Bourbon County, Business

Quadruplet Hair Sheep Born on Brock Farm

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The quadruplet Katahdin lambs with their mother that were born June 23 on the Brock Farm, Redfield. Submitted photo.

Matt and Sally Brock started Brock Farms in Bourbon County in 1994.

On June 23, the farm had its first set of Katahdin Hair Sheep quadruplet lambs born.

Katahdin hair sheep provide a practical option to producers who are primarily interested in raising a meat animal, with great lamb vigor, mothering ability and do not want to shear or are no longer able to find shearers, according to https://katahdins.org/

“In the 1970s, someone bred an African Hair Sheep with an English Suffolk Sheep,” Brock said. “It sheds its hair in the summer. The wool industry became unprofitable, so in America, it changed to meat sheep.”

The recent quadruplet lambs were taken to the barn for extra care and fed for two weeks, he said.

“The decision was made to separate one lamb for bottle feeding. The other three lambs and momma were put back on the pasture with the rest of the herd for grass grazing on July 1. All lambs are healthy.”

The quadruplets are transported to another site. Submitted photo.

“The sheep farm has also raised five sets of triplets, but the ewes normally have twins or singles. Statistically, it is said a quad birth is 1 in 500. Their goat herd has produced two sets of quads from Kiko and Nubian goats in past years as well.”

 

About the Brock Farm

From left: Alaina, Annie, Sally, Matt, Alex, and Mary Brock. Submitted photo.
“The sign on the barn came from the original Kansas Brock Farm established in 1879 in Buffalo, KS. The one on the ground behind Mary came from my Dad’s farm in Humboldt, KS. All three farms had sheep in their livestock history,” Matt  Brock said.

 

Brock Farms comprises 300 acres near Redfield and currently has 100  hair sheep ewes raising around 150 lambs yearly. They have four dairy goats. The family works together to care for the herds.

“We started with cattle and switched to sheep in 2010,” Matt Brock said. “When we sold cattle, we got 30 Kiko breed goats and 30 Katahdin hair sheep. We decided that hair sheep is what we preferred to put on our pasture. The dairy goats are more of a hobby farm.”

They give about two farm tours a month, he said.

A farm tour visitor, Rex Brull, feeds a lamb. Submitted photo.

 

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Meet the Bourbon County Republican Party Chairperson, Kaety Bowers

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Faith, Family, Freedom

Submitted by Gregg Motley

One must spend very little time with Kaety Bowers to discern the drive, the leadership skills, and the passion that motivates her every day.  Behind those desirable qualities is a person who earned her stripes through hard knocks, failure, and the faith to get back up again and keep trying.  How did this capable party chairperson transition from a small Western Kansas town in a home led by a single mother to leadership in Bourbon County?

Anyone with a pulse and a social media account in Bourbon County knows how difficult the political arena has been inside the county and some its incorporated towns.  Disagreements on weighty issues facing us, along with questionable choices and methods displayed by some of our elected officials have left a significant number of local voters jaded and cynical.  Into that maelstrom stepped Kaety Bowers to preside over a party that was struggling to recruit good candidates and support those in office.

Perhaps it was her challenging early years that gave her the courage and confidence to step into the role.  Ms. Bowers excelled in school, so much so that she earned a full-ride scholarship to the University of Kansas.  Fate had another destiny for her, as marriage at a young age, motherhood and a desire to serve others in the beauty industry changed her course.  During her career in the industry, she noticed that unlicensed operators were victimizing those in unfortunate circumstances, such as cancer patients, over-charging them and giving them poor results.  Ms. Bowers took her concerns to the state capital and fought for regulation and licensing for these unscrupulous vendors.  She learned to navigate the halls of the capital, and a political career was born.

Political success requires a drive that is committed to principles that form the core of a person, and Bowers is an excellent example of this truism.  To a mother who is raising a family, education is a critical element of the development of her young charges.  When the large school district in which her family lived began to make questionable choices, Bowers became an organizer of parents who wanted to make a difference.  The process helped her hone her leadership skills, and her passion for the issues led her to a successful run for school board of this giant district, eventually ascending to the role of vice president of the board.  She soon began consulting with Republican Party leaders and helping political candidates with their campaigns.

It was natural for Bowers to get involved in party politics when her family recently moved to Bourbon County.  Republican Party members soon recognized the drive, leadership and passion possessed by Ms. Bowers and selected her for Chairperson of the party in 2024.  Soon after taking office, she was faced with redistricting to add two county commissioners, the resignation of two existing commissioners and the inevitable strife that results from leadership voids.  Bowers has met the challenges by consulting with past leaders, seeking the advice of those who are currently active and calling upon her years of experience.

Bowers has a vision for the future of Bourbon County, which centers around our youth.  Her desire is to engage youth leaders in schools and other organizations to educate and inspire our young people to engage pollical activities and get personally involved.  Bowers notes that she was blessed to have faith-based mentors as a youth and into her young adult years to guide her into productive, caring choices that have motivated her involvement over the years.  She would like to see concerned citizens of Bourbon County fill that role for our young people.  Her plan is to create active roles for youth in our political structures, provide scholarships for deserving achievers, and get them involved and voting.

As for the future of struggling rural communities, Bowers points to technology and leveraging the resources we have.  We must ask the question, “Why do people move here and why do people stay?”  We must understand why people choose a Bourbon County lifestyle and invest in making it better.   We must create structures that encourage ideas, creativity and dreams.  If we do not, we will be passed by and devolve into more complaining and backbiting.   We must work together on these issues.

In the end, it is all about the faith which informs us, the family which motivates and supports us, and the love of freedom which keeps us working together.  With these core values, Bowers has used her drive, leadership skills and passion to cast a bigger, better vision for Bourbon County.

 

 

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

State of Kansas v. Dawson James Mitchell in Bourbon County: Hard 50 Life Sentence Affirmed

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Today from the Kansas Supreme Court:

Appeal No. 125,156: State of Kansas v. Jason M. Gleason Sr.

 

Appeal No. 125,156 archived oral argument

 

In a per curiam decision, the Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals, which had held that Gleason’s conviction in Reno County District Court for battery against a state corrections officer must be reversed because of prosecutorial errors, both on their own and in conjunction with an erroneous jury instruction. The Court held there was only a single prosecutorial error and it was harmless.

 

Gleason also argued on appeal that the erroneous jury instruction nevertheless violated his “inviolate” jury rights under Section 5 of the Kansas Constitution Bill of Rights. The Court held that the Section 5 jury right preserves the same protections that existed in common law when the Kansas Constitution was adopted in 1859. Thus, after a historical analysis, the Court determined that Section 5 jury claims are analyzed under a presumed prejudice standard. Such errors require reversal unless the State can show there is no prejudice. Absent prejudice, there is no violation of the Section 5 jury right. The State made such a showing here, so Gleason’s Section 5 jury rights were not violated. Gleason’s conviction was thus affirmed.

 

Justices Melissa Standridge and Eric Rosen concurred in the judgment only.

 

This case was argued before the Supreme Court at its November 12, 2024, special session in Louisburg.

 

Appeal No. 126,350: State of Kansas v. Brian Beck

 

Appeal No. 126,350 archived oral argument

 

Beck was driving on Interstate 70 in Geary County when he was pulled over by a law enforcement officer. Beck was committing no driving infractions, but a car dealer’s frame around his license plate partially obstructed the state name on the plate. According to the officer, he was not able to easily read the state name, putting the plate in violation of K.S.A. 8-133, which requires that license plates be maintained “in a condition to be clearly legible.” Because Beck exhibited suspicious behavior, the officer and a backup unit searched his car and found methamphetamine. Beck attempted to drive away during the search but was subdued and arrested. He was charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of having no drug tax stamp, and one count of interfering with law enforcement.

 

Before trial, Beck moved to suppress consideration of the methamphetamine found in the search, claiming the officer did not have reasonable suspicion to stop him and search his car. The Geary County District Court denied the motion and allowed the evidence to go to a jury. The jury found Beck guilty of all three counts. Beck appealed to the Court of Appeals, which affirmed the conviction. The Supreme Court granted review.

 

In a unanimous decision written by Justice Eric Rosen, the Court reversed the district court ruling that denied Beck’s motion to suppress and reversed the convictions based on the evidence obtained from the search of his car. The Court examined the relevant statutes and concluded that Kansas does not require the state name be printed on license plates in an easily readable fashion. For this reason, obstructing or partially obstructing the state name does not give law enforcement reasonable suspicion that a crime is being committed. The Court further discussed how distance from a vehicle and environmental conditions may affect whether a license plate is clearly legible. The Court directed district courts to apply an objective standard to decide whether a reasonable officer would have reasonable suspicion that, under the totality of the circumstances, the license plate was not maintained in a condition to be clearly legible. The Court remanded the case to the district court for a new hearing consistent with the analysis in the opinion.

 

Appeal No. 126,819: State of Kansas v. Uraquio Agustine Arredondo

 

Appeal No. 126,819 archived oral argument

 

Grant County District Court found Arredondo guilty of one count of felony child abuse and one count of felony murder in the death of the 3-year-old son of Arredondo’s domestic partner. The child became unconscious and stopped breathing while under Arredondo’s care. Emergency care personnel were unable to revive the child, and he died in a hospital. Medical examiners determined the child had suffered from traumatic blows to the head and showed signs of other traumatic injuries. Arredondo told law enforcement and others the child had choked on a meal Arredondo served him, but evidence from the home indicated the child had not been eating around the time he stopped breathing. Arredondo appealed his conviction.

 

In a unanimous decision written by Justice Eric Rosen, the Supreme Court affirmed Arredondo’s conviction. The Court determined that law enforcement did not impinge on Arredondo’s constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment during any of the three times they entered the residence. This was primarily because Arredondo voluntarily consented to the searches of his home. The Court further held that Arredondo did not preserve at trial a challenge to the admissibility of statements he made to law enforcement, which meant he could not challenge those statements on appeal.

 

Justice Evelyn Wilson did not participate in the decision.

 

Appeal No. 127,231: State of Kansas v. Dennis O. Haynes III

 

Summary calendar. No oral argument

 

Haynes, who is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder, filed a postconviction motion seeking access to arrest and search warrants and their supporting affidavits from his criminal case. The Sedgwick County District Court granted him access to the arrest warrant affidavit but denied his request for any search warrant affidavits. In a unanimous decision written by Justice K.J. Wall, the Supreme Court partially reversed the district court’s ruling. The Court held that K.S.A. 22-2302(b) and K.S.A. 22-2502(d) give defendants a personal right to obtain affidavits supporting both arrest and search warrants. But the statutes do not provide access to the warrants themselves, perhaps because those warrants are usually public documents once law enforcement executes them. The Court therefore affirmed the district court’s ruling on the arrest warrant affidavit but reversed its denial of any search warrant affidavits because K.S.A. 22-2502(d) requires disclosure of those materials. The case was remanded with instructions to make those materials available upon payment of the necessary production fees.

 

Appeal No. 127,721: State of Kansas v. Dawson James Mitchell

 

Summary calendar. No oral argument.

 

In a unanimous decision written by Justice K.J. Wall, the Supreme Court affirmed the consecutive hard 50 life sentences imposed on Mitchell for the premeditated murders of his mother and stepfather. On appeal, Mitchell argued the Bourbon County District Court should have imposed hard 25 sentences based on his severe mental illness, troubled upbringing, and accepting responsibility. He also argued the sentences should run concurrently rather than consecutively. The Court held that while the district court acknowledged Mitchell’s mitigating evidence, it reasonably concluded the factors did not constitute “substantial and compelling reasons” to deviate from hard 50 sentences given the premeditated, brutal nature of the crimes. The Court also concluded that the district court did not abuse its discretion in imposing consecutive sentences because Mitchell killed two people.

 

Visit our Search Decisions page for published and unpublished decisions from the Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas Court of Appeals.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

kscourts.gov

 
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Bourbon County

June 30 Bourbon County Commission Meeting, Part 2

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

The Bourbon County Zoning Recommendation Committee presented its report and recommendations to the county commission.

Old Business

Zoning Recommendation

“It is this committee’s recommendation to proceed with limited zoning for Bourbon County, Kansas,” read Brian Ashworth, presenting to the commission for the zoning recommendation committee.

The committee, made of members from throughout Bourbon County, met for 6 weeks and held three town halls as well as other communication with county residents as they researched and formed their recommendations.

The report reads, “The implementation of zoning will help preserve productive farm and ranch lands from unfettered development of large-scale industrial and commercial projects.”

The report also says that zoning policy needs to be forward-thinking and comprehensive.

The committee proposed three types of zones: Agricultural (A1), Large Commercial (C1), and Large Industrial (I1). It also acknowledged that there could be a need for transitional zoning around the cities.

The committee reports recommends that the county begin by zoning all of the county A1. Outside of agriculture, residential, personal use, or small local business, Conditional Use Permits (CUP) or rezoning would be required. Landowners will need to submit to the zoning commission for a CUP or zoning change to use the land for anything above a certain threshold.

The report also recommends limited, comprehensive zoning to protect personal property rights, saying that checks and balances need to be put in place to avoid unnecessary expansion of zoning regulations.

All current land uses should be grandfathered in with no phase-out clause, per the report.

People do not want codes and are concerned that they will need a permit to build barns or other structures on their property. No building codes should be implemented beyond those required for large-scale commercial and industrial projects, said the committee.

Citizens are concerned about the environmental impact of solar panels and batteries near their properties. The committee recommends that the county incorporate environmental and property value studies into the requirements for large-scale industrial and commercial developments. They also recommend including reasonable set-back and visual barrier requirements and a thorough review and standards set. Safety concerns, property encroachment, loss of property value all should be considered.

The committee also recommends that the county consider establishing a limit on the amount of land that may be allocated for large-scale industrial developments in the county.

They also recommended using a reputable planning firm to limit the cost of zoning to the county.

Addressing the concern about the loss of tax revenue that may occur if zoning drives business away, the committee said that zoning should be business-friendly, and studies may need to be done on how to encourage economic growth.

Zoning should not create a barrier for temporary events.

Resources the committee used and recommended to the commission include the American Planning Association website and the Kansas Practical Guide to Zoning and Land Use Changes website.

Commissioner Samuel Tran thanked the committee members for their diligence in forming the recommendations.

Commissioner David Beerbower also thanked them and said, “we will not take the recommendations lightly.” The commission will move forward with work sessions and public hearings as they decide what will happen in Bourbon County regarding zoning.

New Business
Truck Bypass Route

Matthew Wells, city commissioner for Fort Scott, spoke to the county commission on behalf of the city of Fort Scott about some proposed projects. He said that they have been working on a TEAP (Traffic Engineering Assistance Program) Study of truck routes in and around Fort Scott. As a result, KDOT is recommending a truck bypass on 240th Street out to JayHawk, putting in a roundabout  using KDOT funds. KDOT also want to build a train overpass funded by federal, state, and railroad funds

KDOT is looking into how much it would cost to make those changes to handle truck traffic, especially during flooding that closes the highway and train traffic causing truck backups.

Currently, there is no bypass truck route in Fort Scott.

Precinct Legal Descriptions-Susan Walker

County Clerk Susan Walk, who is also the elections officer explained to the commission that the redistricting caused the need for eight new precincts within the townships, affecting how the people vote. Legal descriptions need to be completed in July and approved by the state of Kansas. They also must be published for three weeks in a row before the next election.

The commission approved her request for time with GIS to try to create the maps.

Commission Comments

Commissioner Mika Milburn, speaking about perception, said it varies from person to person regarding how to get the county where it needs to be.

“I believe all the moves the commission is currently making is in good conscience to move Bourbon County in a healthy, sustainable direction,” she said. “You can trust me to be authentic and lean on morals.”

“This job has blessed me with a greater resilience,” she concluded. “Thank you Bourbon County.”

“The people in this county are amazing,” said Tran. He said he is working with a great team at the county and the people of Bourbon County should be proud of their neighbors.

He also said that people watching the meetings see the decisions that the commissioners make, but they don’t see the choices, or lack thereof.

Health Care

Kansas Gas Service urges grilling safety ahead of July 4 weekend

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OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – July 1, 2025 – As Kansas families prepare for July 4 weekend celebrations, Kansas Gas Service is reminding residents about critical safety practices for natural gas grills, fire pits, and outdoor lighting that will help keep everyone’s Independence Day festivities safe and enjoyable.

 

“The July 4 holiday is the busiest grilling period of the year, which also means natural gas has a huge role to play in supporting families and friends this season,” said Dawn Tripp, manager of Public Relations at Kansas Gas Service. “Natural gas grills, fire pits, and outdoor lighting offer convenient and reliable opportunities for summer entertainment. It’s also crucial that families know how to use them safely, especially during peak celebration times.”

 

To help families enjoy the holiday with peace of mind, Kansas Gas Service offers the following safety tips:

 

Before Grilling:

  • Inspect natural gas connections and hoses for cracks, brittleness, or leaks. Many grills have been unused since last summer.
  • Perform the soapy water test on all connections. If you see bubbles, that indicates a leak that must be repaired before use.
  • Position your grill at least 10 feet away from your home, deck railings, overhanging branches, and party decorations.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and make sure someone at your gathering knows how to use it.
  • Clear the area around grills and fire pits of decorations, chairs, and other flammable materials.

During Holiday Celebrations:

  • Never leave your grill unattended while in use. Holiday distractions increase this risk.
  • Keep children and pets at a safe distance from all cooking areas and fire pits.
  • Use long-handled grilling tools to maintain distance from heat.
  • Avoid loose clothing and tie back long hair when operating grills.
  • Clean grease traps regularly to prevent dangerous flare-ups.

After Grilling:

  • Turn off the natural gas supply to the grill.
  • Allow grills and fire pits to cool completely before leaving them unattended.
  • Properly extinguish fire pits and dispose of ashes safely.
  • Clean cooking surfaces to prevent buildup and potential fire hazards.

 

Safe Outdoor Lighting for Evening Celebrations

  • Inspect all natural gas-powered outdoor lighting fixtures before use.
  • Ensure proper ventilation around natural gas lighting to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
  • Keep decorative lighting away from high-traffic areas where guests might accidentally contact hot surfaces.
  • Have backup lighting plans in case of equipment issues.

By following these essential safety guidelines, Kansas families can focus on what matters most during summer festivities: creating memorable celebrations with friends and family while

keeping everyone safe.

 

About Kansas Gas Service

Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 647,000 customers in Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state in terms of customers. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States. For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit kansasgasservice.com and follow its social channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, Nextdoor, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Government, Kansas

New KS Law Prohibits Foreign Money in Constitutional Amendment Campaigns

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Kobach nets big win on new Kansas law banning foreign money in campaigns

TOPEKA – (July 1, 2025) – A Kansas law that prohibits the use of foreign money in state constitutional amendment campaigns is in effect today, July 1, thanks to a court win by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach.

U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Crabtree blocked a request from Kansans for Constitutional Freedom for a preliminary injunction to stop the state from implementing the ban on foreign money flowing into political campaigns.

“Judge Crabtree’s opinion is well reasoned and thorough. The Kansas Legislature acted constitutionally when it addressed the specific problem of foreign nationals funneling money into referendum campaigns on Kansas constitutional amendments,” Kobach said. “The people of Kansas have the right to decide these important questions for themselves without any foreign influence. Foreign nationals should not be influencing Kansas elections, period. This is a win for Kansas.”

In his ruling, Crabtree writes that Kansans for Constitutional Freedom is likely to lose its constitutional challenge to the new law.

Read Crabtree’s order here.

Fort Scott, Sports

Summer Baseball Series Starts on July 11 at LaRoche Sports Complex

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Fort Scott Franchise Unveils Action-Packed Lineup for
“Summer Baseball Series” at LaRoche Sports Complex
FORT SCOTT, KS — The Fort Scott franchise is proud to announce a full slate of exciting
promotional events and community celebrations for the highly anticipated “Summer Baseball Series”,
taking place July 11–13, 2025, at LaRoche Sports Complex.
The three-day series will feature four games between the Texarkana Rhinos and the Joplin Outlaws,
including a Sunday doubleheader, alongside a variety of special activities that celebrate the spirit of
Fort Scott and the future of baseball in the region.
“SUMMER BASEBALL SERIES” PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE
Friday, July 11 – Team Name Reveal Night
Game Time: 7:05 PM
• The evening kicks off with a ceremonial first pitch by Fort Scott city officials.
• During pregame festivities, the club will unveil the official name and logo of Fort Scott’s new
baseball team and announce the winner of the “Name the Team” contest — who will receive
two season tickets for life.
• Postgame fireworks show presented by the City of Fort Scott.
• Fans can enjoy food trucks, ballpark fare, and family-friendly fun all night long.
Saturday, July 12 – Live Music Saturday
Game Time: 6:05 PM
• Immediately following the game, fans will be treated to a live postgame concert featuring
Steven Bankey and the Flatland Band, known for their high-energy Red Dirt country sound.
• Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a night of baseball and live music under the stars.
Sunday, July 13 – Championship Sunday Doubleheader
Game Times: 4:05 PM & 6:35 PM
• Sunday’s action features a doubleheader between the Rhinos and Outlaws.
• Between games, the club will hold a special recognition ceremony honoring the Fort Scott High
School Baseball Team, 2025 Kansas State Champions.
• Families are encouraged to attend and celebrate local athletic excellence and the next generation
of baseball stars.
VENUE INFO & TICKETS
All games will be held at the LaRoche Sports Complex, 4805 Campbell Drive., Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Local sponsors include Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, Holmtown Pub, Be the Light Boutique and
American Legion Post 25.
Tickets are available online at www.JoplinOutlaws.com.
• Single-Day Tickets: $8 (General Admission), $10 (Home Plate Reserved), $12 (Home Plate
Box)
• Weekend Pass (All 4 Games): $20 (General Admission), $25 (Home Plate Reserved), $30
(Home Plate Box).
Visit: https://ft1.glitnirticketing.com/ftticket/webplan/webplanstadiumg.php?event_id=82
• Children under 5 are FREE (must sit on an adult’s lap).
“We’re proud to bring high-caliber summer baseball and exciting entertainment to Fort Scott,” said
Vice President, Mike Marek of the Fort Scott franchise. “Whether you’re a baseball fan, music lover, or
just looking for a fun weekend with the family, there’s something for everyone at the “Summer
Baseball Series.”
Fort Scott’s new team will play 32 home games starting in May 2026 at the LaRoche Baseball
Complex. The league features top collegiate players alongside post-college players pursuing
professional baseball careers. These athletes include players who were undrafted, unsigned free agents,
or former professionals working to return to affiliated baseball.
The Mid America League currently consists of franchises in: Joplin, MO; Fort Smith, AR; Texarkana,
TX; White Oak/Longview, TX; Sherman, TX; Abilene, TX. The Mid America League is committed to
growing and strengthening baseball in the region.

 

• Families are encouraged to attend and celebrate local athletic excellence and the next generation
of baseball stars.
VENUE INFO & TICKETS
All games will be held at the LaRoche Sports Complex, 4805 Campbell Drive., Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Local sponsors include Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, Holmtown Pub, Be the Light Boutique and
American Legion Post 25.
Tickets are available online at www.JoplinOutlaws.com

Bourbon County

June 30 Bourbon County Commission Meeting, part 1

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

The Bourbon County Commissioners received the 2024 audit report for the county from Emily Frank of Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips.

Bourbon County has chosen to follow the Kansas Regulatory Basis of Accounting instead of General Accounting Principles and received an “unmodified opinion,” which means the audit was clean. The county had no cash or budget violations in the 2024 audit.

The county started 2024 with $4,149,000 of unencumbered cash. Total receipts for the county in 2024 were $17,949,000, and expenditures were $18,414,000, resulting in an ending unencumbered cash balance of $3,686,000.

Frank gave the commissioners information to help with budget creation for 2026.

She recommended that the general fund have at least 90 days’ cash on hand to be safe. “But a little bit extra would be better,” she said.

“The last two years you guys have had some pretty big decreases in your general fund,” she said, $120,000 in 2024 and $167,000 in 2023. She said that the commission will need to find ways to increase income and decrease spending to prepare for emergencies, as they go through the process of creating the 2026 county budget.

The Public Safety fund also needs watching, she said. It was at an unencumbered cash balance of $268 at the end of 2024. “This fund probably is going to need some help over the next couple of years to kinda get to a little bit more comfortable position,” said Frank. The Public Safety fund was supplemented with transfers from the general fund in 2024.

Road and Bridge also had a low cash balance of $12,000.

In 2024, several funds were amended, including Road and Bridge, Bridge and Culvert, Appraiser, Election, Employee Benefit, Landfill, and the Emergency Service Sales Tax Fund.

County bonds and lease debts total $3,824,000, and the county paid $235,000 in interest in 2024.

Executive Session for personnel matters of individual, non-elected personnel resulted in a vote to approve a deviation from policy to allow the public works director to work HR, as explained within the written documentation for this one occurrence.

Old Business
Juvenile Detention

Commissioner David Beerbower moved to cancel the county’s membership with the Gerard Juvenile Detention Center and adopt juvenile detention with Johnson County on a case-by-case basis.

Commissioner Mika Milburn asked if the county attorney had weighed in on the contract.

The item was tabled until next week, when the county attorney’s opinion can be given.

District 4&5 Term Limits

County Clerk Susan Walker told the commission that they need to pass a resolution regarding the changeover from 3 to 5 commissioner districts. One of the new district commissioners will serve a one-year term, and the other a three-year term. This is so that in an election cycle, either 2 or 3 of the commission seats will be up for re-election, but no more.

Milburn, who currently represents District 3 will be representing District 5 after being re-elected. This means that District 3’s seat will be vacated and require an appointment at the beginning of 2026.

Commissioner Samuel Tran said that switching out people too quickly causes a loss of historical knowledge. The commission has been in turmoil lately. Tran wants to keep at least one person in for a longer term to build continuity.

Tran made motion that district 5 commissioner will serve a three year term and district 4 will serve a one year term.

Both the candidate for new districts 4 and 5 are running unopposed.

The commission approved Tran’s motion as resolution 2125, Milburn abstaining.

SEK Mental Health Resolution and Letter of Support

Resolution 2225 will repeal the old resolution funding SEK Mental Health and have the commission sign a letter of support for SEK Mental Health. The resolution passed.

Courthouse Repairs

Tran looked over repair recommendations and saw a lot of maintenance that had fallen through the cracks with a price tag of more than $1 million.

He thinks the number may be high and wants a much more detailed proposal so the commission can verify the numbers and make better decisions.

“It’s ultimately by job to be a steward of your money,” Tran told the audience.

“Even if the county could or would fund this amount, doing so without a line-item bid is not recommended,” he said. He also said the county should have an on-site project manager for the work that needs to be done. Tran also wants to get input from the people who use the building.

“We need to break this down. We need small bites,” he said.

Tran expressed the need to formalize how the county procures goods, services, and equipment.

Milburn moved to give Tran the authority to go through the building with a hand-picked team of volunteers to see what’s needed to care for the county buildings to report back to the commission on Aug. 4. The motion was approved.

Bourbon County Local News