken out of the clerks office and put in an office that Commission Milburn has a key to. “She has a key to the office where all of our personnel folders are at. That’s outside of her scope of her duties as a commissioner. […] They outsourced payroll. It is a new system and this person didn’t know how to do it. […] Everything’s being screwed up on it. And, you know, we’re outsourcing our IT, we’re outsourcing HR, we’re outsourcing payroll. They said something about outsourcing budgets. They had a budget committee […] and they [the commissioners] didn’t listen to them at all.
“[Mika] kicked me out of the room that I had been working in fine with our new software company for six weeks until I hired one of the old IT persons back,” said Holdridge. She went on to explain that Shane Walker had laid off when the commissioners restructured the IT department and she hired him to do work in her department.
Holdridge went on to explain that there is a computer that used to be used for mapping that has been locked away in room 12 and all the departments are needing to rebuy about $4,000 worth of equipment and licenses now. She said that Commissioner Milburn told her that there “might be things on that computer that shouldn’t be on that computer.” Holdridge is frustrated because tech money from the Register of Deeds budget was used to buy that equipment and licenses. She had been using the computer in room 12 for 6 weeks until she rehired Shane Walker but after that, every time she would talk to HR, “they would tell me that, you know, you didn’t put yourself in a very good position because you rehired him and he has a lawsuit against the county.” Holdridge says he does not have a current lawsuit against the county, but every time she calls the outsource HR contractor about something, they would bring up the fact that she hired Mr. Walker.
Holdridge explained that she feels Commission Milburn has “called me a liar. She’s called me a thief. She called the ex-emergency manager and the ex-janitor liars and thieves. […] They locked the door of room 12, and she accused us of stealing things out of that room.”
Regarding her outburst last Monday, Holdridge said, “Most of the public doesn’t know what’s going on. Yes, I got mad and I refused to get up because they had been treating us and saying, ‘we’re going to take this away from you’ and outsourcing everything […] there was nothing wrong with the way it was. […] Everyone on the first floor gets along great. […] We help each other out. If I have extra paper and they need extra paper, you know, we share it. She [Commissioner Milburn] called it ‘back door dealings’ that we shouldn’t be doing that. We’re just trying to save the tax payer money.”
FortScott.biz reached out to Commissioner Milburn to see if she would like to be interviewed for this story. Legal counsel suggested she decline, but she did provide the following documents for context.
Public education is under attack, even though states are legally required to provide an equitable and adequate education for every child. As an educator, I’ve learned to listen to older people. Seasoned adults have an uncanny ability to sense who can be trusted and who can’t. Most of the time, I agree with them. In just about every job I’ve ever had, there have been a few older educators who became trusted comrades, people who had seen enough to know the difference between noise and truth.
People have instincts like that. Sometimes it’s just a gut feeling. Sometimes it shows up in how someone treats employees or even their own friends. For me, my radar immediately goes up when anyone starts disparaging the teaching profession.
Like any profession, there are bad actors who should be removed, and public and state education can and should improve with the right support. A few bad apples never justify bullying an entire profession though.
Bullying is increasingly coming from social media. Online harassment, threats, and insults aimed at teachers have become the most common form of aggression educators face today. These attacks cause real emotional and psychological harm and are driving good teachers out of the classroom. Left unchecked, this kind of rhetoric can spill over into real-world violence.
Much of it is politically motivated. Well-funded organizations have repeatedly targeted public and state education with false or misleading claims. In June 2023, as reported by author Glenn Rogers, Gordon ISD, a small, high-performing rural district in north central Texas, was viciously attacked online after being falsely accused of grooming students for transgenderism. The claim centered on a book available statewide through TexQuest, an online library coordinated with the Texas Education Agency. The book had never been accessed in Gordon ISD and had already been suppressed by school officials. None of that mattered. The attack rattled teachers, parents, and administrators. Educators who had done nothing wrong were subjected to fear, stress, and public shaming.
Let’s just call it what it is, public education is taking some hard shots right now. Across the country, more teachers are being verbally abused and, in some cases, physically attacked by students and even parents. Some reports say as many as 10 to 14 percent of educators have been assaulted on the job. A lot of folks point to the post-pandemic years as the turning point, but regardless of the cause, the results are clear: teachers are worn down, morale is taking a hit, and too many good educators are deciding it’s not worth the risk anymore. That’s why school safety isn’t just a talking point, it’s something we’ve got to take seriously. Older, experienced educators seem to know who to trust. Maybe it’s time the rest of us trusted our seasoned teachers again.
Thought for the Week, “A community’s true values are revealed not by its slogans, but by how it treats the people entrusted with educating its children. When we choose education over outrage, we choose a stronger future.” Blake Powell, a leading Texas educational attorney.
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
February 3, 2026 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Call to Order
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
IV. Approval of Agenda
V. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1401-A – Expense Approval Report –
Payment Dates of January 14, 2026 – January 30, 2026 – $
B. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of January 20, 2026
VI. Public Comment
VII. Appearances
A. Stephen Mitchell – IT Update
VIII. Unfinished Business
IX. New Business
Public Hearings:
A. Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 9-2026 RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE
REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE
AT 310 N. CLEVELAND – L. Kruger
B. Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 10-2026 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE
REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE
AT 601 S. LITTLE – L. Kruger
Action Items:
A. Status update of 18 S. HOLBROOK – Tabled from November 18, 2025 – L. Kruger
B. Consideration of changes to Ordinance No. 3793 – AN ORDINANCE REGULATING
PUBLIC OFFENSES WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT
SCOTT, KSANSAS; INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE UNIFORM PUBLIC
OFFENSE CODE FOR KANSAS CITIES, 41 ST EDITION, PROVIDING CERTAIN
PENALTIES AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3749 – K. Salsbury
C. Approval to go out for bids for Cape Seal Project – B. Matkin
D. Discussion – City lake properties – B. Matkin
E. Discussion – Contractor Licensing – B. Matkin
F. Discussion – Condition of Horton Street – J. Dickman
Minutes of January 20, 2026 Regular
Meeting
A meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall,
123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tracy
Dancer, Tim Van Hoecke, Julie Buchta and Mayor Kathryn Salsbury were present.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Lisa
Dillon/Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering &
Inspections LLC, Ben Hart/BakerTilly, Dave Bruner/FSFD Chief, Lindsay Madison/Chamber of
Commerce, Amanda Lancaster/DBB, Inc., and Gregg Motley/4th District Bourbon County Commissioner.
SALSBURY led the Pledge of Allegiance and BUCHTA said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City,
the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the agenda as presented. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda – Amendment with addition of Item D
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1400-A – Expense Approval Report –
Payment Dates of January 1, 2026 – January 13, 2026 – $440,300.54
B. Approval of 2026 Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) License For Consumption on the
Premises: Fifth Wheel Tavern – 206 N. Humbolt St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
C. Approval of 2026 Occupation License – Precious Metals Dealer – Hulberts Jewelry
LLC/Bartelsmeyer Jewelry – 22 N. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
D. Approval of 2026 Occupation License – Precious Metals Dealer – Fort Scott Gun &
Pawn – 1402 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
E. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection LLC – Invoice 18373 – EEI Project
No. 25-12 East National Phase I – Design – 60% Complete – $15,525.00
F. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of January 6, 2026
G. December Financials
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the amended Consent Agenda. SALSBURY
seconded. SALSBURY, BUCHTA, VAN HOECKE and DANCER voted yes. WELLS voted
no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Public Comment – No public comment.
Appearances –
Amanda Lancaster – 2024 Audit and Consideration to Approve Invoice 176143 – Certified Audit
of Records and Preparation of Audit Report for the Year Ended December 21, 2024 – $20,200.00
Minutes of January 20, 2026 Fort Scott City Commission Regular
Meeting
2
LANCASTER was delayed.
MOTION: DANCER moved to push item (7) down until Ms. Lancaster can make an
appearance before the Commission. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Unfinished Business
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 8-2026 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, ENDORSING PARTICIPATION IN THE KANSAS MAIN
STREET PROGRAM AND DESIGNATING THE LOCAL MAIN STREET ORGANIZATION –
Lindsay Madison
MOTION: WELLS motioned to move forward with the City’s version of the resolution, No. 8-
2026 with the inclusion of the City’s historic preservation committee as a signature on the
form. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 5-2026 A RESOLUTION FOR EXEMPTION FROM
GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRACTICES (GAAP) UNDER K.S.A. 1120A – Ben
Hart
Discussion was had about the differences between GAAP and Regulatory Cash Basis (KMAAG)
Audits and accounting procedures, fixed asset inventory and depreciation schedule. Greg Motley
contributed to the discussion.
VAN HOECKE requested a Point of Order and that Amanda Lancaster be allowed to make her
appearance before a vote is taken on the matter.
LANCASTER presented her results from the 2024 audit for the City of Fort Scott.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to pay the invoice for DBB for $20,200.00 for our audit
report from year ended December 31, 2024. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Further discussion was had regarding the possibility of doing a GAAP audit.
SALSBURY called the question.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve Resolution No. 5-2026 A RESOLUTION FOR
EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRACTICES OR GAAP
UNDER K.S.A. 1120A. SALSBURY seconded. DANCER, SALSBURY, BUCHTA, and
VAN HOECKE voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Minutes of January 20, 2026 Fort Scott City Commission Regular
Meeting
3
ACTION: HART will prepare a proposal for providing a depreciation schedule and the other
things that would meet the needs of the concerns expressed.
Consideration setting a date for a Budget Workshop with BakerTilly
Work Session set for April 21, 2026, at 5:00PM at City Hall before the Regular Commission
Meeting.
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 6-2026 RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR
REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 1403 E. OAK –
Tabled November 18, 2025, for (30) days – Previously presented as Resolution No. 37-2025
KRUGER reported that the owner is currently working on the house, but may have stopped for
the winter. The house is still open, but the foundation (footing and a concrete retaining wall) has
been laid. Work has been done, but it is still in a state of disrepair. He has faith that it will
eventually be completed.
MOTION: WELLS moved to table this again until such a time as Officer Kruger has an
opportunity to bring more information and leave it up to his discretion. DANCER seconded.
MOTION PASSED 5-0.
ACTION: KRUGER will reach out to the owner about closing up the structure and report back to
the Commission.
Status Reports on Pending Demolition Proceedings
1626 E. Pine – KRUGER stated the owner has completely cleaned up the property, painted the
house and are doing everything that he has asked them to do so far. He believes the progress
justifies removing the placard from the house.
1815 E. Oak – KRUGER stated that it was requested by a person of interest at the public
hearing, that he be given time to get the house in probate. However, he has been in and out of
jail since the time was granted. This person does not have any legal authority for the house but
had agreed to board up windows and doors but nothing has transpired. The neighbor expressed
interest in purchasing the property when it goes to the Land Bank. The owner is in arrears on
taxes. KRUGER requested that the Commission reconsider the hold they put on the house and
that it be brought back up for demolition.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE motioned to move forward with resolving the unsafe home that
was up for repair or removal at 1815 E. Oak. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
New Business
Action Items:
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 7-2026 RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH
REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE(S) AT 406 S.
HORTON, FORT SCOTT, KS 66701
Minutes of January 20, 2026 Fort Scott City Commission Regular
Meeting
4
FARMER left the meeting 6:58PM
KRUGER reported that no taxes have been paid since 2021. He has been trying for over (1) year
to get the owner who lives in California to do maintenance on this house. It has been vacant and
currently the roof has started to cave in on the house and it needs to come down. He gave further
description of the condition of the house.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve Resolution No. 7-2026 A RESOLUTION AND
NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS
STRUCTURE AT 406 S. HORTON. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration to purchase Water Truck
MATKIN requested the purchase of a water truck for asphalting. It is on the CIP. He presented
the comparables and recommended the model from Niece Products – 2022 demo model, 17,200
miles, $65,850.00 plus $1,000.00 credit toward a trade in for a piece of iron in the back of the
barn. A warranty is included.
FARMER returned to the meeting 7:01PM
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to approve the purchase of the water truck from Niece
Products with a thank you to Al Niece. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Discussion to adopt International Building Code (IBC) 2018 – L. Dillon
DILLON requested that the City upgrade from 2012 to 2018 to increase their chances for grant
awards. Discussion was had regarding the differences between the (2) codes. The fire code
would be the biggest impact but the advantages or increasing our ISO has benefits such as
homeowners receiving better insurance rates. BRUNER explained the ISO rating. The next
evaluation for ISO will be in 2027. By upgrading the code, the hope is to bring the City’s ISO
down from the current (3). Grandfathering under 2018 applies if renovation is under 50%.
FARMER added that it is important to remain current. BRUNER explained that the state fire
marshal is headed toward adopting IBC 2024 in the near future, but legislation will take longer.
Reports and Comments
City Manager:
– GO Bond being discussed with GilmoreBell
– IT will be at the next meeting for an update
– Moody Building – for sale, still monitoring
– 118 E. Wall – for sale, no updates, time to consider moving forward
– February meetings – discuss Contractor Licenses and City Lake Properties.
City Engineer:
– E. National update – working on preliminary plans
– Wall Street traffic control plan in works
– Consider sludge removal this year
Minutes of January 20, 2026 Fort Scott City Commission Regular
Meeting
5
– Water/Sewer Rate analysis needed before budget season
– Pre-construction meeting for Davis Lift Station project – start date February 16, 2026
Commissioner Wells:
– KDOT agreement for HWY54
– Fitness park timetable
– County moratorium for industrial and commercial business status
–
Commissioner Van Hoecke:
– City Clerk to put December 2, 2025 minutes on website
– 118 E. Wall – ready to move forward for resolution
– Cold weather awareness
Commissioner Dancer:
– Comments on accounting and demands for GAAP audit
– 911 outage question
– Hay bale obstacle course
Commissioner Buchta:
– Timken and Valu buildings update – appreciate City’s persistence
– Comments on GAAP audit
Commissioner Salsbury:
– Working on Ordinance 3793 – put on next agenda
– Cold weather awareness
Adjourn
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:33PM. DANCER seconded.
JANUARY 20, 2026, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:33PM.
The third week of the session was very unusual. It started with fast tracking House Substitute for Senate Bill (SB) 244 that requires every multi-person restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower in a public building to be designated for use by only one biological sex, with narrow exceptions for emergencies, maintenance, and children under 9. It also redefines “gender” to mean biological sex at birth, renders any birth certificate or driver license gender marker issued before July 1, 2026, that conflicts with that definition invalid, and obliges the state to issue corrective notices and new documents. Violations by governmental entities would attract civil penalties ranging from $25,000 to $125,000 per day, while individuals could face fines and misdemeanor charges. It was frustrating to lawmakers who were concerned with the way the bill was worked. The core grievance was that the legislature bypassed the usual committee hearings and moved the bill straight to the floor, leaving many feeling the process was rushed. It passed both chambers with a supermajority and is on its way to the Governor’s desk. The Senate voted 30 to 9. I voted yes.
Illegal Aliens, a person who is unlawfully present in the United States, would be blocked from receiving state or local taxpayer funded benefits, including in-state tuition discounts at post-secondary schools. It also amends criminal procedure law to require immigration status verification for noncitizen defendants and creates a rebuttable presumption that an illegal alien is a flight risk when setting appearance bonds. There was an attempt to remove the in-state tuition during floor debate. The amendment failed. SB 254 passed the Senate 30 to 9. I voted yes. The bill is on its way to the House.
Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day October 14, Mr. Kirk’s birthday, will be recognized each year as free speech day if SCR 1615 passes the House. SCR 1615 also condemns the assassination of Charlie Kirk and offers condolences to his family. It urges the Governor to join the Legislature in marking the day and encourages Kansans to celebrate by exercising free speech and civil discourse. I voted yes with a final vote in the Senate 30 to 8, sending it to the House.
Trafficking and sexual‑exploitation laws would be tightened, with all fines sent to the state victim assistance fund if CCR 2347 becomes law. The measure would also expand the “criminal use of a financial card” to cover unauthorized, altered, or stolen gift card information by imposing steep penalties. It also would make it unlawful to use a laser pointer to harm a person. It passed the Senate 39 to 0 and the House 119 to 4. It’s anticipated that the Governor will sign CCR 2347 into law.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE CALL FOR THE EXERCISE OF A PURCHASE OPTION UNDER A CERTAIN LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND THE REDEMPTION OF CERTAIN OUTSTANDING CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION.
4.0 ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION – PERSONNEL MATTERS (ACTION)
5.0 EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION – PERSONNEL MATTERS & RETURN TO OPEN SESSION (INFORMATION)
Fort Scott High School is hosting a Cancer Awareness Week to raise awareness, honor cancer fighters and survivors, and support cancer related causes through school wide activities and fundraising. The week will include both a community event and daily student involvement at the high school.
Cancer Awareness Week is intended to be educational, meaningful, and engaging. It reminds students and the community of the impact cancer has on so many lives and how collective action, even small contributions, can make a difference. Cancer Awareness Week is being organized and led by Fort Scott High School Junior Allie Wards, with support from FSHS staff and administration. FSHS clubs assisting Wards with the event include Community Empowerment, Zero Reasons Why, and Key Club.
The following events are planned:
Friday, February 6th – Cancer Awareness Week will begin with a Miracle Minute at a home basketball game at FSHS. During this minute, attendees will be invited to donate in support of cancer awareness and related causes. The event will also include recognition of cancer fighters and survivors to honor those affected by cancer.
Monday, February 9th – Friday, February 13th – Throughout the week at Fort Scott High School, students will participate in simple awareness activities designed to educate, encourage compassion, and build community support.
Monday: Students will write encouraging notes to cancer patients and their families.These notes will be donated to Care to Share who will help distribute them.
Tuesday: A large poster will be displayed for students to sign reading: “I stand with cancer fighters because…” students will be encouraged to write their personal reasons and messages of support.
Wednesday: A school wide Google form will be shared with students containing some cancer awareness questions. Students will also vote for songs to be used later in the week during a special fundraising event.
Thursday: Students will receive temporary tattoos and are encouraged to take photos wearing them and post on Instagram, tagging @fshscancerawareness to help spread awareness beyond the school.
Friday: The week will conclude with a school assembly. Throughout the week, students are donating money under specific teachers’ names. The top teachers with the highest total donations by Thursday afternoon will participate in a karaoke performance during the assembly. They will sing the top 3 songs chosen by students and wear costumes selected from the FSHS Theatre costume wardrobe. At the assembly, FSHS will present Care to Share with all funds raised throughout the week.
(I know the proper spelling is “opossum” but I’m choosing the Southern spelling.) When I was in sixth grade, our music teacher would roll the piano into our room and we would sing, sing, sing; I loved music class! We had a variety of songs in our book and the teacher would often let us choose what we wanted to sing. I remember singing about a possum: “Possum gravy can’t be beat, hi-a-way, hi-a-way home.” I’ve never had possum gravy, so I have no idea if it’s the best – I’ll just take the songwriter’s word for it! I’ve seen a possum bare its teeth and it looks like a big grin – a very ugly big grin.
For humans, what’s in a smile? Well, a smile is an affordable way to instantly improve our looks! A smile is a natural heartlift for the person who sees it. There are unspoken words in a smile, e.g., “You’re valuable,” “You’re appreciated,” “You’re doing a good job,” etc. My mom once told me, “Smile at people – it costs you nothing.”
A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face, a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day” (Proverbs 15:13 MSG). When we smile at people, I think it actually helps them get through their day. When I accidentally nearly run over someone with my grocery cart, I’m hopeful that my apology and smile helps them to forgive me. (There’s a blind spot when I’m turning from one aisle to the next – I need a horn and a turn signal on my cart!)
Our countenance is important because it affects us, plus those who see our face. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” (Proverbs 17:22 NLT). If you think you have nothing to smile about, think again. “Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? I fix my eyes on God and soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God” (Psalm 42:5 MSG). And remember that your smile is not about you, it’s about the person with whom you’re interacting. We need to smile for the other individual’s benefit; no doubt he/she could use it to brighten the corner of their world.
In the movie Top Gun Maverick, there’s a short dialogue between Captain Maverick and the Chief Warrant Officer Bernie Coleman. Right before takeoff for the test flight to hit Mac 10, Bernie says to Maverick, “I don’t like that look, man.” Maverick retorts, “It’s the only one I got.”
I sure like the look on Robin’s face when I see her twice a week. When I walk into the reception area of the fitness center, she flashes her big beautiful smile and makes me feel welcome and loved. Her instant nonverbal message says, “It’s good to see you; I’m glad you’re here!” What a big difference her genuine smile makes to everyone’s day! I just realized why she looks 20 years younger than her actual age – it’s because she smiles a lot! It takes more muscles to frown than smile, so Robin is living proof that’s true because she doesn’t have any wrinkles!
The Key: Do yourself and everyone else a big favor – smile!
George Thomas “Tom” Hueston, age 76, resident of Mapleton, KS passed away Friday, January 30, 2026, at his home. Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Wednesday, February 4th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Mapleton Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Uniontown Eagles Shooting Sports and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
7. Executive Session – K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) Requested by Motley
8. Approval of Minutes – January 15, 2026
9. Approval of Minutes – January 26, 2026
10. Approval of Accounts Payable – January 30, 2026 ($114,143.02)
11. Approval of Tax Corrections
12. Liaison Program Review – Commissioner Beerbower leads a board discussion on revising or ending the liaison program.
13. Citizen Comments
14. Department Updates
a. Payroll Update – Milburn-Kee
b. County Clerk – Discussion on inventory, commission minutes, procedures, and 2025 end-of-year financials and resolutions.
15. Old Business
a. Handbook Follow-ups
b. Strategic Planning – Motley
c. Commission Calendar – Motley
d. EOC Access – Beerbower
e. Sewer Update – Milburn-Kee
16. New Business
a. Equitable Sharing Agreement Certification – Sheriff Martin
b. Bitcoin Valuation – Matt Quick
c. SEKRPC Membership Dues – Discussion of $4,554 payment usually charged to General Government.
17. Agenda Topics for Future Meetings
18. Commission Comments
19. Adjournment
Information Packet Detailed Summary
Official Appointment of District 3 Commissioner (Pages 3–5)
The packet contains official correspondence from the Kansas Secretary of State congratulating Joseph Allen on his appointment as Bourbon County Commissioner for District 3. This section includes the formal Certificate of Appointment signed by Governor Laura Kelly and the required Oath of Office form.
Minutes: Special Meeting on Employee Handbook (Pages 6–13)
The Commission held a marathon special session on January 15, 2026, to conduct a methodical, page-by-page review of the 65-page employee handbook. Key decisions and discussions included:
Elected Officials and Policy (Page 6): New language was added to clarify that while the handbook applies to all employees, independent elected officials maintain statutory discretion over certain operational matters in their offices.
Leave and Accrual Changes (Pages 7–8): Extensive new policies were adopted regarding how leave is handled when employees transfer between exempt and non-exempt status, or between full-time and part-time status. Notably, a 10-year employment requirement was established to be eligible for a 25% sick leave payout.
Probationary Period (Page 9): After a split vote, the Commission eventually reached a unanimous decision to adopt a 90-day probationary period for new employees.
Weapons Policy (Page 9): The Commission voted to remove the weapons policy and all firearm notes from the handbook.
Operational Adjustments (Page 10–11): New rules were set for cell phone use (prohibited while operating heavy equipment), sleeping exceptions for EMS during rest periods, and overtime structures for law enforcement (overtime starting at 86 hours in a biweekly period).
Longevity Pay (Page 11): The board voted to phase out monthly longevity pay by converting it into hourly salary rates.
Minutes: January 26 Regular Meeting (Pages 14–15)
The regular meeting on January 26 included a public hearing for the vacation of a road (Resolution 08-26), which was approved. However, the meeting became contentious during the Citizen Comments portion regarding rules for addressing individual commissioners. Following a heated exchange between the Register of Deeds and the Commission, the meeting was adjourned early due to escalating tension.
The packet includes a detailed breakdown of open invoices by department as of January 30, 2026.
General Fund (Page 141): Includes utilities for various county buildings and legal services.
Appraisers and Benefits (Page 142): Includes membership dues and KPERS audit adjustments.
Clerk and Landfill (Pages 143–144): Significant expenses include $5,556 for server equipment and over $6,000 for waste services at the landfill.
Sheriff and Correctional (Pages 144–146): Routine maintenance, vehicle tires, and inmate care costs are detailed.
Road and Bridge (Pages 146–151): This section contains a high volume of small-to-mid-sized invoices for equipment parts, hydraulic hoses, fuel caps, and electrical service for the shop.
