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Fort Scott, Kan. – Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., Fort Scott National Historic Site, American Legion Post 25, and Fort Scott Fire Department will be hosting an official US Flag Disposal Ceremony. Bring your: United States, POW/MIA, State, and Service (U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard) flags to the fort between now and 3:30 p.m. Saturday and we will properly and respectfully dispose of them. Just as there’s etiquette for displaying Old Glory, there’s also etiquette for disposing of flags in a dignified manner.
4 U.S. Code § 8k (Respect for flag) states that: The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. “As with celebrating this country’s newest citizens at our Naturalization Ceremony and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom through the ‘Field of Honor’ during Symbols of Sacrifice, we are proud to be a part in honoring this country’s flag by hosting this ceremony,” said Jill Jaworski, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information or to learn how to get involved, call 620-223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.
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Credit Photo as: NPS Photo
Submitted by
Carl Brenner
Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management
Fort Scott National Historic Site (www.nps.gov/fosc)
National Park Service, DOI Region 5
Office – 620-223-0310

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office
Daily Reports — June 9, 2026
SAWYER, EMILY A (Age 41) — Arrested by Fort Scott Police Department on 6/8/2026 at 9:04 PM.
Charge: Criminal Threat; Unknown Circumstance — No Bond ($0.00)
LITCHFIELD, LESLIE LEE (Age 62) — Arrested by Fort Scott Police Department on 6/8/2026 at 11:13 PM.
Charge: Warrant – Fort Scott Municipal (Warrant No. E0012596) — Cash Bond $150.00
GIER, CHRISTIAN LEE — Booked 05/25/2026. Released 6/8/26 at 11:17 AM. Release Type: Time Served.
MATTHEWS, EVAN ANDREA — Booked 06/07/2026. Released 6/8/26 at 3:30 PM. Release Type: Surety Bond (A+ Bail Bonds).
STATEN, MADISON JANE — Booked 05/07/2026. Released 6/8/26 at 3:30 PM. Release Type: Time Served.
Total Inmates Released: 3
Documents:

Mark Leon Christy, who was born on February 18, 1962, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and passed away on June 5, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, will be remembered with deep love and lasting respect by all who knew him. He carried himself with quiet strength and a thoughtful spirit, and he touched the lives of family, friends, and coworkers through his steady presence and kind heart. Those who knew him best will remember his warm sense of humor, his practical wisdom, and the genuine care he showed in everyday moments.
Mark was a graduate of Pittsburg State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in history and psychology. He valued learning, thoughtful conversation, and understanding the world around him, and he brought those qualities into both his personal and professional life.
He devoted almost 40 years of service to Ward/Kraft, where he built a long and respected career. His dedication, reliability, and strong work ethic earned the admiration of his colleagues and the trust of those who worked beside him. He was known as someone who could be counted on, and his years with the company stand as a testament to his loyalty and commitment.
Outside of work, Mark found joy in simple and meaningful pursuits. He enjoyed fishing, where he could appreciate the quiet outdoors and the patience the sport required. He also loved cooking, and he took pleasure in preparing meals and sharing them with others. These interests reflected his appreciation for both solitude and connection, as well as his ability to find happiness in life’s ordinary but treasured moments.
Mark is survived by his wife, Angela, and daughter, Anastasia. He is also survived by daughter Allie Bloomquist and husband, Darin, and by his grandchildren, Brady and Isla Bloomquist, who brought him great pride and joy. He leaves behind his parents, Gene and June Christy, his sister, Gina Christy, and his sister, Samantha Christy-Dangermond and husband Tom. In addition, Mark is survived by his nephews, Colby Sisson and wife Rachel, Wil Sisson and wife Kristen, and Gerrit Dangermond, nieces MacKenzy Neal and husband Taylor, and Margot Dangermond, great-nephews Wyatt and Wade Sisson, Colter Neal, and great-nieces Estella and Maddie Sisson, and Quinlee Neal. His family was central to his life, and he cherished the bonds they shared. He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
His life was one of quiet accomplishment, devotion to family, and enduring integrity. He leaves behind a legacy of love, intelligence, and hard work that will continue to be remembered by those closest to him. Though his passing leaves a profound sadness, his memory will remain a source of comfort and strength to his family and friends in the days ahead.
Mark Leon Christy will be remembered with gratitude for the life he lived and the example he set. His presence enriched the lives of others, and his memory will be held close with affection and respect.
There was cremation. Pastor Tom Lewis will conduct memorial services at 10:30 AM Friday, June 12th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Interment will follow in the Marmaton Cemetery, Redfield, KS. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Thursday, June 11th, at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Hammond Community Building 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.

The Fourth of July is coming early this year in Fort Scott.
On June 27, the City of Fort Scott is hosting its annual community event.
“We wanted to avoid family activities/traditions on the Fourth of July,” said Rachel Carpenter, Fort Scott’s Director of Community Development. “There will not be anything happening from the city on the 4th.”

The City of Fort Scott and community partners do invite residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day at the annual Fort Scott Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Fort Scott Community College, Carpenter said.
“The family-friendly event will feature an afternoon and evening filled with food, live music, competitions, games, and fireworks, offering something for all ages.”
The churches near Fort Scott Community College are opening their parking lots for the afternoon activities, and there is ADA parking near the cosmetology department on the south central side of the campus.
June 27 city-sponsored activities begin at 3:00 p.m. and include:
Participants are needed for the above activities and the BBQ contest, according to the City of Fort Scott’s monthly newsletter.
Participants can register through the event QR codes available on promotional materials in this publication.
The People’s Choice judging for the Butcher Block BBQ Contest will begin at 5:00 p.m., allowing attendees to help crown the community’s favorite pitmaster.
Live entertainment will be provided throughout the evening with free concerts featuring:
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of great music, food, and community fellowship before the fireworks display.
“This celebration is a great opportunity for families, friends, and neighbors to come together and celebrate our nation’s independence while enjoying everything that makes Fort Scott a special place to live and visit,” organizers said
Residents and visitors are encouraged to wear their red, white, and blue and join in a day of community pride, family fun, and patriotic celebration, according to Carpenter.
For additional event information, follow City of Fort Scott announcements and event updates on social media.
The annual city-sponsored fireworks display will start at 9:30 p.m., Carpenter said. Cars can line up on South Horton Street as in prior years to view the show.
The show will be launched at the Fort Scott Community College campus, at 1801 S. Horton, with lead pyrotechnician Shaunn Pytlowany and his crew from Premier Pyrotechnics handling the setup and shooting.
Fire works 2026 Rules

From The City of Fort Scott ordinances:



It’s Not Experience, It’s the Person
One of the most common debates in leadership revolves around hiring and promotion decisions. Should an organization select the individual with years of experience, or invest in someone with less experience but tremendous potential? After more than four decades in coaching, education, and administration, I have come to a simple conclusion: it is not experience that determines success. It is the person.
Experience certainly has value. Individuals who have spent years in a profession have faced challenges, learned lessons, and developed wisdom that can benefit an organization. However, experience alone does not guarantee success. I have seen highly experienced leaders struggle because they became resistant to change, stopped learning, or relied too heavily on what worked in the past.
On the other hand, I have watched organizations hire young leaders with limited experience who accomplished remarkable things. They brought energy, vision, work ethic, and a willingness to learn. Some built championship programs and transformed organizations. Others struggled because they lacked the personal qualities necessary to lead effectively.
What I have learned is that experience and age are not the same thing. There are individuals in their retirement years who step into leadership opportunities and thrive because they possess humility, character, and a desire to continue growing. There are others with the same amount of life experience who struggle. Likewise, some young professionals excel beyond expectations while others do not.
The determining factor is rarely age or experience. It is the person. Do they have integrity? Are they willing to work hard? Can they build relationships? Are they teachable? Can they adapt when circumstances change? Do they place the mission and people they serve above their own interests?
Scripture reinforces this principle. When the prophet Samuel was sent to anoint a new king, he assumed God would choose one of Jesse’s older, stronger, and more experienced sons. Instead, God selected David, a young shepherd boy. The Lord reminded Samuel, “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
Jesus followed the same pattern. He did not choose the most educated religious leaders of His day. He chose fishermen, tax collectors, and ordinary men. What made them extraordinary was not their credentials; it was their willingness to follow Him and allow God to work through them.
Too often, organizations become fixated on years of experience while overlooking the qualities that truly drive success. Experience, training, and mentorship can help, but none can replace character, passion, commitment, and a servant’s heart.
When making leadership decisions, look beyond age and experience. Find the right person. If you find the right person, they will often find a way to succeed regardless of how much experience they have or do not have.
Thought for the Week, “Experience can teach you many things, but character determines what you do with what you’ve learned.” Jack Welch.
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.
Due to a lack of quorum for 06/08/26 the Bourbon County Commission meeting will be canceled.
Submitted by:
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
Williams, Alexis Ann (age 22) – Arrested 6/5/2026 by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: DUI (misdemeanor), Reckless Driving. Bond: $2,500. Released 6/7/2026.
Carr, Randle R. (age 45) – Arrested 6/5/2026; held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. No bond.
Curtiss, Jaystyn Jaymes (age 20) – Arrested 6/5/2026; held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. No bond.
Jackson, Ontareo (age 23) – Arrested 6/5/2026; held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. No bond.
McQueen, Paul Jearrette (age 49) – Arrested 6/5/2026; held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. No bond.
Burns, Randy Dale Jr. (age 46) – Arrested 6/5/2026; held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. No bond.
Garcia, Silva Joeddy (age 27) – Arrested 6/5/2026; held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. No bond.
Tucker, Sky Marie (age 30) – Arrested 6/5/2026 by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Failure to Appear). No bond.
Eisenbrandt, Jonah Isaiah (age 46) – Arrested 6/5/2026 by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Sanction. No bond. Released 6/7/2026.
Reisman, Robert Ryan (age 34) – Arrested 6/6/2026 by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: DUI (misdemeanor), Possession of Certain Illegal Drugs, Transporting an Open Container, Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond: $10,000. Released 6/7/2026.
Haynes, Raya Lashay (age 18) – Arrested 6/6/2026 by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Aggravated Escape from Custody (use of violence), Criminal Threat (unknown circumstance), Domestic Battery (knowing/reckless bodily harm), Interference with LEO (obstruct/resist felony). Bond: $5,000.
Villazon, Vincent J. (age 28) – Arrested 6/7/2026 by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: Aggravated Burglary, Domestic Battery (knowing/reckless bodily harm). No bond.
Matthews, Evan Andrea (age 20) – Arrested 6/7/2026 by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charges: DUI (misdemeanor), Fleeing or Eluding a LEO, Liquor Purchase by Minor, Possession of Certain Stimulants. No bond.
Black, Carla Mae – Released 6/6/2026 via Cash Bond.
Eisenbrandt, Jonah Isaiah – Released 6/7/2026, Time Served.
Ladish, Clay Matthew – Released 6/5/2026, Transferred Out (Douglas County).
Reisman, Robert Ryan – Released 6/7/2026 via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).
Surguy, Nikita – Released 6/6/2026, Time Served.
Williams, Alexis Ann – Released 6/7/2026 via Surety Bond (Larry Lamb).
Inmates at Bourbon County Jail: 49
Inmates at Osawatomie State Hospital: 2
Charges are accusations only. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Documents:
One consistent, caring adult can change the trajectory of a child’s life.
CASA Volunteers build relationships, listen, advocate, and stand beside children who have
experienced abuse or neglect.
You don’t have to be perfect.
You just have to care.
Step up. Become a CASA Volunteer.
Contact Christa at [email protected]

Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Hayward Tucker
Germs and Gnats
I’m not a people watcher when I‘m shopping because I‘m usually on a mission and quite focused. However, one day I couldn’t help noticing a woman holding a folded wad of greenback between her lips as she diligently cleaned her cart handle with an antibacterial wipe. This puzzling absurdity blew my mind; I’m sure I stared. I’m no expert, but it’s a known fact that germs like to do a little party dance on money. I guess you could call it dirty dancing.
This scenario reminds me of the scripture in Matthew 23:24 NRS where Jesus is sternly talking to the religious leaders. “You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.” The rigid Pharisees and teachers of religious law would carefully strain their drinking water to make sure they didn’t accidentally swallow a gnat (the smallest inedible insect for the Israelites.) The camel was one of the largest unclean animals. Gnats and camels were both forbidden as food in the Old Testament. Jesus was purposely using a figure of speech to shock His hearers into getting the point.
Jesus was upset that doing justice, showing mercy, exercising faith in God, and loving Him was not being practiced by the religious leaders. Instead, they were busy straining their water. As Christ followers today, we need to be careful that we’re not majoring on the minors while ignoring the majors. Little trifling things that don’t amount to a hill of beans was not, and is not, what Jesus wants His disciples to major on.
Jesus criticized the Pharisees and teachers of religious law for their misplaced priorities. They neglected the more-important principles of a godly lifestyle. Practicing the weightier matters of loving God and loving others was sadly being neglected. The only people Jesus spoke to with consternation were the religious people who acted righteous on the outside but were unrighteous on the inside. Jesus sure didn’t beat around the bush when He said, “Great sorrow awaits you religious scholars and Pharisees — frauds and imposters! You are foolish to ignore the greed and self-indulgence that live like germs within you. You are blind and deaf to your evil” (Matthew 23:25-26 TPT).
When it comes to the practice of loving others, we believers don’t want to be guilty of making a mountain out of a molehill. Keep in mind that a fellow believer can be rough around the edges and still have a perfect heart toward God. We can read in Hebrews 11 about a lot of imperfect men and women who had a true heart of faith. Jesus said it’s all about the heart. Godliness is not just skin deep and can’t be confused with how a person looks on the outside. A godly person is one whose heart is sensitive toward God and takes Him and His Word seriously. The inside reveals who we really are, not the outside.
Honestly, believers should be hell-bent on majoring on the majors found in God’s Word. And it’s up to us to do our own regular heart checkups. When (not if) we find a problem, we need to submit to spiritual major-heart surgery performed by Dr. Jesus.
The Key: Spiritually speaking, let’s put our money where our mouth and heart is.

Time: 7:30 PM (Page 1, 3)
Date: Monday, June 8, 2026 (Page 1, 3)
Location: UJHS/UHS Commons Area, Uniontown, Kansas (Page 1, 3)
A. Flag salute (Page 3)
B. District Mission Statement (Page 3)
C. Approve the agenda (Page 3)
D. Review and approve the May 11, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes (Page 3)
A. Approve and pay bills on the computer printout: $176,392.40 (Page 3)
B. Approve the May 2026 Treasurer’s Report (Page 3)
C. Appoint Vance Eden as school lunch representative and hearing officer for free and reduced lunch appeals for 2026-27 (Page 3)
D. Approve final expenditures and transfers from the general fund and local option budget as deemed necessary (Page 3)
E. Authorize the board clerk to destroy the following 2020-2021 records pursuant to K.S.A. 72-5369 and 72-5370:
WBE-Activity & Petty Cash funds for the school year 2020-2021 (Page 3)
WBE Activity & Petty Cash requests for the school year 2020-2021 (Page 3)
WBE bank statements, canceled checks, and bank deposit slips for 2020-2021 (Page 3)
UHS bank statements, canceled checks, and bank deposit slips for 2020-2021 (Page 3)
Accu-Scan Meal Tracker Daily Records from 2020-2021 (Page 3)
Lunch Financial Records for the 2020-2021 school year and prior (Page 3)
PowerSchool Breakfast/Lunch records for school year 2020-2021 (Page 3)
BOE Purchase Orders and invoices for 2020-2021 (Page 3)
Attendance Records for Schools 2014-2015 (Page 3)
F. Approve Surplus Equipment list dated 6-8-2026 (Page 3)
A. Audience with Patrons (Page 3)
B. Request to Speak – Hunter Hueston (Page 3)
C. 3rd Party Audit Findings (Page 3)
D. KASB Policy updates (Page 3)
E. Work Comp Insurance AmTrust Insurance ($24,529) for 2026-2027 (Page 3)
F. Breakfast/Lunch Student meal price increase for 2026-2027 (Page 3)
G. Spring Coaches (Page 4)
H. District and Building Needs Assessment (Page 4)
I. Approve the Child Nutrition Procurement Plan for 2026-2027 (Page 4)
J. Lunch Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) (Page 4)
K. Board Retreat (Page 4)
L. Out-of-District Students (Page 4)
M. Administrative Reports – Superintendent Eden (Page 4)
A. Approve KASB Policy Updates (Page 4)
B. Approve Student Meal Price Increase for 2026-27: WBE Lunch $3.45, UHS/UJHS Lunch $3.55, Breakfast $1.95, Adult Breakfast $3.10, and Adult Lunch $5.15 (Page 4)
C. Approve Spring Coaches (Page 4)
D. Approve Hazard Mitigation Resolution (Page 4)
E. Approve Workman Comp Insurance with AmTrust Financial Services ($24,529) (Page 4)
F. Approve Out-of-District Student List (Page 4)
Personnel (Page 4)
Next Meeting Date: July 13th, 2026 (Page 4)
An official notice was sent out on June 5, 2026, by Pam Kimrey, Clerk of the Board, to inform members of the upcoming regular session. The notice lists the Board of Education leadership and membership as follows:
President: Mike Mason
Vice President: Brian Stewart
Board Members: Troy Couchman, Rhonda Hoener, Matt Kelly, Seth Martin, Kolby Stock
Superintendent: Mr. Vance Eden
Deputy Clerk: Shanna Eck
The board reviewed the minutes from the previous month’s meeting. Significant events and approvals from May 11 included:
Attendance: All board members were present. Guests included district administrators, community members, and Scott Sutton alongside FFA members who presented their state championship traveling trophy in Livestock Judging.
Resignations: Timothy Endicott announced his resignation (effective August 31, 2026), and the board accepted the resignation of Ginger Ervin (effective May 11, 2026).
New Hires: Bralynn Sutterby was approved as a Pre-K teacher for the 2026-2027 school year, and Camryn Davis was approved as assistant Cheer coach.
Handbook Revisions: Revisions and a new cell phone policy were approved for the 2026-2027 WBE Handbook, UHS/JH Handbook, and the Classified Handbook.
Financials & Insurance: Approved the April 2026 Treasurer’s report, paid bills totaling $500,811.79, and approved an EMC insurance renewal of $138,909.00.
Elections: Approved the at-large board election seat ballot language in a 5-2 vote (Stewart and Couchman voting against).
Contract Nonrenewal: Rhonda Hoener read a resolution regarding the nonrenewal of teacher Hunter Hueston’s contract, which was approved unanimously by a 7-0 vote.
Resolution Detail (Page 9): A formal resolution adopted on May 11, 2026, specifies the intent to non-renew the teaching employment contract of Hunter Hueston (initially hired August 12, 2024) for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. It authorized the superintendent to deliver written notice on or before May 13, 2026.
Official Notice (Page 10): A formal copy of the “Notice of Intent to Nonrenew Contract of Employment of Teacher” signed by Superintendent Vance Eden, dated May 12, 2026.
The packet includes full accounting check registers and balance summaries for transparency and verification:
Bill Printout / Check Registers (Pages 12-13): A computerized breakdown of recent district payments, including utility charges, supplier invoices, technology maintenance, and educational resources.
Financial Position & Monthly Status Reports (Pages 14-19): Summaries detailing cash balances across various district funds (General Fund, Supplemental General, Capital Outlay, Special Education, etc.), cash receipts journals, and a comprehensive monthly expenditure ledger indicating current spending rates versus budgeted parameters.
Official resolutions are presented to authorize the destruction of past administrative and financial records from West Bourbon Elementary (WBE) and Uniontown High School (UHS) for the 2020-2021 school year. These clear out outdated petty cash receipts, daily meal tracker logs, bank statements, and invoices in compliance with statutory retention limits under K.S.A. 72-5369 and 72-5370.
A dedicated itemization sheet listing outdated equipment slated to be cleared from district facilities, which includes:
Two 2016 Dodge Caravan vans (VIN endings 231464 and 231500)
A 2021 Dodge Pacifica van (VIN ending 2C4RC1BGMRR124803)
A Generac generator (Wifi only, 22 kW)
A Generac generator (Wifi only, 24 kW)
A payment coupon and ledger documentation from AmTrust Financial Services outlines the workers’ compensation insurance policy premium for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The minimum payment due to maintain coverage in full is $24,529.00.
A detailed overview of price adjustments for the 2026-2027 school year designed to balance nutritional service expenses:
WBE Lunch: $3.45
UJHS/UHS Lunch: $3.55
Student Breakfast: $1.95
Adult Breakfast: $3.10
Adult Lunch: $5.15