The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 8
Ribbon Cutting for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Is Celebrated
‘An Incredible Day’
Ribbon Cutting Held for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.
Joplin, Mo.—Nearly 3,400 Fort Scott and Bourbon County residents have utilized Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Inc.’s Emergency Department since it first opened for business last September.
The need for the facility helps explain why so many residents showed up to support the long-awaited ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place, appropriately enough, in front of the hospital’s ambulance bay Thursday morning.
“I think it’s beautiful when we come together like this in celebration,” said Matt Fry, Freeman Health System’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “There’s so many people that showed up for this ribbon-cutting today, and I think it’s a testament to how much this hospital means to the people living in this community.”
The reaction to Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was very similar to the enthusiastic response from residents when Freeman officials first proposed the hospital in mid-2024, when nearly 150 people cheered the announcement. At that time, Fort Scott had been without a hospital since 2018 and without an emergency department since 2023. Between then and the September 2025 opening of Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, residents were forced to travel to neighboring communities for their emergency healthcare needs.
Anita Walden, Chief Administrative Officer for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., described Thursday morning as an “incredible day” for Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and the future of healthcare in the region.
“When these doors opened in September 2025, we did more than reopen a hospital, we restored local access to care, created stability, and brought healthcare back home for the families of this region,” she said.
Over the last 25 years, 470-plus rural hospitals have closed nationwide. To open a rural hospital during this time is a cause for celebration. The best way for Bourbon County residents to continue showing support for the six-bed ED and 10-bed acute care hospital is by choosing to receive care locally whenever possible, Walden said.
“By utilizing the services available right here at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital and encouraging your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same, you help strengthen access to quality healthcare for all of Bourbon County,” she continued. “Your trust and support play an important role in the long-term success of [Freeman Fort Scott Hospital].”
“The hospital continues to serve our community every day, with 14 patients seen daily in the ED and four more on the acute care side,” Fry said, emphasizing that, even with this steady utilization, “the pursuit of improvement never stops.”
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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.
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Newsletter
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A Discovery Award Journey Comes Full Circle
Come discover how Unsung Hero Mary Anning and her groundbreaking fossil discoveries helped pave the way for modern paleontology and changed the world’s understanding of prehistoric life. 
Discovery Award submissions are due July 1.
Learn more about the 
Questions? Contact Norm Conard at 
Do you know an educator or student who would love this opportunity?
Welcoming Visitors From Around the World
Honoring Holocaust Remembrance in Kansas
Support our Mission
2026 Gordon Parks Museum Poetry Contest: Giving a Voice to the Voiceless
2026 Gordon Parks Museum Photo Contest: Giving a Voice to the Voiceless
Uniontown City Council Agenda for May 12 and Minutes From Prior Meeting
Uniontown Regular City Council Meeting – Tuesday May 12 at 7 at Uniontown City Hall.
CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL: ___ Kyle Knight ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett
___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Sally Johnson – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of April 14, 2026 Regular Council Meeting
- Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
303 Washington
101 Washington
202 4th St.
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Clerk Report: Haley Arnold
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Knight –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilwoman Pritchett –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
FEMA Flooding–
NEW BUSINESS
To view the minutes of the last Uniontown City Council Meeting:
The financial report for May’s meeting:
Shead Farm Homestead Festival is May 16
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 7
Arrest Summary
Andrew Grob, 28
Arrested: 5/6/2026 at 11:20 AM
Agency: Douglas County
Charge: Other agency hold
Bond: $0
Caleb C Sheridan, 32
Arrested: 5/6/2026 at 11:37 AM
Agency: Douglas County
Charge: Other agency hold
Bond: $0
Evan Heffner, 21
Arrested: 5/6/2026 at 11:20 AM
Agency: Douglas County
Charge: Other agency hold
Bond: $0
Johnny N Garza, 46
Arrested: 5/6/2026 at 12:02 PM
Agency: Douglas County
Charge: Other agency hold
Bond: $0
Angela Marie Hall, 44
Arrested: 5/6/2026 at 4:15 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Possess opiates/opium/narcotic drug (NO BOND)
– Use/possess drug paraphernalia (NO BOND)
– Warrant: Bourbon County probation violation, case BB-25-CR-100 ($1,000 cash/surety bond)
– Warrant: Bourbon County probation violation, case BB-24-CR-108 ($5,000 cash/surety bond)
Bond Total: $6,000
Madison Jane Staten, 22
Arrested: 5/6/2026 at 12:00 AM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charges:
– Warrant out of county (NO BOND)
– Warrant: Bourbon County probation violation, case BB-2024-CR-000217 (NO BOND)
– Warrant: Fort Scott Municipal, case E0008190 (NO BOND)
Bond Total: $0
Inmate Released List
John Wayne Evans, 44
Booked: 5/4/2026
Released: 5/6/2026 at 8:03 AM
Type: Time served
Released to: Self
William A Hale, 22
Booked: 4/27/2026
Released: 5/6/2026 at 3:31 PM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: Douglas
James Edward Laroche, 36
Booked: 4/19/2026
Released: 5/6/2026 at 8:35 PM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: Greenfeather
Joshua James Mayo, 21
Booked: 4/28/2026
Released: 5/6/2026 at 3:32 PM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: Douglas
Matao Thomas Maze, 21
Booked: 5/4/2026
Released: 5/6/2026 at 7:51 PM
Type: Cash bond
Released to: Self
Source: Arrest Summary PDF | Inmate Released List PDF
The 2026 Gordon Parks Museum to feature Photo Contest
Fort Scott, Kan. May. 6, 2026 – The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College, will feature a photo contest sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography and Don Thompson Images. The theme of the contest is “Giving a Voice to the Voiceless”. This event is Inspired by Gordon Parks, who used his camera to speak for those who are unable to speak for themselves.
This is open to any amateur (non-professional) photographer. Photographers are invited to capture the essence of the theme.
Note: We define a professional as someone who has been published in any national or international publication or has/had a career in photography. This includes magazines, journals, websites, social media outlets and receiving payment for any photographs.
Amateur (non-professional) photographers of any age and skill level are invited to take pictures for the project and may enter up to two photos in JPEG format with less than 2MB. There will be a first place ($200), second place ($75) and third place ($50) prize and up to five honorable mentions. All accepted photos will be exhibited during the 23rd Annual Gordon Parks Celebration at The Gordon Parks Museum in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, Oct. 1 – 3, 2026, and featured on the Gordon Parks Museum website and Facebook page. Judges for the photo contest are professional photographer, Veretta Cobler and established creative director designer, Donna Fumoso based in New York City.
Photographs must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. All photos must be attached in JPEG format and limit file size to less than 2 MB. All entries will be confirmed to be accepted via email. Photographers should submit (in their email) a title, along with their name, address, email, phone number and share a one or two sentence on what inspired the photo. If under 14 years old, please include parent’s information. Photos should be received via email by Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at the latest.
For more information, email [email protected] or by phone call 223-2700, ext. 5850.
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Union State Bank on May 7
Sending on behalf of Chamber Champion member
Union State Bank
***Note that the Coffee will be held at Uniontown City Hall, next door to Union State Bank***
Thursday, May 7th
8am
@ Uniontown City Hall
206 Sherman St., Uniontown, KS
We hope to see you there!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, May 7th, at 8 a.m., hosted by Union State Bank. The coffee will take place at the Uniontown City Hall building, directly next door, at 206 Sherman St., Uniontown, KS. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize.
Union State Bank was founded on May 10, 1901, by a group of investors, including L.E. Holt, and has remained family-owned and operated by Holt descendants for five generations. While proud of its long history, Union State Bank continues to focus on providing a strong customer experience, reasonable fees, and meaningful support for the communities it serves through employee volunteerism and local involvement.
Union State Bank is celebrating its 125th Anniversary on May 10th. To mark the occasion, the bank will host special giveaways and refreshments at both the Uniontown and Fort Scott locations during the week of May 4th through May 8th. Community members are encouraged to watch Union State Bank’s Facebook page for additional details and updates throughout the anniversary week.
For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit the Events Calendar at fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.
Ad: Automotive Technology Instructor – LaHarpe, KS Campus
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 of Mary Louise Wilson
Mary Louise Wilson, age 99, a lifelong resident of the Bronson Community, passed away at Heartland Meadows Assisted Living on May 5, 2026, in Iola, Kansas.
She was born November 2, 1926, at the family farm home north of Bronson, the daughter of John C. Camac and Lula Ermel Camac.
After attending a one-room grade school, she graduated from Bronson High School in 1944. She began attending summer school at Fort Scott Junior College and Pittsburg State Teachers College to receive a World War II emergency school teaching certificate. She taught school in a one-room schoolhouse for five years.
On November 28, 1946, Mary Louise married Loyd E. (Gene) Wilson after his return from service in the army. They were blessed with two children, Peggy Lou and Jack Eugene. Gene and Mary lived on the same farm where Gene was born for 65 years. Gene passed away in Iola, Kansas, on May 28, 2011.
Mary Louise became a homemaker on the farm and later worked 19 years for the Western Insurance Company in Fort Scott, Kansas. She had been an active member of the Bronson Methodist Church, the Bronson Order of the Eastern Star, and various other clubs and organizations of the Bronson Community. She was always supportive of her children’s school and community activities. Mary Louise enjoyed sewing and cooking, and was happiest when entertaining or helping her family and friends. She enjoyed playing cards and Sudoku. She and Gene enjoyed square dancing.
Survivors include the children, Peggy L. Clark (Robert) of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Jack E. Wilson (Norma) of Bronson. One grandson, Jerod Wilson Clark ( Sarah) of Chicago, Illinois. Three step-grandchildren, Amy Utley ( Curtis) of Iola, Kansas, Lynda Krouse, and Tom Davis ( Melissa ), both of Illinois. Seven step-great-grandchildren and four step-great-great-grandchildren, all of Illinois. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Bud Camac (Betty), and sister, Julia Ann Rhoton (C.W. – Bill) Rhoton.
Following cremation, a private family graveside service and burial will take place at the Bronson cemetery.