News - The Bourbon County Monitor

Business owners warn historic district penalties could drive them out

Ordinance specifies penalties of up to a $1000 fine or six months in jail; proponents say the intent is to prevent demolition by neglect.

By Nick Graham

/ 10 Sep 2026

Business owners warn historic district penalties could drive them out

New $10 million Fort Scott chemical plant to make cleaning agents for beef industry

Diversey Solenis says its new Fort Scott plant will blend dry and liquid cleaning products for the beef industry, with 14 positions still being filled.

By Nick Graham

/ 9 Sep 2026

New $10 million Fort Scott chemical plant to make cleaning agents for beef industry

City Commission eliminates 2027 demolition funding in 3-2 vote

Commissioners zeroed out demolition funding, then questioned whether a codes position was affected by the cut.

By Nick Graham

/ 8 Sep 2026

City Commission eliminates 2027 demolition funding in 3-2 vote

Hitting the ground running: Bourbon County's new clerk details her plans as commissioners react

Bourbon County's newly appointed clerk, Ann Clarkson, is hitting the ground running.

By Curtis Major

/ 4 Sep 2026

Hitting the ground running: Bourbon County's new clerk details her plans as commissioners react

Diversey hiring 14 as Fort Scott plant prepares for October startup

Diversey is hiring for 14 positions at its new Fort Scott plant in the former Valu building. Interested applicants can apply online.

By Nick Graham

/ 3 Sep 2026

Diversey hiring 14 as Fort Scott plant prepares for October startup

County votes 4-0 for courthouse asbestos inspection after Monday deadlock

Courthouse asbestos concerns could delay elevator rebuild and force a larger move of district court operations, while a separate salary decision passed 3-1 after two executive sessions.

By Nick Graham

/ 3 Sep 2026

County votes 4-0 for courthouse asbestos inspection after Monday deadlock

City Hall closure was ransomware attack, IT director tells commission

Fort Scott officials publicly detailed the Aug. 18 ransomware attack Tuesday, outlining what happened and how the city responded.

By Nick Graham

/ 2 Sep 2026

City Hall closure was ransomware attack, IT director tells commission

BREAKING: Annie Clarkson Named Bourbon County’s New Clerk

The Bourbon County Republican Party selects Annie Clarkson as the county’s next clerk in a 39-2 vote.

By Curtis Major

/ 1 Sep 2026

BREAKING: Annie Clarkson Named Bourbon County’s New Clerk

County commission hits stalemate on courthouse asbestos testing

The commission will take up courthouse asbestos testing again after two motions to approve it failed Monday night.

By Nick Graham

/ 1 Sep 2026

County commission hits stalemate on courthouse asbestos testing

Fort Scott director details what $1.45 million Buck Run grant will provide

Community Development Director Rachel Carpenter told the Monitor the three-year grant will build a creekside path, rebuild a hidden stone bridge and finish school-zone safety work by 2030.

By Nick Graham

/ 28 Aug 2026

Fort Scott director details what $1.45 million Buck Run grant will provide

Fort Scott commissioners agree to study $1 million SEK Solar proposal, hold off on committing

A Chanute solar company says Fort Scott could save about $60,000 a year by installing solar at five city buildings. Commissioners agreed to study the proposal further.

By Curtis Major

/ 27 Aug 2026

Fort Scott commissioners agree to study $1 million SEK Solar proposal, hold off on committing

2027 budget talks center on flat mill levy, rebuilding reserves

Commissioners discuss keeping spending at the revenue neutral rate while increasing cash reserves.

By Nick Graham

/ 26 Aug 2026

2027 budget talks center on flat mill levy, rebuilding reserves