Obituary: Donald Ray Wynn, Age 92

Donald Ray Wynn went to be with the Lord on September 13, 2026 at the age of 92. He was born on January 26, 1934 at Lyons, KS.

His parents moved from Lyons, Kansas to the Pittsburg, Kansas area when Dad was a young boy. His father was a farmer and lost his farm due to drought and the depression. His father worked as a welder at the coal strip pit mines and did some farming in the area. They moved to the state of Oregon where his father worked as a welder in the shipyards. When Dad was 10 years old he sold newspapers out of a makeshift cardboard box and shined shoes to help the family make money. He and his older brothers also ran a first-ever grocery cart business to deliver groceries to people in the area.

Their next move brought the family to Fort Scott, Kansas. They purchased a farm south of where Briggs Auto is located. Dad attended Fort Scott school system. His family moved again from Fort Scott to Louisburg, KS before Dad’s senior year of high school. He did not want to make the change of schools again; Dad stayed in Fort Scott and lived in the YMCA building and asked the attendant to wake him every morning to go to school. He worked at the White Grill & Nu-Grille to put himself through school. He graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1953. Dad was in the Navy and Naval Reserve after high school with honorable discharge in 1955.

After graduation he met Lois Luker and they were soon married at Paint Creek Church of the Brethren in Uniontown, KS on September 19, 1954. Dad and Mom spent a short time in Kansas City, KS before moving to Harrisonville, MO. He farmed with his father and 4 brothers. He would get up at 4:00 AM to milk cows with some of his brothers while the other brothers milked at night. They all had jobs in the Kansas City area. Dad would then leave at 6 AM to drive to Independence, MO to work at Katz Drug Store and return home between 5 to 6 PM. His evening task was building their new home till around 10 PM. He enjoyed oil painting for 1 to 2 hours to wind down before bed. The city job was 5 days a week but milking cows was 7 days a week with extra farm work on weekends.

In 1969 Dad purchased a farm south of Uniontown, KS, and started a dairy business with brother-in-law Eldon Luker. Dad left the dairy business in 1978 and worked for himself doing carpentry work and farmed his own land. In 1985 he went to work at Uniontown High School as a custodian until his retirement in 1999. After retirement he continued to work part time for the school until he was 75 years old. He retired from farming in 2015.

Dad was a loving father who believed in taking care of his family and providing for them as best he could. Our dad was a special kinda guy. He could do almost anything. He taught us how to farm, to build things, do electrical wiring, and repair anything to keep it going without having to take it to town to be repaired. He was able to rebuild engines, build buildings, fix equipment, etc. It didn’t matter what the task was, he would take it on and not quit until it was done. Dad taught us to never start a job unless you are willing to finish it.

Dad was very meticulous in the way he wanted things done — you couldn’t just throw something together and hope that it was good enough. No! You had a job to do and you learned to do it right. He was a hard worker who spent long hours doing back-breaking work and never quit. He taught us how to love our spouse and be a father to our kids. Dad always tried to have some kind of fun while we worked and around home; he was a little ornery in some ways and would catch you off guard with some prank of his or tried to make you laugh. Although the fun part never seemed to last long enough, it was always about getting things done.

Dad was always involved in the church. The family attended Paint Creek Church of the Brethren from 1969 to late 1980. He became involved and was a founding member of Faith Christian Center, which later became Faith Church in Fort Scott, KS. He was very instrumental in helping build the church in Fort Scott, both physically and spiritually. Dad always tried to help people that would cross his path. He tried to show them Jesus in his everyday life.

His wife passed away in 2017 and he continued to live at home by himself until his passing. Dad was a man that stood tall and had every reason to. He was the best kind of dad to have, and none better in our eyes.

He was the fifth child born of 9 children to Perry Oscar Wynn & Alma Martha Helene Siemsen. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, his wife Lois, 5 brothers — Virgil Siemsen, Norman Wynn, Kenneth Wynn, Cecile Wynn, Paul Wynn — and 2 sisters, Laverne Dillion and Darlene Bunger.

He is survived by his children Deborah Wynn of Mounds, OK; Rick Wynn (Mary) of Uniontown, KS; Tina Aigbiremonlen (Eromosele) of Mounds, OK; and Mark Wynn (Amy) of College Station, TX. Also surviving are his sister Peggy Lynn of Harrisonville, MO; brother-in-law Eldon Luker of Fort Scott, KS; and sister-in-law Phyllis and her husband David Randall of Kansas City, MO. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren — Joy, Charity, Nathan, Andrea, Johnathan, Kaitlin, and Destiny — and 14 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 AM Saturday, October 24 at Cheney Witt Chapel. Matthew Hunt will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM. A private family burial will follow at Mason Cemetery, rural Uniontown.

Memorials are suggested to Faith Church Heart for The House and may be left in care of Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 South Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 22, 2026

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 22, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 45 calls for service on September 22, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Traffic Stop — 7:57 AM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-01543FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Accident / Hit and Run — 11:37 AM, 1708 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01544FS. Disposition: RPTA.

Dog Bite — 1:38 PM, 2322 S Main St. Complaint No. 26-01545FS. Disposition: RPTACO.

Check Subject — 7:01 PM, National Ave, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01546FS. Disposition: ARRC.

Traffic Stop — 8:13 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01547FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Fire and EMS

EMS — 8:30 AM, 504 Sherman, Uniontown. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 8:35 AM, 1808 S Eddy, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 4:46 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 8:27 PM, 16 N Caldwell, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 11:42 PM, 201 W 23rd St #2A2. Disposition: AMBU.

Other Calls for Service

Juvenile — 3:48 AM, 119 S Washington St. Disposition: RPTG.

Follow-Up — 5:42 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Parking Complaint — 7:03 AM, 24 N Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 77.

Animal Control — 8:57 AM, 601 N Barbee, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 9:18 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: RPTS.

Traffic Complaint / Driving — 10:00 AM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: 77.

VIN Inspections / County — 10:17 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Other — 10:57 AM, Cavalry Rd. Disposition: HBD.

Other Agency Assist — 11:00 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 77.

27,28,29 Checks — 11:37 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Dog Bite — 12:57 PM, 1105 E 12th, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Hang Up — 1:25 PM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 1:56 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 2:09 PM, Little St. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 2:23 PM, 601 N Barbee, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 2:27 PM, 1714 Holbrook St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Traffic Lights/RR Crossing — 3:29 PM, 6th St. Disposition: HBO.

Vehicle Unlock — 3:35 PM, 201 E 23rd St. Disposition: HBO.

SRO — 3:40 PM, 1105 E 12th, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Vehicle Unlock — 3:44 PM, 734 S Barbee St #D. Disposition: HBO.

Dog Bite — 3:52 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Seeking Advice/Info — 4:04 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 4:35 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: HBD.

Juvenile — 4:55 PM, 324 Mccleverty St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / County — 5:50 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Harassment — 6:01 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 6:22 PM, 415 S Eddy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / County — 8:10 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 8:32 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 8:50 PM, 320 Cleveland. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 7:34 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:49 PM, 12th St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:09 PM, 4th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:16 PM, 215th, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 9:37 PM, 18th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Total Calls for Service: 45

Documents:

Chamber Coffee Set for Sept. 24 at Pioneer Harvest Fiesta

Pioneer Harvest Fiesta flyerThe Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to Chamber Coffee on Thursday, September 24 at 8 a.m., hosted by the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta. The gathering will take place at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd., inside the Shirley Yeager Building. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served.

Guests will have the opportunity to tour the space, meet Pioneer Harvest Fiesta organizers, network with members of the community, and enter a drawing for a door prize. Chamber Coffee is open to Chamber members and the public.

This year marks the 70th anniversary and final year of the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, which will take place Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4 at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds. The Pioneer Harvest Fiesta organization will remain active and plans to continue hosting its annual spring swap meet; however, this will be the final year for the fall Fiesta.

For seven decades, the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta has celebrated agricultural history and traditions while bringing together exhibitors, families, and visitors from throughout the region. Community members are encouraged to attend this milestone event and help celebrate the Fiesta’s lasting legacy.

The celebration will kick off with the Downtown Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Parade on Thursday, October 1 at 6 p.m. Parade entries of all kinds are welcome. Those interested in participating may pick up a parade entry form at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St., or request and return a form by emailing information@fortscott.com. The deadline to preregister is Monday, September 28.

Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy live demonstrations, including blacksmithing, sawmill operations, corn shelling, sorghum demonstrations, threshing, rock crushing, and more. Other attractions include a quilt show, gas engine and tractor exhibits, antique and classic tractor pulls, a garden tractor pull, flea market, food vendors, live entertainment, and activities for the entire family.

Weekend admission is $5, with children ages 5 and younger admitted free. Additional event information and the complete schedule may be found at pioneerharvestfiesta.com.

For more information about Chamber Coffees or other Chamber events, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

Chamber Coffee flyer

 

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – Sept 23, 2026

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Report

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – September 23, 2026

Arrested

Turnbull, Christina Lynn (Age 48) — Arrested 9/22/2026 8:09 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Warrant – Out of State. Bond: No Bond.

Griffith, Joshua David (Age 42) — Arrested 9/22/2026 7:04 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear) [BB-2021-CR-196], Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear) [2020-CR-500]. Bond: No Bond.

Released

Coberley, Jaci Mae — Released 9/22/2026 3:08 AM via Own Recognance (Self).

Guss, Roy — Released 9/22/2026 1:26 PM via Surety Bond (A+ Bonding).

Slavens, Kyle — Released 9/22/2026 1:54 PM via Transferred Out (DGCO).

Total Inmates Released: 3

Documents:

New Commerce Grant to Boost Youth Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities

 

new kdc letterhead


For Immediate Release:    
September 23, 2026

Contact:
Patrick Lowry
785-250-4562
Patrick.Lowry@ks.gov

New Commerce Grant to Boost Youth Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the launch of the Kansas Office of Apprenticeship State Grant, a new funding opportunity designed to strengthen and expand Registered Apprenticeship programs across Kansas. The new grant will support both new and existing apprenticeship programs while promoting opportunities for youth ages 16 and 17 to enter high-quality career pathways in high-wage, high-demand occupations.

“Creating opportunities for our students and employers to connect at the early stages of professional careers is key to building a strong and sustainable Kansas workforce,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Investing in Registered Apprenticeship programs will provide Kansas businesses with reliable and skilled workers while also setting up young Kansans for rewarding careers right here in their home state.”

Grant funding will support activities such as program development and expansion, staffing, outreach, employer engagement, technical instruction, partnership development, and other operational costs that strengthen Registered Apprenticeship programs. Individual grants of up to $100,000 will be awarded.

As part of the grant requirements, applicants must commit to one of the following engagement activities:

  • Successfully register a minimum of two apprentices ages 16-17.
  • Complete a minimum of four structured K–12 and community engagement activities (e.g., presentations to students, school counselors, school boards, chambers of commerce, or local governing bodies, or coordinated site visits with K–12 partners). Career fairs will not qualify toward this requirement.

Applicants must also list both their target occupations and industries based on NAICS codes.

“Registered Apprenticeships have been one of the most effective workforce strategies in Kansas because we’re connecting education with real employment opportunities,” Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship Director Shonda Anderson said. “This grant supports the growth of Registered Apprenticeship by expanding opportunities for Kansas youth and helping employers develop the skilled workforce needed to keep Kansas competitive.”

The grant is designed to expand new and existing Kansas-based Registered Apprenticeship programs, with a goal of increasing new apprenticeship enrollment and the number of 16- and 17-year-old apprentices by at least 5 percent year over year, particularly in high-wage, high-demand occupations.

Eligible Kansas Registered Apprenticeship programs are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted from Friday, September 18, to Friday, October 23.  A webinar to explain the grant will be from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, October 1. Join the Teams webinar by clicking here.

To learn more about the grant and to submit an application, click here.

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship continues to expand innovative workforce solutions that connect employers with skilled talent while creating sustainable career pathways for Kansans. More information about Registered Apprenticeship and available resources can be found here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship:

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship was established by Governor Laura Kelly on Sept. 6, 2022, through Executive Order #22-07. The Office supports apprenticeships across multiple industries to provide a highly skilled source of labor for employers and ensure occupational proficiency for career-seekers. The program incorporates on-the-job learning, technical instruction and mentorship to create long-term employment opportunities in Kansas.

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Bourbon County District Court to temporarily relocate

Map of downtown Fort Scott showing 108 W. Second St. and the Bourbon County Courthouse about 350 feet apart on West Second Street.
The county-owned building at 108 W. Second St. sits about 350 feet west of the Bourbon County Courthouse. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Bourbon County District Court offices will temporarily relocate from October 21 to November 20 to allow for elevator modernization in the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Bourbon County is in the 6th Judicial District, which also includes Linn and Miami counties.

Bourbon County court offices will remain open throughout the relocation, and the court clerk’s office can be reached at 620-223-0780 during business hours.

The computer set up for members of the public to search court records will also be moved to the temporary location.

The temporary location will be:

108 W 2nd St.
Fort Scott

“We appreciate everyone’s patience while our court is relocated,” said Chief Judge Amy Harth, 6th Judicial District. “We are fortunate the temporary location is just around the corner from where the court is now, which helps us minimize the disruptions to our court operations and services.”

While the court is relocated, all court hearings will be by videoconference unless otherwise ordered by the presiding judge.

Persons scheduled to appear in court remotely may use their own devices if they are set up for videoconferencing. The court will also offer videoconference access from its temporary location. Public access to court proceedings will be through viewing rooms at the temporary location.

In addition to court hearings, all court services officer check-ins will be by videoconference unless otherwise approved by the chief of court services.

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 21, 2026

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 21, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 46 calls for service on September 21, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Domestic / Physical — 1:41 AM, 1219 E Elm, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01534FS. Disposition: ARRC.

Warrant Service / Search — 5:19 AM, 215 S Hill St. Complaint No. 26-0899BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Follow-Up — 11:20 AM, 293 E 20th St. Complaint No. 26-0900BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Animal Control — 12:24 PM, 1505 S Broadway. Complaint No. 26-01536FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Follow-Up — 2:21 PM, 402 Hill St. Complaint No. 26-01537FS. Disposition: ARRC.

Seeking Advice/Info / Walk-In — 4:51 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01538FS. Disposition: RPTA.

Seeking Advice/Info / Walk-In — 5:50 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01539FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Disturbance — 5:59 PM, 1494 212th Terr. Complaint No. 26-0901BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Harassment — 7:24 PM, 523 S Lowman. Complaint No. 26-01540FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Accident / Injury — 7:27 PM, 1759 Hwy 7, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0902BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Check Vehicle — 10:46 PM, 2222 S Main St. Complaint No. 26-01541FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Fire and EMS

EMS / Standby — 4:57 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 8:21 AM, 101 Andrick St. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Standby — 4:42 PM, 1005 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 7:25 PM, 706 W 2nd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS — 10:24 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: * Multiple.

Other Calls for Service

Check Subject — 2:39 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 77.

Follow-Up — 2:47 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Public Assist — 4:50 AM, 1708 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Alarm / Burglary — 5:37 AM, 1808 S National Ave. Disposition: HBO.

Alarm / Burglary — 6:43 AM, 2000 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Parking Complaint — 7:03 AM, 2322 S Main St. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 7:03 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Parking Complaint — 7:27 AM, 3rd, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 7:51 AM, 922 S Crawford. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 8:37 AM, 102 Arthur St. Disposition: 77.

27,28,29 Checks — 8:57 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBO.

Lost Property — 9:15 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Alarm / Burglary — 9:45 AM, 2096 Grand Rd. Disposition: 22.

Vin Inspections / County — 9:59 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 10:14 AM, 213 Scott St. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control / Dead Animal Pick Up — 11:01 AM, Heylman, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 11:34 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Animal Control — 12:11 PM, 601 N Barbee, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 12:42 PM, 323 Broadway. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 1:30 PM, 601 N Barbee, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Vehicle Unlock — 2:56 PM, 734 S Barbee. Disposition: HBO.

Paper Service — 3:23 PM, 615 S Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Area — 4:01 PM, 118 S Main St. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 4:32 PM, 1135 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 4:48 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Found Property — 5:15 PM, 502 S Main St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Harassment — 5:42 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 6:19 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Disturbance — 9:35 PM, 915 S Horton, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 7:22 PM, Barbee St. Disposition: HBO.

Total Calls for Service: 46

Documents:

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – Sept. 22, 2026

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – September 22, 2026

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Report

Arrested

Herrington, John Thomas (Age 56) — Arrested 9/21/2026 2:10 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Domestic Battery; Unknown Circumstance. Bond: $1,500.00 Cash/Surety.

Guss, Roy (Age 57) — Arrested 9/21/2026 6:26 AM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Distribute Controlled Substance; Unknown Substance. Bond: $50,000.00 Cash/Surety.

Clinton, Derek Arthur (Age 48) — Arrested 9/21/2026 2:38 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Warrant – Out of County (three counts). Bond: $100,000.00 Cash/Surety.

Coberley, Jaci Mae (Age 20) — Arrested 9/21/2026 10:58 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Driving While License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked (Misdemeanor), Possession of Controlled Substance (Unknown Substance, Misdemeanor), Use/Possess with Intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia. Bond: $7,500.00 Own Recognizance. Released 9/22/2026 3:08 AM via Own Recognizance.

Released

Adams, Rocketta Lashawn — Released 9/21/2026 3:49 PM via Own Recognizance (Self).

Brown, Larry Joe — Released 9/21/2026 8:40 AM via Transferred Out (KDOC).

Coberley, Jaci Mae — Released 9/22/2026 3:08 AM via Own Recognizance (Self).

Total Inmates Released: 3

Documents:

Young Fables Concert Set for Oct. 8 at Crooner’s

The Young Fables concert flyerReserve your tickets for an evening of live music and a hearty appetizer buffet on October 8.

Thursday, October 8th

Please note: The date for this event has changed. Please update your calendar accordingly.

5:00 pm Doors Open
5:30-7:30pm Hearty Appetizer Buffet
8:00pm Performance

Crooner’s | Liberty Theatre
113 S. Main
Fort Scott, KS

Reservations Required

Tickets: $50 BCAC Member / $60 Non-Member

Contact Terri Floyd 620-224-7221 or Steve Floyd 620-224-7702

Visit Bourbon County Arts Council’s Facebook Page or The Young Fables Facebook Page for more details.

Obituary: Eileen Marie McDaniel, Age 84

Eileen McDaniel

Eileen Marie McDaniel, age 84, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Monday, September 21, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Pittsburg, KS. She was born on April 27, 1942, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Fred and Elsie Eberle Sinn. She graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1960. She married Glen Johnson. He preceded her in death. She later married Norman McDaniel on February 14, 1992.

In addition to homemaking and raising children, Eileen worked as a supervisor at a packing plant, managed Village Inn, and later worked for Gene’s IGA. She enjoyed flower gardening, cooking, baking, and house cleaning. Eileen also had an extensive collection of Angel figurines.

Survivors include her husband Norman of the home; children Jeff Johnson, Brian Johnson, Tonya Wirths, Christine Faurbo, and Julie Sealey; grandchildren Austin Grey, Keifer Johnson, Avery Johnson, Corrina Johnson, Quinton McDaniel, and Gabriele Faurbo; great grandson Kholton Johnson; and numerous other grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Brent Johnson; an infant twin sister; four brothers; and her parents.

There was cremation. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 2nd, at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.

Kansas DCF Partners with Binti for Family Finding Tech

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announced today a new partnership with Binti, a technology company focused on child welfare. The Binti Family Finding and Engagement platform strengthens practitioners’ ability to quickly identify and engage a child’s relatives and trusted adults, including non-relative kin, to support family connections and kinship placements.

Research shows that children in foster care who remain connected to relatives and trusted adults experience improved well-being, reduced trauma, and a greater chance of finding a safe, permanent home. Kansas’ use of Binti’s platform will provide crucial support to children who are at risk of entering foster care or are already in care.

“Children do better when they remain connected to the people and communities they know,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “By using advanced family finding technology, we can uncover important family and trusted adult connections that might otherwise be missed, giving more children the chance to stay with people who offer familiarity, support, and a lasting sense of belonging.”

“Every child deserves the chance to grow up surrounded by people who know and love them,” said Felicia Curcuru, Co-founder and CEO of Binti. “We’re proud to partner with the Kansas Department for Children and Families to give practitioners the tools they need to find those connections faster and help more children build lasting bonds with family and trusted adults.”

DCF Child Protective Services (CPS) staff and Prevention and Protection Services contractors are responsible for conducting and documenting their own family-finding efforts. Currently, multiple resources are used, including Consolidated Lead Evaluation and Reporting (CLEAR) software, internal DCF systems, contractor case-management systems, case records, internet searches, and other available sources. Due to differing systems and documentation practices, it can be difficult to share information, avoid duplicate searches, track previous outreach and responses, and maintain a complete statewide record of family-finding efforts.

The Family Finding and Engagement platform aims to remedy this by centralizing the approach to family finding to one platform. Available to CPS, Family Preservation providers, and foster care case management agencies, the Binti platform will connect information across the child and family well-being system, ensuring that what is learned at each stage of a family’s involvement is carried forward.

Binti has been awarded a one-year contract with a total cost of $624,620 for the initial term, with an option to renew for three additional 12-month periods. DCF expects the platform to be operational in 2027.

Bourbon County Local News