One or more commissioners plan to attend the Wreaths Across America on 12/13/25 at 10 AM at the National Cemetery. No County Business will be conducted.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
Bourbon County Planning Commission Meets Dec. 10
News Release of the USD234 Board of Education Meeting on Dec. 8
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, December 08, 2025
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 08, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
David Stewart thanked the Board Members that are finishing their term for their time and effort in collaborating with the school district.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
11-10-25
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – November 20, 2025 – $1,830,914.79
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
December 2025 KASB Policy Updates
FSHS Baseball Fundraising
Superintendent Destry Brown informed the Board on current enrollment in the district. An update for Tiger Academy was given with a start date of January 6, 2026. The district is also working on a Farm to School grant that will include local products that can be included into the school’s lunch program. Mr. Brown also informed Board Members and new members they will be meeting soon.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document. He was able to share a report that included the City/School IT ticket numbers. The Preschool building has been given a tentative timeline.
Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on winter iReady testing scores on Math & ELA. Results for testing will be shared with parents soon. He thanked the staff and students involved in the Christmas Parade this past week.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes provided a shared document.
Superintendent Brown thanked the District’s Counselors for their Kansas Star Recognition Award. Jane Krone and Josh Messer were present. This was a district wide award for Social Emotional Learning. Jane Krone was responsible for submitting the paperwork for the grant. She explained how much the students benefit from the curriculum. This is an extremely exciting recognition for the district.
The Board approved the following:
- CTE Equipment for Patterson Grant
- Welding Booth Bid Proposals – $73,458
- Welder Proposals – $8,970
- CNC Plasma Table Bid Proposals – $45,767.52
- Mini Mill Bid Proposals – $84,030.95
- Desktop Lathe Bid Proposals – $14,850
- Architect Services Agreement – Hight Jackson Associates
- Pre-School Playground Project Bid Proposals
- Heavy Duty Work Truck Bids
- Contingency Approval
- Community Green Farms MOU
- Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan Agreement (2026-2030)
There were none present for public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
December 08, 2025
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Bradbury, Luke – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
DeLaTorre, Jeff – Retirement – Athletic/Activities Director – High School
Gilmore, Nicole – Resignation – Assistant Principal – Winfield Scott
Regan, Nikki – Resignation – SPED Teacher – High School
Rienbolt, Katren – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
Cox, Johnna – January 05-February 13
TRANSFER:
Avery, Michael – Grounds/Maintenance II to Maintenance I
Budd, Wendy – Paraprofessional Winfield Scott to Paraprofessional Alternative School
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for 2026-27 School year:
Johnson, Zach – Superintendent
Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:
Kitsmiller, Natalie – Paraprofessional – Alternative School
Lee, David – Custodian – Winfield Scott
Miller, Kaylie – Paraprofessional – Alternative School
Pinkerton, Samantha – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Tate, Madalynn – Paraprofessional – Preschool
Weber, Betty – Paraprofessional – KRI
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:
Corbitt, Cheyenne – 3rd Session of Intramurals
Fountain, Justin – Scholars Bowl Sponsor – Middle School
Nickelson, Aaron – Assistant Boys Basketball – Middle School
Story Telling Through Art: Dec. 10
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Obituary of Sue Ellen Hoskin
Sue Ellen Hoskin, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, and more recently of Olathe, Kansas passed away Thursday, Dec. 4 at Olathe Medical Center surrounded by loved ones. She was born on Feb. 28, 1941, to Jessie Ellen Ford Harris and James Harris in Greenfield, Missouri. As a young girl, she moved with her family to Ft. Scott, Kansas where she lived the majority of her life. Sue was the youngest of six children and the first in her family to graduate from high school. She graduated from Ft. Scott High School in 1959. Sue valued education but more than that she strived to reach the goals she set for herself. She passed on this combination of moxie and grit to her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As a teenager, Sue met and fell in love with David Hoskin, of Ft. Scott. They married on Oct. 7, 1961, after he returned to the United States from service abroad in the Army.
Sue and David had four daughters, eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Her family was the most important thing in her life. Sue worked at The Western, Whitesides East, and Ace Hardware before retiring at age 65. Later in life she discovered a love of travel taking trips with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Sue also loved to play cards, bake pumpkin bread, and find discounts. She was an avid reader. Faith was an important part of Sue’s life. She and David were charter members of West Park Church of the Nazarene and the two later attended the First Baptist Church. Sue carried her faith with her until the end.
Survivors include three daughters, Shelly Henry (Larry) and Melissa Hoskin, all of Olathe, Kansas, and Marla Miller (Kirk) of Nevada, Missouri. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Lerin Combs, Taylor Rodriguez, Arley Hoskin, Tempest Lane, Breanna Morrison, Amory Maley, Payton Miller, and Jansen Lang, and nine great-grandchildren, Aidan, Tristan, Landon, Brynlee, Halle, Roman, Althea, Ryder, and Breckan. Sue was preceded in death by a daughter Micah Denise Hoskin, her husband David Hoskin, as well as her parents and siblings David Harris, Leroy Harris, John Harris, Emma Hall, and Katherine Rector.
There was cremation. Chaplain Dave Armstrong will conduct a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 12 at Cheney Witt Chapel. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 a.m. until the funeral service starts. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Melvin Eugene Barker
Melvin Eugene Barker, age 83, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. He was born on May 24, 1942 in Hume, MO to Alfred “Leon” Barker and Betty Ruth Anderson. He married Marilyn Margaret Tarvin on June 1, 1968, and together they had three children, Mark Eugene Barker (Renea) of Bettendorf, IA, Paul Leroy Barker (Tammy) of Peculiar, MO, and Ruthanne Renee Barker of Kansas City, KS.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1963-1966 during the Vietnam War, before he earned an Associates degree in Drafting from Pittsburg State University. He retired in 2004 from Superior Industries. Melvin was devoted to his family; loved fishing, listening to music, target shooting, and Chevy Corvettes. His Christian faith was very important to him, and he served as a Deacon at various churches he attended over the years.
Melvin is survived by his two sons and one daughter, four grandchildren, Ethan William Barker, Ellie Elizabeth Barker, Tessa Margaret Barker, and Isaac Eugene Barker, a brother, Raymond Barker (Marie), and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sister, Mary Allen (Larry).
Funeral services will be held at Community Christian Church, 1919 Horton Street, Fort Scott, KS on Monday, December 15th, 2025. The visitation will be from 10:30-11:30 a.m., with a Celebration of Life Service immediately following the visitation at 11:30 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at the U.S. National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions for the Honor Flight may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of James “Jimmy” Marshall
JAMES HENRY MARSHALL
James “Jimmy” Marshall, 83, of Redfield, Kansas, passed away at his home on December 5, 2025. He was born on May 9, 1942 the son of James Henry Sr. and Alberta Lea Pavey Marshall. He married Kathy Ransier on February 7, 1994 in Fort Scott, she preceded her in death.
He is survived by a son, Lee Reeves of Newton, Kansas, and two daughters, Kamisha Bassett, and Kayle Reeves, both of Fort Scott, and several grandchildren, Dalton, Elijah, Makiya, Audrey, Xzavier, Fenton, Norah, Allie, Crystal, Larry and Kaylee. In addition to his wife, Kathy, he was preceded in death by his parents and two daughters, Tammy and Angela.
Jim was as Policeman in Fort Scott for a while, years ago. He worked as a truck driver and backhoe operator most of his life. If he wasn’t traveling, he was tinkering around his yard or collecting junk. Jim was a great person who would do anything to help if needed. He loved his family and died at home just the way he would’ve wanted.
After cremation, Jim will be buried in the Old Arcadia Cemetery near Arcadia, Kansas under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports December 9
Bo Co Coalition Minutes of December 3
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
December 3, 2025
- Welcome: Sixteen members representing fourteen agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
Coalition Board News: There is an open seat on the Coalition Board. Reach out to Nick if you are interested.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Theresa Amershek – KVC Safehouse
- Champagne Jones- KVC, Outreach Coordinator – If you are looking for an advocate, contact Champagne. The annual Bags to Riches fundraiser is coming up. Safehouse has a virtual Christmas tree on their Facebook page if you would like to donate.
- Tammy Alcanatar – Crawford County Health Dept. – Works with teens and hosts Baby and Me Tobacco Free and hybrid prenatal classes. Tammy is the Kansas Perinatal Community Collaborative coordinator for southeast Kansas. More information about KPCC will be coming in the new year.
- Jennifer Gum Fowler – FS Public Library – FS Public Library has a Grinch Tree and a Grinch Give Away- to collect canned food for those in need. Individuals can earn prizes by reading or donating. The library has spaces available for therapy and telehealth. The children’s room is nearing completion; it will be for ages birth to 5th grade. The teen room and maker’s space will be next to receive renovations. December 12th at 2:15, the library is hosting a Candy Land sensory play activity. Check out their new website fortscottpubliclibrary.org.
- Cherri Walrod – Community Health Worker, K-State Extension- Funding for Cherri’s program ends this month, but KDHE and K-State have applied for federal funding. IF approved, they would be able to hire 100 new health workers in Kansas. Cherri is hopeful she will be able to continue her work under this new role. Cherri coordinates a support group for parents of children with special needs. All of her resources can be found on the K-State Extension Southwind District website.
- Dave Gillen – Beacon – The Beacon provides food for individuals and families twice per month. The Beacon receives produce on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from which clients can shop. The Beacon helps with gas vouchers, rent, and utilities. In November, the Beacon helped 440 families, 26 of whom were new. Numbers are up about 25% over last year. Last month, they helped with over $1,000 dollars of assistance. All families and kids have been adopted for Christmas. The Elks program had 146 families apply for baskets this year.
- Jenny Layes- Health Worker, HBCAT – Laundry services are available on Thursdays from 12-6 at 5-Star Laundry. This service is free for all. Jenny works to connect people to resources. WorkForceOne in the HBAT office on Tuesdays from 8:00-4:00. HBCAT is starting a mentorship program that matches startups and entrepreneurs with mentors in the business.
- Janelle Tate – Early Childhood Block Grant – There will be a maker’s space set up at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds Cloverleaf Building on December 13th from 10:00-3:00. Check the Bourbon County Fair Facebook page for more information.
- Stephanie Breckenridge Family Resource Center – Stephanie helps connect families with resources.
- Michelle Stevenson – Fort Scott Early Childhood Program – Home visiting program for ages prenatal-6. Michelle hosts parent/child cafes, community events, and helps parents track their child’s development. She currently has a couple of open spots in her program.
- Star Culp – Parents as Teachers – PAT now has three educators who serve Bourbon County. Send any referrals you may have to Star, and she’ll connect you with the right person.
- Shelby Moore Families Together FAST – Shelby supports families with special needs children in navigating various systems and processes.
- Cathy Romero – Angels Home Health -Cathy is looking for resource groups who might volunteer to be with homebound senior citizens who don’t have family or funds. She is seeking volunteer companions who would visit seniors who can’t leave home.
- Lauren Klinksick – Account Executive, Angels Home Health – Lauren works with facilities and companies to bring services to the community. Angels Home Health’s focus this month is on diabetes. Angels Home Health can educate caregivers and patients in the home or an assisted living facility. Anyone can send referrals to Angels Home Health.
- Program:
Stephanie England & Rachel Jones, KVC 2 Gen Prevention
2Gen connects families with resources and empowerment. They are a community-based service program. 2Gen can connect clients with workforce development. They walk alongside families and individuals and help navigate various systems. 2Gen’s Goal is to keep families together. They will conduct a needs assessment, then provide the support needed. 2Gen meets families where they are and helps with whatever families may need. Support is offered 1-on-1. 2Gen’s goals are healthy families, healthy communication, and financial literacy. 2Gen receives referrals from DCF and advocates and works with individuals of all ages.
- Open Forum: Members present discussed the need for a community resource fair to connect individuals with resources and coordinate resources in the community. A group will begin planning an event for Spring 2026. If you would like to help plan, email [email protected].
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be February 4, 2026.
KS Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Approved
Kansas Broadband Receives Federal Approval for $166.6M BEAD Final Proposal
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved the Kansas Office of Broadband Development’s (KOBD) $166.6 million final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. The approval represents a significant milestone toward delivering high-speed internet access to the 26,673 eligible households and businesses across Kansas.
“The NTIA’s approval of Kansas’ proposal brings our state one step closer to connecting every home, farm, business, and community with access to reliable internet,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This historic investment will yield essential infrastructure, bringing 21st century tools and broadband opportunities to connect all parts of Kansas in the digital era.”
Kansas’ final proposal builds on volumes one and two of the initial proposal and is revised in alignment with NTIA’s 2025 BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice. The notice, issued June 6, 2025, required all states to run a new application round with additional guidance eliminating the Kansas technology preference for fiber projects. The approved plan outlines the state’s comprehensive subgrantee selection process and implementation strategies designed to ensure efficiency in the deployment of high-speed internet.
“This milestone is the direct result of shared goals and positive negotiations between our industry partners and the NTIA,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “By securing competitive bids for every eligible location, and working cooperatively with applicants, Kansas continues to prove what is possible when we prioritize transparency and public investment — and focus on building a stronger and connected economy.”
KOBD received competitive bids for 100% of the eligible homes and businesses, ultimately selecting 14 subrecipients. The approved plan includes private contributions of $61.3 million and achieved a 63% reduction in federal allocation through Kansas’ Benefit of the Bargain Round. The average BEAD cost per location stands at $6,791 with technology solutions spanning fiber (30%), fixed wireless (67%), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite service (3%).
With NTIA’s approval, Kansas is positioned to push out the optimal technology solutions available and lead the state toward future-ready connectivity for generations to come.
“Our office has been hard at work with the many moving pieces of this program — and it’s because of different roles involved in the approval process that we’re able to keep moving Kansas forward,” said Bill Abston, Executive Director, Kansas Office of Broadband Development. “Our commitment to connecting Kansans, amid changing federal guidance and priorities, has been relentless — and I cannot wait to see the impact on our Kansas communities.”
KOBD will begin the next phase of BEAD implementation, including finalization of subgrantee contracts, oversight and compliance, and continued technical assistance, with anticipated groundbreaking during the second half of 2026.
For more information on the Kansas Office of Broadband Development and the BEAD program, visit here.
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KanDrive Road/Weather Website Gets Improved Enhancements
KDOT announces continued KanDrive updates
to assist Kansas motorists
The Kansas Department of Transportation has continued to improve enhancements to its KanDrive road and weather website/mobile app. KanDrive is a one-stop gateway for current highway and weather conditions that are available 24/7.
“Informed drivers can make better decisions about which routes are best for them,” said Shari Hilliard, KDOT Project Manager. “Upgrades to the KanDrive app, such as sending and receiving alerts hands-free, are timely and useful benefits for travelers as we head into winter and the holiday season.”
The KanDrive features were first introduced in 2024 and have been fine-tuned for a better user experience. They were developed as part of the U.S. 83 Advanced Technology Project, which extends from the southern Finney County line to the northern Thomas County line. While some KanDrive enhancements are corridor-specific to U.S. 83, most are available for use statewide.
Some of the new features include:
- Ability to report incidents in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Hands-free voice incident reporting through Apple CarPlay
- High wind/weather and slow-moving vehicle alerts
- Expanded work zone updates
- Enhanced detour information
- Integration with Alexa-enabled devices
- Oversized truck location mapping (U.S. 83 Corridor only)
The KanDrive website has served motorists since 2009. It provides real-time travel information such as road conditions, closures, construction updates, camera/video feeds and detour information.
Since the first round of enhancements were released in December of 2024, KanDrive has logged 3.7 million sessions and nearly 75,000 app downloads on iOS and Android.
For more information about the new KanDrive features and the U.S. 83 Advanced Technology Project, visit https://www.ksdot.gov/us-83-
KDOT encourages motorists to plan ahead and “know before you go,” by visiting the KanDrive website at KanDrive.gov or downloading the app in the App Store or Google Play.
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