Uncategorized

FSHS Thespians Host 8th Annual Royal-Tea & Friends Party

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The Fort Scott High School Thespians host their 8th Annual Royal-Tea & Friends Party from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 18 in the FSHS Commons and Courtyard.

Children can join their favorite princesses and princes, superheroes and villains, and other characters. They are invited to take photos with favorite characters as they make crafts, have treats, and play games. Fort Scott High School Thespians will be dressed in character and leading the event. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume as well.

 

Tickets for the Royal-Tea & Friends Party are $6 per child and all must be accompanied by an adult (no fee for adults). Tickets may be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door.

 

For more information, please see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Angie Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.

 

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Opinion

A Grave Injustice 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.)

One week before Charlie Kirk’s death, I mentioned to a family member that if I could have lunch with anyone, it would be Charlie.  His death left me in tears.

As a former high school debate coach, I was awestruck by his ability to express his opinion, showing respect for his opposition while imparting unique, masterfully-crafted arguments that I never had considered. Who was this man?

I mean, I am fairly knowledgeable about the Bible, but Charlie had a way of synthesizing scriptural positions in a way I failed to anticipate.  “How did he come up with that?” I would ask my husband, or whomever was in listening position.  “That’s a brilliant argument,” I would say to myself.  Like I said, who was this man?

Regardless of what you think of Charlie Kirk, I hope you consider his assassination a grave injustice.  Instead of facing off with this man-of-faith to discuss their differences, Tyler Robinson premeditatively chose to put a bullet through his adversary’s neck.

Today, while driving to work, I listened to the radio as the detective assigned to the crime discussed how Robinson begged the arresting officers to be gentle with him, not to cause him harm by sending a SWAT team to bring him in. Basically, to treat him with a dignity he did not afford Charlie Kirk.

And I thought…that takes some nerve. How can someone who offers no mercy expect to get any in return?

Matthew 18:23-35 confronts that issue. Jesus’ parable addresses a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. One who could not pay owed millions of dollars. His master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.

The man fell down and begged his master to be patient; he would repay it all.  The master, pitying his servant, forgave his debt.  When the man left the king, he met up with another servant who owed him a few thousand dollars, grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.                                                                                                                   

Just like the servant with the king, this man fell down and begged for clemency.  “Be patient with me, and I will pay it.”  Instead, his creditor had the man arrested and jailed until he repaid the debt in full, a lack of mercy that upset the other servants who witnessed the injustice. They went to the king and told him what had happened.

The king responded by calling in the servant he had forgiven and said, “You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?” Payback time. The king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.

Jesus had one last message for his crowd: “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”  If only Robinson would have done that with Charlie!  He who couldn’t find any mercy begged for kindness and compassion when arrested.

So, what are we to take from this message?  We are not to respond as Robinson and the king’s servant did and seek vengeful payback, as much as we want to do so.  After all, God will be the final judge. Should Robinson not repent, his eternal punishment from the King will be much worse than any we can inflict with our lack of mercy.

As is true as that is for Kirk’s killer, so it is for us as well. Are we showing the same mercy to others as we want in return?

Government, Kansas

KCC approves unanimous settlement agreement in Evergy rate case

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TOPEKA – This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved a unanimous settlement agreement allowing Evergy to increase its rates by $128 million to recover investments made to replace aging equipment and increase the resiliency and reliability of the power grid.  Evergy requested an increase of $196.4 million in its application filed in January. The settlement agreement was reached after extensive negotiations between KCC staff, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, Evergy, and many other intervenors representing industrial and commercial customers as well as school districts.

The new rates will take effect beginning with the October billing cycle. Residential customers with average monthly usage (900 kWh), will see an increase of approximately $8.47 per month. Based on an independent review of evidence in the record, the Commission found that the agreed upon rates will provide Evergy with sufficient revenues to meet its financial obligations yet will keep rates as low as possible while maintaining reliable service for its customers.

Commissioner Dwight D. Keen filed a partial dissenting opinion on today’s order. He objects to the Commission’s decision to grant a 9.7% Return on Equity (ROE) for transmission delivery charges (TDC), which covers costs associated with building and maintaining the transmission system. TDC charges are not included in base rates but are passed through to ratepayers as a separate surcharge on their monthly bill. Keen states the approved ROE is excessive and may present ongoing affordability issues for ratepayers.

Today’s order is available here.

View the Unanimous Settlement Agreement.

A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.

 

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Bourbon County

Agenda for the Bourbon County Coalition on Oct. 1

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The next Bourbon County Coalition General Membership meeting will be next Wednesday, October 1st at 1:00 p.m. in the Conference room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott Ave.

 

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

October 1, 2025 1:00 PM

Scottview Conference Room

315 S. Scott Ave

 

 

  1.  Welcome: 

 

 

  1.  Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1.  Program:  Lacy Nickelson, Fostering Connections

 

 

  1.  Open Forum:

 

 

  1.  Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be November 5, 2025.

 

Government, Kansas

Kansas Water Authority Seeks Regional Advisory Committee Members

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RAC Membership Drive ends September 30

The Kansas Water Authority is currently accepting applications for all 14 Regional Advisory Committees. Committee members serve as a voice for water issues in their community. Applications are available on at kwo.ks.gov.

Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) are composed of local stakeholders and water professionals that cover a variety of knowledge – including agriculture, industry, public water supply, conservation and more.

Each RAC meets to discuss local water issues and to advise the Kansas Water Authority and Kansas Water Office on the issues in their region. RAC members serve as local connections with the public and aid in establishing priorities and actions to be included in statewide water planning efforts.

“Water issues and community needs vary from region to region in our state,” said Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office. “RAC members serve as boots-on-the-ground perspective and provide crucial, local input for statewide water planning.”

To apply, visit www.kwo.ks.gov/about-us/regional-advisory-committees. Applications are due September 30.

Note to Editor: The Americans with Disabilities Act, (42 U.S.C. 12101), requires the Kansas Water Office to print the reasonable accommodations messages.

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As the state’s water office, KWO conducts water planning, policy coordination and water marketing as well as facilitates public input throughout the state.

The agency prepares the KANSAS WATER PLAN, a plan for water resources development, management and conservation. KWO in coordination with the KWA also reviews all water laws and makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for needed legislation.

 
Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission for Sept. 23

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of September 23, 2025                                                                                             Special Meeting

 

A S 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 (by Teams).

 

              In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Jessica Oliphant/Baker Tilly and Devin Tally/Finance Manager

 

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:  OLSON moved to approve the agenda as presented. WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Public Hearing

Consideration of Approval of the 2026 Budget

MOTION:  DANCER moved to open the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

No public comments.

 

OLIPHANT presented a revenue-neutral budget that maintains city services, provides a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, and reduces the mill levy by 1.6 mills. The reduction was achieved by deferring two small capital projects—lobby glass replacement and filing system updates—saving $45,000. The initial proposal had a 0.8 mill reduction without cuts, but moving the projects doubled the reduction to 1.6 mills.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to close the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve the 2026 budget as presented. DANCER seconded.

 

OLSON requested VAN HOECKE amend his motion to include the revenue neutral rate.

 

Motion was struck and a new motion was made.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to approve the 2026 budget as presented with a revenue neutral rate of 42.558. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

Commissioners Olson, Wells, Dancer, Salsbury and Van Hoecke gave individual comments regarding the City’s ability to remain revenue neutral for 2026 with a special thank you to BakerTilly.

 

Adjourn

MOTION:  DANCER moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:16PM. SALSBURY seconded.

 

SEPTEMBER 23, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:16PM.

 

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission From Sept. 16

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 unapproved

Minutes of September 16, 2025                                                                                             Regular Meeting

 

A regular 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, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Mary Wyatt/Planning, Housing & Business Development Director, Tom Coffman/Public Works Director, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Stephen Mitchell/USD234 Director of Technology, Destry Brown/Superintendent USD234, Pete Allen, Devin Reichard, Michael Hoyt, and Julie Buchta.

 

VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda – Request to amend the agenda with the removal of Consideration of Application – CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Grant – New Business – Action Item E.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to approve the agenda as amended. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consent Agenda

MOTION:  SALSBURY moved to approve the Consent Agenda. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Public Comment  – No public comment

 

Appearances

Devin Reichard – Request for Parade Permit – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta – October 2, 2025.

 

MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the Parade Permit for Pioneer Harvest Festival. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Unfinished Business:

Land Lease Agreement

Discussion was had regarding the options for which the City would use this document for leasing City owned property. WELLS asked that in the document it be included that the lessee will be responsible for the property taxes.

 

ACTION:  WELLS will email FARMER the statute information he received regarding (90) year vs. (99) year verbiage.

 

MOTION:  SALSBURY moved to have FARMER research the (99) year option and present a final version to vote on at the next meeting. WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Food Truck Ordinance

Discussion was had about the potential ordinance, business licenses, enforcement, and cost.

 

ACTION:  MATKIN will check with other municipalities regarding online permitting.

 

WELLS called the question.

 

ACTION:  MATKIN and FARMER will create verbiage as an addendum to municipal code pertaining to Solicitors, Canvassers and Peddlers to specifically address food trucks by the next meeting.

 

CHAMPS Bowl Game

MOTION: SALSBURY moved to rescind the $30,000.00 donation for the CHAMPS Bowl for this year. OLSON seconded.

OLSON, DANCER, SALSBURY and VAN HOECKE voted yes. WELLS abstained.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-0.

 

Public Hearing

Consideration of Resolution No. 25-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 18 S. HOLBROOK

MOTION:  WELLS moved to open the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

KRUGER gave an overview of the structure and its violations. There were no other comments from the public.

 

MATKIN left the meeting at 6:50PM

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to table the decision for (60) days so the Land Bank has an opportunity to look at it, to reach out to the County to see if it will be in the tax sale this year and explore a couple of opportunities before we move forward with the process on this particular house. DANCER seconded.

SALSBURY, OLSON, WELLS and DANCER voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-1.

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 26-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 402 N. SHUTE

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

KRUGER gave an overview of the structure and its violations. There were no other comments from the public.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to close the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 26-2025 A Resolution Directing the Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 402 N. Shute. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MATKIN returned to the meeting at 7:02PM

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 27-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 205 N. LINCOLN

MOTION:  DANCER moved to open the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

KRUGER gave an overview of the structure and its violations. There were no other comments from the public.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to close the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 27-2025 A Resolution Directing the Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 205 N. Lincoln. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

FARMER left the meeting at 7:03PM

 

Devin Reichard appeared regarding the parade permit. He believed the meeting began at 7:00PM. MATKIN told him the permit had already been approved.

 

Consideration to Trade the 963k Track Loader for a 2023 Volvo EC160EL Crawler Excavator

COFFMAN explained that the trade consideration is because parts for the existing model are not available due to its age. The only cost incurred would be freight of approximately $1,200.00 and would be through G. W. Van Keppel Company.

 

FARMER returned to the meeting at 7:05PM

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve the straight across the board trade. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

IT Update

MITCHELL reported there were contact changes for the first year. There is also a shift in priorities for the next (60) days with the police department at highest priority. Updates given networks, firewalls, equipment, ticketing system, and backup system.

 

VAN HOECKE left the meeting at 7:18PM and returned at 7:20PM

 

Wyatt addressed the Commission to request two changes to the grant application process. First, she proposed requiring applicants to include a brief description of their business project and how the funding would impact their business. Second, she suggested a procedural clarification: that City staff should score the applications using the approved rubric and submit those scores to the Commission. Applicants would then appear before the Commission for questions, after which the Commission would award the grants. The Commission discussed the efficiency of this proposed process.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve the changes suggested by City staff to make the process move forward more efficiently. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Planning, Housing and Business Development Update

Wyatt provided an overview of her responsibilities, including managing grants—those awarded, currently being written, and pending notification. In the Business Development Department, she focuses on retaining existing businesses and helping recruit new ones to Fort Scott. She also gave an overview of all three departments she oversees and answered questions from the Commission. Lisa Dillon will soon present a more detailed housing update.

 

Consideration of Second Amendment to Freeman ER Funding Agreement – Approved by Bourbon County Commission – September 8, 2025

 

ACTION:  MATKIN will reach out to Freeman Hospital regarding the City being included the quarterly written itemized accountings.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to send the document back to the County and ask for the City to be included in the furnishing of the quarterly written itemized accounting. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

Approval to Go Out for Codes Mowing Bids – 3 Year Contract

MOTION:  WELLS moved to go out for mowing bids for (3) years. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consideration of CCLIP Project Programming Request

DICKMAN explained this is Phase III of the project. It has been awarded. The next steps would be to formally accept the award and go out for Statements of Qualification for Engineering design work.

 

ACTION:  DICKMAN will send the City Manager and City Clerk the documents for the next step.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to go forward with the project programming request for the third phase of the CCLIP project. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Reports and Comments

CITY ENGINEER

– E. National Project Update

 

ACTION:  DICKMAN will get updated exhibits to WYATT to submit for the Cost Share Program (CCLIP) of 3rd Street from E. National to US69.

 

– Lee Circle Drive base

 

CITY ATTORNEY – No comment

 

CITY MANAGER

–  Naturalization at the Fort – September 17, 2025

–  FEMA update – new projects 4th & Little and Pawn Shop waterway

 

ACTION:  MATKIN will provide a City Manager Communicator by end of the week.

 

COMMISSIONER SALSBURY

–  Shipping container ordinance on next agenda

–  Confirmed the City does not have ducks or geese at Gunn Park

 

COMMISSIONER OLSON

–  Comments on freedom of speech

 

COMMISSIONER WELLS

–  Design Review Board and bylaws for CLG

–  Codes Department and Fire Department

–  Overpass and at-grade study requests status update

–  Comments on freedom of speech

 

COMMISSIONER DANCER

–  Moody building status

 

ACTION:  MATKIN will meet with FARMER for plan of action on the next agenda.

 

–  Items passed at table need to be posted on website

–  Expense Report was not included in the packet and website

 

COMMISSIONER VAN HOECKE

–  Response to comments made on local social media post about him and other rhetoric

–  Naturalization Ceremony

–  City work sites are not open to the public for safety reasons

 

MATKIN commented on Commission decorum and community reactions to decisions.

 

Adjourn

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:49PM. SALSBURY seconded.

 

SEPTEMBER 16, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:49PM.

 

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Meeting, 9/22/25 part 1

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The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Lynne Oharah’s concern about the county declaring Unique Road open was the first item of business the commission handled after opening its meeting with regular county business.

Oharah wants the portion of Unique Road that adjoins his land to be declared open by the commission. He says that the procedures for closing a road, per KSA68102 or 102a are “very specific on how roads are closed,” and that the road portion he is concerned about has not been officially closed by the county.

He wanted to address an issue he said should be uniform throughout the county. He mentioned three roads (Quail and two sections of Unity) that the county stopped maintaining during his tenure as commissioner. He says they were arbitrarily closed and had their signage removed.

“You can’t do that. That’s not in the KSAs,” he said.

He referred to a certified survey from 1973, which he provided to the county commissioners, saying that the pins on the survey denote there is a 40 foot right of way between the two fences, which is the county road Unique.

“I don’t care what GIS shows. The pins don’t lie,” said Oharah.

He wants the county to direct the clerk to update its records, as the county is responsible for providing an accurate map of the county to the state. He said the title company would not accept the survey without the county also declaring the road to be open.

He says there is a discrepancy between the 2011 map and the 2012 map, which is what the public works director at that time “ran with.”

Beerbower said that because Oharah’s neighbor had his lawyer contact the county’s counselor, they couldn’t discuss the matter in an open meeting.

“Part of that land is mine, so I am requesting — I am not represented by legal counsel — I’m requesting that my portion of this road be opened,” said Oharah.

“Time is of the essence. Because I’m down to the wire,” said Oharah, referring to his efforts to sell some of his land.

He said that the commission didn’t need legal counsel to make a decision.

“We’re going to seek advice before we proceed any further,” said Beerbower, referring to the fact that they were dealing with the actions of past commissioners.

Oharah asked the commission to consider holding a special meeting if something were to happen that would jeopardize the sale of his land.

Tri-Valley – Bill Fiscus

Fiscus thanked the county for its support of Tri-Valley over the years. At the last meeting they spoke of a missed payment for Tri-Valley from 2024 for $13,750. The current agreement is for $55,000. They have also requested $55,000 in 2026.

He asked if they would receive that missed payment and how will it affect the 2025 and 2026 allocations.

County Clerk Susan Walker said the carryover from the missed payment was taken out of the budget in the last county commissioner meeting. She said a normal levy for Tri-County is 0.3 and the county is now levying 0.26.

The commission opted to discuss it during budget discussions later in the meeting.

Derek Raines

Raines spoke of the problems his family is having with EvoTech, a bitcoin company, which put in natural gas generators 172 yards from his house about 18 months ago. They run the generators continuously, 24/7. Inside the house, it’s 59-61 decibels, 54 dB in the back porch, and 73-74 on the front deck. He said the hum is constant in the house and they cannot open the windows.

The Raines had lived in their home for five years before EvoTech moved in and started running their generators.

Raines said he contacted the undersheriff who guided him to McCloud, in Jefferson County, KS. He then spoke to Doug Walbridge, who offered his assistance to the Bourbon County Commission to get this issue regulated.

“It’s just overbearing. We moved to the country from town for the peace and quiet,” he said. It’s bringing their property value down.

He said his parents can hear it 2 miles away.

He offered to get a petition signed or whatever else might help.

“It’s messing up our little piece of heaven,” he said.

He said he spoke to his state representative today as well, and plans to speak to KDHE also.

He mentioned that he pays more taxes to the county than EvoTech.

Tran asked what would need to happen to make it work for the neighborhood. Raines said it needs to be made so they can’t hear it.

Beerbower said the commission was looking into all the options and would keep working on the problem.

Sheriff Bill Martin & Ben Hart

Enterprise Fleet Management – Kenneth Olsen

Olsen represents Enterprise Fleet Management, which is working on an allocation for Chevy Tahoe police vehicles to replace vehicles in the sheriff’s current fleet.

Commissioner Mika Milburn asked how it would affect the 2026 budget. Olsen said they have a five-year plan to replace all the sheriff’s department vehicles for an average of $163,000 per year.

The funding for the new vehicles would come from the jail sales tax. Walker handed out a budget spreadsheet showing how the sheriff’s department budget would work.

Beerbower was in favor of adopting the leasing plan from Enterprise.

Tran expressed concern about the issue of balancing budget creep with the need to provide the sheriff’s department with reliable equipment.

Olsen said his company wants to create a partnership with the county. The county isn’t locked into the five-year plan Enterprise has proposed, but a flexible relationship bringing good data to the county to help them make wise decisions about vehicles going forward.

“This is a hard pill to swallow, but this is a pill we are going to have to swallow,” said Tran. He also asked that Ben and County Counselor Bob Johnson look over any contract before the county signs it to be sure there’s no fine print that will cause the county problems going forward.

Olsen also asked about getting a contract to work with the Public Works department, as his team prefers to have two departments involved. He said their vehicles’ average age is 2008.

Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda

Susan Walker, County Clerk, corrected a statement she made at the previous meeting that commissioners must make $5,000. That’s not by statute, but a necessity to qualify for KPRS.

She also wanted to respond to comments Milburn made that Walker felt were directed at her. She was getting $6,500 to administer the county’s payroll, but that job is being transferred to an outside company, PayEntry.

Walker also said that the clerk’s office never handled HR issues, just activities and job descriptions. Bourbon County was lacking an HR department to handle disciplinary issues. She welcomes having someone from outside the county handle those issues. In the past, those issues were handled by the commission and the county counselor as the de facto administrators. “That was not something that was handled in the clerk’s office,” she stated.

“To say that I was the one directing the budget and the budget decisions is a misstatement,” she said, referring to Milburn’s commissioner comments in the last regular meeting.

The county had been paying her $3,500 to enter the budget numbers given her by department heads into the county’s budget document. The auditor offered to do it for $6,500.

Walker also expressed concern about PayEntry. There are several factors she was hesitant about in the process, and wasn’t consulted or allowed to ask questions during the meeting when it was discussed.

The kickoff meeting to transfer payroll to PayEntry was last week. One county employee took a whole day taking screen shots to give them data that could not be pulled from the system. PayEntry will charge $40 per pay period for those employees that are asking for paper checks. The county can require them to take pay cards or direct deposits instead.

PayEntry will only support child support garnishments, but there are other garnishments that the county will have process.

There are several exceptions to the rules that must be set up including grants that are used to make some parts of payroll.

Oct. 3rd is not a reasonable timeframe to be able to start up.

“What I have essentially come down to is: What we are doing, is we are paying a company to cut payroll checks and file federal and state taxes for us and that’s probably the easiest process for us to do,” she concluded. Her office will still have to do the benefit reconciliations, which is the most challenging part of the county’s payroll process. If she had been involved in this process from the beginning, the county might not be in this situation.

Milburn replied by saying that her comments were “a complication of a lot of things that needed addressed.”

Obituary

Obituary of John Nicholas “Nick” Sell

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John Nicholas Sell, II, known affectionately as Nick, passed away on September 21, 2025, at the age of 73, in Joplin, Missouri, after a period of ill health. Born on October 2, 1951, in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Ernest J and Billie (nee Miller) Sell, Nick lived a life marked by dedication to family, service, and a love for adventure.

Nick grew up in Chicago, IL laid the foundation for a person of remarkable skill and warmth. After completing his education at Pittsburg State University in Autobody, he went on to apply his trade across various dealerships. Nick’s entrepreneurial spirit shone when he owned and operated Sell & Son tools, distributing Mac Tools with a reputation for quality and service. Nick’s later years were spent working at Hix Corporation and Crawford State Park, where he left a lasting impression before his well-deserved retirement.

A pillar of his community, Nick served with distinction as a volunteer firefighter and Treasurer for the Sherman Township Fire Department. His commitment extended to his role on the Honor Guard, where he stood in solemn respect for his fellow service members. Nick’s Christian faith was a guiding light throughout his life, providing his with strength and solace.

Beyond his professional and community service, Nick was a man of diverse interests. He was an avid scuba diver, exploring the underwater world with the same passion he brought to every endeavor. His love for the unique sport of underwater hockey showcased his adventurous spirit and sense of fun.

Nick’s warmth and humor were the glue of the Sell family. He is survived by his brother, Ernie (Andrea) Sell; his daughters, Christina “Nina” (Greg) Bulow and Guinnevere “Guinn” (Bill) Ehrheart; his sons, John Nicholas, Jr. and John Paul (Kylee) Sell. His legacy extends to his cherished grandchildren, Brad (Haley) and Drake (Kaylee) Markley, Joseph Ehrheart and Tara Stienbarger, Natalie (Connor) O’Dell and Emma (Nathan) Hays, Kaytlin Timmons, and Gabrielle (Alex) Sell, as well as Max Bulow. Nick was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Aubree, Nash, Knox, and Mae Markley, Connor, Declan, and Alessa Stienbarger, Lyla and Willow Hays, Remington Brekken, and Cyrus Sadler, who will carry forward his love and zest for life. And Debra Pryor former wife and longtime friend.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Jennifer “Jen” O’Dell, and her husband Darrel “Dino” O’Dell. His passing leaves a void in the lives of all who knew him, yet his influence remains palpable. Described by those who loved him as friendly, funny, and incredibly handy, Nick was a beacon of joy and practicality.

As we say farewell to John Nicholas Sell, II, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and generosity. He has left an indelible mark on his family, friends, and community, and his memory will continue to inspire and comfort those who were fortunate enough to have known him. Nick’s story is one of love, laughter, and service, and it is with these memories we will honor his legacy.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Thursday, September 25th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until service time at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren Education Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Housing

Fort Scott Manor Is Turned Into Standard Market Apartments

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Workers are finishing up work at the former Fort Scott Manor to turn it into apartments for the community, which are named Charlotte Place.

Fort Scottians need more apartments, and a Kansas contractor is turning a former nursing home, which has been vacant for several years, into new rentals after a complete renovation of the property.

The former Fort Scott Manor nursing home property, 736 Heylman, was purchased by  Rural Asset Management (RAM) in January 2022, after being closed down by the state several years prior.

The new name for the Fort Scott property is Charlotte Place, RAM Owner Shane Lamb said, adding that his children pick the name of the business’s properties.

The first four units are slated for rental availability in late October, said  Lamb, if all goes as planned.

Work started on the property, then halted to finish a similar Iola project in March 2025.

“It’s coming together, it’s been an intensive and costly project, and it should be nice when done,” he said. “Our goal is to be the nicest apartments in the community we are in, and to keep it affordable.”

There will be 24 units:  one-bedroom, one-bath apartments are 550-626 square feet with a range of $650-695 per month,  two-bedroom apartments are between 700-1000 square feet with a range of $800 to 875, and there will be a 500 square foot studio apartment for short-term rentals, Lamb said.

“The short-term rental, a couple of local businesses want to lease for their staff,” Lamb said.

The apartments will feature new appliances, including a stove, above-stove microwave, and fridge, and will be equipped with fiber optic internet availability.

Tenants will pay rent and their electric bill; the landlord pays for the water, trash, and sewer service.

There will be a brand new on-site laundry provided for the tenants.

Additionally, “there will be a pet-friendly fenced-in area in the back of the apartments,” he said.

These apartments will not be low-income rentals, but instead will be available to the standard market, said Lamb.

“The standard market means that they are not subsidized by the government,” Lamb said.

About Rural Asset Management

RAM focuses on rural towns and rural housing, purchasing nursing homes, schools,  and hospitals that are converted to housing, according to a prior interview with Lamb.

“We currently have 13 projects under construction in rural communities,” he said. “We typically supply 300-600 apartments per year in rural communities.”

Bourbon County Local News