The Bourbon County Commission will hold a benefits work session on 10.23.25 at 5:00 PM at 210 S National Avenue.
Bourbon County Commission Benefits Work Session
Obituary of Doris Marie Cullor
Doris Marie Cullor, 92, Beloved Stepmother, Grandmother, Aunt and Passionate Lifetime Educator
Doris Cullor, a beloved teacher and fierce advocate for education, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025 at the age of 92 at Aberdeen Village Assisted Living in Olathe, Kansas. She was born in Crocker, Missouri on April 3, 1933 to Warner Otis McDowell and Augusta Jane (Van Loon) McDowell. Doris dedicated her life to nurturing the minds of young students, and encouraging them to embrace the joy of reading.
Doris grew up on a farm near Deerfield, Missouri, the youngest of seven children. She attended Nevada High School and was a member of the NHS Honor Society. She graduated second in her class and received a full five-year scholarship from the L.F. Richardson Foundation in 1950. She attended the University of Missouri at Columbia, Missouri where she earned her Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Education degrees, followed some years later by a Specialist degree in Education from the University of Kansas at Pittsburg, Kansas.
Her remarkable teaching career spanned over six decades, mainly at Winfield Scott Elementary School in Ft Scott, KS where she taught remedial reading and inspired generations of learners to read vigorously and widely. She sometimes repeated the humorous quote “You don’t need to read every day, just on the days you eat.” to students at reading award assemblies. Her faith and dedication to uplifting others through education were central to her life. She was an active member of the Alpha Etta chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society of Women Educators. And in the course of her teaching career she received multiple awards in recognition of her commitment to excellence in teaching.
She married Reason William “R.W.” Cullor, a Ft. Scott businessman, on November 23, 1974. During their marriage of 20 years they enjoyed traveling the world together. Doris enjoyed her large family and she had many friends. She was a joyful person and was fun to be around. She learned to decorate cakes and over the years she gifted her friends and family members with dozens of beautiful birthday and wedding cakes. She also taught cake decorating and English literacy at the Ft. Scott Community college, and decorated cakes for the Village Market bakery in Nevada. She never wasted a minute living life to it’s fullest.
Doris was also known for her strong religious faith and her generosity, giving her time, energy and resources to many causes and charities. She was an engaged citizen and a life long member of the Democratic party, and helped work elections. She thought it an honor to live along the National Cemetery route. Driving by her home, one would often see her outside mowing her grass, keeping her yard extra tidy out of respect for the cemetery and her feelings of civic duty.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and “Gussie”, and her three brothers and three sisters, including many of their spouses: Gilbert O. McDowell (and Irene), Hubert McDowell, Kathryn Hayes (and Walter), Bill McDowell (Mona, still living), Ruby “Tiny” McConnaughey (and J. R. “Buck”), and Eva Capelle (and Oscar). Also 2 nephews, 3 nieces and a great-nephew from her siblings side.
She is also preceded in death by her step-daughter, Janet Cullor and her grandson, Ty Cullor.
She is survived by her step-son, Gary Cullor (and Sally), and grandchildren, Chandler (and Cara), Spencer (and Sarah), Courtney (and Seth Thompson), and Jordan. Also 7 great grandchildren: Tyler Ann, Landon, Reese, Ty, Carter, Collins and Leighton.
On her parents side she is survived by 16 nieces and nephews, 29 great-nieces and nephews and 26 great-great nieces and nephews.
Doris’ legacy of enthusiasm for learning will surely live on in those lucky to have been in her classroom. Her wish for those who will miss her is to continue to support education and encourage reading in young people.
As she did not wish for a funeral, after cremation friends and family may pay their respects and sign Doris’ guest book at the Konantz-Cheney funeral home or share memories online at www.konantzcheney.com.
A charitable donation can be given in her name to:
-The Fort Scott Community College Doris M. Cullor scholarship fund for a future student pursuing a career in teaching
-The Walter Jeremy Hayes scholarship fund at Nevada High School
-The Kathy Hayes Thompson scholarship fund at Bronaugh High School
-or a charity of your choice
Doris Cullor will forever be remembered for her optimistic zest for life and her strong commitment to teaching and learning.
Local Girl Attends Ivy League School Seeking Research and Graduate Opportunities
Caroline Barnes, 18, a Fort Scott High School 2025 graduate, started at one of the nations Ivy League colleges in August.
Ivy League schools are considered the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in the country and around the world. Eight private Northeastern American schools are known for their highly selective admission process, academic excellence and promising career opportunities for those who attend, according to U.S. News and World Report online.
Princeton University, New Jersey; Harvard University, Massachusetts; Yale University, Connecticut; U. of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania; Cornell University, New York, Brown University, Rhode Island; Dartmouth College, New Hampshire and Columbia University, New York are the list of Ivy League Colleges.
Carolyn is the daughter of Penny Pollock-Barnes and Chris Barnes.
Why did you choose Cornell for college? And when did you start?
“I started this Fall (moved in August 18th, class started August 25th). I chose Cornell because it’s in a location I enjoy (upstate NY), it is strong in many fields (I have interdisciplinary interests, as you’ll see in my minors and majors), and has many opportunities for research and graduate study in plant biology. There’s also a very specified major to what I want to study.”
What is your major?
“I am majoring in Biological Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (Cornell is divided into smaller colleges, like the College of Engineering, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Art, Architecture, and Planning. Biological Sciences is within both the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences). I’m wanting to concentrate in Plant Biology, and to minor in Business and in Fashion Studies.”
Was the process difficult applying at an Ivy League school?
“It was much more complicated than applying to a state school, but only slightly more involved than other out of state colleges I applied to. For many colleges you do a basic application through the Common App, which has a set of questions and essays of its own, and then complete essays specific to the university. For Cornell, the specific college your major is in also requires essays. This ended up being around 5 short essays, the longest having a word limit of 500 words and the smallest 150 words. Now the application requires submission of ACT scores, but they were not submitted at all when I applied.”
How many attend the college?
“3,861 in the class of 2029,
16,128 undergrads,
26,793 total students.”
What is the best part so far of your college experience?
“I would say getting all As in my first two preliminary exams (these are cumulative exams but over about half or a third of the course material interspersed through the year, and then a final fully cumulative exam at the end of the semester. We don’t do tests over each unit/idea). Coming into the semester I was really worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle the coursework. Doing well on the exams (they were curved to As) made me feel better at belonging at Cornell. The friends I’ve made are also a highlight, but there’s nothing specific enough to note.”
What has been a challenge?
“It has been a challenge balancing school work with social engagement. To stay on top of my work, especially my chemistry class, I could easily spend 6-9 hours a day working outside of class. It usually ends up being about 7. To try and make sure I’m still having social interaction on a typical day I always get dinner with a group of friends and form study groups with friends in the same classes. I also have to intently plan actual hangouts, which is harder to fit in, but necessary. Joining clubs was also helpful, so I’m part of a mental health club, a voting advocacy club, a dungeons and dragons club, and a leadership club. All of these things has made balancing school with social engagement easier.”
How can you encourage those at Fort Scott High School to dream big for their future?
“Get involved in high school. Even if you don’t want to leave Fort Scott, or know what you want to do, you’ll be exposed to so many new people and you’ll learn the things you like. No one is going to judge you for being involved. Also, don’t be afraid to start a club and make a major impact. If you can show a demonstrated interest you could have a huge impact on the school and town. You just have to try it!!”
“We also have really great counselors. Reach out to them to talk about school things and future things. They want to help you and they’re good at it. Don’t go through things alone.”
Candidate Forum This Evening at The Ellis Center
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports October 22
Ad: DBB Seeks Individuals With Accounting, Payroll, and Bookkeeping Experience
DBB Inc, formerly Diehl Banwart Bolton CPA PA’s, is looking to add to our great staff. We are looking for qualified, motivated individuals with experience in accounting, payroll, and/or bookkeeping. We have full-time and part-time positions available. DBB Inc, is a full-service accounting, payroll, and tax preparation firm with a long history of excellence. We offer competitive compensation and benefits for all full-time employees. Please send your resume to [email protected] , mail to PO Box 869 Fort Scott KS 66701 or drop off at 7 ½ E Wall St, Fort Scott KS. We will schedule interviews with all qualified applicants.
Halloween Festivities This Saturday Downtown for Youth
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If Federal Government Shut Down Continues, SNAP Benefits For November Are In Question
Kansas Department for Children and Families Shares Update on Status of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Amid Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has received a letter from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) regarding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. That letter to all states says that if a lapse in funding, caused by the shutdown, continues, there will not be enough money to pay full SNAP benefits for November.
The letter directs agencies to hold off on processing November benefits until further notice. Until a budget agreement or continuing resolution is reached at the federal level, or the federal government identifies a funding pathway, November SNAP benefits may be delayed or interrupted entirely. If no federal action is taken by October 28, 2025, November SNAP benefits will not be disbursed until the federal government reaches a resolution.
SNAP provides benefits for approximately 42 million people across the country. That includes a total distribution of more than $34.4 million to more than 93,000 Kansas households – nearly 188,000 Kansans – who depend on SNAP each month to help put food on their tables.
Impact on Kansans
This potential interruption in benefits comes at the start of the holiday season – an already busy time for food banks and food pantries helping people in need and when many children have days off from school without access to school meals.
DCF is monitoring the situation closely and is exploring what this may mean for Kansans. November benefits for current SNAP recipients are set to begin processing on October 28 and appearing on Kansas Benefits Cards beginning November 1-10 on an established staggered schedule based on last names. If an agreement is not reached by October 28, benefits could be delayed or suspended until the shutdown has ended.
“As soon as an agreement is reached or the federal government finds an alternative funding source, and DCF receives approval from FNS, we are prepared to act quickly with contracting partners to get benefits out to Kansans,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “Depending on the timing of the approval, DCF and its partners could have benefits available on cards within 72 hours.”
October SNAP benefits were distributed as planned. At this time, SNAP recipients should continue using their October benefits as normal. SNAP recipients should continue meeting program requirements, including reporting required changes and completing recertifications.
DCF is continuing to process SNAP applications as usual. Applications can be accessed online at dcf.ks.gov or by visiting a local DCF service center. A map with service center locations can be found on dcf.ks.gov.
What happens next?
DCF is closely monitoring the impact the federal government shutdown is having on programs and services the agency delivers and will provide updates through its various communication channels as this situation evolves. Information about federal shutdown impacts on DCF programs and services is available at dcf.ks.gov.
Help for Kansans
For Kansans in need of additional support, Kansas Food Source, kansasfoodsource.org, and Harvesters.org provide locations of food banks and food pantries across the state. The United Way’s 211 hotline or website, 211.org, and 1-800-CHILDREN, 1800childrenks.com, also connects Kansans to resources in their communities.
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.
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Bo Co Commission Meeting, Oct. 20, 2025
At the beginning of the meeting, the commission spent a good deal of discussion on whether or not to approve the minutes for the previous 10 meetings.
Commissioner Mika Milburn had begun going through the edits on some of the minutes, but was unable to complete all of them.
Commissioner Samuel Tran also didn’t agree with the way the minutes recorded what he said.
County Clerk Susan Walker said that it takes one of her office personnel an entire day to transcribe a regular meeting if they don’t use a transcription service.
Commissioner David Beerbower said that the commission needs training on governance and the use of minutes. He also said they need to be careful not to get caught up on small issues in the minutes.
They are an official, permanent, legal record, Beerbower said. Details that should be included are motions and resolutions, voting outcomes, a summary of discussions, but not full transcripts, and action items.
He said the commission is ten sets of meeting minutes behind, and it’s time to move on.
Tran asked if the minutes could be brought up in a court of law.
Milburn said she plans to stay current with the ongoing minutes and catch up the rest over the next few weeks.
Beerbower and Tran spent time going over Milburn’s edits.
Beerbower moved to approve the minutes for Sept. 15, 16, and Oct. 7 with corrections. Motion carried.
Casey Brown – SEK-Cap Public Transportation
Scott Christianson, transportation director for SEK-Cap Public Transportation, also spoke to the commission.
BBGO’s transportation serves Bourbon County on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by providing transportation to those who request it in the county. They will no longer be able to continue after Dec. 1 of 2025 due to lack of funds.
SEK-Cap is looking for support from the county for a grant they are writing in the form of a 30% match totaling $19,000, for the federal and state grants. CCAP made up the difference between what the county and City of Fort Scott gave toward the 2024 budget, but they are no longer able to do that.
They are asking the whole community for what they want and what can be feasibly supported. Going fewer than 3 days per week will be a hardship for many of the residents who rely on the rides for medical care.
Milburn said the commission has heard from several ride share organizations in the county. She also asked about what changes they could make to the program. She suggested alternative forms of fundraising, including mailers.
Tran said that the bulk of the rides are for the City of Fort Scott residents. The city has budgeted $5,000 for BBGO for next year.
They need everything solidified in planning and writing before the end of November. The state and federal funding is secured.
No action was taken.
Public Works: Equipment Repair
The loader is down at the quarry, said Dustin Hall from Public Works. Murphy Tractor says a new motor with a one-year warranty will be $82,000. The loader is 11 years old with just under 10,000 hours on it. It hasn’t lasted as long as they expected. Without it, they don’t have a way to make gravel.
It’s still cheaper for the county to produce its own rock than to buy it.
Public Works has the funds in its budget, splitting the cost between Road and Bridge, and sales tax. Barring any further major issues, they are doing well for their budget carryover.
Hall also said that some equipment at the asphalt plant is damaged. They are unsure how to fix it, awaiting word from ADM, the manufacturer, about whether or not they can repair it, or will need to replace it. They cannot make asphalt until it’s repaired.
They can buy asphalt at $70 per ton to complete the portion of Yale Road that is ready to be asphalted.
Tran said they need to develop a good preventative maintenance plan for the Public Works department.
Milburn applauded the public works department for the standard operating procedures (SOP) they developed.
V. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
Action from session: allow the chair to speak with HR regarding the matter was approved.
Consent Agenda
Approval of 10.17.25 Accounts Payable that was sent for review to the Commission on 10.17.25 (not mailed until approved on 10.20.25) – Accounts Payable $377,595.70
Approval of 10.17.25 Payroll that was sent for review to the Commission on 10.15.25 and allowed for payment per K.S.A. 12-105b (b)(1) $300,350.36
Consent agenda was approved. Beerbower and Tran voted for and Milburn against.
Milburn wanted another way to handle the consent agenda. Beerbower added it to the Nov. 3 agenda for discussion.
Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
Clint Walker: He wants the county to get an emergency preparedness director and encouraged the commission to apply for a grant to fund that position. He also mentioned a broadband grant for $30 million in the state of Kansas that the commission should apply for.
“We need these grants cause in the long run it saves us money,” he said.
Derrick Reigns: Thanked them for the moratorium. He also asked for a cease and desist. He said the noise was painful to his ears and causes headaches.
He said several people visited the site today, despite none of them coming to the commission meeting.
Tran said their legal representation is talking to the county’s legal representation, which is why they didn’t attend the meeting.
Beerbower asked Reigns if he had sought legal counsel. He then said the county would talk to legal before they take any further action.
Reigns said that if the county would pass a cease and desist, that would cause the mine operators to do something to improve the noise situation.
Jen Franklin: Expressed concern that the installation owners wouldn’t come unless a cease and desist forced their hand.
John Spade: his property borders the property where the mine is. “It boggles my mind how somebody can come in” and nobody knows until it happens. He said the commission was there to protect them, and they looked forward to having that protection.
The whole contingent expressed gratitude to the commission for hearing them out.
Old Business
108 W 2nd
Milburn said two contractors have looked at the building to see what’s needed to get the Sixth Judicial into the space. She’s awaiting their feedback.
EMS
Tran had a constituent express concern about the city’s contract with EMS. Terry, EMS director, said they have a contract with the city, and she decided on an all-call over the weekend when they had one truck gone to Joplin and another on an orthopedic call that may have required a trip north, leaving no ambulances in the county. The all-call was to be sure there was someone available to answer any further calls should the fire department be out on a fire call and unable to help. She said they rarely use the all-call option.
Noise Resolution
The commission should establish parameters for any noise resolution that the county needs to pass along to the planning commission, said Beerbower. He suggested they all research and start formulating a plan.
“We need to be moving forward with the noise resolutions. How do we want to do it? That’s the question,” he said. The resolution should address volume and duration.
“I’m not targeting any specific industry or group,” said Beerbower.
Noise resolution was added to the Nov. 10 agenda.
Greg Motley suggested checking with the Kansas Association of Counties for examples of what other counties have done.
Technology Discussion
Beerbower asked, at Sheriff Bill Martin’s request, to hold off on the work on the switches for the Sheriff’s Department until the sheriff can attend a meeting to discuss it.
Milburn said the sheriff should reach out to the project manager at Stronghold to discuss what he needs, rather than discuss it with the commission.
Meeting Resolution
Beerbower said that some changes were suggested the last time this resolution on how the commission will conduct its meetings was brought up. It replaces resolutions, 1025 and 1125.
He read the proposed resolution aloud.
After a great deal of discussion, the resolution passed, Milburn voting against.
New Business
SOP – Public Works
Tran read the standard operating procedures for sign installation in Bourbon County recently created by the Public Works Department head. He also read the one for culvert installation.
Milburn asked that the culvert SOP include having the commission approve it before installation.
Commission Comments
Beerbower: Both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution outline the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Everyone has the right to purchase property and use it as they see fit. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that you cannot put your neighbor at risk. “Clearly, the incident involving the generators does put our residents at risk.”
He said he is not against economic development, solar, wind, or crypto mining, but he is against neighbors putting their neighbors at risk. It is the job of the commission to protect the residents of the county.
2026 Arteffect Competition Step by Step Guide
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Obituary of Arleen Louise Wilson
Arleen Louise Wilson, 89, of Iola, Kansas, passed away at her home early Friday morning, October 17, 2025, surrounded by her daughters and granddaughters. She was born in Walnut, Kansas, the daughter of Wayne and Pearl Blanche Wright Geiger. She graduated from High School in Hepler, Kansas.
She married Ira E. Wilson in Kansas City, Kansas, on September 8, 1957, he preceded her in death in June of 2014. Their first date was to the American Royal Rodeo. They lived in Kansas City, Kansas for six years before moving the family to Fort Scott, then three years later, they moved to Porterville where they lived until they retired and moved to Iola, Kansas to be closer to family. She retired from the Western Insurance Company after 30 years. Their Last vacation was to Niagara Falls.
Arleen is survived by her three daughters, Connie and Carey Lockwood of Fort Scott, Debbie and Keith Phillips of Shawnee, Kansas, and Karen and Robert McKarnin of Iola, Kansas, a brother, Frank Geiger of Erie, Kansas, six grandchildren, Cody Phillips, Kimberly and Lee Pierce, Timothy and Maria Lockwood, Stacy Lockwood, Emily, Casey and Brandon McKarnin, eight greatgrandchildren, Rayce and Conner Pierce, Tyson and Addyson Lockwood, Parker and Abigail Kaifes and Emmette and Eowyn. In addition to her husband Ira, she was preceded in death by her parents, and her two sisters, Maxine Watkins and Wanda Wilson.
Graveside services will be at 11:00am, Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Rosedale Cemetery near Porterville with Pastor Dusty Drake Officiating. Memorials may be given to the Allen County Animal Rescue Foundation. Contributions may be sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
$25,000 Awarded to HBCAT Bronson For City Park Project
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team/Bronson, KS was recently awarded $25,000 to complete Rural Champion Community Project on Bronson City Park.
Earlier this summer The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, in collaboration with The City of Bronson, was awarded $25,0000 for an implementation grant for the City of Bronson as part of the Office of Rural Prosperity Rural Champions grant program announced last year in collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation for a placemaking project specifically a Bronson City Park renovation.
Bourbon County’s Rural Champion, Kelly Perry, led efforts to address safety concerns and challenges within Bronson city park. This funding will support the implementation of the Bronson Park Placemaking and Renovation Project. During the first six months of their 1-year program, Rural Champions were busy connecting with their communities, gathering volunteers, engaging local organizations, and building connections with resource partners around their unique challenges. This work was used in developing the project implementation plan to utilize the $25,000 grant to assist in the next steps for their project.
These grants will fund park renovations that are slated to be completed in the Summer of 2026. As the Champion works through this final phase of implementation, they will develop a comprehensive guidebook that documents their experiences, resources and strategies – and serve as a valuable resource for other communities to implement similar strategies. The Office of Rural Prosperity will continue to support this cohort of projects, ensuring that the Rural Champions have the resources and guidance needed. To view the other awardees or to learn more about the Rural Champions and stay updated on their progress, visit the webpage here ( https://www.kansascommerce.
From Kelly Perry:
” The need for the Rural Champions program was identified in the Power Up & Go report through surveys and interviews of more than 400 rural Kansans under the age of 40 as something that would “move the needle” toward success. Many of those individuals wanting to make a difference are volunteers who are passionate about their communities but unable to take on a community improvement project without receiving appropriate resources, training and compensation.
“The Rural Champions program removes the funding gap for those passionate rural dwellers by connecting them with resources that will help them accomplish their critical community project. That’s when in early 2024, The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team applied for and was awarded a $20,800 grant for the Rural Community Champion Grant program and HBCAT provided $5,200 cash and in-kind match. HBCAT contracted with Kelly Perry to serve as the Rural Champion for a Bronson Placemaking Project. The time for the initial grant work started a year ago October 2024 and her contract was up in September 2025. In September 2025, The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team was awarded the $25,000 to then implemented the placemaking project.”
When will the project start?
“The project is currently under way with work from the Professional Engineers taking place right now. All Rural Champion projects must be completed by the end of 2026. The Bronson project is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2026.”
Bronson City Park Placemaking Project
“The Bronson City Park Placemaking Project focuses on revitalizing the city’s park to create a safer, more vibrant, and family-friendly gathering space for the community. With support from the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Champion Grant, the project includes upgrading playground equipment, improving accessibility and safety. The goal is to strengthen community pride, encourage outdoor activity, and enhance the overall quality of life in Bronson.
The office of rural prosperity shows this on their site for all the 2024-2025 Rural Champions. Bronson is the only Placemaking Project in the 2024-2025 Rural Champions.”
Wetmore Community Development Champion – Analyssa Noe
Cheyenne Housing Champion- Lisa Krull
Herrington Downtown Revitalization Champion – Lisa Schlesener
Comanche Regionalization & Grant Writer Champion – Julie Lyon
Grinnell Downtown Revitalization Champion- Stacy Tholen
Harvey County Childcare Champion – Melissa Bogunovich
Bronson Placemaking Champion – Kelly Perry
Hodgeman County Housing Champion – Michelle Walters
Dighton Food Access Champion – Carrie von Leonrod
Cowley County Food Access Champion – Amy Jo McWhirt
Rooks County Workforce Recruitment Champion – Kandie Morain
Stafford County Childcare Champion – Sarah Hampton
TBC Community Development Champion – Beth Ann Falstad