K-State Extension

Together We Can Have More Good Days! by Tara Solomon-Smith

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Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

Together We Can Have More Good Days!

Mental Health America’s More Good Days, Together campaign reminds us that a “good day” can look different for everyone. A good day doesn’t have to mean being happy or getting everything done. Sometimes, a good day is just one that feels calm, comfortable, or manageable.

Here are some ways we can start having more good days together:

  1. Decide what “good” means to you

Take a moment to think about this question: “What does a good day look like for me?”
Your answer might change over time, and that is okay.

  • It’s okay if it feels hard to think about good days.
  • You are not alone, and help is available.
  • You can take a free, quick mental health check at mhascreening.org.
  1. Take care of your whole self

Your mental health and physical health are connected. When one is affected, the other is too. Things like sleep, stress, food, and relationships all play a role in how you feel.

Even though you can’t control everything, small actions can make a big difference.

  • Drink enough water
  • Get enough rest
  • Move your body in ways you enjoy
  • Spend time with people you trust

Also, listen to your body. Sometimes physical feelings, like headaches or tiredness, are your mind’s way of asking for help.

  1. Work together for more good days

Having more good days is not something you have to do alone. Connecting with others can help you feel supported and less stressed.

Even small moments can help, like talking to a friend or checking in with someone you care about. Simple, honest conversations matter.

You can also help others by being part of your community and supporting mental health efforts.
Learn more at mhanational.org/become-an-advocate.

  1. Find what works for you

Mental health is different for everyone. What works for one person might not work for another—and that’s okay.

Take time to find what helps you feel good. This might include hobbies, relaxing, or being creative. Sometimes, we forget to take care of ourselves because we are busy helping others.

Remember, taking time for yourself is important too.

More Tools

Visit mhanational.org/may to find tools, ideas, and support for your mental health journey.

No matter how you are feeling right now:

  • More good days are possible
  • Help is available
  • You are not alone

Let’s make more good days happen—together.  For more information, contact Tara Solomon‑Smith, Family & Community Wellness Agent, at 620‑244‑3826 or [email protected].

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

May 29 is the Chamber of Commerce Dinner, Awards, Live Auction, Live Band & Dance

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

invites you to the

2026 Chamber Celebration Awards, Dinner, Auction & Dance

Honoring 250 years. Building Tomorrow.

This year’s Chamber Celebration will be a special evening you will NOT want to miss as we celebrate our community, our history, and our future together!

 
Friday, May 29th

 

6:00 pm

Social Hour & Silent Auction

7:00 pm

Dinner, Awards, Live Auction

Live Band & Dance to Follow Until 11:30 pm

Featuring LIVE Entertainment by KC FLO!

Kansas City’s premier high-energy party band will keep the celebration going all evening long!

River Room Event Center
3 W. Oak Street

Reservations

$440 – Table of 8

(guarantees seating together in a preferred seating area)

$50 – Individual

Sponsorship info. available below!

To make reservations and/or place a sponsorship:

Call the Chamber at 620-223-3566

Email [email protected]

Stop by the Chamber!

If making multiple reservations or for a table of 8, please provide the names, if available, when making your reservation.

Chamber members may choose to be invoiced.

Others need to make payment by credit/debit/Venmo/check/cash at time of reservation.

Sponsorships

Want your business front and center at one of the Chamber’s biggest events of the year?

Sponsoring the Chamber Celebration is a great way to showcase your business, support our community, and be part of an unforgettable evening celebrating Fort Scott and Bourbon County!

Click HERE for a PDF copy of Sponsorship levels and information.

Reserve your sponsorship:

[email protected] or 620-223-3566

Now Accepting Auction Donations

Auction donations provide GREAT exposure for your business while helping support Chamber programs and community initiatives.

We are currently accepting:

• Silent Auction Items

• Live Auction Packages

• Gift Baskets

• Gift Certificates

• Unique Experiences & More!

If you would like to donate an item or package, please:

☎️ 620-223-3566

📧 [email protected]

📍 Stop by the Chamber Office

Click HERE to visit the

FS Area Chamber of Commerce

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

FS Area Chamber of Commerce

website!
A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

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

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
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Government

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall Weekly Press Overview, May 4-8, 2026

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Senator Marshall Recognizes National Mental Health Awareness Month

 

Junction City – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) recognized National Mental Health Awareness Month to bring awareness to those in need of mental health care around the state. From military families who sacrifice to protect our country, to farmers who feed the nation, and everyday Kansans, mental health affects people in all walks of life.

 

“As a veteran and as a family member to those who have served, I have seen the toll military service can take on a family. As a fifth-generation farm kid and a rural doctor, I know farmers aren’t exempt from mental health struggles either,” said Senator Marshall. “Kansans take pride in serving others first, but sometimes care isn’t available when they finally need it for themselves. I am fighting to ensure every Kansan — from our military installations to our family farms — has access to the mental health resources they need.”

 

As part of his focus on mental health, Senator Marshall has also made mental health awareness and community support for farmers and ranchers a priority. Every year, more American farmers die by suicide than in farm accidents — yet stigma and lack of awareness in rural communities remain persistent barriers to care.

 

To support mental health for Kansans in all walks of life, he is advocating for robust funding for mental health resources in this year’s appropriations requests, including for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the 988 Crisis Lifeline, and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, which serve Kansas rural communities.

 

 

Click here to learn more.

 

Senator Marshall Visits Six Counties in Southeast Kansas

 

Pittsburg – Last week, Senator Marshall spent the day in communities across 6 Southeast counties in Kansas meeting with manufacturers, educators, healthcare leaders, and small business owners to see firsthand how recent policy wins, from full expensing to expanded childcare tax credits, are already making a difference for Kansas workers and families.

 

His first stop of the day was at Fort Scott Community College to discuss the institution’s recent progress and ongoing workforce initiatives. Next, he toured the newly opened Freeman Hospital in Fort Scott, which restores full-service hospital access to the region for the first time since 2018. Senator Marshall’s office played a direct role in getting CMS certification for the hospital by engaging with CMS, KDHE, and other partners.

 

In Pittsburg, he delivered a Congressional Record recognizing the city’s 150th anniversary and its historic role in Kansas’ industrial development and its continued contributions to education and manufacturing. At Grow at Eden Early Learning Center in Parsons, he highlighted how the Working Families Tax Cuts increased child tax credits and allowed businesses to receive expanded credits for supporting employee childcare needs or investing in childcare facilities.

 

In Allen County, he toured Monarch Cement Company, one of Kansas’s longstanding manufacturing employers. At Chanute High School, he met with FFA students and instructors to learn about their hands-on agricultural education and tour their new Animal Science Learning Center. His last stop was in Neodesha for a tour of Cobalt Boats and a discussion on pro-manufacturing legislation in the works, including permanent 199A small business deductions, full expensing for capital investments, and restored R&D expensing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter May 8

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Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

After three straight weeks in Washington, I was glad to be back in Kansas meeting with local leaders and hearing directly from the communities I represent. While in Washington, the House passed the Farm Bill – a major win for Kansas farmers and ranchers. Next week, the House is expected to vote on year-round E15 sales, a measure I support to expand consumer choice and strengthen American energy production. Back home, I met with several community members to discuss rural development priorities, USDA resources, and the needs of local communities across the district.

I’ve been pushing for the passage of a Farm Bill for a long time, and we successfully passed it in the House last week. The Farm Bill delivers real support for Kansas farmers and ranchers. I was proud to vote for it, and I’m hopeful the Senate will move quickly so this legislation can start making a difference for rural America.

Related to agriculture, year-round E15 has been at the center of discussions in Congress, and the House is expected to vote on it next week. I plan to support this measure. This is not a mandate – it simply removes current federal restrictions that prohibit the sale of E15 during the summer months, allowing consumers to choose it year-round.

 

E15 is a fuel blend made up of 15% ethanol, typically derived from corn, and 85% gasoline. It is approved for use in most cars and light-duty trucks, which make up the majority of vehicles on the road today. Compared to standard E10 (10% ethanol), E15 burns cleaner, can reduce certain emissions, and is often priced lower at the pump. Higher ethanol blends also increase demand for corn, support our farmers, and keep more of our energy production here at home instead of relying on foreign sources.
Video

 

Numerous Kansans have told me about staffing shortages at local USDA offices. That’s why I recently joined 14 House colleagues in asking USDA to address the problem. I’m optimistic they’ll do what is right and make the necessary changes. Reliable, timely service is essential. Local producers depend on it.
Video

 

 

I was honored to receive the Defender of Limited Government Award, recognizing a voting record strongly aligned with the Constitution’s principles of limited government. I remain committed to fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, and ensuring Washington works for the people, not the other way around. I’ll continue fighting to rein in federal overreach and uphold the values that make our country strong.

This week was National Small Business Week. I’m proud to recognize the hardworking entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses that power communities across Kansas. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I’m focused on supporting job creators and making sure Main Street has the opportunity to thrive. That means ensuring small businesses can compete and grow. Thank you to the small business owners who take risks, create jobs, and strengthen our local economies every single day.
Bourbon County

May 11, 2026 Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary

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Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda

May 11, 2026 | 7:00 PM

Commission Agenda 05.11.26

  1. Call Meeting to Order

  2. Pledge of Allegiance

  3. Prayer

  4. Approval of Tax Corrections

  5. Approval of 05.08.26 Accounts Payable: $457,015.06

  6. Approval of Minutes: 05.04.26

  7. Public Comments

  8. Payroll & Accounts Payable – Motley

  9. Resolution 22-26 – Beerbower

  10. Commission Comments

  11. Adjournment (Source: PDF Page 1)

Detailed Packet Summary

Financial Reports & Accounts Payable

The packet includes a comprehensive “Open Invoices By Department Summary” dated May 8, 2026. The Grand Total for accounts payable is $457,015.06, covering 242 total invoices across various county funds.

  • General Fund (001): Includes standard payroll clearing entries and department-specific costs. Notable entries include $5,153.48 for Commission wages and $10,452.52 for County Attorney wages. (Pages 2, 12, 15)

  • Public Safety & Sheriff (120): Totaling $90,895.30. Major expenses include $15,708.65 to Benchmark Government Solutions for April food services and $8,635.70 for April fuel charges through WEX Bank. (Page 6, 7)

  • Road and Bridge (220/222): Combined expenses exceed $160,000. Significant costs include engine repairs for unit #35 totaling over $47,000 in labor and parts, and payments to Murphy Tractor & Equipment for unit #207. (Pages 9, 10)

  • Employee Benefits (064): Totaling $35,483.66, primarily consisting of KPERS retirement contributions ($19,567.79) and social security taxes. (Page 4, 5)

  • Ambulance Service (375): Totaling $36,675.71, with the vast majority ($34,254.70) dedicated to service wages. (Page 21)

  • Special Projects: Includes $40,700 to Schwab-Eaton PA for engineering design services under the Road & Bridge Special Improvement fund. (Page 10)

Review of Previous Minutes (May 4, 2026)

The minutes from the prior week provide context for several ongoing items:

  • 2025 Audit Presentation: Emily Franks of Jared Gilmore and Phillips presented the FY2025 audit. The county received a “clean” (unmodified) opinion on its regulatory basis of accounting. However, a statute violation was noted in the Ambulance Fund, which ended the year with a negative cash balance of $(4,318.54). (Pages 30, 31)

  • Audit Concerns: The auditor highlighted three recurring issues: lack of itemized receipts for credit card/restaurant charges, unsigned checks that cleared the bank, and outstanding duplicate deposits from a prior administration. (Page 32)

  • Juvenile Detention: Commissioner Allen reported a projected decrease in detention fees for 2027, despite the withdrawal of Montgomery County from the Southeast Kansas Juvenile Detention facility. (Page 33)

  • Surplus Auction: The Commission authorized moving surplus county items to a vacant Public Works building on May 15 to prepare for a public auction. (Page 33)

  • Contamination Testing: Following a discussion on bacterial contamination at a residential property, the Commission authorized Commissioner Tran to coordinate up to five test sites to identify the source of the issue. (Page 34)

  • Landfill “Free Dump Day”: A motion to hold a free countywide dump day on May 22 failed due to lack of a second, following concerns from the Landfill Manager regarding costs, staffing, and aging equipment. (Page 35)

  • Equipment Contracts: The Board authorized the signing of a contract for a 2019 Caterpillar hydraulic excavator for $102,842. (Page 36)

  • Payroll Access Issues: The County Clerk reported being locked out of the “Pay Entry” system and requested restoration of her credentials to complete necessary general ledger accounting entries. (Page 37)

Upcoming Work Session Notice

Prior to the regular 7:00 PM meeting, a work session was scheduled for 5:30 PM on May 11 to discuss proposed changes to the county’s vacation and sick leave policies. The Commission voted 3-2 to hold a formal meeting immediately following the work session so that a resolution could be voted on the same night if consensus is reached. (Pages 38, 39)

Bourbon County

Crawford County Law Enforcement Pursue Vehicle Into Bourbon County: Shots Fired

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The following is the press release issued by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. This is all information being released at this time.

The KBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday night in Bourbon County involving deputies from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance at approximately 11:40 p.m. Thursday, May 7. KBI agents responded to the scene.

Late Thursday evening, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen semi-truck traveling northbound from Pittsburg. The vehicle was reported to be driving into oncoming traffic and fleeing from local law enforcement.

Crawford County deputies pursued the vehicle after the driver refused an attempted traffic stop. During the pursuit, the suspect continued to drive the wrong way in the southbound lanes. Deputies attempted to disable the vehicle but were unsuccessful.

As the pursuit continued into Bourbon County, two Crawford County deputies discharged their firearms, striking the suspect and vehicle. The suspect lost control of the vehicle near Highway 69 and Indian Road and was taken into custody.

The suspect was treated at a local hospital before being transferred to a regional medical center and is now in stable condition. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

This independent investigation aims to discover all events leading up to the officer-involved shooting. In police use of force cases, the KBI releases details to the public as soon as possible. This information is preliminary in nature and is based on evidence collected and early statements of the parties involved, witnesses, medical personnel and others. It does not represent final or thorough findings which take several weeks to complete.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Area News, Health Care

Freeman Health System Appoints Renee Denton as Market President    

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Joplin, Mo. — Freeman Health System announced today the appointment of Renee Denton as Market President for the Missouri/Kansas market, effective May 18.

 

Denton brings more than 38 years of combined clinical and operational hospital experience to the role and has served Freeman Health System for 17 years, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated steady, mission‑driven leadership and a strong commitment to quality care, team development, and the communities Freeman serves.

 

“Renee is a trusted and respected leader within Freeman Health System,” said Matt Fry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freeman Health System. “Her deep understanding of our organization, her background as a nurse, and her collaborative leadership style make her uniquely positioned to support system alignment and guide our continued progress across the region.”

 

As Market President, Denton will focus on strengthening alignment across Freeman’s Missouri and Kansas operations, supporting leaders and teams, and advancing the health system’s strategic priorities.

 

“I am honored to step into this role and continue serving Freeman Health System and our communities,” Denton said. “I’m proud of the work our teams do each day and look forward to building upon that work together.”

Freeman Health System is a locally owned, not‑for‑profit health system serving more than 400,000 people across the four‑state region, offering comprehensive care in local communities.

 

 

###

 

 

About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., and Ozark Center—the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services—as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics, and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

 

Advertisements

Ad: Automotive Technology Instructor – LaHarpe, KS Campus

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Automotive Technology Instructor – LaHarpe, KS Campus

Flint Hills Technical College is seeking a full-time instructor for the Automotive Technology program, located in LaHarpe, KS, beginning with the Fall 2026 semester.

The successful candidate will have knowledge of the principles of operation for fundamental concepts of at least half of the following subjects:

  • Automotive Engines
  • Automotive Brakes
  • Electrical
  • Engine Performance                 
  • Automotive HVAC
  • Steering and Suspension
  • Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles
  • Manual Power Trains

Qualifications:

  • Associate’s Degree in related field required (or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe); Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Minimum of two years’ work experience in the automotive field or two years of teaching experience in automotive education.
  • ASE Certifications in instructional areas (or ability to obtain certification within a specified timeframe).
  • Strong communication skills – both verbal and written
  • A Kansas teaching certificate is not a requirement for this position.

Salary and Benefits:

  • Full-time, 9-month position
  • A competitive salary range of $40,000-$54,000, commensurate with experience and education level
  • KPERS retirement plan
  • Employer-paid health insurance for the employee
  • Annual salary is distributed over 12 months
  • Flexible teaching schedule.

Application Process:

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, unofficial college transcripts, and contact information for three professional references to Human Resources at [email protected].

The FHTC Board of Trustees reserves the right to withdraw positions prior to being filled.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Terry Don Hahnfeld

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Terry Don Hahnfeld, age 80, resident of Bronaugh, MO, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, MO. He was born November 16, 1945, in Waco, TX, the son of William and Mildred Power Hahnfeld. Terry graduated from Independence, MO high school. He served in the Army then in the Missouri National Guard for a total of 34 years of service. In his spare time, he collected vintage tractors and later progressed into classic hot rods. Terry enjoyed buying, showing and selling hot rods, owning over 30 at various times. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Jean of the home; 4 children, Dawn Hahnfeld (Milan) Independence, MO, Michele Rusk (Phil) Stover, MO, Kolbe Starne (Abby) Bronaugh, MO, and Nathan Starne, Lamar, MO; 7 grandchildren, Samantha Terrell, Cody Hanes, Aaron Hanes, Arin Starne, Brant Starne Ethan Starne, and Brody Starne; 7 great grandchildren; and a sister, Cheryl Hahnfeld, Colorado Springs, CO. He was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra England, and his parents.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 12th, at the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until leaving for the cemetery at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Wreaths Across America and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County Local News