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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 15
Arrest Summary
ROJAS-PINA, JUAN DIEGO, 21
Arrested: 5/14/2026 12:59 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charges:
– Dhs Detainer (NO BOND)
– Dui; Misdemeanor (NO BOND)
Bond: $0
Inmate Released List
No releases reported.
Source: Arrest Summary PDF | Inmate Released List PDF
Grant Allows Tri-Valley to Purchase Diabetic Training Tool
Tri-Valley Purchases Diabetic Training Tool Thanks To Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund
Thanks to a grant from the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund Circle of Friends, Tri-Valley Developmental Services was able to purchase diabetic training kits, which will provide Tri-Valley staff with first-hand experience to enhance their competency in diabetes care.
“Tri-Valley is grateful to the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund Circle of Friends and the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas for enabling us to purchase these training kits. We are now able to provide our staff with hands-on training for proper diabetes care for the individuals we serve. By providing a more practical training, staff can become comfortable with administering insulin.” said Bill Fiscus, CEO. “This hands-on practical training would not have been positive without the support given to us by both the Community Foundation and the Rita J. Bicknell Circle of Friends Committee. Thank you.”
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas hosts individual charitable funds created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from these funds assist people throughout Southeast Kansas and beyond. Call CFSEK at 620-231-8897 with questions about the Community foundation.
Ad: Now Hiring — Bookkeeper & Office Administrator
Bandera Stone — Uniontown, KS
Bandera Stone is seeking a Bookkeeper & Office Administrator to join our team in Uniontown, KS.
Part-time or full-time — flexible hours to fit your schedule.
Responsibilities include:
- Accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll processing
- Monthly bank and credit card reconciliation
- General ledger maintenance
- Regulatory and compliance paperwork
- Vendor ordering and coordination
- Customer communication and support
Qualifications:
- Detail-oriented and organized with solid accounting knowledge
- Experience with QuickBooks and Excel preferred
- Sales experience a plus
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume with references to [email protected]
Trustees Present at Graduation/Pinning Ceremonies On May 14-15
Please be advised that there is a possibility that three (3) or more members of the Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College may be present at the following campus events:
- Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. — Nursing Pinning Ceremony – Ellis Fine Arts Building
- Friday, May 15, 2026 — All graduation and award ceremonies taking place on the campus of Fort Scott Community College
No official board action will be taken during these events.
Submitted by:
Lindsay Hill
Dean of Advancement/FSCC Board Clerk
Fort Scott Community College
The Entire American Revolution In 40 Minutes or Less is May 29-30
Tiger Drama Camp Presents “The Entire American Revolution (In 40 Minutes or Less)”
The Fort Scott High School Tiger Drama Camp presents “The Entire American Revolution (In 40 Minutes or Less)” by Eddie McPherson at 7 p.m. on May 29 and 30 at the FSHS Auditorium.
The camp is directed and designed by the FSHS Thespians and open to children going into 1st through 9th grades.
Pioneer Drama says, “History has never been so fun… or so fast! Flying through the major points of America’s quest for independence, this fast-and-loose comedy plays like a highlight reel of history in hilarious fashion! Sorry, Hamilton’s busy in a different play, but your audience will both laugh and learn as they watch patriots such as George Washington, Paul Revere, Samuel and John Adams, Patrick Henry, and Benjamin Franklin battle the vain King George III and his British soldiers. From the Boston Tea Party to the Battle of Bunker Hill (Did you know it was really Breed Hill?!) to the crossing of the Delaware and onward to the British surrender at Yorktown…”
The cast includes 25 students from the surrounding area while over a dozen high school students serve as directors and technical crew. FSHS recent graduates Levi Fairchild and Chris Newman serve as Directors and Thespians is directed by FSHS Theatre teacher Angie Bin.
Tickets are $5 and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Tickets are reserved seating and doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.
FSHS Tiger Drama Camp was recently featured in the Show Me the Ozarks Magazine. The in-depth story can be found on the magazine’s website.
“The Entire American Revolution (In 40 Minutes or Less)” is produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama
Service, Denver, Colorado.
# # #
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 14
Arrest Summary
ROJAS-PINA, JUAN DIEGO, 21
Arrested: 5/14/2026 12:59 AM
Agency: BCSO
Charge: Dui; Misdemeanor
Bond: $0
Inmate Released List
FRYE, JESSE, 44
Booked: 04/30/2026
Released: 5/13/2026 at 3:10 PM
Type: Court order
Released to: Self
LAROCHE, JAMES EDWARD, 36
Booked: 05/07/2026
Released: 5/13/2026 at 1:36 PM
Type: Surety bond
Released to: Able Bonding
Source: Arrest Summary PDF | Inmate Released List PDF
Freeman Health System Selects News Electronic Health Record System
Epic Partnership
Freeman Health System Selects Epic as its New Electronic Health Record System
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Joplin, MO – Ensuring a more seamless patient experience for decades to come, Freeman Health System has selected health care software leader Epic as its next-generation electronic health record (EHR) system.
Epic features innovative tools like MyChart for patient engagement, AI-driven analytics, telehealth, and specialized modules for cardiology or oncology, as examples. Previously, Freeman utilized Meditech software as its EHR vendor.
The region’s largest healthcare provider expects to roll out Epic system-wide on October 24, 2026.
“Epic will allow us to streamline workflows and documentation, improve access to information, and ensure our patients and providers are supported by a system designed to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges,” said Freeman’s Chief Information Officer Matthew Sabus.
Once operational, Epic will serve as a single, integrated platform for clinical and administrative workflows across Freeman Health System, which includes four hospitals, behavioral health giant Ozark Center, and numerous primary, urgent, and specialty clinics across three states.
Health systems like Freeman are switching to Epic—the nation’s largest EHR vendor with more than 325 million patients having a current record in its system—to enhance patient care, streamline operations, improve clinician well-being, and provide a simpler healthcare experience for the communities they serve.
“This decision is a major milestone in our journey to provide compassionate, coordinated care that is powered by innovation,” Sabus said.
Electronic health records systematically collect patient and population health information in digital format, with the capability of safely sharing these records across various healthcare settings.
Freeman’s anticipated switch to Epic, Sabus said, “is the beginning of something truly transformative for our patients, our providers, and our entire health system.”
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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., and Ozark Center—the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services—as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics, and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanh
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 60 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart and vascular care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit www.freemanhealth.com.
Bourbon County Launches Genasys ALERT Notification System
Bourbon County is now utilizing the Genasys ALERT notification system to provide residents with emergency notifications and important public safety information.
Bourbon County will transition away from the current CodeRED alert system effective May 31, 2026. Residents currently receiving CodeRED notifications will need to register for Genasys ALERT, as contact information from the CodeRED system will not transfer to the new platform.
The system will be used to notify residents about incidents that may affect safety, including severe weather, floods, wildfires, gas leaks, power outages, evacuation or shelter-in-place orders, active threats, and other emergencies. Bourbon County may also use the system to provide information regarding road closures and traffic impacts related to public events such as parades, festivals, and community celebrations.
Genasys ALERT is a multi-channel communication platform that delivers notifications through phone calls, text messages, and email.
Residents are encouraged to register at:
bourboncountyks.genasys.com/portal
Users can customize how they receive alerts, add multiple phone numbers and email addresses, enter important locations, and choose the types of notifications they wish to receive.
To help ensure alerts are received properly, residents are encouraged to save the following contacts:
- Phone Alerts Caller ID: (620) 224-2056
- Text/SMS Sender ID: 65513
- Email Notifications: Bourbon County KS ([email protected])
Receiving timely and accurate information during an emergency is extremely important. Bourbon County Emergency Management encourages all residents to register and keep their contact information updated so they can receive alerts and important community notifications.
Additional information and frequently asked questions are available on the Genasys ALERT login page.
This is a new system for Bourbon County, and officials ask for the public’s patience as final details are worked through and the transition from CodeRED is completed.
For more information, contact:
Bourbon County Emergency Management
Phone: 620-215-6316
Email: [email protected]
Obituary of Valerie June Canon
Valerie June Canon, age 71, resident of Fort Scott, KS, passed away Monday, May 11, 2026, at her home. She was born March 27, 1955, in Albuquerque, NM, the daughter of Clay and Carolyn K. Kepley Canon. Upon moving to Fort Scott from New Mexico, Valerie worked as a bartender at the Fort Scott Country Club and later the Silver Spur. She then worked in health care for area nursing homes. Valerie’s many interests included bingo, fishing, arts and crafts, and home décor. She was a great cook, specializing in New Mexican cuisine. Her true love was spending time with her grandchildren. Valerie had a caring heart, always having an open door for anyone in need.
Survivors include 3 children, Diane Renee Canon, Bonner Springs, KS, Ramon Martinez (Natasha) Fort Scott, KS, and Jason Martinez (Quatisha) Fort Scott, KS; 10 grandchildren, Breonna (Dashaun), Ronal, Antwaun (Vanessa), Deandre (Katherine), Angel, Leiya, Andrew, Jacob, Isabella, and Olivia; 7 great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a young brother, Clay Canon, Jr., a sister Fredina Gonzales and her husband David Gonzales; and her parents.
There was cremation. Private family services will take place at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Valerie Canon Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St. Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Bourbon County Planning Commission Meeting Agenda Summaries, May 13 and 14, 2026
There will be a planning commission meeting at 5:30 pm on 5/13/26 and also 5/14/26 at 210 S National Avenue.
Summary of Bourbon County Planning Committee Agenda
Bourbon County Planning Committee Agenda for Wednesday May 13th
Meeting Date: Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
Agenda Outline
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Pledge of Allegiance (Page 1)
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Roll Call (Page 1)
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Approval of Agenda (Page 1)
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Approval of Minutes (April 22nd and April 27th) (Page 1)
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New Business (Page 1)
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Comprehensive Plan Interviews (Page 1)
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Public Comment (Page 1)
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Next Meeting and Agenda Planning (Page 1)
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Adjournment (Page 1)
Detailed Section Summaries
Administrative Approvals The committee will begin by formalizing the meeting structure. This includes the standard Pledge and Roll Call, followed by the formal approval of the current agenda. Additionally, the committee will review and approve minutes from two previous sessions held on April 22nd and April 27th to ensure historical accuracy of the records. (Page 1)
Comprehensive Plan Interviews A significant portion of the “New Business” segment is dedicated to interviews regarding the County’s Comprehensive Plan. This represents a critical step in the long-term strategic development and zoning oversight for Bourbon County. (Page 1)
Public Engagement & Future Planning The meeting provides a designated window for Public Comment, allowing residents to voice concerns or support regarding planning initiatives. Before adjournment, the committee will establish the timeline and primary objectives for the next scheduled meeting. (Page 1)
Bourbon County Planning Committee Meeting Summary
Bourbon County Planning Committee Agenda for Thursday May 14th
Date: Thursday, May 14th, 2026
Agenda Outline
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Pledge of Allegiance (Page 1)
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Roll Call (Page 1)
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Approval of Agenda (Page 1)
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New Business (Page 1)
-
Comprehensive Plan Interview (Page 1)
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Public Comment (Page 1)
-
Next Meeting and Agenda Planning (Page 1)
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Adjournment (Page 1)
Detailed Section Summaries
Administrative Procedures The meeting will open with the standard ceremonial and administrative protocols. This includes the Pledge of Allegiance and a formal Roll Call to establish a quorum. Following these steps, the committee will review and officially approve the agenda for the May 14th session. (Page 1)
Comprehensive Plan Development A primary focus of this session’s “New Business” involves the Comprehensive Plan Interview. This is a vital component of the county’s long-term planning strategy, likely involving discussions or candidate evaluations aimed at shaping future land use and community development goals. (Page 1)
Community Input and Future Scheduling As part of the committee’s commitment to transparency, a Public Comment period is scheduled to allow citizens to address the board directly. Prior to the meeting’s adjournment, the committee will coordinate the schedule and primary agenda items for the next upcoming meeting to ensure continuity in planning efforts. (Page 1)