|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Bourbon County Arts Council Presents Barnaby Bright on April 30
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports April 8
Application Deadline for 2026 Boys State of Kansas Session Set for April 30
April 7, 2026 — The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is accepting applications for its 2026 session through Thursday, April 30. Applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. The event is set to be held Sunday, May 31, through Saturday, June 6, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 34th consecutive session at KSU and 88th overall.
Kansas Boys State is for individuals who will complete their sophomore or junior year of high school this spring. The cost to attend the Boys State of Kansas program is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or his family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2026 session should visit ksbstate.org to apply. Furthermore, delegates who are returning to KBS for a second year (high school sophomores during the 2024-25 academic year) have the opportunity to attend the 2026 session for just $50 total, provided they get at least three eligible people from their school (or another school) to attend.
Kansas Boys State attendees are also eligible to receive a three-hour course credit (Introduction to Political Science [POLSC 110-C]) through K-State at a 72% discount, as well as earn merit badges to attain the Eagle Scout rank through Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, attendees can apply to win a Samsung American Legion Scholarship. The American Legion Department of Kansas finalist is guaranteed a $1,250 scholarship, with the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 as a national scholar.
The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.
Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit ksbstate.org/sponsor. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at [email protected] or (785) 550-6492. For complete information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas program, visit ksbstate.org.
For information about the 2026 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, May 31, through Friday, June 5, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit ksgirlsstate.org.
— #KSBoysState —
The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.
The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.
Scam Is Circulating in Kansas
|
|
|
|
FSCC Trustees In Attendance at Foundation Dinner This Evening
This is to provide notice that members of the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees may be in attendance at the Fort Scott Community College Foundation Scholarship Dinner this evening.
The event is scheduled for April 7 at 6:00 p.m. and will be held at the Ellis Center.
It is possible that more than four Board members will be present. No official business will be conducted during this event.
Submitted by
Gina Shelton, CPA
Fort Scott Community College
CFO – VP of Finance & Operations
Supported Decision-making Agreements Act Is Signed
|
| Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor: |
    |
|
||||
Audit, Sewer, and Accounting Processes Covered in Bourbon County Commission Meeting, April 6, 2026
Public Comments
Susan Walker, County Clerk
Elections: Commissioners for Districts 1, 3, and 4 are on the ballots for this year and all the clerks in the townships of Bourbon County, as well as one precinct committee man in each precinct and one precinct committee man for each of the political parties.
The deadline for candidates to file is June 1 at noon. The primary will be held Aug. 4 for the precinct positions.
Commissioner David Beerbower asked about deadlines for adding questions to the ballot. Walker said she would find that information for him.
Accounts Payable Process for Internal Controls:
Walker gave a handout to commissioners to point out to the commissioners some controls to add to the county’s accounts payable process. The first is to have the commissioners sign the vouchers they are asked to review. The chairman signs the checks.
If there are issues with things not being filled out properly, the clerk’s office will ask the departments to resubmit them for coding purposes.
“In the future if we have commissioner expenses … we will just send those to the commission and you can just have your administrative assistant fill out the information and code it how it should be coded,” said Walker.
“We are probably going to be a little bit more strict in the process,” she added.
Commissioner Samuel Tran asked why the commission’s administrative assistant would code for accounts payable. Walker explained that all the other departments do their own coding of bills.
“We may need another assistant,” said Commissioner Mika Milburn-Kee.
Walker offered to continue to code the commission’s expenses.
“I asked one question. I don’t need to open up Pandora’s box, thank you very much,” replied Tran.
Walker asked if the commission wanted her office to continue to code their expenses. Tran said he would take it under advisement.
Micheal Bryant
Last week it was mentioned that there was an external audit done on the sheriff’s department. Bryant requested a copy of that audit through the clerk’s office, but was told there was no audit completed.
“Am I missing something that’s not public that was referenced?” he asked.
Milburn-Kee handed him a document (KORA Audit). He asked if it was a completed audit. No commissioners answered.
“Until I read this, I’m going to go under the assumption that it was not completed,” Bryant said.
He then referenced a 2021 audit with three discrepancies in the sheriff’s accounting where they had 100% control of those accounts, in violation of KS281004.
He said that excluding the sheriff’s department from an audit, knowing there is a history of issues doesn’t make sense.
Empirical evidence that there is fraud afoot should go to the sheriff’s department, he said, not cause the commission to spend thousands of dollars on an audit.
Then he referred to previous allegations that went through a sheriff’s investigation and referral to the county attorney and on to the state attorney general who determined that there was no fraud in that case.
The commission refused to respond to his questions about the accuracy of his recounting.
“We continue to have discrepancies in some of the facts that are presented. From a commission, that’s a huge issue. Obviously you guys can’t interact with the public, you can’t even answer emails, can you?” Bryant asked. “I would challenge this commission….to reopen the audit that was voted on last week and….at a minimum to include the sheriff.”
“How do we get a response from a commissioner on a question that we have? Do I need to be a part of the neighborhood club? What has to happen here?” He concluded.
Commissioner Joe Allen offered to take his call at any time.
Sewer Discussion with County Attorney James Crux
The commission conducted a work session about the sewer problem, however several county residents with an interest in the topic attended the regular meeting.
Tran summarized the work session saying that the codes are “very hard to enforce,” and the issue has not been resolved. They discussed adopting a new code making non-compliance a Class A misdemeanor. It would require a trained employee to enforce.
“It may end up going to the planning committee,” Tran said. “We are working the issue.”
Crux said that some civil suits have been filed about this issue as well.
Milburn-Kee said that there is also a possibility of adding assessments to properties. “Which gives a little bit of motivation to fix those things.”
Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) Subject: Employee Performance – 5 commissioners, Terry Halsey, Leslie Heron and Jennifer Hawkins for 30 minutes. Motion for session carried with Milburn-Kee opposing.
Returned to session no action.
Reentered for another 5 minute session.
Returned to session with no action.
Department Updates
Clerk, Treasurer, ROD, County Attorney – Courthouse Space and Destruction of Property
County Attorney James Crux asked for clarity about the basement clean out project. Beerbower clarified that files, maps, and historical books are not included in the clean out.
Crux asked who is moving the items and where they are going.
Beerbower said that any department wanting to keep their items is fine, but the goal is to “create space where space can be used.”
Crux also clarified that the evidence room is not in the list of places to be cleared out.
Commissioner Joe Allen said the plan is to consolidate the items and then asking various county departments to take what they need before disposing of the rest. The majority of the items in question are desks, chairs, and cabinets, as well as items left behind by previous tenants of a building the ER department now has use of.
Allen asked for a week to get loose ends tied up before going ahead with moving the items.
Old Business
SEK Juvenile Detention Contract
The commission moved to end the contract last year, it was too late to end it at that time. The new commission needs to decide their action regarding the letter that will official end the agreement.
Bourbon County is part owner of the detention center, has about $450,000 in equity in the center, and pays $130,000 per year to remain part owner.
Motley mentioned that the Sheriff thinks the letter of termination should be signed.
Tran read the letter and the commission decided to bring it back at the next meeting with updated dates and commission names.
Commission Comments
Motley: Will attend the SEK RPC board meeting this week.
Allen: Stay positive and remember the meaning of Easter.
Obituary of Timothy Dean York
Timothy Dean York, age 62, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. Private burial will take place at the U.S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the Timothy York Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Obituary of Andrew William Miles
Andrew William Miles, known to many as Andy, passed away on April 2, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas, as the result of a motorcycle accident. He was born on December 4, 1989, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and lived a life marked by love, adventure, and selfless devotion to the people who knew him best.
Andy was a Christian man whose faith was an important part of his life and the way he treated others. He was the kind of person who made an impression wherever he went, not because he sought attention, but because of the steady kindness, warmth, and sincerity he brought into every room. Those who loved him will remember him as loving, adventurous, and selfless, qualities that were evident in the way he cared for his family, his friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.
Andy attended Fort Scott Harley Davidson school, where he developed the skills and knowledge that supported his work as a motorcycle mechanic. He took pride in his work and found purpose in doing what he loved. His hands and his heart were both dedicated to motorcycles, and he appreciated the craftsmanship, freedom, and spirit that came with them. His work reflected his character, steady and dependable, and he was respected for the care he gave to every job he took on.
Motorcycles were more than a profession to Andy. They were a lifelong interest and a source of joy. He enjoyed traveling, spending time on the open road, and making memories along the way. He especially treasured hanging out with his wife and friends on weekends, where laughter, conversation, and simple time together meant the most. Andy understood the value of shared moments, and he made those around him feel welcome, appreciated, and loved.
Family was at the center of Andy’s life. He is survived by his wife, Rachel Miles, and their children, Karsten Miles, Kristian Miles, Mackinzie Larrabee, and Loretta Miles. He also leaves behind his stepdaughters, Chanelle Cravens and Peyton Cravens. He was deeply loved by his mother, Pepper Miles; his father, James Andrew Miles; his stepmother, Misty Miles; his brothers, James Miles, Steven Morris, and Adam Miles; his sisters, Amanda Collins and Christine Hall; and his aunt, Crystal Greenway. Many nieces, nephews, cousins. His family will forever carry his memory in their hearts and remember the many ways he showed up for them with loyalty, humor, and care.
Andy was also welcomed in death by those who went before him, including his grandpa Edward Knoblich, grandma Ann Lee, uncle Nickie Knoblich, great-grandma May Knoblich, great-grandpa Edward Knoblich, grandma Jane Knoblich, grandpa Norman Earl Miles, grandma Helen Miles, and several others in heaven with him. Though his passing leaves a painful emptiness, his loved ones take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with those who loved him and await him beyond this life.
Andy’s life, though far too short, was filled with meaning. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his adventurous heart, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion, strength, and kindness that will continue to live on in the stories shared about him and in the lives of those who were blessed to know him. His memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration, and he will be dearly missed always.
Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, April 9th at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle. Following services, there will be cremation. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Andy Miles Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
April 7, 2026 Bourbon County Planning Commission Meeting Agenda
Bourbon County Planning Committee Agenda for Tuesday April 7th, 2026
1. Pledge
2. Roll
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of minutes from February 11th and April 1st
5. Review Comprehensive Plan RFP submissions with Mel
6. New Business
7. Public Comment
8. Next Meeting and Agenda
9. Adjournment
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report April 7
Letter to the Editor: Loretta Jent
FREEDOM! Our ancestors fought for it, and this year our country celebrates it on our 250th Anniversary! We have much for which to be thankful! True, we are not perfect. That’s why we should try to be, and give, our best in return.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union has worked 152 of those 250 years to educate about the harm alcohol does to individuals as well as families in the United States.
Thankfully, more and more health organizations in our country are speaking up to educate about the toxic poison alcohol is on our bodies.
We are being advised to drink alcoholic beverages less, or not at all, because of the harm it does on all major organs in our body: Liver, Heart, Brain, Pancreas. It also damages the digestive system, kidneys, immune system, and increases cancer risk in the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon.
The National Institute of Health (nih.gov) reports that alcohol use causes more than 178,000 deaths per year.
Spring is an exciting time for new life and change!
Why not decide to throw off the bondage, or even the possibility of bondage, from alcoholic beverages?!
Perhaps you already know FREEDOM from alcohol. If not, why not choose to be FREE! Saying “No” to alcohol will not only make you healthier, but our nation will be healthier too!
National WCTU has new 2026 Youth Temperance Education flyers and posters to help educate others. Order yours at [email protected], or call (847)864-1396.
Submitted by
Mrs. Loreta Jent, Education Director,
National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union