BOURBON COUNTY,
KANSAS
Bourbon County Commission Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
September 08, 2025, 5:30 PM (Revised)
I. Call Meeting to Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Prayer
II. Discussion of meeting limits-Beerbower
III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Approval of Minutes 08/25/25 & 08/29/25
V. Consent Agenda
Approval of 09.05.25Accounts Payable Totaling $308,641.44
Approval of 09.05.25 Payroll Totaling $326,473.16
VI. Lora Holdridge-Budget Question
VII. 95th Street South of Unique – ROD & Security 1st
VIII. Executive Session: Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected
personnel to protect their privacy. Tran
IX. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which
would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship. Milburn
X. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
XI. Old Business
Mapleton Road – Beerbower
Phone System -Beerbower
Software program – Beerbower
Hospital Equipment Update – Beerbower
FSACF Grant – Beerbower
Security Camera’s – Beerbower
Craw-Kan
Elm Creek Quarry
Freeman Agreement – Beerbower
Act/Web Page Access – Milburn
XII. New Business
Salary Resolution – Milburn
North Crawford St. – Beerbower
Eagle Road – Beerbower
Freeman/EMS – Milburn
109th Street – Milburn
Opioid Settlement – Milburn
Planning Commission Selection Process – Beerbower
Agenda-Clerk
XIII. Commission Comments
XIV. Adjournment _____________
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which
would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether
or not in consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of
corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of
such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.
Fall Plant and Bulb Sale at the Farmers’ Market Sept. 13
Want to add some perennials to your landscape next year?
The Bourbon County Garden Club members will be thinning their garden to benefit the community projects they maintain in Fort Scott.
“The plants dug from our gardens will be perennials, including iris, daylilies, coreopsis, ornamental grasses, and sedum,” said Martha Jane Gentry, a spokesperson for the group. “We never know in advance!”
The focus of their sale at the Fort Scott Farmers Market on Saturday, Sept. 13 is mainly bulb sales, she said. They will include a variety of types and colors, with different bloom times.
The hypertufa pots are rustic pots that can be used inside or outside. These were made by club members.
The farmers market is held on Tuesday evenings from 4-6 and Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until noon, during the growing season.
Proceeds from the sale will support beautification efforts throughout the community, including the city pool islands, Heritage Park, and the North Main Street area.
A variety of high quality, jumbo nursery bulbs will be available, including crocus, several types of tulips, daffodils, and allium, she said.
“Of special local interest are two varieties of red tulips, perfect for Tiger, Pittsburg State University, and Chiefs’ fans. All of the bulbs should be planted this fall, but will bloom at various times next spring and in early summer.”
Bulbs will be sold in bags of six, and some will be purchased individually.
The garden club has also partnered with Tri Valley Developmental Services to sell pansies and ornamental kale, both of which are popular for fall planting.
Also available are plants freshly dug from club members’ own gardens, in addition to house plants.
Other items, including garden-oriented books, magazines, and handmade hypertufa pots, will be sold.
“The hypertufa pots are rustic pots that can be used inside or outside. These were made by club members,” she said.
Knowledgeable members and Kansas Master Gardeners will be on hand during the sale to offer advice and answer questions about plants.
The Bourbon County Garden Club meets on the second Tuesday of the month, March through October. Like them on Facebook for news, meeting announcements, and photos.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 8
Help With Wireless phone service, Interne plan
Lifeline program helps Kansans in need stay connected
TOPEKA – Phone and internet services are vital to accessing healthcare and community services, finding employment, and calling for help in an emergency. However, the cost to stay connected is out of reach for many Kansans.
In observance of National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, September 7-13, the Kansas Corporation Commission joins utility regulators nationwide in creating awareness of the program offerings and encourages those in need of assistance to apply.
Lifeline provides combined federal and state discounts of up to $17.02 per month to help pay for residential or wireless phone service, internet, or a bundled phone and internet plan. Subscribers living on tribal lands qualify for additional discounts. Currently, nearly 8.6 million Americans, including 19,500 Kansans, are enrolled in the program.
Eligibility is based on income (at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines) or participation in certain assistance programs such as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA)
- Veterans Pension & Survivors Pension Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Head Start Tribal Programs (income based)
- The Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands
In addition, the Safe Connections Act (SCA) of 2022 helps survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and related crimes get discounted phone, internet or bundled services through the Lifeline program. Those who qualify under SCA can receive up to six months of emergency Lifeline support and their privacy will be protected. Details are available at https://www.lifelinesupport.
More information on income eligibility, participating Lifeline providers, and the enrollment process is available on the KCC’s website or by calling 800-662-0027.
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Kansas U. Partners With Healthy Bourbon County Action Team
KU School of Business partners with Healthy Bourbon County Action Team to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystem in southeast Kansas
Credit: KU Marketing
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Business has launched a collaboration with a Bourbon County organization to support local entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), an organization dedicated to building a healthy, thriving workforce, will work with KU Business entrepreneurship programs both to identify community business projects for student engagement and to access programmatic resources. The collaboration allows KU students to gain hands-on experience while HBCAT and its community partners benefit from KU’s expertise, tools and support for entrepreneurial development.
“Our partnership with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team exemplifies KU’s commitment to fostering economic development throughout Kansas while enhancing the student learning experience,” said KU School of Business Dean Jide Wintoki. “Our students get to apply their business expertise to support small but growing companies, with the potential to generate new jobs in the region. It’s a powerful way to strengthen our students’ professional skills while creating meaningful impact in the state.”
The partnership will support Bourbon County businesses through three tailored pathways, each grounded in a KU Business entrepreneurship co-curricular program.
- Jayhawk Consulting: HBCAT will identify local startups and small businesses that could benefit from student-led consulting services.
- RedTire (Redefine your Retirement): HBCAT will connect with businesses nearing an ownership transition and work with KU’s RedTire team to assess fit for the program’s comprehensive business valuation and succession planning services.
- The Catalyst: HBCAT will help launch a locally led version of KU’s program, which supports aspiring entrepreneurs through mentorship and venture development. KU will provide HBCAT with training and resources on curriculum and program management, with the first Bourbon County Catalyst cohort expected to launch in spring 2026.
Through this partnership, KU students will gain a stronger connection to and understanding of Kansas’ economic landscape while contributing to its continued growth.
“Our entrepreneurs have been clear about what they need: more guidance, more support and more opportunities to grow,” said Jody Love, HBCAT president and CEO. “Partnering with KU allows us to respond directly to those needs and ensure that small businesses in southeast Kansas have the resources to succeed.”
The KU School of Business provides entrepreneurial curricular and co-curricular education to students of every major and across all stages of interest, from those exploring new ideas to those actively launching ventures. Students learn to solve meaningful problems with purpose and creativity, building a mindset that equips them to thrive in any career path.
More information about KU Business entrepreneurship programs can be found at the school’s entrepreneurship webp
Submitted by Jody Love
Freeman Appoints New Vice President of Imaging Services
Hector Juarez Brings Extensive Experience to Key Community Service
JOPLIN, Mo. – Freeman officials are proud to announce the appointment of Hector Juarez as Freeman Health System’s new Vice President of Imaging following an extensive nationwide search.
Juarez brings vast experience to Joplin’s largest employer, having overseen multi-site imaging operations while supervising more than 30 facilities across multiple markets during his career.
“I am ecstatic to be part of Freeman Health System,” Juarez said, who starts this week. “I look forward to working with our teams to expand imaging services and ensure our surrounding communities have access to high quality, innovative care.”
Prior to moving to Southwest Missouri, Juarez successfully directed daily operations of more than 350 employees across 16 departments at Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center, one of the nation’s busiest Level I trauma centers. He directed one of Houston’s largest and most complex imaging programs, performing more than 372,000 examinations annually and leading initiatives that improved efficiency, expanded access, and enhanced patient experience. As the flagship facility of the Memorial Hermann Health System, TMC anchors one of Texas’ largest not-for-profit health systems, comprising 17 hospitals, eight cancer centers, and three heart institutes.
“We’re excited to welcome Hector to Freeman Health System as our new Vice President of Imaging,” said Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Fry. “His deep expertise and engaging leadership style will help shape our future and ensure we are able to provide exceptional care to our patients.”
Hector holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences from Midwestern State University. He is credentialed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as both a Registered Radiologic Technologist and a Registered Computed Tomography Technologist.
“I believe in leading imaging services through collaboration that blends data driven strategy with a people first approach,” Juarez said of his vision for Freeman’s imaging services moving forward. “When leaders invest in their teams, excellence in patient care naturally follows.”
Freeman, accredited by the American College of Radiology, offers a full range of services that include state-of-the-art computed radiography, computed tomography (CT), stationary positron tomograph/computed tomography (PET/CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, digital mammography – including the region’s first use of the GE Healthcare’s Senographe Pristina™ Dueta 3-D mammography system – and diagnostic angiography.
“As technology continues to evolve, we want to make imaging more accessible, more efficient, and more robust, ensuring patients across our region have access to the very best imaging services,” Juarez said.
His goal for Freeman Health System is a simple one: “I want to advance imaging as both a clinical and community resource, aligning our services with Freeman’s strategic planning, growth, and improving the overall patient experience.”
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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
Pigpen Shenanigans by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Pigpen Shenanigans
On the morning of July 5, my son Aaron, daughter Mariam, son-in-law Levi, and I made plans to go car shopping for me. While Mariam attended to the outside morning chores, the rest of us were just shooting the breeze as we waited for her. Pretty soon, Mariam walks into the living room and joins in on our conversation, although she doesn’t take a seat. I was distracted with the idea of shopping and didn’t really think about the unique artistic design on her t-shirt until her husband and brother asked, “Is that mud on your shirt?” “Yes,” she answered. (I don’t think she even rolled her eyes.)
Mariam explained that she’d previously separated the momma pig from the baby pig because it needed to be weaned. Therefore, the sow and boar were together in a separate pigpen and the big-fat baby was in her own pen. However, during the evening of the 4th of July, the baby got scared out of her wits and managed to escape and crawl into the parent’s pigpen. So, Mariam had fallen down in the muddy pigpen trying to grab the baby so she could put her back where she belonged. Needless to say, we spared no high-spirited laughter as she told her pigpen story in detail. Even though we’re a close-knit family, not a one of us had any compassion or sympathy for her!
I love a good story when there’s ample details to envision what’s being told. Many times Jesus used parables to explain life-changing lessons to His listeners. Perhaps one of His most-popular parables was about the “prodigal/lost son” in the Book of Luke. A man had two sons and the younger one wanted his inheritance before his father died. The father agreed and a few days later the son went to a distant country and wasted all his money on wild living. When he ran out of money, a terrible famine hit and he began to starve. He found a farmer who agreed to hire him to feed his pigs. When the young son became so hungry that he wished he could eat the pigs’ bean pods, he finally came to his senses. Welp, better late than never.
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began” (Luke 15:20-24 NLT).
The choices we make can either “make or break” our life. The #1 choice is to choose to follow Jesus. The prodigal son chose to take the money and run from his loving father. This turned out to be a poor choice because the son wasn’t mature enough to wisely handle life. But the good thing is that he later made the right choice to return to the love and care of his father. As long as there’s breath and an ounce of sense, there’s hope in God’s open arms of mercy and forgiveness for our sins and stupid choices. No matter what you or I have done, the Father is waiting and watching for us to come back home.
The Key: It’s not over ‘til the fat piggy sings.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Sept. 8, 2025
Bourbon County Commission Agenda – September 8, 2025
09.08.25 Agenda copy
Meeting Details:
- Date: September 8, 2025
- Time: 5:30 PM
- Location: Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave., Bourbon County, Kansas
Agenda Outline
I. Call Meeting to Order
II. Discussion of meeting limits – Beerbower
III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Approval of Minutes 08/25/25 & 08/29/25
V. Consent Agenda
* Approval of 09.05.25 Accounts Payable Totaling $308,641.44
* Approval of 09.05.25 Payroll Totaling $326,473.16
VI. Lora Holdridge – Budget Question
VII. Executive Session: Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b) (1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
VIII. Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
IX. Old Business
* Mapleton Road – Beerbower
* Phone System – Beerbower
* Software program – Beerbower
* Stronghold
* FSACF Grant – Beerbower
* Security Camera’s – Beerbower
* Craw-Kan
* Elm Creek Quarry
* Freeman Agreement
X. New Business
* North Crawford St. – Beerbower
* Eagle Road – Beerbower
* 95th Street South of Unique – ROD & Security 1st
* Opioid Settlement
* Planning Commission Selection Process
* Agenda – Clerk
XI. Commission Comments
XII. Adjournment
Local Business Personalizes Items For Clients: TAOS, LLC
TOAS, LLC is a new family-owned local business that provides custom laser-engraved items with the customer’s design.
“Toas is the first initial of the names in our family,” said Scott Shelton, co-owner with his wife, Ashley, of the business.
“We provide a wide array of products,” he said. “From hats, cups, keychains, insulated can sleeves, pet collars, bottle openers, fridge magnets, wood products, signs, and more. We also make stained glass items.”
They have the industrial laser machine at their rural residence and share duties when they are not working their full-time jobs.
“We offer products for the folks of Bourbon County and beyond to promote their business, support their teams, or anything they would like to express.”
” I started the business as an additional revenue stream and income for when I retire from the fire department in a few years,” he said.
“We keep our Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558839424305 )updated with everything we’ve made currently. That’s the best place to see what kind of items we offer.”
Contact info: 620-215-1874 or [email protected] or
toasdesigns.com.
Scott Shelton is a full-time fireman with the Fort Scott Fire Department, and Ashley works full-time in an accounting office.
Feeling Stretched as a Caregiver? by Tara Solomon-Smith
Feeling Stretched as a Caregiver?
It’s a fact, caregivers have higher levels of stress than non-caregivers. If you are serving as a caregiver to a loved one, I want you to know you are fulfilling a valuable role! I also want you to know that it is ok to take care of yourself, too. We can help with that!
In partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, K-State Extension is providing an Empowered Caregivers two-part series. This program is designed to help reduce stress, build a caregiver foundation, support independence, communicate effectively, balance life, increase the ability to make tough decisions, and locate helpful resources.
Free meal and classes will be held on Tuesdays, October 7th and 14th, from 6:00-8:00 pm Register by calling 620-244-3826.
While we can’t stop stress from occurring, we can help manage it. Too much stress, especially over a long time, can harm your health. You may not get enough sleep or physical activity, or eat a balanced diet, which increases your risk of medical problems.
The following are some ideas to help you manage your caregiver stress:
- Take a break from caregiving. Take a walk or meet up with a friend. Do something not related to caregiving.
- Get support. Attend a support group, have a friend you can call just to let off steam, or look for community resources.
- Relax. Read a book, meditate, pray, garden, knit, take a long bath.
- Take care of your health. Go to the doctor, get routine exams and flu shots, get enough sleep, and eat your fruits and vegetables.
- Change “guilt” to “regret.” Guilt means you did something wrong, regret means that you are in a difficult situation, and sometimes you have to make difficult decisions, but they are not wrong.
- Forgive yourself—often. You cannot be a perfect caregiver all day, every day.
- Ask for and accept help when offered. No one can do this alone. We often don’t know what to say when someone offers help. Prepare for this and create a task list to have ready. When someone asks you if they can help, refer to your list and say “YES.” Let them choose which task on the list they would like to do!
- And finally….Laugh. Find ways to keep your sense of humor on a daily basis.
For more information, please contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], 620-244-3826.
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Meeting Minutes
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
September 3, 2025
- Welcome: Twenty-three members representing sixteen agencies attended the meeting held at the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Janice Durbin – Head Start- Head Start provides home-based and center-based education services to children up to age 5.
- Cheyanne Bolin – Head Start
- Theresa Amershek – Child Exchange & Visitation Center (Safehouse)
- Ana Salas, Advocate – Safehouse Pittsburg
- Dave Gillen – Beacon – The Beacon provides food assistance, hygiene items, taxi passes, gas vouchers, and financial aid. The Beacon is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00-1:00. The Beacon served 20 new families in August, and provided $2743 in financial assistance.
- Bryan Cook, Crisis Team Director – Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
- Kym Hargrove, Manager of Adult Services- Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
- Christa Vaughn, Children’s Case Management Services Team Lead – Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
- April Jackson – SEK Recovery Resources & Thrive Allen County – Provide services to aid harm reduction, such as: naloxone, fentanyl test strips. These can be found in the vending machine outside the Bourbon County Health Dept.
- Christine Abott- SE KANSASWORKS – Staff are in the Fort Scott office (located in HBCAT building) on Tuesdays. They can provide help with resume building, GED, and job searches. SE KANSASWORKS is always looking for clients who need assistance with training. The CDL program is running in Fort Scott. KANASWORKS can assist with the cost of the program.
- Stephanie Breckenridge – Bourbon County Response Advocate- Stephanie works in homes to keep children safe
- Star Culp – Parents as Teachers – PAT recently added an additional educator in Bourbon County, so more spots are available.
- Patty Simpson – Fort Scott Housing Authority – FSHA has 190 income-based apartments. All units are currently full, and there is a short waiting list of approximately 1-3 months.
- Kathy Romero – Angels Home Health – Angels Home Health serves five counties in SEK. They have specialty programs that most other companies do not have. Angels Home Health and Medicalodge will be hosting a Senior Expo in Crawford County from 9:00-1:00 on September 24th. The Expo will take place at the Pittsburg YMCA. They are hoping to do another Senior Expo in Bourbon County in the future.
- Cherri Walrod, Community Health Worker – K-State Extension – Cherri can assist clients with the SNAP app, medical paperwork, and fill in gaps in services. Cherri leads a support group for parents with special needs kids. She helps find resources for kids with special needs. Her position is grant-funded through the end of the year.
- Michelle Stevenson – Fort Scott Early Childhood Program- FSECP is funded by the Early Childhood Block Grant. Michelle works with families prenatal-6. She assists with tracking development and offers early learning activities. Michelle is a resource for parents and can help connect families with additional resources as needed.
- Janelle Tate – Early Childhood Block Grant
- Kelli Mengarelli – Family Resource Center/Early Childhood Block Grant – ECBG works with preschools and childcare providers in six counties in SEK.
- Dee Dee LeFever, Community Liaison – Greenbush
- Kathy Brennon – SEK Area Agency on Aging – SEK AAA is hosting an Aging=Living Event for seniors and their families. The event will take place from 9:00-3:00 on October 22 in Chanute. Topics will include legal tips for fraud and scam prevention, a Golden Bats exercise demo, and a meal. The fee for the event is $10.
- Shanda Stewart- Clear Path Recovery Center- Clear Path is an adult recovery center in Nevada, MO. Doors will open on September 10. Clear Path will be one of only a few centers in the area to provide medical detox services. Patients will be able to stay up to 30 days. Clear Path will start with 8 beds, with plans to expand to 30 beds in the future. They will offer coed services where couples can recover together.
- Program: Shanda Stewart & Abby Stepps – Kansas Renewal Institute-
Kansas Renewal Institute is a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Treatment Facility in the old Mercy Hospital building. KRI is not a detention center like the one in Girard. KRI opened in January of 2024 and accepted its first resident on May 13, 2024. They have served approximately 160 children since that time. KRI is licensed to serve children ages 8-22. Kids are now initially approved for 60 days, and the average stay is about 158 days. 54 kids are currently attending KRI, which has a capacity of 58 beds. The original contract with the state of Kansas limited students to Kansas residents only; now, about 90% of kids are from Kansas, but KRI can take kids from all states. KRI currently employs about 125 people. Kids live in the facility full-time, so Abby makes sure kids are entertained in healthy ways. Kids belong to multiple groups, one being an activity group. Staff try to integrate kids into community activities and have guests come into the facility to interact with kids. Kids go to the movie theater once a month, and are going bowling later this month. USD 234 provides education services on-site. School takes place Monday through Thursday from 8:30-3:30. Students participate in Individualized learning online through USD 234, teachers and paras are on-site. Students also attend special classes such as music, art, PE. KRI is working with Freeman to add acute care services. This would provide an additional 8 beds for kids in crisis. Kids would be served one-on-one on a case-by-case basis for a few days. KRI employs therapists, nurse practitioners, case managers, behavioral health techs, housekeeping staff, and kitchen staff. The community has been very gracious with donations, and they are very appreciated. Check the Kansas Renewal Institute’s Facebook page to learn more about what is going on at the facility.
- Open Forum: Nothing further came before the membership.
- Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be October 1, 2025.
U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter
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