Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda Summary, May 19, 2026

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Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda & Packet Summary

At 4:30, there will be a special meeting with the Attorney General’s office for KOMA training for the commissioners, followed by the regular meeting at 5:30.

Meeting Date: May 18, 2026, at 5:30 PM

Commission Agenda 05.18.26

I. Meeting Agenda Outline

  • 1. Call Meeting to Order

  • 2. Pledge of Allegiance

  • 3. Prayer

  • 4. Introductions

  • 5. Approval of Agenda

  • 6. Approval of Minutes (05.11.26)

  • 7. Approval of Accounts Payable (05.15.26) – $363,496.33

  • 8. Approval of Tax Corrections

  • 9. SEK Multi-County Health Department Budget Request – Rebecca Johnson

  • 10. Department Updates

      1. EMS Equipment Request – Teri Hulsey

  • 11. Public Comments

  • 12. Old Business

      1. Hidden Valley Roads – Allen

      1. Auction Update – Allen

  • 13. New Business

      1. Solid Waste Plan – K Allen

      1. Hale Fireworks Permit

      1. Jarred Gilmore Phillips 2026 Audit Engagement

  • 14. Future Agenda Topics

  • 15. Commission Comments

  • 16. Adjournment

II. Detailed Information Packet Summary

Meeting Minutes Summary (Pages 2–6)

  • Meeting Details: Official record of the prior Bourbon County Commission meeting held on May 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM at 210 S National, Fort Scott, KS. (Page 2)

  • Agenda Modifications: Commissioner Beerbower requested swapping items VIII and IX so that a resolution could be addressed before payroll and accounts payable discussions. The agenda was approved 5-0 as amended. (Page 2)

  • Tax & Accounts Payable Approvals: Tax corrections were approved 5-0. Accounts payable from May 8, 2026, totaling $457,015.06, were approved 5-0. Minutes from the May 4, 2026, meeting were approved 5-0. (Pages 2–3)

  • Public Comment (Meals on Wheels): Michael Hoyt addressed the commission regarding federal defunding of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA). He noted that the Pittsburg-headquartered program is frozen to new home meal delivery requests, impacting local elderly constituents, and urged the county and city to consider funding solutions during upcoming budget sessions. (Page 3)

  • Resolution 22-26: Introduced by Commissioner Beerbower following a prior consensus during a work session. It was adopted with a 3-2 vote (Commissioners Beerbower, Motley, and Allen voting in favor; Commissioners Milburn-Kee and Tran voting against). (Page 3)

  • Check-Signing Authority Dispute: County Attorney James Crux addressed a lack of communication that caused late employee payments due to Commissioner Tran’s surprise refusal to sign routine checks. Commissioner Tran clarified that state statutes only mandate signatures from the treasurer and clerk, not commissioners. To resolve the logjam, Commissioner Tran moved to authorize Commissioner Allen to sign accounts payable checks. This passed 5-0, though Commissioner Allen noted he cannot sign until formally added to the bank signature cards by the treasurer. (Pages 3–4, 5)

  • Clerk Payroll System Access Dispute: Commissioner Motley moved to restore read-only access to the pay entry system (SecureView) for the County Clerk so she could generate general ledger entries. Commissioner Milburn-Kee objected, citing employee privacy and PII concerns (such as hire dates). The Clerk stated that summary files provided by an intermediary assistant lacked necessary cost-center breakdowns and Excel formatting. The motion failed 2-3 (Motley and Allen in favor; Milburn-Kee, Tran, and Beerbower opposed). It was suggested to invite the system representative, Mr. Cohen, to a future meeting to investigate custom restricted profiles. (Pages 4–5)

  • Commission Comments: Commissioner Allen congratulated 2026 graduates. Commissioner Milburn-Kee suggested ordering an annual signature disc for checks to match regular rotations in the commission chairmanship, noting Linn County follows this practice. (Page 5)

Open Invoices By Department Summary (Pages 7–17 & Pages 27–35)

An itemized breakdown of the Grand Total: $363,496.33 in open invoices scheduled for approval.

  • Department 00 – Non-Departmental / Clearing Accounts (Pages 7–11, 17, 33): Net total of $218,993.36, primarily consisting of employee benefit clearings, insurance accounts, withholdings, and cost clearings across multiple funds including:

    • General Fund: -$1,286.98 (Page 7)

    • Appraisers: $7,347.76 (Page 8)

    • County Treasurer Motor Fund: $3,189.16 (Page 9)

    • Diversion Application Fee Fund: $64.66 (Page 9)

    • Election Fund: $2,885.50 (Page 9)

    • Employee Benefit Fund: $35,222.73 (Page 10)

    • Rod-Tech Fund: $509.05 (Page 10)

    • Landfill Fund: $5,626.37 (Page 11)

    • County Sheriff/Correctional Fund: $76,306.32 (Page 13)

    • Noxious Weed Fund: $1,771.05 (Page 13)

    • Road and Bridge Fund: $77,473.38 (Page 15)

    • Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund: $10,970.62 (Page 16)

    • Ambulance Service Fund: -$1,114.30 (Page 16)

    • Offender Registration Fund: $28.04 (Page 17)

  • Department 01 – County Commission (Pages 18, 33): $9,768.78 (Includes $4,500.00 for legal services rendered through 3.31.26 by Fisher, Patterson, Sayler & Smith LLP and $5,195.42 in commission wages).

  • Department 02 – County Clerk (Pages 19, 33): $4,386.70 (Includes $4,230.94 in clerk wages, travel toll fees, and copier readings).

  • Department 03 – County Treasurer (Pages 20, 34): $4,807.71 (Includes $4,787.73 in treasurer wages).

  • Department 04 – County Attorney (Pages 21, 34): $10,356.08 (Includes $10,254.39 in attorney wages and office/water supplies).

  • Department 05 – County Register of Deeds (Pages 22, 34): $5,010.14 (Includes $4,948.49 in register wages).

  • Department 07 – Courthouse Maintenance (Pages 23, 34): $3,145.68 (Includes $2,866.00 in maintenance building wages and $240.00 for security locking bars).

  • Department 08 – County Coroner (Pages 24, 34): $50.00 (Report of death fee from Forensic Medical).

  • Department 10 – District Court (Pages 25, 34): $5,615.33 (Includes legal conflict representation from John A. Villamaria for $1,302.24 and $652.80, court mileage reimbursements, interpreter translation services, and $1,847.34 in court wages).

  • Department 11 – Emergency Preparedness (Pages 26, 34): $1,361.40 (Includes $769.23 in wages, vehicle maintenance, and home show supplies/giveaways).

  • Department 18 – Juvenile Detention (Pages 27, 34): $11,377.00 (Consists of an $11,194.00 monthly detention fee to the SEK Regional Juvenile Detention Center alongside inmate medical bills).

  • Department 24 – Ambulance Service (Pages 28, 35): $45,621.00 (Includes $33,659.94 in ambulance service wages, emergency vehicle repairs to EMS 7 by BOFS, Inc. totaling $6,181.34 and $3,362.40, and $1,013.07 for medical/valve equipment from Hamilton Medical).

  • Department 30 – Noxious Weed (Pages 29, 35): $12,715.10 (Primarily chemical supplies from Van Diest Supply Company for $10,193.60 and $2,521.50).

  • Department 43 – Courthouse General (Pages 30, 35): $22,295.74 (Includes a $15,625.00 tax sale report fee to Security 1st Title, $4,554.00 for 2026 SEKRPC membership dues, and $300.00 to CIC for a signature file programming set up).

  • Department 44 – Human Resources (Pages 31, 35): $4,300.00 (Monthly custom HR support package from HR Solutions on Call, LLC).

  • Department 99 – County Miscellaneous (Pages 32, 35): $3,692.31 (County Counselor wages).

SEK Multi-County Health Department Budget Request (Page 36)

  • Funding Proposal: Letter from Rebecca Johnson (BSN, RN, Administrator & Local Health Officer) outlining the 2027 funding request of $93,291. This represents a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment over the 2026 approved funding allocation of $90,750.

  • Justification: The increase is sought to preserve skeletal staffing levels and core programs, such as immunizations, WIC, disease control, maternal/child care, and emergency preparedness. Johnson warns that alternative budget reductions will delay services and worsen recruitment/retention hurdles.

Solid Waste Plan Amendment (Page 37)

  • KDHE Communication: Draft letter dated May 14, 2026, directed to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management regarding updates to the Bourbon County Transfer Station operations.

  • Plan Changes: Section 2: D 1 is revised to indicate that soybeans are no longer accepted at the transfer station.

  • Committee Adjustments: Public Works Director Kenny Allen replaces Dustin Hall on the committee. Commissioners Joe Allen and Greg Motley are formally added as committee members.

Fireworks Permit Request (Pages 38–41)

  • License Details: Form 2026-001 authorizing Hale Fireworks, LLC to sell fireworks seasonally at 2523 S Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. The permit fee is $75.00 and carries an expiration date of July 7, 2026. (Page 38)

  • Application Data: Hand-signed application by Mitch Hale (Owner) listing the corporate address out of Buffalo, MO, and naming Sandy Kueck as the primary contact person. (Pages 39–40)

  • Financial Receipt: Treasury receipt #44076 issued by Treasurer Jennifer Hawkins confirming the $75.00 payment cleared into the county General Fund on May 6, 2026. (Page 41)

External Audit Engagement Agreement (Pages 42–47)

  • Engagement Terms: Agreement letter from CPA firm Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips, PA to audit the Bourbon County regulatory-basis financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2026. (Page 42)

  • Scope & Standards: The audit will conform to Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) in the US and includes testing compliance with supplementary schedules, internal controls, and looking for risks surrounding management override or improper revenue recognition. (Pages 42–44)

  • Fee Structure: The standard hourly billing rates plus out-of-pocket expenses are capped at a maximum proposed fee of $29,500.00. If federal expenditures push past $1,000,000.00, triggering a mandated Single Audit Act procedure, an additional estimated fee of $2,900.00 will apply. Neil L. Phillips, CPA, is designated as the supervising engagement partner. (Page 46)

Fort Scott

City of Fort Scott Commission Meeting Minutes, May 5, 2026

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Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Minutes

5-5-2026 CityCommissionMinutes

Meeting Date: May 5, 2026

Meeting Type: Regular Meeting

Location: City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas

Broadcast: Streamed live on YouTube

Call to Order: 6:00 PM

Attendance

  • Mayor: Kathryn Salsbury

  • Commissioners: Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer, Tim Van Hoecke, Julie Buchta

  • City Staff & Guests: Brad Matkin (City Manager), Chief Jason Pickert (FSPD), Rachel Carpenter (Community Relations Director), Lisa Lewis (City Clerk), Lisa Dillon (Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator), Mary Wyatt (Business Development Director), Jason Dickman (Earles Engineering & Inspections LLC), Stephen Mitchell (IT Director), Garth Herrmann (Gilmore & Bell), Scott Flater (Public Utility Director), Michael Hoyt, and Nick Graham

Opening Proceedings

  • Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Mayor Salsbury.

  • Invocation: Delivered by Commissioner Van Hoecke, asking for guidance for the City, citizens, government, and officials.

Approval of Agenda

  • Motion: Van Hoecke moved to approve the Amended Agenda. Seconded by Dancer.

  • Vote: Carried 5-0.

Consent Agenda

  • Motion: Van Hoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Seconded by Dancer.

  • Vote: Carried 5-0.

Public Comment

  • No comments were made.

Appearances

Garth Herrmann (Gilmore & Bell) – Resolution No. 19-2026

  • Topic: Authorizing Offering for Sale of Bond Notes for the Davis Lift Station. Resolution 17-2026 was approved authorizing the sale of temporary notes (Series 2026-1) in the amount of $3 million to finance project and issuance costs.

  • Timeline: Notes are scheduled to close on June 25, 2026, with a maturity date of July 1, 2026. A long-term bond issue is planned for spring or early summer 2027. The principal amount may be increased if future change orders are approved.

  • Motion: Wells moved to go out for the General Obligation Temporary Notes Series 2026-1 with the changes that may come based upon what the City Manager communicates back to bond counsel. Seconded by Van Hoecke.

  • Vote: Carried 5-0.

Stephen Mitchell – IT Update

  • Topic: Mitchell reported the pool network was revamped using existing equipment inventory. Work is ongoing with the City Manager to develop a comprehensive 1-, 3-, and 5-year technology plan.

  • Incidents: The commission discussed recent minor ransomware incidents experienced by the local school district; there was no lateral movement, and it was successfully contained.

  • Next Steps: An executive session will be scheduled during the next May meeting to discuss the technology plan due to proprietary information and identified system vulnerabilities. Commissioners praised the noticeable improvements in IT support and responsiveness.

Rachel Carpenter & Lisa Dillon – Safe Routes to School Plan

  • Topic: Developed through a KDOT technical assistance grant with participation from community stakeholders. The adopted plan identifies pedestrian safety improvements near schools and enables future grant opportunities without creating a financial obligation for the City.

  • Motion: Moved to adopt the City of Fort Scott Safe Routes to School Plan. Seconded by Buchta.

  • Vote: Carried 5-0.

Rachel Carpenter – Transportation Alternative Grant

  • Topic: Request to apply for a Transportation Alternatives Grant for Phase One of the Buck Run Corridor Transportation Project. The $2 million project includes a four-foot concrete pathway (6th to 12th Street), a new 100-foot bridge, rehabilitation of a historic 1900 bridge, and traffic safety measures near the high school. The City is responsible for a 20% local match ($400,000) to be budgeted in 2027. Award notifications are anticipated in Fall 2026.

  • Motion: Van Hoecke moved to approve City staff to go out for the grant as requested. Seconded by Dancer.

  • Vote: Carried 5-0.

Unfinished Business

CDBG Grant & Environmental Review for Memorial Hall

  • Topic: Mary Wyatt reported the city’s portion of the environmental review process for the Memorial Hall exterior renovation project is complete. The Mayor’s signature is required on one document, with an additional signature expected on May 19, 2026, following a seven-day public comment period.

Scope: Exterior renovations, replacement windows, waterproofing, water-tightening measures, and scotch pointing. Review by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) extended the timeline. Construction bidding can proceed once approved by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Discussion of Gunn Park Caretaker’s House

  • Topic: Proposal to use the caretaker house as a short-term rental property. Concerns were raised regarding the city competing with private businesses. Alternatives included daytime event rentals or private entity operations.

  • Motion: Van Hoecke moved to deny the proposal for use of the caretaker house as a short-term rental. Seconded by Buchta.

  • Vote: Carried 4-1. (Dancer, Buchta, Van Hoecke, and Salsbury voted Yes; Wells voted No) .

New Business

Resolution No. 18-2026: Expanded Alcohol Sales Hours (FIFA World Cup)

  • Topic: Consideration to expand alcohol sales hours from 6:00 AM to 5:00 AM on game days during the 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11 – July 19, 2026).

  • Motion: Van Hoecke moved to deny the request and maintain current alcohol sales hours. Seconded by Buchta.

  • Vote: Carried 4-1. (Buchta, Van Hoecke, Salsbury, and Wells voted Yes; Dancer voted No) .

Bids for 2026-28 Hay Rights (Airport)

  • Motion: Buchta moved to approve the submitted bid from G & M Cattle for $6,500 per year. Seconded by Dancer.

  • Vote: Carried 5-0.

Agenda Amendment for Executive Session

  • Motion: Wells moved to amend the agenda to call an Executive Session. Seconded by Buchta.

  • Vote: Carried 5-0.

Executive Session

  • Motion: Wells moved to recess into Executive Session to discuss the acquisition of real property pursuant to the exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(6), with the 5 Commissioners and the City Manager present, resuming at 7:21 PM. Seconded by Van Hoecke.

  • Vote: Carried 5-0.

  • Motion to Return: Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session. Seconded by Buchta.

  • Vote: Carried 4-0. (Buchta, Van Hoecke, Salsbury, and Dancer voted Yes; Wells was not present for the vote) .

  • Note: Commissioner Wells returned to the meeting at 7:22 PM.

Action Items / Continued Business

Change Order No. 1 – Davis Lift Station ($126,323.58)

  • Topic: Jason Dickman presented Change Order #1 for an extraneous flow pump and force main anchoring system due to high groundwater levels (3.5 to 4.5 feet below grade) creating buoyancy concerns for the 18-inch overflow pipe.

  • Discussion: Public Utility Director Scott Flater recommended tabling the issue, noting recent rainfall likely caused temporarily elevated groundwater. Sections of the pipe are already buried, and the contractor is requesting reimbursement for excavation work. Commissioners requested that future major change order discussions include the on-site engineering supervisor and the operations superintendent.

  • Motion: Van Hoecke moved to table the Change Order. Seconded by Buchta.

  • Vote: Carried 5-0.

  • Direction: Dickman was directed to confirm the contractor could proceed elsewhere, investigate alternative solutions, and report back. Mayor Salsbury clarified that the City had been placed on legal notice regarding potential liability if the pipe were to float, noting the City is prohibited from indemnifying third parties.

Reports and Comments

City Engineer

  • Davis Lift Station update.

  • E. National Project update – railroad permits received for National Ave. and Wall St.

  • Wall Street – CCLIP update – Phase 4 submitted.

City Manager

  • No comment.

Commissioner Van Hoecke

  • Golf Cart Permit reminder.

  • Striping on National Avenue.

  • Thank you to City Staff for a successful Luau event.

Commissioner Buchta

  • Striping on National Avenue.

  • Additional comments regarding the Gunn Park Caretaker’s House.

  • Sales tax / shop local advocacy.

Commissioner Dancer

  • Additional comments regarding the Gunn Park Caretaker’s House.

  • Concerns about the current animal shelter.

Commissioner Wells

  • Additional comments regarding the Gunn Park Caretaker’s House.

  • Request to form a coalition for homelessness.

  • Acknowledgement of Good Ol Days vendors and sponsors.

Commissioner Salsbury

  • 4-way stop at 12th and Main.

  • Additional comments on the work session regarding homelessness.

  • Acknowledgement of the City Engineer’s comments regarding the City being “put on notice”.

Adjournment

  • Motion: Van Hoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 PM. Seconded by Dancer.

  • Vote: Carried and adjourned at 8:04 PM.

Submitted by: Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Fort Scott

City of Fort Scott Meeting Agenda, May 19, 2026

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Notice of and Agenda for Regular Meeting of Fort Scott City Commission

Location: City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Date & Time: May 19, 2026 – 6:00 P.M.

5-19-26 Agenda

Meeting Agenda

I. Call to Order

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Invocation

IV. Approval of Agenda

V. Consent Agenda

  • A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1408-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of April 29, 2026 – May 13, 2026 – $497,094.40

  • B. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of May 5, 2026

  • C. Approval of Renewal of Retailer’s Liquor License – Hole In the Wall Enterprises LLC 124 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS – Licensing May 26, 2026 – May 25, 2028.

  • D. April Financials

VI. Executive Session

  • Stephen Mitchell – IT Update

VII. Public Comment

VIII. Appearance

  1. Tom Coffman / Public Works Director – Department Update
  2. Lisa Dillon / Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator – Historic Preservation Fund Grant

  3. Daniel Wilson / Parks Advisory Board – Dog Pound at Gunn Park

IX. New Business

Public Hearing

  • A. Consideration to Vacate Portion of an Alley – Petitioner Dennis Shawn Daugherty/Daugherty Enterprises LLC

Action Items

  • A. Consideration to Purchase Quick Lock Point Repair System for Sanitary Sewer from Key Equipment – $15,023.64 – B. Lemke/Water Distribution Supervisor

  • B. Consideration to Expand Current Agreement with Omnigo Qtel Digital Evidence and Case Management Module – $39,364.00 – Chief J. Pickert/FSPD

  • C. Consideration of Bids for Lease to Purchase of (6) Police Vehicles – Chief J. Pickert/FSPD

  • D. Request to Pay Application for Payment No. 3 – Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking, Inc. – Davis Lift Station – $187,166.14 – J. Dickman

X. Reports and Comments

XI.Adjourn

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 18

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Arrest Summary

JACOBS, ALEX, 29
Arrested: 5/15/2026 9:00 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Sanction
Bond: $0

CRUCE, GREGORY L, 68
Arrested: 5/15/2026 10:52 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Warrant: Fort Scott Municipal ($100 cash)
– Warrant: Fort Scott Municipal ($250 cash)
Bond Total: $350

CHANEY, DARRELL JAMES JR, 29
Arrested: 5/15/2026 5:00 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Sanction
Bond: $0

EISENBRANDT, JONAH, 46
Arrested: 5/15/2026 6:00 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Sanction
Bond: $0

SINGMASTER, DAKOTA DAVID, 32
Arrested: 5/15/2026 7:41 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Warrant out of county 000099 ($2,500 cash/surety)
– Warrant: Fort Scott Municipal ($500 cash)
Bond Total: $3,000

BOLTON, SHERYL DENYSE, 53
Arrested: 5/16/2026 12:35 PM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charge: Warrant out of county
Bond: $0

HARRISON, JOSH THOMAS, 51
Arrested: 5/16/2026 12:34 PM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charge: Domestic Battery; Knowing/Reckless Bodily Harm
Bond Total: $1,500

Inmate Released List

CHANEY, DARRELL JAMES, 29
Booked: 05/15/2026
Released: 5/17/2026 at 5:00 PM
Type: Time served
Released to: Self

CRUCE, GREGORY L, 68
Booked: 05/15/2026
Released: 5/15/2026 at 11:48 AM
Type: Cash bond
Released to: Self

EISENBRANDT, JONAH, 46
Booked: 05/15/2026
Released: 5/17/2026 at 6:03 PM
Type: Time served
Released to: Self

SINGMASTER, DAKOTA DAVID, 32
Booked: 05/15/2026
Released: 5/15/2026 at 9:34 PM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: A+ Bonding

Source: Arrest Summary PDF | Inmate Released List PDF

Opinion

Unpickled Beets by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Unpickled Beets

Several days before my family gathered in to celebrate our Lord’s resurrection, I’d sent out a group text and asked what food item(s) were desired for our meal. Hands down, the answer was “pickled beets and cottage cheese.” Welp, that’s easy enough. I’ve used Betty Crocker’s simple recipe for years. As we began to set the food on the table, the usual sneaky taste-testing began. I wasn’t even in the kitchen when I heard my daughter yell, “Mom, you forgot the vinegar!” I came in, ate a beet and calmly said, “Yep, you’re right.” Well, to my daughter and son, this was a disaster so they began to quickly troubleshoot how it fix it. We decided to put the unpickled beets and juice in a plastic zipper bag, add some vinegar, and shake it around. It worked! I realized an interesting fact — before tasting the beets, they looked perfectly pickled and delicious. They weren’t.

You might say these pickled beets were hypocrites – they weren’t what they were supposed to be. There’s no way my family was going to eat these things in the shape they were in. A remedy had to be found – they had to be salvaged. Likewise, God carefully watched mankind and knew we had to be rescued, saved, and restored. There was no way we could fix ourselves so He sent His Son Jesus, the one and only remedy.

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8 NKJV). Just like tasting those unpickled beets, we have to get up close and personal to find out for ourselves if the Lord is who He says He is. Since believers are God’s children, designed to emulate their heavenly Father, we need to do a taste test on ourselves and evaluate whether we’re who we proclaim to be. We “taste ourselves” in the mirror of His Word, which means we read it, believe it, and do it.

If we evaluate ourselves and don’t pass the taste test, don’t throw the beets out the back door! Remember, there is a Remedy Redeemer when we need to be restored. Penned by John the beloved, we find the recipe for living the beautiful life God designed for us: “God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with
each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just
to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:5-9 NLT).

Mariam and Aaron loved pickled beets so much that they weren’t willing to dispose of them. They worked together and devised a plan that rescued the hypocrite beets from the garbage disposer. The above scriptures assure us that God loves, values, and cherishes every person on the face of the earth. God’s love and mercy is unfailing and eternal and all the ingredients we need to live in the light are at our disposal. Reading and following the recipe (God’s Word) will cause believers in Christ to experience a satisfying,
fulfilling, and abundant life without condemnation. The flavor of living an obedient life that’s genuinely surrendered to Christ is delectable!

The Key: Do a taste test on yourself and see if you’re an unpickled beet posing as a pickled beet. If you need to, fix it.

K-State Extension

Late Spring/Early Summer Brush Control by Lonnie Mengarelli

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Lonnie Mengarelli. Submitted photo.

Late Spring/Early Summer Brush Control

Across Kansas rangeland and pasture acres, three native shrub species are becoming increasingly common: buckbrush, roughleaf dogwood, and smooth sumac. While each plays a role in the ecosystem, unchecked growth can reduce forage production and limit grazing efficiency. Understanding how to identify and manage these species is key to maintaining productive pastures.

Buckbrush is a low-growing shrub that can reach over six feet in height and spreads aggressively through rhizomes and stolons. It is commonly found in disturbed woodlands, along creek banks, old fields, and in pastures. With opposite leaves and red fruit produced in late summer, it is relatively easy to identify during the growing season. However, its tendency to form dense colonies allows it to outcompete desirable grasses and forbs.

Roughleaf dogwood, a larger shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall, is often found along fencerows, streambanks, and woodland edges. It produces clusters of white flowers in late spring, followed by white berries in the fall. While it provides valuable wildlife habitat and cover for birds, it can become problematic in grasslands where fire is absent, gradually encroaching and reducing forage availability.

Smooth sumac is another widespread shrub, typically growing 5 to 7 feet tall. It is easily recognized by its compound leaves and bright red fall color, along with its distinctive seed heads that resemble milo. Found on rocky soils, fencerows, and pastures, smooth sumac also provides some wildlife value but can quickly form dense stands.

A common challenge with all three species is their ability to form thick clumps that shade out herbaceous vegetation. Most cattle avoid grazing these shrubs, allowing them to spread further. Sheep and goats may utilize them more readily, but grazing alone is rarely sufficient for control.

Effective management begins with early detection and a planned approach. For buckbrush, mechanical methods such as mowing can be useful if timed correctly. Cutting after leaf-out, when root energy reserves are low, can weaken the plant. However, a single mowing is not enough—multiple cuttings or consecutive years of prescribed burning in late spring are often needed for meaningful control.

Herbicide applications are another option for buckbrush, with the best results occurring when plants are fully leafed out but not yet mature, typically from mid-May to early June. Several herbicide combinations are effective, but producers should always follow label directions and consider potential impacts on desirable species.

Roughleaf dogwood presents a different challenge. It thrives in the absence of fire, and research has shown that infrequent burning allows populations to increase significantly. Annual late-spring burning can help suppress its spread, though established stands are difficult to eliminate with fire alone. Herbicide treatments can reduce top growth, but complete control often requires a multi-year strategy combining burning and follow-up applications after regrowth.

Smooth sumac is generally easier to control compared to the other two species. While late-spring burning can reduce plant height, it may increase stem density. Herbicide applications made between the flower bud stage and early seed development are typically very effective, especially when coverage is adequate.

In addition to foliar sprays, soil-applied herbicides can be used in certain situations, particularly where drift from spraying is a concern. These products can provide control of roughleaf dogwood and smooth sumac, though care must be taken to avoid damage to desirable vegetation downslope.

Growing-season burns, including those conducted in August, may also help reduce populations of roughleaf dogwood and smooth sumac over time.

Ultimately, managing these native shrubs requires a combination of methods and a long-term commitment. No single treatment will provide complete control, but integrating fire, mechanical practices, and herbicides can restore balance and improve forage production.

As always, when using herbicides, consult the product label for the most current recommendations and application guidelines.

Lonnie Mengarelli is a Kansas State University Extension Agriculture agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720

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Ad: Automotive Technology Instructor – LaHarpe, KS Campus

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Automotive Technology Instructor – LaHarpe, KS Campus

Flint Hills Technical College is seeking a full-time instructor for the Automotive Technology program, located in LaHarpe, KS, beginning with the Fall 2026 semester.

The successful candidate will have knowledge of the principles of operation for fundamental concepts of at least half of the following subjects:

  • Automotive Engines
  • Automotive Brakes
  • Electrical
  • Engine Performance                 
  • Automotive HVAC
  • Steering and Suspension
  • Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles
  • Manual Power Trains

Qualifications:

  • Associate’s Degree in related field required (or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe); Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Minimum of two years’ work experience in the automotive field or two years of teaching experience in automotive education.
  • ASE Certifications in instructional areas (or ability to obtain certification within a specified timeframe).
  • Strong communication skills – both verbal and written
  • A Kansas teaching certificate is not a requirement for this position.

Salary and Benefits:

  • Full-time, 9-month position
  • A competitive salary range of $40,000-$54,000, commensurate with experience and education level
  • KPERS retirement plan
  • Employer-paid health insurance for the employee
  • Annual salary is distributed over 12 months
  • Flexible teaching schedule.

Application Process:

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, unofficial college transcripts, and contact information for three professional references to Human Resources at [email protected].

The FHTC Board of Trustees reserves the right to withdraw positions prior to being filled.

 

Government

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter

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Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

This was National Police Week and much of the work in Washington, D.C., focused on meeting with law enforcement and voting on legislation to help law enforcement professionals do their jobs. But overall, it was a chance for all of us to take a moment to honor the brave officers who work every day to keep our communities safe. We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and thank all officers and their families across Kansas and the nation for their service and dedication.

National Police Week is a special time to honor all who wear the badge, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I had the opportunity to pay my respects to Officer Scott Heimann, Officer Hunter Simoncic, Deputy Brandon Gaede, and Deputy Elijah Ming, all of whom were killed in the line of duty protecting Kansans last year. Thank you to all in law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.
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In a legislative win, the House passed my bipartisan Criminal History Access Act to strengthen background checks for law enforcement officers. This commonsense bill gives state Peace Officer Standards and Training agencies access to the criminal history information they need to properly screen and certify officers – helping maintain professionalism and public confidence in law enforcement. I was proud to work with Congresswoman Deborah Ross from North Carolina on this legislation, and I look forward to the Senate voting on this bill soon.
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I’m proud to cosponsor legislation that protects businesses and communities from retail crime. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which passed the House this week, expands federal enforcement of criminal offenses related to organized retail and supply-chain crime. Retail crime affects everyone, and addressing it requires strong partnerships with law enforcement.

I had the privilege of giving members of Kansas Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) an evening tour of the Capitol. Kansas C.O.P.S. does incredible work supporting the families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty by providing emotional support, resources, and a strong community during difficult times. I’m grateful for all they do to honor the fallen and care for those left behind.

The House passed the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which will allow — not mandate — the year-round sale of E15 gasoline. This will open additional markets for Kansas farmers, keep money in Kansas by adding value to corn, and give retailers the certainty they need to expand the offering of E15, which can cost significantly less per gallon than E10. I was proud to work with Kansas farm organizations and my colleagues as a cosponsor of this bill and hope the Senate will soon take it up and send it to President Trump’s desk.

We also passed funding for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs for next year, investing $157 billion in military infrastructure and mandatory programs. This legislation fully funds veterans’ health care and benefits, sustains support for research and mental health programs, and provides $2 billion for improvements to VA medical facilities and four national cemeteries. Our veterans and service members deserve nothing less.
Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Work Session on Vacation and Sick Leave, May 11, 2026

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The work session began on time without Commissioner Samuel Tran or Mika Milburn-Kee present.

Tran came in while Commissioner David Beerbower was reading the introduction of the resolution aloud.

“The purpose of this resolution is to restore employees’ years of service for vacation and sick leave to their appropriate pre-2026 levels, correcting errors identified during a personnel audit. The resolution further provides updated vacation and sick leave policies that strengthen workforce support, simplify administration and ensure equitable treatment of all full time eligible county employees,” read Beerbower.

Commissioner Gregg Motley pointed out that despite the commission approving pre-2026 numbers for all employee vacation and sick leave, the current payroll clerk is using numbers from Jan. 14, 2026 and needs to be instructed to go back to Dec. 31, 2025.

One change that Beerbower made from the previous versions of the resolution was to remove the vacation time bank. He said that prior to 2026, there was no vacation carryover and that carryover is not a widely practiced policy among other employers. He said that those with carryover vacation at this time will be grandfathered in, but carryover will not happen going forward.

Beerbower said that the Kansas Wage Act calls vacation time earnings and the resolution has the county paying employees for their unused vacation time at the end of the year. County Clerk Susan Walker said that this may cause inflated budget numbers for the 2027.

Beerbower said he tried to keep the policy similar to the historic policies of vacation and sick leave accrual.

He said that the Kansas Wage Act says that if the county frontload vacation, vacation not used by Dec. 31 must be paid as wages. He also mentioned that if county employees were to abuse the system, the solution would be to remove the option of vacation for county employees altogether, since it’s not required by the law.

Sick Leave

Beerbower cut sick leave from 12 days to 10 days in the initial draft of the resolution based on national averages for sick leave.

Motley said he was in favor of less change and advocated for going back to 12 days, as many employees came onto the job with that expectation.

Beerbower asked Tran his opinion.

“It’s your show,” replied Tran.

“It’s not a show. That’s disrespectful,” said Motley.

Beerbower said he would change it back to 12 days of sick leave. Many county officials and department heads in the room thanked him.

The sick leave section had a grandfather clause for all employees hired before Jan. 1, 2026 to keep whatever leave they have already accumulated.

County Attorney James Crux said that the vacation and sick leave scale is very low for his office compared to other counties in the region. He said it’s very difficult to fill positions in his office.

Allen asked what smaller counties in the region offer their county attorneys for leave. Crawford county offers 96 hours of sick leave per year to their attorneys, said Crux.

Motley asked it if could be split for more highly educated hires, such as attorneys.

The EMS director spoke up and shared the leave offered to EMS workers in Miami County.

Beerbower gave a couple of examples of increased vacation leave times to see if it would be possible to get the county into a more competitive position with other employers in the area.

After a  90 day introductory period, new county employees will begin accruing 8 hours of vacation per month with rollover benefits from year to year. Once an employee has been with the county for 2 years, at the beginning of the following fiscal year, accrued leave disappears and vacation days based on the number of years the employee has worked for the count will be front loaded on Jan. 1.

One employee asked how long the resolution would be in effect  before it’s voted out, if it was approved. Tran asked why he thought it would be voted out.

The employee cited the turmoil at the commissioners’ table and throughout the courthouse and county as reasons it may be overturned.

“I have no intention of reversing anything,” he said. It would be a bad move for him to make.

Opinion

The Road to Bitterness by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

The road from anger to bitterness is not a difficult one.  The journey appears smooth and easily traveled, yet what awaits us around the bend is a cavernous pit.  A U-turn is necessary before we ever get to that end, yet some people never make that choice.

Bitterness is deadly.  It causes us to weep when others rejoice and rejoice when others weep.  It will rob us of our ability to recognize and reveal God, as it renders us powerless to love others.  The roots of bitterness squeeze life from our hearts, as this sin shows up as anger, pride, sarcasm and hostility.  Others recognize it in us, but few of us recognize it in ourselves.

At the root of bitterness are three lies about God:

1.  He does not understand my problem, so I feel isolated.                          2.  He has left me to deal with this alone, so I feel forsaken.                        3.  He cannot do anything to help me, so I feel hopeless.

These are lies from the enemy.  God will never leave nor forsake us (Acts 17:28).  He knows the plan He has for us (Ps. 139:13-14), and He can do anything (Luke 1:37).

This year, as a high school teacher, I have watched several students act out bitterness.  They share their stories, and I get it.  A father rapes his young daughter and then commits suicide when he is found out.  A stepdad molests his son, my student, and the son has to miss class to relive the incident in court.  Children are forced to move in with aunts or grandparents who let them know they are an obligation, not a blessing.  Yesterday, a male student showed me a video of a former student who chose to fight another teen “because that way I don’t cut myself.”

Those are the ones I can write about.  Others have shared secrets so dark, they want no one to know their stories.

I have to wonder if I wouldn’t be equally as tormented.  These teenagers “act out” their bitterness by failing their classes or becoming defensive with the least bit of constructive criticism.  Their mood swings are painful to watch.  I overhear them tell their friends about the teachers who hate them (basically, anyone who holds them accountable). The girls sleep around.  “Will anyone make me feel valued?” Not even lessons learned in their church youth group penetrate their wounded souls.

Bitter people often do not choose to move past this destructive behavior.  If this describes you, you need to know that it’s never what you can do; it’s what God can do through you.  If you find yourself on the road to bitterness, there are a few things He wants you to do:

1.  Admit it and confess it (1 John 1:9).

2.  Ask God to show you how bitterness damages you (Prov. 16:2).

3.  Stop rehearsing your bitterness with others (Mt. 15:11).

4.  Stay in harmony with godly people (Prov. 11:14).

5.  Read the Bible (Mt. 13:18-23).

6.  Look ahead, not behind (Phil. 3:13-14).

7.  Study winners who chose contentment over bitterness (Gen. 50:20).

8.  Remember, winning over bitterness takes time (Romans 8:25-30).

God offers the path that destroys the root of bitterness; if you choose not to accept it,  it will destroy you.

Bourbon County Local News