Obituary

Obituary: Laynard Leland Shearer, Age 85

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Laynard Leland Shearer

Laynard Leland Shearer, at the age of 85, passed away on July 3, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas, where he resided for the past 14 years. Laynard was born near Almena, Kansas on May 14, 1941, the son of Leslie and Velma (Douk) Shearer. He grew into manhood in rural Norton County, Kansas attending Almena Grade School, Dellvale Grade School and graduated from Lenora Rural High School with the Class of 1959. He holds degrees from Barton County Community College and Northwestern University Traffic Institute.

Lanny, as he was known to his friends, joined the U.S. Army in 1960 and served three years as a Military Policeman in Japan. After completing his military service, he joined the Norton, Kansas Police Department. After one year, he was accepted as a trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol. He retired after a 27-year career as the Patrol’s Assistant Superintendent with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served the last year of his career as Interim Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol.

He is survived by his wife Cynthia, a brother Gary Shearer (Rovella), and a sister Bernita (Willis) Daniels, both of Norton, Kansas, several nephews and nieces and many friends and relatives.

He was predeceased by his parents, Leslie & Velma Douk Shearer, his wife of 40 years, Kay (Diehl) Shearer, and his brother and wife, Keiford & Lucille Shearer.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026 at Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, Kansas 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

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Ad: Josh Jones — On the Record

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I’m Josh Jones, and you’ll always know what your commission is doing.

Joshua Jones, Republican for Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3 — On the Record

I’m Josh Jones, a lifelong resident and small-business owner, and I’m running for Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3.

One of the reasons I got involved in the first place is that I wanted to fight for transparency and public trust in our local government. You deserve to see exactly what your government is up to. Back before our local meetings were routinely posted online, I showed up with my own phone and recorded them myself, so citizens could watch the work for themselves. It made some officials uncomfortable — and that’s the point. Putting government on the record keeps everyone honest, including the people in office.

Here’s how I’ve always worked, and how I’ll work for you:

  • On the record — meetings on video, so anyone can see exactly what happened
  • Reachable — I answer questions on social media and meet folks face-to-face at the car lot; I don’t hide from the people I serve
  • Town halls — a real place to be heard, so the regular meetings stay productive

And here’s the thing I never want anyone in office to forget: this is your county, and those elected officials work for you — not the other way around. If you ever feel like no one’s listening, don’t give up. Make a phone call, write a letter, come to a meeting. Your voice is the whole point.

Vote Josh Jones — Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3. On the record. Within reach.

Paid for by Joshua Jones for County Commissioner, Josh Jones, Treasurer.

Learn more and get in touch: Josh Jones on Facebook

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Ad: What FSCC Offers

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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!

Fort Scott Community College; where opportunity meets possibility.

K-State Extension

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Starts August 5th in Fort Scott

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Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Starts August 5th

Starting August 5th, enhance your health and independence through strength-building exercises at the Fort Scott fairgrounds, Yeager Building, located at 2102 S. Huntington Blvd.

The “Stay Strong Stay Healthy” class will meet twice weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00–11:00 a.m. for 8 weeks. Pre-registration is required; call 620-244-3826 to register and learn more. Thanks to a partnership with Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging, this class is offered at a $10.00 donation fee.

This evidence-based program is built on simple, strength-building exercises that will improve balance, health, and state of mind. No, it’s not strenuous weight-lifting. You’ll start at a level that’s right for you! No one is too inactive to participate. Take this opportunity to improve your health and join others in this fun program!

Class Details

  • Dates: August 5th – September 23rd
  • Days: Wednesdays and Fridays
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
  • Location: Fort Scott Fair Grounds, Yeager Building, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd, Fort Scott
  • Cost: $10.00 donation (thanks to a partnership with Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging)
  • Register by: July 31st

Call 620-244-3826 to register!

Benefits include:

  • Increase your overall fitness, flexibility, and balance
  • Build muscle and increase bone density to reduce frailty, osteoporosis, and the risk of falls
  • Meet new people
  • Take home a handy exercise guide to continue the program
  • Exercise equipment is provided in class

For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, Family and Community Wellness Agent, K-State Extension Southwind District, at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Kansas

Sunflower Summer 2026: Free Attractions for Kansas Families

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TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism is excited to announce the opening of the 2026 Sunflower Summer program and is inviting Kansas families to enjoy a season packed with unforgettable adventures. Created for Kansas students and their families, the Sunflower Summer program offers complimentary admission to more than 230 attractions across the state. The 2026 season opens Thursday, July 9, and runs through Sunday, August 2.

“While Sunflower Summer is a fantastic benefit for Kansas families, it’s also an investment in our future,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Providing affordable access to our state’s historic, cultural and natural spaces helps young generations connect to and fall in love with Kansas. At the same time, real economic impact is being delivered to communities by generating spending at local retail, dining and lodging businesses.”

The Sunflower Summer program is open to all Kansas school-aged students, pre-K through 12th grade, including public, private and homeschooled. Out-of-state students and families are not eligible to participate. The program covers admission costs for eligible students and one adult guardian per attraction, per season. Tickets can be claimed through the free Sunflower Summer mobile app and redeemed at the venue upon arrival. The Sunflower Summer app can be downloaded through the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or the Sunflower Summer website.

“We’re excited to welcome Kansas families back for another summer of exploration through our Sunflower Summer program,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “There are participating attractions in every part of the state, making it easy for families to discover new experiences and create lasting memories right here at home.”

Participating attractions include museums, discovery centers, historic sites, arboretums, zoos and more. To view the full list of participating attractions, visit sunflowersummer.org or download the Sunflower Summer mobile app.

To share your Sunflower Summer experiences on social media, use the hashtags #ToTheStarsKS and #SunflowerSummer as you post your travels.

For more travel inspiration and tips about exploring Kansas, visit TravelKS.com.

About Kansas Tourism: The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education and support.

Opinion

Opinion: Electing Kansas Supreme Court Justices Is a Bad Idea – Randy Nichols

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Opinion: Electing Kansas Supreme Court Justices Is a Bad Idea

The most consequential issue of the 2026 Kansas election cycle is on the August 4th primary ballot. The question proposes a constitutional amendment changing how Supreme Court justices are chosen. The change is from our current merit-based appointment system to selection by popular vote. The ballot explanatory language is inaccurate, misleading and prejudicial. The ballot author is trying to trick you. Don’t be fooled. Electing Supreme Court justices is a very bad idea.

In 1956–57 politicians used a bait and switch plan, “The Triple Play,” to fill a vacant Supreme Court seat and circumvent the popular vote. In 1958 voters approved an amendment to prevent further political deception and interference and the Kansas Supreme Court Nominating Commission was established. The Commission has nine members. There is one lawyer and one non-lawyer from each of our four congressional districts. The lawyers are selected by vote of Kansas bar members in their district. The non-lawyers are appointed by the governor. The chairperson lawyer is elected by a statewide vote of Kansas bar members. Using a published list of merit-based criteria the commission conducts interviews, deliberates and votes in open-to-the-public sessions that are also broadcast on YouTube. (See YouTube.com/@Kansasjudicialbranch — watch the 5/21/26 meeting.) The Commission vets the applicants, selects three and from these the governor appoints the Justice. This system works. Justices must stand for a retention election after their first year and every subsequent six years. No justice has ever failed a retention vote. We, the voters, have always approved, and thereby validated, the Commission merit-selected justices.

The purpose of the Kansas Supreme Court as a co-equal branch of government is to interpret and apply the law of Kansas, protecting our constitutional rights and providing checks on the other branches. In direct opposition to the current merit-based system, electing justices makes them politicians. Just like all politicians running for office, justices would make campaign promises — promises that would affect their decisions. More importantly, and unlike current prohibitions, they would be allowed to participate in party politics and would fund their campaigns from donors including political party money, wealthy donors, corporations and dark money PACs. There goes judicial independence!

All registered Kansas voters, including independents, are eligible to vote on this proposed amendment in the primary election August 4th. Make your plan to vote. The final day for voter registration is July 14th. Early voting begins July 20th.

Electing Supreme Court justices is a bad idea. On this amendment, VOTE NO!

— Randy Nichols, MD

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Submitted

Mary Anning Exhibition Closes July 11 at Lowell Milken Center

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Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

The Mary Anning Exhibition

FINAL WEEK! The Mary Anning Exhibition Closes Saturday

Time is running out! This Saturday, July 11, is your last opportunity to experience our special summer exhibition honoring Unsung Hero Mary Anning, the pioneering fossil hunter whose discoveries helped change our understanding of prehistoric life.

Hours:

Monday–Friday
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
(Final Day)

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
1 S. Main | Fort Scott
FREE Admission

Whether you’re bringing the kids, entertaining out-of-town guests, or simply looking for something unique to do this week, don’t miss this engaging exhibition featuring:

  •  Fossils and life-sized dinosaur replicas
  •  Dinosaur teeth, claws, and hands-on displays
  •  The inspiring story of Mary Anning and her groundbreaking discoveries

Questions: 620-223-1312

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Make plans to visit this week before this special exhibition comes to a close!

Visit the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Facebook Page

Visit the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes website

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – July 6, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – July 6, 2026

Arrested

Shead, Elijah A (Age 45) — Arrested 7/6/2026 1:56 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear) — Case BB-25-CR-295. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Coleman, Kenli Jeane (Age 21) — Arrested 7/6/2026 1:59 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear) — Case BB-2024-CR-000116. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Guinn, Dylan Blake (Age 31) — Arrested 7/6/2026 7:40 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear) — Case BB-2026-CR-000051. Bond: $1,500.00 (Cash/Surety).

Tucker, Blake Micheal (Age 36) — Arrested 7/6/2026 10:31 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: DUI (Misdemeanor), Transporting an Open Container. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Released

Dewing, Daniel James-Isaac — Released 7/6/2026 8:21 AM via Transferred Out (KDOC).

Mallory, Troy Thunder — Released 7/6/2026 8:22 AM via Transferred Out (KDOC).

McDerment, Ian Whelan — Released 7/6/2026 1:52 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Total Inmates Released: 3

Documents:

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Let’s Flamingle Shopping Event July 10–11 in Fort Scott

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce presents the Let’s Flamingle Shopping Event Downtown & Around Fort Scott, KS!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Let’s Flamingle shopping event will be held this Friday and Saturday, July 10th–11th, Downtown and around.

Businesses in the Downtown Historic District and additional locations will be participating by hiding flamingos inside the stores that can be found for discounts and giveaways. Shoppers may also pick up a card from any participating store and get it stamped by spending $5 or more in at least three retailers for a chance to win $50 in Chamber Bucks gift certificates.

Let's Flamingle Shopping Event – Friday & Saturday, July 10th & 11th

Participating Stores

Participating Stores list

  • 110 South Main Mercantile – 110 S. Main St.
  • Barbed Wire & Roses Vintage Market – 18 N. Main St.
  • Be The Light Boutique – 12 N. Main St.
  • Better In Bourbon – 2 Old Fort Blvd.
  • Common Ground Coffee Co. – 12 E. Wall St.
  • Eternal Grace Boutique – 13 N. Main St.
  • Hedgehog Books – 16 S. Main St.
  • Laree & Co. – 3 S. National Ave.
  • The Market at 23 Main – 23 S. Main St.
  • Shirt Shack – 11 E. 18th St.
  • Sunshine Boutique – 18 E. Wall St.

Grab your “flock” and get ready to shop local this weekend for the Let’s Flamingle event, Downtown and around in Fort Scott. Organized by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 620-223-3566, fortscott.com.

Click HERE for the Facebook Event Page!

Kansas

Registration Open for 2026 Kansas Ag Growth Summit

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture invites you to join them in Manhattan this summer as they discuss growth opportunities for agriculture at the 11th annual Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth on Thursday, August 20, at the Hilton Garden Inn at 410 S. 3rd Street in downtown Manhattan.

Each year, the Ag Summit takes on new challenges, and that has led to different formats in the last couple of years. This Summit will again see a significant change, as the whole day will be focused on transportation in agriculture, including the infrastructure, logistics, and networks that support the movement of Kansas agricultural products from farm to market. We will examine issues related to these topics through our speakers and panels, including a look at the new commodity flow study, a discussion about state infrastructure, and an examination of what improvements are needed to expand market access for Kansas producers.

The keynote speaker, Alejandra Castillo, president and CEO of the North American Export Grain Association, will share expertise related to trade opportunities and how investments in domestic infrastructure can solidify Kansas as a consistent international trade partner in the long term.

Along with this shift to a focused topic, another change to note is that KDA will not be hosting the annual social this year, but instead will be encouraging attendees to attend the K-State College of Agriculture’s ribbon cutting for the new agronomy innovation complex, which will be taking place shortly after the end of the Summit.

Due to the generosity of the sponsors, there is no cost to attend the Ag Growth Summit events, but it is important that attendees register by August 5 to guarantee a meal. After that date, walk-ins will be accepted as space allows. Registration can be found at www.agriculture.ks.gov/Summit.

All farmers, ranchers, agribusiness owners and industry professionals are welcome at the 2026 Ag Growth Summit — if you’re committed to working for agricultural growth in Kansas, please join KDA in this effort.

If you have questions about the 2026 Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth, please contact Naomi Hawkinson at [email protected] or 785-564-6799.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, Youth

Children Learn Flag Etiquette in Happenstance Meeting

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Cal Proctor, Judah Proctor, Wes Proctor and Stetson Harris with Fort Scott National Historic Site Ranger Paige Randolph, following the raising of the flag.. Submitted photos.

Kevin Moyers was having a morning walk with a couple of his grandchildren a few weeks ago at the Fort Scott National Historic Site and a ranger was putting the flags up for the day.

“She asked if the kids wanted to help,” Moyers said. “They did, and it was a thrill for them. So, over the 4th of July, more grandkids were coming in and I called the Fort to ask if we could help again, and they were glad for that to happen.”

Ranger Paige Randolph gave the children some points on respect for the flag and flag raising, he said.

Ranger Paige Randolph gives a lesson on raising the flag at Fort Scott National Historic Site to Cal Proctor, Wesley Proctor, and Stetson Harris. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County Local News