The Bourbon County Monitor (Page 2)

'You've Got a Serious, Serious Problem': Asbestos Expert Sounds Alarm on Courthouse

An expert who has studied asbestos since 1968 says deteriorating pipe insulation in the Bourbon County Courthouse basement needs immediate lab testing.

By Nick Graham

/ 14 Aug 2026

'You've Got a Serious, Serious Problem': Asbestos Expert Sounds Alarm on Courthouse

How I Nearly Bankrupted My Family At Age 39 - Part 2

Nick meets the amazing entrepreneur who will change the course of his life forever, and then it all goes wrong (again).

By Nick Graham

/ 13 Aug 2026

How I Nearly Bankrupted My Family At Age 39 - Part 2

IRS rejects city's request to release Moody Building liens, signals openness to $4,450 appraised-value payoff

The IRS rejected Fort Scott’s initial request to release Moody Building liens, but may consider a settlement based on the property’s $4,450 appraised value.

By Nick Graham

/ 12 Aug 2026

IRS rejects city's request to release Moody Building liens, signals openness to $4,450 appraised-value payoff

County Clerk Susan Walker Resigns; Hoyt Named Acting Clerk As Staff Transfers Out

Bourbon County Clerk Susan Walker announced her resignation Monday, citing both a new job and ongoing conflict with county leadership.

By Nick Graham

/ 11 Aug 2026

County Clerk Susan Walker Resigns; Hoyt Named Acting Clerk As Staff Transfers Out

Fort Scott library adds makerspace, expands programs for kids and teens

The library has bought a 3D printer and a laser engraver for a makerspace opening to the public this fall. A sewing machine, short-film screenings and a rebuilt teen space are also on the way.

By Carley Horton

/ 10 Aug 2026

Fort Scott library adds makerspace, expands programs for kids and teens

How I Nearly Bankrupted My Family At Age 39

"You would think that arrogance and insecurity would be mutually exclusive - at least I always did. What I learned seven years ago, and learned the hard way, is that they are in fact two sides of the same coin."

By Nick Graham

/ 8 Aug 2026

How I Nearly Bankrupted My Family At Age 39

Building a safe haven: Fort Scott commission approves child advocacy center at the Gunn Park house

Commissioners unanimously backed a plan to convert the Gunn Park house into a trauma-informed intake center for Fort Scott's youngest crime victims.

By Curtis Major

/ 7 Aug 2026

Building a safe haven: Fort Scott commission approves child advocacy center at the Gunn Park house

No Company, No Second: Executive Session Motion Collapses Over Unverified “Development Group”

Commissioners could not confirm a “Bourbon County Development Group” exists before its representative (a former county commissioner) left the building.

By Curtis Major

/ 6 Aug 2026

No Company, No Second: Executive Session Motion Collapses Over Unverified “Development Group”

The Curator’s Eye: A Bowl with a Purpose

Sometimes a simple bowl can do something extraordinary. This First Friday, August 7th, The Artificers will be hosting a special pottery demonstration as we throw bowls for the Empty Bowls

By Kate Freeman

/ 5 Aug 2026

The Curator’s Eye: A Bowl with a Purpose

Hueston Holds Three Vote Lead in District 1 County Commission Race

Three votes separate Mike Hueston and Pete Owenby in the District 1 Republican primary. The winner won't be official until the Aug. 17 canvass.

By Nick Graham

/ 4 Aug 2026

Hueston Holds Three Vote Lead in District 1 County Commission Race

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

County's Credit Rating Could Be Downgraded, Commissioner Says

County Employees And Elected Officials Describe A Workplace Of Fear And Low Morale

County officials describe a climate of paranoia, fear, and micromanagement at the Bourbon County courthouse.

By Nick Graham

/ 3 Aug 2026

County Employees And Elected Officials Describe A Workplace Of Fear And Low Morale