Government

• Government

County's Credit Rating Could Be Downgraded, Commissioner Says

A county commissioner says he is fearful of a downgrade after Tuesday's call with S&P Global Ratings, which flagged concerns about Bourbon County's cash reserves.

By Nick Graham

/ 4 Aug 2026

• Government

Texas PAC spends more than $15,800 on county commission races; candidates say they never asked

Both candidates said they never asked for the spending, had never heard of the group, and support zoning.

By Nick Graham

/ 30 Jul 2026

• Government

Chief Judge Warns Bourbon County Elevator Failure Threatens Jury Trials, Case Dismissals

Internal county emails show a basement construction project tied to a separate elevator modernization effort - not the emergency repair contractor- triggered the contract dispute that has kept the courthouse elevator failing for weeks.

By Curtis Major

/ 29 Jul 2026

• Government

Split Commission Defeats Motion to Fund Hospital Legal Fight

Motion by Commissioner Gregg Motley to reserve legal funds in the 2027 budget fails after commissioners split over whether the county should intervene in a dispute between the hospital building's two private tenants.

By Curtis Major

/ 28 Jul 2026

• Government

Recall Committee Turns In 2,603 Signatures Seeking Removal of County Clerk

Verification now falls to the county attorney's office; dismissed committee members seek to rejoin clerk's lawsuit ahead of Tuesday hearing.

By Nick Graham

/ 27 Jul 2026

• Government

County Commission Rejects Consultant's Request For Flexibility, Holds Levy Flat

Board also discusses whether the county's two-truck ambulance service can absorb any cuts.

By Nick Graham

/ 24 Jul 2026

• Government

Fort Scott Commission Backs Plan for a $4 Million Rodeo Arena at Fairgrounds

Commissioners direct city manager to pursue funding for 2,000-seat fairgrounds facility.

By Nick Graham

/ 22 Jul 2026

• News

County Tables Zoning Plan, Citing Lack Of Funds

A month after asking consultants to "find the money," the commission tabled its comprehensive plan contract in a split vote.

By Nick Graham

/ 20 Jul 2026

• Government

County Commission To Review Forensic Audit Proposals

Bourbon County commissioners plan to review forensic audit proposals July 20, more than two months after the bids were due to arrive.

By Millie Lipscomb

/ 17 Jul 2026

• Government

Commissioners Vote 4-1 Against Transitional Housing Grant Application, Vow To Keep Seeking Solutions

Fort Scott commissioners voted Monday against seeking $1.575 million in federal funds to convert a former convent into transitional housing, but pledged to keep pursuing other solutions to homelessness.

By Nick Graham

/ 15 Jul 2026

• Government

Commissioners Weigh Flat Mill Levy Against Revenue Neutral Rate, Delay Vote To July 20

Bourbon County commissioners delayed a decision on whether to exceed the revenue neutral rate until the July 20 meeting after debating holding the mill levy flat or raising additional revenue.

By Nick Graham

/ 14 Jul 2026

• Government

Fort Scott Commission Approves Enclosed Dock for Lake Patrol Boat

Commissioners voted 4-1 to award a $75,730 contract to a local contractor, with the lone dissenting vote citing the lack of a second bid.

By Curtis Major

/ 14 Jul 2026