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Schools

USD 234 Board of Education Meeting – July 13

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697 | www.usd234.org | 620-223-0800

Superintendent: Zach Johnson    Assistant Superintendent: Terry Mayfield

Board of Education Regular Meeting

July 13, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
Board Office, Fort Scott, KS

Public Agenda

1.0 Call Meeting to Order — David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Recognitions
5.0 Matt Teeter – Strategic Planning Overview
6.0 Financial Audit Review
7.0 Reorganization of New Board (Action)

  • 7.1 Election of President of the Board
  • 7.2 Election of Vice-President of the Board

8.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

  • 8.1 Board Minutes – 06-08-26
  • 8.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
  • 8.3 Check Register
  • 8.4 Payroll – June 19, 2026
  • 8.5 Activity Funds Accounts
  • 8.6 USD 234 Gifts
  • 8.7 Resolution 26-01 Destructions of Records
  • 8.8 Resolution 26-02 Waiver of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
  • 8.9 Resolution 26-03 Rescinding Policy Statements found in Board Minutes
  • 8.10 Resolution 25-04 Establish Home Rule by Board of Education
  • 8.11 Designation of Banks for deposit of school funds
  • 8.12 Set fees for copying records
  • 8.13 Mileage reimbursement – current state mileage rate
  • 8.14 2026-27 School Fees
  • 8.15 Recreation Commission Board Member Term
  • 8.16 Designation of newspaper for official school publications
  • 8.17 Offices for the 2026-27 School Year
  • 8.18 Policy Updates
  • 8.19 Extended Trip Applications
  • 8.20 Fundraising Applications

9.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

10.0 New Business

  • 10.1 SchoolsPLP Virtual Learning Platform Agreement – FS Tiger Virtual School (Action)
  • 10.2 School Vehicle Purchases (Action)
  • 10.3 IT Services Agreement Renewal – USD 234 and City of Fort Scott (Action)
  • 10.4 2026-27 District Handbooks (Action)
  • 10.5 2026-27 Emergency Operations Procedures (Action)
  • 10.6 HB 2299 KASB Policy and USD 234 Procedure Recommendations (Action)
  • 10.7 Apptegy Communication Platform Subscription (Action)
  • 10.8 Revenue Neutral Declaration to the Bourbon County Clerk Resolution 26-05 (Action)
  • 10.9 Resolution #26-06 Supplemental General Budget Percentage (Action)

11.0 Public Forum

12.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters

  • 12.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
  • 12.2 Exit Executive Session

13.0 Adjourn Meeting — David Stewart, President

Documents:

Opinion

What Can’t You Live Without? by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

By Patty LaRoche

Packing to move afforded Dave and me the perfect opportunity to clear out the clutter. If I were to grade us on achieving that goal, we would deserve a D. Even the accordion I had purchased at a garage sale 15 years ago, the one with the three stuck pegs, the missing pearl button and the tattered leather straps seemed too valuable to get rid of it. Why? It’s not like I was being recruited to join a polka band. Preserved in the back of a basement closet, this instrument now either needed to go, or I needed to take accordion lessons. Adios, accordion.

This instrument was the least of my “unnecessaries.” I spent days laboring over old speeches, written before computers but still filled with nuggets of scriptural advice. Would I find the time to consolidate the meaningful messages on my HP? Probably not. I burned out our shredder on old lesson plans, archaic and replicatable with AI’s help, along with warranties on items we no longer had. Dirty flower pots, houses to greenery I had managed to kill, were thrown away, as well as hardened Miracle Gro and rose bush fertilizer (for the bushes we had in our previous house). This all sounds noble, but at the end of our packing, we still filled three railroad cars with our possessions, and now, living in the basement of the house we are renovating, we see how few things we actually need. No doubt, there will be another decluttering when we unpack all of our “can’t live without” belongings. Still, it could be worse.

Years ago, I needed to drop something off at a student’s house. Nothing prepared me for the hoarding I saw as I entered her home. A small pathway, lined with who-knows-what led to the back of the house, and I left there, wondering how someone could live in those piles.

I picture my heart like that house. How much of God’s truth, peace and joy are hidden under mounds of distractions, worries and unnecessary baggage? Unconfessed sin, misplaced priorities or people-pleasing weigh me down, block my intimacy with God and destroy my peace. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) is a delicate reminder of the need to rid myself of those problems: “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Spiritual clutter slows us down and keeps us from running the race God has set before us. There is something invigorating that happens after we declutter a closet, a work place or a kitchen drawer, but even more satisfying is when we clean out our spiritual, sacred space. In doing that, we make room for the Creator, and I cannot think of a better way to finish the race He has set before us.

Bourbon County, Elections, Government, Kansas

2026 Bourbon County Primary: Full Candidate List & Ballot Question

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2026 Bourbon County Primary Election: Candidates and Ballot Question

The Bourbon County Clerk’s office has released the official list of candidates and ballot question for the August 2026 Primary Election. Below is a complete breakdown of every race and the constitutional amendment question that Bourbon County voters will see on their ballots.

Democratic Primary Candidates

United States Senator

  • Damon Anderson – Shawnee
  • Christy Davis – Cottonwood Falls
  • Adam Hamilton – Stilwell
  • Jason Hart – Wichita
  • Kevin Latz – Mission Hills
  • Erik Murray – Kansas City
  • Sandy Spidel Neumann – Overland Park
  • Anne Parelkar – Overland Park
  • Patrick C. Schmidt – Topeka
  • Michael “Mike” Soetaert – Wellington
  • Noah Taylor – Kechi

U.S. House of Representatives – District 2

  • Don Coover – Galesburg

Kansas Governor / Lt. Governor

  • Ethan Corson / Renee Duxler – Salina
  • Cindy Holscher / KC Ohaebosim – Wichita
  • Curt Skoog / Jennifer Bacani McKenney – Fredonia

Kansas Secretary of State

  • Jennifer Day – Overland Park
  • Samuel Lane – Shawnee

Kansas Attorney General

  • Chris Mann – Lawrence

Kansas State Treasurer

  • Juan C. Luengo – Olathe

Commissioner of Insurance

  • Dinah Sykes – Lenexa

State Board of Education – District 9

  • Heather Guernsey – Chanute

Bourbon County Commissioner – District 1

  • Clinton L. Walker – Mapleton

Bourbon County Commissioner – District 3

  • No candidate filed

Bourbon County Commissioner – District 4

  • No candidate filed

Township Clerk (Democratic)

No candidates filed in Drywood, Franklin, Freedom, Marion, Millcreek, Marmaton, Osage, Pawnee, Scott, Timberhill, or Walnut townships.

Democratic Precinct Committeeman/Committeewoman

Precinct Position Candidate
7th Ward Committeewoman Tracy J. Schafer – Fort Scott
Marmaton D2 Committeewoman Thelma J. Quirin – Redfield
Millcreek Committeewoman Jane L. Gaines – Fort Scott
Scott D4 Committeewoman Carol K. Lydic – Fort Scott
Timberhill Committeeman Clinton Lee Walker – Mapleton
Timberhill Committeewoman Rachel Walker – Mapleton
All other Democratic precinct positions: No candidate filed

Republican Primary Candidates

United States Senator

  • Roger Marshall – St. John
  • Pond Naramore – Lawrence

U.S. House of Representatives – District 2

  • Derek Schmidt – Independence
  • Chad E. Young – Lawrence

Kansas Governor / Lt. Governor

  • Ty Masterson / Jeffrey Klemp – Lansing
  • Charlotte O’Hara / Michelle Dombrosky – Olathe
  • Nick Reinecker / Katy Reinecker – Inman
  • Stacy L. Rogers / Michael W. Smith – Lansing
  • Philip Sarnecki / Joy Eakins – Wichita
  • Vicki Schmidt / Joe Newland – Neodesha
  • Scott Schwab / Ken Rahjes – Agra

Kansas Secretary of State

  • Pat Proctor – Leavenworth

Kansas Attorney General

  • Kris Kobach – Lecompton

Kansas State Treasurer

  • Steven Johnson – Assaria

Commissioner of Insurance

  • Daniel Hawkins – Wichita

Kansas House of Representatives – District 4

  • Rick James – La Cygne

State Board of Education – District 9

  • Destry Brown – Fort Scott
  • Kristian Gerken – Paola
  • Renee Slinkard – Parker

Bourbon County Commissioner – District 1

  • Lyle K. (Pete) Owenby – Redfield
  • Mike Hueston – Mapleton
  • Lisa Dillon – Fort Scott

Bourbon County Commissioner – District 3

  • Joe Allen – Fort Scott
  • Josh Jones – Fort Scott

Bourbon County Commissioner – District 4

  • Gregg Motley – Fort Scott

Township Clerk (Republican)

  • Drywood: Laura Krom
  • Franklin: No candidate filed
  • Freedom: No candidate filed
  • Marion: Brent M. Smith; Michael Ramsey
  • Millcreek: No candidate filed
  • Marmaton: No candidate filed
  • Osage: No candidate filed
  • Pawnee: No candidate filed
  • Scott: Donald Banwart
  • Timberhill: Jennifer Epting Williams
  • Walnut: No candidate filed

Republican Precinct Committeeman/Committeewoman

Precinct Position Candidate(s)
1st Ward Committeeman Kevin W. Davidson
1st Ward Committeewoman Cheryl L. Adamson
2nd Ward Committeeman Robert J. Uhler
2nd Ward Committeewoman Laurie R. Uhler
3rd Ward Committeeman Brian Rhoades
3rd Ward Committeewoman Brandy L. Rhoades
4th Ward Committeeman Matthew Wells
4th Ward Committeewoman Katie Wells
5th Ward Committeeman No candidate filed
5th Ward Committeewoman Jana R. Walker
6th Ward Committeeman Douglas E. Niemeir
6th Ward Committeewoman No candidate filed
7th Ward Committeeman Michael Hoyt; Robert S. Love
7th Ward Committeewoman Patricia S. Love
Drywood Committeeman Larry Shead
Drywood Committeewoman Vickie Shead; Laura Krom
Franklin Committeeman Tony Bradbury
Franklin Committeewoman Kaitlyn Bradbury
Freedom D1 Committeeman No candidate filed
Freedom D1 Committeewoman Janice Seested
Freedom D5 Committeeman Lawrence Paddock
Freedom D5 Committeewoman Karen A. Paddock
Marion Committeeman No candidate filed
Marion Committeewoman Nancy Holt
Marmaton D2 Committeeman Jeffrey L. Reed; Micheal Bryant
Marmaton D2 Committeewoman Angela Soetaert
Marmaton D4 Committeeman No candidate filed
Marmaton D4 Committeewoman No candidate filed
Millcreek Committeeman Boa Casper
Millcreek Committeewoman Katie K. Casper
Osage Committeeman Joshua Kee; Marvin Creager
Osage Committeewoman Mika Milburn-Kee
Pawnee Committeeman Kevin Wagner
Pawnee Committeewoman Rachel Wagner
Scott D1 Committeeman Jim Sackett
Scott D1 Committeewoman Gayle Sackett
Scott D2 Committeeman Bryan Holt
Scott D2 Committeewoman Tara Holt
Scott D3 Committeeman Luke Demko
Scott D3 Committeewoman No candidate filed
Scott D4 Committeeman Roy D. Dare
Scott D4 Committeewoman Anne Dare
Scott D5 Committeeman Bill Lalman
Scott D5 Committeewoman Glenda Lalman
Timberhill Committeeman Timothy H. Emerson Sr.; Brandon Whisenhunt
Timberhill Committeewoman Rebecca Whisenhunt
Walnut Committeeman Jason Sutterby
Walnut Committeewoman Rebecca Sutterby

Constitutional Amendment Question

In addition to candidate races, voters will be asked to decide on a proposed constitutional amendment regarding how Kansas Supreme Court justices are selected.

Explanatory Statement

This amendment gives voters the right to elect the justices of the Kansas Supreme Court. The justices shall serve terms of six years, with elections of justice positions 1, 2 and 3 to occur in 2028, positions 4 and 5 to occur in 2030, and positions 6 and 7 to occur in 2032, and every six years thereafter. The rules applicable for such elections and the designation of position numbers shall be provided by law. Any vacancy on the court for an unexpired term shall be filled at an election as provided by law.

A vote FOR this proposition would give Kansas citizens the right to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices as provided by law. Justices will hold office for terms of six years. The Kansas Supreme Court nominating commission, whose membership consists of a majority of lawyers, would be abolished.

A vote AGAINST this proposition would continue the current system in which the Kansas Supreme Court nominating commission, whose membership consists of a majority of lawyers, provides the governor a list of three individuals to choose from for vacancies on the Kansas Supreme Court. Justices hold office for a term of six years and retain their offices if they win a retention election in which they do not face an opponent.

Proposed Amendment Text (§ 5 – Selection of Justices of the Supreme Court)

The citizens of Kansas who are qualified electors shall elect the justices of the supreme court. The rules applicable for such elections and the designation of position numbers shall be provided by law. Justice positions 1, 2 and 3 shall be elected at the general election in November of 2028, justice positions 4 and 5 in November of 2030 and justice positions 6 and 7 in November of 2032, and every six years thereafter, respectively. Any vacancy occurring on the supreme court for an unexpired term shall be filled by election as provided by law.

The full text of the amendment, including proposed changes to §§ 8 and 15 of the Kansas Constitution, is available in the attached ballot PDF.

Source: Bourbon County Clerk’s Office.

Documents:

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

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

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

Arrested

Herrington, John Thomas (Age 56) — Arrested 7/9/2026 3:24 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Giving a False Alarm; Emergency Services, Interference with LEO; Obstruct/Resist Felony. Bond: $0.00.

Jefferson, Tyler (Age 32) — Arrested 7/9/2026 11:18 AM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.

Jackson, Ontareo (Age 23) — Arrested 7/9/2026 11:36 AM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.

Kerron, Dakota (Age 28) — Arrested 7/9/2026 11:47 AM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.

Released

Carr, Randle R — Released 7/9/2026 10:52 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas County).

Dalager, William Paul — Released 7/9/2026 10:55 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas County).

Garrett, Brandy Sherie — Released 7/9/2026 11:15 AM via Transferred Out (Crawford County).

Heffner, Evan — Released 7/9/2026 10:54 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas County).

Total Inmates Released: 4

Documents:

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – July 9, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – July 9, 2026

Arrested

Cox, Melissa Ann (Age 45) — Arrested 7/8/2026 9:23 AM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Probation Violation). Bond: $0.00 No Bond.

Hendrix, Bryan William (Age 40) — Arrested 7/8/2026 11:24 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant – Out of County. Bond: $0.00 No Bond.

Herrington, John Thomas (Age 56) — Arrested 7/9/2026 3:24 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Giving a False Alarm; Emergency Services, Interference with LEO; Obstruct/Resist Felony. Bond: $0.00.

Released

Brashear, Julie Irene — Released 7/8/2026 11:35 AM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Reinkens, Jenise Michelle — Released 7/8/2026 11:22 AM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Total Inmates Released: 2

Documents:

Kansas

Kansas Community Empowerment Program Now Accepting Applications

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TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Community Empowerment (KCE) program is accepting new member applications from Kansas communities. KCE supports locally driven projects that strengthen quality of place, volunteer engagement and long-term community vibrancy. The enrollment period will close August 31.

Backed by the Kansas Department of Commerce, the program provides tools, training and funding that help local leaders turn great ideas into lasting impact.

“Kansas communities are full of character, history and charm — and those qualities aren’t just a point of pride, they’re an economic asset,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Any project — big or small — can turn charm into growth, and that’s exactly what this partnership with the state is designed to do.”

There are three participation tiers applicants can choose from: Communities of Growth, Communities of Action and Communities of Excellence. Communities select what they believe is the best fit for their goals, capacity and preferred level of involvement. For information about each tier, click here.

Admission into the KCE program provides eligibility for both Kickstart and Impact grants. Kickstart grants are designed to build momentum and capacity through smaller, community-driven projects, where Impact grants are meant to support larger, long-term investments.

For the 2026-2027 cycle, the total amount of available funding for the Kickstart grant is $40,000. Application reviews take place monthly. Funding is limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

For this period of funding, the Impact Grant will have $60,000 in total with $30,000 available for each round. The first round was awarded in May, and the final round will be announced in December.

The grants are administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and funded in part by the Patterson Family Foundation, the Kansas Health Foundation, the Sunflower Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.

“The Kansas Community Empowerment program is ideal for any sized, rural Kansas community,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “With the learning opportunities and funding resources this program offers, you can make extraordinary things happen in your community.”

Enrolled communities will participate in monthly check-ins, quarterly training courses and optional pop-up events. This year, communities will attend the inaugural awards banquet, coinciding with a Legislative Day on the Hill. During these events, organizations and communities are encouraged to speak to their legislators about the importance of community development and in turn be recognized for their work.

“KCE’s new chapter with Commerce will help continue to grow our vision of creating more vibrant communities with a positive future,” KCE Board President Doug Helmke said.

Applications must be submitted through the Kansas Community Empowerment online application system.

Communities that have already enrolled in KCE do not need to enroll again unless there is a change in tier status. Questions regarding enrollment applications or funding should be directed to the KCE team at [email protected].

For application details, eligibility requirements and webinar information, visit the Kansas Community Empowerment webpage or contact Matthew Morrison at [email protected].

Exercise, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Ribbon Cutting: Outdoor Fitness Court® at Buck Run, July 9

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You’re invited to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Fort Scott’s new Outdoor Fitness Court® at Buck Run Community Center! This exciting new fitness space offers free outdoor workouts for people ages 14 & up, regardless of fitness level.

Thursday, July 9th
10am
Buck Run Community Center
735 Scott Ave

The Outdoor Fitness Court® was made possible through a partnership between the City of Fort Scott, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, and the National Fitness Campaign, helping make free outdoor fitness opportunities available to our community.

What is the Fitness Court®?

The new Fitness Court® is a free outdoor gym designed to help expand access to high-quality workouts right here in Fort Scott. It features seven exercise stations where users can complete a full-body workout using their own body weight.

Workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels and are created for adults of all abilities, ages 14 and up. Community members can also download the free Fitness Court® App, which acts like a “coach in your pocket” to guide workouts and enhance the experience.

Why This Matters

This project is a great example of what can happen when community partners come together to support the health, wellness, and quality of life of Fort Scott residents. The Fitness Court® will provide a free, accessible, outdoor space for residents to move, exercise, and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

Join Us!

Residents, Chamber members, businesses, and community supporters are invited to attend the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and be among the first to experience the new Outdoor Fitness Court®.

We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate this exciting new addition to Fort Scott!

For more information, contact City Hall at 620-223-0550.

Outdoor Fitness Court

Outdoor Fitness Court

* The mural on the Fitness Court was created by local artist Stephen Toal, also known as “Toal Bucket.” Stephen has done numerous art projects, murals, and photography work throughout our community, and we are lucky to have his talent, creativity, and heart represented in Fort Scott.

Fitness Court mural by Stephen Toal

Stay after the ceremony for Tiger Ice!

Enjoy a FREE Tiger Ice Sno Cone for the first 50 attendees following the ribbon cutting while supplies last.

Learn More

Visit the Buck Run Fitness Center Facebook Page
Visit the Buck Run Fitness Center website

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting: The Library Speakeasy, July 9

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites Chamber members and their guests to attend a Chamber After-Hours, Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting celebrating The Library, Fort Scott’s newest speakeasy, on Thursday, July 9, from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. The event will be held at 523 S. Main Street, with the entrance located on the south side of the building beneath Lu’s Ice Cream Shop.

Chamber members and their guests are invited to tour The Library Speakeasy, enjoy refreshments, network with fellow Chamber members, and celebrate this exciting new business. Chamber remarks and the official ribbon cutting will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m.

The Library is the vision of local businessman Al Niece and will be managed by Flo Tanner. Tucked away in the basement below Lu’s Ice Cream Shop, the venue offers a unique 1920s speakeasy-inspired atmosphere featuring specialty cocktails and a select beer menu. The Chamber After-Hours will serve as an exclusive preview celebration ahead of the business’s public Grand Opening on Friday, July 10.

Chamber After-Hours events provide an excellent opportunity for Chamber members to network, build relationships, make new business connections, and celebrate new businesses, expansions, and investments that strengthen our community. As a Chamber After-Hours tradition, a $2 admission will be collected at the door and includes entry into the Chamber’s popular 50/50 drawing, with one lucky attendee taking home half of the proceeds.

“We’re excited to celebrate another outstanding investment in Fort Scott,” said Lindsay Madison, President & CEO of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Library is a wonderful example of how historic spaces can be thoughtfully reimagined while preserving the character and historic charm that make Fort Scott so special. We appreciate Al Niece’s continued investment in our community and look forward to welcoming Chamber members to this special preview event.”

Following the Chamber celebration, The Library will celebrate its public Grand Opening on Friday, July 10, and will be open Thursday through Saturday from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.

For more information about the Chamber After-Hours, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566, stop by 231 E. Wall Street, or visit FortScott.com.

Visit The Library Facebook Page

Visit The Library Facebook Event Page

The Library Speakeasy logo

Fort Scott

Caregiver Support Group Meeting – July 14 at Credo Senior Living

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Join us at the monthly Caregiver Support Group meeting hosted by Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice at Credo Senior Living & Memory Care.

This welcoming space offers peer support, helpful resources, and practical guidance to help caregivers connect, share, and find encouragement while caring for their own well-being.

All caregivers welcome!

  • Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
  • Time: 6:00 PM
  • Location: Credo Senior Living, 820 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

Light snacks and beverages will be provided.

For more information, contact Chaplain Jeff Feagins at [email protected] or by calling 620-231-7223.

Documents:

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – July 8, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – July 8, 2026

Arrested

Reinkens, Jenise Michelle (Age 47) — Arrested 7/7/2026 1:37 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear). Bond: $2,500.00 Cash/Surety.

Released

Homeier, Bobby Duane — Released 7/7/2026 4:47 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Shead, Elijah A — Released 7/7/2026 9:01 AM via Court Order (Self).

Tucker, Blake Micheal — Released 7/7/2026 11:06 AM via Surety Bond (A+ Bail Bonds).

Total Inmates Released: 3

Documents:

Obituary

Obituary: Laynard Leland Shearer, Age 85

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Laynard Leland Shearer

Laynard Leland Shearer, at the age of 85, passed away on July 3, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas, where he resided for the past 14 years. Laynard was born near Almena, Kansas on May 14, 1941, the son of Leslie and Velma (Douk) Shearer. He grew into manhood in rural Norton County, Kansas attending Almena Grade School, Dellvale Grade School and graduated from Lenora Rural High School with the Class of 1959. He holds degrees from Barton County Community College and Northwestern University Traffic Institute.

Lanny, as he was known to his friends, joined the U.S. Army in 1960 and served three years as a Military Policeman in Japan. After completing his military service, he joined the Norton, Kansas Police Department. After one year, he was accepted as a trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol. He retired after a 27-year career as the Patrol’s Assistant Superintendent with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served the last year of his career as Interim Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol.

He is survived by his wife Cynthia, a brother Gary Shearer (Rovella), and a sister Bernita (Willis) Daniels, both of Norton, Kansas, several nephews and nieces and many friends and relatives.

He was predeceased by his parents, Leslie & Velma Douk Shearer, his wife of 40 years, Kay (Diehl) Shearer, and his brother and wife, Keiford & Lucille Shearer.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026 at Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

K-State Extension

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Starts August 5th in Fort Scott

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Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Starts August 5th

Starting August 5th, enhance your health and independence through strength-building exercises at the Fort Scott fairgrounds, Yeager Building, located at 2102 S. Huntington Blvd.

The “Stay Strong Stay Healthy” class will meet twice weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00–11:00 a.m. for 8 weeks. Pre-registration is required; call 620-244-3826 to register and learn more. Thanks to a partnership with Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging, this class is offered at a $10.00 donation fee.

This evidence-based program is built on simple, strength-building exercises that will improve balance, health, and state of mind. No, it’s not strenuous weight-lifting. You’ll start at a level that’s right for you! No one is too inactive to participate. Take this opportunity to improve your health and join others in this fun program!

Class Details

  • Dates: August 5th – September 23rd
  • Days: Wednesdays and Fridays
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
  • Location: Fort Scott Fair Grounds, Yeager Building, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd, Fort Scott
  • Cost: $10.00 donation (thanks to a partnership with Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging)
  • Register by: July 31st

Call 620-244-3826 to register!

Benefits include:

  • Increase your overall fitness, flexibility, and balance
  • Build muscle and increase bone density to reduce frailty, osteoporosis, and the risk of falls
  • Meet new people
  • Take home a handy exercise guide to continue the program
  • Exercise equipment is provided in class

For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, Family and Community Wellness Agent, K-State Extension Southwind District, at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Documents: