Bourbon County

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – June 30, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – June 30, 2026

Arrested

Nuss, Theron Joseph (Age 45) — Arrested 6/29/2026 11:54 AM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Possess Opiates/Opium/Narc Drug and Certain Stim, Use/Poss Drug Paraphernalia/Human Body. Bond: $0.00 No Bond.

Released

Burns, Randy Dale — Released 6/29/2026 9:55 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas County).

Guffin, Augaio — Released 6/29/2026 10:29 AM via Own Recognizance (Self).

Hogan, Sean Charles — Released 6/29/2026 10:39 AM via Surety Bond (Self).

Long, Robert Franklin — Released 6/29/2026 10:55 AM via Surety Bond (Self).

Total Inmates Released: 4

Documents:

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

2026 LMC Fellow: Elizabeth Hutton

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Elizabeth Hutton Named

 2026 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow

 

FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2026 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Elizabeth, a history teacher at Lebanon High School in Lebanon, MO. Elizabeth will arrive in Fort Scott on June 28th for a week of collaboration with LMC staff and the other members of the Fellowship.

 

The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.

Elizabeth Hutton, a high school history teacher from Lebanon, Missouri, has been recognized for her outstanding leadership in guiding students to the National History Day (NHD) national competition in College Park, Maryland. Her long-standing commitment to historical scholarship and student achievement has made her a distinguished figure in the NHD community.

Hutton’s relationship with National History Day began in 1999, when she first participated as a high school freshman. Over the course of her four years as a competitor, she qualified for the national competition three times. As a sophomore, her documentary group earned sixth place in the nation with a project highlighting the life and legacy of influential but often overlooked musician Huddie “Leadbelly” Ledbetter.

Her most notable achievement as a student competitor came during her freshman year, when her performance group uncovered the story of Irena Sendler, the Polish humanitarian who rescued hundreds of children from the Warsaw Ghetto during the Holocaust. Their project, titled Life in a Jar, attracted national media attention and later inspired both a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie and a bestselling book on the Holocaust.

Hutton’s passion for National History Day continued into her college years, where she served as a volunteer judge for local competitions. After becoming an educator, she established her own NHD course, guiding and mentoring students as they pursued their own original research. Under her leadership, many of her students have earned regional and national recognition for their work.

Her ongoing dedication to historical inquiry, student empowerment, and excellence in education continues to make a meaningful impact on her school, community, and the broader field of history education.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Elizabeth’s involvement with project-based learning and research for National History Day projects will be an excellent resource for our 2026 Fellows.”

 

While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County

Walker v. Crux Update: Recall Committee Files Reply, Presses to Rejoin Clerk’s Lawsuit

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On June 29, the three members of the committee seeking to recall Bourbon County Clerk Susan Walker filed a reply urging the judge to let them rejoin the lawsuit they had previously been dismissed from, so they can defend the petition they started. The lawsuit is one Walker brought to block the recall.

The filing (from Kyle R. Parks, Kevin Wagner, and Lyle K. Owenby, represented by Wichita attorney Patrick B. Hughes) answers Walker’s objection to their request to “intervene,” or formally join the case. Their core argument: Walker’s own response “confirms, rather than defeats, the basis for intervention.”

The members’ filing makes several points:

  • They are joining as individuals, not as a “recall committee,” so Walker’s argument that a committee cannot sue or be sued does not apply. Walker, they note, concedes that “as individuals, they have that capacity.”
  • Even though Walker’s amended lawsuit no longer names them, it still asks the court to declare their petition invalid and to block any recall election — which, as a practical matter, affects them under K.S.A. 60-224, the state law on joining a lawsuit.
  • As the people who signed and filed the petition, they have a specific interest “no other Bourbon County resident” shares — a role K.S.A. 25-4322 assigns to the recall committee.
  • County Attorney James Crux, the official Walker sued, cannot stand in for them, because he cannot raise their own free-speech and petition defense under the Kansas Public Speech Protection Act (K.S.A. 60-5320).

As a practical matter, the fact that they are no longer a party to the lawsuit prevents the committee members from trying to get Walker to pay for their legal fees, something they had previously requested. The anti-SLAPP fee provision (K.S.A. 60-5320(g)) they invoked would require them to be a party to the lawsuit from which they were dismissed on May 29.

The judge has not ruled on the request to rejoin or on the petition’s validity. The case is in its scheduling stage, and organizers have until July 26 to gather the roughly 2,374 signatures required to put the recall on a ballot.

Being named in a lawsuit is not a finding of wrongdoing, and the filings described here reflect each party’s arguments, not the court’s conclusions. FortScott.biz will continue to follow the case.

Timeline and documents

For readers who want the fuller history, here are the key filings and our prior coverage, in order:

Background: the recall petition and the clerk’s public statement on the recall.

Read the newest filing: Kyle R. Parks, Kevin Wagner and Lyle K. Owenby’s Reply in Support of Motion to Intervene (PDF), filed June 29, 2026 in Bourbon County District Court, Case No. BB-2026-CV-000048.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Fourth Of July Fun On Burke Street And The Torch Is Passed

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Margaret and Merle Humphrey and granddaughter, Meg, in a prior year’s parade. Submitted photo.
The 44th Annual Burke Street Parade will celebrate the USA’s 250th anniversary of declaring independence from Britain on Saturday, July 4.
“Margaret and Merle Humphrey are symbolically passing the torch to any and all people, young and old, who will proudly dress as The Statue of Liberty and Uncle Sam,” said Barbara Albright, a spokesperson for the parade organizers. “For the first time, Margaret and Merle will be celebrating as spectators.”
“We have a team now (of organizers). The event got so big, and I was so happy to have all these Burke Street people make it more organized. But we always called it an unorganized parade, which made it more fun. A few rules: we would rather not have cars. No trucks,” Margaret said.
The parade starts at 10 a.m at the lineup spot at 10th and Burke Street. The parade will go south around the triangle in the street and then proceed down Burke Street to the Humphreys’ property at 1024 Burke for refreshments. Bailey Lyons will be there to direct.
“Cheering spectators and energetic participants are encouraged to dress in patriotic attire. Bring lawn chairs as seating is open along the parade route,” said Margaret. “Patriotic songs by Kids on Burke, will be led by Jill Gorman and Susan Foster.”
EVERYONE IS WELCOME to post-parade refreshments at 1024 S. Burke Street, hosted by the Humphreys.  Cookies are donated from the community and are asked to be at this location before the parade or shortly after its conclusion.
“Preferably, bring cookies the day before,” Margaret said.
For safety concerns,  no large vehicles are allowed in the parade, and people are asked to watch out for children. “They are everywhere,” Margaret said.
Burke Street Parade Leaders for 2026:
Traffic Control: Frank Halsey
Sound System and Flag Salute: Louie Dunkeson
Starting Area: Bailey Lyons
Information Distribution: Barb Albright
If there are any questions, call Margaret Humphrey (620-224-7388) or Barb Albright (620-224-7762).
A severe storm or lightning will cancel the parade, “however, we HAVE conquered rain in the past,” Margaret said.
Humphrey said the parade started decades ago with 20-30 people and has grown.
“The kids all look forward to it,” she said. “It’s a good way to start the day.”
Dusty Drake in a prior parade. Submitted photo.
Some parade spectators, Sheryl Bloomfield and Mary Jane Gentry. Submitted photo.
Susan Foster and her grandson, Jack, in a prior parade. Submitted photo.

 

Fort Scott Community College, Opinion

From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch

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The Thorn That Makes Us Better

Recently, I watched a video of a NCAA Division I football coach screaming at a player, using every foul word imaginable in an attempt to make a point. The lesson I learned had nothing to do with football. My first thought was, if that is the only way the coach can communicate with players, you have a great deal to learn about leadership.

As leaders, we all wish everyone would do exactly what they are supposed to do at the highest level possible. Reality, however, is much different. Every organization, team, family, and workplace have challenges. There are always situations, people, or circumstances that test our patience and stretch our abilities.

The Apostle Paul called his challenge a “thorn in the flesh.” Three times he asked God to remove it. God’s answer was not removal. God’s answer was grace. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Many of us view thorns as obstacles that prevent success. Perhaps they are opportunities for growth instead. The difficult employee, strained relationship, financial burden, health concern, or workplace challenge may not be intended to defeat us. Often, those situations are designed to develop us.

Too often, we focus our energy on eliminating problems rather than learning from them. Effective leaders ask a different question: “How can I help make this situation better?”

Screaming, anger, and intimidation rarely solve problems. Patience, wisdom, accountability, and grace often do. Without challenges, we may begin believing our success comes solely from our own abilities. Without thorns, we may never learn to depend fully upon God. Hebrews reminds us that we can approach God’s throne of grace for help. Isaiah teaches that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. Philippians reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

The next time a thorn appears in your life, do not simply ask God to remove it. Ask Him what He wants you to learn from it. Frequently, it is through the thorn that God develops the leader He wants us to become.

Thought for the Week, “The challenge you are asking God to remove may be the very tool He is using to strengthen your faith, sharpen your leadership, and deepen your dependence upon His grace.” Ronnie Vinklarek, NFL/UFL Football coaching legend.

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.

K-State Extension

County Fair Adventures Await by Kendal Henson

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County Fair Adventures Await

As July arrives, the county fair season is just around the corner! Across the Southwind Extension District, our communities are preparing for weeks filled with tradition, friendly competition, family fun, and the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our local 4-H members and agricultural community.

The fair season begins with the Bourbon County Fair, themed “Take a Dive into the Bourbon County Fair,” from July 11-18. Be sure to stop by the Vendor Marts in the Merchants Building, open July 14-16 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., where you’ll find local businesses, organizations, and unique products to explore while enjoying all the excitement the fair has to offer.

Next up is the Woodson County Fair, “There’s No Time Like Fair Time,” taking place July 17-20. Throughout the week, visitors can enjoy livestock shows, exhibits, entertainment, and community activities. Before the fair concludes on Monda[WH1.1]y, July 20, stop by on Sunday, July 19th, for a free community breakfast from 7:00 to 8:00 am right before the sheep and goat show starts at 9:00 am, providing the perfect opportunity to gather with friends, neighbors, and fair supporters before another successful fair.

The fun continues at the Neosho County Fair, “Surf in the USA,” from July 23-27. Be sure to attend the always-popular Celebrity Showmanship on July 25 at 7:00 p.m. or test your skills during the Horseshoe Tournament on Sunday, July 26, at 10:00 a.m. Visitors are also encouraged to bring a canned food item each time they attend the fair to support the community food drive led by the Neosho County 4-H Clubs in partnership with Neosho County Farm Bureau.[WH2.1][WH2.2][KH2.3][WH2.4][KH2.5]

Also taking place, the week of July 21-26 is the Allen County Fair, “Take a Walk on the Wild Side.” Families won’t want to miss the Baby Barnyard, open Thursday through Saturday, where children and adults alike can get an up-close look at a variety of farm animals. While you’re there, be sure to visit the exhibit buildings and observe the 4-H members proudly showcasing the projects they worked on throughout the year.

County fairs are much more than summer entertainment—they celebrate agriculture, youth leadership, volunteerism, and community pride. For many 4-H members, the fair represents the culmination of months of learning, hard work, and dedication. Their exhibits highlight skills developed throughout the year in areas such as livestock, photography, foods and nutrition, clothing and textiles, woodworking, horticulture, visual arts, robotics, and many other project areas.

Whether you’re cheering on exhibitors in the show ring, browsing handmade exhibits, visiting local vendors, or simply enjoying an evening with family and friends, county fairs create lasting memories while bringing communities together. They remind us of the importance of supporting our local youth, celebrating agriculture, and preserving traditions passed down for generations.
This July, make plans to visit one (or all four) county fairs across the Southwind Extension District. We look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate another memorable fair season together!

Kendal Henson is a Kansas State Extension 4-H & Youth Development agent assigned to the Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-625-8620. Kansas State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, Government, History

Immerse Yourself in America’s History at the Fort On July 4

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Join Fort Scott NHS for the Sights and Sounds of American Independence

Fort Scott, Kan. – Celebrate American independence with the sounds of cannon fire and immersion in America’s history while honoring the men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation.

 

On Saturday, July 4th, we will fire artillery, lead Fort tours, and honor all those who have fought for our freedom.

 

SATURDAY, JULY 4

10 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration

11 a.m. – Artillery Demonstration

1 p.m. – Ranger Guided Tour of the Fort

2 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration

3 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration

 

Visitors and community members are reminded that fireworks are not permitted on the grounds of Fort Scott National Historic Site.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information or to learn how to get involved, call 620-223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

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About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.

 

Credit Photo as: NPS Photo of an artillery firing.

 

 

Submitted by Carl Brenner
Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management
Fort Scott National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fosc)

National Park Service, DOI Region 5

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

2026 LMC Fellow: Jennifer McMunn

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Jennifer McMunn Named

2026 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow

The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Jennifer McMunn, a humanities enrichment teacher at Mansfield Middle School in Connecticut. Jennifer will arrive in Fort Scott on June 28th for a week of collaboration with LMC staff and the other members of the Fellowship.

 

The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.

 

Jenn McMunn is a humanities enrichment teacher from Mansfield Middle School in Connecticut. As an enrichment teacher, Jenn aims to provide challenging, relevant learning extensions for all students. She leads the school’s National History Day program, and this year she’s focused on developing local history units for America 250.

 

Jenn enjoys seeking opportunities to grow as an educator. She’s a Fulbright Fellow and a Connecticut Writing Project Teacher Consultant. In 2024 and 2025, she participated in the Young People’s Continental Congress, sponsored by National History Day and Carpenters’ Hall, both as a participant and as a teacher-mentor. She recently attended the Teaching 250 Convening in Philadelphia to help develop curricular materials for America 250.

 

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Jennifer’s experience with project-based learning and research, using primary and secondary sources, will greatly benefit the LMC Fellowship.”

 

While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.

 

 

1 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Compete at National Level

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FSHS Thespians attend International Thespian Festival. From L: Angie Bin, Lily Brown, Clark Uttinger, Levi Fairchild, Grace Walker, Gianna Gorman, Junie Fisher, Ava Johnson.

 

Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 competed at the International Thespian Festival (ITF) at Indiana University June 21-26.

FSHS Thespians attend performances at the International Thespian Festival.

 

FSHS sent more Thespy (individual event) competitors to this year’s Festival than ever before. 2026 graduates Levi Fairchild and Junie Fisher and junior Gianna Gorman competed in Musical Solo. Senior Ava Johnson performed Contrasting Monologues. Graduate Lily Brown competed in Short Film and graduate Grace Walker in Stage Management. Senior Clark Uttinger and Fairfield also performed in Duet Acting. The students qualified for nationals by receiving a Superior rating at the Kansas Thespian Festival in January.

 

Three of the students received a Superior rating at ITF, the highest honor of the Thespy rating system. These include Fisher and Fairchild in Musical Solo and Walker in Stage Management.

From L: Grace Walker, Levi Fairchild, and Junie Fisher receive Superior ratings on their Thespy (Individual Event) performances.

 

The troupe enjoyed opening festivities with 4,000 other Thespians including appearances by Huey Lewis and Thespian alum in the Savannah Bananas. They saw award winning productions of Urinetown, Suffs, Dear Evan Hansen, Shrek, The Night Witches, Kimberly Akimbo and The Prom. They finished the week with a Thespy Awards Ceremony and Showcase.

 

Throughout the week, the group attended workshops by theatre professionals and Broadway stars from across the country. This included a Legally Blonde dance Master Class with original Broadway cast member Paul Canaan.

 

The Thespian troupe is directed by Angie Bin. The next performance for FSHS is a production of Legally Blonde Jr. in November at FSHS.

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Bridge Repair Bid Approved on Hwy. 69

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KDOT announces approved June bids

The Kansas Department of Transportation announces approved bids for state highway construction and maintenance projects. The letting took place on June 17 in Topeka. Some of the bids may include multiple projects that have been bundled based on proximity and type of work.

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑7454‑02 – Statewide, special, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $461,200.00.

District One — Northeast

Johnson ‑ 35‑46 KA‑7668‑01 – Southbound I‑35, located 0.18 mile north of Johnson Drive in Johnson County, signing, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $654,869.00.

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑7635‑01 – Highways K‑9, K‑63, K‑71, K‑87, K‑88, K‑110, K‑178, K‑187, K‑236, K‑246, U.S. 75 and U.S. 36 in Nemaha, Brown, Jackson, Pottawatomie and Marshall counties, signing, KOMO Construction LLC /DBA A&H CO., ELKO New Market, Minnesota, $671,222.00.

District Two — North Central

Geary ‑ 70‑31 KA‑7706‑01 – I‑70, I‑70/K‑177 junction, lighting, Phillips Southern Electric Company Inc., Wichita, Kansas, $828,854.00.

District Four — Southeast

Bourbon ‑ 69‑6 KA‑7621‑01 – U.S. 69, bridge #059 carrying U.S. 69 southbound lanes over Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad located 7.87 miles north of the U.S. 69/U.S. 54 north junction, bridge repair, PCI Roads LLC, Maple Grove, Minnesota, $438,969.97.

Miami ‑ 68‑61 KA‑2373‑04 – K‑68, from U.S.169 east 6.8 miles to 0.8 mile west of U.S. 69 at Louisburg, grading, bridge and surfacing, 6.8 miles, Clarkson Construction Company, Kansas City, Missouri, $59,986,178.61.

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑7646‑01 – Highways K‑31, K‑58, U.S. 59, U.S. 169 and U.S. 169B in Anderson, Franklin, Linn, Allen and Coffey counties, signing, Cooper Construction LLC, Emporia, Kansas, $593,557.00.

District Five — South Central

Cowley ‑ 77‑18 KA‑4137‑01 – U.S. 77, from 1.86 miles north of the north U.S. 77/U.S. 166 junction past the south Winfield city limits to the south edge of wearing surface of the Walnut River Bridges #009 and #074, grading, bridge and surfacing, 8.6 miles, Pearson Construction LLC, Wichita, Kansas, $67,798,669.93.

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑7641‑01 – Highways K‑44, K‑49, U.S. 81, U.S. 160, U.S. 166 and U.S. 177 in Sumner, Sedgwick, Cowley and Harper counties, signing, Jon Fulsom Construction LLC, Wellington, Kansas, $615,715.35

District Six — Southwest

Seward ‑ 54‑88 KA‑6280‑01 – U.S. 54, located at U.S. 54 and South Western Avenue in the city of Liberal, traffic signals, TLS Group Inc., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, $504,635.30.

Statewide ‑ 106 KA‑7647‑01 – Highways K‑27, U.S. 160 and U.S. 400 in Hamilton, Greeley, Kearny and Stanton counties, signing, Red Line Signing LLC, Victoria, Kansas, $338,449.80

 

 

The following projects were approved from the May 20 bid letting.

Lyon ‑ 99‑56 KA‑7274‑01 – K-99, geometric improvements in Emporia from Soden Bridge to Kansas Avenue, grading and surfacing, 0.6 mile, Killough Construction, Inc., Ottawa, Kansas, $1,826,160.61.

Thomas ‑ 97 C‑5361‑01 – Bridge over South Fork of Saline River, located 8.4 miles south and 3.0 miles west of Mingo, bridge replacement, 0.2 mile, Wildcat Construction Co., Inc., & Subsidiaries, Wichita, Kansas, $256,736.70.

Pawnee ‑ 73 C‑5357‑01 – Bridge over Ash Creek located 3.0 miles north and 2.5 miles east of Larned, bridge replacement, 0.1 mile, L & M Contractors, Inc., Great Bend, Kansas, $529,495.50

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Opinion

Opinion: Reflection On Friday’s Hearing

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On Friday, the hearing in the election-interference case against Commissioner Mika Milburn-Kee brought something to Bourbon County that we often don’t see in Bourbon County. The hearing had intelligent people disagreeing in a respectful way while working through a process that keeps moving forward toward a resolution. This progress wasn’t because the two sides agreed on the desired outcome — far from it — but the lawyers on both sides and the judge all agreed on the procedure and decorum needed to respectfully work through the legal process.

The background to the hearing is the Attorney General’s case against Milburn-Kee, charging her with entering a restricted voting area containing ballots and causing a disturbance rather than leaving when she was asked to move to the adjacent office. The case was scheduled for a jury trial starting July 6. The Attorney General’s office says it had told the defense there was enough evidence for an additional felony count as well, but left it off the charges in hopes that the defense would first propose a plea deal or diversion agreement.

The day before the hearing, according to the Attorney General, the defense had not proposed any agreement, so the state filed to add the felony charge of intimidation of voters based on the same evidence it had for the misdemeanor charges. The defense objected to the late change, and the judge had to weigh whether to allow the addition or deny it.

The process was beautiful to watch. If you’ve endured the middle-school theatrics of the Bourbon County Commission meetings, watching the polite presentation of these different points of view might have brought a tear of happiness to your eye. The judge asked both sides for their input before making his decision. He gently chided the state for a pattern of late additional charges in other cases, while recognizing that this wasn’t the doing of the particular lawyer on the call. The defense and the state went back and forth over whether the felony charge had been previously discussed — all of it respectful. There was no talking over each other, no cursing, and no absurd requests that leave everyone baffled.

The state made it clear that it had hoped to resolve the matter with a plea (a conviction) or a diversion (no conviction) that would let Milburn-Kee keep her seat. But it believed it had all the evidence needed to convict on the felony and felt it was important to include if the defense wanted to pursue the trial. So if the judge denied the addition of the felony, the state would ask to dismiss the case and refile. This wasn’t the state’s attorney threatening the judge or throwing a fit; she was simply laying out the logical course of action. After making sure neither side had anything else to add, the judge decided not to allow the addition of the felony for the trial scheduled next week, and then immediately worked with the lawyers to set a preliminary hearing for the case the state said it planned to file with all the charges. Once again, there was no huffing, no cursing, and no loudly sliding papers around in front of the mic. No one suggested moving the trial to the county appraiser’s office just to make it inconvenient. It was all the calm, rational, and even boring turning of the legal wheels — the polite back-and-forth of adversarial sides working together through the process that creates what we rely on as justice in our country.

It was a beautiful reminder of what it looks like when a government process is carried out by rational, educated people applying logic to respectfully work together, even when they are trying to achieve different ends — a reminder that stands in stark contrast to much of the irrational flailing we routinely see in the county commission.

Mark Shead

Note: FortScott.biz publishes opinion pieces with a variety of perspectives. If you would like to share your opinion, please send a letter to [email protected].

Bourbon County Local News