Did you know that Hypertension, or high blood pressure, often has no symptoms? Left unmanaged, it can lead to serious health concerns such as heart disease and stroke. April’s K-State Extension OWL Hour will provide practical, easy-to-understand information to help you take charge of heart health!
HAPp Now is part of the Hypertension Awareness & Prevention (HAPp) initiative. This educational program is designed to help adults understand their blood pressure numbers, why hypertension matters, and what steps they can take to protect their heart health.
During the session, participants will:
• Learn what blood pressure is and what the numbers mean
• Discover simple lifestyle strategies for heart health through the art of ‘habit stacking’
• Learn how to accurately measure blood pressure at home
Small changes can make a big difference, and this session gives participants the tools and confidence to get started!
April’s sessions will be:
• Yates Center: 4/13 at the 4H Community Building.
• St Paul: 4/14 at the Graves Memorial Public Library.
• Fort Scott: 4/15 at the Fort Scott Public Library.
• Iola: 4/16 at the Southwind Iola Extension Office.
There is no cost to attend. All sessions begin at 10:00 a.m. For more information, contact Hollie Yoho at 620-625-8620 or [email protected].
Clint Walker: Walker said he has been attending county commission meetings for decades and is distressed by the condition of the flags at the courthouse. They are in shreds.
“You all set the standards. You all let me down,” he told the commission.
County Clerk Susan Walker: Walker addressed the commisison about personnel records. Citing Attorney General Opinion 94121 on whether an individual commissioner has statutory authority to look at “otherwise discretionally-closed personnel records,” she said that the authority to do so is given to the board as a whole, but not to individual members. The opinion continued by saying that elected officials in the state of Kansas have the right to keep their own personnel files, which are “often exempt from public disclosure requirements.”
In addition, Attorney General Opinion 2003-15 talks about the authority of county commissioners to adopt budgets, but says that they should not be allowed to micromanage the employees of other elected officials, which would render those officials’ authority meaningless. If the commissioners target the pay of an individual employee in elected office, intending to improperly affect the employment status of the particular employee, it would exceed the county commissioners’ authority, per the Attorney General’s opinion.
Walker then requested that all past and present personnel records be forwarded to her office. She will send any payroll changes to the payroll clerk.
Sheriff Bill Martin: Asked for permission to speak to Payentry directly about issues with his employees.
Department Updates
EMS Update: Teri Hulsey, EMS Director
KRI has removed what they want from the building that EMS is supposed to have access to. It still has a lot of stuff that needs to be moved out to make it usable. Commissioner David Beerbower said there are plans for an auction forthcoming.
Cintas
A representative from Cintas came to discuss providing the hygiene products in the courthouse bathrooms. He said he can save the county 10 percent over the current provider, Osborn. This would be in addition to the mat service Cintas already provides for the courthouse.
Commissioner Mika Milburn said she would be in favor of letting the building maintenance crew make the decision.
Vending Machine
Bernard Streeter, operator of SNS Vending in Fort Scott, manages vending machines on the second floor of the courthouse near the county attorney’s office. He said he is loosing more products on them than he is making money. He wants to pull them and suggested putting a combination machine on the first floor instead.
The commission decided to collect information and work on the issue in the next meeting.
Old Business Sewer issue
Kaety Bowers spoke with the commission about the communication she has received for the state of Kansas regarding sewage seeping into and in some cases being drained directly into the lake. She represents an HOA spanning two counties, Bourbon and Lynn, at the lake.
Bowers said there is only one septic pumping service on the lake. There are 30-40 homes in the neighborhood that are not getting pumped. At least one is draining directly into the lake. KDHE is pushing the HOA to do something about it, but they have no authority to assess code violations. Because of their bylaws, the soonest they can make any changes is 2033.
KDHE is adamant that Bourbon County needs to prosecute, she said.
Based on the $200/day fine currently in place, there is potentially $7,000 per day in fineable sewer violations in Bowers’ neighborhood alone. She said that adds up to $2.5 million over the course of one year.
Commissioner Gregg Motley said that the solution is for the commission to ask the county attorney to enforce the state statute.
Bower ssaid she recognizes the challenge of enforcing codes in the county.
Tran confirmed Bowers’ information regarding the unpumped homes.
“As county officials, we need to make sure that we are doing what we are supposed to be doing to safeguard the lives of people in this county,” he said.
“Sounds like we need to work on our resources, quickly,” said Beerbower.
“We will try to do something about it,” said Tran to Bowers.
Audit RFP
Tran passed around a draft of an RFP (Request for Proposal).
Motley and Beerbower each requested to table it for a week to evaluate it and make the decisions about details of the RFP. The point of contact is the commission’s administrative assistant.
They voted to table it until next Monday.
Salary Resolution – Gregg Motley
There was a transposed number on one of the salaries. The correction was made.
CIC Hardware Support
Computer Information Concepts provides the accounting software for the county. The commission approved paying the cost of $2,500 annually to cover the installation and maintenance on all machines at the county that need it.
Auction update
Commissioner Joe Allen said he is planning to come through the county building and confirm with everyone that they have marked the items currently stored in the basement that they want to keep for their departments. Then he will look at ways to auction the remaining items.
“I’m assuming that by doing this auction, we’re going to open up space,” said Allen.
“I need to identify how much stuff we have to do an auction,” Allen said.
New Business ADM Agreement
Public Works Director Kenny Allen said the transfer station doesn’t have the equipment to turn the beans and cover the trash. The tractor has been at the repair shop since last June, and they have been making do with a backhoe.
Allen suspects that they are being given more beans then they need. Allen said they loose money when transferring tires.
The commission discussed changes that need to be made to the county’s contract with ADM and updates the landfill needs.
Allen will come back next Monday with information for the commission about the suggested changes and updates.
Property Tax Relief – 1111 Beech
Voted to approve 100% of the value of the structure for abatement.
Title IV-E County Reimbursement Opportunity
Commission moved to have Motley look into it and report back at the next meeting.
Commissioner Comments
Mika Milburn thanked the board for their willingness to work together.
Joe Allen said he thought communication went well this week within the county.
Samuel Tran thanked everyone for working together to get the county’s business done.
Learn how to improve your business visibility in local searches, build customer trust, and make your Google Business profile work for you.
About the presenter
Sara Comer, owner of Gracefully Managed of Columbus, KS has presented workshops and offers remote training around the region on topics such as e-commerce, websites, & social media.
This workshop is brought to you by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, made possible through Network Kansas and our Bourbon County eCommunity program.
Governor Kelly Issues Statement:
“State Employees Deserve
Better Than Table Scraps”
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Kelly issued the below statement regarding state employee pay increases:
“Kansas depends on the good work done by state employees year-round: from clearing roads of snow in the winter to mitigating wildfires in the spring; from keeping Kansas children safe and healthy to honoring our promises to veterans after their service to our nation, and putting themselves in harm’s way daily to maintain safety and public order.
“And yet, once again, the Legislature disrespects these hardworking Kansans by leaving consideration of pay raises until the end of the budget process while securing pay increases for themselves. They’ve already given themselves a 93% pay increase two years ago on top of a 4% increase this year even as they work fewer legislative days. And the Legislature had no difficulty finding a way to give their own staff a 10% raise.
“The Legislature needs to fund the 2.5% pay increase that I called for in my budget at the beginning of this legislative session.”
Wanda L. Woolsey (McPherson), 72, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of March 20, 2026, at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri.
Wanda was born on August 29, 1953, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Richard and Ella Marie Olson. She was the second oldest of six children, one brother and four sisters—and the bond they shared was truly unmatched. In their family, “if it happens to one, it happens to all,” and they lived that out in the way they loved and supported each other. Her siblings would all tell you that Wanda was the ornery one, always ready to drag you into an adventure and just as ready to blame you if it didn’t go as planned.
Wanda loved God and her family above all else, and she lived her life rooted in both. She carried a strong and steady work ethic, following in her mother’s footsteps to become a histologist. She spent much of her career working in pathology at Upshire Labs in Kansas City and Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, where her dedication and care made a lasting impact.
Wanda had a deep love for life’s simple joys. She enjoyed gardening, bowling, camping, reading, boating, Bible study, and most recently, creating diamond art paintings—she was constantly working on them and gifting them to those she loved, friends and family alike. She had a special love for animals, especially her dogs, who she treated like her own children. In her later years, her beloved dorkie, Jasmine (“Jazzy”), was her constant companion, going everywhere with her—from running errands and attending doctor’s appointments to visit her daughter Jessie and playing alongside the grandkids. Wherever Wanda went, Jazzy was sure to be right there with her.
Her greatest joy, however, was her family, especially her grandchildren. Her entire face would light up at the sight or sound of them. She could be found cheering in the stands at her grandson’s
sporting events, attending her granddaughters’ choir concerts, and showing up for countless other activities—always beaming with love and pride. Her granddaughter Addison lovingly gave her the name “Gammy,” a name that stuck and was even adopted by many of the nurses who cared for her in her final weeks, as she made them feel like family.
Wanda would often say, “Oh, it’s granddaughters galore today,” whenever Addison and Alice surprised her with a visit—though truthfully, she usually already knew they were on their way, as
she liked to follow their comings and goings on Life360. She loved keeping up with her family and made sure they always knew they were cherished.
Wanda also loved garage sales and antiquing with anyone she could convince to come along. She never met a knick-knack she didn’t “need.”
She is survived by her daughters, Jessie (Zachary) Malson of Pomona, Kansas, and Michelle Callahan of Ohio; her grandchildren, Addison, Thomas, Ronan Malson, and Alice Callahan (Nathan Pardee), Katelynn Greer, and Curtis Callahan.
She is also survived by her siblings: Nancy Daum of Paola, Kansas; Marjene (Ron) Locke of Pueblo, Colorado; Loretta (Dan) Spotts of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Carl (Malinda) Olson of Paola, Kansas; and Janice (Randy) Menefee of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; along with two nieces, eight nephews, and countless great-nieces and great-nephews (and their spouses), all of whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Richard and Ella Marie Olson; the love of her life, Thomas McPherson; her sister-in-law, Debbie Olson; her nephew and his wife, James (Kandi) Locke; her nephew and great-nephew, Kurt (Tristian) Daum; and her second husband, David Woolsey.
Wanda will be remembered for her sharp wit, her strong spirit, her unwavering faith, and the deep love she had for her family. As she often said, “it will all come out in the wash.” Today, we rest in the peace of knowing she is free from pain and held in the arms of the Lord.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
— Revelation 21:4
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 28th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Cremation will follow. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until service time Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Wanda Woolsey Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Corey Jene Knight, age 24, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, joined Jesus Friday, March 20, 2026, at the University of Kansas Medical Center surrounded by his loved ones. Corey was finally freed from his wheelchair-bound life and walked through Heaven’s gates.
Corey leaves behind his loving mother, Kimberly Rose and stepfather, Jerry Rose of Fort Scott; his father, Kyle Knight and stepmother Shayla Knight of Uniontown, Kansas. Corey has three sisters, a stepsister, six brothers and a stepbrother. His big sister, Tricia Vargas of Fort Scott and two younger sisters, Kylee and Paisley of Uniontown and stepsister, Amy VanBecelare of Pittsburg. Two older brothers, Garrett and Dayton Knight of Fort Scott and four younger brothers Mathew, Reese, Cooper and Kaden of Uniontown and stepbrother, Jason Wilson of Fort Scott. Corey also leaves behind twelve nephews and a niece. Aiden, Leilan, Isaac, Benjamin, Jordan, Jax, Olivia, Trippton, Oliver, Ari, Opie, Roe and Castiel. Corey was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Earl and Billy Jene Graham and paternal grandparents, Virgil and Nadja Knight.
For twenty-four years, Corey defied the odds stacked against him. From his diagnosis before birth the outlook was bleak. Corey fought hard for twenty-four years, not being defined by statistics. Corey brought so much joy and happiness to everyone he met. His infectious smile and laugh would light up the room. Corey enjoyed musicals, concerts – particularly Members Only, ice cream, bubbles, balloons and most of all his love for his family and cuddles with his mama. Corey gets to walk into Heaven with Jesus and do all the things his earthly body couldn’t do.
Pastor Paul Martin will conduct a celebration of Corey’s life at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, March 26th at the Community Christian Church. Burial will follow in the Dayton Cemetery. The family asks that guests wear blue to honor Corey. Memorials are suggested to Families for Hope, Inc 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.
Most students talk about the financial relief of a scholarship, but it’s truly special when a student feels a personal connection to the fund’s history.
Kaylee Lunsford, a homeschooled student from Fort Scott, is currently studying animal science at Oklahoma State University. As a multi-year recipient of the Bill House Agricultural Scholarship through the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK), Kaylee’s goals are global, planning to pursue a career in International Ag Law to “give farmers a voice on the world stage.”
“I’m shocked every time I’m notified that I received the scholarship,” Kaylee said. “I’m just so happy the committee thinks I’m deserving of it.”
The connection goes deeper than just the scholarship. Kaylee grew up showing Hereford cattle with the American Hereford Association (AHA)—an organization where the late Mr. House once served as president.
“I feel a connection to Mr. House through our shared participation in the AHA,” Kaylee noted. “While I never met him, I hope I can carry on his legacy.”
Beyond easing financial stress, Kaylee says the award serves as a motivator to work harder. Her advice for future applicants? Be open and reflective. “I try to give the (review) committee a chance to see why I am worth investing in. I want them to get to know me, my passion, and my goals.”
CFSEK scholarship applications close March 31st, 2026. A full list of scholarships and their requirements is available at SoutheastKansas.org/Students/Scholarship. Scholarship applications are available online at SoutheastKansas.org/Scholarship-App.
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2.8 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $28 million in total granting to Southeast Kansas since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with various charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. The Columbus Area, Fort Scott Area, and Girard Area Community Foundations are affiliates of CFSEK. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.
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Intelligence Briefing on Worldwide Threats On Wednesday, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence held its annual worldwide threats hearing with the leaders of the Intelligence Community. I used the opportunity to ask CIA Director John Ratcliffe about how the conflict with Iran will benefit Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. I am concerned that providing Russia with sanctions relief on its oil exports will provide Vladimir Putin with more revenue to sustain his war machine, and I am also concerned about the disruption of supply chains that are critical to providing for Ukraine’s defense. As military operation in Iran continues, our military continues to make progress in degrading Iran’s capabilities that threaten our interests and partners in the region. As the Iranian regime continues to block the Strait of Hormuz, it is necessary for ships carrying energy, fertilizers and food to be permitted safe passage. I continue to pray for the safety of our Armed Forces as they carry out their missions.
Introducing Bipartisan Legislation to Revitalize Rural Hospitals
This week, as a member of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, I introduced bipartisan legislation with Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) to strengthen rural hospitals by providing zero-interest loans to support new construction and the renovation of existing hospital facilities. The resources would be provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Community Facilities Direct Loan Program to improve the ability of hospitals to provide essential health care services to rural communities.
Rural hospitals are critical to the well-being of the communities they serve in Kansas and across the country. Our legislation would provide a pathway for qualifying rural hospitals to make needed renovations and facility upgrades, helping to promote the long-term viability of rural hospitals and communities. You can learn more about the Rural Health Revitalization Act and my efforts to support rural Kansas health providers here.
VA Committee Passes 24 Bills Promoting Key Veterans Priorities
This week, I chaired a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs legislative markup, where our committee passed 24 pieces of bipartisan legislation to improve the lives of veterans, servicemembers and survivors across the country. I introduced four of the 24 bills that advanced out of committee, including the Love Lives On Act, the Guard/Reserve G.I. Bill Parity Act, the Veterans Prosthetics Advancement and Reform Act and the Fisher House Availability Act.
Under current law, surviving spouses of fallen servicemembers lose eligibility for most Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits if they remarry before the age of 55. I introduced the Love Lives On Act to allow surviving spouses to retain their DOD and VA benefits upon remarriage regardless of age so their families can continue receiving the benefits they need. Military service is family service, and no one knows that as well as a survivor. I am grateful this legislation passed out of committee and look forward to bringing it – and the other bipartisan pieces of legislation approved by the committee this week – forward for a full vote in the Senate.
You can learn more about the legislation and the markup here.
FAA Announces New Aviation Safety Standard This week, U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bedford took an important step to improve the safety of our skies by requiring air traffic controllers to use radar technology to coordinate aviation traffic near our nation’s busiest airports. Our aviation system is fragile, and the tragic mid-air collision on January 29, 2025, highlighted the urgent need to strengthen and modernize safety standards. The implementation of radar-only tracking for helicopters and airplanes was recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) following its investigation into the crash of Flight 5342, and I commend USDOT and FAA leadership for enacting this safety measure.
There is still work to be done, including passage of ROTOR Act, my legislation that would implement the broad adoption of location-transmitting technology, known as Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B), for planes and helicopters in busy airspace. I will continue working to pass the ROTOR Act to further strengthen critical aviation safety standards. You can learn more here.
Recognizing Women in Agriculture Day During National Agriculture Week, I joined my colleagues in introducing a resolution designating March 21, 2026, as National Women in Agriculture Day, honoring the more than 1.2 million women who contribute to American agriculture. Earlier this year, I also cosponsored a resolution recognizing 2026 as the International Year of the Women Farmer. In Kansas and across the nation, women play an important role in advancing the future of agriculture by managing family farm operations, educating the next generation of producers and supporting our rural communities. As we celebrate National Women in Agriculture Day, we extend our gratitude for their hard work, resilience and unwavering commitment to keeping our agricultural industry strong and investing in the future of rural America.
Update on the SAVE America Act This week and into the weekend, the Senate held extended debate on the SAVE America Act. If enacted, this legislation would set voter identification requirements, including proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. It would also require citizens to show photo ID, like a driver’s license, to vote in federal elections. Federal law already prohibits non-citizens voting in federal races. This legislation would create a uniform standard to verify that requirement across all 50 states.
In the last week of regular session, the Senate debated too many bills to cover here. All the bills can be found at www.KSLegislature.gov. Here are some of the bills that may impact you:
Banks and other financial institutions would be allowed to establish a trusted contact that could be contacted if there is suspected fraud. HB 2591 would also allow suspicious transactions to be delayed for up to 10 business days when the institution has reported the suspected fraud to law enforcement or to the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). There was a series fraud case in Linn County that involved cryptocurrency and we need this protection. It passed unanimously.
Cryptocurrency Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) would be required to warn users before a transaction occurs. The warning must be in bold letters, “WARNING: CONSUMER FRAUD OFTEN STARTS WITH CONTACT FROM A STRANGER…” Virtual currency kiosks, crypto ATMs, would also be limited on the transaction amount should HB 2515 became law. It passed unanimously.
Invasion of Privacy laws are strengthened in HB 2518 by making it clear that violations can involve any kind of image, video, or digital recording, including altered or AI-generated content. It significantly increases penalties when young victims are involved. It passed unanimously.
Property tax appeals at the Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) would require county appraisers to use a single-property appraisal that evaluates the specific characteristics of an individual property, rather than relying on mass appraisals that assess groups of properties. It passed 38 to 2. I voted yes.
Kansas Law Enforcement and federal immigration authorities’ cooperation would be strengthened by Senate Substitute for HB 2372. Sheriffs would be able to detain individuals based on valid ICE detainer requests or warrants. It establishes procedures for detention and release and would help detain criminals who entered the country illegally. The bill passed the Senate on a partisan vote 31 to 9. I voted yes.
The Crush Transnational Repression in Kansas Act, created by SB 454, would protect individuals from foreign intimidation and coercion within the state. It targets transnational repression and extortion, where foreign governments attempt to threaten, surveil, or control people living in Kansas. The bill increases criminal penalties for offenses like harassment, stalking, or threats when tied to these efforts and requires training to help law enforcement better recognize and respond to such cases. It passed unanimously.
Alcoholic Beverages would be authorized for sale 23 hours a day, seven days a week, if a county opts in and SB 393 becomes law for the duration of the FIFA 2026 World Cup – another bill just for the World Cup. I voted no, but the bill passed on a vote of 21 to 19.
Property Tax Relief Effortsare ongoing as the House and Senate advanced different constitutional amendments. The House proposal would average property values starting in 2028, while the Senate supports a 3% annual assessment value cap beginning in 2027. Lawmakers will now negotiate a compromise, aiming to provide relief and predictability for taxpayers. It’s much needed reform, like in 1975 when Kansans passed a Constitutional Amendment to protect farmers and ranchers from rising taxes. Polls show strong support for a 3% cap. In fact, 75% of those polled want the cap.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
