Raymond Leslie Robinson, age 44, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the North Care Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born October 7, 1980, in Redfield, Kansas, the son of Morris Earl Robinson and Darlene Harned Robinson. He was the youngest of the eleven Robinson children. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Sedgwickville, Missouri. They later made their home in Dexter, Kansas and then Neosho, Missouri. Raymond later settled in Ft. Scott where he is employed as a machinist for Extrustions. Raymond enjoyed fishing and spending time with his children. He loved watching football and was also a great fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Survivors include his two daughters, Shelby Robinson of, Missouri and Alexia Robinson, of Ft. Scott. Also surviving are his mother, Darlene Robinson of Springfield, Missouri; two brothers, Mark Robinson (Marianne) Thompsonville, Illinois and Isaac Robinson (Pia) of Tarlac City, Philippines and seven sisters, Sonia Gonske, of Montgomery, Texas, Twyla Young (Tim) of Garland, Kansas, Lesha Seaver of Liberty, Missouri, Suzanne Ruble (Tim) of Springfield, Missouri, Lela Robinson-Bradley (Steve) of Murrieta, California, Lynna Longaro (Joe) of Austin, Texas and Kimberly Feiner (Larry) of Glendale, Arizona, and a brother-in-law, Tyronn Nunnelly of St. Louis, Missouri. Raymond was preceded in death by his father, Morris Robinson and a sister, Myrna Robinson-Nunnelly.
Rev. Marty Dewitt will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M.
Friday, April 25th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Private burial will take place in the Robinson Family Cemetery near Redfield, Kansas.
Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Governor Kelly Signs Landmark
Bipartisan Early Childhood Legislation: Here’s What They’re Saying
TOPEKA— Governor Laura Kelly signed Thursday House Bill 2045, a bipartisan compromise to expand access to child care services and consolidate existing early childhood programs into the Office of Early Childhood. The bill was crafted through negotiations with a bipartisan group of Kansas legislators from both the Kansas House of Representatives and the Kansas Senate and ultimately received widespread bipartisan support.
This landmark piece of legislation is the most consequential early childhood education and care legislation enacted in Kansas in 15 years. Governor Kelly signed the bill into law during a ceremony at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in Topeka.
Under this legislation, nearly 20 existing state programs serving young children and families will be consolidated into the Office of Early Childhood. The office will be responsible for the state’s early childhood system, serve communities and stakeholders by developing a statewide strategy for expanding access to child care, and administer services currently spread throughout various state agencies.
Here’s what they’re saying:
“Access to safe, high-quality childcare is essential for Kansas families and our workforce. This legislation provides a bipartisan solution that simplifies regulations, improves government efficiency, and removes unnecessary barriers that have limited childcare availability. By streamlining processes while upholding strict safety standards, we are creating a system that supports children, increases access, and ultimately makes childcare more affordable for families across the state.” —Representative Laura Williams, Kansas House District 30
“This bipartisan child care bill removes the burdensome government red tape and provides additional child care slots to communities all across Kansas, both rural and urban. I’m proud that we have gotten this bill across the finish line and delivered for Kansas families.” —Senator Tory Marie Blew, Kansas Senate District 33
“This bipartisan compromise will propel Kansas early childhood system forward and be transformative for children and families. By establishing the Office of Early Childhood and supporting our early childhood workforce, we will expand access to high-quality child care and provide our children the best possible start.” —Senator Pat Pettey, Kansas Senate District 6
“For far too long, childcare in Kansas was fragmented, inefficient, and difficult for parents and providers to navigate. As Chairman of the House Commerce Committee, I’ve heard firsthand how the lack of affordable, accessible childcare has kept parents—especially mothers—out of the workforce. This bill revolutionizes the way we approach childcare by consolidating oversight into a single department and creating transparency in both regulation and funding. Most importantly, it empowers parents with more affordable options by allowing individuals to care for up to four children without bureaucratic red tape. This commonsense solution will open thousands of new childcare slots and help parents get back to work. It’s a win for Kansas families and our economy.” —Representative Sean Tarwater, Kansas House District 27
“The Office of Early Childhood is a great example of what bipartisan collaboration can achieve. Governor Kelly has been a strong advocate for expanding childcare in Kansas, and I’m thankful to her team and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who helped bring this vision to life. Making childcare more affordable and accessible is one of the most meaningful ways we can support Kansas families” —Representative Brandon Woodard, House Democratic Leader
“The Kansas Chamber thanks the Legislature and the Governor for the passage of House Bill 2045, a comprehensive package reforming child care. The affordability and accessibility of child care facilities has continued to be a concern of the business community as business leader believe the lack of child care keeps Kansans out of the workforce. House Bill 2045 establishes the Office of Early Childhood to consolidate government positions and streamline child care services across the state, opening up the much needed access to child care for Kansas families and allowing them to reenter the workforce.” —Alan Cobb, President and CEO, Kansas Chamber
“High-quality, affordable childcare is vital to Kansas families and to a strong economy. The new Office of Early Childhood streamlines access, reduces burdens, and reflects a bipartisan commitment to helping parents return to work while supporting healthy child development.” —Joe Reardon, President and CEO, Greater KC Chamber of Commerce
“Access to high-quality child care is necessary for Kansas children and our economy to thrive. By unifying early childhood services under one roof, it will remove red tape and make it easier for families, providers and businesses to access critical early childhood services. We applaud the Governor and the Kansas Legislature for establishing the Office of Early Childhood and taking an important first step to improving the early childhood system in Kansas” —David Jordan, United Methodist Health Ministries Fund
“Work aimed at expanding access to child care for families is worth all the time and effort invested in passing this legislation. The bipartisan product will be instrumental for making the process better for child care organizations and for those who interface with the system; and, ideally, it will result in more child care slots. The state needed desperately to move in this direction and that’s what this significant outcome reflects.” —Joyce Glasscock, Executive Director, Kansas Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs
“For far too many Kansans, access to affordable child care is the final hurdle on the path to achieving the American dream. The lack of child care options has become a major hinderance for economic growth in our region and across the state. House Bill 2045 will benefit job creators and help everyday Kansans by reducing bureaucracy and increasing options for families. We thank the Legislature and the Governor for coming together to address this pressing challenge.” —John Rolfe, President and CEO, Wichita Chamber of Commerce
Governor Kelly Announces Over $14M for 47 Aviation Projects Across Kansas
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday $14.5 million for 47 aviation projects across the state through the Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP), which provides funding for planning, construction, and rehabilitation of public-use general aviation airports.
“The Kansas aerospace industry is an essential part of our state’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Keeping our aviation infrastructure in optimal condition is a large part of that economic growth and job creation, allowing local businesses and communities to prosper.”
The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation received 81 applications seeking a combined total project value of more than $42 million for this round of KAIP grants. Projects were selected from across the state and focused on pavement preservation, safety, and air ambulance accessibility to remote communities.
“Combining state and local funds to provide vital improvements to general aviation airports has helped to create a statewide aviation network citizens can depend on,” said Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed. “This offers more services, like air ambulance accessibility, that can help support transportation needs in all areas of Kansas.”
The KAIP receives $15 million annually through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) and requires local matching funds of 10-50%, depending on the project. With local matching funds for these projects, the KAIP total project value this year is $22.9 million.
Approved state FY 2026 KAIP projects:
Allen County Airport, Iola
$409,500 for design and construction of a taxilane project.
Anthony Municipal Airport, Anthony
$153,000 for Jet A fuel system.
Atkinson Municipal Airport, Pittsburg
$81,000 for a focused Airport Layout Plan update.
Atwood-Rawlins County City—County Airport, Atwood
$270,000 for new Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS).
Chanute Martin Johnson Airport, Chanute
$450,000 for design and reconstruction of south apron phased pavement project.
Cheyenne County Municipal Airport, Saint Francis
$180,000 for runway pavement rehabilitation.
Clay Center Municipal Airport, Clay Center
$468,000 to construct taxilanes and hangar approaches.
Clyde Cessna Field, Kingman
$90,000 for fuel system upgrades.
Comanche County Airport
$540,000 for runway and taxiway lights.
$90,000 for fuel system improvements.
Cook Airfield, Rose Hill
$34,650 for aircraft parking ramp and drainage.
$22,680 for Taxiway A extension.
Dighton Airport, Dighton
$274,500 for runway and taxiway pavement crack fill, seal coat, and markings.
Emporia Municipal Airport, Emporia
$391,000 to rehabilitate the south apron.
$208,000 to relocate and upgrade fuel system.
Fort Scott Municipal Airport, Fort Scott
$684,000 to replace taxiway edge lighting.
Freeman Field, Junction City
$189,000 for tip-down rotating beacon.
Garnett Municipal Airport, Garnett
$20,000 help with local match for phased FAA runway reconstruction project.
Gove County Airport, Quinter
$120,000 for a pilot lounge, restroom, hangar, and snow removal equipment storage.
Great Bend Municipal Airport, Great Bend
$450,000 for design of runway 11/29 reconstruction.
$146,000 for local match for FAA funded runway 17/35 rehabilitation.
Greensburg Municipal Airport, Greensburg
$191,250 for design of a project to pave runway 18/36.
Independence Municipal Airport, Independence
$756,000 for rehabilitating north asphalt apron pavement.
Jetmore Municipal Airport, Jetmore
$800,000 for planning and design for runway 17/35 reconstruction project.
Johnson County Airport, Olathe
$13,600 for pavement maintenance materials.
Kearny County Airport, Lakin
$537,000 for design and construction of runway 14/32 lighting.
Lawrence Regional Airport, Lawrence
$666,000 for design and construction of runway 1/19 pavement rehabilitation.
Lt. William M. Milliken Airport, Eureka
$385,200 for design and construction of a runway light and PAPI rehab project.
Mankato Airport, Mankato
$333,333 for design of a runway extension, rehab, and lighting project.
Marion Municipal Airport, Marion
$138,330 to replace the fuel system.
Mark Hoard Memorial Airport, Leoti
$373,860 help with local match for FAA funded hangar project.
McPherson Airport, McPherson
$350,000 for design and construction for phased fuel system replacement.
Miami County Airport, Paola
$765,000 to rehabilitate west taxilanes and hangar ramps.
Mid-America Regional Airport, Liberal
$382,500 to replace runway 04/22 PAPI and REIL systems.
Ness City Municipal Airport, Ness City
$25,215 for help with local match for FAA funded apron expansion project.
New Century Air Center, Olathe
$800,000 for rehabilitation of the central portion of the west apron.
$13,600 for pavement preservation materials.
Newton City-County Airport, Newton
$647,361 for electrical upgrades to runway 8/26.
Oakley Municipal Airport, Oakley
$180,000 for fuel system improvements.
Osborne Municipal Airport, Osborne
$800,000 to rehabilitate runway 02/20 pavement.
Pratt Regional Airport, Pratt
$77,490 to update ALP.
Scott City Municipal Airport, Scott City
$27,360 to relocate wind cone and upgrade segmented circle.
Shalz Field, Colby
$180,000 to construction taxiway extension.
Stanton County Municipal Airport, Johnson
$270,000 to install electric vault and relocate airfield electrical controls and regulators.
On May 1st, Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Inc celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
In 1975, a group of concerned citizens got together and decided that there was a need to serve our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. On May 1st of 1975, Tri-Valley came into existence under the name Tri-Valley Developmental Center. Our first service center was located in Piqua, KS.
In 50 years, Tri-Valley has grown from its small roots in Piqua, KS and now cover 8 counties in Southeast Kansas (Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson).
The celebration will be at 1 pm at Central Park Pavilion located at 101 S. Forest in Chanute. Our annual awards ceremony will take place during the anniversary party as well. Robbie Bell will be the afternoon’s featured entertainment.
Please join us. For more information, contact Tricia Campbell at 620-431-7655.
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, on Wednesday, directed flags on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities to be flown at half-staff immediately until sunset on the day of interment, April 26, in honor of Pope Francis.
“As one of the most influential leaders of our time, Pope Francis was a beacon of light. His wisdom inspired countless people to treat others with compassion and generosity,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “May his legacy of selflessness and humility be instilled in each of us and continue to live on.”
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Mika Milburn-Kee attended her first regular Bourbon County Commission meeting as the newly appointed commissioner for District 3.
The zoning public hearing process was discussed. Commissioner David Beerbower said that the first zoning advisory committee meeting had been held on April 17 where the committee elected their chairperson and other officers. They also adopted bylaws that include having one commissioner present at meetings to serve as a resource. Beerbower said the commissioners could take turns doing that.
The zoning advisory committee has expressed an interest in hosting several public hearings and will announce the dates for those as they are finalized. The next committee meeting will be Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30 in the county courthouse commissioner room.
Public Comments for Items Not on the Agenda
Larry Paddock for the city of Fulton, came to ask the commission if the city could bring rubble from a condemned and torn down building to the county landfill at a reduced rate.
The commission chose to add the issue to next week’s agenda to allow time to discuss the matter with the landfill and public works supervisor.
Bob Reed, a 15-year Bourbon County employee, came to talk to the commission about how they will handle injuries at work. He was in a serious work injury on March 10 and he asked the commissioners to consider changing the way they handle sick time and vacation time for injured employees.
“Our vacation and sick time is earned,” so we have the right to decide how it’s used, he said. “We shouldn’t be forced to use it on a work-related injury.”
He also expressed concern about insurance issues for future employees who get injured.
Whisenhunt and Beerbower thanked Reed for sharing and offered to look into it and see what they can do.
New Business
Road Closure Application: Bradley Plaster
Plaster asked that the alley between lots 3 and 4 off Dragon Road in Hyattville, which is unincorporated, be closed. He had signatures from the two other affected land owners also asking for the closure. The road, in district 2, is not even graveled and is overgrown with trees.
Beerbower will confirm that it is county property and the commission will make a decision at next week’s meeting.
Human Resources Discussion
Beerbower moved to table it until they could have the County Clerk, Susan Walker, present at the meeting to enable discussion.
Procedures
Commissioner Milburn wants to smooth out county operations and has made notes and adjustments to the current county handbook, which is more than 20 years old. She said the purpose of this work is to “establish procedures to implement a corrective action plan and personal improvement plan to assist in our expectations of employment with the goal of being transparent, consistent with expectations, and improving the overall function with a supportive approach.”
Milburn asked the other commissioners for edits, changes, corrections and additions to the handbook. Beerbower offered a work session to combine Milburn’s work with the work done earlier this year by the department heads on employee procedures.
“That’s good. Hit the ground running,” said Whisenhunt of Milburn’s work.
He made the motion to keep “Procedures” on the agenda every week until they reach the point of being able to implement them. Commission approved.
Sheriff Vehicle Requests
Sheriff Bill Martin asked the commission to approve the purchase of a new vehicle to replace the one that was in an accident earlier this year. That 2014 vehicle was hit and rolled several times and is most likely totaled. It had 200,000 miles on it. They are awaiting insurance payments from the counties insurance and the driver who caused the accidents insurance.
Martin said any funds received from insurance will go back to the county to help offset the cost of the new vehicle.
The vehicle he is requesting to purchase is a 2025 and will cost $66,914 once fully equipped.
Whisenhunt asked if he had any funds in his budget to help cover the cost of the vehicle, but the sheriff has no extra funds in his budget right now.
Beerbower moved to table it until next week to allow the commission time to look at the budget for the funding needed. Commission approved.
Commissioner Comments
Milburn read a statement expressing her desire to hear from her constituents about their desires and priorities for Bourbon County. She said she will listen with the goal of understanding and will ask questions to that end.
“The question right now is what you want your county to look like in 10, 15 or 20 years. How we get there is going to be of great debate,” she said.
Milburn welcomes input, and asked that county citizens send letters, email, or call to share their ideas about the future of Bourbon County.
Final note
A citizen in audience wants to thank whomever cleaned up hwy 54 west of town. “It looks way better and I’d like to thank somebody, but I don’t know who to thank.”
Whisenhunt said that whoever did it should let the county know so they can be thanked.
Bourbon County Garden Club members oversaw and worked with other volunteers to put in new flowers around the downtown area in April 2024. Submitted photo.Submitted photo.
The Bourbon County Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale on the opening day of the Downtown Farmers’ Market, Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. until noon.
They will be located at the north end of the Downtown Pavilion, located at National Avenue and Old Fort Boulevard.
Proceeds from the sale support beautification efforts that the group does throughout the community, including the city pool islands, Heritage Park, and the North Main area, according to a press release.
Herbs. Submitted photo.
“The garden club partners with Tri Valley Developmental Services to sell a wide variety of plants, all of which are geared to our area’s challenging weather. Club members offer plants freshly dug from their own gardens. Tri Valley provides annuals, herbs, and both floral and foliage hanging baskets. Among the variety of annuals for this year are geraniums, calibrachoa, coleus, and begonias, which are in bloom and ideal for Mothers’ Day gifts,” according to the press release.
One of the gardens at the Fort Scott Aquatic Center that is planted and maintained by the Bourbon County Garden Club. Submitted photo.
The group members will share their knowledge of the plants and answer questions during the sale.
Coleus. Submitted photo.
“A feature this year is a children’s free activity area. There will be garden-related coloring sheets and crayons, plus rocks that children can decorate with acrylic paint markers. They may take the rocks with them or leave them around town for other children to find. The garden club will also be selling decorative rocks that Fort Scott Middle School students have painted,” according to the press release.
Sedum planter that will be part of a drawing at the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market. Submitted photo.
There will be drawings for several unique pots that have been planted with drought-resistant sedum.
Drawing prices are $2 per ticket or $5 for three tickets.
The garden club members help decorate downtown Fort Scott for the holidays in 2024. From its Facebook page.
The Bourbon County Garden Club meets on the second Tuesday of the month, March through October. The next meeting will be Tuesday, May 13th, at Heritage Park, First and Main Street, in downtown Fort Scott, at 6 p.m.
“Bourbon County Garden Club is a group of local gardeners that gather to learn, grow, and share in their passion of gardening. We meet to plant and care for gardens spread throughout our city. Hope to see you at our next meeting!” according to its Facebook page
Join us on Saturday, May 3rd, at Woodland Hills Golf Course for an exciting 4-person scramble tournament to support students in southeast Kansas, including those at Fort Scott Middle School,Fort Scott High School and Uniontown Public Schools.
It’s an 8am shotgun start!
How can you help?
– Grab your team & hit the greens! Scan the QR code below or go to sparkwheel.org/golftournament to register now and secure your spot. Prizes awarded to the top teams in each flight!
– Not a golfer? You can still make an impact! Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels—help us change lives while gaining great exposure for your business or organization.
Contact janelle.martin@sparkwheel.org to learn more and get involved today! Let’s make a difference—one round at a time!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Bourbon County Conservation District, 1515 S. Judson St., Thursday, April 24th at 8 a.m. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.
The Dust Bowl of the 1930’s began a movement to address the erosion of the earth’s topsoil. Hugh Hammond Bennett is recognized as the “Father of Conservation” for founding the Soil Conservation Service in 1933, now known as the Natural Resources Conservation Service. His work led to the establishment of over 3,000 Conservation Districts in the USA, highlighting his significant impact on conservation efforts in the country.
The Bourbon County Conservation District was formed on May 11th, 1945 with the mission of “Protecting what we have today to have something left for tomorrow”. This year the BBCD is celebrating the District’s 80th year. They are committed to continuing to help landowners preserve and protect their natural resources of soil & water. District Manager Mandy Shoemaker and the Conservation District Board are excited to host the Chamber coffee and welcome everyone to attend.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization. Future Chamber Coffee locations may be viewed on fortscott.com/events by selecting the category of Chamber Coffees.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
