Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – July 20, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – July 20, 2026

Arrested

Tallchief, Christopher Earl (Age 37) — Arrested 7/17/2026 1:22 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Probation Violation). Bond: $0.00.

Eisenbrandt, Jonah Isaiah (Age 46) — Arrested 7/17/2026 6:00 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Sanction. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond). Released 7/19/2026 6:14 PM via Time Served.

Brown, Shelby Denise (Age 33) — Arrested 7/17/2026 11:59 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Warrant – Out of County (Case No. CK-2023-CR-300054), Warrant Bourbon County – Probation Violation (Case No. BB-2021-CR-000062). Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Patel, Meet Pravinbhai (Age 21) — Arrested 7/18/2026 12:30 AM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Aggravated Indecent Liberties with Child – Sex with Child 14<16, Aggravated Trafficking – Kidnap Offender >18 Victim <14, Commercial Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Electronic Solicitation with Child >14<16, Indecent Solicitation of a Child – Sex Act >14<16, Unlawful Use of Communication Facility. Bond: $500,000.00 (Cash/Surety).

Kloog, Shane Michael (Age 39) — Arrested 7/18/2026 1:53 AM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: DUI – Misdemeanor, Possession of Certain Substances (65-4105(H)). Bond: $2,500.00 (Cash/Surety).

Thompson, Donald Lynn (Age 49) — Arrested 7/18/2026 1:40 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Warrant – Fort Scott Municipal. Bond: $150.00 (Cash). Released 7/18/2026 12:44 PM via Cash Bond.

Allen, Lance DeQuayah (Age 51) — Arrested 7/18/2026 8:53 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Interference with Law Enforcement – Obstruct/Resist (Misdemeanor), Pedestrian Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs, Warrant – Out of County (No. W0003484). Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Prewitt, Carter Maxwell (Age 27) — Arrested 7/19/2026 1:10 AM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Aggravated Indecent Liberties with Child – Sex with Child 14<16, Aggravated Trafficking – Kidnap Offender >18 Victim <14, Commercial Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Electronic Solicitation with Child >14<16, Indecent Solicitation of a Child – Sex Act >14<16, Unlawful Use of Communication Facility. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Swink, Brandon Michael (Age 42) — Arrested 7/19/2026 9:54 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Vehicle Liability Insurance Required, Driving While Suspended – Misdemeanor (Unknown Conviction), Improper Display. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Released

Eisenbrandt, Jonah Isaiah — Released 7/19/2026 6:14 PM via Time Served (Self).

Guinn, Dylan Blake — Released 7/17/2026 11:35 AM via Own Recognizance (Self).

Leonard, Hilary Rose — Released 7/17/2026 4:32 PM via Probation (Self).

Mercer-Kent, Sandra Jane — Released 7/17/2026 11:31 AM via Own Recognizance (Self).

Steeley, Jeremy Glenn — Released 7/17/2026 7:28 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Thompson, Donald Lynn — Released 7/18/2026 12:44 PM via Cash Bond (Self).

Total Inmates Released: 6

Documents:

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary for July 20, 2026 Meeting

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Bourbon County Commission

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda – July 20, 2026, 5:30 PM

07.20.26_Agenda_Packet.pdf (full PDF)

  • I. Call Meeting to Order (Page 1)
  • II. Pledge of Allegiance (Page 1)
  • III. Prayer – Allen (Page 1)
  • IV. Introductions (Page 1)
  • V. Approval of Agenda (Page 1)
  • VI. Approval of Minutes 07.13.26 (Page 1)
  • VII. Approval of Accounts Payable 07.17.26 — $79,169.27 (Page 1)
  • VIII. June Financials and 2nd Qtr Financials (Page 1)
  • IX. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) – Employee Health Data – Don Doherty (Page 1)
  • X. Public Comments (Page 1)
  • XI. Budget – Matt Lawn (Baker Tilly) (Page 1)
    • Conservation District Budget – Pollock/Milburn
    • County Clerk
    • Register of Deeds
    • County Treasurer
    • RNR Certification to County Clerk – Set Date/Time of Hearing(s)
  • XII. Department Updates (Page 2)
    • EMS – T. Hulsey, Director
    • Landfill Backhoe Quotes – K. Allen
  • XIII. Old Business (Page 2)
    • Jarred Gilmore Phillips 2026 Audit Engagement
    • SEK Juvenile Detention Center Update – J. Allen
    • Confluence Contract Approval – Beerbower
    • Application for Opioid Funds – Milburn
    • RFP Update – Beerbower/Tran
  • XIV. New Business (Page 2)
    • Security Camera Access – Motley
    • Election Space – Motley
    • Commission Policy/Procedure – Beerbower
    • Homeland Security Board Appointment – Howard
    • MSB Law – Request GL Code for Payment
  • XV. Future Agenda Topics (Page 2)
  • XVI. Commission Comments (Page 2)
  • XVII. Adjournment (Page 2)

Detailed Information Packet Summary

1. Accounts Payable – Open Invoices by Department Summary (Pages 3–21)

The packet includes a full Open Invoices by Department Summary for Bourbon County with a due date of 7/17/2026, run on 7/17/2026 at 9:09 AM (Report ID: APLT24B). The grand total across 90 invoices is $79,169.27.

Batch Due 7/17/2026 — Grand Total: $79,169.27 (Pages 3–21)

  • Non-Departmental (Dept 00) — Total: $61,581.85 (Pages 3–7)
    • Fund 001 – General Fund: $151.76. Assurity Life Insurance Company – EE Voluntary payroll clearing, $151.76.
    • Fund 016 – Appraisers: $230.39. Notable items: Galen C Bigelow Jr. – Monthly Contract Copies, $12.92; Culligan of Joplin – Bottled Water & Delivery, $58.00; Assurity Life Insurance – EE Voluntary, $159.47.
    • Fund 052 – County Treasurer Motor Fund: $192.41. Assurity Life Insurance – EE Voluntary, $7.11; Lakeland Office System – Monthly Base Service Agreement (copier supplies), $185.30.
    • Fund 062 – Election: $261.12. Amazon Capital Services – Thermal Paper Rolls, $43.64; Galen C Bigelow Jr. – Monthly Contract Copies, $201.92; Assurity Life Insurance – EE Voluntary, $15.56.
    • Fund 108 – Landfill: $7,786.98. Notable items: Allen County Public Works – MSW 7/1–7/8/26, $5,982.59; Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co. – Windowpane/Compressor #193, $911.12; Foley Equipment Co. – Air Inlet Repair #21, $616.69; Foley Equipment Co. – Filters #15, $105.43; Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co. – Isolator #193, $111.24; K & K Auto Parts Inc. – Hose Fitting #15, $17.95; O’Reilly Auto Parts – Absorbent, $15.74; Assurity Life Insurance – EE Voluntary, $26.22.
    • Fund 120 – County Sheriff/Correctional: $15,545.26. Notable items: Community Health Center of SE KS Inc – June 2026 Nursing Services (SEKRCC), $8,376.98; Evergy – 293 E 20th St (SEKRCC), $5,668.30; Kansas Gas Service – 293 E 20th St (SEKRCC), $253.88; Stericycle Inc – Shredding Services, $236.61; Bluemark Energy LLC – Fuel Transport (SEKRCC), $211.56; City of Fort Scott – June 2026 Fuel (SEKRCC), $260.88; Assurity Life Insurance – EE Voluntary, $344.27; Verizon Wireless – Sheriff MiFi Service, $40.01; Linstar Inc. – Custom Printed ID Cards, $12.80; Fort Scott Rides LLC – Flat Repair & Balance, $30.00; Galen C Bigelow Jr. – Monthly Contract Copies (SEKRCC + Sheriff), $39.35 + $70.62.
    • Fund 200 – Noxious Weed: $0.00. Assurity Life Insurance – EE Voluntary, $0.00.
    • Fund 220 – Road and Bridge: $9,162.72. Notable items: Pomp’s Tire Service Inc – Dump Truck Tires, $1,872.00; Allen, Kenny – Reimbursement for Flatbed #141, $1,600.00; Heartland REC Inc. – Elm Creek Electric, $704.63; Armor Lite Trailer Mfg. LLC – Hand Control Valve #T147, $755.00; Tri-State Truck Center Inc – Switch Repair #151 (parts + labor), $162.08 + $505.02; Foley Equipment Co. – Wear Strips #52, $418.14; Foley Equipment Co. – Cover/Bolts/Washers #52, $287.28 + $393.72; Foley Equipment Co. – Power by the Hour 6/9–7/9/26 #62 + #53, $892.32 + $575.17; State Tractor & Equipment – Battery #138, $296.59; Atmos Energy Corporation – Gas at Shop, $105.47; Assurity Life Insurance – EE Voluntary, $301.19; R & R Equipment Company – Mower Blade #82, $96.42; O’Reilly Auto Parts – various (shift bushing, grease, antifreeze, pick-up tool), $7.51 + $56.94 + $23.99 + $10.49; Galen C Bigelow Jr. – Monthly Contract Copies, $74.79; Verizon Wireless – iPads, $20.02; K & K Auto Parts Inc. – Copper Lug #145, $3.95.
    • Fund 222 – Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund: $27,721.16. Notable items: G.W. Van Keppel Co – Circuit Breaker/Middle Flashing/Transom Plate #306, $5,973.88; Kunshek Chat and Coal Co Inc – Sand and Haul 129.48 tons @ $39.50, $5,114.48; Heartland REC Inc. – Asphalt Plant Electric, $3,816.97; R & R Equipment Company – Shaft/Seal #192, $1,353.14; Prairieland Partners Inc. – Wheel Speed Sensor #198 (parts + labor), $1,333.47 + $1,018.25; Pomp’s Tire Service Inc – Dump Truck Tires, $1,872.00; G.W. Van Keppel Co – Switch/Handle/Linkage Bar/Cover #59, $1,508.62; G.W. Van Keppel Co – Pressure Sensor #59, $1,490.88; Prairieland Partners Inc. – Filters/Elements #85, $771.07; Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co – Impact Roller #208, $696.91; Kunshek Chat and Coal Co Inc – Sand and Haul 51.81 tons @ $39.50, $2,046.50; Tri-State Truck Center Inc – Switch Repair #151 (parts + labor), $162.08 + $505.02; R & R Equipment Company – Bolts #85, $13.50; Lockwood Motor Supply Inc – Impact Wrench #85, $18.26; K & K Auto Parts Inc. – Bolts/Nuts/Washers #198, $22.56; Mayco Ace Hardware – Nuts/Bolts/Nails #85, $3.57.
    • Fund 375 – Ambulance Service (Non-Dept): $530.05. Assurity Life Insurance – EE Voluntary, $530.05.
  • County Department Operations — Total: $17,587.42 (Pages 8–21)
    • Dept 01 – County Commission: $77.27 — Galen C Bigelow Jr., Monthly Contract Copies. (Page 8)
    • Dept 02 – County Clerk: $201.91 — Galen C Bigelow Jr., Monthly Contract Copies. (Page 9)
    • Dept 03 – County Treasurer: $83.14 — Galen C Bigelow Jr., Monthly Contract Copies, $35.14; Culligan of Joplin, Bottled Water & Delivery, $48.00. (Page 10)
    • Dept 04 – County Attorney: $61.75 — Galen C Bigelow Jr., Monthly Contract Copies. (Page 11)
    • Dept 05 – County Register of Deeds: $36.79 — Galen C Bigelow Jr., Monthly Contract Copies. (Page 12)
    • Dept 10 – District Court: $1,003.81 — Advantage Computer Enterprises, Replace Cyber Power Rackmount, $420.00; TranslationPerfect.com, Interpreter BB2026CR61, $270.39; TranslationPerfect.com, Interpreter BB2023CR300038, $180.00; Stericycle Inc, July 2026 Shred Bin Rental & Document Shredding Services, $133.42. (Page 13)
    • Dept 11 – Emergency Preparedness: $100.63 — Heartland REC Inc., 130th/Tomahawk electric, $100.63. (Page 14)
    • Dept 18 – Juvenile Detention: $11,194.00 — SEK Regional Juvenile Det. Ctr., Monthly Detention Fee, $11,194.00. (Page 15)
    • Dept 24 – Ambulance Service: $101.04 — Kirkland Welding Supplies Inc., Oxygen (×2), $18.00 + $43.00; Verizon Wireless, EMS iPad Service, $40.04. (Page 16)
    • Dept 43 – Courthouse General: $427.08 — Evergy, 108 W 2nd St, $309.72; Kansas Gas Service, 210 S National Ave, $102.24; Bluemark Energy LLC, Fuel Transport, $15.12. (Page 17)
    • Dept 44 – Human Resources: $4,300.00 — HR Solutions on Call LLC, Custom Monthly HR Support, $4,300.00. (Page 18)

2. Homeland Security Board Appointment Letter (Page 22)

The packet includes a draft appointment letter from Bourbon County Commission Chairperson Samuel Tran to Melanie Kent-Culp, Regional Homeland Security Council Chairperson (402 E State St., Erie, KS 66733), dated 07/20/2026.

  • Appointee: Louella Howard, Bourbon County Emergency Manager, nominated to serve on the Regional Homeland Security Council.
  • Qualifications cited: Extensive commitment to emergency management, disaster preparedness, and community safety initiatives; leadership in coordinating county-wide emergency response efforts.
  • Commission Action: Appointment made following a motion by Commissioner ________, seconded by Commissioner ________, and approved by roll call vote of the Bourbon County Kansas Commission. (Commissioner names left blank in the draft — to be completed at the meeting.)
  • Contact: Samuel Tran, Commission Chairperson, 620-223-3800, [email protected].
Fort Scott Community College, Opinion

From the Bleachers: Respect the Heat

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Dr. Jack Welch

FROM THE BLEACHERS-773

By Dr. Jack Welch

Respect the Heat

As fall sports practices begin, one opponent deserves as much attention as the team on the other sideline, extreme heat.

Exertional heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses are serious conditions that place athletes at risk every year. Fortunately, most heat emergencies are preventable through preparation, common sense, and a commitment to athlete safety.

Hydration must be a priority, not an afterthought. Athletes should have unlimited access to water before, during, and after practice. In football, water and ice buckets should be positioned around the practice field, not just on the sideline. A canopy should be available to provide shade during breaks, and the athletic training room should have an ice whirlpool or cold-water immersion tub ready in case of an emergency.

Practice schedules also matter. Conditioning should be conducted early in the workout while athletes are fresh or during the cooler hours of the morning or evening. Athletes need time to gradually acclimatize to the heat. The body adjusts over time, but only when that adjustment is allowed to occur safely.

Fifty years ago, many young people spent their summers hauling hay, mowing lawns, riding bicycles, and playing baseball until dark. Those activities naturally prepared them for the physical demands and heat of fall sports. Today’s athletes often spend far more time indoors with electronic devices, arriving at preseason practice less conditioned and far less prepared for prolonged heat exposure.

Heat exhaustion can quickly progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening medical emergency. No practice, conditioning drill, or game is worth risking the life of a young athlete. The best coaches understand that protecting their players is always more important than winning the next contest.

Conditioning is a process, not an event. Coaches should gradually prepare their teams for the season over time, allowing athletes to safely acclimate to the heat and physical demands of practice. Championships are never won on the first day of practice, but a season can certainly be lost if proper precautions are ignored.

Thought for the Week: “The greatest victory a coach can earn is sending every athlete home healthy enough to compete another day.” — Jack Welch

Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.

Advertisements

Ad: Josh Jones — Proven Leadership

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I’m Josh Jones, and strong leadership means bringing people together.

Joshua Jones, Republican for Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3 — Proven Leadership

I’m Josh Jones, a lifelong resident and small-business owner, and I’m running for Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3.

One of the most important parts of being a county commissioner — and honestly, of life itself — is learning how to work with other people. No single commissioner has all the answers. The job isn’t about proving you’re right or making sure your ideas always win. It’s about listening, respecting different perspectives, and finding common ground that benefits the people we serve.

Right now there’s too much arguing at the county and not enough working together. When commissioners can’t function as a team, the county falls behind — opportunities get missed and good projects stall. And the people who pay the price aren’t the commissioners around the table. It’s the citizens who count on their leaders to solve problems.

Working together doesn’t mean avoiding the hard conversations. Sometimes you have to have the courage to stand up to someone who’s being disrespectful or trying to force their own agenda. But even then, the goal is never to create more conflict — it’s to steer the conversation back toward solutions and keep our county moving forward. I’ve sat in that seat: nearly three years on the Fort Scott City Commission, chosen by my fellow commissioners as mayor and later commission president, and I learned how to run a meeting that actually gets something done.

Because strong leadership isn’t measured by who talks the loudest or wins the most arguments. It’s measured by who can bring people together, earn respect, and leave Bourbon County better than they found it.

Vote Josh Jones — Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3. Bring the calm. Get it done.

Paid for by Joshua Jones for County Commissioner, Josh Jones, Treasurer.

Learn more and get in touch: Josh Jones on Facebook

Opinion

Kissing Cardinals by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

Kissing Cardinals

One morning I looked out my kitchen bay window and saw two beautiful cardinals on the ground foraging for food. As I watched, to my amazement, the male hopped over to the female and put a seed in her mouth. It looked exactly like they were kissing! I later read that this is called courtship feeding. The male repeated this process multiple times as I intently watched. This romantic-looking act is a key part of their courtship and is quite heartwarming to witness. I’m glad I was looking out the window and didn’t miss this  “nature blessing” God wanted me to see. No wonder my pastor recently told the church family to “watch the birds!”

This male bird was doing his best to woo the female. God did the same thing for mankind when He sent His one and only Best to die on the cross for the sins of the world. God desires a personal relationship with everyone so He patiently woos us.

Jesus taught His disciples and the multitude that gathered: “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are? And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” (Matthew 6:26,30 NLT).

The beak-to-beak feeding demonstrates the male bird’s ability to provide food and establishes a mating ritual. Jesus asks a rhetorical point-blank question for all of us to consider: Why do you have so little faith when you can see God’s handiwork all over the place? We can see God’s design for taking care of feeding the birds. Two reasons why we have so little faith is because we’re not paying attention to God’s constant care, and we’re  guilty of neglecting the study of His Word. Faith doesn’t come by prayer. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17 HNV). We can build our faith by reading portions of scripture out loud. I double-dog dare you to do it!

God is the Master Creator of bonding: Male and female, parent and child, friend and friend, and most important, God to child (those who are disciples of Christ Jesus). I have loved this scripture for many years: “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT). Whether you’re married or single, God created humans to need one another and to bond to one another.

Encouragement and strength are found in unity; individuals are stronger when they stand together in love, life, and faith. The act of bonding makes life better because two or more can survive and overcome challenges easier. Yes, Jesus is always with us and we can take His promise to never leave us or forsake us to the bank. But it’s best to have a Jesus-like person with skin on to hold our hand or hug our weary shoulders and take us to the Throne Room in prayer.

God takes care of the birds and you’re much more important to Him than birds! He’ll walk with you through the fire and bring you out victoriously. And God isn’t anywhere near broke! “My God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

The Key: Believers and birds — God takes care of both.

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Board of Trustees Meeting – July 20, 2026

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The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold its regular meeting on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Ellis Fine Arts Center.

The public agenda for the meeting is as follows:

1.0 Call Meeting to Order – Chair Doug Ropp

1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk
___ Bailey ___ Brown ___ Cosens ___ Hoyt ___ McKinnis ___ Ropp

2.0 Flag Salute & Invocation

3.0 Approval of Official Agenda (Action)

4.0 Approval of Consent Agenda (Action)

4.1 Minutes

  • June 11, 2026, Board of Trustees Special Meeting
  • June 15, 2026, Board of Trustees Meeting

4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report

4.3 Check Register – $878,286.01

4.4 Payroll

  • July 15, 2026 – $617,699.42

4.5 Contract Ratification

  • Fort Scott Nazarene Church
  • Bank Signer Resolution
  • DA146 – Red Lined for McGraw Hill only
  • Lewis & Ellis GASB 101 Reporting and GASB 75 Reporting – FY 2026

5.0 Community, Employee, and Student Recognition (Information)

5.1 Program Review – Cosmetology
5.2 Recognition: Students & Program Update – None

6.0 Leadership Reports & Updates (Information)

7.0 Old Business

7.1 Remote Work Policy (Action)

8.0 New Business

8.1 Ratification of FSCAPE Negotiations (Action)
8.2 Discussion of Staff Raises (Information)
8.3 Freedom of Expression & Expressive Activity – Amend (Action)
8.4 Board of Trustees Policy Section Update (Action)
8.5 Consideration of RTU-15 Rooftop Unit Replacement Bid (Action)
8.6 Employee Bonding Requirements – Amendment (Action)
8.7 Consideration of Sale of Frontenac (Harley) Building (Action)
8.8 Fleet Disposal (Action)
8.9 Consideration of Fiscal Year-End Fund Transfers (Action)

9.0 Public Forum

Comments should be restricted to no more than three minutes. Requests should be submitted by noon on the day of the Board meeting. Forms will be presented to the Board Chair for consideration. Matters which are personal in nature or relate to personnel matters will not be heard publicly.

10.0 Personnel

10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action)
10.2 Exit Executive Session – Return to Open Session (Action)
10.3 Employment Matters of Non-Elected Personnel (Action)
10.4 Amendment of Vice President of Academic Affairs Contract (Action)
10.5 Consideration of Assistant to Student Life Coordinator Position (Action)

11.0 Board Reports (Information)

  • Finance Committee – Chad Cosens & Doug Ropp
  • Policies – Marilyn Hoyt
  • Negotiation Committee – Destry Brown
  • Strategic Plan Committee – Ronda Bailey & Marilyn Hoyt
  • KACCT & Greenbush – Ronda Bailey
  • Student Leadership/Coaching Academy – Chad McKinnis

12.0 Adjourn (Action)

Documents:

K-State Extension

Extension Master Gardener Training Offered This Fall

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Krista Harding

Extension Master Gardener Training Offered This Fall

Area plant lovers have an excellent opportunity this fall to participate in an outstanding horticulture program. Extension Master Gardener training will be held September 3 through December 3 using a hybrid format that combines in-person classes with Zoom instruction.

The Extension Master Gardener program is a volunteer program in which K-State Extension “trades” classroom training for volunteer service. Participants receive 40 to 50 hours of instruction in all aspects of horticulture and, upon completion of the training, donate an equivalent number of volunteer service hours to Extension horticulture programs.

Training is taught by Kansas State University specialists, local Extension agents, and area horticulture experts. Topics include:

  • Plant Growth and Development
  • Soils, Water, and Fertilizer
  • Vegetable Gardening
  • Insect Diagnosis and Management
  • Growing Fruit
  • Annuals and Perennials
  • Woody Ornamentals
  • Turfgrass
  • Landscape Maintenance
  • Plant Disease Diagnosis and Management
  • Pesticide Use and Safety
  • Wildlife Management

Although the Master Gardener program is volunteer-based, applicants must meet the following requirements before being accepted into the program:

  • Be available to complete approximately 40 hours of community horticulture volunteer service during the first year. Volunteer hours are equal to the number of training hours received.
  • Have access to the internet, a computer or other device with a microphone and camera, an actively monitored email account, and reliable transportation to the in-person training location in Iola.
  • Enjoy sharing a love of gardening with others through a variety of Extension Master Gardener projects.

The Southwind Extension District has an active Master Gardener program whose volunteers have completed projects including demonstration flower beds, vegetable research trials, educational programs, and many other community horticulture initiatives.

Applications are now available and must be submitted to the Southwind Extension District by August 15. The registration fee is $95.

Applications are available on the Southwind Extension District website: www.southwind.k-state.edu or can be mailed upon request. For more information about the Master Gardener training program, please contact the Extension office.

Krista Harding is the K-State Research and Extension horticulture agent serving the Southwind Extension District. She can be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott July 18 Edition

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott July 18th Weekend Edition!

🚎 Historic Trolley Tours

Ride Dolly the Trolley and explore Fort Scott’s history

with a narrated tour.

Fridays & Saturdays – Now Boarding!

SAVE THE DATE!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees

Every Thursday at 8am

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Visit your National Park! Visitor Center and historic buildings are open Friday through Tuesday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds continue to be open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset

Click HERE to visit the website.

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)

KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott

Every Tuesday 9am-4pm

Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.

620-231-4250

FS Public Library

*Wednesday Writers every Wed. @ 1:30-3pm

201 S. National Ave.

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

Kansas Small Business

Development Center

at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

Every 2nd Thursday of the month 9am-3pm

Want more details or updates Community, Chamber, and Member events?

You can find full dates, times, locations, and links on our community calendar on the Chamber’s website at:

👉 fortscott.com/events/calendar/

RECURRING EVENTS

Farmers Market

Saturday Markets (May-October)

8am-12pm

Tuesday Markets (June-August)

4-6pm

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, July 18th

Christmas in July @ Farmers Market

9-11am

@Farmers Market – Gathering Square Pavilion

Christmas on the Bricks -Save the Date

Enjoy the snow machine at the splash pad, temporary tattoos for the kiddos

Click HERE for more info!

CYRA Rodeo

Sat: 10am Sunday: 9am

Bourbon County Fairgrounds

Click HERE for more info!

Kansas Rocks – Summer Off-Road 101 Courses

Click HERE for more info!

Kansas Concealed Carry Class

8am

Click HERE for more info!

Estate Auction – The Late Larry Ballou

9am

112 S. Margrave. St.

Brett Johnson Memorial Scholarship

Poker Run

11am-6pm

$30/hand 50/50pot

Starting at: Sharky’s Pub & Grub, Fort Scott, Ks. Check in starts at 10am, Kickstands up at 11am.

stops at Sunflower Saloon in Blue Mound, Ks; One Stop, Parker, Ks; Lucy’s Bar & Grill, La Cygne, Ks; ends at Pleasanton Community Center for final draw, raffle, & free-will-donation dinner, which will conclude the ride.

Paint & Pizza Flamingo Flock

11am-2pm

@ Papa Don’s Pizza, 10 S. Main St.

$30/person

Sunday, July 19th

CYRA Rodeo

Sat: 10am Sunday: 9am

Bourbon County Fairgrounds

Click HERE for more info!

✅ See more events & details:

https://fortscott.com/events

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
In This Issue
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.

Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?

Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!

Seeking a job/career?

We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.

Many opportunities available!

Housing needs?

Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.

Click here for our rental listing.
REMINDER TO GET YOUR TICKETS ⬇️

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

    Click HERE to view our 2026 Community Guide-Member Directory!
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Government, Kansas

Kobach Appeals Mail-In Ballot Grace Period Ruling

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TOPEKA – (July 16, 2026) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today announced his office will file an emergency appeal to the Kansas Supreme Court, after a district court judge issued a temporary injunction reinstituting a three-day grace period for the return of mail-in ballots. More than 44,000 ballots have already gone out.

“This judge has issued an unprecedented, poorly-reasoned decision that completely upsets the election process after absentee voting has already begun,” Kobach said. “His decision will cause massive confusion for voters. The judge delayed nearly five months in issuing his opinion. He should have issued it in April at the latest. My office is filing an emergency appeal to the Kansas Supreme Court to ensure that in Kansas, Election Day is Election Day.”

In May 2025, Kansas Appleseed filed a lawsuit challenging a Kansas law that eliminated the three-day grace period for mail-in ballots arriving after Election Day. Attorneys argued the case before Judge Folsom in February with post-trial briefing due March 2.

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – July 17, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – July 17, 2026

Arrested

White, George Neuton III (Age 47) — Arrested 7/16/2026 10:10 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Agg Assault of LEO w/ Deadly Weapon, Agg Assault w/ Deadly Weapon x3, Flee or Attempt to Elude; Reckless Driving. Bond: $100,000.00 Cash/Surety. Released 7/16/2026 9:24 PM via Surety Bond.

Mefford, Trenton William (Age 30) — Arrested 7/16/2026 3:45 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Warrant – Fort Scott Municipal. Bond: $250.00 Cash.

Steeley, Jeremy Glenn (Age 49) — Arrested 7/16/2026 7:25 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Illegal Registration, DWS; Misdemeanor; Unk Conv, KS Insurance Viol., No Valid DL for Non-CDL CMV. Bond: $0.00 No Bond.

Released

Hendrix, Bryan William — Released 7/16/2026 1:28 PM via Transferred Out (Cherokee County).

Mitchell, Mark Anthony — Released 7/16/2026 6:45 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Ramey, Joseph Silas — Released 7/16/2026 12:41 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

White, George Neuton — Released 7/16/2026 9:24 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Total Inmates Released: 4

Documents:

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Christmas in July at Fort Scott Farmers Market This Saturday

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Christmas is Heating Up in July!

Christmas on the Bricks

July 18   ⏰ 9–11am  Fort Scott Farmers Market

Come enjoy:

  • ❄️ Snow machine fun!
  • Summer-themed Christmas tattoos for kids!
  • Information about volunteering, sponsoring and getting involved.
  • A cheerful reminder that Christmas on the Bricks will be here before we know it!

Christmas on the Bricks Hosts Christmas in July Event Scheduled for July 18th

The Christmas on the Bricks Committee invites the community to enjoy a little holiday cheer in the heat of summer during its Christmas in July event on Saturday, July 18, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market, held at the Gathering Square Pavilion, 111 N. National Ave., in the Downtown Historic District.

Community members are encouraged to stop by the Christmas on the Bricks booth for a festive Christmas in July experience. The booth will feature a snow machine and summer-themed Christmas temporary tattoos for children to enjoy.

The event is a fun opportunity to cool off, celebrate the holiday spirit and learn more about the upcoming 4th Annual Christmas on the Bricks celebration.

Christmas on the Bricks will take place December 3 through 6, 2026, in Downtown Fort Scott. The annual celebration is held during the first weekend in December and features holiday activities, shopping, dining, carriage rides, Christmas lights, family fun and more.

Stop by the Fort Scott Farmers Market on July 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. for a little snow, summer fun and a festive reminder to save the date for this Fort Scott holiday tradition.

Additional information about Christmas on the Bricks can be found at fortscott.com/christmas-on-the-bricks.

Visit the Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks Facebook Page!

Visit the Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks webpage!

Christmas on the Bricks Save the Date

Bourbon County Local News