|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
###
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
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
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
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports October 21
Social Media Can Drive Sales: Nov. 5
Childrens Business Fair is October 25
Uniontown dominated at the South East Regional Eco Meet at Greenbush.
Eco-Meets are competitions that test high school students’ knowledge of Kansas’ wildlife and plants, rewarding the most naturally-qualified students with scholarships. Students are tested in four areas, which are updated annually: a particular habitat, a focus group (of animals), an outdoor scavenger hunt (to assess identification skills), and a fun interpretive event, according tohttps://www.kansasecomeet.org/faqs/
Uniontown High School students participated in Southeast Kansas Regional Eco-Meet at Greenbush, KS on October 22, according to https://www.kansasecomeet.org/southeast-kansas-regional-eco-meet/
Team A, consisting of Aryonnah Beaton, Mathew Knight, Payton McAfee and Ziggy Barbour took 1st place overall.
Team C, consisting of Liliyan Robinson, Ash Sporleder, Lexie Irsik and Scarlett McCullough took 2nd place overall. Both of those teams will advance to the State competition held at Rock Springs Ranch in Junction City on November 6.
In addition to taking the top two team awards, Uniontown captured the four top individual awards!
Aryonnah Beaton placed 1st in Aquatics and Payton McAfee placed 2nd.
Lilian Robinson placed 1st in Invertebrates and Ty Shelton placed 2nd.
Team B, consisting of Austin Maycomber, Ty Shelton, Braydon Russell and Chandler Hall and Team D, consisting of Macy Hueston, Karsyn Woods, Cristian Gonzalez and Catherine Cox also did a fantastic job yesterday but unfortunately did not qualify for State.
Uniontown brought home the traveling trophy and since 2019 Colgan has been the winner. For 2025, the trophy will stay in Uniontown High School!
Submitted by
Christal Martin
Alyson Weston
Brad Johnson
Carrie Sutcliffe
From row: (left to right)Karsyn Woods, Macy Hueston, Cristian Gonzalez, Lillyan Robinson, Lexi Irsik, Ash Sporleder, & Scarlett McCullough.
Back row: (left to right) Payton McAfee, Mathew Knight, Ziggy Barbour, Aryonnah Beaton, Chandler Hall, Austin Maycumber, Braydon Russell and Ty Shelton.
Cinnamon Roll Class
Oct. 20 Bo Co Commission Meeting Agenda Summary
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Outline: October 20, 2025
10.20.25 Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave. | Monday, October 20, 2025, 5:30 PM
I. Opening
- Call Meeting to Order
- Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Prayer
II. Approval of Agenda
III. Approval of Minutes (unofficial until approved)
- September 15, 2025
- September 16, 2025
- September 22, 2025
- September 23, 2025
- September 26, 2025
- September 29, 2025
- October 6, 2025
- October 7, 2025
- October 14, 2025
IV. Presentation
- Casey Brown – SEK-Cap Public Transportation
V. Executive Session
- Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
VI. Resolutions Brought for Signature
- Law Enforcement Fund Resolution returned for signatures
VII. Consent Agenda
- Approval of October 17, 2025, Accounts Payable ()
- Approval of October 17, 2025, Payroll ()
VIII. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
IX. Old Business
- 108 W 2nd
- Bitcoin Mining
- Noise Resolution
- Gov Deals
- Technology Discussion
- Meeting Resolution
X. New Business
- SOP Public Works
- Culverts
- Sanitation Discussion
- Resident Complaint
XI. Department Updates
XII. Build Agenda for following meeting
XIII. Commission Comments
XIV. Adjournment
Detailed Summary of Information Packet
The rest of the packet consists of minutes from past meetings, a draft Executive Session form, future agenda items, and financial/support documents.
Future Items and Forms (Page 2)
The packet includes a standardized form for Executive Sessions, listing various statutory reasons such as personnel matters, attorney-client privilege, and security measures. Future agenda items listed include the Vehicle Lease Program, Economic Development, the Elevator, and Elm Creek Quarry.
Past Meeting Minutes Summary
September 15 & 16, 2025 (Pages 3-11)
These minutes focus heavily on the budget and financial decisions.
- The Commission held a public hearing on the budget (Page 3).
- Approved funding Phase One of the First Responder Radio System Upgrade with Tusa Consulting for $32,680 from the jail sales tax fund (Page 7).
- Approved the Sheriff using $10,884 from the jail sales tax fund to upgrade jail phones (Page 7).
- Authorized the Clerk to apply for an elevator variance to continue current operations while exploring modernization options (Page 7).
- The special meeting on September 16 finalized a proposed mill levy of 59.391, which would result in approximately $451,000 in cash reserves (Page 10, 11).
September 22 & 26, 2025 (Pages 12-22)
These meetings covered budget review, appointments, and other administrative matters.
- The Commission discussed a potential $106,000 shortfall in the Sheriff’s 2026 budget (Page 12).
- Heard a presentation on the Enterprise Fleet Management Vehicle Leasing Program (Page 12).
- Appointed individuals to the newly formed Bourbon County Planning Commission (Page 13, 16).
- On September 26, the Commission adopted a budget with a final mill levy of 54.678, which is below the revenue neutral rate (Page 22).
September 29, 2025 (Pages 23-26)
Key decisions made during this meeting:
- Decided to proceed with a full modernization of the courthouse elevator (Page 23).
- Agreed to seek bids for either repair or demolition of the 108 W 2nd Street building (Page 24).
- Approved signing a grant application for Bridge 19.2Q on Jayhawk Road, with a county contribution of $82,000 (Page 25).
October 6 & 7, 2025 (Pages 27-35)
Topics included administrative oversight and financial access.
- The Commission voted to take no action on the 140th Street road closure application (Page 27).
- The Commission gave the Clerk direction to provide the Treasurer immediate access to payroll and accounts payable systems (Page 29).
- The Commission moved to allow only the Commission to give direction to the Public Works department (Page 29).
October 14, 2025 (Pages 36-41)
This meeting involved the formal adoption of a key resolution.
- The Commission signed the Law Enforcement Fund Resolution, which establishes the legal framework for the fund’s operation (Page 40).
Financial and Supporting Documents (Pages 42-133)
- Accounts Payable/Invoices (Pages 42-108): Detailed invoices make up the largest portion of the packet, supporting the $377,595.70 Accounts Payable amount listed in the agenda. Expenditures cover various funds including General Fund, Landfill, Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund, and Ambulance Service.
- SEK-Cap Public Transportation Data (Pages 109-110): This section provides ridership statistics and a written plea for increased local financial support to ensure the sustainability of public transportation services.
- Supporting Images (Pages 111-133): The final pages contain numerous images, likely consisting of forms, site evaluations, request forms, and installation photos, which typically serve as supporting documentation for agenda items such as culvert installations or other Public Works projects.