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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 16
Pain Relief Educational Event: Nov. 6 at Presbyterian Village
Join Fort Scott Presbyterian Village to discover
a new way to heal – naturally
Fort Scott, Kan. – Let’s talk pain relief! Fort Scott Presbyterian Village invites the community to a free educational event exploring StemWave, a cutting-edge, non-invasive therapy that helps alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote natural healing.
The event will take place Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton St. Refreshments will be served.
Guest speaker Kinede Jennings, FNP, founder of Blissful Aesthetics & Wellness, will lead the session. Jennings and her team specialize in a holistic approach to health and beauty, focusing on helping individuals look and feel their best from the inside out. She will discuss how StemWave technology can support a variety of conditions by improving range of motion and encouraging the body’s natural recovery processes.
The program is part of Fort Scott Presbyterian Village’s Just Ask Lifelong Learning Series, which offers free educational opportunities for residents and the public to learn more about topics that support wellness, personal growth, and informed living.
Registration is requested by October 30, 2025. To reserve your spot, contact Angela Carpenter at 620-223-5550 or email [email protected].
Agenda Packet for the Fort Scott City Commission on Oct. 21
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
October 21, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
- Call to Order/Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
- Approval of Agenda
- Proclamation – Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Safehouse Crisis Center/Pittsburg
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1394-A – Expense Approval Report –
Payment Dates of October 1, 2025 – October 14, 2025 – $505,269.63
- Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of October 7, 2025
- September Financials
- Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Project 25-12 E. National
Phase I – Invoice 18226 – Preliminary Design 40% – $15,525.00
VII. Public Comment
VIII. Appearances
- Becky Gray/Building Health Inc.’s CareVan
- Casey Brown /Community Engagement Coordinator – SEK-CAP Action Program
- Unfinished Business
- Consideration of donation for FSCC FRAME Grant – Tabled October 7, 2025
- Consideration of Bids – Replacement of A/C Unit above weight room – Buck Run
- New Business
Action Items:
- Consideration to renew Common Consumption License for Downtown Historic District
- Consideration to purchase K-9 vehicle replacement – FSPD – 2022 Ford F150 Supercrew – J. Pickert
- Meeting agenda discussion
- Reports and Comments
XII. Adjourn
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Unapproved minutes
Minutes of October 7, 2025 Regular Meeting
A meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Chief Dave Bruner/FSFD, Chief Jason Pickert/FSPD, Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Rachel Carpenter/Community Relations Director, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspections, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Lindsay Hill, Trey Sharp, Shawn O’Brien, Carmen Flater, Michael Hoyt, Phil Jackson, Kaylee Clifton, and Henry Witt.
VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and OLSON said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the amended agenda. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1393-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of September 10, 2025 – September 30, 2025– $ 1,165,099.60
– Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of September 16, 2025, and Special Meeting of September 23, 2025
– Request for Payment – Mainstreet Asphalt Maintenance LLC – Milling of Lees Circle Drive and Crescent Drive – $66,400.00
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. VAN HOECKE seconded. DANCER, SALSBURY, and VAN HOECKE voted yes. OLSON and WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 3-2.
ACTION: DANCER will meet with MATKIN regarding the format changes he is requesting to the Expense Approval Report.
Public Comment
Michael Hoyt stated that he will be available to assist veterans with claims every Wednesday, 10:00AM-2:00PM at HBCAT, 104 N. National. Also, the Kansas City VA now has Fisher House (similar to Ronald McDonald Houses) available to veterans and their families while having procedures done at a hospital.
Appearances
Lindsay Hill/FSCC – FRAME Grant – A request was made for up to $40,000.00 in city infrastructure support for donated land on Block 8, Southside Park Edition, formerly the old RV park site across from the college. The owner of the land will donate (2) lots to the college for the FRAME grant program. The plan for the grant is to build (2) duplexes; (1) this year and (1) next year. MATKIN stated that the city would upgrade water, storm water, sewer system, and add a fire hydrant on those (2) lots. The owner of the land will cover the remaining costs (over $40,000.00) as he plans to continue building the same duplexes on the remaining land. HILL stated that the donated land will be deeded to the college. Once that happens, they seek RFPs for contractors. HILL answered questions.
ACTION: OLSON requested further discussion between the developer and the city manager. VAN HOECEK requested that the developer bring in a list of his work for the Commission to review.
MOTION: OLSON moved to table the FRAME grant until the meeting on the 21st and ideally have the developer come in or meet with the City Manager. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Rachel Carpenter – Temporary Park Closure – Riverfront Park, South Loop – Haunting of Belltown – October 31, 2025 – 6:00PM through November 1, 2025 – 11:00PM
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the closure requested for the Haunting of Belltown. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Chief Dave Bruner/FSFD – Acceptance of AFG Grant/Exhaust Removal System and proceed with bid process and project completion. The city received the 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant for exhaust removal systems at both fire stations. It is a 95/5 grant. The grant totals $106,571.42, requiring a 5% city match of $5,328.58, bringing the total project cost to $111,900. BRUNER is requesting approval to accept the grant and begin the process towards completing the project
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve acceptance of the AFG grant exhaust removal system and proceed with the bid process and project completion with the City portion of that grant being just over $5,300.00. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Chief Jason Pickert/FSPD – TUSA Radio Encryption System – Phase I – Assessment
In response to a 2022 FBI mandate requiring the protection of personally identifying information (PII), including dispatch communications, encrypted radio transmissions are being considered. The current radio system has safety and communication issues, especially in certain areas. The cost of phase one of the upgrade is $32,680.00, with Fort Scott responsible for $19,608.00. Discussion was had regarding current operating practices, the share of costs with the County, and the possibility of mitigating costs through grants.
ACTION: Grants may be available to offset the costs, and PICKERT will research grants and compare funding approaches in similar cities.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to table until October 21, 2025. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Trey Sharp/Good Ol Days – Food Trucks
SHARP, representing the Good Ol’ Days committee, raised concerns about the food truck license and vendor fees. He sought confirmation that the proposed exemption for not-for-profit organizations would include Good Ol’ Days. SHARP argued that additional fees, particularly for non-local food trucks, could harm the event. A request was made to exempt major community events such as Care to Share events, the fair, Good Ol’ Days, FortFest, and Pioneer Harvest from the food truck ordinance, with the concern that increasing vendor fees may discourage participation.
Unfinished Business
Consideration of Small Business Grant Applications – Clifton Chiropractic/Kaylee Clifton, Hercules Hobby/Phil Jackson, and H. Witt Fabrication LLC/Henry Witt
The agenda packet included the grant applications, locations, and scoring rubric. Applicants presented their business plans and funding uses.
MATKIN left the meeting 6:43PM and returned 6:44PM
- Clifton Chiropractic (Kaylee Clifton): Requested $6,000.00 for new signage to improve visibility from Hwy 69. She will match 25% of the $8,000 total cost. She has been in practice 10 years, and in Fort Scott since 2019. She currently employs (3) full-time staff including (1) associate doctor. She purchased the building in 2021.
- Hercules Hobbies (Phil Jackson): Requested $10,000.00 to use the grant for arcade games, TVs, and seating to attract families and boost in-store sales tax revenue. Opened a downtown sports card and memorabilia shop in May on Scott Ave. Currently open three days a week, ships 250–300 items weekly but would like to increase in-store traffic to keep sales tax dollars in Fort Scott.
- H. Witt Fabrication (Henry Witt): Requested funds for a $10,000.00 fixture table to increase productivity by 30–40%. Operates a small shop with his wife and plans to develop a product line and grow into manufacturing.
- After Effects Salon: Representative absent; application deferred to next round.
Discussion was had regarding the practicality of small business grants and their benefits to non-business-owning taxpayers. They acknowledged the importance of supporting local business growth for community development, sales tax revenue, and property value improvements. Suggestions included creating a structured process and funding limits for future rounds. DANCER requested review of applicant business plans and financials.
MOTION: DANCER moved to fund the (3) applicants presented this evening, 50% of the requested amount. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Second Amendment to ER Funding Agreement – Approved by Bourbon County Commission September 8, 2025 – Tabled September 16, 2025
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration to adopt Land Lease Agreement – Tabled from September 16, 2025
Discussion was had regarding the proposed Land Lease Agreement, addressing questions about lessees paying property taxes, documenting land condition at the end of long-term leases, and maintaining city control over permanent improvements and zoning compliance. The agreement does not replace the property vacation process or restrict land use but raises challenges for financing and title insurance on leased property. Comparisons were made to similar lease practices in Hawaii, and it was clarified that home construction is not prohibited—only restricted on city-owned land. An example use included a water feature near the golf course, and at the end of a 99-year lease, all improvements would revert to city ownership.
MOTION: WELLS moved to accept the Land Lease Agreement and keep this document for use in the future. SALSBURY seconded.
OLSON, WELLS, DANCER and SALSBURY voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
WELLS left the meeting 7:25PM and returned 7:28PM
Discussion of Food Truck Ordinance – Tabled from September 16, 2025
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to disapprove the food truck ordinance presented. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
ACTION: DANCER and SALSBURY will work together on a draft ordinance.
New Business
Consideration of Bids – Replacement of A/C Unit above weight room – Buck Run
Two bids were received for replacing the Buck Run weight room AC unit: CDL at $21,097.00 and KTK at $16,399.00. KTK’s proposal involved repairing a defective compressor rather than full replacement. Questions were raised about whether the new unit would be a heat pump and its energy rating. The item was tabled pending additional information.
FARMER left the meeting 7:34PM and returned 7:36PM
ACTION: MATKIN will get additional specs for consideration.
MOTION: DANCER moved to table until October 21, 2025, pending additional information. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Commissioners requested that agenda packets be distributed on Wednesdays. MATKIN requested that Commissioners email him questions prior to the meeting to avoid tabling items unnecessarily.
Consideration of Resolution No. 28-2025
KRUGER reported that the house was struck by a car and knocked off its foundation. Owner was paid by insurance but didn’t finish tearing it down.
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve Resolution No. 28-2025 a Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 308 N. Mineral – DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Resolution No. 29-2025
KRUGER reported that letters were sent, but no response was received. The city is mowing the lawn and weed eating. Doors and windows are open.
MATKIN left the meeting 7:45PM and returned 7:46PM
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 29-2025 a Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 1815 E. Oak. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Resolution No. 30-2025
KRUGER reported that interaction with the owner’s mother, who made promises but didn’t follow through. The city is mowing the lawn and weed eating, and a building permit issued in June 2025, but no improvements were made. The building is not currently occupied.
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve Resolution No. 30-2025 a Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 1626 E. Pine. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Resolution No. 31-2025
KRUGER reported that he’s had conversations with the owner, who obtained a building permit recently. The back side of the house fell off.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve Resolution No. 31-2025 a Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 1403 E. Oak. OLSON seconded. OLSON, DANCER, SALSBURY and VAN HOECKE voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Consideration of Resolution No. 32-2025
KRUGER reported that the structure is a safety and health hazard. The door fell off the hinges, a
dead cat was found inside and possible drug activity on the property. The house is owned by someone whose house was torn down in the last round of demolitions.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 32-2025 a Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 505 Couch. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Engineering for Repair to Waterway System – Agricultural Engineering Associates (AEA) – $36,000.00
The commission approved moving forward with Agriculture Engineering Associates for engineering services totaling $36,000 to repair a flood-damaged waterway. FEMA recommended hiring an engineer and will reimburse the city for both the engineering and repair costs. The expense will be paid initially from stormwater funds.
MOTION: WELLS moved to go forward with the engineering for the repair of the water system. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Monthly Fee Adjustment – BakerTilly Municipal Advisors
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the fee adjustment for BakerTilly from $5,000.00 to $5,500.00 per month. SALSBURY seconded. SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE, WELLS and DANCER voted yes. OSLON voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Consideration of Contract for Real Estate Sale – Shoemaker and City of Fort Scott
MATKIN stated that the intended use is for a city parking lot with the potential for future development. Funds ($15,000.00) to purchase the lot will come from Economic Development.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the contract for real estate sale between Shoemaker and the City of Fort Scott for the discussed property. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Shipping Container Ordinance
SALSBURY drafted ordinance options for consideration. Discussion was had on the use of shipping containers as housing units and storage units in the city’s residential area. KRUGER reminded the Commission that he had previously provided researched information requesting guidance for codes enforcement for the current zoning regulations in place. He receives many complaints and the current verbiage is not specific enough for enforcement purposes.
VAN HOECKE left the meeting 8:11PM and returned 8:13PM.
ACTION: Work Session scheduled for October 21, 2025, at 5:00PM
Cape Seal 2026-2027 Program
MATKIN requested approval to go out for bid on the 2026 Cape Seal Program which will include a specific type, size and source of rock – not KDOT standard. OLSON requested a presentation on the different types of “seals” available for consideration.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve that the City Manager go out for Cape Seal bids for 2026 with the different options available based on the recommendations of City Engineer and the City Manager. DANCER seconded. WELLS, DANCER, SALSBURY and VAN HOECKE voted yes. OLSON voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
ACTION: MATKIN will have a vendor come to a future meeting and provide comparisons and information regarding options of seals.
Discussion of November 4th City Commission Meeting – Election night
MOTION: DANCER moved to reschedule the November 4th City Commission meeting to 6:00PM on November 3rd, Monday. OLSON seconded. DANCER, SALSBURY, OLSON, and WELLS voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Discussion of ADM
WELLS wanted to ask the Commission to allow our engineers to have a discussion with ADM about the possibility of receiving and treating their industrial wastewater again due to recoup some of the investments that were made in the sewer treatment plant. He would also like to bring that revenue back. FLATER and DICKMAN contributed to further discussion on the past events, the problems the lagoons experienced, and the possible outcomes of that decision.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved not to reopen talks with ADM to take their industrial waste or have the City Engineer meet with them at this time. OLSON seconded. SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE, OLSON and DANCER voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Reports and Comments
City Engineer
– Davis Lift Station Bid – extended with Addendum No. 1 until 10/30/2025
– National Ave. Project – survey complete
– CCLIP on Wall St. – bid in March 2026, Phase I and II timeline discussed, Phase III is signed and pending notification of approval
ACTION: DICKMAN will prepare a presentation on seal options as requested by OLSON.
City Attorney – No comment
City Clerk – No comment
City Manager
– Safety concerns of trains stopping on tracks addressed
– Gordon Parks Celebration
– Pioneer Harvest Fiesta
Commissioner Salsbury – No comment
Commissioner Olson – No comment
Commissioner Dancer
– Moody Building update
– 118 E. Wall update
– ADM handout from April 1 on website
– Work Session for Contractual Services for November 3 at 5:00PM
– Terms for surface level agreement for IT contract
– SEK-CAP donation of $5000.00
Commissioner Wells
– 12th Street traffic lights
– 3rd Street traffic lights
– Salisbury’s job on shipping container ordinances
– Success of Kirk Sharp and Gordon Parks Celebration and mural artist
– Prayers for Fort and all government employees due to furlough and shut down
– MATKIN – AME Church – park dedication and neighborhood clean up
Commissioner Van Hoecke
– Thanks to WELLS for contribution of hanging mural and all involved in Gordon Parks event.
Executive Session #1
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion pursuant to the attorney-client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). In the session will be the (5) Commissioners, City Manager and City Attorney in the City Manager’s office. The open meeting is to resume in the Commission Room at 9:22PM. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
SALSBURY did not return to the open meeting.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to come out of Executive Session. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Executive Session #2
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion pursuant to the personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). In the session will be the (5) Commissioners and the City Manager in the City Manager’s office. The open meeting is to resume in the Commission Room at 9:28PM. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
SALSBURY returned to the open meeting.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to come out of Executive Session. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Adjourn
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:29PM. DANCER seconded.
OCTORBER 7, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:29PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Oct. 14 Bo Co Commission Meeting, part 1
At the beginning of the Bourbon County Commission meeting the approval of the minutes from eight previous meetings was put on hold when Commissioner Mika Milburn said she had several revisions to make to the minutes before approval and asked to bring them back at the next meeting. She also asked that greater attention be paid to the minutes before they are sent to commission.
County Clerk Susan Walker addressed Commissioner Samuel Tran’s questions about redundancy he saw in the minutes, saying she had run the minutes through a program called Copilot, which summarized each speaker’s words, allowing for attribution.
From the audience, Michael Hoyt addressed the commission regarding the motion to wait to approve the minutes until after Milburn edits them. He said thought they aren’t supposed to be verbatim, the minutes should not be untruthful
“What I said is not what was written down,” he said of the minutes’ record of his remarks at the Sept. 15 meeting.
Consent Agenda
Approval of 10.10.25 Accounts Payable $161,009.81
Milburn asked if they could change the current format of approval for payroll. Payroll goes out before commission meetings.
Attorney Bob Johnson said the commission is required to approve all expenditures at some point.
Approval of tax corrections
Milburn asked for an explanation of the tax corrections, and said she wants to see them.
Walker said that the corrections are for those who have appeals or changes in property. They contain personal identifiable information and cannot leave the courthouse. Corrections are started with the appraiser’s office, moved to the clerk’s office, are approved by the commission, then sent to the treasurer’s office.
Johnson said that most tax corrections are handled by the county’s appraiser.
Trailer Reconsideration
Dustin Hall & Kenny Allen from public works came to the commission because they found they can buy a new trailer for $8,000 more than the used one they were given approval for last week. It’s the exact same trailer model as they have now. The new trailer has a 2-year 100% warranty. It will cost $93,000 with $2,500 shipping cost. Last week the commission approved the purchase of a used trailer at $85,000.
Milburn confirmed with Hall that it is within the landfill’s budget.
The commission approved the purchase.
Tran asked them to pass on to their department that folks in Uniontown are pleased with the work that Public Works has done on their roads.
Bitcoin Mining Discussion
Commissioner David Beerbower mentioned the moratorium sample he handed out last week. Johnson said it would only apply to new activity, stopping the growth for now. Going backward is much more difficult.
“The idea of a moratorium is generally to allow your zoning or planning commission to come up with rules and regulations to monitor what your issues are,” he said.
Beerbower asked about the effect of a noise resolution. Johnson said nuisance law would be the type of action necessary.
Jill Franklin, who lives a half-mile from the installation, thanked the commission for trying to do anything to help.
“Just saying they’re not going to get any louder” is not going to help, she said. She also said the noise is untenable.
Beerbower moved to go forward with the moratorium, published in resolution form.
Tran said that using a generator to extract natural gas is not new in Bourbon County, though using it to generate electricity to mine bitcoin is. He then asked if regulating this would be opening the county up to litigation.
Beerbower pointed out that the 12-month moratorium is only directed at cryptocurrency mining, not the production of natural gas.
David Ranes, from the audience, asked if any of the commission members agreed with “what they’re doing” regarding the noise issues. He said they shouldn’t be afraid of litigation.
Johnson said that the commission’s job is to follow the law. The current bitcoin mining operation was put in place before there was any legal requirement. He also said there are private remedies in nuisance law.
“I want you to follow the law, but I don’t want you to be afraid of the law,” said Ranes.
John Franklin, from the audience, said, “I think it would be really easy to argue that this is doing someone some harm.”
“The guy’s being aurally attacked non-stop, 24/7,” he said, encouraging the commission to look at solving the issue creatively.
The moratorium passed unanimously to be published and signed at the next meeting.
Tran asked for permission to address the audience. He recommended that they come next week. The bitcoin mine operator will be at the meeting next week. Tran encouraged civil participation in the discussion, saying he wants to give “due process” to everyone involved.
Hoyt asked if the county has the authority to ask them what they are doing on the property. Tran said the building looks like a two-story industrial building. He said the owner set it there because it’s the hub of a field of gas lines.
Hoyt asked if they are tax evading. Beerbower said he asked the appraiser to visit, but hasn’t heard back on that yet.
Tech Discussion
Milburn said she spoke with the lead at Stronghold about the project they are working on for the county. They have identified the sheriff’s office as having a major problem. They have a quote for hardware to update the sheriff’s office, which is out of compliance and three years past due for switch upgrades. There is a technology reserve that could fund the $11,333 hardware purchase.
They tabled the issue until next week so they can look at the packet.
Beerbower said the EMS director said their system went down over the holiday, and it was hard to get any help. Tran said Stronghold should have access to the courthouse for situations like that and not have to wait for a county employee to come let them in. Beerbower agreed, and Milburn, as courthouse liaison, will handle it.
Insurance Update
Milburn met with the insurance company on Oct. 13 about their rates. They provided a transcript of the meeting.
The biggest talking point of the meeting is that the county has a loss ratio of 117%, which makes their rates unaffordable on the current plans, so they will work on some new plans to present to the commission in a couple of weeks.
Tran asked what Milburn’s gut feeling on it is.
“I think they’re going to build us additional plans to make sure that everybody has something that’s affordable,” she answered.
The county’s loss ratio was 95% during the commission’s budget meetings.
They put it on the calendar for Oct. 27.
190th Street Benefit District
Johnson is still awaiting contact from the owners in the district. All the owners must agree, and they have to create an agreement with the county for repayment.
If someone defaults on that agreement, the amount is added to their tax, creating a lien on the property.
Eagle Road
Beerbower said he has heard from several residents on that road who do not want the speed limit raised, as was discussed in a previous meeting.
He moved to leave the speed limit at the current posted speed and take no further action. Motion carried.
95th & Unique
The commission decided to table it indefinitely.
Planning Commission
Jason Yount will take Brent Smith’s spot on the commission, per the county commission’s vote. Now the planning commission is full, and Johnson will reach out to the commission members to set up a meeting.
Elevator
Milburn said that the courthouse building maintenance department is working on getting quotes on repairs. To be discussed again Nov. 3.
Meetings Resolution
Beerbower read a resolution to adopt Robert’s Rules of Order to conduct commission meetings except where they conflict with the law or other procedures outlined in the resolution. The resolution also included procedures for building the meeting agenda and conducting the public comments portion of the meeting.
Sheriff Bill Martin expressed concern with the resolution section saying that his department will remove anyone who disrupts the meeting. He strongly suggested that the commissioners consider attending a training meeting to be held at the end of the month that will instruct them in how to deal with disruptive citizens in meetings.
The commission will continue discussion at the Oct. 20 meeting with the goal of passing a resolution at the Oct. 27 meeting.
Obituary of Darvin Theon Willard
Darvin Theon Willard, known affectionately to friends and family as Theon, left this world to paint the heavens on October 11, 2025. Born on August 7, 1961, in the quaint town of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Theon brought laughter and love into our lives for a wonderful 64 years before passing away of natural causes in Warrensburg, Missouri.
Theon was the life of every party, when he walked in you knew you were rocking with the best, and even in his passing, he’d want us to celebrate with joy rather than mourn with sorrow. Raised by his loving parents, Carl and Mary Helen Willard, and his stepmother, Imogene Fewell, who preceded him in death, Theon learned the value of family from an early age. His own family, including his children, Darvin Willard Jr. and Tarrell Vann, along with their spouses Amy and Erin, and his grandchildren Jade, Silas, Hannah, Malachi, Lennox, and Levik, were the apples of his eye and the punchlines to his jokes.Theon’s siblings, Shelba Williams and Gloria Mitchell, along with their husbands Frank and Charles, and his brother Craig Young. His stepbrothers, Charles “Sonny” Fewell and Mike “Frog” Fewell, and Aunt Maryetta Willard, shared in the laughter and love that Theon spread. His life was also touched by those who left before him, including his sister Peggy, brother Vincent, grandparents Mildred and Clyde, stepsister Carol, uncles Bobby and Melvin, aunts Edith and Momma Minnie, nephew Andre, and cousins Woodrow, Regina, Wayne, and Vicki.
Theon was known for his quick wit and even quicker basketball moves. His love for the game was only matched by his passion for music, cooking, and, yes, African American soap operas. The biggest lesson he gave, you had to pay attention through all the talk about food, was to be present and thoughtful about your life and your family. If you have a dollar, hide it! Pay your bills, if you don’t have anything left, at least you can go home! He loved to sit outside with his friends and family, for hours. He loved taking his great nieces and great nephews outside and letting them run wild. His relationship with his Nieces and nephews was definitely important to him. As he passed peacefully at his second home. He made sure he made fun and loving memories with the people he loved. He knew life was short and lived his life like there was no tomorrow! Today, we say goodbye to a man who was not just the heart but also the funny bone of our family. Theon’s legacy is one of joy, love, and the kind of laughter that echoes in the hearts of those he touched. While the world might be a little less bright without his physical presence, the memories of his jokes, his cooking, and his love for life will continue to shine in all of us. Darvin Theon Willard, you were a masterpiece, and like all great artists, your work will live on forever in the gallery of our hearts. Rest in peace, dear Theon, and may the angels be ready for some good old-fashioned fun. This is not our final goodbye, this is our time to say, Hey Theon, save us a seat and a plate!
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 17th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The Family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel Memorials are suggested to the Darvin Willard Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 15
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran Newsletter, Oct. 14
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KS Supreme Court New Rule: Remote Proceedings Allowed
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Work Continues Thursday, Oct. 16, on Kansas Rural Health Program Proposal
Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance meeting will be livestreamed
TOPEKA – The Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance (KRHIA) will hold its second of three meetings on Oct. 16, as the 14 Governor-appointed alliance members support the application for the Kansas’ Rural Health Transformation Program.
The passage of H.R. 1 included $50 billion for the Rural Health Transformation Program. KRHIA is working with Kansas’ application development team as it prepares its plan for RHTP funding. The application must be submitted by Nov. 5. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will announce funding awards by Dec. 31.
The goal of the application is to support Kansas’ rural health systems, communities and patients in a holistic manner by improving access and outcomes through workforce development, education, systems change and technology.
The KRHIA held its first meeting on Oct. 9. The virtual meeting was livestreamed on YouTube and was available to view on the KDHE Rural Health Program webpage. The accessible recording will be available soon on the Kansas Rural Health Program webpage. The Oct. 16 event will be available for viewing the same way.
The final meeting will be held Oct. 20 and will also be available to view via livestream.
WHAT: Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance meeting
WHEN: 2-4 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16
WHERE: KDHE YouTube page and the KDHE Rural Health Transformation Program webpage
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KDHE and KSU Host Youth Poster Concert on Rabies Prevention
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (KVDL) at Kansas State University in collaboration with Bavarian Nordic and the One Health Commission Bat Rabies Education Team (BRET) are hosting a poster contest to educate children about rabies prevention in Kansas.
Kansas students from kindergarten to 12th grade are encouraged to participate. Winning submissions will receive a donation to their school as well as a personal prize. Submissions are due Jan. 30, 2026. More information can be found on the KVDL website.
This contest aims to raise awareness about rabies, the impacts it can have on ecosystems and how to prevent rabies transmission. Rabies is a deadly but preventable disease that can be transmitted to people by infected mammals. Wildlife such as bats, which are the origin of most human rabies cases in the United States, still play an integral role in the Kansas ecosystem through pollination and eating crop-destroying insects.
Not all wild animals have rabies, but recognizing the potential for wildlife rabies reservoirs to transmit rabies to humans and pets is crucial for rabies transmission prevention.
By following the theme, “Act Now: You, Me, Community,” the posters submitted for this contest should highlight how individuals and communities can work together to prevent rabies.
For more information on rabies in Kansas, visit the KDHE rabies webpage.
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Organ Recital Featuring Devon Turner TODAY at 7p.m.
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