A new sign brings life to the wall next to Sunshine Boutique in downtown Fort Scott depicting hometown legend Gordon Parks.
The sign was created by artist Cbabi Bayoc in honor of Parks and presented to the community during the Gordon Parks Celebration in October 2025.
Also new are the seasonal holiday signs installed by the Fort Scott Public Works Department on November 13.
Staying a step ahead: Recognizing and preventing modern scams
It’s getting to the time of Holiday season where people are ordering gifts or booking traveling online. One major thing to watch out for is scams. During a Living Well Wednesday webinar hosted by Kansas State University, Ed Burr, investigator with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, shared tips on how to identify fraudulent activity, protect personal information and respond safely if targeted.
Burr emphasized that scams could happen to anyone, regardless of age or experience.
“These scammers are highly trained and very good at what they do,” he said. “Their goal is to make you act quickly and emotionally before you have time to think.”
Common Scams and How to Stay Safe
One of the newest and most alarming tactics involves AI-generated voice cloning. Burr shared the story of a woman who answered a call she believed was from her grandson — only to discover the voice was a scammer using AI technology.
His advice: families should establish a code word to verify a loved one’s identity in unexpected calls.
He also warned against falling for computer locks or tech support scams. Victims may receive a message claiming their computer has been hacked or locked and that they must call a provided number or speak with a supposed FBI agent.
“The best thing you can do is hang up, shut down your computer and unplug it,” Burr said. “Never click links, download attachments, or sign into bank accounts when prompted.”
If you believe you’ve been targeted, contact law enforcement and your bank immediately.
Burr noted that once money is transferred to scammers, recovery is extremely difficult.
Online and Social Media Risks
Burr said scammers are increasingly using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and dating sites to lure victims into conversations that eventually move to other, less secure platforms.
He also urged people to be cautious when buying from online marketplaces and to verify who they’re communicating with.
Burr highlighted the prevalence of romance scams, in which fraudsters build emotional connections over time to gain trust and eventually request money. These scams, he said, are often orchestrated by organized groups in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia and India.
“These operations are highly organized, and they thrive on emotional manipulation,” Burr said.
Protecting Yourself
Burr encouraged Kansans to:
• Be skeptical of unsolicited messages or “wrong number” texts that quickly become personal.
• Verify credentials before investing money or sharing information; check with the Kansas Securities Commission or the FBI’s consumer resources.
• Avoid making decisions under pressure or through emotional appeals.
• Stay educated about emerging scams and talk openly with friends and family to reduce stigma or embarrassment.
“Scammers prey on trust and emotion,” Burr said. “Education and awareness are the best tools we have to stop them.”
For more information, see (www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news) and the Kansas Attorney General’s Office website at (www.ag.ks.gov)
Kendal Henson is a Kansas State Extension 4-H & Youth Development agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-625-8620.
As the holidays approach, join us to pause, breathe, and care for yourself while connecting with others who understand.
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
November 18, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
AMENDED
III. Invocation
Payment Dates of November 1, 2025 – November 11, 2025 – $190,896.79
November 3, 2025
Casey’s General Store
VII. Appearances
VIII. Unfinished Business
Public Hearings:
Action Items:
|
| Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor: |
    |
Lavon K. Middleton (Richard), 84, of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Moran Manor in Moran, Kansas, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born on Nov. 30, 1940, in Redfield, KS to Vern Richard and Mary Richard (Reinecke). Lavon graduated from High School in Uniontown, KS in 1958. She was Uniontown’s first ever Homecoming Queen. She went on to marry Kenneth Middleton her high school sweetheart on July 22, 1961, at Paint Creek Church in Redfield, KS.
Lavon followed her beloved husband all over the world during his time in the Navy as they raised their family before settling in their home in Uniontown.
Lavon was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was an excellent homemaker and cook. She babysat many local kids for her family and friends. Lavon enjoyed spending time with her family and playing cards weekly with her lady’s group. She was an active member of the Methodist Church until her health would no longer allow it. She enjoyed attending her grandkids’ events and family get togethers. She loved the small-town community life of Uniontown, and her morning coffee club get togethers at Union Station. Lavon was a devout Christian, believing in the Lord, Jesus Christ, for her eternal destiny.
She is survived by her husband, Kenneth, of 64 years. Their 3 children: Sandy (Perry) Lackey of Eldorado Springs, Mo., Steve (Chris) Middleton and Greg (Semina) Middleton of Uniontown, Ks., 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved brother Lester Richard.
The family has chosen to hold a private Celebration of Life ceremony.
The Bourbon County Agenda for their meeting on 11.17.25 at 5:30 PM at 210 S National Avenue. There will also be the final canvassing of election results at 5:15 PM.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
We’ll be collecting new or gently used coats (kids & adults), gloves, hats, scarves, blankets, and monetary donations. All items will go directly to local families in need.
Thank you for helping us make a difference for local families this winter.
Respectfully,
L.W. Beerbower
Squadron Commander
Sons of the American Legion Post 25
📞 620-215-1599
This summary provides an outline of the agenda for the Bourbon County Commission meeting on Monday, November 17, 2025, and detailed information from the accompanying packet.
Monday, November 17, 2025, 5:30 PM Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave. (Page 1)
Call Meeting to Order
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Prayer
Approval of Minutes (unofficial until approved) 11.10.25
Moratorium on New Commercial and Industrial Business
Approval of 11.14.25 Accounts Payable () (not mailed until approved on 11.18.25)
Approval of 10.31.25 Payroll ()
Approval of 11.14.25 Payroll ()
Executive session pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney (Jacob Bielenberg & Bob Johnson)
Executive session pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters (Don Doherty & Mika Milburn)
Sheriff Lease for Vehicles
2026 Benefits
Sanitation Discussion
Elevator Discussion
Stop Sign removal north & southbound 205th & Overbrook
108 W 2nd Transition
Emerson Payroll
Noise Resolution
Longevity
Credit Card Policy
Resolution of Election Results
Letter of Support Tri-Valley
Road Closure Application Patricia Daniels
Schwab-Eaton Engineering Services Agreement (Dustin Hall/Kenny Allen)
AC Tank and burner () (Dustin Hall/Kenny Allen)
Build Agenda for following meeting
Health Insurance: Commissioners approved a plan with three options, aiming to balance employee affordability and the county’s budget (Page 4).
Plan A: County contributes $844 (single) to $2,678 (family) (Page 4).
Plan B: County contributes $769 (single) to $2,440 (family) (Page 4).
Plan C (Alt B3): County contributes $836 (single) to $2,051 (family) (Page 4).
Sheriff’s Vehicle Lease: Sheriff Martin and Bryan Murphy discussed the lease of 11 vehicles for an annual cost of $137,449, with a first-year total of $399,303 for equipping (Page 4).
Bitcoin Mining/Noise Resolution: A lengthy discussion occurred with representatives from Evotech about their Bitcoin Mining operations, gas wells, and plans to mitigate noise (Page 3). The discussion on the proposed Noise Resolution was tabled because the county attorney was absent (Page 4).
Longevity Pay: The Clerk was requested to provide information on the cost of incorporating longevity pay into employee salaries instead of a lump-sum bonus (Page 4).
6th Judicial Office Space: The Commission approved a motion to hire a contractor for up to $15,000 for improvements to a trailer behind the courthouse and eliminate rent for the office once the transition to the new space occurs (Page 5).
Janitor Position: HR was directed to handle the posting and filling of the open janitor position (Page 4).
Action Items: Clerk to bring Longevity calculations and projections for sales tax/sheriff vehicle leasing (Page 5).
Tabled Topics: Sanitation discussion, Elevator Discussion, Stop sign removal (205th street & Overbrook), Emerson Payroll, Noise Resolution, Letter of Support Tri-Valley, and Road Closure application Patricia Daniels were all tabled until the next meeting (Page 5).
The Bourbon County Planning Committee unanimously recommends a moratorium requiring any new commercial or industrial business (not agricultural) in unincorporated areas to obtain a special use permit prior to commencing operations (Page 7).
The purpose is to protect residents while the Planning Committee develops more detailed and comprehensive zoning regulations (Page 7).
Grand Total: $342,223.45 (Page 44, 46).
Largest Fund Totals:
Employee Benefit Fund: $91,972.89 (Page 44)
County Sheriff/Correctional Fund: $50,646.27 (Page 44)
Emergency Services Sales Tax Fund: $60,731.95 (Page 44)
Bond Sales Tax – County Jail Fund: $14,681.63 (Page 44)
10/31/2025 Payroll Total: $243,122.51 (Page 48).
11/14/2025 Payroll Total: $299,154.82 (Page 50).
Applicant: Patricia A. Daniels (Page 57).
Request: Permanent closure of a 62’ wide, 125’ section of 267th Street between lots 13, BIK17 and Lot 16, BIK 18 in Woodards addition to Garland (Page 57).
The application is signed and notarized by the adjacent property owner(s) (Page 57).
Consultant: Schwab-Eaton, P.A. (Page 59).
Project: Bridge replacement of NBI Bridge No. 000061103206020 on Jayhawk Road over a tributary to the Marmaton River (Page 59).
Total Fee: $74,000.00 (Page 60).
Payment Schedule: 55% upon Field Check Plans submittal, 40% upon Office Check Plans submittal, and 5% upon KDOT Final Plans approval (Page 60).
The agreement includes various engineering services such as topographical survey, R/W descriptions, and permit applications (Page 59, 61).
The County is responsible for the cost of the separate geology investigation (Page 60, 63).
Equipment: ATD15 Direct Fired Asphalt Tank (15,000-gallon horizontal tank) and associated components (Page 65).
Price: $186,160.00 USD (Page 69).
Payment Terms: 30% down payment with the signed order, and the 70% balance due when the equipment is ready to ship (Page 69).
Customer Responsibilities: Include supplying electrical power, fuel tank/lines, gas connection, a 100# propane tank, asphalt and hot oil lines, all receiving/unloading, erection, installation, foundations, and required permits/stamping (Page 66).
The resolution certifies the results of the City School General Election held on November 4, 2025 (Page 51).
Total Ballots Cast: 2,262 (Page 51).
Selected County Offices:
County Commissioner District 4: Gregg Motley (454 votes) (Page 51).
County Commissioner District 5: Mika Milburn-Kee (268 votes) (Page 51).
Request from Tri-Valley Developmental Services for a letter of support for the CTD#10 Transportation Council’s application for the continuation of KDOT funding (Page 55).
A draft letter is provided, stating the Bourbon County Commissioners support the transportation providers in their application (Page 56).
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the 3rd Annual Christmas on the Bricks Festival will take place Thursday, December 4th through Sunday, December 7th throughout Fort Scott’s Downtown Historic District.
This year’s festivities begin Thursday evening with the annual Parade of Lights, themed “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The parade begins at 6 p.m., traveling along the brick-lined streets, and concluding with the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree. The ceremony will feature a performance by the Fort Scott High School Select Ensemble, followed by a fireworks display and a kettle-corn booth. Families are then invited to the Celebration Room at Papa Don’s Pizza for Pictures with Santa.
New attractions for 2025 include a hay climb slide and Santa’s Express Train Rides for children at 121 E. 2nd St. in the Bids & Dibs parking lot. The festival also welcomes country music artist Jake Gill and his five-piece band, performing Friday evening at Liberty Theatre as part of his “Home for Christmas” holiday tour.
Throughout the weekend, downtown Fort Scott will be filled with holiday activities and entertainment, including a synthetic ice-skating rink, candlelight tours of the Fort Scott National Historic Site National Park, horse-drawn carriage rides, historical trolley tours, a living nativity, late-night shopping, Holiday Market vendors, music BINGO, Christmas Karaoke, The Artificers 9th Annual Artist Showcase, wreath-making and floral centerpiece classes, a gingerbread house contest, a Christmas paint party and lettering class, candy-making demonstrations, firepits with s’mores, and specialty tastings featuring bourbon, beer, whiskey, and wine.
Young visitors will enjoy writing Letters to Santa and creating holiday crafts at Santa’s Workshop, located inside the Empress Event Center. Complimentary gift wrapping for purchases made from local retailers during the festival will also be available at the Empress.
Some activities and classes—such as carriage rides, workshops, tastings, and special events—require advance registration. Attendees are encouraged to visit fortscott.com/Christmas-on-the-bricks to register early and ensure they don’t miss out on limited-space opportunities.
Commemorative festival merchandise – including sweatshirts, long-sleeved tees, canvas bags, and brick-ornament keepsakes – is now available online at fortscott.com/Christmas-on-the-bricks, with a limited supply also available at the Information Booth at Wall and Main Streets during the event.
The Chamber encourages everyone to follow the Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks Facebook page and visit fortscott.com/Christmas-on-the-bricks for updates, announcements, and complete event details. Printed schedules will soon be available at the Chamber of Commerce and downtown businesses. For more information, contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566.
***
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
