WALNUT – K-146 west of Walnut will be closed on Tuesday, June 30, so a Kansas Department of Transportation crew can replace drainage pipes under the highway.
KDOT will close K-146 to through traffic from U.S. 59 east to the Neosho/Crawford county line for the day, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., conditions permitting. The drainpipes to be replaced are about 1.5 miles west of the Neosho/Crawford county line. Motorists should find an appropriate alternative route during this time.
KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/southeastnews.
Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – June 24, 2026
Arrested
Freeman, Gracie A (Age 24) — Arrested 6/23/2026 4:42 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear). Bond: $1,500.00 Cash/Surety. Released 6/23/2026 9:32 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).
Hudson, Joseph F (Age 43) — Arrested 6/24/2026 3:40 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Possess Opiates/Opium/Narc Drug and Certain Stim, Use/Poss Drug Paraphernalia/Human Body. Bond: $0.00 No Bond.
Brashear, Julie Irene (Age 62) — Arrested 6/24/2026 3:40 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Possess Opiates/Opium/Narc Drug and Certain Stim, Use/Poss Drug Paraphernalia/Human Body. Bond: $0.00 No Bond.
Released
Freeman, Gracie A — Released 6/23/2026 9:32 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).
Lotterer, Jared W — Released 6/23/2026 2:13 PM via Surety Bond (Able).
Palmer, Neal Gilbert — Released 6/23/2026 12:38 PM via Cash Bond (Self).
Price, Shannon Levi — Released 6/23/2026 7:19 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).
Sinclair, Brandon Eli Douglas — Released 6/23/2026 4:16 PM via Own Recognizance (Self).
Villazon, Vincent J — Released 6/23/2026 4:08 PM via Own Recognizance (Self).
The $3,000 High School Best in Show prize was awarded to Paulina Ausucua, a 12th grade student at Stratford High School with teacher Rachel Goins in Houston, Texas, for her acrylic painting on canvas board The Shape of Growth about American plant scientist Norman Borlaug. The young artist depicts Borlaug amidst the wheat fields where he developed ultra-resilient grains fueling the Green Revolution that led to global food production. “His life is one of resilience, determination, and the idea that itis important to continue looking for solutions and pursue them, despite any challenges,” reads Ausucua’s Impact Statement.
Congratulations, Paulina Ausucua!
Winning the $2,500 High School First Place prize was Melvin Yoo, a ninth grade student working on an independent study from Chadwick International in Incheon, South Korea, for Running Against Cancer, inspired by the Canadian athlete and cancer activist Terry Fox. In his artwork made of gouache and colored pencil on paper, Yoo presents a victorious figure of Fox, whose Marathon of Hope grew into one of the world’s largest fundraisers for cancer research. “The artwork represents not only the significance of Fox’s journey across Canada, but also his influence as a symbol of perseverance, hope, and worldwide action against cancer,” Yoo writes in his Impact Statement.
Congratulations, Melvin Yoo!
The recipient of the $2,000 High School Second Place prize was Halyn Oh, a ninth grade student working on an independent study at Seoul Scholars International Art& Design in South Korea, for Butterfly’s Rebirth, a deeply layered work featuring human rights activist Kim Hak-Sun. In her Impact Statement, Oh says, “I wanted to share Kim Hak-Sun’s courageous action as my role model because she was the first one who broke the shame and came out to the public to reveal the truth and give a positive social impact.”
INNOVATION GENERATION 2026 SUMMER ART COMPETITION Choose Your Unsung Hero!
The Innovation Generation directory highlights role models whose remarkable innovations, inventions, and research have made positive, profound, and lasting contributions to society. Browse the stories of these Unsung Heroes to choose a topic for the summer competition!
The 2026 Summer Competition is open to high school students. All students in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate, including rising high school freshmen (students entering 9th grade in Fall 2026) and students who graduated high school in 2026.
Meet our 2025-2026 Ambassador Taneisha Whatley, a Visual Art Teacher at Westover High School in Albany, Georgia.
For her culminating capstone project, Taneisha created an interactive community gallery exhibition titled, “Beyond the Canvas” that displayed the student artworks and impact statements.
Here is an excerpt from Taneisha’s Capstone Project report:
“The response from our community has been overwhelming. During our opening night in May, we had parents, local leaders, and other students pack the room. Visitors commented on how mature the students’ insights were, and many expressed that they learned about Unsung Heroes they had never heard of before.”
Congratulations to Taneisha and her students at Westover High School in Georgia for your spectacular ARTEFFECT projects!
Congratulations to Taneisha’s students who were selected as Finalists in the 2026 ARTEFFECT annual competition!
2026 Finalists by Taneisha Whatley’s students: Sounds from the Armyby Anthony Davis (Grade 12) about Unsung Hero James Reese Europe; and Systems of the Lab by Cameron Prim (Grade 12) about Unsung Hero Robert R. Williams.
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Stay connected with ARTEFFECT and spread the word about the 2026 competition winners. Be sure follow us on these platforms for announcements, news, professional development, resources and more!
Mike and his family are moving and Cindi is purging her inventory, and they are selling it all at an in-person, public auction. Two John Deere tractors, two zero-turn mowers, a horse trailer, vehicles, an ATV, farm equipment, tools, furniture and a whole lot more. Come spend the day with us!
When: Saturday, June 27, 2026 – starting at 10:00 AM
Where: 19863 Valley Road, La Cygne, KS 66040
Terms: Cash, check or credit card (5% credit-card processing fee). No buyer’s premium!
Bonus: Free hot dogs while they last. Come support our 4-H, selling drinks, desserts and snacks.
Featured Video — John Deere 730
John Deere 730 Diesel: factory weights, straight sheet metal and dual hydraulics. Runs (needs batteries).
Auction Headliners
John Deere 730
John Deere 730 RUNS factory weights, straight sheet metal and dual hydraulics. Needs batteries. See the featured video above.
John Deere 420
John Deere 420 RUNS. See video.
Simplicity 60″ Zero-Turn Mower
Simplicity 60″ commercial cut, 27 hp zero-turn mower. See video.
John Deere Z225 Zero-Turn Mower
John Deere 42″ cut EZ Trak Z225, 18.5 hp, w/ bags. See video.
Two-Horse Livestock Trailer
Two horse livestock trailer. This trailer has an attached air conditioning unit which comes on. It may need some maintenance. Also is equipped with electrical outlets and light. Selling with bill of sale, no title. See video.
ATV
Honda 4×4 ATV.
2018 Jeep Renegade
2018 Jeep Renegade 160,000 miles more or less. Daily driver, great gas mileage. Slight damage a couple years ago hitting a deer.
2005 Volvo
2005 Volvo 540 high mileage, runs and drives. See video.
Oklahoma Joe’s Smoker
Oklahoma Joe’s Smoker.
Priefert Headgate
Priefert Headgate.
MIG Welder
Mig Welder.
Shop Smith Table Saw / Wood Lathe
Shop Smith table saw / wood lathe.
Air Compressor
Rolltop Desk
Rolltop desk.
Display Case
Display case.
Full List of Auction Items
Here is a list of some of what will be selling:
Tractors & Farm Equipment
John Deere 730 (runs)
John Deere 420 (runs)
Land Pride 6′ blade
Homemade 5′ blade
Post hole digger
Antique plow
Road grader
Tiller
Scrap metal & batteries
Mowers, Cars & ATV
Simplicity 60″ commercial zero-turn (27 hp)
John Deere Z225 42″ zero-turn (18.5 hp, w/ bags)
2018 Jeep Renegade
2005 Volvo
ATV
Trailers
Two-horse livestock trailer (w/ AC, bill of sale)
All-metal trailer (bill of sale)
Trailer w/ hand winch, wooden floor
Tools & Shop
Stihl MS 170 chainsaw (runs)
MIG welder
Portable welder on wheels
Shop Smith table saw / lathe
Air compressor
Little Giant ladder
Step ladder
Sockets & small tools
Old-time fire extinguishers
Livestock & Outdoor
Priefert headgate
Dog grooming table
Big bale feeder
Hay feeders
Stock tank
Heaters
Saddles
Fuel tank & fuel cans
Wheelbarrow
Metal lawn furniture
Bicycles
Hoses
Moving dolly & carts
Craftsman pole saw / weed eater
Windmill
Grills & Fishing
Oklahoma Joe’s smoker
Charcoal smoker & grills
Propane bottle
Fishing poles & reels
Tackle
Household & Appliances
Ice cream maker
Sausage grinder
Microwave
Blender
Mixer
GF lean machine
Pots, pans & dishes
Bed linens
Misc. household
Furniture
Display case
Queen bed w/ mattress
Dresser w/ mirror
Rolltop desk
Futon love seat
Beds
Chairs
Kitchen table w/ chairs
End tables
Curio cabinet
Electronics
T-shirt screen maker
Wii console, controllers & games
PS4 / PlayStation games
Like-new laser printer
Cameras
Apple Watch
New-in-box home security system
Super Soakers
See You There!
Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM — 19863 Valley Road, La Cygne, KS 66040. Cash, check or credit card (5% credit-card fee). No buyer’s premium. Auction conducted by Semper Fi Auction Services.
Bourbon County and four individuals have filed their formal response to former county IT director Shane Walker’s federal lawsuit, and the answer narrows what the case is actually about. On the basic sequence of events, the two sides now largely agree. What remains in dispute is why Shane Walker lost his county job — and whether the officials can be held legally responsible for it.
The defendants (the Board of County Commissioners plus Commissioners Sam Tran, Mika Milburn-Kee and David Beerbower, and contractor Dr. Steve Cohen) filed their answer June 23 in U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas (Document 13), represented by Andrew D. Holder of Fisher, Patterson, Sayler & Smith. They answered the complaint rather than moving to dismiss it, on a deadline the clerk had extended to that date. For the claims Shane Walker raised, see our earlier report: Federal Lawsuit Alleging Retaliation, Discrimination, and FMLA Violations.
Where the parties now agree
The answer admits key dates and events in the timeline Walker laid out, even as it denies the bulk of his broader allegations. The county admits that he worked for the county from about December 15, 2005 until he left the payroll on or around July 9, 2025; that the commission’s vote to eliminate his position was unanimous and that the county outsourced the IT department; and that the elected Register of Deeds rehired him around November 17, 2025. It admits that Walker is married to Susan Walker, the current County Clerk and former CFO, and that he filed discrimination complaints with the Kansas Human Rights Commission in September 2024 and September 2025. It also admits the episode in which Commissioner Milburn-Kee asked for passwords, Walker and a coworker refused, and the coworker called police and was later fired.
Where they diverge
The agreement stops at motive. Walker’s complaint casts the elimination of his job as retaliation for those discrimination complaints and for taking medical leave. The county’s answer reframes the same event as a layoff. The county repeatedly “denies that Plaintiff was ‘terminated,’” admitting only that he was “laid off,” and it states that any action it took “was not retaliatory, and would have occurred based on legitimate, lawful, and independent reasons regardless of Plaintiff’s protected conduct, if any.” The county also denies Walker’s allegations about how he was treated after he was rehired.
The word choice carries legal weight. Walker pairs the retaliation claims with a breach-of-contract count and a Kansas Wage Payment Act claim; by calling the move a layoff and arguing it “substantially performed” and later “modified” his employment agreement, the county contests whether any contract was broken or wages withheld.
Beyond the facts, the county’s answer also raises legal defenses that, if accepted, could dispose of parts of the case before a jury weighs the question of motive. The individual defendants assert qualified immunity against the federal civil-rights (Section 1983) claims. The county claims governmental immunity under the Kansas Tort Claims Act. And the answer asserts that punitive damages cannot be recovered against a municipality. On Shane Walker’s free-speech claims, the county invokes Garcetti v. Ceballos, arguing his speech was made as part of his official duties and is therefore not protected. In all, the answer lists 23 defenses and asks that the defendants be dismissed from the case.
Walker, represented by Wichita attorney Gaye B. Tibbets, has demanded a jury trial. The case is Walker v. Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, Kansas, et al., No. 6:26-cv-01057, before U.S. District Judge Daniel D. Crabtree. An answer is one side’s response; the complaint’s allegations and the county’s denials and defenses have not been tested in court. The county’s full answer is posted here.
Mike and his family are moving and Cindi is purging her inventory, and they are selling it all at an in-person, public auction. Two John Deere tractors, two zero-turn mowers, a horse trailer, vehicles, an ATV, farm equipment, tools, furniture and a whole lot more. Come spend the day with us!
When: Saturday, June 27, 2026 – starting at 10:00 AM
Where: 19863 Valley Road, La Cygne, KS 66040
Terms: Cash, check or credit card (5% credit-card processing fee). No buyer’s premium!
Bonus: Free hot dogs while they last. Come support our 4-H, selling drinks, desserts and snacks.
Featured Video — John Deere 730
John Deere 730 Diesel: factory weights, straight sheet metal and dual hydraulics. Runs (needs batteries).
Auction Headliners
John Deere 730
John Deere 730 RUNS factory weights, straight sheet metal and dual hydraulics. Needs batteries. See the featured video above.
John Deere 420
John Deere 420 RUNS. See video.
Simplicity 60″ Zero-Turn Mower
Simplicity 60″ commercial cut, 27 hp zero-turn mower. See video.
John Deere Z225 Zero-Turn Mower
John Deere 42″ cut EZ Trak Z225, 18.5 hp, w/ bags. See video.
Two-Horse Livestock Trailer
Two horse livestock trailer. This trailer has an attached air conditioning unit which comes on. It may need some maintenance. Also is equipped with electrical outlets and light. Selling with bill of sale, no title. See video.
ATV
Honda 4×4 ATV.
2018 Jeep Renegade
2018 Jeep Renegade 160,000 miles more or less. Daily driver, great gas mileage. Slight damage a couple years ago hitting a deer.
2005 Volvo
2005 Volvo 540 high mileage, runs and drives. See video.
Oklahoma Joe’s Smoker
Oklahoma Joe’s Smoker.
Priefert Headgate
Priefert Headgate.
MIG Welder
Mig Welder.
Shop Smith Table Saw / Wood Lathe
Shop Smith table saw / wood lathe.
Air Compressor
Rolltop Desk
Rolltop desk.
Display Case
Display case.
Full List of Auction Items
Here is a list of some of what will be selling:
Tractors & Farm Equipment
John Deere 730 (runs)
John Deere 420 (runs)
Land Pride 6′ blade
Homemade 5′ blade
Post hole digger
Antique plow
Road grader
Tiller
Scrap metal & batteries
Mowers, Cars & ATV
Simplicity 60″ commercial zero-turn (27 hp)
John Deere Z225 42″ zero-turn (18.5 hp, w/ bags)
2018 Jeep Renegade
2005 Volvo
ATV
Trailers
Two-horse livestock trailer (w/ AC, bill of sale)
All-metal trailer (bill of sale)
Trailer w/ hand winch, wooden floor
Tools & Shop
Stihl MS 170 chainsaw (runs)
MIG welder
Portable welder on wheels
Shop Smith table saw / lathe
Air compressor
Little Giant ladder
Step ladder
Sockets & small tools
Old-time fire extinguishers
Livestock & Outdoor
Priefert headgate
Dog grooming table
Big bale feeder
Hay feeders
Stock tank
Heaters
Saddles
Fuel tank & fuel cans
Wheelbarrow
Metal lawn furniture
Bicycles
Hoses
Moving dolly & carts
Craftsman pole saw / weed eater
Windmill
Grills & Fishing
Oklahoma Joe’s smoker
Charcoal smoker & grills
Propane bottle
Fishing poles & reels
Tackle
Household & Appliances
Ice cream maker
Sausage grinder
Microwave
Blender
Mixer
GF lean machine
Pots, pans & dishes
Bed linens
Misc. household
Furniture
Display case
Queen bed w/ mattress
Dresser w/ mirror
Rolltop desk
Futon love seat
Beds
Chairs
Kitchen table w/ chairs
End tables
Curio cabinet
Electronics
T-shirt screen maker
Wii console, controllers & games
PS4 / PlayStation games
Like-new laser printer
Cameras
Apple Watch
New-in-box home security system
Super Soakers
See You There!
Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM — 19863 Valley Road, La Cygne, KS 66040. Cash, check or credit card (5% credit-card fee). No buyer’s premium. Auction conducted by Semper Fi Auction Services.
Charyl Ann Deloney, 81, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on December 18, 1944, in Sioux Falls, the daughter of Frank Joseph and Etta Mae Brown Doherty, Charyl lived a life filled with faith and laughter. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary Deloney, with whom she shared 47 cherished years of marriage.
A woman of deep faith, Charyl was a devoted member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and lived her beliefs openly and sincerely. Through her years running the Diet Center and her work with Birthright, she helped many people with compassion and dedication.
Charyl was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
She is survived by her children, Christl Beitzinger and her husband, Joe, of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Matt Deloney and his wife, Julie, of Fort Scott; two Sisters, Sharon and David Hoover of Joplin, Mo., and Theresa and Darius Adams of Joplin, Mo., and her grandchildren, Emilee Beitzinger, Ashlee James, Aubree Beitzinger, Adam Deloney, Nicholas Deloney, Sam Deloney, Carrissa Bowman, Brady Fink, and Alex Fink. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Brownie Doherty, and a sister, Frances Sanborn.
Charyl embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. She loved spending time with family and friends, often enjoying conversation over a glass of wine. Her wit and steadfast love for her family will be remembered by all who knew her. Though her passing leaves a profound void, her legacy of faith and devotion to her Catholic beliefs will continue to inspire all whose lives she touched.
Following cremation, Father Yancey Burgess will celebrate the funeral mass at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday June 25, 2026, at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. The Rosary will be Wednesday evening, June 24, 20226, at 6:00, and the visitation will take place afterward until 7:00 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School in honor of Charyl’s life and her enduring commitment to faith and family. Contributions may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
The Fort Scott Farmers Market vendors are planning a party on July 4 at the Gathering Square Pavilion on North National Avenue.
The regular market vendors will be there to purchase from, but in addition, there will be added fun activities for the whole family.
The Gathering Square Pavilion.
“Since Independence Day falls on a Saturday this year, we wanted to make the most of a unique opportunity,” said Stephanie Carrell, secretary of the vendors. “The Farmers Market is already a place where people come together, so adding some patriotic fun felt like a natural fit.”
Join them to celebrate Independence Day with a morning of family-friendly activities and patriotic fun.
“Activities begin at 8:00 a.m. with the ‘Best Cookie of the Market’ Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest, where visitors can participate in a blind taste test and vote for their favorite cookie entry from participating market vendors. Voting will continue until 11:30 a.m., with the Cookie Champion announced at noon.”
All registrations for participating in certain events close on July 2. Find the event on Fort Scott Farmers Market Facebook page or enter at the link listed below.
“At 9:00 a.m., participants of all ages will compete in the Chomp Champion Watermelon Eating Contest, with multiple age divisions and trophies awarded in each group.”
“At 10:00 a.m., the Wheels of Glory Patriotic Parade will invite participants to decorate bikes, wagons, scooters, strollers, wheelchairs, and Power Wheels and show off their patriotic spirit. Spectators will vote to determine the crowd favorite.”
“We were thinking through the pavilion (for the parade). They can circle back along the sidewalk, then park in the center of the pavilion for voting,” she said.
“At 11:00 a.m., teams of up to four people will compete in the Know-It-All Cup Trivia Challenge, featuring questions about Fort Scott.”
“Registration for the scheduled events is free, and trophies and prizes will be awarded. Every participant will receive a prize,” she said.
“Visitors are encouraged to come enjoy the market, cheer on participants, sample cookies, and celebrate the Fourth of July with a morning of fun, friendly competition, and community spirit.”
Fort Scott Farmers Market Association contacts are
President: Lori Hueston and
Secretary: Stephanie Carrell
email: fortscottfarmersmarket@gmail.com
call/text: 620-303-9878
” We hope people will stop by to pick up fresh produce, local meats, sweet treats, and other handmade products for their holiday celebrations, enjoy the festivities, and spend some time visiting with friends and neighbors,” Carrell said. “Celebrating the Fourth of July is about more than fireworks—it’s about community, and we’re excited to give people another way to celebrate together.”
Looking for a college that gives you options? At Fort Scott Community College, students can choose from associate degrees in Arts, Science, Applied Science, and General Studies, along with a variety of certificates that lead straight to rewarding careers. Whether you’re interested in healthcare fields like Certified Medication Aide, Nurse Aide, EMT, Home Health Aide, Manicuring, or Phlebotomy, or want to take on a technical challenge with certificates in Ag Technology (John Deere), Construction, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Environmental Water Tech, Farm & Ranch Management, Harley-Davidson Technology, Heavy Equipment Operation, HVAC, Masonry, or Welding we’ve got you covered!
But college isn’t just about the classroom. FSCC offers plenty of ways to get involved through music and performance opportunities (band, choir, theater), student clubs and organizations (like Collegiate Farm Bureau, Phi Theta Kappa, SkillsUSA, STEAM Club, FSCC Media Team, and more), and even competitive judging teams in livestock and meat.
If athletics is more your thing, FSCC is home to intercollegiate sports for both men and women. Compete in basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, rodeo, track & field, or cross country, all while building friendships and representing the Greyhounds.
And the best part? We’re still growing. New programs, degrees, certifications, and athletic opportunities are on the horizon! There’s never been a better time to join FSCC!
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Labor has released the May 2026 Kansas Labor Report. The full report can be accessed here: May 2026 Kansas Labor Report.
The June 2026 Kansas Labor Report will be released Friday, July 17.
