Obituary

Obituary: Barbara Ann Schoonover, Age 92

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Barbara Ann Schoonover

Barbara Ann Schoonover, age 92, a former resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, more recently of Chanute, Kansas, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Heritage Health & Rehab Center in Chanute. She was born May 26, 1934, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Orville H. “Duck” Lantis and Marie Schahuber Lantis. Barbara graduated from Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1952. She was united in marriage to Cloyd C. “Junior” Schoonover on May 1, 1954, in Ft. Scott. Barbara had been employed by Bourbon County for thirty-one years. She served eight years as Deputy County Clerk and twenty-three years as County Appraiser. She was a longtime member of the First Christian Church, where she was active with the Builders Class and the Anna Benders Guild. Barbara enjoyed spending time with her husband, Junior, checking the cattle, working in the garden and tending her flowers. After Junior’s death, Barbara took up traveling. Along with her traveling companions, she enjoyed numerous trips throughout the United States as well as various trips to Europe and cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico.

Survivors include her son, Frank Schoonover and wife, Lesa, of Erie, Kansas, and three granddaughters, Hannah Phillips (Evan) of Chanute, Kansas, Courtney Schoonover of Chanute, and Carissa Denison (Joel) of Collinsville, Oklahoma. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Cloyd “Junior” Schoonover, on August 24, 2005, as well as her parents, Orville and Marie Lantis.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 17th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Private burial will be in the Clarksburg Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Chanute First Baptist Church Food Bank and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Fort Scott Offers Halloween Candle Lantern Tours Oct. 31

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Fort Scott, Kan. — Fort Scott National Historic Site will offer four special candle lantern tours on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, as part of its “Murder and Mayhem at the Fort” program. Tour leaders will share lesser-known stories of tragedy and macabre events from Fort Scott’s 19th century history, focusing on the 1840s through the 1860s.

Tours will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a new tour starting every 30 minutes. Tours are free and open to the public, but space is limited and reservations are required. The park will begin accepting reservations on Friday, Oct. 16, at 8:30 a.m. To reserve a spot, call 620-223-0310.

Those with reservations should arrive 10 minutes before their scheduled tour to allow time for parking and orientation. Participants should dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes, as tours take place entirely outdoors on sidewalks.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information or to learn how to get involved, call 620-223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.

Photo credit: NPS photo collage of drawings depicting some of the violent events associated with the fort.

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Schools

USD 234 Board Recap: New IT Director, JAG-K, Personnel

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USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

The USD 234 Board of Education met for its regular monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, at 424 S. Main St. Vice President Nick Barrows opened the meeting in place of the board president.

The board approved the official agenda with one change — moving the preschool update to follow presentations and precede leadership reports — and approved the consent agenda, which included board minutes from Sept. 14 and Sept. 26, the cash flow report, check register, the Sept. 20 payroll of $1,836,161.73, activity funds accounts and USD 234 gifts.

Presentations

School Resource Officer Garrett, who covers the high school and Winfield Scott, and SRO Officer Carpenter, who covers the middle school and Eugene Ware, both spoke to the board about their roles, including ALICE safety training and acting as positive role models for students.

Stephen Dunning was introduced as the district’s new IT director. He comes from Nebraska with more than 25 years of IT experience.

Kevin Flanner and three students presented on the JAG-K program (Jobs for America’s Graduates – Kansas), which has 60 students enrolled this year, at capacity. Student speakers included senior and JAG president Julieana Dixon, senior and JAG secretary Skyla Edwards, and freshman Ella Cooney, who each described the program’s impact on their public speaking, confidence and career planning.

Leadership reports

Superintendent Zach Johnson reminded the community of the final Strategic Planning meeting set for Oct. 29 and encouraged participation in the district’s mission-defining survey.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield reported that the fiscal audit is underway, the KSDE audit is approaching, and the budget has been submitted to the state for review. The benefits committee will meet again to continue working through health insurance information.

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes gave an update on the “Cat Aide” project and said she is launching a “Time with Tonya” series of small-group sessions for new special education teachers to address questions and concerns.

Board action

The board approved the KASB Legal Assistance Fund, the purchase of a 2023 Chrysler Voyager vehicle, and a memorandum of understanding with Head Start/USD 234.

The board discussed Board Policy FC, governing memorials and naming of district facilities, to determine whether the current policy still reflects the board’s expectations. Superintendent Johnson will contact other districts and bring recommendations to a future meeting.

One person spoke during the public forum. The board went into executive session for legal matters and again for personnel matters before approving the personnel report. Vice President Nick Barrows then adjourned the meeting.

Personnel report (approved)

Resignations/terminations/retirements:

  • Robin Button — Retirement, June 2027 — Food Service Director
  • Kaylee Majors — Resignation — 5.5 Preschool Van Driver
  • Bobba Smith — Resignation — Paraprofessional, KRI
  • Jennifer Stafford — Supplemental Resignation — Concession Stand Coordinator

Leave of absence:

  • Jacquelyn Mitchell
  • Brian Pool

Employment — classified recommendations for the 2026-27 school year:

  • Mikiah Anderson — Paraprofessional, Preschool
  • Jesse Dinneen — Part-Time Paraprofessional, Middle School
  • Tiffany Garrison — OT Paraprofessional
  • Alexis Palmer — Paraprofessional, Winfield Scott
  • Gabriella Rusk — Paraprofessional, Winfield Scott
  • Tonya Smith — Preschool Van Driver

Supplemental recommendations:

  • Sydney Cullison — Concessions Coordinator
Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – Oct. 9, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Report

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – October 9, 2026

Arrested

McRenolds, Curtis D (Age 43) — Arrested 10/8/2026 5:56 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Transporting an Open Container. Bond: $0.00 No Bond.

Released

Brown, Shelby — Released 10/8/2026 8:41 AM via Transferred Out (Transferred to KDOC).

Total Inmates Released: 1

Documents:

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – Oct. 13, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – October 13, 2026

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Report

Arrested

Obryan, Everett Arthur (Age 51) — Arrested 10/9/2026 2:24 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Probation Violation). Bond: No Bond $0.00.

Nunley, Teresa Jean (Age 45) — Arrested 10/11/2026 12:05 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Driving Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (Misdemeanor), Vehicles; Operate Vehicle Without Registration or W/ Expired Tag. Bond: $500.00 Cash/Surety. Released 10/11/2026 5:40 PM via Surety Bond.

Shapel, Dillon Matthew (Age 41) — Arrested 10/11/2026 11:48 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant – Out of State. Bond: No Bond $0.00.

Falley-Wallace, John L (Age 24) — Arrested 10/12/2026 3:25 PM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.

Murray-Crawford, Benz (Age 21) — Arrested 10/12/2026 3:29 PM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: No Bond $0.00.

Prattis, Ronald Jr (Age 36) — Arrested 10/12/2026 3:49 PM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.

Ward, Deandre (Age 35) — Arrested 10/12/2026 3:53 PM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.

Jones, Ariana Nicole (Age 35) — Arrested 10/12/2026 4:53 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Driving Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (Misdemeanor), Maximum Speed Limits. Bond: No Bond $0.00.

Freeman, Gracie Ann (Age 24) — Arrested 10/13/2026 12:56 AM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Domestic Battery; Knowing Rude Physical Contact w/ Family Member or Dating Relationship, Interference with LEO; Unknown Circumstance. Bond: No Bond $0.00.

Released

Chaney, Darrell James — Released 10/12/2026 5:00 PM via Time Served (Self).

Courter, Nicholas — Released 10/12/2026 3:04 PM via Transferred Out (DGSO).

Knight, Marcus Franklin — Released 10/12/2026 3:11 PM via Transferred Out (DGSO).

Mcreynolds, Curtis D — Released 10/9/2026 11:51 AM via Own Recognizance (Self).

Meuffels, Jeremy — Released 10/12/2026 3:04 PM via Transferred Out (DGSO).

Moore, Robert Luther — Released 10/12/2026 3:05 PM via Transferred Out (DGSO).

Nunley, Teresa Jean — Released 10/11/2026 5:40 PM via Surety Bond (Able).

Plaster, Jesse — Released 10/12/2026 3:12 PM via Transferred Out (DGSO).

Total Inmates Released: 8

Documents:

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 12, 2026

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Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 12, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 55 calls for service on October 12, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Accident / Non-Injury — 5:41 AM, Yale Rd, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0961BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Theft — 6:08 AM, 1711 Cameron, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01633FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Theft — 8:03 AM, 1611 Cameron, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01634FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Juvenile — 9:37 AM, 601 E 5th St. Complaint No. 26-0962BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Juvenile — 9:37 AM, 601 E 5th St. Complaint No. 26-0963BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Accident / Non-Injury — 10:37 AM, 2108 S Horton St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01635FS. Disposition: RPTA.

Theft — 11:27 AM, 201 S Lincoln St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01636FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Check Vehicle — 12:05 PM, Marble, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0964BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Traffic Stop — 4:23 PM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-0965BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Accident / Hit and Run — 6:35 PM, 10 S National Ave. Complaint No. 26-01638FS. Disposition: RPTA.

Disturbance — 7:55 PM, 1135 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01639FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Domestic / Unknown — 11:51 PM, 2379 Locust Rd #8. Complaint No. 26-0966BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Fire and EMS

EMS — 4:52 AM, 2401 S Horton #145, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 5:22 AM, 101 W 18th St. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 7:23 AM, 206 5th St #Apt1, Uniontown. Disposition: AMBU.

Fire / Alarm — 12:01 PM, 715 Burke, Fort Scott. Disposition: FIRE.

EMS / Standby — 4:39 PM, 1005 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 8:19 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 10:14 PM, 201 W 23rd St #2A2, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 10:49 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Other Calls for Service

27,28,29 Checks — 7:46 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

Follow-Up — 8:56 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 9:04 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 9:48 AM, 1245 Locust Rd. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 10:02 AM, 1705 Cameron, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint — 10:06 AM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / Walk-In — 10:09 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 10:26 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Seeking Advice/Info — 10:42 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 77.

Traffic Complaint / Dead Animal Pickup/Debris — 10:54 AM, 18th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

VIN Inspections / County — 12:45 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 1:34 PM, 207 Lincoln St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 2:32 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Driving — 2:54 PM, 12th St. Disposition: 77.

Seeking Advice/Info — 3:06 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 3:12 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 4:18 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Alarm / Burglary — 4:44 PM, 1433 215th. Disposition: HBO.

SRO — 4:49 PM, 815 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Vehicle Unlock — 7:57 PM, 220 Scott St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 11:46 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 8:41 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:57 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: NTA.

Traffic Stop — 9:40 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: NTA.

Traffic Stop — 2:00 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 2:15 PM, 523 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 4:01 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 6:03 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 6:55 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:38 PM, Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:07 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:32 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:41 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:53 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:00 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Total Calls for Service: 55

Documents:

Fort Scott Community College, Gordon Parks Museum

Gordon Parks Museum Names 2026 Poetry Contest Winners

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Winners of the 2026 Gordon Parks Museum Poetry Contest, sponsored by Helen Townsend and Trabar Associates, have been selected. This year’s theme was “Giving a Voice to the Voiceless.”

Seventeen entries were received. First Place went to Jada Paschal of Kansas City, Mo., for “The Girl in the Red Dress.” Second Place went to Kamryn Pirkey of Pryor, Okla., for “10 Steps.” Third Place went to Aiden Thomas Bugger of Wichita, Kan., for “In the Empty Frame.”

Four Honorable Mentions were also named: Sarah Epps of Pleasanton, Kan., for “Forest Flowers”; Melissa Andrews of Decatur, Ga., for “Developed in the Dark”; Makenzie Moser of Paola, Kan., for “The Misfortune of Women”; and Alyssa Murray of Kansas City, Kan., for “Might I Offer You an African Proverb.”

The First, Second and Third Place winners received cash prizes of $200, $150 and $100, respectively.

The contest is inspired by Gordon Parks, who used his camera to speak for those unable to speak for themselves. Poets were invited to capture the essence of the theme in their own words.

Judges for the contest were Kansas Poet Laureate Traci Brimhall and poet Cash Hollistah. The poetry exhibit will be on display on the Gordon Parks Museum Facebook page and on the museum’s website, gordonparkscenter.org.

First Place: “The Girl in the Red Dress” by Jada Paschal

Crisp early mornings dressed in Sunday’s very best
Melodies strumming through the halls
The smell of collard greens and smothered turkey necks
Waiting for someone to devour when the final Amen falls

Hands raised high, Tambourines set ablaze
Tongues speaking words language cannot possess
Mary Janes swinging at the altar
The Girl in the Red Dress

The distinctive smell of reset
Potions and concoctions of Clorox
Warm nostalgia and a tree of wrinkles
In a world full of superficial Botox

Salons overflowing with the same culture
Trends the world understood too late
Ma’s knuckles forging roads in her scalp
Vaseline and Cocoa Butter glistening on her face

Smile draped in jewels like the divine
“Too Big!” and “Too loud!”
The hoops and the chains suddenly—
“Too much!” and “Too proud!”

Nevertheless
Still The Girl in the Red Dress
Shame.

Confidence mistaken for attitude
Curves screaming provocative
Condolences and Apologies
Restrained in the shackles placed upon us—
tongues no longer so talkative

The circles that once framed her crown and ears
Now drawn across her back
And yet, she remains
Mourning those who never grew their wrinkles
Beauty in the Bloodline, burdened by the pain

…Tsk, Tsk, silly me
I’ve outgrown the outfit, but never the skin
Suppressed.
—Forever, The Girl in the Red Dress

Second Place: “10 Steps” by Kamryn Pirkey

The lights cast a reflection on the wall
The kitchen faucet trickles water
Medicine bottles cluttered on the wooden table
Don’t look to the right, Don’t look to the right
My head pivots to the right
Beep Beep Beep
I can’t mumble
The life machines scream to keep you alive

10 steps is all to walk in the room that you will perish in.
10 steps to individual that cared for me
Little did my sterling self know, you’d be gone in a matter of days.

I can’t whisper
It pained my inner child voice to take those 10 steps
That you didn’t recognize me anymore
“Who’s that” you choke out
I couldn’t speak
I didn’t have a voice
To sing my little rhymes of begging you not to leave.

I regret taking those steps
I wish I took them
But I did
I took those 10 steps to see you pass.
My voice cracked every step I took.

Third Place: “In the Empty Frame” by Aiden Thomas Bugger

The sharp alarm cuts through the frozen dawn,
and through the glass, my day has begun.
The early light breaks in a blinding stun;
a flash of gold that mirrors the low sun.
I sit up, my muscles stretching as I turn to face the street.

By Noon, a stranger steps into my home,
and he tells me his name is Jerome.
As he sets up his equipment,
I rush to get prepped, waiting.

Then—A bright FLASH! it happens.
The camera flash traps the sharp lines of my face,
locking my private grief into a cold, lonely frame,
making a black-and-white story for the world to see, not touch.

For a split second, the blinding brightness burns,
painting the peeling walls in a holy, false white.
Then comes the return of the all-too-familiar dark.

Jerome packs his bags and walks out of my home,
Leaving the intoxicating smell of burnt powder.
He leaves to wash my struggles in chemical trays,
stamping a clean piece of art from my daily pain.

But back in my house, the sun climbs my walls again, unbothered,
and the street goes right back to its endless beat as the sun sets again.

Now the midnight shadows stretch across the floor.
I step out this unfinished frame.
Unframed, unprinted, and utterly unbroken.

The true work of my survival, completely hidden,
as I rest overnight, ready for more struggles,
tomorrow, which can wait.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

Walk-In Screening Mammograms Offered in Pittsburg, Fort Scott

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Walk-In Screening Mammograms Available in Pittsburg and Fort Scott

FORT SCOTT, Kan.—With Breast Cancer Awareness Month just around the corner, the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) encourages women ages 40 to 74 to receive a screening mammogram annually.

“Making time for your regular mammogram is an important part of taking care of your health,” said Kimberly Wass, CHC/SEK Radiology Lead. “Mammograms are one of the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear.”

CHC/SEK offers walk-in mammograms year-round from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, at two locations:

  • Fort Scott: 2322 S. Main St.
  • Pittsburg South: 1011 S. Mount Carmel Pl.

In October, CHC/SEK will also host Brunching for Breast Cancer Awareness, a special event offering women an opportunity to walk in to receive a mammogram, enjoy a complimentary brunch treat, and be entered to win a prize basket.

The event will be held:

  • October 14, 7 am to 2 pm at the Pittsburg South location
  • October 22, 7 am to 2 pm at the Fort Scott location

Mammograms are also available by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 620-223-8484. No physician order is needed for a screening mammogram.

In addition to screening mammograms, CHC/SEK offers diagnostic mammograms and breast ultrasounds, allowing patients to receive comprehensive breast health care in one place. Advanced Genius® 3D Mammography™ technology is available for every exam.

Patients can also expect timely access to their mammogram results. “We know how important it is for patients to get answers quickly after a screening,” said Jennifer Dugan, CHC/SEK Mammography Lead. “That’s why we work to have mammogram results ready and shared through the patient portal within 24 hours.”

Financial assistance is offered at both CHC/SEK locations. Patients are encouraged to speak with a benefits enrollment specialist who can help them understand their options.

CHC/SEK is an American College of Radiology-accredited facility and an FDA-certified mammography facility.

For more information, visit chcsek.org.

About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.

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Advertisements

Ad: Rick James — Semper Fi

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I served my country for 30 years. I want to keep serving you.

Re-elect Rick James, Republican, Kansas State Representative District 4: 30 Years A U.S. Marine

I’m Rick James. A few days after high school I joined the Marines, and I served for 30 years:

  • Desert Storm, Haiti, and Operation Iraqi Freedom
  • Marine Corps Drill Instructor and embassy duty
  • Retired as a Sergeant Major, awarded the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit

When I retired in 2011, I didn’t stop serving. I started two local businesses, served as your neighbor on the county commission, and now I’m your voice in Topeka.

Still serving. Semper Fi. Re-elect Rick James, State Representative, District 4.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Early voting at the Bourbon County Courthouse starts Oct. 19.

Paid for by Rick James for Kansas State Representative.

Learn more: Rick James on Facebook | rickjamesks.com

K-State Extension

Hay Testing vs. the Cost of Open Cows by Hunter Nickell

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Hunter Nickell
Southwind Extension District
Livestock Production Extension Agent
1006 N. State St.
Iola, KS 66749
Office: (620) 365-2242
Cell: (620) 473-3298
nickell99@ksu.edu

Every summer, ranchers cut and bale hay for the winter and don’t think much about it. But the nutritive value of hay is highly variable and not always represented by the visual appraisal of the hay.

The nutritive value of hay is primarily a function of protein concentration and digestibility. The protein in hay is primarily digested by the bacteria in the rumen, which are then digested by the animal in the small intestine, thus providing the animal with the protein it requires. As grasses grow, protein concentration decreases; however, this change is not consistent among grass species or within the same species across years.

Digestibility is a function of the fiber concentration in the grass. There are several types of fiber, but neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) are two that are related to digestibility. NDF is the total amount of fiber in the plant, and ADF is the amount of poorly digested fiber in the plant. As the total amount of fiber (NDF) increases, the digestibility of the grass decreases, and as the amount of ADF increases, the digestibility of the grass decreases. From the NDF and ADF concentrations in the hay, we can calculate an estimated digestibility (TDN). As grass grows, the NDF and ADF concentrations increase, and, similar to protein concentration, this change is not consistent among species or across years.

Visual appraisal of hay can be deceiving. Bromegrass hay with a high number of leaves and relatively few stems may still show stems indicating that the plant had reached the reproductive stage prior to cutting and baling. The reproductive stage, when seed heads are visible, is one of the later stages of plant growth, indicating that a lesser quality hay will be produced. However, bromegrass hay is usually of relatively high quality.

In one nutritive analysis example, even with a high number of leaves, the protein concentration was quite low, at 6.39%. Feed tables list the protein concentration of bromegrass hay at more than 8%, which meets the protein requirements of mid-gestation dry cows; 6% protein does not. Late-gestation and lactating cows will need a protein supplement to meet their protein requirements, which are 9 to 10%.

The NDF concentration of that hay sample was 63%, and the ADF was 41%. This calculated to an estimated TDN of 51%, which is just enough to meet the energy requirements of mid-gestation dry cows. And with the marginal protein concentration in the hay, the cows will need a protein supplement to digest the hay to the calculated TDN potential of 51%.

Visual appraisal of hay is not always adequate for assessing its nutritional value. Even home-grown hay can have a nutritive value very different from what is expected or from forage analyses from previous years. A basic forage test that will provide protein, NDF, ADF, and TDN concentrations costs $20 to $40 per sample. One sample from each cutting and each field is adequate, but the sample needs to comprise hay from multiple bales. The best way to sample hay for forage analysis is to use a hay probe on a cordless drill and collect a core from 10% of the bales. The $100 to $200 spent on forage analysis is worth the cost of one open cow from feeding hay that results in thin cows at calving. As a reminder, Southwind Extension District has grant funding to cost-share $20 per forage sample. This opportunity is made possible by Bill House Ag Grant Funds from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.

Thank you to the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University for the content in this article. If you have any additional questions or are interested in testing your hay, give Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent, a call at any of the Southwind Extension District offices or by email at nickell99@ksu.edu. We have a probe in each office and are happy to make field visits to assist our producers!

Fort Scott Community College, Gordon Parks Museum

Gordon Parks Museum Names 2026 Photo Contest Winners

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Winners of the Gordon Parks Museum photo contest, sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography and Don Thompson Images, have been selected. This year’s theme was “Giving a Voice to the Voiceless.”

The contest received 56 entries. First place went to Miles Lynn of Potomac, Md., for “Looking Out.” Second place went to Mia Nance of Wichita, Kan., for “Asking for Help, Helps.” Third place went to Laney Covey of Uniontown, Kan., for “The Music We Pass By.”

Five honorable mentions were named: “Solitude Under the Bridge” by Gary J. Sonnier (Dallas, Texas); “To Be Seen” by Aahliyah Goodridge (Wichita, Kan.); “Voiceless Despair” by Paloma Oropeza (Wichita, Kan.); “Still Here” by Robert D. Little (Stillwater, Okla.); and “Students” by Zoiee Banuelo (Wichita, Kan.).

First, second and third place winners received cash prizes of $200, $75 and $50, respectively.

The photo contest was inspired by Gordon Parks, who used his camera to speak for those unable to speak for themselves. Photographers were invited to capture the essence of the theme.

Judges for the contest were professional photographer Veretta Cobler and established creative director/designer Donna Fumoso.

The photo exhibit will be on display on the Gordon Parks Museum’s Facebook page at facebook.com/fsccgpmuseum and on the museum’s website, gordonparkscenter.org.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 9–10, 2026

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Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 9–10, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 112 calls for service on October 9–10, 2026.

October 9, 2026

Traffic Stop — 12:02 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

27,28,29 Checks — 1:26 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: NR.

Check Vehicle — 4:44 AM, 2108 S Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Records / Criminal History — 7:19 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: NR.

Vehicle Unlock — 7:51 AM, 2122 Poplar Rd, Fort Scott. Disposition: 22.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 7:58 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 9:18 AM, Clay. Disposition: 77.

EMS — 10:06 AM, 1682 135th, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Traffic Stop — 10:10 AM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Vin Inspections / County — 10:33 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Lost Property — 10:36 AM, 847 Hickory Rd, Mapleton. Disposition: HBO.

EMS — 10:46 AM, 737 Heylman, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Traffic Complaint / Livestock — 10:58 AM, 7 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 11:01 AM, 601 N Barbee, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Accident / Hit and Run — 11:33 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01624FS. Disposition: RPTA.

EMS / Transfer — 12:03 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Animal Control — 12:03 PM, 601 N Barbee, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 12:16 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 22.

911 / Hang Up — 1:08 PM, 601 E 5th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: 22.

Follow-Up — 1:24 PM, 2500 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: RPTS.

Traffic Stop — 1:40 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Civil Standby — 2:00 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

EMS — 2:50 PM, 915 S Horton, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

Harassment — 3:33 PM, 107 N Eddy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / Walk-In — 3:42 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

EMS — 3:44 PM, 10th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 4:16 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 5:42 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

EMS — 5:49 PM, 802 Shepherd St #4, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 5:51 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 5:51 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 22.

SRO — 6:01 PM, 601 E 5th St, Uniontown. Disposition: HBO.

EMS / Standby — 6:29 PM, 601 E 5th St, Uniontown. Disposition: AMBU.

Accident / Non-Injury — 7:03 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0952BB. Disposition: RPTA.

Disturbance — 7:36 PM, 728 S Wilson St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 8:01 PM, 2322 S Main St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:30 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Suspicious Activity — 8:41 PM, 900 E 3rd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Suspicious Activity — 8:45 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Accident / Hit and Run — 8:51 PM, 2305 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01626FS. Disposition: RPTA.

Fraud — 8:56 PM, 20 N Grant St. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 9:12 PM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Motorist Assist — 9:43 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 10:34 PM, 101 Old Fort Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Suspicious Activity — 10:34 PM, 802 Shepherd St #16, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Traffic Stop — 10:37 PM, 215th, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:41 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Seeking Advice/Info — 10:41 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 11:12 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:17 PM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:30 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

October 10, 2026

Traffic Stop — 12:12 AM, Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 12:31 AM, 1005 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Other Agency Assist — 6:17 AM, 524 S Clark. Disposition: HBO.

Alarm / Burglary — 8:38 AM, 3 W Oak St, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 22.

Juvenile — 9:00 AM, 1201 Mulberry, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

27,28,29 Checks — 9:09 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Traffic Stop — 9:34 AM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Domestic / Physical — 10:23 AM, 121 N Washington St. Complaint No. 26-01627FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Train Blocking Tracks — 10:41 AM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Traffic Complaint / Driving — 10:43 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 11:18 AM, 1316 S Judson, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Follow-Up — 11:37 AM, 901 Barbee St, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 11:58 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Narcotics — 12:01 PM, 1010 Park Ave, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01628FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Other Agency Assist — 12:10 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Accident / Injury Unknown — 12:26 PM, 209 S State, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01629FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS — 12:43 PM, 915 S Horton, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

Traffic Complaint — 1:21 PM, 69 Hwy, Linn County. Disposition: 77.

Follow-Up — 1:32 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: RPTS.

EMS / Mutual Aide — 1:49 PM, 706 W 15th St, Pleasanton. Disposition: * Multiple.

Follow-Up — 2:10 PM, 101 S State St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 2:16 PM, 1724 E Pine St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 2:49 PM, Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

EMS / Transfer — 3:07 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Follow-Up — 3:22 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Hang Up — 3:56 PM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

Parking Complaint — 5:02 PM, 309 S Little St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Public Assist — 5:13 PM, 911 E 6th St. Disposition: HBO.

Fire / Other — 6:06 PM, 1300 N Click, Fort Scott. Disposition: FIRE.

Traffic Stop — 6:14 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Fire / All Call — 6:15 PM, 1604 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: FIRE.

911 / Accidental — 6:18 PM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

Traffic Stop — 6:39 PM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Seeking Advice/Info / County — 6:40 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Dead Animal Pickup/Debris — 6:54 PM, 6th St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 7:05 PM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Juvenile — 7:14 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 7:18 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:28 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:31 PM, Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:42 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:56 PM, 1920 S Main St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:16 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:39 PM, 523 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:50 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:51 PM, Hidden Valley Rd, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Pursuit — 8:58 PM, Yale Rd. Complaint No. 26-0954BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Traffic Stop — 9:20 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Found Property — 9:31 PM, 2500 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 9:42 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

EMS — 9:45 PM, 1752 255th, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Shots Fired — 10:42 PM, 1605 Maple. Disposition: 77.

EMS — 10:43 PM, 802 Shepherd St #4, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Traffic Stop — 11:10 PM, 3rd St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:16 PM, 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:18 PM, 1789 Hwy 54, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:25 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Foot Patrol — 11:29 PM, 2011 S Main St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 11:45 PM, 1920 S Main St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0955BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Traffic Stop — 11:52 PM, 415 College, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01630FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Follow-Up — 11:56 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Total Calls for Service: 112

Documents:

Bourbon County Local News