Obituary of Terry Don Hahnfeld

May 8, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Terry Don Hahnfeld, age 80, resident of Bronaugh, MO, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, MO. He was born November 16, 1945, in Waco, TX, the son of William and Mildred Power Hahnfeld. Terry graduated from Independence, MO high school. He served in the Army then in the Missouri National Guard for a total of 34 years of service. In his spare time, he collected vintage tractors and later progressed into classic hot rods. Terry enjoyed buying, showing and selling hot rods, owning over 30 at various times. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Jean of the home; 4 children, Dawn Hahnfeld (Milan) Independence, MO, Michele Rusk (Phil) Stover, MO, Kolbe Starne (Abby) Bronaugh, MO, and Nathan Starne, Lamar, MO; 7 grandchildren, Samantha Terrell, Cody Hanes, Aaron Hanes, Arin Starne, Brant Starne Ethan Starne, and Brody Starne; 7 great grandchildren; and a sister, Cheryl Hahnfeld, Colorado Springs, CO. He was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra England, and his parents.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 12th, at the U. S. National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until leaving for the cemetery at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Wreaths Across America and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

45th Annual Good Ol’ Days is June 5-6: A Festival For the Whole Family

May 8, 2026 Loretta George Leave a comment

Good Ol Days Co-Chairman Shawn O’Brien says the steering committee of the annual event has been planning a fun-filled family event for the first weekend of June.

This is the 45th annual festival, with a theme this year (inspired by America’s 250th birthday celebration), “Red, White, and Good Ol’ Days”.

This year, want to try to ride a camel?

” We have added camel rides with Pappy’s Camels out of Nebraska,” O’Brien said. It will be an exciting adventure for $10 you can ride a camel, open to all ages.”

” We also have a new kangaroo encounter opportunity that we are adding, with Amy’s Kritters. You can sit, hold and take pictures with a kangaroo Joey which is also fun for all ages.”

“We also have a new remote-controlled car experience for everyone to enjoy with a small admission price. Tierra (Ford) Kessinger a Fort Scott alum, is going to bring in a new opportunity to drive your own remote controlled car. We are excited to work with Tierra and look forward to having something on Friday night to enjoy after the parade.”

Bounce houses will also be available for the young.

” We are still looking for a sponsor for the bounce houses to keep those free for kids of all ages. If you would like to help sponsor this great activity for the kids, please email Shawn at [email protected] .

“We have a wonderful variety of vendors this year. We are always looking for more. We have some new and different food trucks, and of course some old ones that we keep around like funnel cakes, burgers, suzies, turkey legs, roasted corn, and so much more.”

Our festival takes place on Friday, June 5th, and Saturday, June 6. Co-chairTrey Sharp has worked up a great list of entertainment.”

” We will have the Bourbon County Revival, Bound and Determined, and other groups. Friday will feature the KC All Stars, and they are a fun-filled band. Check out the free live entertainment on the Care to Share stage on Skubitz Plaza.”

“We are always looking for new or existing sponsors. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and are supported fully by donations from the community. You can send an email to [email protected] to inquire on how you can become a sponsor. “

“We have many returning events, such as the car show on Saturday. We also have the melodrama, the Red Garter Saloon, and so much more. Check out the full list of events on our webpage at www.fortscottgoodoldays.com. You can also follow us on Facebook at Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days.”

The steering committee is made up of all volunteers: Co-Chairs Shawn O’Brien and Trey Sharp, Treasurer Shawn O’Brien, Secretary Angel Wilson, and other members: Danielle Hull, Leslie Godden, Rachel Carpenter, and Fort Representative Carl Brenner.

Opinion

Rusty Tweezers and Multiple Spatulas by Patty LaRoche

May 8, 2026 Patty LaRoche Leave a comment

Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV) Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)

How can two people accumulate so much junk? Dave and I are packing to move from the lake area into town. This move, probably because we are tired of paying per-pound for things we never will use, we are trying really, really hard to declutter. For some reason, I look at Dave’s things with clearer eyes than I do my own.

“Honey, you don’t need those old baseball folders. And when was the last time you wore those polyester pants or needed those rusted tweezers or those tireless bikes?” Dave is equally as helpful. “Patty, didn’t you wear that outfit on our honeymoon? How many hair products do you actually need? Aren’t three spatulas enough?”

And then we both defend whatever it is our spouse thinks we should throw away. This is ridiculous. We have no problem moving, leaving behind years of sweet, family memories, but we can’t part with unnecessary junk. Change is a natural part of life. We can embrace it, or we can fight it. The choice is ours. Just like the eagle’s.

The eagle has the longest life-span among birds. It can live up to 70 years, but to reach this age, the eagle has to make a hard decision. In its 40s, the eagle’s long and flexible talons can no longer grab prey, its food. Its long and sharp beak becomes bent, and its old and heavy wings, covered with feathers that have grown thick over the years, become stuck to its chest, making it difficult to fly.

The eagle is then left with only two options: die or go through a painful process of change which lasts 150 days. This requires the eagle to fly to a mountain top and sit on its nest. There the eagle knocks its beak against a rock until the beak falls off. The eagle will then wait for a new beak to grow back and use the new beak to pluck out its talons. When the new talons grow back, the eagle starts plucking out all of the old feathers. After five months, the eagle takes a famous flight of rebirth and lives 30 more years.

Change is sometimes needed to survive. Read the Bible. Every story includes choices people had, either to follow God or not. What is God asking of you? How is He working to increase your faith by making a change in your life? The answer is simple. He is preparing your steps to move out of your comfort zone, to get rid of useless material junk, to eliminate destructive habits and to focus on what is truly important.

When Dave and I began to concentrate on what we really need, we found a certain satisfaction in not holding onto what was familiar. Joshua 3 illustrates how God works in these decisions. The Israelites were close to the Promised Land, but the Jordan River stood in their way. God asked them to take one step into the water. He would do nothing until the Israelites obeyed. The lesson is one for us all.

Don’t wait until you believe it all. Don’t wait until you can see it all. Don’t wait until you understand it all.

Take the first step. God will meet you there…even if it involves rusty tweezers and multiple spatulas.

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 8

May 8, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Arrest Summary

JONES, DUSTIN WAYNE, 43
Arrested: 5/7/2026 10:30 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Warrant: Bourbon County ( Failure To Appear) *
Bond Total: $10,000

LAROCHE, JAMES EDWARD, 36
Arrested: 5/7/2026 8:30 PM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Warrant: Bourbon County probation violation
Bond Total: $5,000

BUCHHOLZ, GRANT MICHAEL, 20
Arrested: 5/8/2026 2:12 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– 1- Headlights (NO BOND)
– Dui; Misdemeanor (NO BOND)
– Liquor; Purchase By Minor (NO BOND)
– Possess Certain Substances In 65-4105(h) (NO BOND)
Bond: $0

GLOVER, BRYAN KEITH, 48
Arrested: 5/8/2026 3:26 AM
Agency: Fort Scott PD
Charges:
– Battery Of Leo; Rude Contact (NO BOND)
– Pedestrians U/Influence Of Alcohol OR Drugs (NO BOND)
Bond: $0

Inmate Released List

JONES, DUSTIN WAYNE, 43
Booked: 05/07/2026
Released: 5/7/2026 at 11:37 AM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: Able Bonding

Source: Arrest Summary PDF | Inmate Released List PDF

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Health Care

Ribbon Cutting for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Is Celebrated

May 8, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

‘An Incredible Day’

Ribbon Cutting Held for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.

Joplin, Mo.—Nearly 3,400 Fort Scott and Bourbon County residents have utilized Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Inc.’s Emergency Department since it first opened for business last September.

The need for the facility helps explain why so many residents showed up to support the long-awaited ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place, appropriately enough, in front of the hospital’s ambulance bay Thursday morning.

“I think it’s beautiful when we come together like this in celebration,” said Matt Fry, Freeman Health System’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “There’s so many people that showed up for this ribbon-cutting today, and I think it’s a testament to how much this hospital means to the people living in this community.”

The reaction to Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was very similar to the enthusiastic response from residents when Freeman officials first proposed the hospital in mid-2024, when nearly 150 people cheered the announcement. At that time, Fort Scott had been without a hospital since 2018 and without an emergency department since 2023. Between then and the September 2025 opening of Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, residents were forced to travel to neighboring communities for their emergency healthcare needs.

Anita Walden, Chief Administrative Officer for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., described Thursday morning as an “incredible day” for Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and the future of healthcare in the region.

“When these doors opened in September 2025, we did more than reopen a hospital, we restored local access to care, created stability, and brought healthcare back home for the families of this region,” she said.

Over the last 25 years, 470-plus rural hospitals have closed nationwide. To open a rural hospital during this time is a cause for celebration. The best way for Bourbon County residents to continue showing support for the six-bed ED and 10-bed acute care hospital is by choosing to receive care locally whenever possible, Walden said.

“By utilizing the services available right here at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital and encouraging your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same, you help strengthen access to quality healthcare for all of Bourbon County,” she continued. “Your trust and support play an important role in the long-term success of [Freeman Fort Scott Hospital].”

“The hospital continues to serve our community every day, with 14 patients seen daily in the ED and four more on the acute care side,” Fry said, emphasizing that, even with this steady utilization, “the pursuit of improvement never stops.”

###

About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., and Ozark Center—the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services—as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics, and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Newsletter

May 8, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Vol. 3

From Classrooms to the World

From Discovery Award projects to international visitors, inspiring stories continue to connect classrooms and communities worldwide.

A Discovery Award Journey Comes Full Circle

Two-time National Discovery Award winner Emma Manion recently visited the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott with her parents, John and Lorelle Manion, while traveling from Dousman, Wisconsin.

Emma first earned national recognition in 2022 for her performance on Unsung Hero Lutie Stearns while a middle school student. In 2025, she earned First Place in the National Discovery Award competition for her powerful performance highlighting the life and impact of Ada Deer.

Emma’s supervising teacher, Terry Kaldhusdal, a 2014 LMC Fellow, has encouraged students to engage deeply with project-based learning and the stories of Unsung Heroes. Through research, creativity, and performance, Emma’s projects reflect the heart of the Discovery Award program—helping students discover how one individual can make a lasting difference in the world.

Visits like Emma’s serve as a reminder that the impact of these projects extends far beyond the classroom, inspiring students and audiences for years to come.

Step Into the World of Dinosaurs and Discovery

Come discover how Unsung Hero Mary Anning and her groundbreaking fossil discoveries helped pave the way for modern paleontology and changed the world’s understanding of prehistoric life.

This summer, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is bringing history—and prehistory—to life with a special exhibit honoring Mary Anning, an Unsung Hero whose discoveries helped shape the field of paleontology.

Despite facing poverty and limited recognition during her lifetime, Mary Anning made groundbreaking fossil discoveries along the cliffs of England in the early 1800s, changing the scientific world’s understanding of prehistoric life.

From June 15 through July 11, visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to explore real fossils, experience an interactive hologram of Mary Anning, and learn how curiosity, perseverance, and a passion for discovery can leave a lasting impact on the world.

Mary’s story continues to inspire students today by showing that important discoveries can come from ordinary individuals who are willing to ask questions, keep learning, and pursue what fascinates them.

We invite families, students, educators, and travelers to stop by and experience this exciting summer exhibit in downtown Fort Scott.

Discovery Award Momentum is Building

Students around the world are hard at work researching Unsung Heroes and bringing their stories to life through documentaries, performances, and websites as the Lowell Milken Center Discovery Award deadline approaches.

Each year, the Discovery Award competition challenges students to think critically, conduct meaningful research, and uncover individuals whose courage, compassion, and perseverance changed history. Through project-based learning, students not only strengthen academic skills but also discover how one person can make a lasting impact on the world.

We are already beginning to see this year’s submissions arrive and are continually inspired by the creativity, depth of research, and passion students bring to their projects.

Discovery Award submissions are due July 1.

If you know a student or educator who would love this opportunity, we encourage you to help spread the word. Every project helps ensure an Unsung Hero’s story continues to inspire future generations.

Learn more about the Discovery Award competition.

Questions? Contact Norm Conard at [email protected]

Do you know an educator or student who would love this opportunity?

Please help us spread the word!

Share the Discovery Award with teachers, students, and schools in your circle and invite them to discover a hero, create a project, and make an impact.

Welcoming Visitors From Around the World

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes recently reached an exciting milestone, welcoming visitors from 110 countries around the world.

Recent international guests included Laura Reffner from Alto Paraná, Paraguay; Alberto Asensio from Teruel, Spain; and Emmanuel Ebia from Togo, who visited as part of the Global Greyhounds program at Fort Scott Community College. Emmanuel’s visit not only marked the first from Togo but also the 110th country to visit the Lowell Milken Center.

Alberto Asensio’s visit was especially meaningful, as he was an exchange student at Uniontown High School and a student of LMC Executive Director Norm Conard 35 years ago. His return serves as a reminder of the lasting connections built through education and cultural exchange.

Honoring Holocaust Remembrance in Kansas

Norm Conard and Donna Bowman recently attended Governor Laura Kelly’s Kansas Holocaust Commemoration in Topeka, joining educators, leaders, and survivors in honoring the importance of remembrance and education.

During the ceremony, Norm participated in the candle lighting ceremony and gave a presentation alongside fellow educators, including Milken Educator and 2015 LMC Fellow Alice Bertels and 2017 LMC Fellow Lindsey Dowell.

The event featured Holocaust survivor Dr. Judy Jacobs, whose powerful story and reflections served as a reminder of the importance of preserving history and sharing survivor testimony with future generations. Numerous television and print media outlets were also present to help share the message of remembrance across Kansas.

Thank You for Being Part of the Journey

From classrooms and museums to communities around the world, the stories of Unsung Heroes continue to inspire curiosity, compassion, and meaningful learning.

Whether you are a student, educator, traveler, supporter, or first-time visitor, thank you for helping preserve and share these powerful stories with future generations.

We invite you to visit the Lowell Milken Center this summer, follow along on social media, and continue discovering the individuals whose courage and perseverance changed history.

Support our Mission

Donations help us continue sharing Unsung Hero stories with students around the world. The Lowell Milken Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are currently matched 100%.

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Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes · 1 South Main St · Fort Scott, KS 66701 · USA
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Gordon Parks Museum

2026 Gordon Parks Museum Poetry Contest: Giving a Voice to the Voiceless

May 8, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Gordon Parks Museum

2026 Gordon Parks Museum Photo Contest: Giving a Voice to the Voiceless

May 8, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Agenda for May 12 and Minutes From Prior Meeting

May 8, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Uniontown Regular City Council Meeting – Tuesday May 12 at 7 at Uniontown City Hall.

CALL TO ORDER AT by _____________________

ROLL CALL: ___ Kyle Knight ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett

___ Bradley Stewart

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

CITIZENS REQUESTS

FINANCIAL REPORT

Sally Johnson – Financial reports

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

Minutes of April 14, 2026 Regular Council Meeting
Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan

303 Washington

101 Washington

202 4^th St.

Superintendent: Bobby Rich

Clerk Report: Haley Arnold

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Knight –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilwoman Pritchett –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

OLD BUSINESS

FEMA Flooding–

NEW BUSINESS

To view the minutes of the last Uniontown City Council Meeting:

04142026 Regular Meeting(1)

The financial report for May’s meeting:

2026 Financials-April

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Shead Farm Homestead Festival is May 16

May 8, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Shead Farm

Shead Farms invites you to their

Shead

Homestead Festival

Saturday, May 16th.

10am-5pm

@Shead Farm

2468 Cavalry Rd. Garland, KS

Tickets:

$5/each

Family (5+) $25

Enjoy:

🐐 Petting Zoo

🛠️ Demonstrations

🎶 Live Music

🎯 Games & Activities

🛍️ Vendors & Food Trucks

🌻 Tours of Gardens, Orchard, Greenhouse, Animals, Beekeeping & more!

An educational, fun family day for all ages!

More information:

Call 620-224-4149

www.sheadfarm.com

Calling all young Entrepreneurs! 🌱✨

The Shead Farm Homestead Festival is offering kids vendor booth spots for young business-minded kids who would like to sell their products or services.

This is a great opportunity for kids to share their creativity, practice business skills, and be part of a fun community event on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Shead Farm looks forward to hosting these young vendors and shopping their booths! 🛍️🌻

by clicking HERE!

Click HERE to visit the

Shead Farm

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

Shead Homestead Festival

Facebook Event Page

A little behind-the-scenes look at the Shead family and crew getting ready for the big day! 🌱

So much time, work, and heart go into preparing for the Shead Farm Homestead Festival, and they can’t wait to welcome everyone out to the farm.

Mark your calendars and come enjoy a fun-filled day of homesteading, demonstrations, vendors, food, animals, family activities, and more! 🌻🐐

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office