Government, Kansas

Kansas DCF Partners with Binti for Family Finding Tech

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announced today a new partnership with Binti, a technology company focused on child welfare. The Binti Family Finding and Engagement platform strengthens practitioners’ ability to quickly identify and engage a child’s relatives and trusted adults, including non-relative kin, to support family connections and kinship placements.

Research shows that children in foster care who remain connected to relatives and trusted adults experience improved well-being, reduced trauma, and a greater chance of finding a safe, permanent home. Kansas’ use of Binti’s platform will provide crucial support to children who are at risk of entering foster care or are already in care.

“Children do better when they remain connected to the people and communities they know,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “By using advanced family finding technology, we can uncover important family and trusted adult connections that might otherwise be missed, giving more children the chance to stay with people who offer familiarity, support, and a lasting sense of belonging.”

“Every child deserves the chance to grow up surrounded by people who know and love them,” said Felicia Curcuru, Co-founder and CEO of Binti. “We’re proud to partner with the Kansas Department for Children and Families to give practitioners the tools they need to find those connections faster and help more children build lasting bonds with family and trusted adults.”

DCF Child Protective Services (CPS) staff and Prevention and Protection Services contractors are responsible for conducting and documenting their own family-finding efforts. Currently, multiple resources are used, including Consolidated Lead Evaluation and Reporting (CLEAR) software, internal DCF systems, contractor case-management systems, case records, internet searches, and other available sources. Due to differing systems and documentation practices, it can be difficult to share information, avoid duplicate searches, track previous outreach and responses, and maintain a complete statewide record of family-finding efforts.

The Family Finding and Engagement platform aims to remedy this by centralizing the approach to family finding to one platform. Available to CPS, Family Preservation providers, and foster care case management agencies, the Binti platform will connect information across the child and family well-being system, ensuring that what is learned at each stage of a family’s involvement is carried forward.

Binti has been awarded a one-year contract with a total cost of $624,620 for the initial term, with an option to renew for three additional 12-month periods. DCF expects the platform to be operational in 2027.

Fort Scott Community College, Opinion

From the Bleachers: The Strength to Say, “I Was Wrong”

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From the Bleachers: The Strength to Say, “I Was Wrong”

By Dr. Jack Welch

This past week, I saw something on Facebook that reminded me of a lesson we sometimes forget: One of the greatest signs of strength is being willing to admit when we are wrong.

A board member in Texas publicly apologized for calling another board member an “idiot” during a public-school board meeting. She did not begin by explaining why she was angry and called the person an idiot. She did not blame the other board member. She did not say, “I was wrong, but you need to understand what he did.” She simply owned it. She said she was wrong, asked her Lord and Savior for forgiveness, apologized to the board member, and committed to controlling her words and actions differently in the future. There is strength in that.

During my years in athletics, I have watched players make mistakes and immediately point toward a teammate. I have seen coaches blame officials after losses. In administrative leadership, I have seen people spend more energy explaining why the other person was wrong, than simply admitting they were wrong. Trying to shift the blame to others usually does nothing more than weaken an apology and make us appear unwilling to accept responsibility.

I think we all have been guilty at one time or another of speaking wrongly to someone. Most of us, if we are truthful, have said something in anger that we later wished we could take back. The question is not whether we will ever make a mistake. The question is what we do after we make one.

Integrity is not about always agreeing with one another. Character is not determined by which side of an issue we stand on. Faith is certainly not demonstrated by never falling short.

Sometimes character is simply having enough humility to say: “I was wrong. Please forgive me.”

This board member made a mistake and took ownership. Admitting we are wrong does not make us smaller. In many ways, it makes us bigger.

Thought for the Week: “Your character is not measured by never being wrong. It is measured by whether you have the courage and humility to admit it when you are.” — Kelly Boggs, Pastor

Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.

Business, Fort Scott, Health Care

Clifton Chiropractic Offers New Service: Hydro-Massage

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From left: Emily Norris, chiropractic assistant, Dr. Ethan Couch, Dr. Kaylee Clifton, and Angie Trim, office manager. The team at Clifton Chiropractic.

Dr. Kaylee Clifton is expanding the treatments Clifton Chiropractic LLC offers its clients.

In late August, she purchased a hydro-massage bed.

The hydro-massage bed is in a treatment room at the business just off Hwy. 69 on Third Street.

“The hydro treatment has been going well,” Dr. Clifton said. “It’s a good added treatment to relax and help with muscle and joint pain.”

“You can do this before or after a treatment, or just walk in,” said Angie Trim, office manager. “It may be eligible for a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account, you have to check in with the plan administrator.”

The treatment was at first located at Spoiled Brat Salon, and Heather Engstrom, the owner, “reached out to us.  Several of our chiropractic patients were using it there,” said Trim.

The cost is $20 for 20 minutes of hydro-massage in the lounge chair.

During the week of September 21, high school or community college athletes get 1/2 price off the hydro-massage treatment.

Other services

The price list at Clifton Chiropractic.

Both Dr. Couch and Dr. Clifton provide traditional chiropractic adjustments, and they provide other services as well.

“Dr. Couch does the dry needling treatment service,” Clifton said.

Dry needling is a technique where a very small, thin needed is used to release tight muscle knots and help reduce pain. It helps muscles relax, improves blood flow, and allows the body to heal better. It targets specific tight or irritated muscles, according to information provided by Clifton.

Dr. Clifton does acupuncture, a treatment that uses very thin needles placed at specific points on the body to help reduce pain, improve energy flow, and support the body’s natural healing process. It’s based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on energy pathways in the body, while dry needling targets tight muscles directly, according to information from Clifton.

Dr. Clifton is also a practitioner in allergy elimination, in a technique known as NAET.

NAET is a mild, non-invasive, gentle energy balancing procedure.

She is also doing vagus nerve resets (restoring healthy rhythm and responsiveness) with acupuncture.

Fees.
Clifton Chiropractic is located on Third Street, just off of Hwy. 69. The address is 203 E. Third. Contact the office at 620.644.5000.

 

Kansas

Kansas Arts Commission Seeks New State Poet Laureate

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) today announced that applications for the next Poet Laureate of Kansas currently are being accepted. The Poet Laureate serves as Kansas’ leading voice for poetry, connecting communities through workshops, lectures and other public programs.

“Arts and culture play an important role in advancing the quality of place and economic vitality of communities across the state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Supporting the Poet Laureate is a way for Commerce and the Arts Commission to invest in our communities by elevating Kansas voices, building the state’s creative economy, and connecting the literary arts to the communities and businesses they help sustain.”

Responsibilities for Poet Laureate during their four-year term include presenting at a minimum of eight free public events each year, developing a signature program for Kansas audiences, and participating in the annual Poetry Out Loud program. Selected poets will work with Kansas Arts Commission staff on outreach and maintain an active writing and publishing practice.

“Poetry is a creative platform for artists to share where they come from, their personal values and their perspective of the world,” Kansas Arts Commission Director Curtis Young said. “This is an opportunity for poets eager to showcase their talents to Kansas communities and help more Kansans view poetry as a beneficial piece of their lives.”

To be considered for Poet Laureate, applicants must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Not enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate university program
  • Have lived in Kansas for at least three years and remain a resident throughout the term
  • Be available to travel and present statewide
  • Demonstrate a strong body of publicly accessible poetry and active publishing practice
  • Have a minimum of three publications from the previous five years
  • Not be a current KAC staff member or former Poet Laureate of Kansas participant

Traci Brimhall, the current Poet Laureate of Kansas who has served since 2023, is an author of four poetry collections, most recently The Grief Artist. Her poems have appeared in publications including The New Yorker, Poetry Orion and Best American Poetry.

“It’s truly been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life to serve Kansas as Poet Laureate these past four years,” Poet Laureate of Kansas Traci Brimhall said. “I’ve gotten to visit so many great libraries and communities and I’m astonished at the great talent growing in all corners of our state.”

Applicants for the next Poet Laureate must include an artist statement, a narrative describing their vision for advancing poetry in Kansas, a resume or curriculum vitae, and 10 original poems. Applicants may, but are not required to, also submit up to three supplemental materials, such as letters of support or an outline of a proposed public program.

Finalists will be invited to Topeka to present a sample of the programming they would offer during their term. The position includes a $12,000 annual stipend and travel support for approved programs with nonprofit and community organizations in Kansas. The four-year term begins January 1, 2027.

Applications close Friday, October 9. The complete guidelines and the application can be found here.

For more information or questions about the Poet Laureate of Kansas, please contact arts@ks.gov.

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary for Sept. 21, 2026 Meeting

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Bourbon County Commission

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda – September 21, 2026, 5:30 PM

agenda-packet (full PDF)

Agenda as of September 18th, 2026 5:07 PM Central for the September 21st, 2026 5:30 PM meeting, fetched from HeyGov when this draft was created.

Detailed Information Packet Summary

1. Meeting Minutes Pending Approval (Pages 3–10, 46–73)

The packet includes several sets of draft minutes for commission approval.

  • Special Meeting, Sept. 14, 2026, 1:00 PM — Appraiser candidate interviews: Four executive sessions under K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) to interview appraiser candidates (Danyelle, Adam, Andrew, and final candidate Brooke), each 10–25 minutes, no action taken during sessions. (Pages 3–5)
  • Meeting, Sept. 14, 2026, 5:30 PM — Revenue Neutral Rate public hearing: Public hearing on a proposed mill levy of 56.678 mills versus the revenue-neutral rate of 54.661 mills (about $294,000 in additional revenue); resolution to exceed the RNR carried 5-0. Agenda amended to remove the KC Crown item (postponed a week), add a burn ban discussion and a pending-litigation executive session. Approved the Confluence Inc. comprehensive plan/zoning contract (Resolution 28-26), lifted the county burn ban, and authorized Commissioner Milburn to proceed with hiring an appraiser. Kevin Allen and Clayton Miller raised transfer-station rate/wage concerns. (Pages 6–10)
  • Meeting, Aug. 24, 2026: Courthouse elevator outage prompted temporary relocation of District Court to 108 W. Second St.; election ballot deadlines discussed; cereal malt beverage application approved; Baker Tilly budget scenario analysis presented; public hearing notice authorized for a mill levy not to exceed 56.669 mills. (Pages 46–51)
  • Special Meeting, Sept. 2, 2026 — Asbestos testing: Commission engaged Apex Environmental for courthouse asbestos inspection/testing ahead of elevator modernization, not-to-exceed $5,000 budget; motion carried 4-0. (Pages 64–65)
  • Meeting, Sept. 9, 2026: Approved an $8,000 training invoice; approved restrictive covenant and Triad Environmental water-testing contract ($12,990) for the old landfill site; discussed appraiser applicant interviews and a possible Allen County appraiser-sharing arrangement. (Pages 66–68)
  • Meeting, Aug. 31, 2026: Public comment from Kevin Allen on transfer-station rate/wage plans; budget framework presented by Baker Tilly; S&P bond-rating discussion; asbestos-testing motions (mixed results); Healthcare Sales Tax Review Committee reported $336,741.49 collected year-to-date for Freeman Hospital’s ER; two-week countywide burn ban enacted 3-1. (Pages 69–73)

2. Accounts Payable / Open Invoices Report (Pages 12–40)

A 29-page open-invoices report dated 9/18/2026, grand total $581,360.08 across county funds.

  • Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund: $199,848.03
  • Road and Bridge Fund: $106,376.24
  • County Sheriff/Correctional: $45,772.69
  • Courthouse General: $47,121.52
  • Bond Sales Tax – County Jail: $8,195.85
  • Employee Benefit: $5,293.69
  • County Coroner (autopsy service): $7,675.00
  • Emergency Services Sales Tax (August hospital sales tax): $58,485.85
  • Other departments (District Court, Finance, HR, Emergency Preparedness, IT, Ambulance Service, County Treasurer, County Attorney, Landfill, Special Law Enforcement, Noxious Weed) round out the total.

(Pages 12–40)

3. County Appraiser Vacancy & Appointment (Pages 41–42, 79–80)

  • Notification of County Appraiser Change: Matt Quick’s resignation as County Appraiser, effective 8/18/2026, after eight years in the role. (Pages 41–42)
  • Draft Resolution — Appointment of County Appraiser: Appoints Danielle Louk, a Kansas Registered Mass Appraiser, effective September 21, 2026, to serve the unexpired term through June 30, 2029, sharing her services with Allen County under a Memorandum of Understanding; repeals Resolution 20-25. (Pages 79–80)

4. Budget & Revenue Neutral Rate Documentation (Pages 43, 45)

  • Notice of Hearing to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate and Budget Hearing: Full 2027 budget summary by fund, comparing 2025 actual, 2026 estimate, and proposed 2027 figures; total proposed expenditures $19,969,633, proposed 2026 ad valorem tax $8,148,472, proposed tax rate 56.678 mills versus a revenue-neutral rate of 54.661 mills. (Page 43)
  • Roll Call Vote: 5-0 vote to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate, held 9/14/26. (Page 45)

5. Comprehensive Plan & Zoning — Confluence, Inc. Agreement (Pages 52–63)

  • Resolution 28-26: Approves a Planning Services Agreement with Confluence, Inc. to develop a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code Regulations, total fee $116,500 (including up to $5,000 reimbursable expenses), funded $36,000 from the 2026 General Fund and $80,500 from the 2027 General Fund; aligns with the existing moratorium on utility-scale power generation, crypto mining, data centers and waste disposal (Resolution 24-26). Signed by Chairman Motley 9/14/26. (Pages 52–55)
  • Full Planning Services Agreement: Four-phase, roughly 12-month scope (Project Research + Analysis; Vision, Input and Direction; Draft Plan + Zoning Code; Final Draft Plan and Code + Adoption) with fees by phase totaling $116,500, plus Exhibit A standard hourly rates and reimbursable expense schedule. (Pages 56–63)

6. Environmental Testing Proposals (Pages 44, 74–78)

  • Triad Environmental Services: Proposal to sample groundwater monitoring wells at KDHE Landfill #206 & #512, approximate total cost $12,990; approved by Commissioner Allen 9/9/26. (Page 44)
  • APEX Environmental Consultants — “Apex environment” (agenda item XII.a): Pre-renovation asbestos NESHAP inspection, lead-based paint testing and ambient air monitoring of the courthouse ahead of elevator/third-floor renovation; fees of $2,475 for field inspection/report and an estimated $1,050 for bulk sample analysis (30 samples @ $35 each). Includes full General Conditions terms. (Pages 74–78)

7. Murphy Tractor & Equipment Letter — Purchasing Policy (Pages 81–84)

Territory Sales Manager Travis Clinesmith writes to the Board questioning the county’s recent equipment purchasing process. He states Murphy Tractor was not contacted or invited to submit competitive proposals for a Caterpillar motor grader (~$54,000/year for eight years, more than $432,000 total, via Foley Equipment/Sourcewell), an excavator (~$34,000/year), or a proposed Caterpillar backhoe (later rescinded pending a used-equipment search). He asks the Board to clarify the county’s current competitive-bidding procedures for major equipment purchases and requests the opportunity to compete going forward. (Pages 81–84)

8. Employee Insurance Benefit Proposal (Pages 85–86)

A proposal (Commissioner Milburn) to standardize the county’s insurance contribution at $1,100/month for the roughly 82 employees who use county insurance (replacing the current tiered $925–$1,700/month structure), and to offer $2/hour premium pay (about $4,160/year) to the roughly 35 eligible employees who opt out with outside coverage, at an estimated added cost of $145,600/year. (Pages 85–86)

9. Office Space Assignment Resolution (Pages 87–89)

A draft resolution formally designating office, workspace, storage and restricted-area assignments throughout the Courthouse and Courthouse Annex — including District Court, County Attorney, Appraiser, Recorder of Deeds, County Clerk, Public Works, County Treasurer, and a list of restricted cell-pod storage/IT areas — and requiring Commission approval for any reassignment. (Pages 87–89)

10. KORA / Public Records Policy Resolutions (Pages 90–102)

  • Resolution 10-06 (2006): Existing schedule of copy and fax fees under KORA, currently in effect. (Pages 90–92)
  • Draft comprehensive KORA resolution (agenda item XIII.e): A new, detailed resolution decentralizing public-records responsibility to each office/department’s own custodian rather than routing all requests through the County Clerk, setting a $0.25/page copy fee and staff-time billing, and superseding Resolutions 99-19 and 10-06 where they conflict. (Pages 93–101)
  • KORA Resolution #99-19 (1999): The original, still-referenced public records policy. (Page 102)

11. KC Crown Inc. Fort Scott Housing Project (Pages 103–105)

  • Project scope memo: KC Crown Inc. proposes a phased affordable-housing development (25 homes per phase, up to 4 phases) on land owned by Binder “Sam” Singh south of the KC Mart, with an initial investment of about $2.5 million; requests a Commission resolution of support to apply for the Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit. (Page 103)
  • Draft resolution: Authorizes preparation and submission of a Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) application for the Housing Investor Tax Credit (HITC) on the county’s behalf. (Pages 104–105)
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Friends of Fort Scott NHS Annual Meeting Tonight

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Fort Scott National Historic Site

Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site will hold their annual meeting Monday, September 21, at 6 p.m. at the home of Ronda and Rob Hassig, 512 S. Judson St. Friends members and the general public are invited to attend.

Evening highlights

  • Light refreshments
  • A special program on Quantrill’s Raid
  • A drawing for a reproduction U.S. 1847 Walker Colt Revolver

Revolver fundraiser drawing

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Fort Scott National Historic Site. Suggested donation is $15 or more for one ticket, or $40 or more for three tickets. A small service fee applies to online purchases. You do not need to be present to win, and no donation is necessary to obtain a ticket.

To request one free ticket, mail a handwritten request to:

Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site
P.O. Box 442
Fort Scott, KS 66701

Limit one free ticket per household. Free tickets are limited, so requests should be mailed early.

Everyone is welcome to attend and learn more about the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 18, 2026

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Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 18, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 63 calls for service on September 18, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Domestic / Verbal — 3:52 AM, 415 College, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01525FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Suspicious Activity — 9:56 AM, 2403 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01526FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Seeking Advice/Info — 1:31 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01527FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Follow-Up — 6:07 PM, 293 E 20th St. Complaint No. 26-0893BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Theft — 7:35 PM, 2500 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01528FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Check Welfare — 9:48 PM, 617 S Lowman, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01529FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Fire and EMS

EMS — 4:03 AM, 415 College, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 11:41 AM, 315 Scott St #211, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 3:37 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 5:52 PM, 205 W 5th St, Redfield. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS / Transfer — 6:02 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS / Standby — 6:37 PM, 601 E 5th St. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 8:17 PM, 2 E 1st St, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

Other Calls for Service

Check Vehicle — 12:17 AM, 700 Blk, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Building Check — 12:27 AM, 502 S Margrave, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Driving — 12:46 AM, 2590 Kansas, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

27,28,29 Checks — 2:19 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Check Area — 3:09 AM, 1010 Park Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 5:24 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Extra Patrol — 7:31 AM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 7:46 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

911 / Accidental — 8:40 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Animal Control — 9:20 AM, 115 W Wall, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 9:19 AM, 101 S State St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 9:48 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 9:57 AM, 1805 E 1st St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 10:11 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 10:18 AM, 601 N Barbee, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 10:38 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Seeking Advice/Info — 10:42 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Follow-Up — 11:43 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 12:28 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Juvenile — 1:03 PM, 403 Woodland Hills Blvd. Disposition: HBO.

Court — 1:20 PM, 210 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Public Assist — 1:33 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Follow-Up — 1:57 PM, 402 Hill St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Suspicious Vehicle — 2:39 PM, 206 E 23rd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint — 2:47 PM, National Ave. Disposition: 77.

Seeking Advice/Info — 3:14 PM, 402 S Hill St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 3:20 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 3:37 PM, 1802 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Follow-Up — 3:39 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 3:59 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: * Multiple.

Animal Control — 4:09 PM, 1202 Walnut Dr, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Juvenile — 4:32 PM, 2379 Locust Rd. Disposition: 22.

Animal Control — 5:27 PM, 421 Scott St. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 5:55 PM, 401 5th St. Disposition: HBD.

Vehicle Unlock — 6:24 PM, 1510 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 6:29 PM, 24 N Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 6:40 PM, 735 Scott St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Seeking Advice/Info — 9:10 PM, 1714 E 1st St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint — 9:18 PM, Kansas Rd. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint — 9:28 PM, 54 Hwy, Bronson. Disposition: 77.

Threat — 11:20 PM, 735 S Scott, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Harassment — 11:38 PM, 109 S Broadway, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 1:19 AM, 3rd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

Traffic Stop — 2:51 AM, National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

Traffic Stop — 9:40 AM, 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:53 PM, National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

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

Traffic Stop — 10:49 PM, 2111 Locust Rd. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:00 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:00 PM, 2216 S Main St. Disposition: WW.

Total Calls for Service: 63

Documents:

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 19, 2026

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Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 19, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 39 calls for service on September 19, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Domestic / Physical — 4:20 PM, 1219 E Elm, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01530FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Check Welfare — 5:08 PM, 902 E Wall #7, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01531FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Harassment — 7:41 PM, 2033 165th, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0894BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Harassment — 7:41 PM, 2033 165th, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0895BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Check Area — 10:24 PM, 255th. Complaint No. 26-0896BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fire and EMS

Fire / Other — 11:16 AM, 1920 S Main St. Disposition: FIRE.

EMS / Transfer — 1:02 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 5:22 PM, 902 E Wall #107, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Fire / Grass — 7:23 PM, 7 Hwy. Disposition: FIRE.

EMS — 7:39 PM, 2389 Limestone Rd, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fire / Grass — 7:41 PM, 250th. Disposition: FIRE.

Other Calls for Service

27,28,29 Checks — 1:47 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: NR.

Public Assist — 2:06 AM, Main St. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 5:18 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Accident / Injury Unknown — 9:31 AM, 625 Meadow Ln, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

Check Welfare — 9:50 AM, 902 E Wall, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 10:07 AM, 1124 S Clark. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 12:01 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Seeking Advice/Info / Walk-In — 12:25 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 1:56 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 2:58 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 3:57 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 4:01 PM, 1 E 3rd St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 4:35 PM, 102 S State, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Alarm / Burglary — 6:10 PM, 1st St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Domestic / Unknown — 7:00 PM, 323 S Broadway. Disposition: HBO.

Suspicious Activity — 7:16 PM, 208 S Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Check Subject — 8:55 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Suspicious Activity — 8:57 PM, 1244 E Oak. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 9:09 AM, 1518 Maple. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:22 PM, 12th St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:45 PM, Ransom, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:47 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:58 PM, 2402 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 4:10 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 4:42 PM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 5:08 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 5:21 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:43 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: * Multiple.

Total Calls for Service: 39

Documents:

Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheet: Sept. 20, 2026

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Watercolour illustration of the Fort Scott Police Department, 1604 S National Avenue

The Fort Scott Police Department reported 37 events for Sept. 20, 2026.

Event No. Time Address Category Disposition
2026-00016327 07:59 2400 blk, Fort Scott Traffic Stop WW
2026-00016328 08:02 1454 125th, Redfield EMS AMBU
2026-00016329 08:12 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott 911 / Accidental 22
2026-00016330 08:22 2101 S Main, Fort Scott Traffic Stop WW
2026-00016331 08:28 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott 27,28,29 Checks HBD
2026-00016332 09:40 293 E 20th St Seeking Advice/Info HBO
2026-00016333 10:59 304 Ivy Ln Check Subject Multiple
2026-00016334 11:01 Ivy Ln, Fort Scott EMS AMBU
2026-00016335 11:48 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott Disturbance HBO
2026-00016336 12:28 1604 National, Fort Scott Seeking Advice/Info HBO
2026-00016337 12:48 101 Andrick St Animal Control 77
2026-00016338 13:29 304 Ivy Ln, Fort Scott Disturbance HBO
2026-00016339 13:48 938 S Eddy, Fort Scott Vehicle Unlock HBO
2026-00016340 15:33 1604 National, Fort Scott Fire / Other FIRE
2026-00016341 15:47 24 N Caldwell, Fort Scott Disturbance HBO
2026-00016342 16:54 1219 E Elm, Fort Scott Battery HBO
2026-00016343 16:57 1519 E Wall St, Fort Scott Trespassing HBO
2026-00016344 17:18 1005 Charles St, Bronson Juvenile RPTG
2026-00016345 17:23 2500 S Main, Fort Scott Found Property RPTG
2026-00016346 18:04 1761 Locust Rd, Fort Scott Runaway RPTG
2026-00016347 18:18 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott Remove Subject HBO
2026-00016348 18:34 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott EMS / Transfer AMBU
2026-00016349 18:46 103 Steen, Fort Scott Seeking Advice/Info / City HBO
2026-00016350 19:12 2111 Locust Rd Traffic Stop WW
2026-00016351 19:34 Caldwell, Fort Scott Disturbance ARRC
2026-00016352 19:48 54 Hwy, Fort Scott Check Vehicle 77
2026-00016353 19:50 1604 National, Fort Scott Seeking Advice/Info HBO
2026-00016354 20:20 1397 155th, Fort Scott Check Vehicle HBO
2026-00016355 21:17 10th St Traffic Stop WW
2026-00016356 21:54 217 S Barbee St Follow-Up HBO
2026-00016357 22:34 1715 S National, Fort Scott Traffic Stop WW
2026-00016358 22:42 1219 E Elm, Fort Scott Disturbance HBO
2026-00016359 23:11 1920 S Main St Traffic Stop WW
2026-00016360 23:27 69 Hwy Traffic Stop WW
2026-00016361 23:35 69 Hwy Traffic Stop WW
2026-00016362 23:36 69 Hwy Traffic Stop WW
2026-00016363 23:58 1819 S Main, Fort Scott Traffic Stop WW

Source: Fort Scott Police Department Event Report.

Documents:

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Arrest Report: Sept. 18-21, 2026

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Watercolor illustration of the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center with the words Bourbon County Sheriff s Report

Arrest Summary Report (09/18/2026 – 09/21/2026)

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office

Brown, Shelby, 34 — held for Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Arrested 9/18/2026 1:15 p.m. on a warrant (probation violation), case BB-2021-CR-000062. No bond.

Yoder, Joseph R Jr, 24 — held for Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Arrested 9/19/2026 8:30 p.m., released 9/20/2026 1:58 p.m. Warrant (failure to appear), case BB-2026-TR-214. Cash/surety bond of $2,500.

Hall, Pete Wells, 40 — held for Fort Scott Police Department. Arrested 9/20/2026 8:31 p.m. Charges: battery, criminal restraint. No bond.

Herrington, John Thomas, 56 — held for Fort Scott Police Department. Arrested 9/21/2026 2:10 a.m.

Guss, Roy, 57 — held for Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Arrested 9/21/2026 6:26 a.m. Charge: distribute controlled substance, unknown substance. No bond.

Inmate Released List (09/18/2026 – 09/21/2026)

Hodgins, Darrin Oaren, 57, W/M — booked 9/16/2026, released 9/18/2026 12:15 p.m. Time served, released to self.

Yoder, Joseph R, 24, W/M — booked 9/19/2026, released 9/20/2026 1:58 p.m. Surety bond, released to A Plus Bail Bonds.

All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Source: Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office / Fort Scott Police Department.

Documents:

Opinion

Shooting Your Foot by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

Shooting Your Foot

After graduating business college I began working as a secretarial receptionist in Springfield, MO. I enjoyed it, but after a couple of years, I applied for a position at a different company that paid more. I remember praying, “Lord, if You’ll allow me to get this job, I’ll pay tithes.” I landed the job and kept my word. I was young, single, and figuring out my walk with God. My promise started me out on the right foot regarding money management. At first I tithed 10% of my net income, but later realized my giving to the church should be based on my gross income. The question I asked myself was: “If I had a dollar, would I be willing to give Someone a dime?” My answer was, “Yes!”

All my life I’ve heard, “It pays to serve Jesus,” “You can’t out-give God,” “He owns the cattle on a thousand hills,” etc. I’ll add one more: “Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by thinking you can’t afford to pay tithes.” Honestly, you can’t afford not to! But don’t take my word for it. Let’s see what God’s Word says:

“Bring the full 10 percent into the storehouse so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this way, says the Lord of Hosts. See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure” (Malachi 3:10 CSB). Who wants to pass up  a blessing? This is the only reference where God says, “Give this a shot – try it and see if it doesn’t work!” Obedience is not a trial test for a month; it’s a lifetime practice. God’s arithmetic is a mystery – His budget-and-blessing system doesn’t work by using a calculator. Just put God first, pay your tithes and bills promptly, and trust that He’ll make good on those blessings without measure.

“But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your ancestors, as it is today” (Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV). God provides the strength and skill-set to enable us to work. So the least we can do is cheerfully give back what’s rightfully His.   

 “Even strong young lions go without and get hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:10). When we love, revere, and obey God, we have the right (as His children) to ask Him for what we need. And He promises we will not lack.

A believer who’s having trouble making ends meet should give God a chance to prove Himself. Start giving a 10% tithe to your church (storehouse). Even if it looks impossible according to your calculator and checkbook, you can’t afford not to give what’s due to the Lord. You’re just shooting yourself in the foot and getting deeper in the hole. Don’t sabotage yourself!

Apostle Paul wrote to the Church of Corinth, “Let giving flow from your heart, not from a sense of religious duty. Let it spring up freely from the joy of giving – all because God loves hilarious generosity!” (2 Corinthians 9:7 TPT).

Christ followers are not cheaters nor thieves. But sometimes we don’t think things through nor consider what God has to say about Christian living and generosity. King David prayed to God: “The way You tell me to live is always right; help me understand it so I can live to the fullest” (Psalm 119:144 MSG).

The Key: Put away your shotgun, be a happy giver, and watch for God’s blessings!

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 17, 2026

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Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 17, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 66 calls for service on September 17, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Fire / Structure — 10:03 AM, 3rd St. Complaint No. 26-01518FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Threat — 1:45 PM, 201 E 23rd St. Complaint No. 26-01519FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 3:52 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01521FS. Disposition: HBO.

Criminal Damage — 4:03 PM, 1105 E 12th, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01520FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Warrant Service / Arrest — 5:31 PM, 293 E 20th St. Complaint No. 26-0892BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Disturbance — 6:48 PM, 106 S Crawford. Complaint No. 26-01522FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Follow-Up — 8:52 PM, 6th St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01523FS. Disposition: ARRC.

Domestic / Verbal — 9:25 PM, 1720 E 1st St. Complaint No. 26-01524FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Fire and EMS

EMS / Transfer — 4:41 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS — 10:01 AM, 1332 240th, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Standby — 5:27 PM, 601 E 5th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS / Standby — 5:28 PM, 1005 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS — 7:54 PM, 1126 S Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 8:57 PM, 614 Andrick St. Disposition: AMBU.

Other Calls for Service

Check Vehicle — 1:54 AM, 1005 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Check Vehicle — 1:54 AM, 501 Couch St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Alarm / Burglary — 2:38 AM, 206 W Humboldt. Disposition: HBO.

Juvenile — 7:21 AM, 6th. Disposition: HBO.

SRO — 8:10 AM, 316 W 10th, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 8:27 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Hang Up — 8:31 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

27,28,29 Checks — 8:39 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Check Records / Criminal History — 8:41 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Other Agency Assist — 9:23 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: RPTS.

Other Agency Assist — 9:26 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / County — 9:27 AM, 3200 Liberty Bell Rd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 9:27 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Traffic Lights/RR Crossing — 9:39 AM, Noble Rd, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 10:15 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Check Welfare — 10:41 AM, 1831 E Oak, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / County — 10:44 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Remove Subject — 10:48 AM, 1920 S Main St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 11:00 AM, 203 E 3rd St. Disposition: RPTC.

Follow-Up — 12:01 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

VIN Inspections / County — 12:13 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Lost Property — 12:37 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Transport / Prisoner — 12:48 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 12:54 PM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

Court — 1:06 PM, 123 S Main St. Disposition: HBO.

Warrant Service / Arrest — 1:25 PM, 210 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: RPTS.

Follow-Up — 2:17 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 2:20 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Hang Up — 2:35 PM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 3:13 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 3:15 PM, 761 Ransom, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 3:29 PM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

Follow-Up — 4:22 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 5:15 PM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

Follow-Up — 5:17 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 77.

Alarm / Burglary — 5:35 PM, 1624 S National Ave. Disposition: 22.

Extra Patrol — 5:59 PM, 923 S Holbrook St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / County — 6:05 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 6:40 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 7:42 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / County — 8:15 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Vehicle Unlock — 11:10 PM, 1920 S Main St. Disposition: HBO.

Check Vehicle — 11:47 PM, 920 E 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 12:41 AM, 3rd St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 1:18 AM, 2420 S Main St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:50 AM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 3:48 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 4:27 AM, 1708 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 8:40 AM, 6th St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:41 AM, 3rd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:43 PM, Sherman, Uniontown. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:45 PM, 1819 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Total Calls for Service: 66

Documents:

Bourbon County Local News