There will be a special meeting for the board of county commissioners on April 15, 2025 at 4:00 PM in the commission chambers.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 15
Reinstatement of Federal Funds to Support Teachers, Child Care Providers Is Sought
Governor Kelly Calls on Trump Administration
to Reinstate Federal Funds to Support Teachers, Child Care Providers
~ Governor Kelly sends letter to secretary of education requesting
restoration of $22.6 million in funding for Kansas students and educators ~
TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday she has sent a letter to United States Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, requesting reinstatement of $22.6 million in federal pandemic relief funds. The United States Department of Education announced in late March that the federal government was recouping nearly $3 billion in pandemic relief funds from states. Many states, including Kansas, had already obligated these funds for programs and services benefiting students and educators.
“Abruptly stripping this funding is a disservice to the Kansas students and teachers who rely on it to excel in the classroom,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding is critical for our schools to continue setting Kansas children up for a strong start to life. I urge the Trump administration to reinstate this funding to ensure our students can continue to access these key resources they need to succeed.”
In Kansas, these funds have been critical for supporting student learning recovery and ensuring the education workforce is prepared to assist those students in their academic needs. Funds have been used to retrain teachers in the science of reading and other evidence-based interventions to support student learning, career and postsecondary exploration experiences for students, and to lower start-up costs for child care providers.
On April 3, 2025, the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) requested the Trump administration restore Kansas’ funding and allow for KSDE to continue using these funds toward its intended purposes. That request continues to be under consideration by the secretary of education.
In October 2024, Governor Kelly announced the state would cover the cost of licensure, fingerprinting, and background check fees for early childhood educators using these federal education funds. The Kelly administration began waiving these fees using federal and state funds in 2021.
Since 2021, these efforts have saved child care providers $3.34 million in fees and covered application costs of over 15,500 providers and background checks for over 39,400 providers. These fees will be reinstated until the Trump administration restores Kansas’ funding allocation.
Governor Kelly’s full letter to Secretary McMahon can be found here.
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Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson April 12
The 2025 session has ended. There were several veto overrides, and more legislation sent to the Governor. Below are some of the vetoed bills and the results of the override.
Nutrition In Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), SB 79, directed the Secretary for Children and Families to request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to exclude candy and soft drinks from the definition of eligible foods for the food assistance program, SNAP. The Senate voted to override the veto 29 to 11, but the House did not vote on it so the veto was sustained. I voted for the legislation and for the override. It didn’t stop people from purchasing these items. They just would not have been able to use taxpayer funded SNAP money to buy those products. It was reported before the veto override that the Governor’s office had sent a letter requesting the waiver and then withdrew it before she vetoed the bill.
Income Tax reductions will occur when income taxes collected exceeds inflation and there is 15% or more in the rainy-day fund because SB 269 will be law. SB 269 will help reign in the out-of-control state government growth. In 2023, all funds spending increased over 10%, $2.3 billion – in one year. State government spending has increased approximately 50% since Governor Kelly took office. Last year, we were able to reduce state income taxes by exempting Social Security, increasing personal exemptions, and reducing the tax brackets. Even with these cuts, the state continues to collect more in income taxes. SB 269 will keep us on the path started last year of limiting government growth. The Governor’s veto was overridden 30 to 10 in the Senate, 87 to 37 in the House. I voted Yes.
State Welfare programs will be audited as result of the veto override of HB 2217. We must ensure that state assistance is getting to those in need and stop the waste, fraud, and abuse of these programs. HB 2217 will give the inspector general the authority to audit. It’s disappointing we must pass laws to audit fraud. It doesn’t make sense. However, it is now law. The Senate voted 30 to 10 on the override. I voted Yes.
Budget Continuous Funding is ensured in SB 14. Looking forward, there could be a time when the budget is used as leverage to force legislators’ hands. SB 14 would put the previous year’s budget in place if there is a year that a budget doesn’t pass, preventing a government shutdown. It passed the Senate 31 to 9 and the House 85 to 39. I voted Yes on the override.
“Bidenbucks” No More in Kansas as SB 5 becomes law. Election officials can no longer accept federal funds unless approved by law. A couple of years ago we passed into law an amendment that I had ran to stop financial influences such as “Zuckerbucks” on Kansas elections. It became law. Since them, federal money has been used to influence how we execute Kansas elections. That will no longer be the case. The override passed the Senate 31 to 9 and 86 to 37 in the House. I voted Yes.
There were several other items passed into law, too many to cover in this week’s report. I’ll write more next week. In the meantime, all legislation is posted at www.KSLegislature.gov.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Tennyson Creek Solar Donates to Uniontown Summer Ball Association
Tennyson Creek Solar donated to Uniontown Ball Association to support youth development and remains committed to local education through SunPowered Student Challenge.
Tennyson Creek Solar, a project by Doral Renewables LLC, today announced a donation of $1,000 to the Uniontown Summer Ball Association as part of their commitment to improving the communities they operate in and to promote inclusivity. The donation will help provide participation for those in need in the community.
“Our aim is to foster a love of the game of baseball as well as provide an inclusive environment where youth can go to feel part of a team and develop their confidence and interpersonal skills,” said Jacy Walker, with the Uniontown Summer Ball Association.
The Uniontown Summer Ball Association is a community organization based in Uniontown, Kansas, dedicated to providing youth baseball, softball, and T-ball programs during the summer months. They offer opportunities for children to engage in team sports, develop their skills, and enjoy recreational activities.
In addition to this recent donation, students sponsored by Tennyson Creek Solar recently participated in the SunPowered Student Challenge, where students across Kansas came together for an exciting event focused on the future of solar energy. Through hands-on activities, creative projects, and innovative presentations, participants explored how solar power can shape a more sustainable world.
The Uniontown Eagles presented their project and competed in a variety of technical and social competitions to test their knowledge and problem-solving related to the application of solar in different contexts. In the end, the Eagles were able to win the Curb Appeal Award and take home fifth in the overall competition. This was their first year of competition and the students report excitement and lofty goals for competing next year. Mr. Vance Eden, USD 235 Superintendent shared, “I’m really proud of our team. We were probably the youngest and least experienced group there, but the kids made up for it in effort and passion. I look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future.”
“Congratulations to the Uniontown Eagles for their involvement in the SunPowered Challenge,” said Cliff Williams, Vice President of Development at Doral Renewables. “We are honored to have been a part of the next generation learning more about the solar industry and the future of energy.”
The individuals in the Uniontown ball donation are photo are as follows from left to right:
Jacy Walker and Marlon Merida, representing Tennyson Creek Solar
Revised Agenda for the Bourbon County Commission Meeting For Today
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-5832
Bourbon County, Kansas
Brandon Whisenhunt, Chairman
1st District Commissioner
David Beerbower, Vice-Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Vacant
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room 210 S National Ave.
April 14, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer – David Beerbower
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes from 03.31.25
IV. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of 04.11.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $308,360.48
b. February Financials
c. Tax Roll Corrections
V. SEK Health Department 2026 Budget Request – Rebecca Johnson
VI. Old Business
a. Hay Bid Letter – Pat Murphy
b. Letters of Interest Zoning Committee
VII. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VIII. New Business
a. Letter of Support for SEK-CAP
b. Department Updates
i. Eric Bailey
c. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) M. Hoyt (15 minutes)
d. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) Job Performance
e. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(2) Ongoing Litigation
f. Commissioner Comments
IX. Adjournment
Fort Scott Community College Weekly Bulletin April 14
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 14
Birdbrains Fly Smart by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
Birdbrains Fly Smart
As I was driving to church one Sunday, I noticed a flock of migratory birds flying in a V formation. I was impressed with their precision and strength. Once again, nature reminded me that there’s a Creator God who instills instincts and intelligence into all His creatures. The brilliant brains of these migratory birds demonstrated impressive abilities in navigation, memory, and communication. So I don’t know how it got started that calling someone a “birdbrain” would mean the person lacked intelligence or made stupid decisions. Where I come from we’re more apt to call a silly person one of these colloquialisms: nincompoop, idiot, halfwit, moron, ignoramus, dimwit, nitwit, dum-dum, numbskull, knucklehead, lamebrain, dingbat, goofus, airhead, dipstick, ding-dong, goofball, ding-a-ling, or harebrain. I can just hear my dad using every one of these names.
I did some research on migratory birds and discovered comparative spiritual lessons. Here are nine interesting points: (1) When flying in a V formation, the birds save energy by drafting off each other while following the leader. [We need one another.] (2) In order to fly 1,000 miles, birds cannot fly alone. [Some jobs are too big to accomplish alone.] (3) Scientists have proven that all the birds contribute almost equally in the job of leading the flock. [Help your pastor share the load of the flock.] (4) Flying in a V formation reduces fatigue in the flock. [Flying by the seat of your pants is exhausting.]
(5) A large or strong bird will take the lead. [Church leaders must be strong in the Lord.] (6) If the leader becomes tired it will rotate back into formation and another bird will take the lead. [Do whatever you can to protect your pastor from burnout.] (7) When the flock changes direction, a new leader will take the helm. [Change is inevitable. Moses handed the Israelites over to Joshua so he could lead them into the Promised Land.] (8) A sick bird will drop out of formation and one other bird will follow it until it recovers or dies. [Keep tabs on one another and do what’s necessary.] (9) If a bird falls out of formation it will notice the extra resistance and immediately get back in line. [If you get discouraged, don’t stop attending church — it‘ll just make things worse.]
Let’s face the facts — people need people. We need one another. It’s a given that believers have God watching over us, Jesus interceding for us, and the Holy Spirit abiding in us. But God designed us to need and thrive on close relationships with fellow believers. Sometimes life is too hard or too fun to do it alone.
I love the incident in the Old Testament when the Amalekites attacked the Israelites: “Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset” (Exodus 17:10-12 NLT). As a result, the Israelites overwhelmed the Amalekites and won the victory. Moses was a strong leader, but he was human and when his strength gave out he needed two faithful men to stand on either side of him to hold up his arms. We are no different from Moses.
The Key: Even birdbrains know they aren’t supposed to fly alone.
Weekly Newsletter from U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt
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Board Games and Strong Families
Tara Solomon-Smith
Family and Community Wellness Agent, Southwind Extension District
tsolomon@ksu.edu, 620-244-3826
Board Games and Strong Families
In today’s busy world, family time can easily get lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But spending quality time together is important for keeping family bonds strong. One great way to bring families closer is by playing board games—especially Euro-style games. These games focus on strategy, not luck, and avoid direct conflict between players, making them a fun and positive way to build stronger relationships.
How Do Board Games Benefit Relationship Building?
People need to feel loved and like they belong. Friends and family help with that. Playing board games is a fun way for families and friends to spend time together, laugh, and feel close.
To get along with others, we need to learn things like how to understand our feelings, make good choices, and be kind. These are called soft skills. If kids don’t know how to play nicely, they might act out to show how they feel. But when kids have good relationships, they feel happy and safe.
Talking and listening are very important in families. Good communication helps families solve problems and understand each other. We show we care by really listening, smiling, and using kind voices and body language.
In his book, titled “Family Treasures: Creating Strong Families,” Dr. John DeFrain examines what he says are the six major qualities that strong, successful families exhibit across all cultures in order to create positive environments. These include: enjoyable time together, appreciation and affection for one another, positive communication, spiritual well-being (values, beliefs, and life skills), successful management of stress and crisis, and commitment to each other.
There are ways that families can achieve these six qualities through everyday living.
Enjoyable Time Together
- Lots of quality time
- Good things take time
- Enjoying each other’s company
- Simple good times
- Sharing fun times
Appreciation and Affection
- Caring for each other
- Friendship
- Respect for individuality
- Playfulness
- Humor
Positive Communication
- Giving compliments
- Sharing feelings
- Avoiding blaming
- Being able to compromise
- Agreeing to disagree
Spiritual Well-Being
- Hope
- Faith
- Compassion
- Shared ethical values
- Oneness with humankind
Successful Stress and Crisis Management
- Are adaptable
- See crises as challenges and opportunities
- Grow through crises together
- Open to change
- Bounce back from stress and crises
Commitment to Each Other
- Trust
- Honesty
- Dependability
- Faithfulness
- Sharing
Board games are a fun way for families to talk, listen, and enjoy time together. When families have fun and talk well, they become stronger and closer.
This article is the second in a three-part series and comes from information in the Bonding Thru Board Games fact sheets. For more information contact Tara Solomon-Smith, tsolomon@ksu.edu, 620-244-3826, or visit https://www.southwind.k-state.edu/home-family/family_child_development/
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
Drought Forecast
Drought… the theme for the last 3 years. So, the million-dollar question… “What will happen in 2025?” To be honest no one knows with certainty what the weather will do besides Mother Nature herself.
Last week I listened to Matthew Sittel the Assistant State Climatologist at Kansas State University talk about our current weather conditions and the projected weather pattern. According to Matt now through April 20th we should expect 50% near normal precipitation for this time of year. After that there is a 40% higher probability of precipitation from April 20th through May 2nd. Along with the rain chances we can expect the temperatures to run on the warm side for this time of year in the next 30 days. As you look farther into June there’s a 30% chance of below precipitation and 30% chance of above average temperatures.
So, what does this mean exactly… well it means there is a slightly elevated chance of precipitation in the next few weeks. Will it rain? There is a good chance it will but it is not guaranteed. The long range forecast into June says chances are we could have a below average rain fall and above average temperatures.
Unfortunately, the forecast does not look promising at this time for producers. The only advise I have right now when planning for the growing season is hope for the best and plan for the worst. I have never wanted to be wrong this much in my life. I hope the weather turns in our favor and we can recover from the last 3 years but only time will tell.
Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at mengo57@ksu.edu or 620-223-3720
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.