Audrey Elaine Stewart, age 96, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott. She was born August 15, 1929, in Bayard, Kansas, the daughter of Don Ewell Miller and Addie Isabelle Hutton Miller. Audrey spent her early years on the family farm near Xenia, Kansas. She went on to graduate from the Bronson High School. Audrey married Neil Stewart on December 24, 1948, at Bronson. Together they raised their four children and operated their own farm in the Fulton and Devon areas. Audrey was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She worked hard to provide for her family’s needs whether it be sewing and mending clothes or working in the family garden and canning the fruits of her labor. She also enjoyed tending her flowers. After her children had grown, Audrey worked as a file clerk for the Western Insurance until her retirement in May of 1987. Neil and Audrey eventually left the farm and moved to Ft. Scott. Audrey was a member of the Community Christian Church. In later years, she loved attending high school reunions and catching up with her old friends.
Survivors include her four children, Don Stewart (Paula), Paul Stewart, Mary Worsley (John) and Marsha Farmer, all of Ft. Scott; seven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister, Wanda Abbott of Lakeland, Florida. Audrey was preceded in death by her husband, Neil, on December 15, 1992. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a daughter-in-law, Karen Stewart and a son-in-law, Keith Farmer. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Audrey’s hairdresser, Susan Porter, and to Cindy Hall with Community Care Connection for their kindness over the years.
Hospice Chaplin Jeff Feagins will conduct a graveside service at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, May 5th at the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will have a time of visitation on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. prior to the service at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.
Gregg Motley announces that he has filed for reelection to serve as District 4 County Commissioner to serve the constituents, elected officials and employees of Bourbon County. “The Kansas Secretary of State assigned term lengths to the two new districts created by the voters of Bourbon County. The commission gave a three-year term to the 5th District winner and I received a one-year term. Accordingly, I am running for a full four-year term to begin in 2027”
When asked what his agenda is for the coming years, Motley, responded, “The hallmark of my service during my first term has been to work for fairness for employees, to respond to constituents in a timely and meaningful manner, and to steer the commission away from political in-fighting with other elected officials and return the focus to the business of the people.” Additionally, Motley will focus his attention on returning fiscal responsibility to the county balance sheet, employing his degree in accounting, years of experience banking municipalities of all sizes, and graduate degree in management.
The budget year 2026 saw a dramatic cut in the mill levy, which many applauded, but left the county in a vulnerable position, as the cuts came at the expense of exhausting the financial reserves of the county. “Right now, we are not in a position to go to the public markets with a bond issue if we are faced with a large expenditure, such as unexpectedly replacing infrastructure such as a bridge. Local banks are reluctant to lend the county money at advantaged rates given what they are seeing. My goal is to restore financial integrity to the county by building back reserves over time and resisting any growth in the mill levy by achieving operating efficiencies.”
Many candidates speak of operational efficiency, so it is natural to wonder how this situation might be different. “We have some low-hanging fruit opportunities,” Motley explained. “We have three significant contracts for venders in Johnson County, which not only engage skillsets and software packages we already possess in the building, but also takes Bourbon County money and exports it to Johnson County. Having lived there, I know that we need that money much more than they do.”
In conclusion, Motley said, “This is a difficult position for which very few want to apply. This is a spiritual calling for me, to serve the county which gave me such a wonderful send off after a 45-year career in banking and business. I am determined to bring good governance back to the county if the voters in the 4th District will give me the chance.”
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
There will be a planning commission meeting on 4/29/26 at 5:30 PM at 210 S National.
Bourbon County Planning Committee Agenda for Wednesday April 29th, 2026
• Pledge
• Roll
• Approval of Agenda
• Approval of minutes from April 22th
• Discuss Interview Updates
• New Business
• Public Comment
• Next Meeting and Agenda
• Adjournment
Rex Alan Brown, age 66, of Prescott, Kansas, passed away on April 25, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by hard work, craftsmanship, and deep love for his family.
Rex was born on August 10, 1959, to Everett Oscar Brown Jr. And Patricia Ann Brown. He graduated from Oak Park High School in Kansas City, Missouri. On June 30, 1978, he married Brenda Sue Thurston, and together they shared 47 years of marriage and built a life centered around family.
He is survived by his children, Jason Brown (Nicole) of Prescott and Katie Hueston (Kenny) of Redfield; his grandchildren, Madison, Curtis, Carlie, and Macie; and his great-grandchildren, Dawson and Liam Sterling.
A proud third-generation Union Ironworker with Local 10, Rex spent nearly his entire career helping shape the Kansas City skyline, including work on the T-Mobile Center, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kansas City Star and numerous power plants. He also had the honor of setting the point on the tallest building in Kansas City.
Rex and Brenda owned Fox Run Bar in Fulton, Kansas, for nearly two decades, where he enjoyed playing pool and making lasting memories with friends and family. Outside of work, he loved fishing, traveling, and seeing new places, and he was known for giving the best hugs.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda, and his parents.
Rex will be remembered for his strength, his work ethic, and the love he had for his family.
There was cremation. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, May 4th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time Monday at the funeral home. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
The USD 234 Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting on Wednesday, April 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Board Office, 424 South Main, Fort Scott.
Agenda
Call Meeting to Order – David Stewart, President
Flag Salute
Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
Other Business – Personnel Matters
Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
Gregg Motley announces that he has filed for reelection to serve as District 4 County Commissioner to serve the constituents, elected officials, and employees of Bourbon County.
“The Kansas Secretary of State assigned term lengths to the two new districts created by the voters of Bourbon County. The commission gave a three-year term to the 5th District winner and I received a one-year term. Accordingly, I am running for a full four-year term to begin in 2027.”
When asked what his agenda is for the coming years, Motley, responded, “The hallmark of my service during my first term has been to work for fairness for employees, to respond to constituents in a timely and meaningful manner, and to steer the commission away from political in-fighting with other elected officials and return the focus to the business of the people.”
Additionally, Motley will focus his attention on returning fiscal responsibility to the county balance sheet, employing his degree in accounting, years of experience banking municipalities of all sizes, and graduate degree in management.
The budget year 2026 saw a dramatic cut in the mill levy, which many applauded, but left the county in a vulnerable position, as the cuts came at the expense of exhausting the financial reserves of the county.
“Right now, we are not in a position to go to the public markets with a bond issue if we are faced with a large expenditure, such as unexpectedly replacing infrastructure such as a bridge. Local banks are reluctant to lend the county money at advantaged rates given what they are seeing. My goal is to restore financial integrity to the county by building back reserves over time and resisting any growth in the mill levy by achieving operating efficiencies.”
Many candidates speak of operational efficiency, so it is natural to wonder how this situation might be different.
“We have some low-hanging fruit opportunities,” Motley explained. “We have three significant contracts for venders in Johnson County, which not only engage skillsets and software packages we already possess in the building, but also takes Bourbon County money and exports it to Johnson County. Having lived there, I know that we need that money much more than they do.”
In conclusion, Motley said, “This is a difficult position for which very few want to apply. This is a spiritual calling for me, to serve the county which gave me such a wonderful send off after a 45-year career in banking and business. I am determined to bring good governance back to the county if the voters in the 4th District will give me the chance.”
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Chairing Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing with Commerce Secretary Lutnick On Wednesday, as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS), I led a hearing with Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss the President’s FY27 budget request for the Department of Commerce. I questioned Secretary Lutnick on the status of the department’s efforts to implement the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, as well as its plan to utilize the program’s $21 billion in leftover allocations. I also emphasized the importance of these allocations being spent for the purposes of deploying broadband services across the U.S. to customers who would not otherwise be served.
During the hearing, I also asked Secretary Lutnick about the department’s efforts to modernize the NOAA’s Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) satellite system to improve NOAA’s ability to provide accurate, lifesaving weather forecasting and monitoring data. Following the recent severe weather that has impacted communities across Kansas, I spoke to Secretary Lutnick about the importance of maintaining full staffing and 24/7 weather monitoring at National Weather Service (NWS) offices around the country to provide critical public safety information to communities. I also highlighted for the Secretary the important work being done at Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus through their pilot training program partnership with the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, preparing the next generation of students for careers operating aircraft for scientific research and environmental surveying.
You can watch my opening remarks here, as well as my questioning of Secretary Lutnick here and here.
Discussing USDA FY27 Budget Request with Secretary Rollins On Wednesday, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture to discuss UDSA’s operations and the department’s FY2027 budget request. I spoke with her about the importance of continuing to fund international food aid programs such as Food for Peace and the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program, which use American-grown commodities to feed the hungry worldwide. We also discussed my efforts to move Food for Peace permanently to USDA, and how the department is temporarily taking on the program.
We also spoke about the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, or NBAF, and how Congress can work with the administration to make certain full operation and staffing of the facility is achieved in a timely manner. Last November, I urged USDA to pursue an exemption from the federal hiring freeze to hire necessary staff at NBAF. I am pleased that they responded to this call and are working to make certain NBAF is ready to take on the mission of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center.
We discussed the work USDA is doing to increase fertilizer access for producers, and I emphasized the importance of Congress and the administration working to help lower the cost of inputs. Finally, I asked that Secretary Rollins and USDA continue to engage with her colleagues in the administration to quickly finalize the 45Z tax credit to allow farmers and fuel producers to benefit from the production of biofuels made from home-grown feedstocks.
I appreciate Secretary Rollins appearing before the committee, and I look forward to working with her and USDA throughout the appropriations process and this year on ways to benefit rural America.
You can watch my questions to Secretary Rollins here.
Read more about my conversation with Secretary Rollins in The Topeka Capital Journal here.
Questioning HHS Secretary Kennedy on Bolstering Rural Health Care
This week, I participated in a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) hearing with Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to discuss the challenges facing our nation’s health care system and efforts to support rural health care.
During the hearing, I emphasized the workforce shortages that continue to impact hospitals in Kansas and across the country. I have visited every hospital in Kansas, and in my conversations with health providers, the most consistent challenge they face is the ability to recruit and retain doctors, nurses and other health care professionals. This issue is especially pronounced in rural communities, where access to care often depends on having the workforce in place to keep hospital doors open.
In my questioning, I also highlighted the Rural Health Transformation Program, which I worked to establish through the Reconciliation Bill. This program provides an opportunity for states like Kansas to invest in long-term solutions that strengthen the health care workforce, expand access to care and support rural providers.
In addition, I highlighted our work as part of the bipartisan 340B Working Group to find a path forward that strengthens and sustains the program for the patients and providers who rely on it. I will continue working to support policies and investments that help address workforce shortages and make certain Kansans have access to quality health care close to home.
You can watch my questioning of Secretary Kennedy here.
Questioning U.S. National Guard Leadership on KC-135 Tanker Fleet Modernization
On Tuesday, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Defense heard testimony from General Steven Norsdhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau; Lieutenant General Robert D Harter, Chief of the Army Reserve; Rear Admiral Richard Lofgren, Acting Chief of the Naval Reserves; Lieutenant General Leonard F. Anderson IV, Commander of the Marine Corps Reserve; and Lieutenant General John P. Healy, Chief of Air Force Reserve.
I questioned General Nordhaus about the KC-46A mission and the Air Force’s plans to replace the KC-135 with the more modern KC-46A. Currently, the KC-135 is based at the 190th Air National Guard Refueling Wing in Topeka. The KC-135 is an aging fleet; most aircraft are over 60 years old. As the Guard and Reserve forces are becoming increasingly relied upon for both homeland and international missions, we must supply our Guard and Reserve forces with the necessary equipment to support the joint force.
As a senior member of the subcommittee, I look forward to working with my colleagues and the National Guard and Reserve leadership to best equip the Guard and Reserve with resources that allow them to mirror their active-duty counterparts and defend our country.
I continue to monitor developments in the Persian Gulf. President Trump this past week extended the original two-week ceasefire as efforts continue to resume direct negotiations while the United States maintains the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the blockade, the extension of sanctions waivers on Russian oil sales is a mistake. The relief for American consumers is minimal, and it enriches the Kremlin at a time when Moscow had begun to feel economic pressure during its war against Ukraine. Further, I am concerned by reports of significant drawdowns in key munitions during this war that could leave our country unprepared to fight a sustained war elsewhere. As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, my colleagues and I have sought to address this problem by strengthening our defense industrial base and increasing the speed of munitions output. It remains imperative that the administration provide Congress with up-to-date information on the war’s progress and the path to a durable peace.
The U.S. Needs Our NATO Allies Now More Than Ever
The ongoing U.S. military operation in Iran has created numerous consequences for both the U.S. and our NATO partners in Europe. High gas prices, heightened security threats and stalled trade through the Strait of Hormuz have led to frustrations that extend far beyond our borders.
Alliances are never free of frustrations as each member country prioritizes its own interests and foreign policy. But we should be careful to not overlook the ways our allies are quietly assisting the U.S. in the conflict against Iran.
The U.S. is stronger because of the willing and able partners in Europe with whom our global interests largely align. At a time when our nation’s own budgetary pressures and backlogged industrial base limit our ability to sustain force in multiple theaters simultaneously, we cannot afford to take them for granted. Indeed, we need them now more than ever and should treat them accordingly — as the valued allies they are.
Discussing Haskell University with Interior Secretary Burgum I met with Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum this week to discuss the future of Haskell Indian Nations University and how we can work together to provide long-term stability at the university. I emphasized the need for consistent leadership and highlighted my legislation to transition Haskell’s governance to a Board of Regents, which would strengthen accountability and continuity. I also encouraged the department to engage more directly on this effort and to support robust funding for Haskell in the upcoming budget cycle. I appreciate Secretary Burgum for meeting with me to discuss this important topic.
Receiving an Update from Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche
This week, I spoke with Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche about the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) priorities, including the importance of timely FY26 grant funding for Kansas law enforcement entities that rely on these resources to keep their communities safe. We also discussed the opportunity to establish a federal law enforcement training facility in Kansas, and I encouraged continued engagement from DOJ leadership to keep this effort moving forward. Thank you to Acting Attorney General Blanche for the conversation. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I look forward to working with him and DOJ on continuing to support law enforcement in Kansas and across the country.
God of Grace and Glory
Appreciated this hymn from church on Sunday.
Lo’ the hosts of evil ’round us,
On Thy people pour your power,
Crown Thine ancient Church’s story,
Bring her bud to glorious flower
Cure Thy children’s warring madness,
Bend our pride to Thy control.
Shame our wanton selfish gladness,
Rich in thing and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
For the living of these days,
For the living of these days.
Now Accepting 2026 Service Academy Applications
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 September 18, 2026. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
Honored to Serve You in Washington 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 form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
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.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Pittsburg
306 N. Broadway, Suite 125 (rear entrance of bank)
P.O. Box 1372
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Phone: (620) 232-2286
Fax: (620) 232-2284
Lu’s Ice Cream is excited to celebrate our amazing local educators during
Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8, 2026)
And we’re inviting area businesses to be part of something special!
We’d like to extend a big THANK YOU to Kansas Teachers Community Credit Union for stepping up to help provide our local teachers with a free scoop of ice cream! We are incredibly grateful for their support.
However, in order to provide ALL USD 234 teachers with a free scoop, we are still in need of additional sponsors.
This is a fun and meaningful opportunity for your business to:
✨ Support our hardworking teachers
✨ Show your community involvement
✨ Gain positive exposure and goodwill
Businesses can contribute toward free scoop coupons that will be distributed to local teachers during the week. As a thank you, all coupons will recognize our generous sponsors.
No contribution is too small…every scoop helps us celebrate more teachers!
If your business is interested in sponsoring or would like more information, please reach out to:
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.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, April 30, at 8 a.m., hosted by Briggs of Fort Scott, located at 1819 S. Main St.
The event will be held in the north showroom building, with attendees entering through the south door. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize.
Briggs of Fort Scott is celebrating a significant milestone, marking ten years of service to the community since opening its doors on March 16, 2016. Over the past decade, Briggs of Fort Scott has experienced steady growth and success, made possible by the continued support of the Fort Scott community and the surrounding four-state area.
Throughout its ten years, Briggs of Fort Scott has remained committed to serving its customers while building strong relationships throughout the region. The company extends its appreciation to the community for its ongoing support and looks forward to continued growth and service in the years ahead.
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.
