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Auditions For Willy Wonka are July 6-7

 

Bourbon County Community Theatre Auditions for Willy Wonka TYA

Bourbon County Community Theatre (BCCT) is producing its first ever musical this summer, open to all ages.

Auditions for Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka (TYA – Theatre for Young Audiences) version are 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 6 or 7 at the Fort Scott High School Auditorium.

“The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder, and new songs by Leslie Bricusse (Jekyll & Hyde, Doctor Dolittle) and Anthony Newley, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka TYA is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth,” according to Music Theatre International.

Those who audition should plan to stay for the entire time period on one evening of auditions. They should prepare to sing a 16-32 measure portion of a song. Auditioners should bring an accompaniment recording to sing along with.

Rehearsals are 6:30-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday at FSHS. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Aug. 7 and at 2 and 7 p.m. on Aug. 8 at FSHS.

Those who are cast in the show are asked to donate a $25 participation fee with a maximum of $50 per family. Parents who are not in the show with their children should also volunteer to supervise on a performance night.

BCCT is also looking for a Lighting Designer and Sound Designer for the production as well as Stage Crew. The show is directed by Angie Bin with musical direction by Taylor Jones and choreography by Abby Stepps.

“We are so excited to finally be able to offer our community our first ever musical production. This will be such a fun venture for all ages and we have an incredible artistic staff eager to get started,” said Bin.

BCCT is seeking sponsors to help make their first musical successful. Please see the BCCT facebook page for more information on how to become a financial sponsor or contact Bin for more information.

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka TYA has music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. It is adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen Mcdonald and is based on the book “Charlie And The Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl. It is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, www.mtishows.com

Anyone with questions should contact Bin at 620-719-9622 or at [email protected].

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Bronson Receives Infrastructure Funding

Governor Kelly Announces Over $13.7M
for Infrastructure Projects Across Kansas


TOPEKA
– Governor Laura Kelly today announced 18 Kansas communities have secured over $13.7 million in federal and state funding for airport and energy grid resilience improvement projects.

The awards include over $10.1 million in federal Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act (IIJA) funding and over $3.6 million in matching funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund. Combined with over $165,000 in local contributions, the total investment in Kansas for this round of infrastructure grants is more than $13.9 million.

“Kansas’ commitment to investing in critical infrastructure has helped create opportunities to secure additional funding and advance projects that benefit communities statewide,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These investments are about more than strengthening infrastructure; they are about improving quality of life, supporting economic opportunity, and building a stronger future for our state.”

The Kansas Infrastructure Hub connects multiple state agencies and serves as a resource center for Kansas communities to identify best practices for maximizing IIJA and other federal and state funding opportunities. The Build Kansas Fund provides state matching dollars for projects throughout Kansas that successfully apply for federal grants under IIJA.

In total, the Build Kansas Fund has provided the required non-federal match dollars for 92 federal grants across Kansas. The combined total investment by the Build Kansas Fund for all projects is over $51.28 million, which has resulted in federal grant awards of more than $161 million returning to the state of Kansas.

“These awards demonstrate the Kansas Infrastructure Hub’s commitment to supporting improvements across multiple sectors and ensuring communities of all sizes can compete successfully for federal funding opportunities,” Shawn WesnerExecutive Director of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub, said. “Through the support of the Kansas Legislature and Governor Kelly, we are bringing together federal, state and local funding to make strategic investments that will strengthen our state infrastructure and support communities for years to come.”

By helping secure investments in both airport infrastructure and energy grid resilience, the Hub continues to advance a comprehensive approach to infrastructure development that strengthens transportation networks, enhances energy reliability, and promotes long-term economic growth throughout Kansas.

“The City of Glen Elder is a rural North Central Kansas town with a population of 363. Glen Elder, like so many other small towns in Kansas, is run with a tight budget. The city was in dire need of replacing old, highly sun-faded, and hard-to-read electric meters on homes and businesses. However, the budget did not allow the city to purchase all the meters outright without the matching funds from the Build Kansas Fund. The city is extremely grateful for the Section 40101(d) Second Round Grant and the matching Build Kansas Funds which allowed Glen Elder to purchase new Itron radio-read electric meters,” Jerri Senger, Glen Elder City Clerk, said.

The Kansas projects receiving funding are:

  • City of Ness City – Airport Apron Expansion
    • Build Kansas Funding – $5,500
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $110,000
    • Applicant Contribution – $289
      • Total Project – $115,789
  • City of Ottawa – Airport Taxiway Construction
    • Build Kansas Funding – $29,250
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $585,000
    • Applicant Contribution – $1,540
      • Total Project – $615,790
  • City of Clay Center – Airport Hangar Project
    • Build Kansas Funding – $13,320
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $266,385
    • Applicant Contribution – $701
      • Total Project – $280,406
  • City of Junction City – Airfield Obstruction Removal
    • Build Kansas Funding – $15,200
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $304,000
    • Applicant Contribution – $800
      • Total Project – $320,000
  • City of Hays – Airport Runway Reconstruction
    • Build Kansas Funding – $65,302
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $1,306,044
    • Applicant Contribution – $3,437
      • Total Project – $1,374,783
  • City of Cawker City – Power Pole Maintenance & Repair
    • Build Kansas Funding – $37,935
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $82,618
    • Applicant Contribution – $1,997
      • Total Project – $122,550
  • Sumner County Electric Cooperative – Transmission Pole Replacement
    • Build Kansas Funding – $260,997
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $568,416
    • Applicant Contribution – $13,737
      • Total Project – $843,150
  • Wheatland Electric Cooperative – Pole Replacement & Undergrounding
    • Build Kansas Funding – $417,556
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $909,378
    • Applicant Contribution – $21,977
      • Total Project – $1,348,911
  • City of Beloit – Pole Replacement
    • Build Kansas Funding – $209,070
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $455,326
    • Applicant Contribution – $11,004
      • Total Project – $675,400
  • City of Glen Elder – Meter Updates
    • Build Kansas Funding – $10,818
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $23,560
    • Applicant Contribution – $569
      • Total Project – $34,947
  • City of Bronson – Grid Updates
    • Build Kansas Funding – $125,523
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $273,371
    • Applicant Contribution – $6,606
      • Total Project – $405,500
  • City of Jetmore – Pole Replacement
    • Build Kansas Funding – $169,268
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $368,643
    • Applicant Contribution – $8,909
      • Total Project – $546,820
  • Brown Atchison Electric Cooperative – Pole Replacement
    • Build Kansas Funding – $395,106
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $860,484
    • Applicant Contribution – $20,795
      • Total Project – $1,276,385
  • Bluestem Electric – Powerline Replacement
    • Build Kansas Funding – $383,216
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $834,590
    • Applicant Contribution – $20,169
      • Total Project – $1,237,975
  • Doniphan Electric Cooperative – Rebuild Substation
    • Build Kansas Funding – $541,713
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $1,179,775
    • Applicant Contribution – $28,512
      • Total Project – $1,750,000
  • Flint Hills Rural Electric Cooperative – Pole & Line Replacement
    • Build Kansas Funding – $459,167
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $1,000,000
    • Applicant Contribution – $24,166
      • Total Project – $1,483,333
  • City of Luray – Transformer Replacement
    • Build Kansas Funding – $258,067
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $533,933
      • Total Project – $792,000
  • City of Savonburg – Grid Replacement
    • Build Kansas Funding – $227,601
    • Federal Funding Awarded – $470,899
      • Total Project – $698,500

To learn more about the Hub, please visit the website here.

If you have questions about the Hub’s work, please reach out directly at: [email protected].

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ArtEffect Ambassador

Ambassadors in Action!
Meet our 2025-2026 Ambassador Emily Bittner, a ceramics teacher at Castro Valley High School in Castro Valley, California.

Each ARTEFFECT Ambassador culminates their visual arts online fellowship with a capstone project that brings the inspiring stories of the LMC Unsung Heroes into their classrooms and communities.

Here is an excerpt from Emily’s Capstone Project report:

“By learning about diverse unsung heroes, students gained a broader perspective on history and the contributions of individuals from different backgrounds. The act of translating these stories into visual form through sgraffito allowed for deeper emotional connection and creative expression.”

Congratulations to Emily and her students at Castro Valley High School in Castro Valley, California for a year full of spectacular ceramics projects inspired by LMC Unsung Heroes!

Read more about Emily’s capstone project
Congratulations to Emily’s student, Vlada Stinerman (Grade 12), for winning a 2026 Certificate of Excellence for her artwork A Dive Through Reality about Unsung Hero Dr. Sylvia Earle!
Emily also had two other students whose projects were selected as Finalists in the 2026 ARTEFFECT annual competition!
2026 Finalists by Emily Bittner’s students: Cleared for Takeoff by Clarissa Sun (Grade 12) about Unsung Hero Jerrie Cobb;  and Origin of the Strokeby Kalynn Huang about Unsung Hero Jackie Ormes.
Announcing the 2026 Competition Awardees!
View Winners
ARTEFFFECT is excited to announce 46 winners in the 11th annual competition. In total, $49,750 in prizes were awarded to the 46 winners across the middle and high school divisions.

In this year’s international competition, students in grades 6-12 explored and championed the stories of LMC Unsung Heroes—role models who made a positive and profound, yet previously unrecognized, impact on the course of history. For their entries, these young artists created original works of art and wrote reflective impact statements to reframe these untold stories in an array of artistic expressions and reflections.

“The ARTEFFECT competition is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young people to consider, interpret and create original works of art about Unsung Heroes and the invaluable lessons their heroic deeds exemplify,” says Lowell Milken, founder of ARTEFFECT and the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. “By giving visual form to acts of heroism, students deeply engage with their subject, asking questions not only of themselves as artists but also of themselves as human beings. This process unleashes the power of art to inspire ARTEFFECT participants to celebrate the past and discover their potential to influence the future.”

Thank you to all sponsoring classroom educators, art instructors, families, and communities for supporting these talented young artists through the 2026 competition. ARTEFFECT looks forward to celebrating these achievements over the coming weeks!

Read Press Release
Congratulations to the
2026 ARTEFFECT Competition Winners!
SPREAD THE NEWS!
Stay connected with ARTEFFECT and spread the word about the 2026 competition winners. Be sure follow us on these platforms for announcements, news, professional development, resources and more!
ARTEFFECT Instagram
ARTEFFECT Facebook Page
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ARTEFFECT YouTube
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For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
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Food For The Journey: Kansas Stories at The Gordon Parks Museum

Presentation Explores African American Food Traditions in Kansas

 

Fort Scott, KS. – The Gordon Parks Museum in Fort Scott, Kansas will host “Food for the Journey: Kansas Stories,” an interactive presentation and demonstration by Theressa Rice that will take place on June 19, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center at 2108 S. Horton St.  Members of the community are invited to attend the free event. Contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext. 5850 for more information. The event is part of “Kansas Folklife: Celebrating Kansas Traditions,” a series of folklife presentations developed by Humanities Kansas recognizing the nation’s milestone 250th anniversary.

 

This is a free Lunch and Learn event, with drinks and desserts provided.

“Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this presentation event to learn more about the Kansas Folklife and the journey of African Americans migration from the south” said Museum Director, Kirk Sharp.

 

As African Americans made their way to Kansas, what foods came with them? Theressa Rice’s presentation is rooted in stories – stories from her history, her grandparents’ farm, her family’s migration from Oklahoma and Texas, and the food that graced the table for Sunday Supper once they reached their destination. Some stories might sound familiar – hunting for rabbits, frying up chickens, boiling potatoes dug straight from the ground, and picking berries off the vine to make into a delicious pie. Audience members will connect to these timeless traditions that stretch across generations (and maybe even get a slice of homemade pie to try).

 

Theressa Rice is a storyteller, baker, and small business owner.

 

“Kansas Folklife: Celebrating Kansas Traditions” is part of “By the People: Beyond 250,” a national initiative of the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.

 

For more information about “Food for the Journey: Kansas Stories” in Fort Scott, Kansas, contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext.5850 or visit gordonparkscenter.org

 

 

 

About Humanities Kansas

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas. Since 1972, HK’s programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and invite new insights. Together with statewide partners and supporters, HK encourages Kansans to draw on diverse histories, literatures, and cultures to create connections with one another and strengthen Kansas communities and our democracy. Visit humanitieskansas.org.

 

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FSCC Board of Trustees Special Meeting June 11, 2026

Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2401 S. Horton.

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING
ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER
JUNE 11, 2026 – 12:00 P.M.

PUBLIC AGENDA

1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER – CHAIR DOUG ROPP

1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk:
Bailey, Brown, Cosens, Hoyt, McKinnis, Ropp

2.0 FLAG SALUTE & INVOCATION
3.0 LEADERSHIP REPORTS & UPDATES (INFORMATION)

3.1 Academics – Vice President of Academic Affairs – Dr. Larry Guerrero
3.2 Advancement – Dean of Advancement – Lindsay Hill
3.3 Athletics – Athletic Director – Dave Wiemers
3.4 Finance – CFO – Vice President of Finance & Operations – Gina Shelton
3.5 Student Services – Vice President of Student Affairs – Vanessa Poyner
3.6 Grant Updates – Dean of Advancement – Lindsay Hill
3.7 Presidential Update – President Dr. Jack Welch

4.0 REVIEW OF JUNE 15TH AGENDA ITEMS (INFORMATION)
5.0 PERSONNEL

5.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (ACTION)
5.2 Exit Executive Session – Return to Open Session (ACTION)

6.0 BOARD MEMBER TRAINING (INFORMATION)
7.0 ADJOURN (ACTION)

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 10

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – June 10, 2026

Arrested

Rodriguez, Ashley Katherine (Age 32) – Arrested 6/9/2026 12:30 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant – Fort Scott Municipal. Bond: $500.00 Cash. Released 6/9/2026 1:15 PM.

Released

Rodriguez, Ashley Katherine – Released 6/9/2026 1:15 PM via Cash Bond (Self).

Sawyer, Emily A (Age 41) – Released 6/9/2026 2:49 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Total Inmates Released: 2

Documents:

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Varia Quality Resale Clothing on June 11

Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by Chamber Member

Varia

Quality Resale Clothing

Thursday, June 11th

 

8am

@ Varia
114 E. 23rd St.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Varia Quality Resale Clothing, 114 E. 23rd St. this Thursday, June 11th at 8am.

Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.

Varia offers affordable prices and a variety of high-quality used items, including women’s, teens’, and children’s clothing, as well as purses, shoes, jewelry, and more. Owner, Robin Kendrick, is celebrating her 5th year in business and is excited to host this event and welcome the community to join in the celebration.

Varia’s June Special will feature a $25 store credit drawing. Customers who spend a minimum of $20 when shopping in-store may register for the drawing.

For more information, contact the Chamber at (620) 223-356. Visit the Events Calendar at fortscott.com and select the Chamber Coffees category for upcoming locations.

Click HERE to visit

Varia Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Varia 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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Obituary of Michael Wayne Meanor

Michael Wayne Meanor, 49, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

Mike was born January 16, 1977, in Niskayuna, New York, to Linda Lee DeLapp Meanor and Martin Wayne Meanor. The family later moved to the Uniontown, Kansas, area where he grew up and graduated from Uniontown High School with the Class of 1996.

On July 30, 1999, Mike married April Dawn Peck, in Fort Scott, Kansas. Together they raised their two children, Bryce and Marissa.

Following high school, Mike attended Butler County Community College, where he earned a degree in Fire Science. He served his community as a firefighter in the Wichita area and later with the Fort Scott Fire Department. Throughout his working years, he was employed by Bourbon County, Dayco, and Mid-Continental Restoration. However, the work he loved most was farming. Mike found great satisfaction working as a farm hand for both G3 and Cloverdale Farms, where he enjoyed being outdoors and caring for the land and livestock.

Uniontown USD 235 to Hold Board Retreat, Superintendent Search

Uniontown High School.

The Special Board of Education Meeting – Board Retreat for Uniontown USD 235 will be held June 10 from 10AM to 5PM at Greenbush, Girard, KS.

Agenda

I. Call to Order

  • Approve the Agenda

II. Superintendent Search

III. Strategic Plan – Identify 2026-2027 Goals

IV. Capital Outlay Plan

V. Board Survey

  • Superintendent Related Questions
  • Strategic Plan – Related Questions
  • Evaluation – Related Questions

VI. Adjournment

USD 234 Board of Education, June 8 Meeting Minutes

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, June 08, 2026

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 08, 2026, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main St.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda.
The board approved the consent agenda.

Board Minutes
05-11-26
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – May 20, 2026 – $1,847,447.95
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
KASB Policy Updates
Extended Trip Application – Brent Cavin
High School Lunch Increase

There was one present for Public Forum.

Coach Jon Barnes, Assistant Coach Karlie Chipman, and Caleb Hall were present to discuss the Boys’ golf season. As a team they were able to attend the second day of state with many of them scoring the best they had all season. Coach Barnes said he was immensely proud of the team and how they represented Fort Scott High School.

Coach Kent Aikin was present with a few of the girls from the 4A State Champion Softball team. They finished the season 28-3. He also said he was proud of the team and how they managed this season.

Coach Tracy Bogina and Coach Myers along with two seniors, Claire McElroy and Daymeion Anderson, praised the team for their accomplishments this season. They had thirteen qualify in seven events for state. Coach Bogina said they were a young team but proud of the way they finished.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document and updated on several grants that the district is applying for to help offset some costs of projects. This month will start the budget closeout and start up for next school year’s budget. There are many summer projects underway, and things are busy around the district.

Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on the HB2299 that will include cell phones not being allowed from start of the school until the end of the school day. This also include two-way
communication between staff and students. There was discussion on where the phones that are in the building will be stored during the day, but no action was taken. During the July board meeting there will be policies that will be discussed and adopted regarding this bill. More information will be available soon.

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update on the 6B grant. The district has 112 ESY students with forty staff, the summer is going well.

The Board approved the following:
• Demolition & Parking Lot Construction Bids – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation
• KASB Policy Plus Agreement
• 2026-27 KASB Worker’s Compensation Renewal
• KICS Property & Casualty Insurance Renewal 2026-27
• Iready Subscription Renewal 2026-27
• Winfield Scott Technology Purchase
• Middle School Staff Laptop Purchase
• Student Chromebook Purchase

The Board went into executive session for negotiations.
The Board went into executive session for personnel matters.
The Board went into executive session for contracts.
The Board approved Certified, Classified, Administrative, and Director Salary Schedule.

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

Freeman Acquires Pinamonti Wellness Center

Freeman Health System Announces Acquisition of Pinamonti Wellness Center  

 

 

JOPLIN, Mo. — Freeman Health System is pleased to announce the acquisition of Pinamonti Wellness Center, a respected community-focused fitness and wellness facility known for its commitment to performance, longevity, and whole-person health.

The center is located at 1014 Mt. Carmel Way, Pittsburg, KS.

 

This strategic investment represents a significant step forward in Freeman’s ongoing commitment to expand access to high-quality orthopedic care, rehabilitation, and preventive wellness services across the region. By integrating Pinamonti Wellness Center into its care network, Freeman is strengthening its ability to support patients across the full continuum of musculoskeletal health, from injury prevention and recovery to long-term performance and well-being.

 

“This is a meaningful opportunity to bring together two strong programs with a shared focus on patient outcomes and whole-person health,” said Mick Ward, Director of Professional Support for Freeman Health System. “Together, we are enhancing access to services that help patients stay active, recover more fully, and live healthier lives, close to home.”

 

Located in a modern, state-of-the-art facility, Pinamonti Wellness Center will complement Freeman’s growing Orthopedic Medicine program by offering expanded programming, stronger integration between clinical care and wellness services, and access to leading physicians and care teams.

 

Freeman Health System also looks forward to supporting the Center’s long-term growth by investing in resources and programming that strengthens community health and empowers individuals to lead more active, healthier lives.

 

“At Freeman, we believe care should extend beyond the walls of a hospital,” Renee Denton, MO/KS Market President for Freeman Health System added. “This partnership allows us to meet people where they are, supporting movement, recovery, and wellness in ways that improve outcomes and enhance quality of life.”

 

The acquisition reflects Freeman’s continued focus on expanding access, strengthening communities, and delivering high-quality care where patients need it most.

 

 

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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System is a not-for-profit health system serving communities across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas through a network of hospitals, physician clinics, outpatient locations, and specialty services. The system includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, and the Freeman Health System facilities in Bentonville, Springdale, Willow Creek, and Siloam Springs. Freeman Health System also operates Ozark Center—the region’s largest provider of behavioral health services, and offers comprehensive cancer, cardiology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, and women’s and children’s services. The system is supported by more than 7,000 employees and is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit Freeman Health System.

 

 

    

#YourHealthIsWhyWeCare

 

 

KS Attorney General Opposes Clemency Requests For Death Row Inmates

Kobach strongly opposes clemency for Kansas death row inmates, urges Gov. Kelly to reject requests and uphold jury verdicts

WICHITA – (June 9, 2026) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today voiced strong opposition to clemency requests filed by nearly all of Kansas’s death row inmates. At a press conference today flanked by law enforcement, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett and victim family members, Kobach called on Governor Laura Kelly to reject the petitions and respect the jury verdicts that imposed the ultimate punishment for these heinous crimes.

“These clemency requests are an outrage to the victims of these killers and all Kansans. A jury sentenced them to death. I urge Gov. Kelly to reject clemency and deliver long-overdue justice for the families. As attorney general, I support the death penalty and oppose any effort to set aside the jurors’ decisions to impose this penalty,” Kobach said.

Between May 1 and May 30, eight of the nine individuals on Kansas’s death row initiated formal clemency proceedings. There is a limited window for the public to provide comment.

Kansas employs one of the highest standards in the nation for imposing a capital sentence. Every death row inmate seeking clemency was convicted and sentenced by a jury, upheld by a judge, and affirmed through multiple layers of appellate review. The state has not carried out an execution since 1965, underscoring the deliberate and painstaking nature of the process.

These cases represent some of the most brutal crimes in Kansas history, claiming the lives of students, law enforcement officers, mothers, fathers, teachers, and children including:

·       Carrie Williams, a 20-year-old Pittsburg State University student

·       Miki Martinez, a 19-year-old mother from Great Bend

·       Darren Wornkey, a 24-year-old father from Great Bend

·       Matt Samuels, a hero and the Sheriff of Greenwood County, Kansas

·       Jason Befort, originally from Pratt, a teacher and coach from Augusta

·       Brad Heyka, 27, originally from Dodge City, he worked at Koch Industries

·       Heather Muller, a preschool teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School

·       Aaron Sander, a 29-year-old who was studying to become a priest

·       Ann Walenta, a gifted cellist and member of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra

·       Dorothy Wight, a mother and grandmother from Burlingame

·       Karen Kahler, a mother and homemaker from Burlingame

·       Emily Kahler, an 18-year-old freshman studying at St. Louis College of Pharmacy

·       Lauren Kahler, a 16-year-old who played tennis and bass guitar in a rock band

·       Jodi Sanderholm, a 19-year-old dancer from Arkansas City

·       Kaylie Bailey, a 21-year-old mother from Ottawa

·       Lana Bailey, an 18-month-old toddler beloved by her family

·       Andrew Stout, a 30-year-old who loved frisbee golf and Mario Brothers

·       Steven White, a 31-year-old

·       Suzette Trouten, a 27-year-old nursing student

·       Izabela Lewicka, a 20-year-old born in Poland, studying at Purdue University

·       Lisa Stasi, a 20-year-old mother originally from Alabama

·       Beverly Bonner, a 49-year-old prison librarian

·       Sheila Faith, a 45-year-old mother

·       Debbie Lynn Faith, a 15-year-old daughter

“Granting clemency to multiple death row inmates — particularly in the final weeks of a gubernatorial term and based on personal opposition to the death penalty — would substitute one person’s policy preference for the considered judgment of juries, judges, and appellate courts,” Kobach emphasized. “Kansas law enforcement asks Governor Kelly to honor the verdicts of the juries, the families of the victims who have waited decades for finality, and the men and women in law enforcement whose safety depends on the strong message this state sends about the consequences of the most serious crimes. As the maxim holds: mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent. The victims and their families deserve justice.”

Letters opposing clemency may be sent to the Prison Review Board at 714 SW Jackson, Ste. 300, Topeka, KS 66603, or emailed to KDOC_Victim_Notification@ks.gov (mailto:_Victim_Notification@ks.gov). Comments may also be directed to Governor Laura Kelly at the Kansas Statehouse, 300 SW 10th Ave., Ste. 241S, Topeka, KS 66612, or by phone at 785-296-3232 or 785-368-8500.

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