Youth Fundraiser!
First Baptist Church Basement
123 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott
Friday, June 5 7:30-4:00
Saturday, June 6, 7:30-4:00
During Good Ole Days!
Furniture/Appliances Outdoor Gear Electronics
Dishes Home Decor Clothing
Bedding Books Toys
Kitchen Tapes/CD’s/DVD’s And Much More!
The Journey’s End
This is the season of graduation. Across America, high school and college students are walking across stages, receiving diplomas, hugging family members, taking pictures, and celebrating accomplishments that took years of work to achieve. For many graduates, this moment feels like the journey’s end. For others, it feels like the beginning of a brand-new road. The truth is, it is both.
Every journey has milestones. Graduation is one of life’s major milestones because it represents commitment, perseverance, sacrifice, and growth. What sometimes gets overlooked is that no meaningful journey is ever traveled alone. Behind every graduate stands a group of people who helped make the moment possible. Parents who sacrificed. Teachers who encouraged. Coaches who pushed. Friends who supported. Grandparents who prayed. Sometimes a single person believed in a student when nobody else did.
It is important during graduation season to stop and say thank you to those who helped along the way. Life also teaches us that not every journey end with applause and celebration. I have seen coaches quietly clean out offices after years of service with little fanfare. I have seen hardworking men retire on a Friday afternoon, drive away from the workplace, and wonder if anyone noticed their journey had ended. Those moments can feel lonely because we all want to know our efforts mattered.
There are also endings that feel more like beginnings. A graduate walks across a stage not just ending school, but beginning adulthood. A parent watches a child leave home while beginning a new chapter of pride and reflection. A person changes careers and discovers purpose they never imagined.
Some journeys close one door while opening another. That is why I believe a journey never truly ends. Life keeps moving. New opportunities appear. New responsibilities emerge. New dreams are born.
The important thing is not simply reaching the destination. The important thing is how we travel the road, who we help along the way, and whether we remember to appreciate those who helped us. As graduation caps fly into the air this spring, remember this: Today may feel like the journey’s end, but tomorrow may be the beginning of something even greater.
Thought for the Week, “Life’s greatest journeys are not measured only by where we finish, but by the people we help, the gratitude we show, and the character we build along the way. Every ending also creates the opportunity for a new beginning.” Tina Livingston, East Texas A&M University-Vice President for Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer.
Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.
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01 Agenda 05_18_2026_Public Agenda (1)
Location: Ellis Fine Arts Center
Date & Time: May 18, 2026 – 5:30 P.M.
Document Reference: Public Agenda (Page 1)
1.0 Call Meeting to Order – Chair Doug Ropp
1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk (Bailey, Brown, Cosens, Hoyt, McKinnis, Ropp)
2.0 Flag Salute & Invocation
3.0 Approval of Official Agenda (ACTION)
4.0 Approval of Consent Agenda (ACTION)
4.1 Minutes
April 17, 2026, Board of Trustees Special Meeting
April 20, 2026, Board of Trustees Meeting
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register – $3,802,992.48
4.4 Payroll
May 15, 2026 – $755,977.54
4.5 Contract Ratification
Contract-Instructure – Parchment Services
Contract-Turnitin – Plagiarism Software for Canvas
5.0 Community, Employee, and Student Recognition
5.1 Program Review – Coaching Academy (INFORMATION)
President Welch will present to the board on the program.
5.2 Recognition: Students & Program Update (ACTION)
Student Recognitions (Page 2): Includes official presentations for the 2026 Outstanding Student and the 2026 Outstanding CTE Student.
6.0 Leadership Reports & Updates (Page 2): Informational administrative briefings and institutional updates presented directly to the Board (INFORMATION).
7.1 State of the College Address (INFORMATION): Informational update or timeline layout regarding the upcoming address.
7.2 4.5 Work Week Proposal (ACTION): Board review and voting on the proposed 4.5-day compressed work week schedule.
7.3 Board Goals (ACTION): Official review, refinement, and voting for approval of the board’s strategic goals.
7.4 Audit Approval (ACTION): Board consideration and formal approval of the college’s financial audit.
7.5 HLC Non-Academic Assessment (ACTION): Action regarding the Higher Learning Commission’s non-academic assessment criteria focusing on the Board of Trustees.
8.1 Reserve Unencumbered Fund Balance Policy (INFORMATION): First-time presentation or review of the strategic fund balance reserve policy.
8.2 Audit Contract 2025-26 (ACTION): Vote to approve the organizational contract for the upcoming fiscal audit cycle.
8.3 Athletic Insurance Renewal (ACTION): Vote to approve insurance coverage renewals for the student-athlete population.
8.4 EMT Program Revision (INFORMATION): General update and review of the proposed curriculum modifications for the Emergency Medical Technician program.
8.5 Suspension of Harley-Davidson Program (INFORMATION): Notice and administrative briefing regarding the pause/suspension of active operations for the Harley-Davidson instructional track.
8.6 Consideration of the Sale of the Harley-Davidson Building (INFORMATION): Administrative assessment and review concerning the potential commercial sale of the off-campus facility.
8.7 Approval of Nursing Courseware (ACTION): Formal board action on digital systems and courseware procurement for nursing students.
8.8 Approval of City of Fort Scott Alcohol Exemption (ACTION): Formal vote regarding a localized legal city ordinance exemption request.
Public Participation Terms: Members of the public can make remarks under a strict 3-minute time limit. Requests must be formally delivered before noon on the day of the meeting, with forms routed to the Board Chair. Matters involving personal grievances or individual personnel topics are strictly prohibited from this open session.
Executive Session Procedures (ACTION): Standard closed-door transitions including entry into Executive Session for private personnel discussions (10.1) and the subsequent return back into Open Session (10.2).
Employment Decisions (ACTION): Board discussion and voting actions on:
10.3 Employment matters concerning non-elected personnel.
10.4 Action and terms regarding the College President’s contract.
10.5 Deliberation over contract renewals for individual Vice Presidents.
10.6 Final operational resolution on employment non-renewal 26-06.
Updates from active board committees and regional groups (INFORMATION):
Finance Committee: Trustee Chad Cosens & Chair Doug Ropp
Policies Committee: Trustee Marilyn Hoyt
Negotiation Committee: Trustee Destry Brown
Strategic Plan Committee: To Be Announced (TBA)
KACCT & Greenbush Delegation: Trustee Ronda Bailey
Student Leadership/Coaching Academy Liaison: Trustee Chad McKinnis
7.0/12.0 Adjourn (ACTION): Official motion and call for a vote to conclude the special meeting session.
At 4:30, there will be a special meeting with the Attorney General’s office for KOMA training for the commissioners, followed by the regular meeting at 5:30.
Meeting Date: May 18, 2026, at 5:30 PM
1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Prayer
4. Introductions
5. Approval of Agenda
6. Approval of Minutes (05.11.26)
7. Approval of Accounts Payable (05.15.26) – $363,496.33
8. Approval of Tax Corrections
9. SEK Multi-County Health Department Budget Request – Rebecca Johnson
10. Department Updates
EMS Equipment Request – Teri Hulsey
11. Public Comments
12. Old Business
Hidden Valley Roads – Allen
Auction Update – Allen
13. New Business
Solid Waste Plan – K Allen
Hale Fireworks Permit
Jarred Gilmore Phillips 2026 Audit Engagement
14. Future Agenda Topics
15. Commission Comments
16. Adjournment
Meeting Details: Official record of the prior Bourbon County Commission meeting held on May 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM at 210 S National, Fort Scott, KS. (Page 2)
Agenda Modifications: Commissioner Beerbower requested swapping items VIII and IX so that a resolution could be addressed before payroll and accounts payable discussions. The agenda was approved 5-0 as amended. (Page 2)
Tax & Accounts Payable Approvals: Tax corrections were approved 5-0. Accounts payable from May 8, 2026, totaling $457,015.06, were approved 5-0. Minutes from the May 4, 2026, meeting were approved 5-0. (Pages 2–3)
Public Comment (Meals on Wheels): Michael Hoyt addressed the commission regarding federal defunding of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA). He noted that the Pittsburg-headquartered program is frozen to new home meal delivery requests, impacting local elderly constituents, and urged the county and city to consider funding solutions during upcoming budget sessions. (Page 3)
Resolution 22-26: Introduced by Commissioner Beerbower following a prior consensus during a work session. It was adopted with a 3-2 vote (Commissioners Beerbower, Motley, and Allen voting in favor; Commissioners Milburn-Kee and Tran voting against). (Page 3)
Check-Signing Authority Dispute: County Attorney James Crux addressed a lack of communication that caused late employee payments due to Commissioner Tran’s surprise refusal to sign routine checks. Commissioner Tran clarified that state statutes only mandate signatures from the treasurer and clerk, not commissioners. To resolve the logjam, Commissioner Tran moved to authorize Commissioner Allen to sign accounts payable checks. This passed 5-0, though Commissioner Allen noted he cannot sign until formally added to the bank signature cards by the treasurer. (Pages 3–4, 5)
Clerk Payroll System Access Dispute: Commissioner Motley moved to restore read-only access to the pay entry system (SecureView) for the County Clerk so she could generate general ledger entries. Commissioner Milburn-Kee objected, citing employee privacy and PII concerns (such as hire dates). The Clerk stated that summary files provided by an intermediary assistant lacked necessary cost-center breakdowns and Excel formatting. The motion failed 2-3 (Motley and Allen in favor; Milburn-Kee, Tran, and Beerbower opposed). It was suggested to invite the system representative, Mr. Cohen, to a future meeting to investigate custom restricted profiles. (Pages 4–5)
Commission Comments: Commissioner Allen congratulated 2026 graduates. Commissioner Milburn-Kee suggested ordering an annual signature disc for checks to match regular rotations in the commission chairmanship, noting Linn County follows this practice. (Page 5)
An itemized breakdown of the Grand Total: $363,496.33 in open invoices scheduled for approval.
Department 00 – Non-Departmental / Clearing Accounts (Pages 7–11, 17, 33): Net total of $218,993.36, primarily consisting of employee benefit clearings, insurance accounts, withholdings, and cost clearings across multiple funds including:
General Fund: -$1,286.98 (Page 7)
Appraisers: $7,347.76 (Page 8)
County Treasurer Motor Fund: $3,189.16 (Page 9)
Diversion Application Fee Fund: $64.66 (Page 9)
Election Fund: $2,885.50 (Page 9)
Employee Benefit Fund: $35,222.73 (Page 10)
Rod-Tech Fund: $509.05 (Page 10)
Landfill Fund: $5,626.37 (Page 11)
County Sheriff/Correctional Fund: $76,306.32 (Page 13)
Noxious Weed Fund: $1,771.05 (Page 13)
Road and Bridge Fund: $77,473.38 (Page 15)
Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund: $10,970.62 (Page 16)
Ambulance Service Fund: -$1,114.30 (Page 16)
Offender Registration Fund: $28.04 (Page 17)
Department 01 – County Commission (Pages 18, 33): $9,768.78 (Includes $4,500.00 for legal services rendered through 3.31.26 by Fisher, Patterson, Sayler & Smith LLP and $5,195.42 in commission wages).
Department 02 – County Clerk (Pages 19, 33): $4,386.70 (Includes $4,230.94 in clerk wages, travel toll fees, and copier readings).
Department 03 – County Treasurer (Pages 20, 34): $4,807.71 (Includes $4,787.73 in treasurer wages).
Department 04 – County Attorney (Pages 21, 34): $10,356.08 (Includes $10,254.39 in attorney wages and office/water supplies).
Department 05 – County Register of Deeds (Pages 22, 34): $5,010.14 (Includes $4,948.49 in register wages).
Department 07 – Courthouse Maintenance (Pages 23, 34): $3,145.68 (Includes $2,866.00 in maintenance building wages and $240.00 for security locking bars).
Department 08 – County Coroner (Pages 24, 34): $50.00 (Report of death fee from Forensic Medical).
Department 10 – District Court (Pages 25, 34): $5,615.33 (Includes legal conflict representation from John A. Villamaria for $1,302.24 and $652.80, court mileage reimbursements, interpreter translation services, and $1,847.34 in court wages).
Department 11 – Emergency Preparedness (Pages 26, 34): $1,361.40 (Includes $769.23 in wages, vehicle maintenance, and home show supplies/giveaways).
Department 18 – Juvenile Detention (Pages 27, 34): $11,377.00 (Consists of an $11,194.00 monthly detention fee to the SEK Regional Juvenile Detention Center alongside inmate medical bills).
Department 24 – Ambulance Service (Pages 28, 35): $45,621.00 (Includes $33,659.94 in ambulance service wages, emergency vehicle repairs to EMS 7 by BOFS, Inc. totaling $6,181.34 and $3,362.40, and $1,013.07 for medical/valve equipment from Hamilton Medical).
Department 30 – Noxious Weed (Pages 29, 35): $12,715.10 (Primarily chemical supplies from Van Diest Supply Company for $10,193.60 and $2,521.50).
Department 43 – Courthouse General (Pages 30, 35): $22,295.74 (Includes a $15,625.00 tax sale report fee to Security 1st Title, $4,554.00 for 2026 SEKRPC membership dues, and $300.00 to CIC for a signature file programming set up).
Department 44 – Human Resources (Pages 31, 35): $4,300.00 (Monthly custom HR support package from HR Solutions on Call, LLC).
Department 99 – County Miscellaneous (Pages 32, 35): $3,692.31 (County Counselor wages).
Funding Proposal: Letter from Rebecca Johnson (BSN, RN, Administrator & Local Health Officer) outlining the 2027 funding request of $93,291. This represents a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment over the 2026 approved funding allocation of $90,750.
Justification: The increase is sought to preserve skeletal staffing levels and core programs, such as immunizations, WIC, disease control, maternal/child care, and emergency preparedness. Johnson warns that alternative budget reductions will delay services and worsen recruitment/retention hurdles.
KDHE Communication: Draft letter dated May 14, 2026, directed to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management regarding updates to the Bourbon County Transfer Station operations.
Plan Changes: Section 2: D 1 is revised to indicate that soybeans are no longer accepted at the transfer station.
Committee Adjustments: Public Works Director Kenny Allen replaces Dustin Hall on the committee. Commissioners Joe Allen and Greg Motley are formally added as committee members.
License Details: Form 2026-001 authorizing Hale Fireworks, LLC to sell fireworks seasonally at 2523 S Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. The permit fee is $75.00 and carries an expiration date of July 7, 2026. (Page 38)
Application Data: Hand-signed application by Mitch Hale (Owner) listing the corporate address out of Buffalo, MO, and naming Sandy Kueck as the primary contact person. (Pages 39–40)
Financial Receipt: Treasury receipt #44076 issued by Treasurer Jennifer Hawkins confirming the $75.00 payment cleared into the county General Fund on May 6, 2026. (Page 41)
Engagement Terms: Agreement letter from CPA firm Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips, PA to audit the Bourbon County regulatory-basis financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2026. (Page 42)
Scope & Standards: The audit will conform to Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) in the US and includes testing compliance with supplementary schedules, internal controls, and looking for risks surrounding management override or improper revenue recognition. (Pages 42–44)
Fee Structure: The standard hourly billing rates plus out-of-pocket expenses are capped at a maximum proposed fee of $29,500.00. If federal expenditures push past $1,000,000.00, triggering a mandated Single Audit Act procedure, an additional estimated fee of $2,900.00 will apply. Neil L. Phillips, CPA, is designated as the supervising engagement partner. (Page 46)
5-5-2026 CityCommissionMinutes
Meeting Date: May 5, 2026
Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
Location: City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas
Broadcast: Streamed live on YouTube
Call to Order: 6:00 PM
Mayor: Kathryn Salsbury
Commissioners: Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer, Tim Van Hoecke, Julie Buchta
City Staff & Guests: Brad Matkin (City Manager), Chief Jason Pickert (FSPD), Rachel Carpenter (Community Relations Director), Lisa Lewis (City Clerk), Lisa Dillon (Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator), Mary Wyatt (Business Development Director), Jason Dickman (Earles Engineering & Inspections LLC), Stephen Mitchell (IT Director), Garth Herrmann (Gilmore & Bell), Scott Flater (Public Utility Director), Michael Hoyt, and Nick Graham
Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Mayor Salsbury.
Invocation: Delivered by Commissioner Van Hoecke, asking for guidance for the City, citizens, government, and officials.
Motion: Van Hoecke moved to approve the Amended Agenda. Seconded by Dancer.
Vote: Carried 5-0.
Motion: Van Hoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Seconded by Dancer.
Vote: Carried 5-0.
No comments were made.
Topic: Authorizing Offering for Sale of Bond Notes for the Davis Lift Station. Resolution 17-2026 was approved authorizing the sale of temporary notes (Series 2026-1) in the amount of $3 million to finance project and issuance costs.
Timeline: Notes are scheduled to close on June 25, 2026, with a maturity date of July 1, 2026. A long-term bond issue is planned for spring or early summer 2027. The principal amount may be increased if future change orders are approved.
Motion: Wells moved to go out for the General Obligation Temporary Notes Series 2026-1 with the changes that may come based upon what the City Manager communicates back to bond counsel. Seconded by Van Hoecke.
Vote: Carried 5-0.
Topic: Mitchell reported the pool network was revamped using existing equipment inventory. Work is ongoing with the City Manager to develop a comprehensive 1-, 3-, and 5-year technology plan.
Incidents: The commission discussed recent minor ransomware incidents experienced by the local school district; there was no lateral movement, and it was successfully contained.
Next Steps: An executive session will be scheduled during the next May meeting to discuss the technology plan due to proprietary information and identified system vulnerabilities. Commissioners praised the noticeable improvements in IT support and responsiveness.
Topic: Developed through a KDOT technical assistance grant with participation from community stakeholders. The adopted plan identifies pedestrian safety improvements near schools and enables future grant opportunities without creating a financial obligation for the City.
Motion: Moved to adopt the City of Fort Scott Safe Routes to School Plan. Seconded by Buchta.
Vote: Carried 5-0.
Topic: Request to apply for a Transportation Alternatives Grant for Phase One of the Buck Run Corridor Transportation Project. The $2 million project includes a four-foot concrete pathway (6th to 12th Street), a new 100-foot bridge, rehabilitation of a historic 1900 bridge, and traffic safety measures near the high school. The City is responsible for a 20% local match ($400,000) to be budgeted in 2027. Award notifications are anticipated in Fall 2026.
Motion: Van Hoecke moved to approve City staff to go out for the grant as requested. Seconded by Dancer.
Vote: Carried 5-0.
Topic: Mary Wyatt reported the city’s portion of the environmental review process for the Memorial Hall exterior renovation project is complete. The Mayor’s signature is required on one document, with an additional signature expected on May 19, 2026, following a seven-day public comment period.
Scope: Exterior renovations, replacement windows, waterproofing, water-tightening measures, and scotch pointing. Review by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) extended the timeline. Construction bidding can proceed once approved by the Kansas Department of Commerce.
Topic: Proposal to use the caretaker house as a short-term rental property. Concerns were raised regarding the city competing with private businesses. Alternatives included daytime event rentals or private entity operations.
Motion: Van Hoecke moved to deny the proposal for use of the caretaker house as a short-term rental. Seconded by Buchta.
Vote: Carried 4-1. (Dancer, Buchta, Van Hoecke, and Salsbury voted Yes; Wells voted No) .
Topic: Consideration to expand alcohol sales hours from 6:00 AM to 5:00 AM on game days during the 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11 – July 19, 2026).
Motion: Van Hoecke moved to deny the request and maintain current alcohol sales hours. Seconded by Buchta.
Vote: Carried 4-1. (Buchta, Van Hoecke, Salsbury, and Wells voted Yes; Dancer voted No) .
Motion: Buchta moved to approve the submitted bid from G & M Cattle for $6,500 per year. Seconded by Dancer.
Vote: Carried 5-0.
Motion: Wells moved to amend the agenda to call an Executive Session. Seconded by Buchta.
Vote: Carried 5-0.
Motion: Wells moved to recess into Executive Session to discuss the acquisition of real property pursuant to the exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(6), with the 5 Commissioners and the City Manager present, resuming at 7:21 PM. Seconded by Van Hoecke.
Vote: Carried 5-0.
Motion to Return: Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session. Seconded by Buchta.
Vote: Carried 4-0. (Buchta, Van Hoecke, Salsbury, and Dancer voted Yes; Wells was not present for the vote) .
Note: Commissioner Wells returned to the meeting at 7:22 PM.
Topic: Jason Dickman presented Change Order #1 for an extraneous flow pump and force main anchoring system due to high groundwater levels (3.5 to 4.5 feet below grade) creating buoyancy concerns for the 18-inch overflow pipe.
Discussion: Public Utility Director Scott Flater recommended tabling the issue, noting recent rainfall likely caused temporarily elevated groundwater. Sections of the pipe are already buried, and the contractor is requesting reimbursement for excavation work. Commissioners requested that future major change order discussions include the on-site engineering supervisor and the operations superintendent.
Motion: Van Hoecke moved to table the Change Order. Seconded by Buchta.
Vote: Carried 5-0.
Direction: Dickman was directed to confirm the contractor could proceed elsewhere, investigate alternative solutions, and report back. Mayor Salsbury clarified that the City had been placed on legal notice regarding potential liability if the pipe were to float, noting the City is prohibited from indemnifying third parties.
Davis Lift Station update.
E. National Project update – railroad permits received for National Ave. and Wall St.
Wall Street – CCLIP update – Phase 4 submitted.
No comment.
Golf Cart Permit reminder.
Striping on National Avenue.
Thank you to City Staff for a successful Luau event.
Striping on National Avenue.
Additional comments regarding the Gunn Park Caretaker’s House.
Sales tax / shop local advocacy.
Additional comments regarding the Gunn Park Caretaker’s House.
Concerns about the current animal shelter.
Additional comments regarding the Gunn Park Caretaker’s House.
Request to form a coalition for homelessness.
Acknowledgement of Good Ol Days vendors and sponsors.
4-way stop at 12th and Main.
Additional comments on the work session regarding homelessness.
Acknowledgement of the City Engineer’s comments regarding the City being “put on notice”.
Motion: Van Hoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 PM. Seconded by Dancer.
Vote: Carried and adjourned at 8:04 PM.
Submitted by: Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Notice of and Agenda for Regular Meeting of Fort Scott City Commission
Location: City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date & Time: May 19, 2026 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Call to Order
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
IV. Approval of Agenda
V. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1408-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of April 29, 2026 – May 13, 2026 – $497,094.40
B. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of May 5, 2026
C. Approval of Renewal of Retailer’s Liquor License – Hole In the Wall Enterprises LLC 124 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS – Licensing May 26, 2026 – May 25, 2028.
D. April Financials
VI. Executive Session
Stephen Mitchell – IT Update
VII. Public Comment
VIII. Appearance
Daniel Wilson / Parks Advisory Board – Dog Pound at Gunn Park
IX. New Business
Public Hearing
A. Consideration to Vacate Portion of an Alley – Petitioner Dennis Shawn Daugherty/Daugherty Enterprises LLC
Action Items
A. Consideration to Purchase Quick Lock Point Repair System for Sanitary Sewer from Key Equipment – $15,023.64 – B. Lemke/Water Distribution Supervisor
B. Consideration to Expand Current Agreement with Omnigo Qtel Digital Evidence and Case Management Module – $39,364.00 – Chief J. Pickert/FSPD
C. Consideration of Bids for Lease to Purchase of (6) Police Vehicles – Chief J. Pickert/FSPD
D. Request to Pay Application for Payment No. 3 – Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking, Inc. – Davis Lift Station – $187,166.14 – J. Dickman
X. Reports and Comments
XI.Adjourn
JACOBS, ALEX, 29
Arrested: 5/15/2026 9:00 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Sanction
Bond: $0
CRUCE, GREGORY L, 68
Arrested: 5/15/2026 10:52 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Warrant: Fort Scott Municipal ($100 cash)
– Warrant: Fort Scott Municipal ($250 cash)
Bond Total: $350
CHANEY, DARRELL JAMES JR, 29
Arrested: 5/15/2026 5:00 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Sanction
Bond: $0
EISENBRANDT, JONAH, 46
Arrested: 5/15/2026 6:00 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Sanction
Bond: $0
SINGMASTER, DAKOTA DAVID, 32
Arrested: 5/15/2026 7:41 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Warrant out of county 000099 ($2,500 cash/surety)
– Warrant: Fort Scott Municipal ($500 cash)
Bond Total: $3,000
BOLTON, SHERYL DENYSE, 53
Arrested: 5/16/2026 12:35 PM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charge: Warrant out of county
Bond: $0
HARRISON, JOSH THOMAS, 51
Arrested: 5/16/2026 12:34 PM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charge: Domestic Battery; Knowing/Reckless Bodily Harm
Bond Total: $1,500
CHANEY, DARRELL JAMES, 29
Booked: 05/15/2026
Released: 5/17/2026 at 5:00 PM
Type: Time served
Released to: Self
CRUCE, GREGORY L, 68
Booked: 05/15/2026
Released: 5/15/2026 at 11:48 AM
Type: Cash bond
Released to: Self
EISENBRANDT, JONAH, 46
Booked: 05/15/2026
Released: 5/17/2026 at 6:03 PM
Type: Time served
Released to: Self
SINGMASTER, DAKOTA DAVID, 32
Booked: 05/15/2026
Released: 5/15/2026 at 9:34 PM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: A+ Bonding
Source: Arrest Summary PDF | Inmate Released List PDF
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Unpickled Beets
Several days before my family gathered in to celebrate our Lord’s resurrection, I’d sent out a group text and asked what food item(s) were desired for our meal. Hands down, the answer was “pickled beets and cottage cheese.” Welp, that’s easy enough. I’ve used Betty Crocker’s simple recipe for years. As we began to set the food on the table, the usual sneaky taste-testing began. I wasn’t even in the kitchen when I heard my daughter yell, “Mom, you forgot the vinegar!” I came in, ate a beet and calmly said, “Yep, you’re right.” Well, to my daughter and son, this was a disaster so they began to quickly troubleshoot how it fix it. We decided to put the unpickled beets and juice in a plastic zipper bag, add some vinegar, and shake it around. It worked! I realized an interesting fact — before tasting the beets, they looked perfectly pickled and delicious. They weren’t.
You might say these pickled beets were hypocrites – they weren’t what they were supposed to be. There’s no way my family was going to eat these things in the shape they were in. A remedy had to be found – they had to be salvaged. Likewise, God carefully watched mankind and knew we had to be rescued, saved, and restored. There was no way we could fix ourselves so He sent His Son Jesus, the one and only remedy.
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8 NKJV). Just like tasting those unpickled beets, we have to get up close and personal to find out for ourselves if the Lord is who He says He is. Since believers are God’s children, designed to emulate their heavenly Father, we need to do a taste test on ourselves and evaluate whether we’re who we proclaim to be. We “taste ourselves” in the mirror of His Word, which means we read it, believe it, and do it.
If we evaluate ourselves and don’t pass the taste test, don’t throw the beets out the back door! Remember, there is a Remedy Redeemer when we need to be restored. Penned by John the beloved, we find the recipe for living the beautiful life God designed for us: “God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with
each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just
to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:5-9 NLT).
Mariam and Aaron loved pickled beets so much that they weren’t willing to dispose of them. They worked together and devised a plan that rescued the hypocrite beets from the garbage disposer. The above scriptures assure us that God loves, values, and cherishes every person on the face of the earth. God’s love and mercy is unfailing and eternal and all the ingredients we need to live in the light are at our disposal. Reading and following the recipe (God’s Word) will cause believers in Christ to experience a satisfying,
fulfilling, and abundant life without condemnation. The flavor of living an obedient life that’s genuinely surrendered to Christ is delectable!
The Key: Do a taste test on yourself and see if you’re an unpickled beet posing as a pickled beet. If you need to, fix it.
Late Spring/Early Summer Brush Control
Across Kansas rangeland and pasture acres, three native shrub species are becoming increasingly common: buckbrush, roughleaf dogwood, and smooth sumac. While each plays a role in the ecosystem, unchecked growth can reduce forage production and limit grazing efficiency. Understanding how to identify and manage these species is key to maintaining productive pastures.
Buckbrush is a low-growing shrub that can reach over six feet in height and spreads aggressively through rhizomes and stolons. It is commonly found in disturbed woodlands, along creek banks, old fields, and in pastures. With opposite leaves and red fruit produced in late summer, it is relatively easy to identify during the growing season. However, its tendency to form dense colonies allows it to outcompete desirable grasses and forbs.
Roughleaf dogwood, a larger shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall, is often found along fencerows, streambanks, and woodland edges. It produces clusters of white flowers in late spring, followed by white berries in the fall. While it provides valuable wildlife habitat and cover for birds, it can become problematic in grasslands where fire is absent, gradually encroaching and reducing forage availability.
Smooth sumac is another widespread shrub, typically growing 5 to 7 feet tall. It is easily recognized by its compound leaves and bright red fall color, along with its distinctive seed heads that resemble milo. Found on rocky soils, fencerows, and pastures, smooth sumac also provides some wildlife value but can quickly form dense stands.
A common challenge with all three species is their ability to form thick clumps that shade out herbaceous vegetation. Most cattle avoid grazing these shrubs, allowing them to spread further. Sheep and goats may utilize them more readily, but grazing alone is rarely sufficient for control.
Effective management begins with early detection and a planned approach. For buckbrush, mechanical methods such as mowing can be useful if timed correctly. Cutting after leaf-out, when root energy reserves are low, can weaken the plant. However, a single mowing is not enough—multiple cuttings or consecutive years of prescribed burning in late spring are often needed for meaningful control.
Herbicide applications are another option for buckbrush, with the best results occurring when plants are fully leafed out but not yet mature, typically from mid-May to early June. Several herbicide combinations are effective, but producers should always follow label directions and consider potential impacts on desirable species.
Roughleaf dogwood presents a different challenge. It thrives in the absence of fire, and research has shown that infrequent burning allows populations to increase significantly. Annual late-spring burning can help suppress its spread, though established stands are difficult to eliminate with fire alone. Herbicide treatments can reduce top growth, but complete control often requires a multi-year strategy combining burning and follow-up applications after regrowth.
Smooth sumac is generally easier to control compared to the other two species. While late-spring burning can reduce plant height, it may increase stem density. Herbicide applications made between the flower bud stage and early seed development are typically very effective, especially when coverage is adequate.
In addition to foliar sprays, soil-applied herbicides can be used in certain situations, particularly where drift from spraying is a concern. These products can provide control of roughleaf dogwood and smooth sumac, though care must be taken to avoid damage to desirable vegetation downslope.
Growing-season burns, including those conducted in August, may also help reduce populations of roughleaf dogwood and smooth sumac over time.
Ultimately, managing these native shrubs requires a combination of methods and a long-term commitment. No single treatment will provide complete control, but integrating fire, mechanical practices, and herbicides can restore balance and improve forage production.
As always, when using herbicides, consult the product label for the most current recommendations and application guidelines.
Lonnie Mengarelli is a Kansas State University Extension Agriculture agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720
One consistent, caring adult can change the trajectory of a child’s life.
CASA Volunteers build relationships, listen, advocate, and stand beside children who have
experienced abuse or neglect.
You don’t have to be perfect.
You just have to care.
Step up. Become a CASA Volunteer.
Contact Christa at [email protected]
Automotive Technology Instructor – LaHarpe, KS Campus
Flint Hills Technical College is seeking a full-time instructor for the Automotive Technology program, located in LaHarpe, KS, beginning with the Fall 2026 semester.
The successful candidate will have knowledge of the principles of operation for fundamental concepts of at least half of the following subjects:
Qualifications:
Salary and Benefits:
Application Process:
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, unofficial college transcripts, and contact information for three professional references to Human Resources at [email protected].
The FHTC Board of Trustees reserves the right to withdraw positions prior to being filled.
