Monthly Archives: June 2026

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Ad: La Cygne Auction – Saturday, June 27 – Semper Fi Auction

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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.

Bourbon County

County’s Answer in Shane Walker Lawsuit: Agreement on the Timeline, a Dispute Over Motive and Immunity

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Bourbon County and four individuals have filed their formal response to former county IT director Shane Walker’s federal lawsuit, and the answer narrows what the case is actually about. On the basic sequence of events, the two sides now largely agree. What remains in dispute is why Shane Walker lost his county job — and whether the officials can be held legally responsible for it.

The defendants (the Board of County Commissioners plus Commissioners Sam Tran, Mika Milburn-Kee and David Beerbower, and contractor Dr. Steve Cohen) filed their answer June 23 in U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas (Document 13), represented by Andrew D. Holder of Fisher, Patterson, Sayler & Smith. They answered the complaint rather than moving to dismiss it, on a deadline the clerk had extended to that date. For the claims Shane Walker raised, see our earlier report: Federal Lawsuit Alleging Retaliation, Discrimination, and FMLA Violations.

Where the parties now agree

The answer admits key dates and events in the timeline Walker laid out, even as it denies the bulk of his broader allegations. The county admits that he worked for the county from about December 15, 2005 until he left the payroll on or around July 9, 2025; that the commission’s vote to eliminate his position was unanimous and that the county outsourced the IT department; and that the elected Register of Deeds rehired him around November 17, 2025. It admits that Walker is married to Susan Walker, the current County Clerk and former CFO, and that he filed discrimination complaints with the Kansas Human Rights Commission in September 2024 and September 2025. It also admits the episode in which Commissioner Milburn-Kee asked for passwords, Walker and a coworker refused, and the coworker called police and was later fired.

Where they diverge

The agreement stops at motive. Walker’s complaint casts the elimination of his job as retaliation for those discrimination complaints and for taking medical leave. The county’s answer reframes the same event as a layoff. The county repeatedly “denies that Plaintiff was ‘terminated,’” admitting only that he was “laid off,” and it states that any action it took “was not retaliatory, and would have occurred based on legitimate, lawful, and independent reasons regardless of Plaintiff’s protected conduct, if any.” The county also denies Walker’s allegations about how he was treated after he was rehired.

The word choice carries legal weight. Walker pairs the retaliation claims with a breach-of-contract count and a Kansas Wage Payment Act claim; by calling the move a layoff and arguing it “substantially performed” and later “modified” his employment agreement, the county contests whether any contract was broken or wages withheld.

Beyond the facts, the county’s answer also raises legal defenses that, if accepted, could dispose of parts of the case before a jury weighs the question of motive. The individual defendants assert qualified immunity against the federal civil-rights (Section 1983) claims. The county claims governmental immunity under the Kansas Tort Claims Act. And the answer asserts that punitive damages cannot be recovered against a municipality. On Shane Walker’s free-speech claims, the county invokes Garcetti v. Ceballos, arguing his speech was made as part of his official duties and is therefore not protected. In all, the answer lists 23 defenses and asks that the defendants be dismissed from the case.

Walker, represented by Wichita attorney Gaye B. Tibbets, has demanded a jury trial. The case is Walker v. Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, Kansas, et al., No. 6:26-cv-01057, before U.S. District Judge Daniel D. Crabtree. An answer is one side’s response; the complaint’s allegations and the county’s denials and defenses have not been tested in court. The county’s full answer is posted here.

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Ad: La Cygne Auction – Saturday, June 27 – Semper Fi Auction

Leave a comment

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.

Obituary

Obituary of Charyl Ann Deloney

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Charyl Ann Deloney, 81, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on December 18, 1944, in Sioux Falls, the daughter of Frank Joseph and Etta Mae Brown Doherty, Charyl lived a life filled with faith and laughter. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary Deloney, with whom she shared 47 cherished years of marriage.

A woman of deep faith, Charyl was a devoted member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and lived her beliefs openly and sincerely. Through her years running the Diet Center and her work with Birthright, she helped many people with compassion and dedication.

Charyl was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her children, Christl Beitzinger and her husband, Joe, of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Matt Deloney and his wife, Julie, of Fort Scott; two Sisters, Sharon and David Hoover of Joplin, Mo., and Theresa and Darius Adams of Joplin, Mo., and her grandchildren, Emilee Beitzinger, Ashlee James, Aubree Beitzinger, Adam Deloney, Nicholas Deloney, Sam Deloney, Carrissa Bowman, Brady Fink, and Alex Fink. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Brownie Doherty, and a sister, Frances Sanborn.

Charyl embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. She loved spending time with family and friends, often enjoying conversation over a glass of wine. Her wit and steadfast love for her family will be remembered by all who knew her. Though her passing leaves a profound void, her legacy of faith and devotion to her Catholic beliefs will continue to inspire all whose lives she touched.

Following cremation, Father Yancey Burgess will celebrate the funeral mass at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday June 25, 2026, at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. The Rosary will be Wednesday evening, June 24, 20226, at 6:00, and the visitation will take place afterward until 7:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School in honor of Charyl’s life and her enduring commitment to faith and family. Contributions may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Farmers Market First July 4 Celebration: Fun For All Ages

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The Fort Scott Farmers Market vendors are planning a party on July 4 at the Gathering Square Pavilion on North National Avenue.

The regular market vendors will be there to purchase from, but in addition, there will be added fun activities for the whole family.

The Gathering Square Pavilion.

“Since Independence Day falls on a Saturday this year, we wanted to make the most of a unique opportunity,” said Stephanie Carrell, secretary of the vendors. “The Farmers Market is already a place where people come together, so adding some patriotic fun felt like a natural fit.”

Join them to celebrate Independence Day with a morning of family-friendly activities and patriotic fun.

“Activities begin at 8:00 a.m. with the ‘Best Cookie of the Market’ Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest, where visitors can participate in a blind taste test and vote for their favorite cookie entry from participating market vendors. Voting will continue until 11:30 a.m., with the Cookie Champion announced at noon.”

All registrations for participating in certain events close on July 2. Find the event on Fort Scott Farmers Market Facebook page or enter at the link listed below.

“At 9:00 a.m., participants of all ages will compete in the Chomp Champion Watermelon Eating Contest, with multiple age divisions and trophies awarded in each group.”

“At 10:00 a.m., the Wheels of Glory Patriotic Parade will invite participants to decorate bikes, wagons, scooters, strollers, wheelchairs, and Power Wheels and show off their patriotic spirit. Spectators will vote to determine the crowd favorite.”

“We were thinking through the pavilion (for the parade). They can circle back along the sidewalk, then park in the center of the pavilion for voting,” she said.

“At 11:00 a.m., teams of up to four people will compete in the Know-It-All Cup Trivia Challenge, featuring questions about Fort Scott.”

“Registration for the scheduled events is free, and trophies and prizes will be awarded. Every participant will receive a prize,” she said.

“Visitors are encouraged to come enjoy the market, cheer on participants, sample cookies, and celebrate the Fourth of July with a morning of fun, friendly competition, and community spirit.”

Fort Scott Farmers Market Association contacts are
President: Lori Hueston  and
Secretary: Stephanie Carrell
email: fortscottfarmersmarket@gmail.com
call/text: 620-303-9878

Sign up for events here: https://forms.gle/C8szZQS76Nj2qg9y9

” We hope people will stop by to pick up fresh produce, local meats, sweet treats, and other handmade products for their holiday celebrations, enjoy the festivities, and spend some time visiting with friends and neighbors,” Carrell said. “Celebrating the Fourth of July is about more than fireworks—it’s about community, and we’re excited to give people another way to celebrate together.”

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Ad: What FSCC Offers

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Looking for a college that gives you options? At Fort Scott Community College, students can choose from associate degrees in Arts, Science, Applied Science, and General Studies, along with a variety of certificates that lead straight to rewarding careers. Whether you’re interested in healthcare fields like Certified Medication Aide, Nurse Aide, EMT, Home Health Aide, Manicuring, or Phlebotomy, or want to take on a technical challenge with certificates in Ag Technology (John Deere), Construction, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Environmental Water Tech, Farm & Ranch Management, Harley-Davidson Technology, Heavy Equipment Operation, HVAC, Masonry, or Welding we’ve got you covered!

But college isn’t just about the classroom. FSCC offers plenty of ways to get involved through music and performance opportunities (band, choir, theater), student clubs and organizations (like Collegiate Farm Bureau, Phi Theta Kappa, SkillsUSA, STEAM Club, FSCC Media Team, and more), and even competitive judging teams in livestock and meat.

If athletics is more your thing, FSCC is home to intercollegiate sports for both men and women. Compete in basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, rodeo, track & field, or cross country, all while building friendships and representing the Greyhounds.

And the best part? We’re still growing. New programs, degrees, certifications, and athletic opportunities are on the horizon! There’s never been a better time to join FSCC!

Fort Scott Community College; where opportunity meets possibility.

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 22

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

Arrested

Lee, Nicole Marie (Age 43) — Arrested 6/18/2026 3:18 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear), Warrant Bourbon County (Probation Violation) x2. Bond: $2,000.00 Cash/Surety.

Eisenbrandt, Jonah (Age 46) — Arrested 6/19/2026 6:00 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Sanction. Bond: $0.00 No Bond. Released 6/21/2026 6:00 PM via Time Served.

Altic, Karrie S (Age 39) — Arrested 6/19/2026 5:37 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: DUI; Misdemeanor. Bond: $1,500.00 Cash/Surety.

Leslie, Alyssa Faith (Age 27) — Arrested 6/20/2026 10:13 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor. Bond: $1,500.00 Cash/Surety.

Released

Allen, Judy Marie — Released 6/18/2026 12:15 PM via Surety Bond (A+ Bail Bonds).

Eisenbrandt, Jonah — Released 6/21/2026 6:00 PM via Time Served (Self).

Fasanella, Angelina M — Released 6/18/2026 8:40 AM via Time Served (Self).

Griffith, Joshua David — Released 6/18/2026 3:10 PM via Own Recognizance (Self).

Hawn, Ryan S — Released 6/20/2026 3:39 PM via Surety Bond (Larry Lamb).

Mason, Gina Fay — Released 6/18/2026 8:36 AM via Transferred Out (KDOC).

McDaniel, Nicolle Selene — Released 6/20/2026 11:58 AM via Surety Bond (Larry Lamb).

Reed, Wesley Alan — Released 6/18/2026 12:03 PM via Surety Bond (A+ Bail Bonds).

Ross, Gavin Lee — Released 6/18/2026 8:16 AM via Surety Bond (A+ Bail Bonds).

Total Inmates Released: 9

Documents:

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Citizens Bank Celebrates 100 Years with Fort Scott BBQ

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Citizens Bank 100 Year BBQ!

Join them for a 100 Year BBQ in Fort Scott as they celebrate a century of serving the community!

Friday, June 26th
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

ὌD Fort Scott Location
2205 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS

Stop by, enjoy lunch, and help congratulate Citizens Bank on this amazing milestone!

ὄF Congratulations to Citizens Bank on 100 years in business!

Citizens Bank 100 Year BBQ flyer

Check out the full list of celebration dates below and join Citizens Bank at the location that works best for you!

Citizens Bank celebration dates

Visit the Citizens Bank of Amsterdam Facebook Page

Visit the Citizens Bank of Amsterdam website