Schools

USD 234 Board of Education Regular Meeting, July 13

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Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main St.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

The board approved the official agenda.

Honor Flight Students

Twenty-four students plus staff and medical accompanied veterans to Washington D.C. Cohen, senior, partnered with his Great Grandpa and said “it was an amazing honor” to be part of this trip. Isabella, sophomore, said “it was an honor to give recognition where there hasn’t been.” And Tyranny, graduated, commented “the bond has lasted even after the trip.” Over $60,000 was raised from July 2025 – March 2026 by so many in the community. Many were thanked for the help and support, and they are looking forward to the next trip.

Some of the Honor Flight students and Staff
Some of the Honor Flight students & Staff

Transportation Recognition

Joe Allen, Transportation Director, recognized Brenda Wunderly & Jennifer Herring. During Summer School this year he has received numerous compliments about how well the bus routes had gone during that time. He thanked both for their hard work and organization of all that goes into transporting the students to and from school even with more than usual numbers during the summer.

Joe Allen and Brenda Wunderly
Joe Allen & Brenda Wunderly

Board Officers

The board approved David Stewart as Board President and Nick Barrows as Board Vice President.

Consent Agenda

The board approved the consent agenda, which included:

  • Board Minutes – 06-08-26
  • Financials – Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register
  • Payroll – June 19, 2026 – $2,122,023.06
  • Activity Funds Accounts
  • USD 234 Gifts
  • Resolution 26-01 – Destructions of Records
  • Resolution 26-02 – Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
  • Resolution 26-03 – Rescinding Policy Statements found in Board Minutes
  • Resolution 25-04 – Establish Home Rule by Board of Education
  • Designation of Banks for deposit of school funds:
    • FSHS activity funds – City State Bank
    • FSM activity funds – Union State Bank
    • Eugene Ware activity funds – UMB Bank
    • Winfield Scott activity funds – UMB Bank
    • USD 234 District – Landmark National Bank, UMB Bank, KMIP, Citizens Bank
  • Set fees for copying records:
    • 10 cents per page for employees
    • 10 cents per page for alumni
    • 15 cents per page for non-employees
    • 20 cents per page for color copies
  • Mileage reimbursement – current state mileage rate (as of 01/01/26 – 72.5 cents)
  • 2026-27 School Fees
  • Recreation Commission Board Member Terms:
    • Megan McDermed – June 30, 2028
    • Abby Stepps – June 30, 2028
    • Dillon Duffy – June 30, 2028
    • Vincent Ratcliff – June 30, 2027
    • Dave Fly – June 30, 2027
  • Designation of newspaper for official school publications – Fort Scott Tribune
  • Offices for the 2026-27 School Year:
    • KASB Government Relations Network Representative – Board President
    • Food Service Hearing Officer/Compliance Coordinator for Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws – Terry Mayfield
    • Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX / ADA / Section 504 Coordinator/Point of Contact for Child Welfare Agencies – Zach Johnson
    • District Foster Care Liaison – Zach Johnson
    • Freedom of Information Officer – Zach Johnson
    • Food Service Program Representative – Robin Button
    • Clerk – Candace Jobe
    • Deputy Clerk – Terry Mayfield
    • KPERS Representative/KiCS Designated Representative Member – Angela Robinson
    • Treasurer – Rhonda Dawson
    • LCP Coordinator/Coordinator for Homeless Children/504 Coordinator – Zach Johnson
    • Fort Scott High School Attendance Officer – Josh Regan
    • Fort Scott Middle School Attendance Officer – Matt Harris
    • Eugene Ware Attendance Officer – Brandon Boyd
    • Winfield Scott Attendance Officer – Caleb Hendricks

There were none present for Public Forum.

Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Zach Johnson reported that enrollment is now open and the various events leading up to school starting August 14th. There will be a new Tiger Pride Magazine that will be coming out monthly and will be available to the public as well as staff and students. HB 2299, which includes cell phones not being allowed from the start of school until the end of the day, was discussed with policies and procedures to be adopted later in the meeting.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document and updated about the end of the fiscal year budget and starting the new year. Facility updates were given, and all the projects are on track during the summer. Buildings are gearing up for staff to return and the start of the new school year. Bus and car inspections will take place this week and the Preschool drawings have been submitted.

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update on local training that will take place July 28th and is excited for staff to attend and start the new year.

Board Approvals

The Board approved the following:

  • 2024-25 Financial Audit
  • SchoolsPLP Learning Platform Agreement – FS Tiger Virtual School
  • School Vehicle Purchase – 2018 Dodge Caravan
  • IT Services agreement renewal – USD 234 and City of Fort Scott
  • HB 2299 KASB Policy and USD 234 Procedure Recommendations
  • KASB Policy Updates
  • Apptegy Communication Platform Subscription
  • Resolution 26-05 – Revenue Neutral Declaration to Bourbon County Clerk
  • Resolution 26-06 – Supplemental General Budget Percentage

The Board went into executive session for personnel matters.

The Board approved Special Service Contracts, Supplemental Salary Schedule, and Substitute Pay Schedule.

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

Personnel Report – Approved, July 13, 2026

Resignations/Terminations/Retirements

  • Estes, Thomas – Resignation – Custodian – High School
  • Kegler, Terra – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School
  • Krebs, Dawna – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
  • Larsen, Danny – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Basketball Coach – High School
  • Pitts, Jaxon – Resignation – Groundskeeper/Athletic Fields Manager

Transfers

  • Doherty, Andrew – Teacher – KRI to Tiger Academy
  • Miller, Martha – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware to Winfield Scott

Employment

Certified Recommendations for 2026-27 School Year:

  • Demko, Kimberly – .6 FTE Speech/Language
  • Esslinger, Danea – Special Education Teacher – KRI
  • Keylon, Ashley – Counselor – High School

Classified Recommendations for 2026-27 School Year:

  • Floyd, Gary – ISS Supervisor – High School
  • Goans, Shawn – Bus Driver
  • LaFarge-Dehner, Dani – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
  • Shepard, Melissa – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
  • Tew, Layne – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
  • Tiger Academy Paraprofessionals
  • Uhler, Laurie – Paraprofessional – Middle School

Supplemental Recommendations

  • Bowman, Brock – Assistant Football Coach – Middle School
  • Barner, Alex – Assistant Basketball Coach – High School
  • Collins, Alexis – Assistant Volleyball Coach – High School
  • Hill, Sage – Assistant Girls’ Tennis Coach – High School
  • Larsen, Danny – Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach – Middle School
  • Workman, Darcy – Assistant Cheer Coach – High School

Documents:

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott

Apothecare Select Pharmacy Receives Accreditation

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Apothecare Select Achieves ACHC Accreditation

PITTSBURG, Kan.—The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) announces that Apothecare Select, its specialty pharmacy division, has achieved accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for specialty pharmacy services and mail order pharmacy services.

Accreditation by ACHC reflects an organization’s dedication and commitment to meeting nationally recognized standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care. “This accreditation represents a significant milestone for our specialty pharmacy program. While our patients already experience the quality of care we provide, the ACHC seal allows us to formally demonstrate that level of excellence to the broader healthcare community. It validates the standards we uphold every day and marks an important step in our continued growth,” said Brian Martin, PharmD, MBA, Apothecare Specialty Pharmacy Manager. “We’re proud to provide this level of care while serving as a local, accessible option for our community.”

Since opening in 2024, Apothecare Select has focused on helping patients with rare, chronic, or complex health conditions manage high-cost, specialized medications. “Specialty medications often require close monitoring and coordination. Our team is actively engaged in each patient’s journey, providing them with ongoing support, answering questions quickly, and offering refill reminders,” said Martin. “This level of care helps patients stay on track with their treatment and ultimately helps them achieve better health outcomes.”

Apothecare Select’s pharmacy staff also helps ensure patients can access the prescriptions they need. “For many, affordability can serve as a significant barrier to their care. We guide them through their assistance options to help make sure no one falls through the cracks,” said Martin.

Apothecare Select offers convenient access to specialty medications through in-person pickup or delivery to homes in Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma. The pharmacy is located at 924 N. Broadway inside the CHC/SEK Pittsburg Downtown location.

For more information, call Apothecare Select at 855-222-1505.

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About Accreditation Commission for Health Care
Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) is a nonprofit organization that has stood as a symbol of quality and excellence since 1986. ACHC is ISO 9001:2015 certified, and it has Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services deeming authority for Home Health, Hospice, and Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies.

About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.

This email and any attachments may contain confidential information subject to protection under the Federal Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (45 C.F.R. Parts 160 and 164). If you or your organization is a “Covered Entity” under the above mentioned regulations, you are obligated to treat such information in a manner consistent with the regulations. If it appears that this email was sent to you in error, (1) you are prohibited from utilizing or disseminating this email or any attachments; (2) please immediately delete it from your computer and any servers or other locations where it might be stored and (3) email [email protected] or call 620.231.9873 advising that you have done so. We appreciate your cooperation.Ap

Church news, Fort Scott, Youth

First Baptist Church VBS is July 23-25

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First Baptist Church, 123 Scott Avenue.
First Baptist Church at 123 Scott Ave is having a Vacation Bible School from Thursday-Saturday July 23-25.

 

Thursday & Friday, July 23 & 24

9:45  a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

 For children aged 5 – entering 6th grade

Saturday, July 25 – FAMILY DAY

10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Lunch served daily

 

First Baptist Church

123 Scott Avenue

Fort Scott, Kansas

620-223-3080

Find us on Facebook: First Baptist Fort Scott

 

Fort Scott, History, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

LMC Awarded Grant to Support Unsung Heroes of Fort Scott

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Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Awarded

Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area Grant

 

Fort Scott, Kansas – The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes has been awarded a grant from the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA) to support the “Unsung Heroes of Fort Scott” project.

 

The project, titled “Unsung Heroes of Fort Scott” will include a wall-mounted 55-inch digital screen with touch and interactive capabilities.  The screen will be placed in the museum and contain information about Fort Scott and Kansas unsung heroes and their histories. The wall mount contains technology that will allow for AI portraits of unsung heroes like native son and Renaissance man Gordon Parks, one of Fort Scott’s early Jewish businessmen Alfred Weil, and Kansas suffragist Carrie Langston Hughes, to name only a few! An interactive map will also pinpoint the connections to all of the Fort Scott unsung heroes! Through this effort, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes aims to promote tourism, improve our local economy, and engage our local, national, and international visitors in new and exciting ways!

 

“We are really excited to work with the Freedom’s Frontier once again in our mutual effort to raise awareness about Kansas and Fort Scott unsung heroes and their history!” said Norm Conard, Executive Director of the LMC of Unsung Heroes.

 

Freedom’s Frontier is a congressionally designated national heritage area that spans eastern Kansas and western Missouri, working with partners to preserve and share the stories of the region’s role in shaping the nation’s history.  FFNHA provides grant funding to support projects promoting heritage tourism, historic preservation, and public interpretation.

 

The project is expected to be completed by the end of this summer.

 

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes: The LMC is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. Our mission is to share those projects and the stories of these unsung heroes with our community through our museum at the Center!

Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA): FFNHA builds awareness of struggles for freedom in western Missouri and eastern Kansas. Established by Congress in 2006, FFNHA covers a unique physical and cultural landscape across 41 counties and 31,000 square miles. It promotes three diverse, interwoven, and nationally significant stories: frontier settlement, the Kansas-Missouri Border War and Civil War, and enduring civil rights disputes. FFNHA inspires respect for multiple perspectives and empowers area residents to preserve and share these stories, achieving its goals through interpretation, preservation, conservation, and education for all residents and visitors. It is one of the 62 federally recognized national heritage areas across the United States.

 

 

Kansas

Boil Water Advisory Issued for Fulton, Bourbon County

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July 15, 2026

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Fulton public water supply system located in Bourbon County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

  • Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
  • Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
  • If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
  • Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
  • Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

The advisory took effect on July 15, 2026 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because the city cannot currently maintain the minimum required chlorine residual. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 620-857-4464, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at [email protected] or call 785-564-6767.

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Board of Trustees Special Meeting July 16, 2026

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The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold a Special Board Meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in the Ellis Fine Arts Building on the Fort Scott Community College campus.

The agenda for the meeting is attached.

Fort Scott Community College — Board of Trustees Special Meeting

Ellis Fine Arts Center | July 16, 2026 – 12:00 P.M. | Public Agenda

1.0 Call Meeting to Order – Chair Doug Ropp
1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk
Bailey · Brown · Cosens · Hoyt · McKinnis · Ropp

2.0 Flag Salute & Invocation

3.0 Leadership Reports & Updates (Information)
3.1 Academics – Vice President of Academic Affairs – Dr. Larry Guerrero
3.2 Advancement – Dean of Advancement – Lindsay Hill
3.3 Athletics – Athletic Director – Dave Wiemers
3.4 Finance – CFO, Vice President of Finance & Operations – Gina Shelton
3.5 Student Services – Vice President of Student Affairs – Vanessa Poyner
3.6 Grant Updates – Dean of Advancement – Lindsay Hill
3.7 Presidential Update – President Dr. Jack Welch

4.0 Review of July 20th Agenda Items (Information)

5.0 Personnel
5.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action)
5.2 Exit Executive Session – Return to Open Session (Action)

6.0 Board Member Training (Information)

7.0 Adjourn (Action)

Documents:

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – July 15, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – July 15, 2026

Arrested

Finchum, Brandon Keith (Age 39) — Arrested 7/14/2026 12:36 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant – Bourbon County (Failure to Appear). Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Bump-Carpenter, Gabriella Heaven (Age 23) — Arrested 7/14/2026 3:37 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant – Bourbon County (Probation Violation). Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Beltran Uriostegui, Tonia (Age 23) — Arrested 7/14/2026 7:45 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Expired Registration, Vehicle Liability Insurance Required, No Valid DL for Non-CDL CMV. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Mercer-Kent, Sandra Jane (Age 49) — Arrested 7/14/2026 9:14 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Domestic Battery – Knowing/Reckless Bodily Harm. Bond: $0.00.

Released

Cliffman, Tarin Renee — Released 7/14/2026 3:43 PM via Own Recognizance (Self).

Coleman, Kenli Jeane — Released 7/14/2026 3:23 PM via Own Recognizance (Self).

Herrington, John Thomas — Released 7/14/2026 3:55 PM via Court Order (Osawatomie State Hospital).

Hudson, Joseph F — Released 7/14/2026 11:03 AM via Own Recognizance (Self).

Maggard, Natasha R — Released 7/14/2026 3:42 PM via Own Recognizance (Self).

Total Inmates Released: 5

Documents:

Obituary

Obituary of John Richard Mix

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Richard Mix

John Richard Mix, 92, lifelong resident of Devon, Kansas, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026, in his home with his wife at his side. Richard was born on October 18, 1933, to his parents, Edwin B. and Crystal A. Johnson Mix. He graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1951.

Richard started driving a tractor at the age of 9 and later worked with his dad farming and dairying for several years. Farming and driving the tractor were some of the greatest joys in his life. He persevered and continued until he was about 90 years old, with the help of his neighbors Ron and Kenny Wunderly, until this winter when he wasn’t able and they continued to help.

In 1956 Richard and Louise Smith were married and welcomed 2 sons, Ricky D. Mix and Michael D. Mix. They later divorced.

He later met Patricia (Pat) Reynolds through a mutual friend. On June 25, 1983, they were married and had 43 good years together.

He was a member of Devon Ruritan and helped the Devon Rural Fire Department and was on the Watershed board for many years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Pat of the home, two sons, Ricky and Norma Mix of rural Uniontown, and Michael and Karen Mix of rural Fort Scott, 4 grandchildren, and several great grandchildren. Cousins Mick and Ginny Cotter and Pat Young, and brothers-in-law Merle Reynolds and Dorvin Reynolds and his beloved dogs. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 am, on Saturday July 18 at the Centerville Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Devon Rural Fire Department, the Harry Hynes Hospice or the Southeast Kansas Humane Society. Donations 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.

Obituary

Obituary: Valerie Sue Graham

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Valerie Sue Graham

Valerie Sue Graham was born on May 12, 1956, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and departed this life on July 13, 2026, in the very town where her story began, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a woman of Christian faith, a faithful soul whose days were marked by kindness, wisdom, and selfless devotion, and whose memory shall remain a light in the hearts of all who knew her. She was the beloved wife of Thomas S. Graham, and together they walked through the seasons of life with steadfast devotion and uncommon grace.

Valerie was preceded in death by her parents, Frank D. Greenfield and Joan G. Karleskint Greenfield, whose love and guidance helped shape the character of the woman she became. She was one of five children with whom four remain to survive her: Joel Greenfield, Kathleen North, Mary Hymer, and Donna Craven, with whom she shared the bonds that time could not diminish. Valerie was the loving mother of Ethan D. Hart of Fort Scott, Kansas, and Jennifer R. Hart. She was a devoted grandmother to Sgt. Cameron Harper of the United States Air Force, Evan Hart of Reedsport, Oregon, Juliet Hart, Illiana Graham, Autumn Graham, Addison Graham, and Klaire Graham, all of Fort Scott, Kansas. She was also blessed to know the joy of great-grandmotherhood through Ember Schellack of Fort Scott, Kansas. In all these relationships, she gave of herself without reserve, and her family was ever the treasure of her heart.

Her life was one of labor, learning, and enterprise. In her early years she worked waiting tables and cleaning, and in time she rose to become a business owner in her mid-thirties while also helping take care of her parents’ needs for years. When a new chapter opened before her, she and her husband Tom worked together transporting prisoners for law enforcement, serving as a team with diligence and resolve. Yet her greatest work was not found in title or trade, but in the building of a home and sanctuary at the “Graham Ranch” — Lake Fort Scott, where her family might feel loved, secure, and held within a haven of peace. There, among raising horses and creating unforgettable memories, she fashioned a legacy not of wealth, but of belonging, and for more than twenty-five years she and Tom raised the grandchildren, two of which they later adopted as their own children, giving them shelter, guidance, and the steady comfort of a mother’s and father’s love.

Valerie pursued education with uncommon purpose, studying Criminal Justice at Fort Scott Community College and earning a 4.0 grade point average. Her excellence was further honored by her membership in the National Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa, tokens of her discipline and bright mind. She proved that it is never too late to seek knowledge, and that wisdom, when joined to humility, becomes a noble crown.

She found delight in the simple and sacred things of life. She loved gardening and labored to beautify her yard, planting in her flower beds and tending to her many house plants with patient care. She delighted in sharing her knowledge and great wisdom about life, offering counsel with honesty and tenderness. She cherished the Friday night card games at James and Joyce’s house, where fellowship and laughter made the evening merry. Above all, she loved caring for children and spoiling them, for she believed with all her heart that the children were innocent babes who needed protection, tenderness, and love most of all. She often said, “The little ones are innocent babes, and they need us the most. It is my purpose to make them feel safe and loved.” In that saying, her whole spirit may be known.

Those who knew Valerie remember her as a class act unto the very end, a woman whose unwavering love, support, kindness, and integrity never failed her. She moved through life with a quiet strength and a noble bearing, and in her presence, many found comfort, counsel, and peace. Her passing leaves an ache that words cannot fully heal, yet her life leaves behind a far greater gift, for she taught by example how to love well, endure faithfully, and serve with grace. Though death has claimed her earthly form, the goodness she sowed shall endure in the lives of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and all who were blessed to stand within the circle of her love.

A celebration of Valerie’s life will take place at 4:00 PM Wednesday, July 22nd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will take place at a later date at the U.S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the Kansas Sheriff’s Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fair, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Bourbon County Fair Association, July 16

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Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by the Bourbon County Fair Association

Thursday, July 16th | 8:00 a.m.
Under the Hubenett Pavilion at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds
2102 S. Huntington Blvd., Fort Scott, KS

Chamber Coffee hosted by Bourbon County Fair Association – Thursday, July 16th, 8am, BBCO Fairgrounds Hubenett Pavilion, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend this week’s Chamber Coffee hosted by the Bourbon County Fair Association on Thursday, July 16, at 8:00 a.m.

The Coffee will be held under the Hubenett Pavilion at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about this year’s Bourbon County Fair and the many activities taking place throughout the week.

The Bourbon County Fair continues through Friday, July 17, showcasing the hard work and dedication of local 4-H members and youth exhibitors. The Chamber extends its best wishes to all participants exhibiting livestock and projects they have worked on throughout the year.

Community members are encouraged to attend the fair, support local youth, and enjoy the week’s activities. Fair highlights include:

  • Fort Scott FFA Chicken Dinner on Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Uniontown FFA Cornhole Tournament at 7:00 p.m. in the Show Arena
  • Draft Horse Pull at 8:00 p.m.
  • Vendor Mart in the Merchants Building from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. nightly through Thursday
  • Youth Livestock Sale on Friday at 7:00 p.m.

2026 Bourbon County Fair Schedule of Events

A complete schedule of fair events is available on the Events Calendar at fortscott.com or on the Bourbon County Fair Facebook page.

For more information about Chamber Coffees or other Chamber events, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

Advertisements

Ad: Josh Jones — Rooted Here

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I’m Josh Jones — born here, built my life here, running to serve here.

Joshua Jones, Republican for Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3 — Rooted Here

I’m Josh Jones, and I’m running for Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3.

My family has been in this county since the 1850s, and so has my wife’s. I grew up here. I tried leaving once — it lasted about three weeks before I moved right back. By the time I had my first kids at 20, I’d made up my mind: I was going to build something here, so my family would never have to leave to find a good life.

So I went to work. Nearly 20 years as a small-business owner — Fort Scott Sanitation, rental properties, and today Bourbon County Cars. For a stretch in between, I even drove a school bus for our middle- and high-school sports teams, so I wouldn’t miss being part of my kids’ school experiences. And along the way I learned you don’t fix a community by complaining about it. You find good people who care as much as you do, and you get to work:

  • Joined the volunteers who resurfaced the tennis courts so our kids have a place to play
  • Pitched in on scholarships for young people going into the trades
  • Acquired the Lowman Street lot where the historic church Gordon Parks attended once stood, and donated it to the Gordon Parks Museum — so that piece of our history stays alive here

None of that was about me. It was about people who are passionate about this town pulling in the same direction — and I’ve been lucky to be part of it. That’s exactly what I want to bring to the county: see a problem, bring the right folks together, and actually get it done.

I’d be grateful for the chance to earn your vote.

Vote Josh Jones — Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3. A neighbor who shows up.

Paid for by Joshua Jones for County Commissioner, Josh Jones, Treasurer.

Learn more and get in touch: Josh Jones on Facebook

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Tables Property-Tax-Rate Decision to July 20 — July 13, 2026

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The Bourbon County Commission met July 13, 2026, with Chair Samuel Tran presiding and Commissioners Mika Milburn-Kee, Gregg Motley present, and Joe Allen arriving late. Commissioner David Beerbower was absent.

Property-tax rate decision tabled to July 20

The centerpiece was Baker Tilly’s budget forecast for the general fund and Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) presentation. Lawn reviewed a 2026 general fund estimated to end near $594,000 and a preliminary 2027 deficit of about $201,000 if general-fund property-tax revenue stays near the cap. He laid out three options: hold the mill levy flat at last year’s 56.669 mills (about $8.15 million, roughly a $22-per-person increase), cut 15 percent (about $718,000 less, roughly a $50-per-person rebate), or adopt the true revenue-neutral rate, keeping the dollar amount of taxation the same as last year at $7,858,000, or 54.664 mills, a two mill reduction accounting for the 3.7% growth in the county. This option will reduce the county’s income by about $300,000 from the current mill rate of 56.669.

Lawn recommended the commission notify the county clerk that it reserves the right to exceed the revenue-neutral rate, capping at 56.669 mills. “I would not want to see you go lower than that.,” he said.

Milburn-Kee strongly opposed exceeding the RNR, arguing a flat rate would work. “We have proved time and time again, if we levy it, we’ll spend it. So if everybody wants an excuse to raise it and levy it, then consider it spent,” she said.

Tran cited concerns about unforeseen legal and litigation costs and a pending employee-benefits presentation; Allen pointed to aging Public Works equipment, ambulance needs, and employee raises after three years without one. The commission reached consensus to table the rate decision to its July 20 meeting, when Beerbower returns and Lawn brings a full employee-benefits fund budget.

“I don’t believe the revenue neutral rate should ever be a consideration for a county unless that county is growing considerably and there is a positive, non-strained economy,” Lawn stated to the commissioners. “Lowering it that much would severely hurt your ability to operate, I believe.”

Minutes and accounts payable

Minutes from June 29 were approved. Minutes from July 6 were tabled and later approved 2–1, with Milburn-Kee voting no because she had not yet read them. The commission addressed accounts payable of $543,225.90; Motley questioned a “desert snow training” line item in the Sheriff’s Department budget. A representative from the Sheriff’s office said it refers to narcotics training.

Treasurer’s report

Treasurer Jennifer Hawkins reminded residents that July 31 is the last day to pay property taxes before delinquent names are published (with a publication fee), and pointed to missingmoney.ks.gov for unclaimed property. She also publicly disputed a comment Milburn-Kee made the prior week that the treasurer had not returned a call about postage, saying the call came two hours before that meeting with no voicemail, text, or email. Milburn-Kee did not stay in the room to hear Hawkins dispute, but walked in and out several times during her report.

Other business

The commission pushed the Jarred Gilmore Phillips auditor engagement to July 20 to allow Milburn-Kee to obtain a competing bid from Barney and Associates.

Motley pointed out that switching auditors increases the cost to the county because of setting up the paperwork.

Allen spoke with a representative from GovDeals who pointed out the items that would sell and the items that will not sell and should be trashed or scrapped. The commission agreed that Allen should created the recommended lots and list the items for sale with deals.gov.

Milburn-Kee addressed the question of what the opioid fund can be used for. She suggested the county create an application process for awarding grants from the fund. Motley mentioned the 16-page list of permitted uses for the fund that the Kansas Attorney General’s office provided.

For the prior week’s budget discussion, see Bourbon County Commission — July 6, 2026.

Commissioner Comments

Milburn-Kee encouraged the commissioners to use their resources, particularly with regard to gravel roads in the county, which she claims are getting thinner. She referred to a road engineer provided for no charge by KAC who has had some meeting with the public works director in her district.

Allen asked about the HR study on salary surveys. They are expected to be done in the coming year, said Tran. Allen also encouraged visiting the county fair this week.

Tran talked about how crazy the budget season is for the commission. He said he is happy with the mill levy at its current level, but has concern about the funding the future. He said the commissioners have a fiduciary responsibility, and owe the citizens of the county an explanation for their decisions regarding taxes.

 

Bourbon County Local News