Turnaround has happened in the Kansas Legislature so now a large part of our time is being spent by the two houses hearing and voting on the other houses bills. Because of that I am happy to report that the Senate has heard and approved Benny’s Bill (HB 2412) unanimously 40-0. It will now come back to the House for concurrence on a technical amendment before it goes to Governor Kelly’s desk for her approval. Again, for those who don’t know the background behind this legislation it strengthens the penalties for child endangerment and aggravated child endangerment when the victim is under the age of six. I am sponsoring it because of the case of Benny Cannon who suffered lifelong disabilities after a daycare incident when he was four months old. Two daycare workers were found responsible after pleading guilty in court but received light sentences in my opinion considering the damage that was inflicted.
HB 2368 is a bill that I mentioned before that would allow for the licensure of Anesthesiology Assistants (AA) in Kansas. I have repeatedly opposed this bill because Kansas is already served by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists who possess a higher degree of training than their AA counterparts. The bill was voted down once this year but it was revived to be shot down with a motion to return it to committee. The motion pretty much kills the bill because the last day for committees to meet has passed.
Another nursing related bill that we just voted on was SB 334 which lowers the minimum education level required to be an instructor in Kansas nursing schools. I have heard from people in the nursing profession who don’t like this bill because it doesn’t make for better trained nurses and that it could potentially jeopardize accreditation of their institutions. I was a no vote on that but it did pass by 81-43.
On to other news I am planning to hold some town hall meetings this spring with the first one being in Mulberry on April 13th at 6:30. More details will be coming but I hope to see you there or at another event. Until next time, Ad Astra Per Aspera.
Show your patriotism in 2026 by participating in the
Fly the Flag Project hosted by the
Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Fly the Flag Program
For an annual subscription of $40, volunteers will place a 3′ x 5′ American flag on a 12-foot staff at participating homes or businesses within the Fort Scott city limits on five national holidays:
Memorial Day
Flag Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
The program makes it easy to proudly display the Stars and Stripes without the hassle of purchasing, installing, or storing a flag and pole. Volunteers place the flags in the morning and remove them before sunset in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code.
Applications for new subscriptions and renewals are available at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, and forms must be returned by March 31, 2026.
Proceeds from the Fly the Flag Project support programs at Fort Scott National Historic Site, including the Naturalization Ceremony, Candlelight Tour, Veterans Challenge Coins, and other special programs.
Help celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary
and show your community pride by flying
the flag this year!
Click below to download a printable PDF of the Flag Project Agreement. Please bring or mail the completed form to the
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St.
K-State University Southwind Extension District invites you!
Beyond the Bite: Understanding Ticks & Alpha-Gal
Because one bite can change a life.
Ticks are more than just a nuisance, they can carry diseases and in some cases, trigger long-term , life-altering health conditions, such as Alpha-Gal Syndrome.
Monday, March 23rd
6pm
@ Fort Scott Community College Ellis Meeting Rooms
2108 Horton St.
Whether you spend time outdoors for work, recreation, or everyday life, this program offers practical, research-based information to help reduce risk and increase awareness.
Pilot Commerce Grant to Support Renovating Industrial, Manufacturing Buildings
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the launch of the Industrial Renovation for Opportunity and New Economic Development (IRONED) pilot program, a funding opportunity designed to help rural Kansas communities revitalize underused industrial and manufacturing buildings and prepare them for new or expanding businesses.
A total of $200,000 in funding is available through IRONED for Kansas communities with a population of 50,000 or less. Grants up to $100,000 will support projects already in the planning phase that preserve and bring new economic activity to underutilized, vacant or dilapidated industrial and manufacturing facilities. The grants are intended to close financing gaps.
“There are plenty of industrial buildings throughout Kansas with the potential to support new business ventures if they can be brought back to productive use,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said, “By providing targeted support for renovation costs, Commerce can help rural communities move innovative projects across the finish line and start driving local economic growth.”
The IRONED program is administered by the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity at the Department of Commerce. The application window opens March 18 and will close at 5:00 p.m. June 17. Awards will be announced in August.
For those interested in applying for funding, there will be a webinar at 4:00 p.m. Monday, March 23. Registration is required (click here).
The Office of Rural Prosperity will host virtual Office Hours from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. April 16, May 14 and June 11. To sign up, click here.
For additional information about the IRONED program, click 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.
Edward L. Eichenberger, known affectionately as Ed to his friends and family, left this world for his heavenly home on March 15, 2026, at the age of 58. He was born on November 20, 1967, in Ottawa, Kansas. Ed’s life was a testament to his unwavering faith, his joyous spirit, and his love for his family, community, and sports.
Ed’s journey began as the beloved son of Carl and Donna Maag Eichenberger, growing up with his brothers Bob, Jim, and Donnie. After graduating from Pomona High School, Ed served in the Kansas Army National Guard, and attended Ottawa University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. He furthered his education with a Master’s Degree in Health, Human Performance, and Recreation from Pittsburg State University.
On August 31, 1996, Ed married the love of his life, Julie Whitley, and together they embarked on a journey filled with love and laughter. They first made their home in Pleasanton, and later Fort Scott, before finally settling in Pittsburg, Kansas. Their union was blessed with two sons, Justin and Daniel.
Professionally, Ed’s career was as diverse as his interests. He worked at area waste management companies, driving school buses, as well as local parks and recreation departments. Ed was currently working for Pittsburg State University.
But it was on the fields and courts where Ed truly shined. As an official for football, basketball, and baseball, he not only enforced the rules but also imparted patience and wisdom to players, officials, and coaches alike. Ed enjoyed all things sports, including watching the Chiefs, Royals, Jayhawks and Wildcats.
A devout Christian, Ed lived his faith. Throughout his life, he served various roles within the church. He was currently attending the Family Life Assembly of God (FLAG) Church of Fort Scott where his son, Justin serves as campus pastor.
Ed is survived by his wife, Julie, of the home in Pittsburg; two sons, Justin of Fort Scott and Daniel and wife, Rebecca of Kansas City. Also surviving are his parents, Carl and Donna, his brother, Bob and wife, Roberta and his brother, Jim, all of Pomona. Ed was preceded in death by his brother, Donnie.
We celebrate the life of a man who was not just a loving husband, father, son, and brother but also a friend, and mentor to many. Edward L. Eichenberger, you have run the race, you have kept the faith, and now, you have claimed the ultimate victory. “Well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Your memory will forever be cherished.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 21st at Faith Church, 2203 Deer Road, Garland, Kansas, just south of Fort Scott on 69 Hwy. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery in Fulton, Kansas. The family will receive vistors from 5 to 7 P.M Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to FLAG Church Fort Scott and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
TOPEKA – (March 18, 2026) – Six grant programs serving victims of crime across Kansas are open for application, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach announced today.
More than $2.3 million in grant funds were awarded last year from six state programs through the Office of the Attorney General. Funds are used to assist local and state crime victim assistance organizations across Kansas in providing direct services to crime victims, as well as in developing prevention programs to address violence.
Grant opportunities are open in the following programs:
Child Exchange and Visitation Center Program (CEVC) – This fund seeks to provide supervised child exchange and visitation to children and families at risk due to circumstances relating to domestic or family violence.
Human Trafficking Victim Assistance Fund (HTVAF) – This fund was established by the Legislature in 2013 (K.S.A. 75-758) to provide training regarding human trafficking for law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas, and to support the care, treatment and other services for victims of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of a child.
Child Abuse and Neglect (CVAF-CA) – This fund seeks to provide for ongoing operating expenses of programs assisting child victims.
Crime Victims Assistance Fund (CVAF) – This fund seeks to provide for ongoing operating expenses of programs assisting crime victims and establishing and maintaining new programs providing services to the victims of crimes.
State Protection from Abuse Fund (PFA) – This fund seeks to provide temporary emergency shelter for adult victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and their dependent children, counseling and assistance to those victims and their children, or educational services directed at reducing the incidence of domestic violence or sexual assault and diminishing its impact on victims.
Child Advocacy Center Fund (CAC): This fund seeks to provide for ongoing operating expenses of Child Advocacy Centers.
More detailed information on the application process for each of the grant programs can be found at www.ag.ks.gov/divisions/victim-services/grant-programs. Applications will be accepted through the Grant Management System located on the website. The first step in the application process is due April 10, 2026.
Awards will be made this summer. These grant programs are administered by the attorney general’s Victim Services Division and the Victim Rights Coordinator.
In Step 5, students submit their projects using the online portal!
Use this Submission Guide for a step-by-step overview. Once all information and materials are gathered, visit the Enter page to submit projects by April 21!
TIP: Allow ample time to make a submission. Submissions are due April 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
ARTEFFECT Competition
Prize Categories
The annual juried competition offers over $35,000 in prizes across multiple categories for students in grades 6-12. All submissions are eligible for the Grand Prize of $6,000.
In addition to the top awards, the 2026 Competition has three Spotlight Prize Categories: Unsung Heroes, 3D, and Large Format (larger than 24×36 inches).
Spotlight Prizes are $1,000 and there may be multiple winners in this category. Spotlight Prize submissions are eligible for all top awards and prizes but can only win one. Learn more about the prizes.
Meet our 2024-2025 Ambassador Cheryl Lunger, a retired Drawing & Painting Teacher from LaVilla School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida.
Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their visual arts online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities. Here is an excerpt from Cheryl’s Capstone Project report:
“My capstone project centered around passing the torch to the teacher of record, as I have retired. I worked virtually with the teacher until I was able to make weekly progress meetings with students.”
Congratulations to Cheryl and her students at LaVilla School of the Arts for multiple years of incredible and award-winning ARTEFFECT projects!
Feeling Lucky? Spring into a New Career at Upcoming Weekend Virtual Job Fair
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this year’s first Weekend Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, starting from 8:00 a.m., Friday, March 27 through to 5:00 p.m., Sunday March 29.
“As spring starts to roll in, so are new career opportunities — and they’re showing up all across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Whether you’re a company looking to expand your staff — or a jobseeker looking for a new career — we have something for you right here in the Sunflower State.”
The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.
This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click 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 KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
Wreaths Across America has announced that the local organization, Friends of Fort Scott National Cemetery, has been ranked #1 Sponsorship Group in Kansas for 2025. There are 80 registered Wreaths Across America locations in Kansas, with a total of 41,672 veteran graves honored in Kansas in 2025.
The hard work and dedication of this fundraising and sponsorship group made it possible to honor and remember each veteran at Fort Scott National Cemetery with a live balsam wreath last December 17. Diann Tucker and Mika Milburn, location coordinators for Fort Scott National Cemetery and group organizers for Friends of Fort Scott National Cemetery, want to thank this amazing community for their part in this achievement. Tucker said this achievement and the success of our local organization’s effort is only possible with the support of our community, and it is truly appreciated.
You are invited to help again this year as a sponsor. For more information contact Diann Tucker, 620-224-7054, or Mika Milburn, 620-223-6700.
Organizers invite the community to join them for a meaningful evening honoring our local veterans.
Saturday, March 28, 2026
6:00 – 9:00 pm
@ The River Room Event Center
3 W. Oak Street, Fort Scott, KS
This inaugural gala will raise funds to help send local veterans on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where they will have the opportunity to visit the memorials built in their honor.
Guests will enjoy an evening that includes:
• Heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks
• Live music and entertainment
• A live auction and silent auction featuring many great items donated by local businesses
• A chance to support an incredible mission honoring those who served our country
Ticket Pricing:
• $25 – Advance Tickets
• $30 – At the Door
• $200 – Table for 8
Tickets are available online by clicking the button below, or they can be picked up at the
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St.
When approving the accounts payable, Commissioner Mika Milburn moved to change the listing for $54,542.03 called Commissioner’s Wages to be labeled as Walker Settlement, since that’s what it is.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Treasurer and Susan Walker, County Clerk, both explained that it cannot be changed because it’s already been processed and the name of the account the money is paid from is called Commissioner Wages.
“It’s run through accounts payable because you process payroll outside of accounts payable. So you would have to void it and reissued it,” said Walker.
Commissioner David Beerbower said he had received questions from constituents about the same item in the accounts payable.
“We make about $4,000 between the five of us in a pay period,” Beerbower said.
Commissioner Samuel Tran offered to clarify, saying that the payment is not commissioner’s wages, but a pay out of a settlement.
Public Comments
County Clerk Updates
Susan Walker read a statement to the board and the public. She welcomed a review of the claims made against herself and her office. She said she welcomes transparency and they will fix any clerical errors that are found.
“You will not find manipulation of numbers and you will not find my office illegally processing payments,” she said. The allegations of illegal activity are unfounded and serious, especially when made to law enforcement.
Walker went on to explain that she has documents and recordings pertinent to the allegations of the commission, but advised that they be heard in executive session. (PDF of documents presented.)
Mike Wonderly
Wonderly said he does not believe cutting the commissioner’s pay is the right thing in light of all that is going on in the county. He offered respect to Beerbower for standing by his original position.
“Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that we don’t always need to go with the lowest bid,” he said. He said that the amount of time involved in serving as a county commissioner deserves adequate pay.
“I am concerned that reducing the pay of commissioners could discourage good candidates from running in the future,” he said.
Owensby
Owensby thanked the commissioners and other courthouse people for their patience. He thanked Motley for bringing forth the comprehensive audit plan, which will build public trust.
“Please keep up the honesty, the transparency, and the try,” he said.
He invited those who are critical of the commission to run for the office themselves.
Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1)
Five commissioners and Laura Krom, 10 minutes, returned to session, no action.
Department Updates Public works- hard surface road plan
Milburn expressed concern about the lack of a hard surface road plan this year, in light of the county’s 1% hard surface road tax.
She said the commission needs to offer Public Works Director Kenny Allen help and support since he is new to the position and no longer has a second in command who is familiar with the county.
Beerbower said that the previous Public Work Director brought his hard surface road plan to the commission for approval in late April of 2025.
Since the county was unable to complete most of last year’s hard surface road plan, Milburn suggested they start with that plan and modify it as needed for 2026.
Commissioner Gregg Motley said that the 1% tax represents the priorities for the county.
Tran said the county’s asphalt tank is not repairable, which has taken some months to find out. Thus the county can either purchase asphalt somewhere else or lay down chip and seal.
Motley and Commissioner Joe Allen said they would like to see last year’s hard surface roads plan.
They decided to schedule a work session with Kenny Allen.
Old Business 108 w 2nd listing
Beerbower moved to lower the selling price of 108 W. 2nd and adjacent property to $170,000. Motion carried unanimously.
Salary Resolution
Commissioner Joe Allen brought up some information he collected from six different counties similar to Bourbon County: Lynn, Allen, Neosho, Anderson, Cherokee and Labette counties all have three commissioners. They all offer their commissioners benefits and pay them in the range of $21,000 to $29,700 annually. They all have either the county clerk’s office or an HR department as support for the commission.
Allen said that if those counties chose to go to a five-member commission and split the pay among the five, it would be about $15,000 per year for each commissioner.
“I think that should be taken into consideration if we’re looking at changing salary for us here,” said Allen.
“Most five-person commissions are in bigger counties,” he said.
Allen said that he has received a lot of feedback from his constituents saying not to change the commissioner’s pay. Tran said that he has heard the same message from lots of people. Motley agreed that he had heard the same thing.
Tran read a resolution setting annual salaries for elected and appointed officials.
MIlburn moved to approve, Motley seconded.
Beerbower then read a statement going over the history of the move from three to five commissioners and maintaining his position.
Motion passed with four voting for it and Beerbower abstaining.
Forensic Audit POC
Tabled until Sheriff Bill Martin is available to discuss the issue.
New Business
KORA (Kansas Open Records Act)
Beerbower said it appears that there’s a war going on regarding who is responsible and how KORA requests are processed in the county.
He and Motley both said that KORA requests should be handled entirely by the clerk’s office, since that’s where all records are kept.
Requests for records not kept in the clerk’s office would be forwarded by the that office to the appropriate department.
Tran said that the commission’s administrative assistant is part time. He expressed concern about her getting inundated and keeping her from her primary duties.
“I understand the law says 72 hours, but she’s not the POC (Point of Contact) for KORA,” he said.
Beerbower pointed out that the taxpayers foot the bill for KORA requests.
Jennifer Hawkins, County Treasurer, said that the new Sunshine Law has changed the allowable charge on KORA requests and the county should rework it’s fee schedule accordingly.
She also said that all KORA requests do need to go through the clerk’s office because those requests themselves are “requestable” so the record of them needs to be with the clerk.
$26,000 Walker Settlement Invoice
Commission voted to allow Tran to sign it.
CODE Red with Louella Howard Emergency Manager
Code Red is the public emergency alert system the county has used historically. Howard asked to switch to Genesis Alert System. Code Red currently costs the county $11,577 annually, split with the City of Fort Scott.
A three year contract with Genesis would be $15,465 for the entire three years, and could also be split with the City of Fort Scott. The Emergency Management budget can cover it.
The motion to change carried, full cost to be covered by the county.
Future Agenda Topics
Tran said the commission needs to hold a work session for county goals. He asked each commissioner to come to the table with at least three goals. This would be both for the budget purposes and to focus the efforts of the commission.
Beerbower said they need to have a work session with the elected officials to collect information about who has access card readers and access cards and clean it up for the future.
They scheduled a hard surface road plan work session for 4:30 PM Monday, March 23.
Commissioner Comments
Gergg Motley attended the SEK RPC board meeting last week. Bourbon County’s one loan with them is now current.
Joe Allen gave kudos to the courthouse custodial staff, who helped him today.
