Category Archives: Uncategorized

Lowell Milken Center Now Welcomes Visitors from 114 Countries

Four New Countries. One Remarkable Month.

August has been a milestone month at the Lowell Milken Center! In just a few weeks, our visitor map has grown from 110 to 114 countries represented.

International students from Cottey College helped us add our first pins in Uruguay and Nicaragua as they explored the stories of Unsung Heroes and learned more about our work with students and teachers around the world.

Just days later, Marylse from Cameroon and Pascal from Martinique visited the LMC while in Fort Scott, where their son is playing basketball at FSCC. Their visit added two more firsts to our map, Cameroon and Martinique, bringing our total to 114 countries!

Each new pin is a reminder that the stories of Unsung Heroes truly know no borders.

Discovery Award Semi-Finalists Announced — Finalists Coming September 3

The results are in! After receiving more Discovery Award entries than ever before, we are proud to announce the 2026 Discovery Award Semi-Finalists.

Meet the 2026 Semi-Finalists and discover the remarkable Unsung Heroes featured in their projects.

Congratulations to these outstanding student researchers and storytellers! Follow us on social media and stay tuned as we announce the 2026 Discovery Award Finalists on September 3.

The Story That Changed How the World Remembers Irena Sendler

During the recent Kansas Dialogue weekend in Fort Scott, Norm Conard and Megan Felt shared the remarkable story of Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project at the Liberty Theatre. The presentation showed how one Kansas classroom project brought international attention to Irena Sendler and her courageous efforts to rescue hundreds of Jewish children during the Holocaust.

“The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes was breathtaking. Not only did they give us a great presentation on Friday, but they also blew us away on Saturday night with their ‘Life in a Jar’ presentation at the Liberty Theatre. People will be talking about it for years.”
—Martha Farrell, Convener of Kansas Dialogue

Life in a Jar demonstrates what can happen when students are empowered to discover and share the stories of Unsung Heroes. Make a gift today to help us continue bringing these important stories to classrooms and communities around the world.

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is located at 1 South Main St, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Learn more at www.lowellmilkencenter.org.

Obituary: Charles Allen Parker

Charles Allen Parker

Charles A. Parker, 77, of Redfield, Kansas, died at his home, Tuesday, August 25, 2026. He was born December 15, 1948, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Charles Franklin “Pete” and Helen Juanita Cowel Parker.

They moved to the family farm on October 13, 1961, when he was 12 years old. In 2011 he moved to Redfield. Charles worked for Peerless Industries for over 25 years.

He is survived by a daughter, Tammy Ann Parker of Independence, Missouri; two brothers, Ron Parker of Redfield, Kansas, and Frank Parker and his wife, Lucy of Fort Scott; and a granddaughter, Crystal Parker. Charles is also survived by several nieces and nephews including Brenda and husband, Kirby, who took care of him for the last 17 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Paul Christopher Parker; a sister, Linda Kay Moore; a brother-in-law, Larry Moore; and a sister-in-law, Debbie Parker.

Funeral services for Charles will be Friday, September 4, 2026, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Feagins officiating. Burial will be in the Centerville Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Bourbon County Jail Report: Sept. 2–3, 2026

Watercolor illustration of the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center with the words Bourbon County Sheriff s Report

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office — Arrest Summary Report

Period: 09/02/2026 – 09/03/2026

Arrests

HARTSHORN, BRADLEY K — Inmate No. 2026-000726

Age: 29 | Agency Held For: Fort Scott Police Department
Arrest Date: 9/2/2026 12:00 AM | Released Date: 9/2/2026 12:58 AM

Charges Warrant Type Bond Type Bond Amt.
Warrant – Out of County No Cash $375.00
Warrant – Out of County No Cash $625.00
Bond Total $1,000.00

OVERMAN, MIRANDA DAWN — Inmate No. 2026-000727

Age: 35 | Agency Held For: Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office
Arrest Date: 9/2/2026 1:08 AM | Released Date: 9/2/2026 3:34 PM

Charges Warrant Type Bond Type Bond Amt.
DUI; Misdemeanor No Cash/Surety $2,000.00
Possession of Certain Hallucinogenic Drugs No Cash/Surety $0.00
Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Human Body No Cash/Surety $0.00
Bond Total $2,000.00

CASWELL, DAKOTA SHAWN — Inmate No. 2026-000728

Age: 31 | Agency Held For: Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office
Arrest Date: 9/2/2026 8:45 PM | Released Date: Still in custody at time of report

Charges Warrant Type Bond Type Bond Amt.
Driving Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs; Misdemeanor No No Bond $0.00
Possession of Controlled Substance; Unknown Substance; Misdemeanor No No Bond $0.00
Possess Paraphernalia; Unknown Misdemeanor No No Bond $0.00
Bond Total $0.00

Inmate Released List

Period: 09/02/2026 – 09/03/2026 | Total Released: 4

Name Inmate No. Booked Date Age Sex Released Release Type Released To
Cameron, Shawn Edward 2026-000667 08/13/2026 50 M 9/2/26 9:00 PM Surety Bond A+ Bail Bonds
Hartshorn, Bradley K 2026-000726 09/02/2026 29 M 9/2/26 12:58 AM Cash Bond Self
Overman, Miranda Dawn 2026-000727 09/02/2026 35 F 9/2/26 3:34 PM Cash Bond A-JBond
Rose, Ashley Dawn 2026-000718 08/27/2026 42 F 9/2/26 10:15 AM Own Recognizance Self

Documents:

Bourbon County Jail Arrest & Release Report – Sept. 2, 2026

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office — Arrest Summary Report

Period: 09/01/2026 – 09/02/2026

Arrests

HARTSHORN, BRADLEY K — Inmate No. 2026-000726

  • Agency Held For: Fort Scott Police Department
  • Arrest Date: 9/2/2026 12:00:00 AM
  • Released Date: 9/2/2026 12:58:00 AM
  • Age: 29
Charges Warrant Type Bond Type Bond Amt.
Warrant – Out of County No Cash $375.00
Warrant – Out of County No Cash $625.00
Bond Total $1,000.00

OVERMAN, MIRANDA DAWN — Inmate No. 2026-000727

  • Agency Held For: Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office
  • Arrest Date: 9/2/2026 1:08:00 AM
  • Released Date: —
  • Age: 35
Charges Warrant Type Bond Type Bond Amt.
DUI; Misdemeanor No No Bond $0.00
Possession of Certain Hallucinogenic Drugs No No Bond $0.00
Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Human Body No No Bond $0.00
Bond Total $0.00

Inmate Released List

Period: 09/01/2026 – 09/02/2026  |  Total Inmates Released: 3

Name Inmate No. Booked Date Age Race Sex Released Date/Time Release Type Released To
Barreos-Erickson, Samuel 2026-000714 08/26/2026 34 H M 9/1/26 7:18 PM Surety Bond Able Bonding
Hartshorn, Bradley K 2026-000726 09/02/2026 29 W M 9/2/26 12:58 AM Cash Bond Self
McReynolds, Curtis Douglas 2026-000717 08/27/2026 43 W M 9/1/26 2:26 PM Surety Bond A+ Bail Bonds

Documents:

Special Bourbon County Commission Meeting Sept. 2 at 5 PM

There will be a Special Meeting of the Bourbon County Commission on September 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM to discuss asbestos testing.

Special Meeting of the Bourbon County Commission — Agenda

September 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM

  • I. Call the Meeting to Order
  • II. Pledge of Allegiance
  • III. Discussion of Asbestos Testing
  • IV. Adjournment

Documents:

Bourbon County Coalition Meeting – Sept. 2, 2026

The Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition will hold its next General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the Scottview Conference Room, 315 S. Scott Ave., Fort Scott.

Agenda

  • Welcome
  • Member Introductions and Announcements
  • Program: Jenni Simhiser, Path of EASE / The Ripple Effect
  • Open Forum
  • Adjournment

The next General Membership Meeting will be October 7, 2026.

CFSEK Opens 2026 Women’s Health Fund Grant Cycle

Since 2007, the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) has hosted the annual Rita J. Bicknell Women’s (RJB) Health Fund grant cycle, supporting projects dedicated to bettering the lives of women in Southeast Kansas. Since inception, the Women’s Health Fund grant cycle has awarded over $564,000 to projects across Southeast Kansas!

The WHF grant cycle has two applications: the Circle of Friends application is for funding up to $2,000, while the Women’s Giving Circle application is for funding over $2,000.

“The Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund provides critical support for organizations that are advancing women’s healthcare throughout Southeast Kansas,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “The RJB members are dedicated and passionate about expanding access and creating a healthier future in our region.”

Applications are available at SoutheastKansas.org/Grant-App. For more information about RJB membership, and for lists of previous recipient projects, visit SoutheastKansas.org/WHF.

Applications for the 2026 Women’s Health Fund grant cycle are available online via CFSEK’s portal until midnight on September 30th. Questions regarding the grant applications should be directed to CFSEK Program Coordinator Kara Mishmash at SoutheastKansas.org/Contact/Kara.

Uniontown Council Draft Minutes — Aug. 11, 2026

City of Uniontown — Draft Minutes: August 11, 2026 Regular Council Meeting

The 2027 Budget Hearing and Regular Council Meeting on August 11, 2026 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Kyle Knight, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Joe George, Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, and City Clerk Haley Arnold.

Special Considerations/Projects

2027 Budget Hearing — No citizens in attendance.

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adopt the 2027 Budget as presented.

2027 Budget Hearing closed.

Tree removal bids were received from Knights Tree Service in the amount of $2,650.00 and Miller’s Tree Service in the amount of $2,350.00 for the removal of trees at 204 Fulton, 201 3rd St., and 303 Washington. The bids were reviewed, and fence repair was also discussed. It was noted that Knights Tree Service had included fence repair in its previous bid.

Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0 (Knight abstain), to accept tree removal and fence repair bid from Knights Tree Service.

Citizens Request

(None noted.)

Financial Report

Treasurer Johnson presented the July 2026 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $249,800.06; Receipts $29,459.26; Transfers Out $3,025.25; Expenditures $47,256.02; Checking Account Closing Balance $228,979.05. Bank Statement Balance $229,270.86, including Checking Account Interest of $52.56; Outstanding Deposits $0; Outstanding Checks $291.81; Reconciled Balance $228,979.05.

Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $43,707.59; Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $24,599.14; Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $51,241.51; Total All Funds including Certificates of Deposit $348,527.29. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Account $359.56 and Utility CDs $1,401.25 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,760.81.

Projects Checking Account for July 2026: Beginning Balance $0; Receipts $0; Expenditures $0; Ending Balance $0.

July Transfers: from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.25; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; Total Transfers $3,024.25.

Net loss for the month of July: $20,821.01. Year-to-Date Net Income: $28,233.59.

Budget vs. Actual:

  • Gas Fund YTD Revenue $89,501.13 (69.2%), Expenditures $59,915.45 (45.4%)
  • Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $24,467.82 (67.8%), Expenditures $18,515.28 (43.4%)
  • Water Fund YTD Revenue $70,927.73 (57.0%), Expenditures $60,285.32 (42.3%)
  • General Fund YTD Revenue $94,718.21 (64.3%), Expenditures $95,923.68 (40.8%)
  • Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,054.18 (83.0%), Expenditures $4,857.41 (43.4%)

August 2026 payables to date: $30,119.79. The invoice from KMGA had not been received by noon on meeting day.

Consent Agenda

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of July 14, 2026 Regular Meeting
  • July Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class, and August Accounts Payables

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss applicants and conduct interviews for non-elected personnel position; open meeting to resume at 7:45 PM.

Arnold called in at 7:38 PM. Meeting resumed at 7:44 PM. No action from executive session.

Department Reports

Code Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan informed the Council of an empty lot at 6th and Washington with overgrown vegetation. Treasurer Johnson stated she would contact the property owners and request the lot be mowed by the weekend. Coyan reported that 201 Fulton Street was beginning to become overgrown and stated he would contact the property owner regarding mowing. The lots between 101 and 107 Washington were also reported to have overgrown vegetation; Arnold will attempt to identify and contact the property owner. Coyan stated he will send a special notice regarding unregistered vehicles at 202 4th Street.

Mayor Jurgensen reported receiving a complaint regarding an unregistered vehicle on the west side of 305 Fulton Street. Coyan stated he would investigate the matter further.

Arnold informed the council of the court outcome and update on 202 4th St.

Superintendent Bobby Rich stated that he has completed the cold patch and is in need of help exercising the valves on the meters.

City Clerk Haley Arnold reminded the council of the city-wide cleanup at the end of the month. Arnold presented a client approval letter to the council.

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve the client approval letter.

Arnold informed the Council of an upcoming training session on utility rates and invited Council members to attend if interested.

Council Report

  • Councilman Knight — None
  • Councilwoman Kelly — Reported an increasing number of stray cats around her residence and stated the issue needs to be addressed by Animal Control Officer Betsie Binford.
  • Councilwoman Pemberton — None
  • Councilman Stewart — None
  • Mayor Jurgensen — None

Old Business

Dog Ordinance Review and Discussion — Arnold presented a draft of the revised dog ordinance for the Council’s review. Council members will take the draft home for further review and email Arnold with any proposed changes or revisions. Suggested changes will be discussed at next month’s Council meeting.

Waterway Project — Larry Jurgensen reported that he had met with Mitch Crystal of USDA regarding the waterway project but has not yet made further contact. He also spoke with Jared Polleck about possible grant opportunities and discussed next steps to move the project forward. Amounts available through various funds and potential out-of-pocket expenses were discussed, along with other grant options.

New Business

Moved by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:40 PM.

Documents:

Bourbon County Fair Board to receive Heartland REC Community Grant

GIRARD, KS — August 28, 2026 — The Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative (HREC) Board of Directors selected six fair boards and 4-H organizations across southeast Kansas to receive a total of $28,700 in funding for infrastructure projects through the Concern for Community grant program.

HREC’s Concern for Community program was developed to return unclaimed capital credits to the cooperative’s member-owners and their communities. In response to overwhelming interest in the program, the HREC board chose to limit this year’s applications to fair boards and 4-H groups within the 12 counties the co-op serves.

“These fairgrounds are where our communities gather, and where kids learn responsibility through 4-H and FFA,” said Doug Graham, Communication Specialist at HREC. “We’re proud to be able to help these organizations make improvements that benefit everyone who walks through the gates.”

Applications were accepted from July 1 through August 14, and the winners were selected at the August 24 HREC board meeting.

2026 Concern for Community Grant Recipients

  • Neosho County Fair Association (Erie) — $5,000 to finish interior walls of the Neosho Valley Event Center indoor exhibit building.
  • Bourbon County Fair Association (Fort Scott) — $5,000 to replace the fairgrounds speaker system, repair non-working lights, add bike racks, and cover electrician services.
  • Southwind Extension Education Foundation (Iola) — $5,000 to rebuild deteriorated livestock wash racks at the Allen County Fairgrounds.
  • Cherokee County Fair Foundation (Columbus) — $5,000 to add concrete surfacing in and around the show arena and livestock areas, improving accessibility for wheelchair users and patrons with mobility issues.
  • Crawford County Fair Association (Girard) — $5,000 to install eight new security cameras and locking breakers at the 4-H horse barn, beef tie-out pens, and grandstand crow’s nest.
  • Kincaid Fair (Kincaid) — $3,700 to replace deteriorating roofing fasteners on the Exhibit Hall, update display cases, and install a new entrance sign.

Grant recommendations were developed by HREC staff and reviewed by the cooperative’s board of directors, with funding decisions based on the number of Heartland members in the project area, reasonableness of the budget, likelihood of project completion, level of community benefit, and time since the applicant’s last Heartland grant.

About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned electric cooperative headquartered in Girard, Kansas, powering rural lifestyles for more than 8,000 member-owners across 12 counties in southeast Kansas. HREC is committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service while investing in the communities it serves through programs like Concern for Community, Operation Round Up, and Future Foundations.

Starlite FCE Minutes – August 2026

Starlite Family Community Education Minutes

August 2026

The August meeting of Starlite FCE was held at the Presbyterian Village meeting room. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order; Vice President Leanna Taylor led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Eleven members were in attendance. The members reported that they had volunteered 168 hours and had recycled 945 pounds.

Terri Williams read the minutes of the previous meeting and a Thank you card from Helena Smilie. Glenda Miller read a Thank you card from the Hill family. Karen Peery presented the Treasurer’s report and announced that the bake sale at the Fair had raised $313.

Glenda announced that we had won the Scarecrow contest and received second place on our hay bale at the Fair. She thanks everyone for their help at the Fair.

New Business consisted of voting to donate $25 towards Bourbon County’s gift basket for the State meeting. Karen Peery moved we donate $25, Joyce Allen seconded the motion, motion carried. It was also announced that Karen would be taking her display board on “A Journey Through Kansas” to the state meeting along with literature to hand out. It was suggested that each county bring school supplies and books to the State meeting which will be divided and sent back to the counties. Glenda Miller has donated $50 to go towards books for the State meeting.

Other New Business was taking cookies to the First Responders in September. Angela Carpenter moved we take cookies to the first responders, Letha Johnson seconded the motion, motion carried. Angela, Joyce, Deb, Karen, Letha, Leanna and Terri volunteered to provide the cookies.

Next month is time to renew membership which will be $42.50 for over 80 and $46 for the rest.

Deb Lust presented a report on the Fair. She reported that there were 151 exhibitors in the open class with 25 new exhibitors and that there were over 1,000 entries in open class.

Deb Lust moved the meeting be adjourned, Betty Johnson seconded the motion, motion carried, meeting adjourned.

After the meeting members enjoyed cake, nuts, mints and water provided by Leanna Taylor and Glenda Miller.

Glenda Miller presented the program on “Early Literacy: Building the Foundation for Lifelong Learning.”

Prepared by Terri Williams

Global Expo Homeschool Youth Day Set for Sept. 18 in Erie

Homeschool families are invited to take part in the Global Expo Homeschool Youth Day on Friday, Sept. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Neosho County Fairgrounds in Erie.

Hosted by K-State Extension’s Southwind District, the interactive educational event will provide homeschooled youth with an engaging opportunity.

Youth ages 5 to 12 will travel around the world through hands-on activities focused on China, Brazil, Iceland, Mexico, and Australia.

Older youth ages 13 to 18 will participate in a unique United Nations-style challenge. Participants will assume the role of world leaders as they work together to address a surprise global scenario before coming together for a final World Summit.

The event is free to attend, and all materials will be provided. Parents or guardians must accompany participating youth. Participants are encouraged to bring a sack lunch and stay after the program to enjoy fellowship with other homeschooling families.

Pre-registration is required by Sept. 15. To register, call the Southwind Extension District office at 620-244-3826.

K-State Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. K-State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.