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Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 6

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Arrest Summary

LAWRENCE, CHANDLER LEE, 23
Arrested: 5/5/2026 3:48 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Criminal Threat; Cause Terror, Evac, Disruption (NO BOND)
– Domestic Battery; Knowing/Reckless Bodily Harm (NO BOND)
Bond: $0

ALLEN , ERICA CLARICE, 48
Arrested: 5/5/2026 3:07 PM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charge: Criminal Threat; Unknown Circumstance
Bond: $0

ARMIJO, CARLOS NAIHUN, 18
Arrested: 5/5/2026 9:59 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– KS Insurance Viol. (NO BOND)
– License Restrictions (NO BOND)
Bond: $0

Inmate Released List

LOTTERER, JOSEPH, 34
Booked: 05/04/2026
Released: 5/5/2026 at 5:07 PM
Type: Time served
Released to: Self

Source: Arrest Summary PDF | Inmate Released List PDF

Government, Kansas

Sunflower Summer Returns with Free Admission for Kansas

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COMMERCE

Sunflower Summer Returns with Free Admission for Kansas Families

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the return of the popular Sunflower Summer program for the 2026 season, and invited Kansas families to explore the state’s wide variety of attractions. Kansas residents with school-aged children from pre-K through 12th grade are eligible to participate.

“Sunflower Summer is an opportunity for Kansas families to explore, learn and create lasting memories together right here at home,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “It opens the doors to our state’s vibrant communities and ensures our children can experience and fall in love with all that Kansas has to offer. We are proud to provide this program for another year and excited to see the adventures that will unfold.”

The program, which will run from July 9 to August 2, covers admission costs for eligible students and one adult guardian per participating attraction. Participants must be Kansas residents to qualify for free tickets, which are accessible through the Sunflower Summer app and redeemable upon arrival at participating locations.

“Each year, we see families creating traditions through Sunflower Summer while discovering places they may have never experienced before,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “This program removes barriers to travel, encourages Kansans to explore their own backyard, and helps connect families to the people and places that make our state unique.”

Kansas Tourism is now accepting applications from attractions interested in participating in the 2026 season. The list of participating attractions for the 2026 program will be announced in June.

Learn more about Sunflower Summer here.

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive economic and other impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education, and support.

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.

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Fort Scott Community College

State of FSCC Luncheon is May 21

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Join us for the

STATE OF FSCC LUNCHEON

Thursday, May 21st

12pm

@ Ellis Fine Arts Center Building

on the FSCC Campus – 2108 Horton St.

Luncheon details:

Doors will open at 11:45 AM, and lunch will be provided with an RSVP.

Click HERE to RSVP!

This event is an opportunity to hear the latest updates, learn more about the progress and future direction of the college, and stay connected with what is happening at FSCC.

Fort Scott Community College is conducting an Economic Impact Study to better understand its role in the area’s economy, workforce, infrastructure, and community well-being.

Community feedback is an important part of this process. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and help FSCC better identify, share, and strengthen its impact across the region.

Click HERE to take the survey!

Click HERE to visit the

Fort Scott Community College

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

Fort Scott Community College

website!

A special Thank You to our Chamber Champion members below!
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
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Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital

Ribbon Cutting at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital on May 7

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Champion Member

You’re invited to our Ribbon Cutting!

Thursday, May 7th

10am

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.

401 Woodland Hill Blvd., Fort Scott, KS

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital has been open and serving the healthcare needs of Fort Scott and Bourbon County residents since September 2025. This ceremony will officially celebrate the return of 24/7 emergency department services to the region. Freeman Health announced the hospital opened after successfully completing the Kansas Licensure Survey, marking an important step in expanding access to healthcare in Southeast Kansas.

The hospital includes a 6-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care unit, with patients also having access to Freeman’s broader network of specialists, including oncology, cardiology, and orthopedics.

Freeman officials, dignitaries, and the public will gather to recognize this significant milestone for Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

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.

Ozark Center

(the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services)

Two urgent care clinics

Dozens of physician clinics

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, 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.

Click HERE to visit the

Freeman Health System

Facebook Page!

Click HERE for careers available with Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.

A special Thank You to our Chamber Champion members below!
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Area News, Health Care

Freeman Women’s Pavilion Earns Full ACR Mammography Accreditation  

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Joplin, Mo.—Freeman Health System is proud to announce that Freeman Women’s Pavilion has been awarded full mammography accreditation by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for a three-year period, marking a significant milestone for the organization’s women’s health services.

 

As part of the ACR’s accreditation review, all randomly selected mammography cases met image quality and clinical evaluation standards. These cases were selected and reviewed independently by the ACR, without any opportunity for prescreening by the facility.

 

“The ACR accreditation process is one of the most demanding in medical imaging,” said Hector Juarez, Vice President of Imaging at Freeman Health System. “Successfully meeting ACR standards across all randomly selected images reflects the consistency, growth, discipline, and commitment to excellence of our imaging team and breast imaging program.”

 

This accreditation reflects Freeman’s ongoing work to strengthen its breast imaging program through improved quality processes, enhanced staff training, and a deep commitment to excellence. These efforts help ensure patients can feel confident choosing Freeman for their care.

 

The ACR conducted an Additional Mammography Review to confirm sustained improvements in image quality following corrective actions previously implemented by the organization. There are no outstanding contingencies associated with this accreditation, and the ACR has notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as required.

 

“This accomplishment reinforces our commitment to providing high-quality, reliable, and patient centered care,” Juarez added. “We are incredibly proud of the professionals who made this achievement possible and grateful for the trust our patients place in us.”

 

The American College of Radiology is widely recognized as the gold standard in imaging accreditation, ensuring facilities meet nationally accepted standards of care and safety.

For more information about Freeman Women’s Pavilion and its imaging services, visit www.freemanhealth.com.

 

 

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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.

 

 

 

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 5

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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office daily reports for May 4–5, 2026 are below. The original PDFs are linked at the bottom of this post.

Arrest Summary Report (May 4–5, 2026)

John Wayne Evans, 44 — Arrested 5/4/2026 at 8:00 AM by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Sanction. Bond: No bond.

Joseph Lotterer, 34 — Arrested 5/4/2026 at 2:44 PM by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Sentenced. Bond: $0.

Matao Thomas Maze, 21 — Arrested 5/4/2026 at 10:35 PM by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Possession of certain hallucinogenic drugs; reckless driving; use/possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond: No bond.

Chandler Lee Lawrence, 23 — Arrested 5/5/2026 at 3:48 AM by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Domestic battery; knowing/reckless bodily harm. Bond: No bond.

Inmate Released List (May 4–5, 2026)

Matthew Allen Broyles, 42 — Booked 4/13/2026. Released 5/4/2026 at 3:40 PM on probation.

Bryleigh Rashell Ross, 26 — Booked 5/2/2026. Released 5/4/2026 at 10:01 AM on probation.

Levi Matthew Hermreck, 41 — Booked 5/3/2026. Released 5/4/2026 at 2:21 PM. Transferred out to Greenwood County.

Janet Bumby, 71 — Booked 5/2/2026. Released 5/4/2026 at 5:17 PM on cash bond.

Total inmates released: 4

Original Reports

Arrest Summary Report (PDF)

Inmate Released List (PDF)

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Meet and Greet is May 5

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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

Sending on behalf of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Meet and Greet flyer

Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet scheduled for May 5th!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to attend:

Downtown Meet & Greet

Tuesday, May 5th
8am–9am
@ City State Bank, 202 Scott St.

These quarterly informal gatherings provide an opportunity to network, collaborate, and share ideas regarding downtown events, promotions, and other topics impacting our downtown district. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be provided.

For more information, please contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566.

Uncategorized

Free Kids Cooking Classes: Summer 2026

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Free Kids Cooking Classes: Summer 2026

Kids Cooking Summer 2026 Flyer

Hey kids! Want to learn how to make some tasty snacks or how to help fix dinner? Sign up for the FREE Southwind Extension District Kids Cooking Classes this summer!

Program Details:

  • Age Group: Kids ages 7–10

  • Duration: 2 days in a row per location

  • Class Length: 3 hours each day

  • Cost: Totally FREE!

Summer 2026 Schedule We are coming to 10 towns across the district. Find the date and location closest to you:

Dates Mornings (8 AM – 11 AM) Afternoons (1 PM – 4 PM)
May 27, May 28 Iola Humboldt
June 3, June 4 Chanute Thayer
June 11, June 12 Yates Center Toronto
June 17, June 18 Bronson Fort Scott
June 23, June 24 Erie St. Paul

Ready to Join? Registration is easy! You can sign up online at the link below:

👉 Register Online Here

Questions? Contact Sandy Haggard, our Nutrition, Food Safety and Health Agent:

Kansas State University Southwind District Extension. Kansas State University is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Fort Scott

Tri-Valley Receives $15,000 Grant for Fort Scott Greenhouse

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Grant provided by Frontier Farm Credit’s Working Here Fund for Agriculture Education

Tri-Valley Developmental Services (TVDS) is proud to announce the receipt of a $15,000 grant from Frontier Farm Credit Working Here Fund Grant.  The grant funds will be utilized to replace paneling and windows on the 20-year-old greenhouse.

“Thanks to the generosity of Farm Credit Services of America and Frontier Farm Credit, we are able to update our current greenhouse so that we can ensure sustainability for our Horticultural Program.  Since its inception, the greenhouse has provided hands-on training to not only individuals served by Tri-Valley, but the community at large.  It is our hope that our greenhouse and horticultural program has continued success and increased community inclusion for the foreseeable future.”  states Bill Fiscus, CEO.

“With this renovation, it is my hope that we will continue to support community groups and the beautification efforts of the community of Fort Scott.  It is always a joy when the community participates in our activities at the greenhouse.  We recently had community classes on stepping stones and succulent plantings.  Plans are underway for additional classes that will be open to the public.  Plus, our annual spring sale is just a few weeks away – it is set for May 9th.  We can’t wait to see what the future holds.” Said Austin Bolinger, Tri-Valley Horticultural Coordinator.

Tri-Valley’s greenhouse is located at our Fort Scott Day Program at 4305 Campbell Drive.  More information about the greenhouse and the various programs and projects that are upcoming is available on the Tri-Valley website (www.tvds.org/horticultural-therapy) or via the greenhouse’s dedicated Facebook page (Greenhouse at Tri-Valley).

Tri-Valley is one of 26 organizations to receive a Working Here Fund grant in the fourth quarter of 2025. Frontier Farm Credit awarded $197,935 during the latest grant cycle ending December 31, 2025.

“Supporting projects that positively impact the communities in which we live and work is one way we can give back to the people we serve and the rural life we value so highly,” said Karla Rosell, regional vice president of customer experience in Frontier Farm Credit’s Parsons office.

Frontier Farm Credit in eastern Kansas is a customer-owned financial cooperative proud to finance the growth of rural America, including the special needs of young and beginning producers. The Association has nearly 3.5 billion in assets and nearly 610.2 million.

Their Working Here Fund grant program supports projects and nonprofit organizations that align with the organization’s mission to serve agriculture and rural communities.  The grant program has several focus areas:  agricultural education, hunger relief, rural disaster response, and rural health services.  Organizations must demonstrate alignment with one focus area and serve communities in eastern Kansas.  For more information visit www.frontierfarmcredit.com/about/community-involvement/working-here-fund-grants.

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott Community College, Opinion

From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch

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True-Blue Employee

In the world of sports, and in the workplace, you learn quickly who’s on your team when the scoreboard isn’t in your favor. It’s easy to stand shoulder to shoulder when things are going well. The sun is shining, progress is steady, and everybody wants to be part of the picture. A true-blue employee, however, shows up in a different way.

“True-blue” means dyed in the wool. It’s not surface-level or situational. It reflects who you are at your core. A true-blue employee doesn’t just represent the organization when things are going well, they represent it when challenges arise, when pressure builds, and when outcomes are uncertain.

I remember a game years ago where everything that could go wrong did. We were down big, 7–34 going into the fourth quarter. Mistakes piled up. Doubt crept into the stands. Some folks headed for the exits early. A few stayed, believed, and supported, not because they were sure of a comeback, but because they were committed. Those fans were true-blue, and that is what a true-blue employee looks like.

Max Lucado, in Experiencing the Heart of Jesus, talks about fear that becomes faith. Fear shows up in all of us, when numbers are down, when change is coming, when uncertainty fills the room. The difference is not the presence of fear; it’s what we do with it. Faith steps in when we choose to trust, to stay, and to move forward anyway. A true-blue employee does exactly that.

A true-blue employee shows up when the work is hard and recognition is limited. That individual remains committed when others drift. Truth is spoken when needed, paired with a willingness to help solve the problem. Effort doesn’t fade in adversity, it sharpens.

There are moments in every organization when standing tall isn’t popular. The crowd may shift. The easy path is to step back. A true-blue employee stands firm, aligned with the mission, even when it carries a cost.

By the way, that game? We came back and won 42–34, scoring 35 points in the final 15 minutes. So, here’s the question this week: Who are your true-blue employees, and are you one?

Thought for the Week, “When fear shows up, let faith step forward, because true-blue employees stand tall, stay the course, and lead with belief when it matters most.” Dave Klatt, former Fort Scott Community College football coach.

Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 4

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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office daily reports for May 1–4, 2026 are below. The original PDFs are linked at the bottom of this post.

Arrest Summary Report (May 1–4, 2026)

Mark Anthony Mitchell, 63 — Arrested 5/1/2026 at 10:00 AM by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Sanction. Released 5/3/2026 at 10:00 AM. Bond: $0.

Jonah Isaiah Eisenbrandt, 46 — Arrested 5/1/2026 at 6:00 PM by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Sanction. Released 5/3/2026 at 6:00 PM. Bond: No bond.

Diaz Medina Wildi, 40 — Arrested 5/1/2026 at 6:40 PM by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant, Bourbon County (Failure to Appear), Case BB-2025-CR-000228. Released 5/1/2026 at 11:00 PM. Bond: $2,500 cash/surety.

Bryleihgh Rashell Ross, 26 — Arrested 5/2/2026 at 10:00 AM by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Sanction. Bond: $0.

Janet Bumby, 71 — Arrested 5/2/2026 at 10:33 AM by the Kansas Highway Patrol. Charges: Obstructed license plate; vehicle liability insurance required; driving while suspended; operating a motor vehicle without a valid license; vehicle unlawful acts (registration); warrant – out of county. Bond: $2,550 ($2,500 cash/surety + $50 cash).

Hilary Rose Leonard, 42 — Arrested 5/2/2026 at 12:12 PM by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Domestic battery; knowing/reckless bodily harm. Bond: $5,000 cash/surety.

Wanda Christine Williams, 42 — Arrested 5/2/2026 at 12:41 PM by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant – out of state, Case 26-ABARW-246. Bond: No bond.

Felisha Nicole Pasillas, 39 — Arrested 5/3/2026 at 6:20 AM by the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant, Bourbon County (Failure to Appear). Released 5/3/2026 at 2:05 PM. Bond: $2,000 cash/surety.

Levi Matthew Hermreck, 41 — Arrested 5/3/2026 at 7:13 PM by the Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Warrant – out of county, Case GW2025TR611. Bond: $503 cash.

Inmate Released List (May 1–4, 2026)

Lowell Hilton Carson, 74 — Booked 3/12/2026. Released 5/1/2026 at 3:16 PM on own recognizance.

Brandon Eugene Zornes, 37 — Booked 4/1/2026. Released 5/1/2026 at 7:25 AM. Transferred out to KDOC.

Diaz Medina Wildi, 40 — Booked 5/1/2026. Released 5/1/2026 at 11:00 PM on surety bond (A+ Bonding).

Kelsey Renee Grubb, 31 — Booked 4/30/2026. Released 5/2/2026 at 10:00 AM. Time served.

Jonah Isaiah Eisenbrandt, 46 — Booked 5/1/2026. Released 5/3/2026 at 6:00 PM. Time served.

Mark Anthony Mitchell, 63 — Booked 5/1/2026. Released 5/3/2026 at 10:00 AM. Time served.

Felisha Nicole Pasillas, 39 — Booked 5/3/2026. Released 5/3/2026 at 2:05 PM on surety bond (Able Bonding).

Total inmates released: 7

Original Reports

Arrest Summary Report (PDF)

Inmate Released List (PDF)

Opinion

To Do or Not to Do by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

To Do or Not to Do

I have certainly been on the receiving end of people “doing good” on my behalf. More than once, when I was grieving heavily over the loss of my late husband, I prayed, “Oh God, please impress upon several people to intercede and pray for me right now.” Within a few short minutes, my burden of sorrow had lifted and I felt relief and peace. Someone fulfilled their Christian duty toward me, resulting in my desperate prayer being promptly answered. Believers must constantly be aware that God uses His obedient servants to accomplish His will, and to answer prayers of petition for others.

 “I live before God, doing my duty with a perfectly good conscience” (Acts 23:1). This is a BIG little verse which basically covers our entire life in a nutshell. It’s plain to see that Christ followers are to live our lives in obedience to God’s Word and Jesus’ example, which produces a clear conscience.

Galatians 5:13 is another BIG little verse: “Through love serve one another.” If believers are going to do our duty through service, we have to actually be with someone to serve him/her. Please stay in touch with one another. When the Holy Spirit brings someone to your mind, reach out to them. I’m still working on this “others” process. Let’s think realistically about how many people you and I know, and then ponder why our mind would bring “Sue” or “Bob” to the forefront of our thoughts. We need to be alert and  realize that this occurrence is not just happenstance. Sue or Bob needs us to reach out.

As a personal example, I’d been thinking of my friend “G” so I jotted down a note to call her sometime that day. That very morning, while shopping, I spotted her. We visited a few minutes and then I asked if I could pray for her and she said, “Yes.” I openly prayed for her in the produce aisle and then we parted. So did I help her? I don’t know, but I did my duty to love her and bring her situation to the Throne of God. When I left the store,  my conscience was good. I had obeyed the Holy Spirit to pray for her right there in front of the potatoes, tomatoes, and avocados.

Do I deserve a Brownie button for that act of kindness? No, no, a thousand times no — I was just doing my duty as a fellow believer and friend. Compared to God’s everlasting love and kindness, what we do is on the lowest level of “achievements.” But it’s paramount that we aim for the highest level of obedience.

And remember, the devil will always try to talk you out of doing something good. If I would have hesitated a split second to pray for my friend, the devil would have convinced me not to do it. I know this for a fact. He will do anything to cheat you out of a blessing by doing your duty (moral obligation/responsibility). Jesus went around doing good so we should do the same without hesitation (see Acts 10:38). Fleshly hesitation is like opening the door just enough for the enemy to stick his big, ugly, stinky foot inside. We never ever want to give him a foothold because nothing good will come from that mistake.

The Key: Will you do your duty or not?

Bourbon County Local News