The Kansas Department of Transportation requests comments on an amendment to the Federal Fiscal Year 2026-2029 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.
The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at ksdot.gov/about/publications-and-reports/state-transportation-improvement-program-stip.
The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes July 9. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at 785-296-2252.
This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, 785-296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).
Front Row L-R: Katie Botello, Magali Turner, Heather Hurt, Johnna Stoffregen Back Row L-R: James Lawlor, Collin Binko. Submitted photo.
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, has awarded its 2026 Fellowship to 12 educators. As part of their week-long experience in Fort Scott, the six fellows for June 22 – 26 were presented the key to the city by Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Lindsay Madison. (Six more Fellows will arrive on June 29th.)
Upon presenting the keys, Madison remarked, “The City of Fort Scott is proud to welcome the 2026 Lowell Milken Center Fellows and present them with keys to the city. It is inspiring to see outstanding educators from across the country come to Fort Scott to deepen their commitment to teaching and learning. As they return to their schools and communities, they will carry forward the mission of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, ensuring that the stories of individuals whose contributions have too often gone unrecognized continue to be shared. Recognizing those who have made a meaningful difference is important work, and through these powerful stories, future generations are inspired to make a positive impact in the world.”
The Fellows honored this week were Collin Binko from Wyoming, Katie Botello from California, Heather Hurt from Alabama, James Lawlor from New York, Johnna Stoffregen from Kansas, and Magali Turner from New Mexico. LMC Director Norm Conard praised these outstanding individuals, saying, “We are so honored to be able to network and collaborate with these exemplary educators and provide them with an opportunity to reflect, reenergize and strategize with each other as they seek to find new ways to inspire their students.”
Every summer, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes awards its Fellowship to national and international award-winning educators from America and around the world. As LMC Fellows, they deepen their understanding of Unsung Heroes and project-based learning, preparing them to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students and learn the stories of role models who help change the world. Along with the time spent deepening their professional skills at the LMC, the Fellows have enjoyed visiting the Fort Scott area.
I’m Josh Jones — born here, built my life here, running to serve here.
I’m Josh Jones, and I’m running for Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3.
My family has been in this county since the 1850s, and so has my wife’s. I grew up here. I tried leaving once — it lasted about three weeks before I moved right back. By the time I had my first kids at 20, I’d made up my mind: I was going to build something here, so my family would never have to leave to find a good life.
So I went to work. Nearly 20 years as a small-business owner — Fort Scott Sanitation, rental properties, and today Bourbon County Cars. For a stretch in between, I even drove a school bus for our middle- and high-school sports teams, so I wouldn’t miss being part of my kids’ school experiences. And along the way I learned you don’t fix a community by complaining about it. You find good people who care as much as you do, and you get to work:
Joined the volunteers who resurfaced the tennis courts so our kids have a place to play
Pitched in on scholarships for young people going into the trades
Acquired the Lowman Street lot where the historic church Gordon Parks attended once stood, and donated it to the Gordon Parks Museum — so that piece of our history stays alive here
None of that was about me. It was about people who are passionate about this town pulling in the same direction — and I’ve been lucky to be part of it. That’s exactly what I want to bring to the county: see a problem, bring the right folks together, and actually get it done.
I’d be grateful for the chance to earn your vote.
Vote Josh Jones — Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3. A neighbor who shows up.
Paid for by Joshua Jones for County Commissioner, Josh Jones, Treasurer.
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Freeman Fort Scott Hospital
Thursday, June 25th — 8:00 a.m.
Freeman Fort Scott Hospital
401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
McCauley Conference Room
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee hosted by Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., this Thursday, June 25, at 8:00 a.m. Guests may enter through the Main Entrance, as coffee will be held in the McCauley Conference Room.
Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees may register for a special door prize drawing.
During the Chamber Coffee, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital will share several exciting updates, including the announcement that the hospital has been awarded more than $2.5 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program. The grant funding will support the addition of MRI services at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, bringing an important and much-needed diagnostic service to Bourbon County while improving access to care closer to home.
The hospital will also introduce Dr. Katrina Burke, who has joined Freeman Fort Scott Hospital as a full-time employed hospitalist. Her addition further strengthens the hospital’s medical staff and supports continuity of care for patients.
Freeman Fort Scott Hospital remains committed to continually evaluating healthcare services and opportunities based on community needs and the hospital’s ability to sustainably provide those services locally.
For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit fortscott.com and select the Chamber Coffees category on the Events Calendar for upcoming Chamber Coffee locations.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee hosted by Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., this Thursday, June 25, at 8:00 a.m. Guests may enter through the Main Entrance, as coffee will be held in the McCauley conference room.
Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees may register for a special door prize drawing.
During the Chamber Coffee, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital will share several exciting updates, including the announcement that the hospital has been awarded more than $2.5 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program. The grant funding will support the addition of MRI services at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, bringing an important and much-needed diagnostic service to Bourbon County while improving access to care closer to home.
The hospital will also introduce Dr. Katrina Burke, who has joined Freeman Fort Scott Hospital as a full-time employed hospitalist. Her addition further strengthens the hospital’s medical staff and supports continuity of care for patients.
Freeman Fort Scott Hospital remains committed to continually evaluating healthcare services and opportunities based on community needs and the hospital’s ability to sustainably provide those services locally.
We hope to see you there!
For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit fortscott.com and select the Chamber Coffees category on the Events Calendar for upcoming Chamber Coffee locations.
WALNUT – K-146 west of Walnut will be closed on Tuesday, June 30, so a Kansas Department of Transportation crew can replace drainage pipes under the highway.
KDOT will close K-146 to through traffic from U.S. 59 east to the Neosho/Crawford county line for the day, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., conditions permitting. The drainpipes to be replaced are about 1.5 miles west of the Neosho/Crawford county line. Motorists should find an appropriate alternative route during this time.
KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/southeastnews.
Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – June 24, 2026
Arrested
Freeman, Gracie A (Age 24) — Arrested 6/23/2026 4:42 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear). Bond: $1,500.00 Cash/Surety. Released 6/23/2026 9:32 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).
Hudson, Joseph F (Age 43) — Arrested 6/24/2026 3:40 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Possess Opiates/Opium/Narc Drug and Certain Stim, Use/Poss Drug Paraphernalia/Human Body. Bond: $0.00 No Bond.
Brashear, Julie Irene (Age 62) — Arrested 6/24/2026 3:40 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Possess Opiates/Opium/Narc Drug and Certain Stim, Use/Poss Drug Paraphernalia/Human Body. Bond: $0.00 No Bond.
Released
Freeman, Gracie A — Released 6/23/2026 9:32 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).
Lotterer, Jared W — Released 6/23/2026 2:13 PM via Surety Bond (Able).
Palmer, Neal Gilbert — Released 6/23/2026 12:38 PM via Cash Bond (Self).
Price, Shannon Levi — Released 6/23/2026 7:19 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).
Sinclair, Brandon Eli Douglas — Released 6/23/2026 4:16 PM via Own Recognizance (Self).
Villazon, Vincent J — Released 6/23/2026 4:08 PM via Own Recognizance (Self).
The $3,000 High School Best in Show prize was awarded to Paulina Ausucua, a 12th grade student at Stratford High School with teacher Rachel Goins in Houston, Texas, for her acrylic painting on canvas board The Shape of Growth about American plant scientist Norman Borlaug. The young artist depicts Borlaug amidst the wheat fields where he developed ultra-resilient grains fueling the Green Revolution that led to global food production. “His life is one of resilience, determination, and the idea that itis important to continue looking for solutions and pursue them, despite any challenges,” reads Ausucua’s Impact Statement.
Congratulations, Paulina Ausucua!
Winning the $2,500 High School First Place prize was Melvin Yoo, a ninth grade student working on an independent study from Chadwick International in Incheon, South Korea, for Running Against Cancer, inspired by the Canadian athlete and cancer activist Terry Fox. In his artwork made of gouache and colored pencil on paper, Yoo presents a victorious figure of Fox, whose Marathon of Hope grew into one of the world’s largest fundraisers for cancer research. “The artwork represents not only the significance of Fox’s journey across Canada, but also his influence as a symbol of perseverance, hope, and worldwide action against cancer,” Yoo writes in his Impact Statement.
Congratulations, Melvin Yoo!
The recipient of the $2,000 High School Second Place prize was Halyn Oh, a ninth grade student working on an independent study at Seoul Scholars International Art& Design in South Korea, for Butterfly’s Rebirth, a deeply layered work featuring human rights activist Kim Hak-Sun. In her Impact Statement, Oh says, “I wanted to share Kim Hak-Sun’s courageous action as my role model because she was the first one who broke the shame and came out to the public to reveal the truth and give a positive social impact.”
INNOVATION GENERATION 2026 SUMMER ART COMPETITION Choose Your Unsung Hero!
The Innovation Generation directory highlights role models whose remarkable innovations, inventions, and research have made positive, profound, and lasting contributions to society. Browse the stories of these Unsung Heroes to choose a topic for the summer competition!
The 2026 Summer Competition is open to high school students. All students in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate, including rising high school freshmen (students entering 9th grade in Fall 2026) and students who graduated high school in 2026.
Meet our 2025-2026 Ambassador Taneisha Whatley, a Visual Art Teacher at Westover High School in Albany, Georgia.
For her culminating capstone project, Taneisha created an interactive community gallery exhibition titled, “Beyond the Canvas” that displayed the student artworks and impact statements.
Here is an excerpt from Taneisha’s Capstone Project report:
“The response from our community has been overwhelming. During our opening night in May, we had parents, local leaders, and other students pack the room. Visitors commented on how mature the students’ insights were, and many expressed that they learned about Unsung Heroes they had never heard of before.”
Congratulations to Taneisha and her students at Westover High School in Georgia for your spectacular ARTEFFECT projects!
Congratulations to Taneisha’s students who were selected as Finalists in the 2026 ARTEFFECT annual competition!
2026 Finalists by Taneisha Whatley’s students: Sounds from the Armyby Anthony Davis (Grade 12) about Unsung Hero James Reese Europe; and Systems of the Lab by Cameron Prim (Grade 12) about Unsung Hero Robert R. Williams.
SPREAD THE NEWS!
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT and spread the word about the 2026 competition winners. Be sure follow us on these platforms for announcements, news, professional development, resources and more!
Mike and his family are moving and Cindi is purging her inventory, and they are selling it all at an in-person, public auction. Two John Deere tractors, two zero-turn mowers, a horse trailer, vehicles, an ATV, farm equipment, tools, furniture and a whole lot more. Come spend the day with us!
When: Saturday, June 27, 2026 – starting at 10:00 AM
Where: 19863 Valley Road, La Cygne, KS 66040
Terms: Cash, check or credit card (5% credit-card processing fee). No buyer’s premium!
Bonus: Free hot dogs while they last. Come support our 4-H, selling drinks, desserts and snacks.
Featured Video — John Deere 730
John Deere 730 Diesel: factory weights, straight sheet metal and dual hydraulics. Runs (needs batteries).
Auction Headliners
John Deere 730
John Deere 730 RUNS factory weights, straight sheet metal and dual hydraulics. Needs batteries. See the featured video above.
John Deere 420
John Deere 420 RUNS. See video.
Simplicity 60″ Zero-Turn Mower
Simplicity 60″ commercial cut, 27 hp zero-turn mower. See video.
John Deere Z225 Zero-Turn Mower
John Deere 42″ cut EZ Trak Z225, 18.5 hp, w/ bags. See video.
Two-Horse Livestock Trailer
Two horse livestock trailer. This trailer has an attached air conditioning unit which comes on. It may need some maintenance. Also is equipped with electrical outlets and light. Selling with bill of sale, no title. See video.
ATV
Honda 4×4 ATV.
2018 Jeep Renegade
2018 Jeep Renegade 160,000 miles more or less. Daily driver, great gas mileage. Slight damage a couple years ago hitting a deer.
2005 Volvo
2005 Volvo 540 high mileage, runs and drives. See video.
Oklahoma Joe’s Smoker
Oklahoma Joe’s Smoker.
Priefert Headgate
Priefert Headgate.
MIG Welder
Mig Welder.
Shop Smith Table Saw / Wood Lathe
Shop Smith table saw / wood lathe.
Air Compressor
Rolltop Desk
Rolltop desk.
Display Case
Display case.
Full List of Auction Items
Here is a list of some of what will be selling:
Tractors & Farm Equipment
John Deere 730 (runs)
John Deere 420 (runs)
Land Pride 6′ blade
Homemade 5′ blade
Post hole digger
Antique plow
Road grader
Tiller
Scrap metal & batteries
Mowers, Cars & ATV
Simplicity 60″ commercial zero-turn (27 hp)
John Deere Z225 42″ zero-turn (18.5 hp, w/ bags)
2018 Jeep Renegade
2005 Volvo
ATV
Trailers
Two-horse livestock trailer (w/ AC, bill of sale)
All-metal trailer (bill of sale)
Trailer w/ hand winch, wooden floor
Tools & Shop
Stihl MS 170 chainsaw (runs)
MIG welder
Portable welder on wheels
Shop Smith table saw / lathe
Air compressor
Little Giant ladder
Step ladder
Sockets & small tools
Old-time fire extinguishers
Livestock & Outdoor
Priefert headgate
Dog grooming table
Big bale feeder
Hay feeders
Stock tank
Heaters
Saddles
Fuel tank & fuel cans
Wheelbarrow
Metal lawn furniture
Bicycles
Hoses
Moving dolly & carts
Craftsman pole saw / weed eater
Windmill
Grills & Fishing
Oklahoma Joe’s smoker
Charcoal smoker & grills
Propane bottle
Fishing poles & reels
Tackle
Household & Appliances
Ice cream maker
Sausage grinder
Microwave
Blender
Mixer
GF lean machine
Pots, pans & dishes
Bed linens
Misc. household
Furniture
Display case
Queen bed w/ mattress
Dresser w/ mirror
Rolltop desk
Futon love seat
Beds
Chairs
Kitchen table w/ chairs
End tables
Curio cabinet
Electronics
T-shirt screen maker
Wii console, controllers & games
PS4 / PlayStation games
Like-new laser printer
Cameras
Apple Watch
New-in-box home security system
Super Soakers
See You There!
Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM — 19863 Valley Road, La Cygne, KS 66040. Cash, check or credit card (5% credit-card fee). No buyer’s premium. Auction conducted by Semper Fi Auction Services.
Mike and his family are moving and Cindi is purging her inventory, and they are selling it all at an in-person, public auction. Two John Deere tractors, two zero-turn mowers, a horse trailer, vehicles, an ATV, farm equipment, tools, furniture and a whole lot more. Come spend the day with us!
When: Saturday, June 27, 2026 – starting at 10:00 AM
Where: 19863 Valley Road, La Cygne, KS 66040
Terms: Cash, check or credit card (5% credit-card processing fee). No buyer’s premium!
Bonus: Free hot dogs while they last. Come support our 4-H, selling drinks, desserts and snacks.
Featured Video — John Deere 730
John Deere 730 Diesel: factory weights, straight sheet metal and dual hydraulics. Runs (needs batteries).
Auction Headliners
John Deere 730
John Deere 730 RUNS factory weights, straight sheet metal and dual hydraulics. Needs batteries. See the featured video above.
John Deere 420
John Deere 420 RUNS. See video.
Simplicity 60″ Zero-Turn Mower
Simplicity 60″ commercial cut, 27 hp zero-turn mower. See video.
John Deere Z225 Zero-Turn Mower
John Deere 42″ cut EZ Trak Z225, 18.5 hp, w/ bags. See video.
Two-Horse Livestock Trailer
Two horse livestock trailer. This trailer has an attached air conditioning unit which comes on. It may need some maintenance. Also is equipped with electrical outlets and light. Selling with bill of sale, no title. See video.
ATV
Honda 4×4 ATV.
2018 Jeep Renegade
2018 Jeep Renegade 160,000 miles more or less. Daily driver, great gas mileage. Slight damage a couple years ago hitting a deer.
2005 Volvo
2005 Volvo 540 high mileage, runs and drives. See video.
Oklahoma Joe’s Smoker
Oklahoma Joe’s Smoker.
Priefert Headgate
Priefert Headgate.
MIG Welder
Mig Welder.
Shop Smith Table Saw / Wood Lathe
Shop Smith table saw / wood lathe.
Air Compressor
Rolltop Desk
Rolltop desk.
Display Case
Display case.
Full List of Auction Items
Here is a list of some of what will be selling:
Tractors & Farm Equipment
John Deere 730 (runs)
John Deere 420 (runs)
Land Pride 6′ blade
Homemade 5′ blade
Post hole digger
Antique plow
Road grader
Tiller
Scrap metal & batteries
Mowers, Cars & ATV
Simplicity 60″ commercial zero-turn (27 hp)
John Deere Z225 42″ zero-turn (18.5 hp, w/ bags)
2018 Jeep Renegade
2005 Volvo
ATV
Trailers
Two-horse livestock trailer (w/ AC, bill of sale)
All-metal trailer (bill of sale)
Trailer w/ hand winch, wooden floor
Tools & Shop
Stihl MS 170 chainsaw (runs)
MIG welder
Portable welder on wheels
Shop Smith table saw / lathe
Air compressor
Little Giant ladder
Step ladder
Sockets & small tools
Old-time fire extinguishers
Livestock & Outdoor
Priefert headgate
Dog grooming table
Big bale feeder
Hay feeders
Stock tank
Heaters
Saddles
Fuel tank & fuel cans
Wheelbarrow
Metal lawn furniture
Bicycles
Hoses
Moving dolly & carts
Craftsman pole saw / weed eater
Windmill
Grills & Fishing
Oklahoma Joe’s smoker
Charcoal smoker & grills
Propane bottle
Fishing poles & reels
Tackle
Household & Appliances
Ice cream maker
Sausage grinder
Microwave
Blender
Mixer
GF lean machine
Pots, pans & dishes
Bed linens
Misc. household
Furniture
Display case
Queen bed w/ mattress
Dresser w/ mirror
Rolltop desk
Futon love seat
Beds
Chairs
Kitchen table w/ chairs
End tables
Curio cabinet
Electronics
T-shirt screen maker
Wii console, controllers & games
PS4 / PlayStation games
Like-new laser printer
Cameras
Apple Watch
New-in-box home security system
Super Soakers
See You There!
Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM — 19863 Valley Road, La Cygne, KS 66040. Cash, check or credit card (5% credit-card fee). No buyer’s premium. Auction conducted by Semper Fi Auction Services.
