Bourbon County Selects New Emergency Manager

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Bourbon County Commissioners have selected a candidate to fill the vacant emergency manager position and plan to make an announcement once an offer is finalized. During a special meeting, the commissioners conducted three separate 20-minute executive sessions to interview candidates Sean Alyward, Nicholas Grotheer, and Louella Howard. After the final interview, the commissioners voted unanimously to allow the vice chairman to contact the county's HR consultant and execute their decision from the executive session.

Why it matters

The emergency manager position is crucial for coordinating the county's emergency response plan and serving as a liaison with state and local agencies during disasters. The role was previously full-time but has been changed to part-time to save taxpayer money, raising questions about the scope of responsibilities and whether a part-time position can adequately fulfill the role's duties.

The details

The commissioners interviewed three candidates - Sean Alyward from Kansas City, Nicholas Grotheer from Girard, and Louella Howard, the only local candidate from Fort Scott. All three candidates have public safety-related experience, which is what the commissioners were seeking. The emergency manager will oversee the county's emergency plan, participate in training courses, serve as a liaison with other agencies during emergencies, and work with the state when needed. One of the first tasks will be to recruit volunteers for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

• The commissioners conducted the interviews during a special meeting on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
• The commissioners plan to make an announcement about the new hire at their next meeting, scheduled for Thursday due to the President's Day holiday on Monday.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.