Bourbon County

Mapleton Residents Invited to Community Forum on Town Improvements

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City of Mapleton Invites Community to Share Input on Park and Ballfield Improvements

MAPLETON, KS — The City of Mapleton, in partnership with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), invites all residents to a Community Forum on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM at 565 Eldora Street, Mapleton, KS.

This forum is part of a broader effort supported through Pathways to a Healthy Kansas, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas® (BCBSKS) initiative. With Pathways funding, HBCAT and the City of Mapleton are working to extend sidewalks around Mapleton City Park and renovate the Mapleton Ball Park to support physical activity, community connection, and quality of life.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life in Bourbon County. HBCAT works to increase access to physical activity, healthy food, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life, and encourage economic growth. Its community-driven approach helps create a healthier, more vibrant region for all.

The event will feature a short presentation, a brief survey, and small group discussions. Residents will have the opportunity to share their ideas, concerns, and vision for improvements to Mapleton’s public spaces.

“Your input is vital to ensure these projects reflect what Mapleton residents truly want and need,” said Jody Love, President and CEO of HBCAT. “Whether it’s better lighting, more seating, or ballfield upgrades, this is your chance to be heard.”

Residents are encouraged to complete the survey ahead of time at: https://forms.gle/1h7w3xFLv18QxUFc6. All survey participants will be entered into a raffle for a $100 gift card.

Refreshments will be provided. Families are welcome. For more information, visit the City of Mapleton website or contact Jenny Layes at [email protected].

About Pathways to a Healthy Kansas

Pathways to a Healthy Kansas is the largest community grant program ever funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. The Pathways program provides community coalitions with the tools and resources needed to remove barriers and engage their communities in ways that improve active living, healthy eating, behavioral health and commercial tobacco prevention. For more information, visit bcbsks.com/pathways.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

For more than 80 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has built a reputation of trust with its members and contracting providers by providing outstanding customer service while quickly and accurately processing claims; fairly administering benefit plans and contracts; offering programs, services and tools to help members improve or maintain their health; and operating under the highest ethical standards while being good stewards of premium dollars. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and is the state’s largest insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. For more information, visit bcbsks.com.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. BLUE CROSS®, BLUE SHIELD® and the Cross and Shield Symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

About the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT)

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life in Bourbon County, Kansas. Through a collaborative, equity-centered approach, HBCAT works to increase access to physical activity, healthy food, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life, and foster economic growth. By building strong partnerships with residents, community groups, and local governments, HBCAT is helping to create a healthier, more vibrant region for all.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. BLUE CROSS®, BLUE SHIELD® and the Cross and Shield Symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. HBCAT is leading the Pathways initiative in Bourbon County and is not affiliated with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.

 

Government, Health Care

Sen. Moran Holds Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Budget Reconciliation Bill

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Senator Jerry Moran Convenes Town Hall with Hospital Leaders
Kansas hospital leaders ask their questions and learn more about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that passed the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives.

(July 3, 2025) – Kansas hospitals appreciated the invitation from Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to join a virtual
town hall to discuss the Budget Reconciliation Bill. The U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives passed
the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is now headed to President Trump for his signature.
This afternoon, more than 100 hospital leaders were able to join the virtual town hall. Senator Moran was able
to highlight several challenges in the original Senate version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that were
mitigated. Kansas hospitals on the call were able to ask questions, share concerns and thank the Senator for
his leadership and advocating for Kansas and Kansas hospitals.
Specific issues discussed included how the bill maintains language grandfathering Kansas’ provider assessment
and state directed payment rates, including language protecting the enhanced support for Critical Access
Hospitals and Rural Emergency Hospitals approved by the Kansas legislature earlier this year. Sen Moran
highlighted the Rural Health Transformation Fund. This Fund was increased to $50 billion ($10 billion per year
for five years). He also discussed delaying the wind down of the Medicaid state directed payments for an
additional year which will be a benefit to Kansas hospitals.
Kansas hospitals are appreciative of Sen. Moran’s work to ensure hospitals will continue to be eligible to
receive up to $5 billion in additional Medicaid payments over the next 10 years through the Kansas provider
assessment and state directed payment programs. This funding was in jeopardy with the original Senate
language in the bill. Kansas will now be able to proceed with the provider assessment that was approved by
the Kansas legislature earlier this year.
At the conclusion of the town hall, Sen. Moran discussed his commitment to continue supporting Kansas
hospitals, including efforts on the 340B Program and Medicare Advantage.

Government, Kansas

KS June Tax Collections Above Estimate

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June Total Tax Collections at $1.06 Billion;
7.4% Above Estimate


TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends June 2025 with total tax collections at $1.06 billion. That is $72.6 million, or 7.4%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 3.2% from June 2024.

“While this month’s stronger-than-expected revenues are a welcome sign, it does not alleviate my concern that the state legislature’s budget will put Kansas in the red by over $375 million by 2029,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Even with current revenues exceeding the forecast, the budget created by the state legislature still has us spending $300 to $700 million more than we receive each year for the foreseeable future, jeopardizing the long-term fiscal health of the state, which I have prioritized as governor.”

Keeping Kansas on the path of fiscal stability will require discipline in the coming years to prevent a return to four-day school weeks, crumbling roads and bridges, and a depleted rainy day fund.

Click here to view the June 2025 revenue numbers.

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Bourbon County

Commissioners Discuss Animal Control in July 7 Meeting

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

Bourbon County Commission Agenda

Public Hearing Plaster Road Vacation

The commissioners approved resolution 2325 vacating Plaster Road. No one came to the meeting to speak in the public hearing.

Old Business

Dissolution of Zoning Advisory Board

The bylaws of the board state that the committee will be dissolved after their presentation to the board of commissioners. Commissioner David Beerbower moved to approve resolution 2425 to dissolve the board. The motion passed.

Employee Benefit Committee

The commission approved resolution 2525, establishing a committee to assist in making decisions regarding the insurance provided to county employees. The committee will be made up of several county employees and some elected officials, and will meet with the county’s insurance broker quarterly. This resolution repeals resolution 1925.

Resolution 2625, appointing a parliamentarian appointed to fulfill resolutions 0925, 1025, and 1125 for the orderly and effective conduct of county commissioner meetings was also approved.

Animal Control

Beerbower looked into property owned by the county that could be used for animal control purposed. The commission discussed using a portion of the county’s property on Native Road, the former dump, near Oakgrove Cemetery. This was in response to a county citizen in a previous meeting saying she would be willing to apply for grants and work to get animal control up and running in Bourbon County. That person was not at the July 7 meeting.

Some audience members expressed concern about the landfill use time restriction. The project is awaiting legal counsel regarding the feasibility of using the proposed land, and a group to come forward to take on the project.

“There is definitely a need in this county, county-wide,” said Beerbower, since the county has no animal control and the city has no room to partner with the county to house homeless animals.

Milburn suggested a county effort to spay and neuter, possibly partnering with someone else on the job, but an audience member pointed out that one problem with that is proof of ownership for those animals brought in to receive such services.

Beerbower suggested using the county’s grant research people to look for more money to meet the need for animal control in the county.

Stronghold

Commissioner Mika Milburn, said that the county has an internal contract with Stronghold to service computer needs. They cover Fort Scott as well, and will be on site Mondays and Fridays to work out any kinks. There will be a meeting at 4:30 Thursday with Stronghold, the City of Fort Scott, and Bourbon County.

Cameras

Beerbower proposed a security camera use policy that he wants to incorporate into the employee handbook.

The county currently doesn’t have a camera policy and, “I think we need one…we face liability if we don’t have some type of policy in place,” said Beerbower.

The item was tabled to the 21st for time to gather information.

Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda

Pete Owenby asked the commissioners about the hospital. Greg Motley came to the table to address the commission and answer questions. Motley serves on the Freeman Fort Scott Board of Directors.

He said that the construction is “virtually done.” They were held up by modifications needed on the proprietary fire suppression system, but that has been completed. The next step is approval from state and federal inspectors.

“Freeman has done everything they can,” said Motley. He is impressed with what he’s seen of Freeman personnel.

Legacy still owns the building behind the ambulance building. It has fallen off the radar since the previous county attorney left his position, but was supposed to be deeded back to the county.

The new attorney, Bill Johnson, will look into it.

New Business

Policy & Procedures

Beerbower proposed a memorandum for a temporary policy regarding hiring and terminating employment. There is no policy on hiring in the handbook at present. The termination policy is in the handbook as a disciplinary action. There is also no job performance evaluation policy in the handbook at this time. Beerbower’s proposed memorandum would be an interim set of guidelines until the policy handbook is complete.

“I’m astounded that this wasn’t in place previously,” said Commissioner Samuel Tran.

Milburn suggested consulting the HR firm that the county uses. Beerbower agreed and moved to table the item until July 21.

Commission Comments

Milburn received some hate mail this week and addressed the senders in a written statement.

Tran agreed with Milburn, saying that the executive sessions may seem frustrating, but there are rules they must follow.

“The three of us are doing the best that we can,” he said. “There’s a lot of people within this county that are doing a really, really good job.”

He thanked the clerk, treasurer, and others involved for their work on the budget.

“We’ll keep pushing,” and doing more for the county he said.

Beerbower said he supports freedom of speech, and said that, “As Americans we should have common respect for each other.”

Regarding litigation with solar, it’s common knowledge and public information that they are reaching a settlement. Once that’s complete and signed, the public will have access to the information. “There has been no deal made,” as of this time, he said.

Area News, Kansas, Youth

Learn How Recent Federal Bill Will Affect Families

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Submitted by

Jessica Herrera Russell

Senior Communications Manager for Kansas Action For Children

 

Now that the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” has been passed and signed into law, advocacy groups like Kansas Action for Children are diving deeper into the provisions to understand exactly how everyday Kansans will be impacted. Join the KAC experts on Tuesday, July 15, at 11:30 a.m. (CT) to learn what the bill means for kids and families. After the briefing, KAC policy advisors will be available for questions.

 

REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/uTupmf1VQROKaVvHCR29kw

 

Featuring:

  • Emily Barnes, Education Policy Advisor, KAC
  • Heather Braum, Senior Policy Advisor, KAC
  • Dustin Hare, Economic Security Policy Advisor, KAC
  • Nathan Kessler, Fiscal Policy Manager, KAC

 

During the call, we’ll cover what happened with Medicaid, SNAP, taxes, education, and more, including:

  • How SNAP is in danger of ending in Kansas – if state lawmakers don’t choose to pay the required cost share
  • Changes to child care tax credits
  • Implications for the health care system
  • Kansas kids losing access to the federal child tax credit

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Federal Funding Freeze Will Affect USD 234

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All American schools, including local schools, will be impacted by the funding freeze that President Trump has directed the U.S. Department of Education to delay, pending a review.

Destry Brown, superintendent of USD 234, Fort Scott’s school district, wrote the following about how the funding freeze will affect his district.

Destry Brown. Submitted photo.

 

“The federal funding freeze has affected two of our Title funds.

“The first is Title IIA. This money is used for professional development for our teachers and administrators. Title IIA provides $120,000 toward professional development. This accounts for 90% of our professional development budget. The impact of withholding that funding is that we will not be able to send staff for professional development. The State no longer provides funds to be specifically used for professional development any longer. As we prepare our budget for this school year, we do not expect to be able to fill this gap in funding.

“The other fund that is impacted is Title IV. This fund provides funding for innovative programs that enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math programs in the district,  to provide more hands-on, interactive learning activities for our students. Title IV provides $38,000 to the district for these activities. The loss in funding will impact our ability to provide some of these updates and enhancements. Any updates will be funded through our regular supply and equipment accounts for each building.

“Currently, the State (of Kansas government) has advised us to budget as if we will receive the funds and spend as if we will not. The State expects to hear more about this funding later this month. Our understanding is that the money is being held while the US Department of Education evaluates these two programs.”

To contact your elected representatives with your views on this matter, according to the Bourbon County, KS website:

US Senator


Roger Marshall – (R)
PO Box 1588
Great Bend, KS 67530
(202) 224-4774

Jerry Moran – (R)
PO Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620-232-2286

Derek Schmidt (R)
1223 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-6601

 

This graphic is taken from a Newsweek online story dated July 7, 2025.

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Let’s Flamingle Shopping Event Downtown & Around Fort Scott, This Weekend

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

presents

Let’s Flamingle Shopping Event

Downtown & Around Fort Scott, KS!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Let’s Flamingle shopping event will be held this Friday and Saturday, July 11th-12th,

Downtown and around.

Businesses in the Downtown Historic District and additional locations will be participating by hiding flamingos inside the stores that can be found for discounts and giveaways.

Shoppers may also pick up a card from any participating store and get it stamped by spending $5 or more in at least three retailers for a chance to win $50 in Chamber Bucks gift certificates.

Offshore Tropix Dole Whip will be set up at Bids & Dibs and Tiger Ice at 1st and Main St., offering cold treats.

Participating retailers include:

    110 South Main Mercantile, 110 S. Main St.

  Angie Dawn’s Boutique, 121 E. Second St.

Barbed Wire & Roses Vintage Market, 18 N Main St.

Be The Light Boutique, 12 N. Main St.

Bids & Dibs, 121 E. Second St.

Care to Share Gift Shop, 9 E. Wall St.

    Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall St.

Iron Star Antiques & Such, 3 N. Main St.

Laree + Co., 3 S. National Ave.

Main St. Vintage & Co., 23 S. Main St.

        Museum of Creativity, 102 S. National Ave.

Shirt Shack, 11 E. 18th St.

 Sunshine Boutique, 18 E. Wall St.

Grab your “flock” and get ready to shop local this weekend for the Let’s Flamingle event, Downtown and around in Fort Scott. Organized by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 620-223-3566, fortscott.com.

Click HERE for the Facebook Event Page!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Government, Kansas

Return On Investment Study Released by KS Commerce Dept.

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Commerce Groundbreaking ROI Study on Registered Apprenticeships

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the release of a study recognizing the positive return on investment (ROI) companies receive by participating in registered apprenticeship programs. The analysis was drawn from surveys of Kansas employers involved in the state’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) for high-wage and high-demand occupations.

“These results make the case that businesses who adopt apprenticeship programs simply perform better by attracting and retaining more skilled workers,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “As we continue to expand apprenticeship opportunities in Kansas, this research will help inform employers’ workforce decisions — and keep up with industry demand for trained talent.”

As more companies show interest in RAPs, and more individuals pursue earn-and-learn pathways, there is a need to understand the benefits to employers who invest in this important workforce and educational initiative.

Key findings from the recent study revealed:

  • Identified company participation has grown 228% since 2022 – from 280 to 919 in just three years since Governor Kelly established the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship
  • At program completion, half of all employers report breaking even in the short term, while nearly two-thirds break even within five years — demonstrating both immediate and long-term returns on investment
  • After five years, the median ROI increases dramatically to 246%, or $2.49 in net direct benefits for every $1 invested
  • In addition to financial gains, employers also report indirect benefits such as improved employee satisfaction, stronger workforce culture, and a more reliable pipeline of skilled workers

The size of the sample group included 18 Kansas employers who provided full ROI responses and 16 reporting on indirect outcomes. The insights offer valuable insight into how RAPs are creating value for Kansas companies.

“This study alone confirms the feedback we’ve heard from our industry partners — that registered apprenticeships pay off,” Director of Apprenticeships and Internships Shonda Anderson said. “With this important data showing the monetary value of these programs, we can elevate our efforts to expand apprenticeship opportunities across the state.”

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship and its partners will use the findings to support future policy, expand employer engagement and drive investment in high-quality training programs to meet the needs of the workforce and businesses.

To view the report, click here.

To learn more about the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship and its resources, visit the webpage here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses, and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship:

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship was established by Governor Laura Kelly on Sept. 6, 2022, through Executive Order #22-07. The office supports apprenticeships across multiple industries to provide a highly skilled source of labor for employers and ensure occupational proficiency for career-seekers. The program incorporates on-the-job learning, technical instruction and mentorship to create long-term employment opportunities in Kansas.

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Bourbon County Local News