The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold four special meetings in the Hedges Administration Building during the following dates and times. After calling the meeting to order, the Board will immediately adjourn to executive session for the purpose of discussing non-elected personnel as they conduct interviews of four presidential finalists. No action is expected to follow any of these special meetings.
Brandon Whisenhunt resigned from his District 1 County Commission seat on June 2, after holding office since April of 2024.
This is the second county commissioner resignation in 2025. Leroy Kruger of District 3 resigned in March. Mika Milburn has since been appointed to take the District 3 seat.
The Republican Party of Bourbon County now has the task of filling the District 1 seat. They will hold a convention on Thursday, June12 for that purpose. The convention will be at 6 p.m. in the Bailey Conference room.
Republican Party chair Kaety Bowers said that the candidates for the position are Lynne Oharah, Mike Embry, Rick Allen and Samuel Tran.
When asked to comment on the need to appoint another county commissioner, this is what Bower said:
“As Chair, part of my duty is to recognize and respect our history while stewarding and leading us forward. Recently, while perusing the roll call sheet binder, I was humbled to see the names of some of our current core members on sheets from the early 2010s. That makes me proud to be a Republican here. As new members join and our county evolves, it is my responsibility to ensure our core values remain steadfast amid resignations and appointments. District One boasts a great mix of seasoned delegates and younger families, and I trust their decisions. I know that this Thursday, many years—perhaps generations—of experience will guide their votes. Therefore, I cannot overemphasize the importance of precinct positions! County Commissioners, State Representatives, and Senators can all be appointed through precinct conventions. That said, we still have open precinct seats in Bourbon County.
This brings me to a frustrating trend that negatively impacts our communities. I would expect every disgruntled resident in Bourbon County to line up to fill the very positions they are unhappy with. Social media platforms like Facebook are filled with self-proclaimed experts expressing their opinions, yet I don’t see their names on the candidate lists. I closely monitored the list of individuals running for various positions (school boards, FSCC trustees, commissioners, city roles, etc.) this season, and at one point, I was deeply concerned that we would face an abundance of empty seats come election time. In some cases, we still do.
My path in politics was initially shaped by a single mantra: ‘You don’t get to complain if you don’t vote.’ That’s no longer enough. I would extend it to this: You don’t get to complain if you’re not actively working to make a positive change. So, Bourbon County, it’s time to get involved. Ask not what your county can do for you, but what you can do for your county. (Yes, I just quoted a Democrat—sort of.) Many will say they lack the time, and I understand. As a mother of six, I know time is fleeting, and we’re all busy. However, I refuse to hand my children a world I didn’t help improve or fail to show them how to lead others in doing the same. My own mother joined a fraternity in a small western Kansas town because no female organizations existed to serve the community! Let me be clear: not everyone needs to run for office to make an impact. Volunteering, joining or creating a committee or club, or simply picking up trash during a walk are all ways to make a difference. Don’t wait for controversy to demand your involvement.
In closing, I liken an abundance of candidates to a church running out of seats for its congregation. The more, the merrier—that’s what primaries are for, right? (Elections, not church seats.)”
The newly appointed candidate will have to be approved by the governor’s office before taking his or her seat on the commission.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by The Artificers this Thursday, June 12th at 8am, 8 N. National Ave., in the Downtown Historic District. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.
Kate and Trent Freeman are excited to host everyone and share current happenings with The Artificers, Bourbon County Clay, and The Queen’s Muse. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.
This Friday, June 13th, Trent will be doing a Raku firing workshop from 6-8pm where you can create a unique piece from the fire, limited spots are available.
Next Thursday, June 19th, they will be hosting a Paint with Katie, Hueston that is, which will be a peony flower painting.
Saturday, June 21st is Glaze Day from 10am to 3pm.
The Artificers now features an online gallery where you can shop art 24/7 from your home at theartificers.com. They are currently featuring a special Fort Scott coffee mug on bourboncountyclay.com in preparation of the Fort Scott High School All School Reunion to be held June 27th-29th.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.
Click HERE to visit The Artificers’ Facebook Page!
FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2025 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Valerie Mignone-Conklin, a Library Media Specialist at Jericho Middle School in Jericho, NY. Valerie will arrive in Fort Scott on June 15th for a week of collaboration with LMC staff and the other members of the Fellowship.
The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.
Valerie Conklin, a Library and Information Science teacher from Jericho Middle School, was honored, with her students, as a 2020 Lowell Milken Center National Discovery Award winner. She empowers her students to succeed and excel, working collaboratively with the Social Studies teachers in her school to create research projects that consistently receive national recognition in both the National Discovery Award and National History Day competitions.
Within her school, Valerie has served on building leadership and collaborative decision-making teams, the technology committee, the restorative practice committee, an antibullying committee, and more. She also co-wrote the school’s research curriculum. Outside of school, Valerie has served as a board member for Long Island History Day and serves on the council of Nassau BOCES School Library Services. She received the Nassau BOCES eva efron Memorial Award in 2023 and the 2024 Librarian of the Year Award from the Long Island School Library Association.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Valerie’s enthusiasm for discovering the stories of Unsung Heroes in history has led to many winning national history projects for her students, including several Lowell Milken Center National Discovery Awards. Her passion for discovery and project development will greatly benefit our 2025 team of Fellows.”
While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.
Jia (Jina) Zhao, an 11th grade student at Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bellevue, Washington, earned the $6,000 Grand Prize. Zhao’s acrylic painting, Duty Among Blaze, depicts Unsung Hero James Braidwood, a Scottish firefighter known for establishing the first municipal fire service and implementing innovative techniques to combat fires in the 19th century.
“The scene in this painting is based on the Great Fire of Edinburgh in November 1824, a major disaster that James Braidwood and his newly established fire brigade bravely fought and eventually overcame to save the city’s residents,” Zhao explains in her Impact Statement. Her painting illustrates the intensity of Braidwood’s firefighting profession and pays homage to his steadfast leadership. “As I painted his determined expression and the intense fire scene around him, I kept thinking about how he stayed calm and focused under pressure. That made me ask myself: How do I respond when things get difficult?”
Congratulations to all the 2025 Awardees! ARTEFFECT selected 34 winners in the 2025 competition across the middle and high school divisions.
In this year’s international competition, students in grades 6-12 explored and championed the stories of LMC Unsung Heroes—role models who made a positive and profound, yet previously unrecognized, impact on the course of history. For their entries, these young artists created original works of art and wrote reflective impact statements to reframe these untold stories in an array of artistic expressions and reflections.
“The ARTEFFECT competition is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young people to consider, interpret, and create original works of art about Unsung Heroes and the invaluable lessons their heroic deeds exemplify,” said Lowell Milken, Founder of ARTEFFECT and the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.
Thank you to all sponsoring educators and instructors for supporting these talented young artists through the 2025 competition. ARTEFFECT looks forward to celebrating these achievements over the coming weeks!
Taco Azul, food truck will be at the Woodland Hills Golf Course hosted by ParTeeGirls Golf League!
5-9pm
The truck will serve the dinner and the Clubhouse will serve the drinks. Take the night off from cooking and join family, friends and community for a night out.
Everyone welcome!
Carry out available!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Fort Scott, Kan. June. 10, 2025 – The Gordon Parks Museum, in partnership with photojournalist and documentary filmmaker, D. Michael Cheers, recipient of the 2025 Choice of Weapons Award, are celebrating the 75th anniversary of Gordon Parks’ Back to Fort Scott with the production of a feature documentary and a two-volume book project.
The documentary, titled Fort Scott Now Stories, will offer a compelling glimpse into the community’s heartbeat, character, vibrancy, and diverse cultures. Cheers, along with cinematographer Bryce Lawson, will be in Fort Scott, Kansas from June 22 to June 29 and again from September 28 to October 4 to film local residents. The project will highlight the voices and lives of people across generations, young and old, business owners, and members of church communities, capturing both the ordinary and the extraordinary in a series of rich, authentic stories that reflect the city’s spirit.
This film and book project is inspired by Gordon Parks’ unpublished LIFE magazine assignment in Fort Scott, seventy-five years ago, in late May 1950. Parks was assigned to produce a photo essay on segregated schools, and to follow up on his 1927 classmates from the segregated Plaza School. Back to Fort Scott was eventually published by the Gordon Parks Foundation in 2015.
A companion two-volume coffee-table book – Fort Scott Now Stories and I Needed Paris, will also be released this fall during the 22nd annual Gordon Parks Celebration, October 2-4. After Parks’ Fort Scott assignment, he was sent to LIFE magazine’s Paris bureau from 1950-1952, where he photographed fashions and lifestyle assignments.
Actor Kyle Johnson, who portrayed Parks in the 1968 film The Learning Tree and 2021 Choice of Weapons Award recipient, will also participate in the documentary and the 2025 Gordon Parks Celebration.
The Fort Scott Now Stories documentary is scheduled for release in 2026.
For more information about “Feature Documentary and Two-Volume Book” in Fort Scott, Kansas, contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext.5850 or by email at [email protected].
Fort Scott, Kan. – The Gordon Parks Museum is proud to announce its participation in the 2025 Kansas Tourism Sunflower Summer program. The Gordon Parks Museum Celebrates the life and work of Gordon Parks, internationally known photographer, filmmaker, writer and musician.
The Sunflower Summer Program is a benefit for Kansas families with school-aged children, pre-K through Grade 12, to encourage them to explore, and fall in love with Kansas. The program is designed to give affordable access to tourism attractions across the state and support the Kansas tourism economy.
Eligible Kansas families will download the Sunflower Summer App to claim tickets to participating venues. One (1) adult ticket is eligible for free admission with eligible students. Tickets are redeemed at participating venues upon their arrival. Each user can only use tickets once per venue during the 2025 season. The 2025 Sunflower Summer season will run from July 12- August 3.
“We are thrilled to be a venue for the 2025 Kansas Sunflower Summer program,” said Gordon Parks Museum, Executive Director, Kirk Sharp. “There’s something special about seeing kids explore, learn, and enjoy hands-on experiences right here. This program makes it easy for families to create meaningful memories together, and we’re proud to be one of the destinations that helps showcase the best of Kansas.”
Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities.
“Kansas Tourism is excited to have The Gordon Parks Museum as a part of the Sunflower Summer program,” said Kansas Tourism Director, Bridgette Jobe. “This program is an amazing benefit for the residents of Kansas, and we are looking forward to growing the program in the 2025 season. The Gordon Parks Museum is an important part of making this the best season yet for the program.”
For more information about Th Gordon Parks Museum visit https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/. To discover more about the Sunflower Summer program, visit SunflowerSummer.org.
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About The Gordon Parks Museum: The Gordon Parks Museum celebrates the life and work of Gordon Parks, internationally-known photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician. The Gordon Parks Museum strives to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness and the role of diversity in our lives A
bout Sunflower Summer: Sunflower Summer is a program operated by Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. The program aims to help Kansas families affordably explore the Sunflower State. The official Sunflower Summer mobile app is available on Apple and Android. More information can be found at SunflowerSummer.org
In the June 9 meeting, Commissioners Mika Milburn and David Beerbower voted to create a Budget Advisory Committee to help with the budget process.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
They are accepting letters of interest until June 16 per this document from the County Clerk’s office:
The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners are accepting letters of interest for qualified individuals who would like to serve on The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners Budget Advisory Board. Letters of interest will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025 at the Bourbon County Clerk’s Office, 210 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Qualifications and duties expected of board members can be found in the Bylaws of the Bourbon County Commission Budget Advisory Board which are on www.bourboncountyks.org and available in the County Clerk’s Office.
The bylaws are:
Bylaws of the Bourbon County Commission Budget Advisory Board
Article I: Name
The name of this body shall be: The Board of Bourbon County Commissioners Budget Advisory Board
Article II: Purpose
The purpose of the Budget Advisory Board is to:
• Review budget requests from county departments and elected officials.
• Assess revenue projections and spending priorities.
• Make written recommendations regarding the annual budget to the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners.
• Promote transparency and public engagement in the budget process.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with Kansas budget law and other applicable statutes.
Article III: Authority
The Board operates in an advisory capacity and has no binding decision making authority. All recommendations are submitted to the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners for consideration.
Article IV: Membership
Section 1: Composition
The Board shall consist of five (5) to nine (9) members, including the Chair. Members shall be appointed by the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners.
Section 2: Qualifications
Members must demonstrate relevant experience in budgeting, finance, accounting, public administration, or related fields. Each applicant shall submit a letter of interest and qualifications.
Section 3: Appointment and Term
Members shall serve two-year terms, renewable by reappointment. Initial appointments may be staggered to maintain continuity.
Section 4: Chair
A Chair shall be appointed by the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners. The Chair shall preside over meetings, coordinate activities, and serve as the Board’s spokesperson.
Section 5: Compensation
Members shall serve without compensation.
Bylaws of the Bourbon County Commission Budget Advisory Board
Article V: Meetings
Section 1: Frequency
The Board shall meet as needed, at a minimum of 6 times annually, including during the formal budget development cycle.
Section 2: Public Access
All meetings shall be open to the public, with notice given in accordance with Kansas Open Meetings Act and applicable notice requirements.
Section 3: Quorum
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the currently appointed members.
Section 4: Voting
Recommendations of the Board shall be adopted by a majority vote of the members present.
Article VI: Duties and Responsibilities
The Budget Advisory Board shall:
• Receive and review departmental budget submissions.
• Assess short-term and long-term revenue forecasts and spending needs.
• Hold public meetings to gather community input.
• Ensure compliance with Kansas budget laws and procedures, including setting deadlines for:
o Public notices
o Public hearings
o Budget adoption
• Prepare a formal written report with budgetary findings and recommendations for submission
to the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners.
Article VII: Reporting
The Board shall submit its final written budget report no later than July 14, in time for review and adoption by the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners.
Article VIII: Amendments
These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the Board of Bourbon County Commissioners.
Article IX: Administrative Support
The County Clerk’s office may provide support, record keeping, and meeting logistics.
These bylaws were adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, KS on the 9th day of June, 2025.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Commissioner David Beerbower began the meeting by reading a statement outlining the meeting’s conduct, including the expectation that audience members silence their phones and refrain from conversations, wait to be called on before speaking, and allow the chair to manage the meeting.
Republican Open Seat Announcement
The Republican Party of Bourbon County will hold a convention to fill the vacant District 1 seat on Thursday, June 12 at 6 p.m. at Bailey Hall. Applications are due by Tuesday, June 10 at 5 p.m. and can be emailed to [email protected].
Old Business Zoning Advisory Committee – Beerbower made a motion to postpone the zoning committee’s presentation of their recommendations until June 30, 2025 to allow for a third commissioner to be appointed and present.
The committee will continue to meet to work on its report. Dates of those meetings will be published.
Dr. Cohen HR Solutions – Commissioner Mika Milburn asked Beerbower’s opinion on using the company to conduct HR services for the county now that he’s had time to consider the information from the last meeting. He said he is for it, and he likes their proposal and the cost.
Milburn moved to hired HR Solutions on Call, which would require a contract be paid from the benefits fund.
The motion was approved.
Budget Committee Proposal – Milburn proposed the creating of a budget advisory board to help the commission through budget season. She proposed that the board be made of financial professionals, who will be qualified to advise on budget items.
The motion passed. Letters of interested will be taken until June 16, 2025.
Parliamentarian Proposal – Milburn suggested the commission consider bringing in a parliamentarian to help run their meetings.
“We are shorthanded,” she said. Milburn and Beerbower both had people they wanted to ask to consider the position.
The issue has been tabled until June 16.
Sales Tax Discussion Update – Milburn followed up on the hiring of a firm to conduct the county’s tax sales. She said the treasurer is working through the steps necessary to facilitate that and it’s in process.
Dump Fees for Employees – Milburn wants to remove it as a benefit. Beerbower said that after receiving feedback from various members of the community and an email regarding fringe benefits from the County Clerk, Susan Walker, he believes times have changed and the perk needs to be stopped as well.
The commission voted to end free dump fees for county employees starting immediately.
Commissioners went into a 20 minutes executive session for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorny-cliet relationship.
Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
Mr. Parks suggested that out-of-county trash haulers who use the transfer station for trash disposal pay more than in-county users.
New Business SEK-CAP General Public Transportation – Casey Brown brought the funding request to the commission to get it in before the budget meetings start. Historically, SEK-CAP has been funded by the county, the City of Fort Scott, and area churches and businesses.
It costs approximately $8,000 per day for a full year of transportation services. Currently services are offered three days a week, but they are considering going to five days a week, which would cost $40,000.
Commissioner Milburn asked for more precise data about how much of the county outside of Fort Scott is served by SEK-CAP.
When asked about changing their hours of operation, Brown said they were open to discussion and want to fit the community’s needs.
Fireworks Licenses Days
Fireworks licenses were issues to Hale Fireworks and Jake’s FIreworks. Sale dates have been extended by state statute from July 5 to July 7.
Commission Comments
Milburn said that she loves “the idea of a steady, reliable process” to govern the county and that there so many citizens getting involved.
She said she would be happy to visit with anyone interested in the job. “This job takes a lot of stamina and I am going to do what I have to do to serve Bourbon County and keep up.”
