September 18 — is POW/MIA Recognition Day. VFW Post 1165, led by Commander Jerry Shead, will be lining flags at the entrance to the National Cemetery and throughout the cemetery beginning at 7:00 a.m., with flag retirement at 4:00 p.m.
The Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) softball team and three coaches will assist, along with a group from the Kansas Renewal Institute.
USD 234 will provide preschool screenings for children up to the age of 5 years on October 2, 2026. Children may have vision, hearing, speech/communication, motor skills, socialization skills, and general development screened.
The purpose of the screenings is to locate and identify children with possible developmental delays who may need special education preschool and/or related services.
Appointments may be scheduled by calling Tammy Catron, Fort Scott Preschool Center Secretary, at (620) 223-8965, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Documents:
Bourbon County Community Theatre (BCCT) is holding auditions for the 3rd Annual Voices from the Grave, an original production based on stories from Bourbon County’s history.
Auditions are 6–8 p.m. on Sept. 20 or 21 at the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College. Those who audition must be age 14 or over and only need to attend one evening of auditions. Rehearsal times will be scheduled in small groups with the Director, Christina King.
Voices from the Grave takes place from 7–9 p.m. on Oct. 24 at the Walking Trail at Fort Scott Community College. Guests will enjoy a guided walking tour of short acting vignettes centering around ghostly incidents in Fort Scott. Scenes were written by the Advanced Drama class at Fort Scott High School and BCCT members.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and are available from bcct.ludus.com. Tour times must be pre-scheduled and run every 20 minutes. Parents must accompany children under the age of 14.
More information can be found on the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page or by contacting King at 913-827-6401.
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the launch of the Building Local Opportunity through Coordinated Kansas Investment (BLOCK) program, a competitive placemaking initiative designed to help one Kansas community dramatically transform the appearance of a downtown block.
A total of $500,000 is available through this pilot program. One award will be made. The BLOCK application period will open September 11, 2026, and close September 30, 2026. The award will be announced by October 10, 2026, and all funded improvements must be completed before December 15, 2026.
“This is a Kansas-style ‘extreme makeover’ for a BLOCK of your main street,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “If you need to spend October figuring out who is going to do the work, this isn’t the right opportunity for your town. We’re looking for communities that have a vision, have done the groundwork, and have the people in place to make it happen FAST.
“The goal is more investment, stronger businesses and a more robust local economy.”
BLOCK is intentionally different from traditional grant programs by encouraging communities to coordinate multiple properties, partners and investments around a shared vision. The program is designed for communities that can create a dramatic impact in a short amount of time.
Projects may include improvements such as new awnings, tuckpointing, signage, painting, façade improvements, lighting and other strategic enhancements that can quickly transform the appearance and vitality of a downtown block. The goal is to take the buildings, businesses and assets that already exist and make the entire block look and feel dramatically different so they generate additional economic activity.
The compressed timeline also is intentional. Commerce wants the work completed before below-freezing temperatures and Kansas winter weather make exterior improvements more difficult. That means applicants need to come prepared. Contractors, painters, masons, sign companies, suppliers and other key partners should already be identified and ready to begin work when an application is submitted.
Inspired by the rapid, collaborative transformations popularized by “extreme makeover” programs, BLOCK brings community partners, property owners, businesses, contractors and resources together to create a visible, concentrated transformation in a short period of time. Once the project has begun, the awarded community will be expected to begin and finish all construction and rehabilitation efforts within a 14-day window.
“Instead of investing in one building at a time, we are asking communities to look at an entire block and ask, ‘What would happen if we coordinated all of these investments at once?'” Commerce Assistant Secretary Matt Godinez said.
Communities applying for BLOCK will be asked to show Commerce the block as it exists today and show what it could become. Applicants will identify a single downtown block containing at least three structures and present a coordinated strategy for creating a dramatic transformation.
A 1:1 match is required, with matching funds secured at the time of application. Of the required match, at least 75% must be provided through cash or grant funds, while up to 25% may be provided through documented in-kind contributions. Communities demonstrating additional public-private investment and strong coordination with other funding programs will receive additional consideration.
Additional program information and application materials are available here.
About the Quality Places Division: Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click 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.
Patricia Mullies, a wonderful Wife, Mother, Grandma, Great Grandma and friend passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2026 surrounded by her family who loved her. She was 84 years old. Patricia is now reunited with her husband of 61 years, who preceded her in death in 2022.
Born at Bates County Memorial Hospital on October 29, 1941, Patricia was the loving daughter of Wayne and Letha Jennings. The family resided in Rich Hill in several homes and later a farm located just outside of Rich Hill, Missouri. Patricia graduated from Rich Hill High School in 1959. She was her class Valedictorian and a Cheerleader. After her High School graduation, Patricia attended Stephen College in Columbia, Missouri for one year. She worked at Owens Corning and later Katz Drug on Main in Kansas City. Shortly afterwards, she met David Mullies and they were married on October 15, 1960, when she was 18 years old. After marrying, they lived in Pittsburg, KS (Pittsburg State), Iowa City, IA (University of Iowa) and Waco, TX (Baylor University). While David was pursuing a Law Degree, Patricia held various jobs using her shorthand skills, even working for the Dean of the University of Iowa Medical School and later the Dean of the Baylor University Business School. Upon David’s graduation from law school, the couple settled in Fort Scott, Kansas where they raised their family. Their family grew in 1966 with the birth of their daughter, Lisa and expanded again in 1970 with the addition of their son, John.
Mom was a member of Beta Sigma Phi since 1970 and would later work for Citizens National Bank as a secretary. She was involved with Homes for Holidays. She supported her kids as they went through school in Fort Scott and later at KU. She supported her kids in sports, cheerleading, scouts, dancing, and was the best birthday party planner around. Mom and Dad were also members of the Fort Scott Country Club and developed many lifelong friendships. Mom would spend much of her time supporting her husband David in the community of Fort Scott from the Chamber of Commerce to Jaycees to Kiwanis.
As time passed, Patricia and David began to split their time between Fort Scott and Lake of the Ozarks. They went back and forth between these two homes for many years. They had a wonderful circle of cherished friends in both locations. Throughout the years, they liked to spend a few winter months in Destin, FL where they would enjoy a rental condo near the gulf.
She was preceded in death by her husband David Mullies, parents Wayne and Letha Jennings, and her brother Gary Jennings. She is survived by her daughter Lisa and Rich George of Elmhurst, Illinois; her son John and Carrie Mullies of Olathe, Kansas. Her grandkids Heather and Alex Ong of Overland Park, Kansas; Richard and Julia George of Indianapolis, Indiana; Megan George of Elmhurst, Illinois; Daphne Mullies of Olathe, Kansas and her great-granddaughter Clara Ann Ong of Overland Park, Kansas. Patricia is also survived by two sister-in-laws, Marilyn Weickert of Pleasanton, Kansas and Donna Jean Jennings of Rich Hill, Missouri.
Mom loved Fort Scott, Kansas. Thank you to the staff of Sage Grove Memory Care of Olathe, who have cared for her over the past few years. We also want to give a special thanks to Lona Kipper who helped us care for our mom while she was still living at home.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. With funeral services on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Pleasanton Cemetery following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce to help businesses in Fort Scott. Contributions may be sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, P.O. Box 309, 15 W. Wall Street, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701, or may be sent directly to the Chamber of Commerce at 231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.
Knight, Marcus Franklin (Age 51) — Arrested 9/9/2026 10:21 AM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).
Murray-Crawford, Benz (Age 21) — Arrested 9/9/2026 10:33 AM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).
Ammons, Joshua (Age 49) — Arrested 9/9/2026 11:00 AM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).
Gier, Christian Lee (Age 49) — Arrested 9/9/2026 11:09 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Possession of Controlled Substance (Unknown Substance, Misdemeanor); Warrant – Fort Scott Municipal. Bond: $500.00 (Cash).
Anderson, Mikayla Michelle (Age 23) — Arrested 9/9/2026 1:08 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Possession of Controlled Substance (Unknown Substance). Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).
Holland, Andrew Paul (Age 28) — Arrested 9/9/2026 1:07 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Possession of Hallucinogenic Drug; Use/Possess w/Intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).
Clark, Chenaniah Dianne (Age 32) — Arrested 9/9/2026 1:51 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Possession of Hallucinogenic Drug; Use/Possess w/Intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).
Williford, Ciara Marcella (Age 35) — Arrested 9/9/2026 1:41 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Possession of Hallucinogenic Drug; Use/Possess w/Intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).
Clark, James W (Age 31) — Arrested 9/9/2026 1:51 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Possession of Hallucinogenic Drug; Use/Possess w/Intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).
Hernandez, Cristal (Age 31) — Arrested 9/9/2026 3:37 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Possess Paraphernalia (Unknown Misdemeanor); Possession of Opiate, Opium, Narcotic or Certain Stimulant (×2). Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).
Sanders, Jacory Tamar (Age 31) — Arrested 9/9/2026 3:37 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Possession of Controlled Substance (Unknown Substance, Misdemeanor); Possess Paraphernalia (Unknown Misdemeanor); Possession of Opiate, Opium, Narcotic or Certain Stimulant. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).
Rogers, Jaymie Alexandria (Age 31) — Arrested 9/9/2026 5:06 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Possess Paraphernalia (Unknown Misdemeanor); Possession of Hallucinogenic Drug; Possession of Opiate, Opium, Narcotic or Certain Stimulant. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).
Hendrix, Karma Gellynn (Age 25) — Arrested 9/9/2026 5:56 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Possession of Controlled Substance (Unknown Substance, Misdemeanor); Possess Paraphernalia (Unknown Misdemeanor). Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).
Gallagher, Miranda Grace (Age 31) — Arrested 9/9/2026 5:56 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Possession of Controlled Substance (Unknown Substance, Misdemeanor); Possess Paraphernalia (Unknown Misdemeanor); Possession of Controlled Substance (Unknown Substance). Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).
Randall, Daniel Joseph (Age 35) — Arrested 9/9/2026 7:56 PM by Kansas Highway Patrol. Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (Unknown Severity); Possession of Opiate, Opium, Narcotic or Certain Stimulant. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).
Dugan, Mark Daniel — Released 9/9/2026 10:00 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas County).
Holder, James H — Released 9/9/2026 10:00 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas County).
Muntean, Strugurel — Released 9/9/2026 10:00 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas County).
Murr, Efraim Jamuol — Released 9/9/2026 2:00 PM via Cash Bond (Self).
Total Inmates Released: 4
Documents:
Rhonda Dene Willard, age 57, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at her home in Ft. Scott. She was born September 27, 1968, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Melvin C. Willard and Elinor J. Rogers Willard.
Rhonda had been a part of the Tri-Valley community since its beginning. The people at Tri-Valley became a second family to Rhonda. She loved working in the workshop, going on special trips and participating in the Special Olympics. Rhonda was always thinking of others, and it was her custom to make a picture for each of her loved ones on their birthday. Rhonda had a childlike faith and will be remembered for her quiet, gentle way.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” — Mark 10:14
Survivors include her two sisters, Catherine Johnson, with whom she made her home, and Lettie Gunnels, of Ft. Scott, and several nieces and nephews as well as her aunts and uncle. Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Elinor Willard, and a brother, Harvey Rogers.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, September 22nd at the U.S. National Cemetery. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Rhonda Willard Memorial Fund 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.
Bourbon County Core Community is seeking businesses, organizations, and community partners to help sponsor PraiseFest 2026, coming to Gunn Park on Saturday, October 24th.
This community event will feature an afternoon and evening filled with activities, food, vendors, inspiring speakers, testimonials, local artists, and live music featuring Tasha Layton.
All proceeds will benefit Bourbon County Core Community and its work to engage the community in helping lift local families out of poverty.
Praise Presenter | $5,000+
Stage recognition during the concert, promotional recognition, social media features, 12 VIP passes, premium booth location
Hope Builder | $2,500
Stage recognition during the concert, promotional recognition, social media features, 8 VIP passes, booth space
Impact Partner | $1,000
Stage recognition during the concert, promotional recognition, social media features, 6 general admission passes, logo on event banner
Community Partner | $500
Promotional recognition, social media features, 4 general admission passes, name on event banner
Mission Friend | $250
Social media recognition and 2 general admission passes
Businesses and organizations can also support PraiseFest by donating goods or services, including food, printing, equipment, lodging, transportation, marketing, and more. In-kind sponsors will receive recognition based on the value of their contribution.
Your support helps Bourbon County Core Community provide hope, restoration, and practical help to families in need while connecting your business with thousands of local families and community members.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Deana Betts:
785-488-8411
✉️ Dbetts@ycmstaff.org
Saturday, October 24th
Gunn Park, Fort Scott
Featuring Tasha Layton
Stage events begin at 3 p.m.
Main event at 6 p.m.
Pre-Register for PraiseFest Activities: Visit the PraiseFest event page for additional information and to pre-register for festival activities. Wristbands may also be purchased at the event ticket table.
Partner with Bourbon County Core Community and help make an eternal impact through PraiseFest 2026!
Visit the Core Community – Bourbon County Facebook Page for more information.
TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is now accepting applications for state funding to support cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and the purchase and maintenance of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
The funding, authorized through House Bill 2513, is available to eligible public and nonpublic school districts, as well as religious or charitable associations, libraries and tribal entities that have a registered and approved Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) with KDHE.
The program is designed to increase access to lifesaving training and equipment across Kansas, with an emphasis on expanding access in rural communities. Funding opportunities include CPR and AED training for public and nonpublic school districts and support for AED maintenance and purchases.
A total of $750,000 is available through three funding opportunities:
Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2027, or until all available funding has been expended. The first application review will begin Oct. 1, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants are encouraged to apply early while funding remains available.
Public and nonpublic school districts can apply for available training, AED purchase and maintenance opportunities through the school entity application.
Religious or charitable associations, libraries and tribal entities can apply for AED purchase and maintenance funding through the non-school entity application.
For additional information, visit the KDHE CERP webpage.
My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am glad to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today, where I have interns year-round working closely with my staff to serve Kansans.
Applications for internships in my Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for the spring 2027 are now open. Priority will be given to applications completed before Thursday, October 1. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, November 15 at 11:59 PM CT. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence. Click here for more information and to apply.
Applications are now open for the spring 2026 Senate Page Program. High school students are afforded a unique opportunity to work in the Senate and learn about Congress and the legislative process. Spring Page eligibility is limited to students who have completed their sophomore year of high school and who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. The deadline to apply is Sunday, October 4 at 11:59 PM CT. Click here for more information and to apply.
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2031. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on October 2, 2026. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
If you are interested in viewing recent votes on legislation and nominations considered by the United States Senate this week, you can click here.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
Period: 09/08/2026 – 09/09/2026
Agency: Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office | Age: 18
Arrested: 9/8/2026 12:20 AM | Released: 9/8/2026 12:03 PM
| Charges | Bond Type | Bond Amt. |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs; Misdemeanor | Cash/Surety | $2,000.00 |
| Liquor; Purchase/Possess/Consume by Minor 18–20 Yrs; Unknown Conviction | Cash/Surety | $0.00 |
| Possession of Controlled Substance; Unknown Substance; Misdemeanor | Cash/Surety | $0.00 |
| Possess Paraphernalia; Unknown Misdemeanor | Cash/Surety | $0.00 |
| Bond Total | $2,000.00 |
Agency: Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office | Age: 50
Arrested: 9/8/2026 11:31 PM | Released: —
| Charges | Bond Type | Bond Amt. |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs; Misdemeanor | No Bond | $0.00 |
| Bond Total | $0.00 |
Period: 09/08/2026 – 09/09/2026
| Name | Inmate No. | Booked | Released | Age | Release Type | Released To |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karnowski, Knox Edwin | 2026-000741 | 09/08/2026 | 9/8/2026 12:03 PM | 18 | Surety Bond | APlus |
| Nowak, Kerry Alan | 2026-000709 | 08/26/2026 | 9/8/2026 12:51 PM | 52 | Transferred Out | Douglas County |
| Ornstein, Terrian J | 2026-000740 | 09/06/2026 | 9/8/2026 12:11 PM | 18 | Surety Bond | A+ |
Total Inmates Released: 3
Documents:
Thursday, September 10th | 8 a.m. | Midwest Runway, 6 N. Main St., Downtown Fort Scott
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and the community to attend the weekly Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting at Midwest Runway on Thursday, September 10th at 8 a.m. The event will be held at 6 N. Main St. in Downtown Fort Scott. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to enter a door prize drawing.
Owner Maria Morris recently relocated Midwest Runway from Nevada, Missouri, to Downtown Fort Scott and is celebrating the boutique’s Grand Opening along with the launch of its Fall 2026 collection, the “Midwest Fall Edit.”
The fall collection is being released in three volumes on September 1st, September 10th, and September 22nd, the first day of fall. The collection features new seasonal styles and an expanded size range from XS to 3X. Fort Scott customers will also have an exclusive opportunity to see and shop select new arrivals before they are released online.
In addition to boutique fashion, Midwest Runway offers custom DTF transfers and custom shirts. Customers can provide their own designs or work with Midwest Runway to create something custom.
Midwest Runway has a variety of activities planned throughout the month, including special deals, discounts, giveaways, and more. Follow Midwest Runway on social media for new arrivals, upcoming specials, and the latest details.
The Chamber will conduct a ribbon-cutting during the September 10th Chamber Coffee to officially celebrate Midwest Runway’s Grand Opening and welcome Maria and the boutique to the Fort Scott business community.
For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566, visit 231 E. Wall St., or go to FortScott.com.
Click here for the Midwest Runway Facebook Page!
