Obituary: Kenneth Raymond Middleton, 84, Uniontown

Kenneth Raymond Middleton, age 84, of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Credo Memory Care, in Fort Scott, Kansas. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa and great grandpa. He is now reunited with his loving wife and best friend Lavon of 64 years.

He was born September 13, 1940, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Lee and Allie Middleton. Ken grew up in Petersburg, Kansas, and graduated from Uniontown High School in 1958. He married his high school sweetheart Lavon Kay Richards on July 22, 1961, at Paint Creek Church in Redfield, Kansas.

Kenneth was best known to his friends as “Speedy,” a nickname he earned from his school bus driver.

Ken joined the Navy in December of 1961 and spent 20 years traveling the world and living a life of adventure as a Naval intelligence officer. Lavon and their three children joined him on his deployments when possible, traveling the world also. After his Naval retirement, Kenneth and his family settled back in Uniontown, where he worked at the local grain elevator until his final retirement in 2002. Ken loved spending time in his garden, playing pool with the guys and having morning coffee with friends at Union Station. His greatest love was the time spent with his wife Lavon, who preceded him in death in 2025.

He is survived by his three children: Sandy (Perry) Lackey of Eldorado Springs, Missouri; Steve (Chris) Middleton and Greg (Semina) Middleton, both of Uniontown, Kansas; 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Lavon Middleton; his parents Lee and Allie Middleton; four sisters, Lois Cooney, Carrier Elbrader, Carolyn Roark and Donna Davidson; and one brother, David Middleton.

Kenneth will be laid to rest at Paint Creek Cemetery in a private family ceremony at a later date.

USD 234 Special Board Meeting Agenda, Sept. 25

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

USD 234 has called a special Board of Education meeting for Friday, September 25, 2026, at noon at the Board Office, 424 South Main, Fort Scott.

The full agenda is available here: Special Board Meeting Agenda (PDF)

  • 1.0 Call Meeting to Order — David Stewart, President
  • 2.0 Flag Salute
  • 3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
  • 4.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters
    • 4.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
    • 4.2 Exit Executive Session
    • 4.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
  • 5.0 Adjourn Meeting — David Stewart, President

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 24, 2026

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 24, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 65 calls for service on September 24, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Juvenile — 10:54 AM, 8th St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01548FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Theft — 2:01 PM, 1246 265th, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0907BB. Disposition: RPTC.

Criminal Case — 2:09 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01550FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Traffic Stop — 7:27 PM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-0908BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Check Subject — 7:58 PM, Pine St. Complaint No. 26-01551FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Traffic Stop — 9:32 PM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-0909BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Traffic Stop — 11:15 PM, 2305 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-0910BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Traffic Stop — 11:15 PM, 2305 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-0911BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Fire and EMS

EMS — 1:01 PM, 1315 165th. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS — 1:19 PM, 737 Heylman, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 4:41 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Standby — 5:28 PM, 601 E 5th St. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 7:49 PM, 1525 E Pine St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 8:35 PM, 101 Andrick St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 9:00 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Other Calls for Service

Public Assist — 12:52 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

27,28,29 Checks — 6:04 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Traffic Complaint / Livestock — 6:34 AM, 215th, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 7:42 AM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Extra Patrol — 8:15 AM, 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Remove Subject — 8:58 AM, 1920 S Main St. Disposition: HBO.

Vin Inspections / County — 12:39 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / Walk-In — 1:25 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 1:22 PM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

Seeking Advice/Info — 2:28 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 2:30 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Extra Patrol — 3:31 PM, N National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Alarm / Burglary — 5:16 PM, 20 N Main St. Disposition: 22.

SRO — 5:28 PM, 815 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Driving — 6:07 PM, 900 E 3rd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Shots Fired — 11:09 PM, 1867 Indian Rd. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 7:02 AM, 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:15 AM, 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:24 AM, 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:33 AM, 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:40 AM, 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:23 AM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: NTA.

Traffic Stop — 10:32 AM, 3rd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:45 AM, 700 Block, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:47 AM, 3rd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: NTA.

Traffic Stop — 10:57 AM, 1700 Blk, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:15 AM, Charles St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:22 AM, 2216 S Main St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:13 PM, 1100 Blk, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:20 PM, 5th St. Disposition: NTA.

Traffic Stop — 1:46 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:57 PM, 2nd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:58 PM, 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 2:10 PM, 1st St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:06 PM, 400 N National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:14 PM, 9th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:16 PM, 10th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:22 PM, 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:25 PM, 4th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:33 PM, 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:42 PM, Emmert, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:52 PM, 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:30 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:50 PM, 231 E Wall, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:24 PM, Eddy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:42 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:54 PM, City Limit. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:18 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:03 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:39 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Total Calls for Service: 65

Documents:

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – Sept. 25, 2026

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Report

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – September 25, 2026

Arrested

Hunter, William Ray (Age 59) — Arrested 9/24/2026 12:21 AM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Possession of Opiate, Opium, Narcotic or Certain Stimulant, Use/Possess w/Intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body. Bond: $0.00 No Bond.

Sadler, Rick O (Age 74) — Arrested 9/24/2026 10:25 AM by KBI. Charge: Aggravated Indecent Liberties w Child; Offender =>18 Fondle Child <14, Rape; Circumstances Unknown. Bond: $500,000.00 Cash/Surety.

Garrison, Julian (Age 21) — Arrested 9/24/2026 1:26 PM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.

Cruz, Rene Jimenez (Age 27) — Arrested 9/24/2026 1:50 PM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.

Moore, Robert Luther (Age 33) — Arrested 9/24/2026 2:39 PM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.

Meuffels, Jeremy (Age 48) — Arrested 9/24/2026 2:57 PM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.

Fischer, Stephen Lyle (Age 67) — Arrested 9/24/2026 9:44 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Driving Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs; Misdemeanor, Transporting an Open Container. Bond: $0.00 No Bond.

Released

Alford, John Gregory — Released 9/24/2026 1:08 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Hall, Pete Wells — Released 9/24/2026 11:00 AM via Surety Bond (A Plus Bonding).

Total Inmates Released: 2

Documents:

What’s Happening in Fort Scott: Sept. 25-Oct. 11

Stay safe & enjoy your weekend! Here’s all there is to see and do in Fort Scott, September 25 through October 11, 2026.

Historic Trolley Tours

Ride Dolly the Trolley and explore Fort Scott’s history with a narrated tour. Fridays & Saturdays – Now Boarding!

Trolley Tours

SAVE THE DATE!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees – Every Thursday at 8am

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Fort Scott National Historic Site
Visit your National Park! Visitor Center and historic buildings are open Friday through Tuesday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds continue to be open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset.

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)

KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott
Every Tuesday 9am-4pm. Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave. 620-231-4250

FS Public Library
Wednesday Writers every Wed. @ 1:30-3pm. 201 S. National Ave.

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Kansas Small Business Development Center at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St. Every 2nd Thursday of the month 9am-3pm.

Want more details or updates on Community, Chamber, and Member events? You can find full dates, times, locations, and links on the Chamber’s community calendar at fortscott.com/events/calendar/

RECURRING EVENTS

Farmers Market – Saturday Markets (May-October) 8am-12pm

UPCOMING EVENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN FORT SCOTT — September 25 through October 11, 2026

Looking for something to do? Here’s your date-by-date guide to events around Fort Scott.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

FortFest 26

• FortFest 26 | Riverfront Park | FREE. Brody Buster One-Man Band at 6 p.m.; Kurt Allen Band at 8 p.m. Food and activities on site.
• 10th Annual Doug Hazelbaker Memorial | Bourbon County Fairgrounds | Youth events at 11 a.m.; Ranch Rodeo at 7 p.m. Proceeds support Cowboys for Cancer Crisis Fund.
• Tiger Football vs. Pittsburg | 7 p.m. | Fort Scott High School.
• Manhattan Short Film Festival screening | 6 p.m. | Fort Scott Public Library.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Herbert House Historic Home Tours

• Breakfast Fly-In | 7:30 to 11 a.m. | Fort Scott Municipal Airport, 1869 Indian Road. Donation-based breakfast.
• Fort Scott Farmers Market | 8 a.m. to noon | Gathering Square Pavilion.
• Honor Flight Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast | 8 a.m. until sold out | Holmtown Pub, 206 N. National Ave. Suggested donation: $5 per meal.
• FortFest 26 | Riverfront Park | FREE. Car show at 9 a.m.; motorcycle show at noon; kids’ fair from noon to 5 p.m.; live music at 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m. Lightnin’ Malcolm and special guests headline at 7 p.m. No pets, please.
• Hazelbaker Memorial | Bourbon County Fairgrounds | Steer wrestling begins at 9 a.m.; youth roping and breakaway events begin no earlier than noon.
• Tri-Valley Autumn Plant Sale | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | 4305 Campbell Drive. Pansies, mums, houseplants and more.
• Herbert House Historic Home Tours | 512 S. Judson St. | Tours at 9 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Tickets: $10; choose a tour time when purchasing.
• Junk Journal Meetup | 10 a.m. | Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave. FREE.
• Manhattan Short Film Festival screening | Noon | Fort Scott Public Library.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

• Hazelbaker Memorial | Bourbon County Fairgrounds | Cowboy church at 8:45 a.m.; calf roping and other events begin at 9:30 a.m.
• Bethel Community Church Round-Up Sunday | 10:30 a.m. | 1397 155th St. Worship, chili cook-off, pie bake-off and a free meal.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

• Tiger Soccer vs. Coffeyville | 4:30 p.m. | Fort Scott soccer field.
• Bourbon County Commission meeting | 5:30 p.m. | Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

• KANSASWORKS office hours | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.
• Kiwanis meeting | Noon to 1 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church.
• September Book Club at The Kitchen C+C | 6 p.m. | The Calamity Club, biscuits and a book discussion. Reserve a seat.
• $3 Tuesday movies | 6 to 10 p.m. | Fort Cinema.
• VFW Taco Tuesday | 6 p.m. | VFW Post 1165, 1745 S. National Ave.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

• Wednesday Writers | 1:30 to 3 p.m. | Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave.
• Bethel Community Church weekly programs | 7 to 9 p.m. | 1397 155th St. Reformers Unanimous, teen Bible study and kids’ Bible club.
• Leslie @ the Chamber’s 40th Birthday! ᾒB (Let’s see how many notice this, hehe)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1

• 23rd Annual Gordon Parks Celebration begins | Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton St. Chamber Coffee at the museum from 8 to 9 a.m.; The Learning Tree screening at 9 a.m.; Lunch and Learn at 11 a.m.; Gordon Parks trolley tour at 1:45 p.m.; Leadbelly music presentation at 3 p.m. Many programs are free.
• Pioneer Kiwanis meeting | Noon to 1 p.m. | First United Methodist Church.
• Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Parade | 6 p.m. | Downtown Fort Scott.
• American Legion Bingo | Doors at 6 p.m.; games at 7 p.m. | Memorial Hall.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

• 70th Pioneer Harvest Fiesta | Bourbon County Fairgrounds | Three days of tractors, steam engines, demonstrations, vendors and exhibits. The $5 weekend admission includes a collector button and Friday’s 5 p.m. bean feed; children under 12 enter free.
• Gordon Parks Celebration | Ellis Fine Arts Center | Films and conversations begin at 10 a.m. The Celebration Dance Party is at the River Room, 3 W. Oak St.: doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m. Dance tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.
• First Friday at The Artificers | 6 to 9 p.m. | 8 N. National Ave.
• Tiger Football Homecoming vs. Labette County | 7 p.m. | Fort Scott High School.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

• Pioneer Harvest Fiesta continues | Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
• Fort Scott Farmers Market | 8 a.m. to noon | Gathering Square Pavilion.
• Gordon Parks Celebration | Ellis Fine Arts Center | Open mic poetry at 10 a.m.; Plaza School yearbook Lunch and Learn at 11:30 a.m.; Gordon Parks trolley tour at 3:15 p.m. Celebration Tribute Dinner at Liberty Theatre: social hour at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. Dinner reservations are due September 30.
• Oktoberfest steinholding competition | Bam-Bam Brewing, 120 E. Wall St. Check with the brewery for the competition time.
• Sunshine VIP Night | 6 p.m. | 18 E. Wall St. Reservations required; $45 per person.
• The Market at 23 Main vendor and consignor appreciation event | 6 p.m. | 23 S. Main St. For Market vendors and consignors.
• FSCC Dan VandeWynkel Alumni Rodeo | Arnold Arena | Slack at 1 p.m.; athlete auction at 5 p.m.; performance at 7:30 p.m. Coach Chad Cross will be honored during the evening performance.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4

• Pioneer Harvest Fiesta continues | Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
• Gordon Parks Celebration breakfast | 9 a.m. | Crooner’s Lounge, 117 S. Main St. Guests purchase their own breakfast.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 5

• Bourbon County Commission meeting | 5:30 p.m. | Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6

• Downtown Meet & Greet | 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. | Cohn’s Cafe, 110 S. Main St. Special guest: Kansas Main Street Director Drew Simpson.
• KANSASWORKS office hours | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | 104 N. National Ave.
• Kiwanis meeting | Noon to 1 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church.
• Chamber Member Appreciation After-Hours | 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. | Holmtown Pub, 206 N. National Ave.
• City Commission meeting | 6 to 7 p.m. | City Hall.
• The Empowered Caregiver | 6 to 8 p.m. | Burris Ag Hall, Fort Scott Community College.
• $3 Tuesday movies | 6 to 10 p.m. | Fort Cinema.
• VFW Taco Tuesday | 6 p.m. | VFW Post 1165.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7

• Wednesday Writers | 1:30 to 3 p.m. | Fort Scott Public Library.
• Bethel Community Church weekly programs | 7 to 9 p.m. | 1397 155th St.

☕ THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8

• Chamber Coffee at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes | 8 a.m. | 1 S. Main St.
• Kansas Small Business Development Center office hours | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Chamber office, 231 E. Wall St. Free business assistance; become a client.
• Pioneer Kiwanis meeting | Noon to 1 p.m. | First United Methodist Church.
• Tiger Soccer vs. Chanute | 4:30 p.m. | Fort Scott.
• Tiger Volleyball | 5 p.m. | Fort Scott High School; games against Girard, Frontenac and Louisburg.
• The Young Fables in Concert | Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main St. Doors at 5 p.m.; buffet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; performance at 8 p.m. Reservations required.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

• ScareFest Haunted House | 7 to 11 p.m. | 753 S. Clark St. $1 donation to enter.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10

• Fort Scott Farmers Market | 8 a.m. to noon | Gathering Square Pavilion.
• Care to Share Trap Shoot | 10 a.m. | Near 165th Street and Grand Road. Lunch available; gun raffle at 1 p.m. Proceeds benefit local cancer patients and their families.
• Royal Tea & Friends Party | 10 a.m. to noon | Fort Scott High School Commons. Games, crafts and character visits; $6 per child. Children must attend with an adult. Tickets required.
• EKTEC Rodeo | Scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. | Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
• Community Daddy Daughter Dance | Memorial Hall, 1 E. 3rd St. Dinner guests arrive at 5 p.m.; dance-only guests at 6:30 p.m. Dinner, dancing, activities and a photo booth.
• ScareFest Haunted House | 7 to 11 p.m. | 753 S. Clark St. $1 donation to enter.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11

• EKTEC Rodeo | Scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. | Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

ALSO HAPPENING DURING THESE DATES

• Oktoberfest at Bam-Bam Brewing runs through October 4 | 120 E. Wall St. Seasonal beers and festive décor.
• Clark Street Lights Halloween display runs nightly October 2 through 11, 7 to 10 p.m. | 753 S. Clark St. Drive by and enjoy the lights. ScareFest is also open Friday and Saturday nights, 7 to 11 p.m.

Find updates and additional information on the Fort Scott events calendar: fortscott.com/events

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques, Antiques, Flea Markets & more! Visit fortscott.com for Chamber member specialty shopping & other retail in Downtown & other areas of the community.

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 620-223-3566 | information@fortscott.com | fortscott.com

FS Downtown Meet and Greet is Oct. 6

QUARTERLY DOWNTOWN MEET & GREET SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 6TH AT COHN’S CAFE

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to a Downtown Meet & Greet on Tuesday, October 6, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The gathering will be held at Cohn’s Cafe, 110 S. Main St. in Fort Scott.

The Chamber is excited to welcome Kansas Main Street Director Drew Simpson to the gathering. These informal quarterly events offer an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share ideas about downtown events, promotions, and other topics affecting the downtown district.

For more information, contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566.

 

Obituary of Gerald “Jerry” Wayne Culp

Gerald 'Jerry' Wayne Culp

Gerald “Jerry” Wayne Culp, passed away due to health complications on September 18, 2026, at the age of 72. Born on October 6, 1953, to Leroy and Leota (Harris) Culp in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Jerry was alumni in spirit with Fort Scott High School, Class of 1971. He continued his education at Pitt State University, where he developed a strong foundation for knowledge. His sense of duty and adventure led him to serve in the US Navy, where he proudly served aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, forming lifelong friendships and memories.

In the course of his life, Jerry had the great fortune of meeting the love of his life, LeAnna, on a fateful Friday, January 13th. They married in Oklahoma on December 28th, celebrating a love story that would bless them with two beautiful daughters. Tragically, Jerry lost LeAnna too soon in 1988. He raised the girls in their family home at 6th & Margrave where he taught them an unwavering loyalty to the Kansas City CHIEFS.

Jerry was predeceased by his cherished parents and his dear wife, LeAnna, along with her parents, Ann & Leroy Adkins. He leaves behind his beloved daughters, Mindy and Cassie, as well as Cassie’s husband, Bobby. His grandchildren: Adrian, Alexis, Peyton, JaeAnna, and Lucas. Jerry is also survived by his brother, Ron, and Ron’s wife, Rhonda, and their children. Additional loved ones include: Stana Meade; Lana, Robert, Harley, & Everly Parras; Lucille Cooney & kids.

The family asks that you plant a tree or flower in his honor in lieu of donations. Jerry always had a green thumb and would say, “Put your feet in the grass.”

Graveside services will be held on October 1, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at the National Cemetery in Fort Scott, KS. Everyone is welcome. Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – Sept. 24, 2026

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Report

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – September 24, 2026

Arrested

Frederick, Rachel Tannette (Age 56) — Arrested 9/23/2026 10:20 AM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Battery on LEO (misdemeanor, unknown circumstance), Interference with LEO (unknown circumstance, misdemeanor), Possess paraphernalia (unknown misdemeanor), Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant. Bond: $2,500.00 (Cash/Surety). Released 9/23/2026 1:30 PM via Court Order.

Levasseur, Kimberly Jean (Age 56) — Arrested 9/23/2026 11:20 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Driving Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (misdemeanor), Possession of Opiate, Opium, Narcotic or Certain Stimulant, Use/Possess w/Intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Hunter, William Ray (Age 59) — Arrested 9/24/2026 12:21 AM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Possession of Opiate, Opium, Narcotic or Certain Stimulant, Use/Possess w/Intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Released

Belcher-Cowlishaw, Gabrielle Kaye — Released 9/23/2026 1:46 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Clinton, Derek Arthur — Released 9/23/2026 9:30 AM via Transferred Out (Crawford County).

Frederick, Rachel Tannette — Released 9/23/2026 1:30 PM via Court Order (Self).

Total Inmates Released: 3

Documents:

FSHS Thespians host 9th Royal-Tea & Friends Party Oct. 10

The Fort Scott High School Thespians will host their 9th Annual Royal-Tea & Friends Party from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 10, in the FSHS Commons and Courtyard.

Children can join their favorite princesses and princes, superheroes and villains, and other characters. Attendees are invited to take photos with favorite characters as they make crafts, have treats, and play games. Fort Scott High School Thespians will be dressed in character and leading the event. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume as well.

Tickets for the Royal-Tea & Friends Party are $6 per child, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets may be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door.

For more information, see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Angie Bin at angela.bin@usd234.org or 620-719-9622.

Documents:

Biscuits & Gravy for Honor Flight This Saturday

BISCUITS & GRAVY BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER

Start your Saturday with breakfast and support Honor Flight Southeast Kansas!

Saturday, September 26

Starting at 8:00 a.m. – ??

Holmtown Pub
206 N. National Ave.

Suggested donation: $5 per meal

Stop by for biscuits and gravy while supporting Honor Flight Southeast Kansas.

Bring a friend and join us for breakfast!

Click HERE to visit Honor Flight Southeast Kansas Fort Scott Mission Facebook Page.

Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast Fundraiser flyer

Honor Flight Southeast Kansas

Gunn Park’s Roads Are Being Improved

Fort Scott’s largest park, Gunn Park, is the site of city workers’ ditch work this week, including whistles to divert water off the roads.

Towards the end of next week, around October 1 (weather permitting),  work will be completed on asphalting the loop road around the park.

The 155-acre recreation area on the city’s west side is a lake-dotted park with picnic pavilions, campgrounds, and a disc golf course also offering hiking, biking and fishing to visitors.

City workers are currently trying to divert water from a low point at the bottom of the first hill on the park’s main one-way road.

“When the bottoms like that are in hollows, with floods and everything else, the work is ongoing,” said Public Works Director Tom Coffman.

“They are doing ditch work with whistles (large tubes) to divert water off the roadway,” said Park Supervisor Norman Mackley. “We are doing the pre-work now. The Parks Department will be assisting the city street crews.”

The project got started September 22, and by October 1, weather and conditions permitting, the asphalting of the whole park one-way loop road will be done, said Coffman.

“When we start asphalting, the park will be closed,” he said. “The asphalting of the total loop, the main road, will start next week. Closures depend on where we are working, but the park will be open to hiking and biking.”

“We’ll go around the shelter houses…and other stuff in the park at a later date,” Coffman said.

The big rock shelter house at Gunn Park is a favorite pavillion for
special gatherings. Here it is lit up at Christmas in 2017.

 

 

Obituary: Donald Ray Wynn, Age 92

Donald Ray Wynn went to be with the Lord on September 13, 2026 at the age of 92. He was born on January 26, 1934 at Lyons, KS.

His parents moved from Lyons, Kansas to the Pittsburg, Kansas area when Dad was a young boy. His father was a farmer and lost his farm due to drought and the depression. His father worked as a welder at the coal strip pit mines and did some farming in the area. They moved to the state of Oregon where his father worked as a welder in the shipyards. When Dad was 10 years old he sold newspapers out of a makeshift cardboard box and shined shoes to help the family make money. He and his older brothers also ran a first-ever grocery cart business to deliver groceries to people in the area.

Their next move brought the family to Fort Scott, Kansas. They purchased a farm south of where Briggs Auto is located. Dad attended Fort Scott school system. His family moved again from Fort Scott to Louisburg, KS before Dad’s senior year of high school. He did not want to make the change of schools again; Dad stayed in Fort Scott and lived in the YMCA building and asked the attendant to wake him every morning to go to school. He worked at the White Grill & Nu-Grille to put himself through school. He graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1953. Dad was in the Navy and Naval Reserve after high school with honorable discharge in 1955.

After graduation he met Lois Luker and they were soon married at Paint Creek Church of the Brethren in Uniontown, KS on September 19, 1954. Dad and Mom spent a short time in Kansas City, KS before moving to Harrisonville, MO. He farmed with his father and 4 brothers. He would get up at 4:00 AM to milk cows with some of his brothers while the other brothers milked at night. They all had jobs in the Kansas City area. Dad would then leave at 6 AM to drive to Independence, MO to work at Katz Drug Store and return home between 5 to 6 PM. His evening task was building their new home till around 10 PM. He enjoyed oil painting for 1 to 2 hours to wind down before bed. The city job was 5 days a week but milking cows was 7 days a week with extra farm work on weekends.

In 1969 Dad purchased a farm south of Uniontown, KS, and started a dairy business with brother-in-law Eldon Luker. Dad left the dairy business in 1978 and worked for himself doing carpentry work and farmed his own land. In 1985 he went to work at Uniontown High School as a custodian until his retirement in 1999. After retirement he continued to work part time for the school until he was 75 years old. He retired from farming in 2015.

Dad was a loving father who believed in taking care of his family and providing for them as best he could. Our dad was a special kinda guy. He could do almost anything. He taught us how to farm, to build things, do electrical wiring, and repair anything to keep it going without having to take it to town to be repaired. He was able to rebuild engines, build buildings, fix equipment, etc. It didn’t matter what the task was, he would take it on and not quit until it was done. Dad taught us to never start a job unless you are willing to finish it.

Dad was very meticulous in the way he wanted things done — you couldn’t just throw something together and hope that it was good enough. No! You had a job to do and you learned to do it right. He was a hard worker who spent long hours doing back-breaking work and never quit. He taught us how to love our spouse and be a father to our kids. Dad always tried to have some kind of fun while we worked and around home; he was a little ornery in some ways and would catch you off guard with some prank of his or tried to make you laugh. Although the fun part never seemed to last long enough, it was always about getting things done.

Dad was always involved in the church. The family attended Paint Creek Church of the Brethren from 1969 to late 1980. He became involved and was a founding member of Faith Christian Center, which later became Faith Church in Fort Scott, KS. He was very instrumental in helping build the church in Fort Scott, both physically and spiritually. Dad always tried to help people that would cross his path. He tried to show them Jesus in his everyday life.

His wife passed away in 2017 and he continued to live at home by himself until his passing. Dad was a man that stood tall and had every reason to. He was the best kind of dad to have, and none better in our eyes.

He was the fifth child born of 9 children to Perry Oscar Wynn & Alma Martha Helene Siemsen. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, his wife Lois, 5 brothers — Virgil Siemsen, Norman Wynn, Kenneth Wynn, Cecile Wynn, Paul Wynn — and 2 sisters, Laverne Dillion and Darlene Bunger.

He is survived by his children Deborah Wynn of Mounds, OK; Rick Wynn (Mary) of Uniontown, KS; Tina Aigbiremonlen (Eromosele) of Mounds, OK; and Mark Wynn (Amy) of College Station, TX. Also surviving are his sister Peggy Lynn of Harrisonville, MO; brother-in-law Eldon Luker of Fort Scott, KS; and sister-in-law Phyllis and her husband David Randall of Kansas City, MO. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren — Joy, Charity, Nathan, Andrea, Johnathan, Kaitlin, and Destiny — and 14 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 AM Saturday, October 24 at Cheney Witt Chapel. Matthew Hunt will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM. A private family burial will follow at Mason Cemetery, rural Uniontown.

Memorials are suggested to Faith Church Heart for The House and may be left in care of Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 South Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at cheneywitt.com.

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