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Capitol Update Over Coffee Saturday Feb. 28 at KRI

Join us for a

Capitol Update Over Coffee

Saturday, February 28th

9am-10am

Kansas Renewal Institute

in the McAuley Center

401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

Guests should enter through the main east doors; the meeting room is located down the hallway on the right.

We hope to see you there!

Chamber members and the community are invited to attend a Capitol Update Over Coffee hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, February 28th, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

The event will take place at Kansas Renewal Institute (KRI), 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., in the McAuley Center. Guests should enter through the main east doors; the meeting room is located down the hallway on the right. KRI will sponsor coffee and light refreshments provided by Common Ground Coffee Co. Tours of the KRI facility will be offered immediately following the event.

Kansas Senator Tim Shallenburger and State Representative Rick James are confirmed to attend. The legislators will provide an update on the current legislative session, share information about the committees on which they serve, and address questions and issues presented by attendees. Bryan Holt will serve as moderator for the event.

Events such as this reflect the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to supporting commerce, building community, and promoting spirit throughout Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and the surrounding area.

For more information, please contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566.

Click HERE to visit

Kansas Renewal Institutes Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Kansas Renewal Institutes website!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb. 18

Arrest Summary

THOMAS, TYNELLIUS MARQUESE, 27
Arrested: 2/17/2026 11:15 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Warrant: Bourbon County ( Failure To Appear) *
Bond Total: $5,000

Inmate Released List

CLAYTON, JOHN EDWARD, 47
Booked: 01/13/2026
Released: 2/17/2026 at 11:12 AM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: Wyandotte County

FRANKLIN, DEJUAN T, 32
Booked: 02/06/2026
Released: 2/17/2026 at 9:50 AM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: Douglas County

LOWER, NATALEE KAYLYNN, 18
Booked: 02/16/2026
Released: 2/17/2026 at 11:00 AM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: A+ Bonding

STONE, MICHEAL PAUL, 51
Booked: 02/16/2026
Released: 2/17/2026 at 3:27 PM
Type: Own recognizance
Released to: Self

THOMAS, TYNELLIUS MARQUESE, 27
Booked: 02/17/2026
Released: 2/17/2026 at 1:35 PM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: Able Bonding

WILSON, STACEY M, 36
Booked: 02/15/2026
Released: 2/17/2026 at 5:02 PM
Type: Time served
Released to: Self

Source: Arrest Summary PDF | Inmate Released List PDF

Presbyterian Church Hosts Chamber Coffee on Feb. 19

Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

First Presbyterian Church

Thursday, February 19th

8am

First Presbyterian Church

308 S. Crawford St.

(in Zimmerman Hall)

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, February 19th at 8am, hosted by First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford St., in Zimmerman Hall. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.

This Chamber Coffee event, held the day after Ash Wednesday, will include a presentation of the nondenominational Lenten devotional the church will use throughout Lent, as well as a first look at the church’s Lenten prayer stations and indoor labyrinth. The prayer stations will be open to the public on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the Lenten season. The congregation looks forward to welcoming the community.

For more information, please contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar on fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.

Click HERE to visit

First Presbyterian Church

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

First Presbyterian Church website!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Downtown Meet and Greet on February 20

Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet scheduled for February 20th!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to attend a Downtown Meet & Greet on Friday, February 20th from 8:30–9:30 a.m.

The event will be held at the Courtland Hotel & Spa, 121 E. 1st Street.

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.

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb. 17

Arrest Summary

CLIFFMAN, TARIN, 27
Arrested: 2/13/2026 9:30 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Sanction
Bond: $0

JOHNSON, DOUGLAS, 39
Arrested: 2/13/2026 11:57 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Other Agency Hold
Bond: $0

HACKWORTH, ANTHONY GENE, 33
Arrested: 2/13/2026 12:33 PM
Agency: Douglas County
Charge: Other Agency Hold
Bond: $0

HERDMAN, CHADWICK FRANK, 32
Arrested: 2/13/2026 1:31 PM
Agency: Douglas County
Charge: Other Agency Hold
Bond: $0

CLEM, CAIDEN, 19
Arrested: 2/13/2026 1:55 PM
Agency: Douglas County
Charge: Other Agency Hold
Bond: $0

STEWART, JAMES, 42
Arrested: 2/13/2026 1:46 PM
Agency: Douglas County
Charge: Other Agency Hold
Bond: $0

BYINGTON, FRANCIS W, 41
Arrested: 2/13/2026 1:57 PM
Agency: Douglas County
Charge: Other Agency Hold
Bond: $0

HARE, DILLON CALVIN, 34
Arrested: 2/13/2026 12:42 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Fleeing OR Eluding A Leo (CASH/SURETY)
– Interference With Leo; Obstruct/Resist Misd ($2,000 cash/surety)
– Warrant: Bourbon County probation violation (NO BOND)
– Warrant: Bourbon County probation violation (NO BOND)
– Warrant: Bourbon County probation violation (NO BOND)
Bond Total: $2,000

PEARSON, MARTIN JOSEPH JR, 40
Arrested: 2/13/2026 5:16 PM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charges:
– Agg Battery; Cause Great Bodily Harm ($100,000 cash/surety)
– Assault Of A Leo ($2,500 cash/surety)
– Interference With Leo; Obstruct/Resist Misd (CASH/SURETY)
Bond Total: $102,500

TAYLOR, BLAKE, 18
Arrested: 2/14/2026 1:57 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Agg Assault ($2,000 cash/surety)
– Assault
Bond Total: $2,000

TAYLOR, BAILEY CHRISTOPHER, 28
Arrested: 2/14/2026 1:57 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Agg Assault ($2,000 cash/surety)
– Assault
Bond Total: $2,000

MCADAMS, BRANDON CURRY, 39
Arrested: 2/14/2026 5:28 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Agg Assault; W/ Deadly Weapon (NO BOND)
– Burglary; Building Is A Non-dwelling (NO BOND)
– Crim Damage To Prop; Without Consent < $1000 (NO BOND)
– Criminal Trespass; Posted, Locked, Fence Property (NO BOND)
– Theft Of Prop/Services; Felony (NO BOND)
Bond: $0

CARSON, LOWELL HILTON, 74
Arrested: 2/15/2026 10:23 AM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charge: Warrant: Fort Scott Municipal
Bond Total: $500

WILSON, STACEY M, 36
Arrested: 2/15/2026 5:04 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Sanction
Bond: $0

LOWER, NATALEE KAYLYNN, 18
Arrested: 2/16/2026 1:42 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Dui; Misdemeanor (NO BOND)
– Possession Of Certain Depressants (NO BOND)
Bond: $0

STONE, MICHEAL PAUL, 51
Arrested: 2/16/2026 2:30 PM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charge: Warrant: Bourbon County ( Failure To Appear) *
Bond Total: $1,500

GONZALEZ, MARSHA ANN, 58
Arrested: 2/16/2026 10:35 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Dui; Misdemeanor (NO BOND)
– Transporting An Open Container (NO BOND)
Bond: $0

Inmate Released List

CLIFFMAN, TARIN, 27
Booked: 02/13/2026
Released: 2/16/2026 at 9:34 AM
Type: Time served
Released to: Self

GARRISON, JULIAN, 20
Booked: 01/16/2026
Released: 2/13/2026 at 12:07 PM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: Douglas County

GLOVER, BRYAN KEITH, 47
Booked: 02/01/2026
Released: 2/13/2026 at 10:50 AM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: Jackson County

KLINGLER, WILLIAM, 36
Booked: 01/16/2026
Released: 2/13/2026 at 12:12 PM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: Douglas County

MCADAMS, BRANDON CURRY, 39
Booked: 02/14/2026
Released: 2/15/2026 at 10:31 AM
Type: Nothing filed
Released to: Self

ODOM, ZACHARY, 29
Booked: 01/26/2026
Released: 2/13/2026 at 12:16 PM
Type: Transferred out
Released to: Douglas County

SCARFF, BRANDON MICHAEL, 20
Booked: 02/09/2026
Released: 2/13/2026 at 6:36 PM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: Able Bonding

SMITH, KENDAL SHAUN, 19
Booked: 02/11/2026
Released: 2/13/2026 at 6:49 PM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: Able Bonding

TAYLOR, BLAKE, 18
Booked: 02/14/2026
Released: 2/15/2026 at 11:06 PM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: Able Bonding

TAYLOR, BAILEY CHRISTOPHER, 28
Booked: 02/14/2026
Released: 2/15/2026 at 11:26 PM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: Able Bonding

Source: Arrest Summary PDF | Inmate Released List PDF

FSCC Softball Opens Season with Sweep of Avila University JV

 

 

 

Fort Scott, KS – The Fort Scott softball team opened the 2026 season in strong fashion on Feb. 12, sweeping Avila University JV in a doubleheader on the road. Fort Scott secured a 12-4 victory in Game 1 and followed with a 7-2 win in Game 2 to start the year 2-0.

In the opener, Fort Scott’s offense came out swinging, tallying 13 hits and 12 runs. Kylee Goad led the charge with five RBIs, while Madelyn Burkdick and Chloe Shoemaker each added multiple hits. Aubrey Kinsey earned the win in the circle, pitching six innings with three strikeouts.

Game 2 saw another balanced effort from Fort Scott, which recorded 12 hits in the 7-2 victory. Madelyn Burkdick collected two RBIs, and Amia Carr and Bailey Couch also contributed key runs batted in. Makenna Lawson picked up the win, throwing six strong innings with seven strikeouts, while Kaylyne Gregg closed out the game in relief.

Head Coach praised the team’s complete performance across both contests.

“Opening the season with two wins over Avila University JV was a great way to start, and it was truly a total team effort,” the coach said. “Everyone contributed in their own way, and I’m proud of how we pulled it together to get the job done. We know there’s still a lot of work ahead of us, but this was a strong first step for our team.”

Fort Scott showcased depth throughout the lineup and in the pitching staff, combining timely hitting, aggressive baserunning and solid defense to secure the sweep.

The team will look to build on its momentum as the season continues.

 

 

Legislative Update by Ks State Senator Caryn Tyson

Caryn Tyson
February 13, 2026
School Funding has been a long-standing important issue, and with the current formula set to expire, it will remain a key topic for this session and next.  One issue that would be addressed by SB 387 is requiring income verification for the at-risk program that uses free or reduced lunch counts to calculate funding amounts.  It addresses concerns raised in a nonpartisan Legislative Post Audit, which found that the free or reduced lunch count is overstating the poverty counts and funding.  SB 387 would require income verification, with districts being reimbursed for accurate verification of costs.  Parents not willing to answer income verification may not be eligible for reduced costs.  Families already verified through programs like SNAP would be eligible without additional verification.  The Legislative Post Audit (https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/committees/ctte_s_government_efficiency_1/documents/testimony/20260128_01.pdf)  confirms that the free lunch count no longer accurately reflects poverty levels in Kansas schools and recommends that the Legislature reconsider how at-risk funding is allocated.  SB 387 addresses some of the concerns.  It passed the Senate 22-18 and was sent to the House.  I voted yes.
Victim Protection from convicted felons who committed serious crimes would increase if SB 358 is passed into law.  SB 358 would require those felons be held in jail without bond until they are sentenced.  The bill passed the Senate unanimously and was sent to the House.
K‑TRACS is Kansas’s prescription‑monitoring database.  Under current law, only a narrowly defined group of users may access it, helping protect your prescription information.  The Kansas Board of Pharmacy, however, is granted authority to broaden that access through the rules and regulations process.  SB 322, introduced at the request of the Joint Committee on Rules and Regulations after hearing proposed expansion by the board, would strip the Board of that authority, keeping K‑TRACS limited to its present user class.  The bill sailed through the Senate unanimously and awaits consideration in the House.
Golf Carts could be allowed on city sidewalks if SB 367 would become law and if local governments approve.  There was debate about requiring carts only to go to and from a golf course, but it just makes sense to let the locals decide.  They may want to allow people to drive a golf cart on a sidewalk to go to the store, church, or elsewhere in town.  Current state law prohibits golf carts from being driven on sidewalks.  It passed unanimously and was sent to the House.
Director of the Office of Early Childhood, lives in Missouri and has indicated she does not plan to relocate to Kansas while serving in the role.  She was confirmed by a narrow vote, 21 to 19.  Elected officials are required to reside in the district they represent, but apparently this appointment does not have to live in Kansas.  It raises several concerns.  This Director will shape policies that impact Kansans, so what happens when a personal, business, or financial conflict arises?  Where will her primary allegiance be to Kansas or to her home state of Missouri?  To top it off, some senators – who have expressed frustration over the lack of appointments from their regions – nonetheless defended this nomination and voted to confirm a Missouri resident.  I voted no.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn

From the Bleachers-751 by Dr. Jack Welch

FROM THE BLEACHERS-751

BY DR. JACK WELCH

When Efficient Leadership Feels Uncomfortable

Efficient leadership can feel uncomfortable. It can sound firm. Sometimes it even gets labeled as heavy-handed, especially in organizations that have operated the same way for a long time. When leaders begin realigning systems, expectations, and processes, the shift can feel sudden. Discomfort doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong. Often, it means something important is changing.

Most organizations needing realignment aren’t broken. They’re simply out of sync. Over time, good intentions can be slowed by unclear roles, outdated practices, and layers of process that no longer serve the mission. Efficient leadership steps in not to criticize the past, but to prepare the organization for what’s ahead.

Realignment requires moving away from purely top-down, task-focused leadership and toward a people-centered approach built on clarity, trust, and collaboration. That starts with a clearly defined vision. People want to know where they’re going and why it matters. When leaders communicate that vision consistently and transparently, uncertainty fades and confidence grows.

People-centered leadership also means empathy, listening, acknowledging concerns, and understanding that change affects everyone differently. At the same time, efficiency depends on shared responsibility. Clear expectations help teams work together with purpose, not confusion. When roles are understood and accountability is fair, people are better positioned to succeed.

Agility matters as well. Organizations must be able to adapt, make informed decisions, and adjust without losing momentum. Technology and data, when used well, can simplify work, reduce friction, and give leaders and teams better insight into what’s working and what needs attention.

Personnel changes and process adjustments are often the hardest part of realignment. Leaders must communicate openly, involve people in the transition, and provide training and support. Going slow in these moments, listening carefully and explaining decisions, often allows organizations to move faster and more effectively in the long run.

From the bleachers, structure can look restrictive. In reality, efficient leadership is about alignment, not control. It’s about creating an environment where people understand the mission, trust the direction, and have the tools to do their work well. Realignment isn’t about fault, it’s about focus. Focus is what allows an organization to move forward together.

Thought for the Week, “Change isn’t a judgment on where you’ve been, it’s a commitment to where you’re going.” Jimmy Shuck, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Copperas Cove, Texas.

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.

Nevada Hospital Offers Free, Take-home Colon Cancer Screening Kits

 

 NRMC to Make Free Colon Kits Available

 

 

 

Nevada Regional Medical Center is joining other healthcare organizations around the country to observe Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month during March.  Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, with about 2 million cases diagnosed each year. It is the second leading cause of cancer death despite the fact that effective screening techniques exist that can greatly reduce the number of deaths.

NRMC Internal Medicine physician, Dr. John Fox recently said, “The good news is that a simple colonoscopy allows a physician to quickly spot and remove polyps before they ever become cancerous.  It’s one of the few cancers that we can spot early and deal with before it becomes a problem.”

NRMC will have free, take home colon cancer screening kits available to the public starting Monday, March 2nd, throughout the month as supplies last.  The kits can be picked up any weekday between 8:00 and 4:30 at the Information Desk in the hospital’s main lobby.  Instructions on how to mail in the samples are provided with the kits.  For further information the public is asked to call 417-448-3710.

 

 

###

About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, NRMC is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital providing comprehensive health care services.  Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties including ear, nose & throat, family practice, general surgery, gynecology, internal medicine, orthopedics, pain management, pediatrics, psychiatry and wound care services. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in cardiology, dermatology, neurology, podiatry, pulmonology and urology.

NRMC is centrally located between Kansas City and Joplin along the I-49 corridor.

 

 

 

Let ‘Em Have It by Carolyn Tucker

Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker

Let ‘Em Have It

Hallie was my coworker/friend and I miss her. We worked together for seven years in the 1980s, so we came to know each other quite well. As time marched on, she spent her last days in a local healthcare facility. She was still sharp as a tack and when I walked through the door of her private room, she would enthusiastically greet me and immediately pay me a compliment on my attire or jewelry. Although my visits were to brighten her day, she made my day sweeter because she had mastered the art of heartfelt conversation by speaking forth good words.

Believers should do our best to live according to this scripture: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it” (Proverbs 3:27 NASB). Our faith is openly displayed in how we conduct our daily walk with God — which transfers into our relationships with people. If we truly revere God and practice His ways then we’ll want to treat our fellowman with kindness and goodness. It is no secret that it’s within our power to make or break someone’s day. Our attitude and words truly reach out and touch people, whether for good or bad.

We mustn’t withhold good from people when it’s within our power to do it. If an individual has done agood job, etc., then we should “let ’em have it” with positive words in a genuine compliment. If a friend is down in the dumps, we have the golden opportunity to cheer him/her up. So, “let ’em have it” with both barrels! Do you realize that people can often be cheered up with just an ice cream cone and friendly conversation? (I’m referring to bummer situations, not serious ones.)

As a rhetorical question, what does it mean to be a Christ follower? It seems that many Christians make it complicated. “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” (Acts 10:38 NASB). We used to sing a chorus entitled, “Your Love Compels Me.” The lyrics, written by Doug Holck, are simple: “Your love compels me, Lord, to give as You would give. To speak as You would speak, to live as You would live. Your love compels me, Lord, to see as You would see. To serve as You would serve, to be what You would be.“ This is uncomplicated theology, and a great place to start if you want to be like Jesus and go about your everyday life speaking good and doing good.

You’ll never go wrong by doing what’s right in God’s sight. “What is desirable in a person is his kindness” (Proverbs 19:22 NASB). We can have the whole world by the tail, but if we don’t give a hoot
about people, we’ve missed the mark of Christianity. Believers are known by our love for one another. That’s it — nothing more and nothing less. So don’t hold back from being good to people when you have the opportunity.

The Key: Be a do-gooder and “let someone have it“ with a genuine compliment…and an ice cream cone.
(Make mine chocolate.)