The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
The Bourbon County Commission discussed the proposed noise ordinance in a work session on Nov. 3. They held a work session rather than a regular meeting because the clerk’s office was unavailable to record the meeting due to elections.
Commissioner Samuel Tran gave an update on the bitcoin mining noise issue that the commission has been discussing for several weeks. He was at a meeting with the owners of the generator and legal counsel on the property where the generator is housed. Some citizens were nearby, but not allowed on the property.
He said the decibel reading was 58 dB at the gate, which is lower than earlier reported readings. “It was noticeably quieter,” Tran said, than on his previous visits. He asked if the generator was operating at a full load. He was told it was.
Commissioner David Beerbower said that the sheriff’s department reported to him that during subsequent checks after the meeting, the volume “went back up.”
Tran said he spoke to the county’s legal counsel about the noise resolution at some length. He has no issues with creating a resolution, but questions whether or not it’s enforceable. It should be enforced by a planning committee. He expressed concern that the commission is at risk of passing a watered-down resolution that may come across as way too broad and capricious in its fines or penalties.
Beerbower said he was continuing to work on the resolution, but sees the planning commission getting involved to repeal or amend it as needed. He said a noise resolution is needed now, and the planning commission has a lot on its plate at this time.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Bourbon County Commissioners will have a work session tonight, 11/4/25, at 5:00 PM. Immediately following, there will be a special meeting to discuss benefits.
Fort Scott National Historic Site glows during the annual candlelight tour event. This photo is from 2019.
The U.S. federal government shut down on Oct. 1,, 2025 after lawmakers failed to resolve a budget deadlock, halted some federal operations, according to https://www.ncsl.org/in-dc/federal-government-shutdown-what-it-means-for-states-and-programs Triggered by partisan clashes over funding beyond Sept. 30, the shutdown has created uncertainty for many federal programs.
The local Fort Scott National Historic Site is a government facility.
The annual Candlelight Tour at the Fort has a Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site group that is providing press releases and ticket sales for the event during the shutdown.
They are doing their best to make it happen, although reduced in scope, according to Matthew Wells, president of the Friends organization.
They will put out the candles on the walkways of the fort and there may be a few vignettes of life on the prairie in the fort.
“My wife and family may have a vignette,” said Friends of the Fort President Matthew Wells. “We love doing it and love the fort.”
“Our main goal is to get the candles out for the people to enjoy the beautiful fort,” he said.
“We don’t believe we have time to learn the scripts and music, etc.,” with the buildings being closed for the shutdown, he said. “The government isn’t open to do any of it.”
The Fort’s employees are government employees,
But as in years past, on November 1, 2025, tickets for Fort Scott National Historic Site’s 44th Annual Candlelight Tour went on sale.
The group is doing the preliminary work to have the event and will be providing music and refreshments, as in the past.
However, how you purchase your ticket is changing for the event this year.
The following information is from the Friends of the Fort organization, via a press release:
2) contact the Chamber of Commerce in Fort Scott, 231 E. Wall.
3) If the shutdown ends, tickets can be picked up at the fort’s visitor center on Old Fort Boulevard, just north of Fort Scott’s downtown area.
Tickets are $5 per person and are non-refundable; children, 5 and under, are free.
It is recommended that you get your tickets early to ensure your choice of tour times, as this event frequently sells out.
The 44th Annual Candlelight Tour is Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6, 2025.
Tours on December 5 will begin at 6:30 pm and leave every 15 minutes until 9 pm.
On Saturday, December 6, the tours will start at 5 pm with the final tour leaving at 9 pm. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, present/pick up your ticket, and get oriented.
Participants are advised to please dress for the weather and conditions, as the tour will be outside and on sidewalks.
1,000 candle lanterns illuminate the site, and re-enactors (including you) bring the fort to life. During the tour, you will be immersed in ways people have overcome and learned from challenges and new experiences in Fort Scott.
Depending on the end of the Government shutdown, it may look different this year than years past, but we encourage you to come enjoy the beauty of the Historic site in candlelight, according to the press release.
National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable. For more information, please visit: doi.gov/shutdown
October Total Tax Collections at $695.6 Million; 7.2% Above Estimate
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends October 2025 with total tax collections at $695.6 million. That is $47.0 million, or 7.2%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 4.1% from October 2024.
“While this month’s tax collections indicate some good news, corporate income tax collections have significantly missed the mark, which is concerning,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration will continue to monitor revenues and prioritize fiscal responsibility as I craft my Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal.”
Individual income tax collections were $367.4 million. That is $67.4 million, or 22.5% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 17.9% from October 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $15.9 million. That is $24.1 million, or 60.2% below the estimate, and down 58.2% from October 2024.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $289.5 million, which is $3.5 million, or 1.2% above the estimate, and down 1.7% from October 2024.
Click here to view the October 2025 revenue numbers.
Kansas Department for Children and Families Issues Statement on USDA’s Court Filing Announcing the Decision to Make Reduced November SNAP Payments
TOPEKA – In a federal court filing on Monday, Nov. 3, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it plans to send out partial SNAP benefits in November using the SNAP contingency fund. The filing said the USDA will first send each state official notice showing how much each existing SNAP household should receive. Right now, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has not received this information. Once it does, DCF will determine next steps to issue the partial payments and communicate when Kansas SNAP recipients can expect to receive them.
More information will be shared as it becomes available. To keep Kansans updated, DCF has created a webpage on its website, dcf.ks.gov, with information about the government shutdown and impacts to DCF programs. The page includes a list of questions and answers and will be updated as new information becomes available.
The loss of federal funding places additional stress on Kansas food banks, pantries, and meals programs, which are already strained to meet the needs of those who utilize them. Kansans wishing to help their local food resources can find those locations on the Kansas Food Source website, kansasfoodsource.org.
Road in Crawford County to be closed for bridge replacement
Road in Crawford County to be closed for bridge replacement
Road in Crawford County to be closed for bridge replacement
WALNUT – A Crawford County road northeast of Walnut will be closed beginning in mid-November so a contractor can replace a bridge, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.
The bridge is on 690th Avenue, which is a mile north of K-146 and just west of 30th Street. The gravel road will be closed throughout the project, which is expected to be completed in the early spring of 2026, conditions permitting.
A tributary of Little Walnut Creek flows through the box culvert bridge. The new bridge will be 26 feet long and will feature 12-foot driving lanes.
Governor Laura Kelly and KDOT Secretary Calvin Reed announced $42.3 million in funding for this and 34 other bridge projects in 2023 through the KDOT Off-System Bridge program and the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program. The programs target improvements to city and county bridges not on the state highway system and in need of replacement and repair. Projects, in most cases, require matching local funding.
B&B Bridge Company LLC, of St. Paul, is the contractor for the $484,474.50 bridge replacement.
KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/southeastnews.
This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For information about obtaining an alternative format, email the KDOT Division of Communications, or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.
Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.
Approval of Minutes (unofficial until approved): 09.22.25, 09.23.25, 09.26.25, 09.29.25, 10.06.25, 10.14.25, 10.20.25, 10.22.25, 10.27.25
James Crux, County Attorney – Budget Discussion
Consent Agenda:
Approval of 10.31.25 Accounts Payable: $161,816.71
Approval of 10.31.25 Payroll: $243,122.51
VI. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
VII. Old Business
2026 Benefits
AP & Payroll approvals
Sanitation Discussion
Elevator Discussion
Stop Sign removal north & southbound 205th & Overbrook
108 W 2nd Transition
Emerson Payroll
Bitcoin
SOP Culvert
VIII. New Business
HR Assistant
Baker Tilly
Schwab-Eaton Engineering Services Agreement
IX. Department Updates
X. Build Agenda for following meeting
XI. Commission Comments
XII. Adjournment
Detailed Information Packet Summary
Future Items and Executive Sessions (Page 2)
Executive Sessions: The packet includes the official form outlining the statutory reasons for an Executive Session (KSA 75-4319), which can be used to discuss personnel matters, consult with an attorney, discuss negotiations, financial data/trade secrets, real estate acquisition, or security measures.
Scheduled Future Agenda Items:
11/10/25: Noise Resolution, Longevity
11/17/25: Credit Card Policy
11/24/25: 190th Street Benefit District
Tabled/Future Items: Economic Development, Juvenile Detention Contract (Spring 2026), Benefits Committee Letters, Elm Creek Quarry, and Phone System.
Minutes from October 27, 2025 Meeting (Pages 3-6)
Key Topics: Discussions centered on the Noise Resolution and its enforcement challenges, the ongoing payroll transition with Emerson & Company/Payentry, exploring a vehicle leasing program for the Sheriff’s Office, a Culvert Installation SOP, and county employee insurance plan changes/cost increases. (Page 3)
Noise Resolution: The county will convene the Planning Commission to begin developing a zoning plan, which is anticipated to provide a framework for addressing issues like the Noise Resolution. (Page 4)
Employee Insurance/Benefits: The Commission will work with the insurance provider to develop a revised plan that maintains the current employer contribution levels. (Page 4) Longevity pay is being reconsidered and requires a clear policy. (Page 3)
Technology/Network (Stronghold Update): The IT project is reported as 26% complete after 45 days. Major issues remain network-related. Stronghold requested formal policies for access permissions, authority to request changes, and documentation for IT oversight (e.g., for employee onboarding/promotions). (Page 4)
Actions Taken:
The motion to direct the County Clerk to provide information to Payentry by 11/3/25 was approved. (Page 5)
The Commission voted to move forward with Stronghold’s hardware project. (Page 5)
The request for the Hammond Community Center to dump roof replacement debris at the Landfill for free was approved. (Page 5)
The Consent Agenda for the 10/24/25 Accounts Payable, September 2025 financials, and 3rd Quarter financial publication passed on a 3-1 vote. (Page 5)
Accounts Payable Summary (Pages 7-22)
The remainder of the information packet consists of the detailed Open Invoices By Department Summary for the Accounts Payable totaling $161,816.71, which is set for approval on the agenda.
General Fund (Fund 001): Totals $42,283.00, with over $12,000 in invoices primarily related to payroll clearing for IRS, KPERS, and State Withholding. (Page 7)
Employee Benefit Fund (Fund 064): Totals $36,855.11, with numerous payroll-related clearing accounts and a monthly fee for Health Equity. (Page 8-11)
County Sheriff/Correctional Fund (Fund 120): Totals $64,021.02. (Page 22)
Road and Bridge Fund (Fund 220): Invoices include a total of $5,163.80 for 12″, 15″, and 18″ Culvert Tubes from Bo’s 1 Stop Inc. (Page 18)
Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund (Fund 222): Totals $1,494.54, with expenditures including nuts/bolts/nails and a diesel washdown pump. (Page 21)
Donald Eugene Tully, affectionately known as Don to his friends and family, passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Born on August 22, 1951, Don’s life was marked by his kindheartedness, friendly demeanor, and generous spirit. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Don was raised by his mother and maternal grandfather, R.C. Smith. Don was a proud graduate of Ft. Scott High School, class of 1969.
Don’s professional life was rooted in the food industry, beginning with a position at Pizza Hut in Ft. Scott while still in high school. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate several establishments, including Spanky’s Bar & Grill and the Silver Spur both in Ft. Scott. Don’s journey took him to Dallas, Texas, where he contributed over two decades of service at Judge Roy Beans Restaurant. While in Dallas, Don took up tennis and even restrung rackets as a side job. Eventually, he returned to Ft. Scott to own and operate the Bombay Bicycle Club and later shared his culinary talents at the Nu Grille.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Don was always ready to lend a helping hand, often putting others before himself. He enjoyed playing the guitar and sharing his passion for music by giving guitar lessons to his granddaughter during her visits to Ft. Scott.
Don’s legacy is carried on by his daughter, Valarie Ward of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; his granddaughters, Samantha Garnecky, Kimberley Parkinson (Jacob), and Izzabella Ward; and his great-grandchildren, Freya, Daemon, Weston, and Keagan. Also surviving is his sister, Jane Clements (Terry) of Galena, Kansas. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Tom Tully and Maxine Tully McMichaels.
Don’s life was a testament to the power of kindness, friendship, and generosity. His warm smile and willingness to help others have left a mark on the community of Ft. Scott and beyond. His departure from this world is not the end of his story, as those who loved him will continue to honor his memory through acts of kindness and the sharing of fond memories.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
When Employees Become “Independent Contractors” in the Workplace
In today’s professional world, whether in business, education, or athletics, it seems more and more employees are stepping out on their own, acting like independent contractors rather than team members. They make decisions without proper communication, manipulate systems to serve their own interests, and assume their way is better than the direction given by their superiors.
We see this trend vividly in collegiate football right now. High-dollar coaches are being fired across the country. Some of these dismissals stem from not winning enough games. Others may have deeper causes. Are these coaches being terminated because they failed to meet expectations set by their superiors, or because they failed to follow direction? There’s an important distinction between the two.
If a head coach is doing exactly what leadership asked of them and still falls short in the win column, perhaps the goals were unrealistic. If there is a preponderance of evidence that the coach ignored institutional direction, ran their own system, or operated as a lone ranger, then termination makes sense. After all, leadership only works when communication and alignment exist between the people holding the rope together.
This same principle applies far beyond the football field. Consider a Vice President or senior administrator who quietly manipulates policies or practices to favor their employees without the consent of the college leadership. Their boss may unknowingly sign off on paperwork or approve decisions that were not made transparently. It’s easy to “slide things by” when trust exists. When that trust is broken, when the deception is discovered, should that VP or senior administrator be held accountable?
Both the coach and the executive are charged with leading others, but they are also charged with following direction. When they decide to become “independent contractors,” doing things their own way without transparency, it erodes trust and disrupts the chain of leadership.
I often think of leadership as a rope. When leaders are tied together, they help hold one another up. When someone decides to step too far away, operating independently, cutting corners, or hiding decisions, they stretch the rope thin. Eventually, someone slips. When that happens, no one can hold them up. They hang by their own actions.
It’s a hard truth in any organization: autonomy without accountability leads to failure. The best employees, coaches, and leaders understand that communication and collaboration are not signs of weakness, they are signs of strength. Keeping your superior “in the light” on everything you do isn’t just respectful; it’s responsible leadership.
In the end, it’s better to share the rope than to cut it.
Thought for the Week, “In any organization, accountability is the rope that ties leadership together. Without it, trust unravels, and when trust unravels, the whole system begins to fall.” Reb Brock, one of the leading strength coaches in America.
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.
My late husband was definitely a DIY guy. Whatever needed to be built, he built it. Whatever needed to be repaired, he repaired it. I watched him repair my washer and dryer and many other things even though he had no previous experience with those appliances or items. I learned early on in our marriage not to despair when something malfunctioned or flat-out bit the dust. It didn’t matter what it was, he could fix it. One day I was visiting with my daughter about working on a project and I got mixed up and called it DYI and she immediately labeled it “Do Yourself In.” I thought that was both funny and true.
Some projects are fine to do yourself. But some things (like life) won’t turn out well if you attempt to do it all by yourself. Believers can “do ourselves in” trying to live without God’s grace and strength. It’s a nonbiblical and miserable way to live when we only trust in ourselves. We can strive and struggle to do things on our own, or we can invite God to be I AM like He was for Moses.
In the Book of Psalms, David is praising God because He rescued him from all his enemies. David is declaring that he constantly trusts God to take care of him. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and He saved me from my enemies“ (Psalm 18:2-3 NLT). In today’s culture, worry, stress, and anxiety would be considered enemies, along with many other troublesome emotions and distressing situations.
Life, even on a good day, is too complicated to think you can do it yourself. I know of a minister that was curious and asked the Lord, “What would my life be like if the Holy Spirit wasn’t involved?” After that honest question, the man (who was also a musician) said he couldn’t think clearly to choose the songs and play piano for the church service. He had to ask someone else to lead the worship. In addition, he couldn’t even style his hair! The minister quickly found out he couldn’t really do anything without the Holy Spirit’s help. It would appear that believers take God’s involvement and guidance in our daily lives for granted.
If we want to fix something, let’s do it the way Paul told Timothy to do it: “I have [fixed my] hope on the living God, Who is the Savior (Preserver, Maintainer, Deliverer) of all men, especially of those who believe (trust in, rely on, and adhere to Him)” (1 Timothy 4:10 AMP). Believers are supposed to adhere to God like an adhesive bandage sticks to our skin. Like an athlete, we have a spiritual race to run in order to win the crown of life. Our endurance is undergirded by trusting in the living God to get us over the finish line. But no one is going to even get close to the finish line with a DIY attitude and theology.
We can rely on this truth: “I can do all things because of Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 MEV). Abiding in Christ is the secret to accomplishing whatever He has called us to do. And relying on Christ for His strength and empowerment will get us through life’s challenges without breaking down.
