LMC 2026 Discovery Award Winners: Students Earn Nearly $25K

FORT SCOTT, KS (September 16, 2026) — The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, has named the winners of its 2026 Discovery Award competition, awarding $24,500 in student prizes along with additional educator and district recognitions. The national competition inspires elementary, middle and high school students to develop research projects that share the stories of unsung heroes whose actions made a powerful impact on history, yet remain largely unknown.

Links to Winning Projects

“This year’s National Discovery Award competition drew a record-breaking number of entries, and the exceptional quality of so many projects made judging more difficult than ever,” said LMC CEO Norm Conard. “These students brought curiosity, care and insight to the stories they uncovered. Their work helps us understand the lasting impact of unsung heroes and reminds us that each of us has the potential to make a difference.”

Noah Make, a student at Central High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming, is the $6,000 Grand Prize winner for his documentary, Armin T. Wegner Against the Silence. His project tells the story of Armin T. Wegner, who risked his safety to document the Armenian Genocide. Through photographs and eyewitness testimony, Wegner preserved evidence of atrocities that the world might otherwise have forgotten.

Noah’s documentary explores the responsibility of bearing witness and the courage required to speak out when others remain silent. By bringing Wegner’s story to a new generation, the project demonstrates how one person’s determination to expose injustice can preserve the experiences of victims and leave a lasting historical record. It is a powerful reflection of the Discovery Award’s purpose: to uncover overlooked individuals whose actions continue to matter today. Noah was guided by supervising teacher, 2024 LMC Fellow and 2021 Wyoming Milken Educator, Aaron Kruger.

The $3,000 First Place prize has been awarded to Ajuni Dahm of St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, for Virginia Hall: The Limping Lady. Her documentary tells the story of an American spy who overcame discrimination and disability to aid the French Resistance during World War II. The project explores Hall’s courage and resourcefulness in the fight against Nazi occupation, bringing attention to an extraordinary woman whose contributions helped advance the Allied cause. Ajuni was guided by supervising teacher, 2025 LMC Fellow and 2023 ARTEFFECT Ambassador Sandra Hutton.

The $2,500 Outstanding High School Project award goes to Eunhyeok (Joseph) Lee, Minseo (Leon) Chung, Grace Na, Hosan (Harvard) Kim and Ethan Yo of Santa Ana, California. Two of the students, Joseph Lee and Ethan Yo, attend Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA). Project member Harvard Kim attends Crean Lutheran High School, Leon Chung attends Northwood High School, and Grace Na attends Beckman High School. Their documentary, Miné Okubo: The Unsung Hero Who Drew What America Tried to Hide, explores how Okubo used her art to document the injustice of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. Through her illustrations and firsthand experiences, Okubo preserved the stories of those who were incarcerated and ensured that this chapter of American history would not be forgotten. Nancy Alcala of OCSA served as the supervising teacher for this award-winning project.

Anwita Sajja of Jericho Middle School in Jericho, New York, has received the $2,000 Outstanding Middle School Project award for her documentary, Fighting Silent Poison: The Unsung Story of Dr. Herbert Needleman’s Crusade to Expose Childhood Lead Poisoning. The project relates how Needleman’s research exposed the dangers of lead exposure to children. Anwita explores his determination to challenge powerful interests and advance reforms that helped protect children’s health. Anwita was guided by supervising teacher and 2025 ARTEFFECT Ambassador Michelle Vevante.

The $1,500 Outstanding Elementary Project award has been presented to Jaycie Lockmiller and Brianna Garcia of Texico Elementary School in Texico, New Mexico. Their documentary, Olive Ann Beech: The First Lady of Aviation, shares the story of a pioneering businesswoman who helped shape the aviation industry. The students explore how Beech broke barriers for women and helped build Beech Aircraft into a major force in American aviation. Silvia Miranda, a 2019 LMC Fellow and 2018 New Mexico Milken Educator, served as the supervising teacher for this award-winning project.

The $1,500 Founder’s Award goes to Thanvi Voruganti and Dorothy Zhou, representing Arizona College Preparatory High School and Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona. Their documentary, The Woman Who Would Not Be Silenced: Judith Heumann, the Unsung Hero of the Disability Rights Revolution, tells the story of a leader whose advocacy helped transform opportunities for people with disabilities. The students explore Heumann’s efforts to challenge discrimination and advance equality, accessibility and civil rights. They were led by a sixth grade teacher at New Vistas Center for Education, Stacey Trepanier.

In addition to these top awards, eight projects have received $500 Certificate of Excellence Awards:

  • Elina Lin, Kimberly Chen and Abbie Cheng, Jericho High School, Jericho, New York, for Breaking Barriers: The Life of Leonora O’Reilly. (Teacher Justina Zendrian)
  • Kaitlyn Chun and Isabelle Deon, Jericho High School, Jericho, New York, for Tony Mazzocchi: An Unsung Hero Who Pioneered Workplace Safety Reform. (Teacher Justina Zendrian)
  • Shaeyllan Beardmore, Danrich Botha and Serafim Spekhalskiy, Kelowna Secondary School, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, for Iris Chang: Remembering the Forgotten Holocaust of WWII. (Teacher Graeme Stacey)
  • Ara Woo and Chloe Hu, Jericho High School, Jericho, New York, for An Unsung Hero in Cross-Racial Solidarity: Grace Lee Boggs’ Role in Civil Rights Activism. (Teacher Justina Zendrian)
  • Bella Antone, Charlee Wells and Hadley Wells, Christian Learning Center, Fort Scott, Kansas, for Bridging Two Cultures: A Crusader that Revolutionized Navajo Health Care with Lasting Reform, about Annie Dodge Wauneka. (Teacher Rachel Wells)
  • Emma Chan, Jericho Middle School, Jericho, New York, for The Invisible Hand of Justice: Frances Perkins, The Unsung Architect of Modern America. (Teachers Theresa Cantwell and Valerie Conklin)
  • Saketh Chatrathi, Viraj Devgun and Shruti Sundar, Charles B. Pearson Middle School, Frisco, Texas, for The Uncelebrated Miracle Medicines Alien, about Dr. Yellapragada Subbarow. (Teacher Christopher Barker)
  • Angel Shah, Jericho High School, Jericho, New York, for a performance about Judy Heumann and the Section 504 Sit-In, A Revolution for Access. (Teacher Justina Zendrian)

LMC also recognizes the educators and schools that support students in discovering and sharing these important stories. Aaron Kruger of Central High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming, receives the $1,000 Outstanding Educator Award, and Jericho Middle and High School in Jericho, New York, receives the Outstanding School Award. There was a tie this year for Outstanding School Award Second Place between Newton High School in Newton, Kansas, and Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Four $500 Outstanding Teacher Awards recognize Brian Skinner and Kynda Faythe of Newton High School in Newton, Kansas; Justina Zendrian of Jericho High School in Jericho, New York; Chris Dier of Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans, Louisiana; and Rachel Wells of Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Through the Discovery Award, students use research and creative storytelling to explore the lasting impact of an individual’s actions. By bringing overlooked stories to new audiences, their projects demonstrate how courage, compassion and determination can inspire positive change across generations.

“Real heroes tower and guide,” said LMC Founder Lowell Milken. “But their stories need to be discovered and heard. And when we do, we have the opportunity to motivate new generations to aspire to values that are essential during the challenging times we face individually, as a nation and as a world community.”

Information about the Discovery Award and future competition opportunities is available at lowellmilkencenter.org/competitions/discovery-award.

About LMC
Established in 2007, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes discovers, develops and communicates the stories of unsung heroes who have made a profound and positive impact on history, yet are largely unrecognized by contemporary generations. Through student projects and the sharing of these stories, LMC helps new generations recognize their own potential to make a difference. Learn more about LMC and the Discovery Award.

What the revenue-neutral rate actually means, in Bourbon County dollars

The Bourbon County Commission voted 5-0 Monday night to keep the county’s property tax rate exactly where it is: 56.678 mills. Before it could do that, state law made it hold a public hearing and vote, on the record, to exceed what the law calls the revenue-neutral rate, the rate that would bring in the same dollars as last year.

Why would keeping a rate flat need a hearing about exceeding a rate? Because property values in the county went up, and a flat rate on higher values means the county will be raising the amount of taxes collected.

Start with the mill

Property tax is figured in mills. One mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value.

Kansas does not tax a home on what it would sell for. It taxes a home on 11.5% of that figure, which is called the assessed value. A $100,000 house has $11,500 of assessed value. To get the tax, multiply the assessed value by the mill rate and divide by 1,000. At the county’s rate of 56.678 mills, that is $11,500 times 56.678, divided by 1,000, or $651.80 a year going to the county.

Three boxes with arrows: a $100,000 market value becomes $11,500 of assessed value at 11.5%, which becomes $651.80 of county tax at 56.678 mills.
How a $100,000 house turns into $651.80 of county tax. This is the county’s share only.

That $651.80 is only the county’s line. The school district, the city and the township each set their own mill levy, and they are separate lines on the same bill.

The revenue-neutral rate is a calculation, not a decision

Every year the county clerk takes the property tax dollars the county collected last year and asks one question: with this year’s property values, what rate would bring in exactly the same dollars? That rate is the revenue-neutral rate. It is based on simple mathematics, and it moves every year because property values move.

For 2027 it came out to 54.661 mills. Last year the county’s property tax levy, the total it charged, was $7,858,151. For the 2027 levy, the county’s total assessed value (the sum total of the assessed value of all the property in the county) is $143,767,695. Multiply that by 54.661 and divide by 1,000 and you get $7,858,486, last year’s money within a few hundred dollars. The small gap is only rounding.

“Flat” does not mean taxes don’t go up

The commission adopted 56.678 mills, the same rate the county is levying this year. Budget consultant Matt Lawn of Baker Tilly called it “a flat mill levy”.

But the same rate on higher valuations raises taxes. Put 56.678 mills on the same $143,767,695 and you get $8,148,465, within a couple of hundred dollars of the $8,148,297 the 2027 budget asks for in property tax. The revenue-neutral rate is 54.661 mills. The commission kept 56.678. That 2.017-mill gap is worth about $290,000 more in county tax.

Two horizontal bars on the same scale: the revenue-neutral rate of 54.661 mills raises $7.86 million; the adopted 56.678 mills raises $8.15 million, with the extra $290,000 marked in red at the end of the second bar.
Same property, two rates. The red sliver is the difference: about $290,000.

Where did the extra come from? The tax base grew. One mill is $1 per $1,000 of assessed value, so last year one mill in Bourbon County raised about $138,700. This year since valuations have gone up, it raises about $143,800. Higher values on property that was already there, with only a little new construction, added about $5.1 million of assessed value to the county’s tax base (the total assessed value of everything in the county). At the flat rate, that growth raises about $290,000 a year, roughly the gap between the two rates.

Your bill can go down while the county takes in more

Back in 2025 the county’s rate was 59.900 mills, and the county share on that $100,000 house was $688.85. At the 2027 rate of 56.678 mills the county will charge $651.80. The hypothetical $100,000 home that didn’t increase in value would have seen its county tax bill fall about $37 from 2025 to 2027.

At the same time, the county will collect about $290,000 more in 2027 than it would at the revenue-neutral rate. Both things are true, because the county is now taxing a higher total valuation of property. If that were because more homes and businesses had been built, more people would be sharing the load. In Bourbon County that is mostly not what happened. The county’s population has been flat to slightly down since 2020. The county appraiser’s market study for 2026 found home values rising 6.92% a year and commercial property 4.97% a year. Homes are nearly half the county’s tax base and businesses about a fifth, so those two trends together add about $5.8 million of assessed value, more than the whole $5.1 million increase, before counting anything newly built. The growth is mostly the same houses and businesses valued higher, not more of them. When that is what is happening, a flat rate means most county tax bills go up, because most valuations did.

Two rows of ten identical houses. 2026: $138.7 million of assessed value. 2027: the same ten houses with price tags, $143.8 million, up 3.7%. The mill levy stays at 56.678 and the county collects $8.15 million instead of $7.86 million. A $100,000 house that followed the appraiser's 6.92% trend is valued at $106,920 and its county bill rises from $651.80 to $696.90.
If your home’s value followed the market. The same property valued higher is what grew the tax base, and at a flat rate that means a bigger bill.

While the rate is down 3.2 mills since 2025, property tax dollars the county levies are up about $170,000, from $7,977,466 to $8,148,297.

Table of county tax on a $100,000, $150,000 and $250,000 home: what it paid in 2025 at 59.900 mills, the 2027 bill at 56.678 mills, and what it would be at the revenue-neutral 54.661 mills.
If your home’s value stood still. County share only; the revenue-neutral rate would have saved the $100,000 homeowner $23.20.

To be clear, your bill only falls if your own valuation did not go up. If your house followed the appraiser’s residential trend, a $100,000 house last year is valued at about $106,920 this year. Its assessed value is $12,296, and at the same 56.678 mills its county share goes from $651.80 to $696.90, up about $45 with no change in the rate. That is also $8 more than the $688.85 it paid in 2025, even though the rate is lower. Whether your own bill went up or down depends on the valuation notice you got this spring, not on the rate alone.

Why the law makes them hold a hearing

Since 2021, Kansas law (K.S.A. 79-2988) has required any city, county or school district to hold a public hearing and take a recorded roll-call vote if they intend to increase the total amount they are taking in taxes. It doesn’t matter whether the rate goes up or down. The hearing is triggered whenever the rate is above the revenue-neutral rate, the rate that would collect the same dollars as the year before. That applies even when the rate itself has not changed, which is Bourbon County’s situation this year.

The reason is the arithmetic above. Before that law, a county could adopt the same rate year after year while rising valuations raised the dollars it collected, with no separate vote on the increase. The rate was voted on. The extra money was not. The hearing and roll call require that extra money to be approved in public, with each commissioner’s vote recorded.

What happened Monday night

Commission Chairman Gregg Motley opened the hearing a few minutes into the Sept. 14 meeting, Lawn laid out the two rates, and Motley asked for public comment.

The only person to question the numbers was Deputy County Clerk Michael Hoyt, who asked why the published notice showed the county’s 2026 assessed valuation as zero. Lawn said “there was an error in the spreadsheet” and that he was correcting it. The figure was given in the room as $138,681,091.

Motley asked twice more for comment. “Going once, going twice,” he said. There was none.

He read the resolution, and the clerk called the roll. Joe Allen, David Beerbower, Mika Milburn-Kee, Motley and Samuel Tran all voted yes. The 2027 budget itself, about $20.1 million in total spending, was not adopted that night. Our story on the full meeting has the budget details, and the Sept. 11 work session on wages and transfer-station rates covers the spending behind those mills.

A Literal Time of Worship

Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

I fired my husband. This happened after a long-time friend recommended that Dave and I worship God for five minutes every morning. After that, we would pray, thanking Him and making our requests. A beautiful plan.

The first morning, Hubby’s responsibility was an easy one—set the timer for five minutes. Dave and I worshiped but ran out of things to say. Pathetic, I know, since Biblical people wrote lengthy praises that probably lasted for days. Several minutes after we started, Dave began to repeat himself. That’s when I opened my eyes and glanced at his phone, the phone that was supposed to have been set for the timer to go off in five minutes.

“5:00” was pulsing in large numbers. Hubby had not pressed the “Go” button.

The next morning, same thing. I praised God for what seemed to be three minutes, and then Dave took over, once again running out of things to say and so, repeating his sweet thoughts. Somehow, Hubby again had failed to press the “Go” button.

So, I fired him. “How can you fire someone for worshiping over five minutes?” he asked. I admit, I had no answer, but I said that I needed to be in charge. I’m sure he thought, No surprises there.

The next morning, I placed my phone between us and set the 5:00 timer. “This is how you start the countdown,” I announced in my teacher voice and pressed with great force on the timer button. Dave began the prayer, and when he finished, I took over…until what seemed like an eternity had passed. Peeking at the timer, I could not believe what I saw: “5:00!” Impossible! Was God behind this to teach me a lesson?

I hated to admit to Dave what had happened because I knew that he would find great delight in firing me like I had him, but if both of us were fired, who would press the button so we would know when five minutes had passed? This was a dilemma.

Maybe that was the point. Maybe we were to worship with no time constraint. Maybe God just wanted our hearts to be in line with His and not to the timer on our phone. The idea had been a great one because it was intended to help us develop a practice of worship, of letting our Heavenly Father know that we adore Him, and clearly we needed to develop that tradition. By just worshiping and not jumping into our prayer requests, God would be pleased.

Worship is critical if we call ourselves Christians. The Greek word for “worship,” proskuneō, means “to encounter God and praise Him.” The Bible lists dozens of scriptures that tell us so. Here, for instance, are two:

My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day. — Psalm 71:8 ESV

And Jesus answered him (Satan), “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'” — Luke 4:8 ESV

Worshiping God means crediting to Him the absolute worth that He alone deserves, and although five minutes is a start (provided, of course, the timer actually starts), our entire lives should be about honoring Him. John Piper once said, “True worship is a joyful response to the greatness of God.” I’m guessing that does not include firing a spouse. I’m also guessing that an apology is in order.

— Patty A. LaRoche

Uniontown City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – Sept. 8, 2026

Uniontown City Hall.

Uniontown City Council Regular Meeting

September 8, 2026 – Uniontown Community Center

The Regular Council Meeting on September 8, 2026, at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Mary Pemberton, Kyle Knight, Bradley Stewart, and newly appointed council member Jess Ervin. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Joe George, Betty Dennis, Loretta George, Casie Herrmann, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, and City Clerk Haley Arnold.

Special Considerations/Projects

Mayor Jurgensen suggested that Jess Ervin be appointed to fill the vacant council position.

Motion by Stewart, Second by Knight, Approved 3-0, to approve Jess Ervin to fill the vacant spot on the Council.

Jess Ervin was sworn in and administered the Oath of Office as a member of the City Council.

Citizens Request

(None noted.)

Financial Report

Treasurer Johnson presented the August 2026 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $228,979.05; Receipts $26,173.94; Transfers Out $6,774.25; Expenditures $45,108.12; Checking Account Closing Balance $203,270.62. Bank Statement Balance $203,330.65, including Checking Account Interest of $47.82; Outstanding Deposits $0; Outstanding Checks $60.03; Reconciled Balance $203,270.62. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $43,929.74; Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $24,783.10; Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $51,506.03; Total All Funds including Certificates of Deposit $323,489.49. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Account $407.38 and Utility CDs $2,071.88 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,479.26.

Projects Checking Account for August 2026: Beginning Balance $0; Receipts $0; Expenditures $0; Ending Balance $0.

August Transfers: Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.25; Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; Capital Improvement-Streets from General Fund $3,750.00; Total Transfers $6,774.25.

Net loss for August $25,708.43; Year-to-Date Net Income $2,525.16.

Budget vs. Actual: Gas Fund YTD Revenue $94,980.18 (73.4%), Expenditures $66,817.53 (50.7%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $27,926.20 (77.4%), Expenditures $21,134.15 (49.5%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $80,511.35 (64.7%), Expenditures $70,700.98 (49.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $96,304.66 (65.4%), Expenditures $116,874.89 (49.8%); Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,054.18 (83.0%), Expenditures $5,524.08 (49.4%).

Payables for the period August 12, 2026, through September 8, 2026, totaled $31,581.04. The invoice from KMGA had not been received by noon on meeting day.

Consent Agenda

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve the Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of August 11, 2026, 2027 Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting
  • August Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & September Accounts Payables

Department Reports

Codes Officer Doug Coyan was absent from the meeting but had previously submitted an email regarding code enforcement matters. Clerk Arnold reviewed the email with the Council. One concern discussed was the overgrown vegetation at 101 Washington. Following discussion of previous encounters with the property owner, the Council decided to send a letter advising the property owner to weed-eat the overgrown vegetation around the property. Another property of concern was 202 4th Street, where little improvement had been made. Council Member Knight volunteered, as a private individual, to assist with the cleanup of the property if the property owners agreed. Clerk Arnold stated she would contact the property owners to determine their interest. The Council decided no further action would be taken regarding that property until court proceedings were completed.

Mayor Jurgensen thanked Superintendent Rich for his hard work preparing the City for the Labor Day weekend celebration and asked how the citywide cleanup went. Superintendent Rich stated the dumpsters were not utilized as much this time as in the past.

Clerk Arnold presented the 2025 audit prepared by DBB Inc. to the Council for review.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve the 2025 audit prepared by DBB Inc.

Clerk Arnold presented the Council with a donation request letter from the Uniontown Booster Club. The Council declined to make a donation at this time.

Arnold informed the Council that, due to an issue with QuickBooks, Council checks would not be distributed at the meeting. The checks will be distributed once the issue has been resolved.

Council Reports

  • Councilman Knight – None
  • Councilwoman Kelly – Absent
  • Councilwoman Pemberton – None
  • Councilman Stewart – None
  • Councilman Ervin – None

Mayor Jurgensen thanked the Old Settlers Committee and all volunteers for their hard work organizing the Labor Day weekend celebration, with special thanks extended to Mary Pillion, Mike Ramsey, Rhonda DeWitt, Marty DeWitt, and all other volunteers. Appreciation was also extended to those who organized the Dale Jackson Car Show and the rodeos. Council Member Knight thanked Mayor Jurgensen for handing out bicycles during the bike raffle.

Mayor Jurgensen reported he has been in communication with the City’s technology representative, Mark Warren, regarding establishing Wi-Fi in the park. Clerk Arnold has ordered the necessary equipment, which has been received. Discussion has also taken place with Kelly Electric regarding adding additional electrical outlets in the park to accommodate Christmas in the Park decorations and Wi-Fi/camera equipment.

Clerk Arnold informed the Council of a dog ordinance violation at 401 2nd Street due to the number of dogs at the property. The property owner submitted a letter outlining her plans to come into compliance and requested an exception to keep four dogs rather than the maximum of three allowed by ordinance.

Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0, to allow the property owner 45 days to reduce the number of dogs on the property to four and allow the owner to keep the fourth dog. Once the number is reduced to three, no additional dogs may be added that would cause the property to exceed the three-dog limit.

Old Business

Dog Ordinance Review and Discussion: The Council discussed suggestions and proposed amendments to the draft presented at the previous meeting. The Council agreed that Clerk Arnold would prepare the final draft and submit it to the City Attorney for review. The final draft will be presented to the Council for approval at a later date.

Waterway Project: Mayor Jurgensen stated he had spoken with Mitch Crystal, who had forwarded the information to another surveyor. No response had been received at this time.

New Business

Motion by Stewart, Second by Knight, Approved 4-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss applicants and conduct interviews for a non-elected personnel position; open meeting to resume at 8:35 PM.

Meeting resumed at 8:35 PM. No action taken from executive session.

Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:35 PM.

Documents:

FSCC Board of Trustees Special Meeting Sept. 18

The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold a Special Board Meeting on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in the Ellis Fine Arts Building on the Fort Scott Community College campus.

Public Agenda

1.0 Call Meeting to Order – Chair Doug Ropp
1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk
___Bailey___Brown___Cosens___Hoyt___McKinnis___Ropp

2.0 Flag Salute & Invocation

3.0 Architect Presentations (30 min each)
3.1 Architect One, Inc.
3.2 HTK Architects, Inc.
3.3 PGAV Architects

4.0 Leadership Reports & Updates (Information)
4.1 Academics – Vice President of Academic Affairs & Enrollment Management – Dr. Larry Guerrero
4.2 Advancement – Dean of Advancement – Lindsay Hill
4.3 Athletics – Athletic Director – Keith Stiffelmire
4.4 Enrollment & Student Services – Dean of Enrollment & SS – Courtney Kline
4.5 Finance – CFO / Vice President of Finance & Operations – Gina Shelton
4.6 Students – Dean of Student Affairs – Vanessa Poyner
4.7 Presidential Update – President Dr. Jack Welch

5.0 Review of September 21st Agenda Items (Information)

6.0 Personnel
5.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action)
5.2 Exit Executive Session – Return to Open Session (Action)

7.0 Board Member Training (Information)

8.0 Adjourn (Action)

Documents:

Kansas Courts Mark Constitution Day and Week

TOPEKA—Chief Justice Eric Rosen signed an administrative order today proclaiming September 17 Constitution Day and September 17 through 23 Constitution Week in Kansas courts and encouraging all Kansans to commend its observance.

He signed the order in the Supreme Court courtroom, where the court had convened to hear cases on its docket. Before signing, he gave brief remarks connecting the U.S. Constitution with the Declaration of Independence signed 250 years ago.

“The Declaration announced our ideals that all people are created equal and endowed with rights that no government may rightfully take away,” he said. “But it was the Constitution that established a government of laws and an independent judiciary to protect rights, fairly resolve disputes, and uphold the rule of law.”

He added that the words in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution endure today because each generation accepts responsibility for giving them meaning. That responsibility now belongs to this generation, and it includes a duty to instill these ideals in others.

Celebrating Constitution Day in Kansas courts

Rosen noted several examples of court activities that celebrate Constitution Day and Constitution Week, including Supreme Court and Court of Appeals visits to schools, a mock trial for third graders, and educational programs at the Kansas Judicial Center.

Educational programs at Judicial Center

Students from northeast Kansas high schools visited the Kansas Judicial Center September 16 to participate in the Gene Balloun Legal Career Education Program. The Kansas 1st Amendment Foundation organized the event to introduce students to legal careers and help them develop related skills.

Staff in the Office of Judicial Administration led tours of the Judicial Center, taught students how to get into law school and become an attorney, and shared the history of the appellate courts. In the morning, the students attended Supreme Court oral arguments and were introduced to the court by Ken Thomas, executive director of the Kansas 1st Amendment Foundation. Chief Judge Sarah Warner and Judge Karen Arnold-Burger of the Court of Appeals spoke to the students to wrap up the daylong program.

Laurel Klein Searles, chief of attorney services and compliance, said the program is a great way for students to learn more about the legal field.

“These students chose the program because they are already interested in careers in law,” she said. “The visit is about connecting these students with professionals already working in the field who can share their firsthand experiences and answer their questions.”

Supreme Court special session in Liberal

The Supreme Court will visit Liberal High School as part of its outreach to familiarize Kansans with the court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary in recognition of Constitution Week.

The court will be in session at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 22, after which justices will greet the public in an informal reception.

Court of Appeals Constitution Day dockets

In its annual recognition of Constitution Day, Kansas Court of Appeals’ panels will visit three college campuses next week to hear cases before students and members of the public.

On September 22, a three-judge panel will hear arguments in Lawrence at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics and the University of Kansas School of Law, while another panel will hear arguments in Manhattan at Kansas State University. A third panel will hear oral arguments September 23 at Washburn University School of Law.

When the visits were announced, Warner said the cases selected for them were chosen because they include constitutional questions.

“Through these cases, students and the public can witness how constitutional rights impact everyone’s daily lives and understand how judges approach and decide constitutional disputes,” Warner said.

Mock trial for third-grade classrooms

To reach a younger audience, Judge Robert Wonnell of the 10th Judicial District invited third-grade classrooms nationwide to participate in a mock trial conducted from his Johnson County courtroom.

More than 47,000 students from 47 states and more than 90 classrooms on military bases around the world registered to participate in this year’s virtual event.

“The mock trial teaches students about our responsibilities, opportunities, and rights under the Constitution of the United States of America,” Wonnell said. “Students listen to witnesses, evaluate evidence, and act as jury to decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of violating a fictitious law that prohibits running in the hallway.”

Judges throughout the Kansas courts were encouraged to connect with third-grade classrooms in their communities and to volunteer to visit classrooms in person for the event.

Importance of celebrating Constitution

In Administrative Order 2026-PM-098, Rosen notes the importance of celebrating the Constitution that shapes American democracy.

“As justices, judges, and court staff, we are honored to uphold that promise and to share its meaning with the people we serve,” Rosen said. “We encourage all Kansans to reflect on the freedoms and responsibilities guaranteed by the Constitution.”

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – September 17, 2026

Bourbon County Sheriff's Report

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – September 17, 2026

Arrested

Carson, Lowell Hilton (Age 75) — Arrested 9/17/2026 11:56 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Arson; Unknown Circumstance, Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor. Bond: $10,000.00 Cash/Surety.

Morgan, Kathryn Renee (Age 32) — Arrested 9/17/2026 2:01 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Bond Revoke). Bond: $10,000.00 Cash/Surety. Released 9/17/2026 7:14 PM via Surety Bond.

Plaster, Jesse (Age 45) — Arrested 9/17/2026 2:47 PM, held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00 No Bond.

Prattis, Ronald Jr (Age 35) — Arrested 9/17/2026 3:03 PM, held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.

Salazar, Joshua None (Age 32) — Arrested 9/17/2026 3:24 PM, held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00 No Bond.

Sheridan, Caleb C (Age 32) — Arrested 9/17/2026 3:46 PM, held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.

Morgan, Ryan Thomas (Age 43) — Arrested 9/17/2026 5:59 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Arrest). Bond: $10,000.00 Cash/Surety. Released 9/17/2026 7:22 PM via Surety Bond.

Belcher-Cowlishaw, Gabrielle Kaye (Age 21) — Arrested 9/17/2026 8:56 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Domestic Battery; Unknown Circumstance; Misdemeanor. Bond: $0.00 No Bond.

Released

Chase, Jesse Lee — Released 9/17/2026 6:06 PM via Surety Bond (American Western).

Gomes, Steven Lou — Released 9/17/2026 10:25 AM via Surety Bond (Larry Lamb).

Morgan, Kathryn Renee — Released 9/17/2026 7:14 PM via Surety Bond (American Western).

Morgan, Ryan Thomas — Released 9/17/2026 7:22 PM via Surety Bond (American Western).

Nunley, Richard — Released 9/17/2026 8:16 AM via Transferred Out (KDOC).

Total Inmates Released: 5

Documents:

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – September 17, 2026

Bourbon County Sheriff's Report

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – September 17, 2026

Arrested

Hodgins, Darrin Oaren (Age 57) — Arrested 9/16/2026 12:00 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Sanction. Bond: $0.00 [No Bond].

Chase, Jesse Lee (Age 26) — Arrested 9/16/2026 4:08 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Probation Violation). Bond: $0.00 [No Bond].

Staten, Madison Jane (Age 22) — Arrested 9/16/2026 11:58 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Warrant – Out of County, Warrant Bourbon County (Probation Violation), Warrant Bourbon County (Probation Violation). Bond: $5,000.00 [Cash/Surety].

Released

Total Inmates Released: 0

Documents:

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 13–15, 2026

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 13–15, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 153 calls for service from September 13–15, 2026.

September 13, 2026

Reports and Arrests

Domestic / Physical — 12:56 AM, 817 S Little St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01490FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Accident / Injury — 1:52 AM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-0877BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fire / Structure — 2:43 AM, 2283 Osage. Complaint No. 26-0878BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Domestic / Verbal — 12:17 PM, 205 S Hill St. Complaint No. 26-01492FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Child Custody Dispute — 1:11 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01493FS. Disposition: HBO.

Threat — 6:10 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01494FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Follow-Up — 9:38 AM, 1121 E Elm, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0879BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Follow-Up — 9:38 AM, 1121 E Elm, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01491FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Check Welfare — 9:21 PM, 7 S Crawford #4. Complaint No. 26-0880BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Check Welfare — 9:21 PM, 7 S Crawford #4. Complaint No. 26-01495FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fire and EMS

EMS / Mutual Aide — 9:01 AM, 1318 Thomas, Linn County. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS — 4:02 AM, 324 S Main St #1. Disposition: AMBU.

Fire / Other — 9:51 AM, National Ave. Disposition: FIRE.

Fire / Vehicle — 2:31 PM, 218th, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fire / Other — 3:42 PM, 2513 Limestone Rd. Disposition: HBD.

EMS — 5:30 PM, 201 W 23rd St #2A2. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 8:59 PM, 108 E 11th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 9:55 PM, 1114 S Main St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 7:22 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:41 PM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:53 PM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:04 PM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:19 PM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:37 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 9:04 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:21 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Other Calls for Service

Remove Subject — 8:59 AM, 121 N Washington St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Child Playing With Phone — 9:23 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Animal Control — 9:24 AM, 408 Lee’s Circle Drive. Disposition: HBO.

Check Welfare — 9:41 AM, 1135 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 12:23 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Driving — 12:27 PM, 1411 E Wall, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 77.

Alarm / Burglary — 12:45 PM, 2103 Kansas. Disposition: HBD.

Traffic Complaint / Driving — 12:55 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Hang Up — 1:02 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 77.

Noise Complaint — 1:05 PM, Judson, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 1:13 PM, 1817 Osage, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / County — 1:23 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: 77.

Animal Control — 2:56 PM, 1010 Park Ave. Disposition: HBO.

Theft — 4:03 PM, 114 Steen. Disposition: HBO.

27,28,29 Checks — 4:15 PM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

911 / Accidental — 4:19 PM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: 22.

Follow-Up — 4:48 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Other — 5:49 PM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Dead Animal Pickup/Debris — 5:52 PM, Lee’s Circle Drive. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 5:58 PM, 1010 Park Ave. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 6:42 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 6:43 PM, 102 Andrick St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 6:59 PM, 302 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Noise Complaint — 7:13 PM, 1st St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Civil Standby — 7:24 PM, 302 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Remove Subject — 8:11 PM, 121 N Washington St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 8:41 PM, 817 Little St, Fort Scott. Disposition: RPTS.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 8:42 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Juvenile — 9:16 PM, 1013 E 14th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

Other Agency Assist — 9:38 PM, 112 N Crawford. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 10:52 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

September 14, 2026

Reports and Arrests

Juvenile — 7:32 AM, 1005 Charles St, Bronson. Complaint No. 26-0881BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 11:33 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01496FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Traffic Stop — 11:38 AM, 6th St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01497FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Other Agency Assist — 1:03 PM, Pine St. Complaint No. 26-01498FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Lost Property — 2:27 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01499FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Theft — 2:36 PM, 817 Little St. Complaint No. 26-01500FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Found Property — 6:25 PM, 1920 S Main St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01501FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Traffic Stop — 9:31 PM, Caldwell, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01502FS. Disposition: ARRC.

Traffic Stop — 10:55 PM, 1920 S Main St. Complaint No. 26-0882BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fire and EMS

EMS — 6:18 AM, 201 W 23rd St. Disposition: AMBU.

Accident / Injury Unknown — 7:36 AM, 755 Hwy 54, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS — 10:54 AM, 820 S Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Fire / Other — 11:54 AM, 1101 S Barbee St. Disposition: FIRE.

EMS / Transfer — 3:55 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS / Standby — 4:47 PM, 815 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 5:30 PM, 1984 195th, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 6:04 PM, 324 S Holbrook St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 7:12 PM, Judson. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 8:55 PM, 324 Holbrook St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 9:35 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 4:49 AM, 1500 Blk, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:08 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:18 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:22 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:41 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:34 PM, 2224 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:47 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:49 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:10 PM, Scott St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:55 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Other Calls for Service

Accident / Non-Injury — 6:13 AM, 3 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Dead Animal Pickup/Debris — 6:56 AM, Deer Rd, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / County — 6:57 AM, 215th. Disposition: HBD.

Follow-Up — 8:16 AM, 1801 Steen, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 8:29 AM, 1st St. Disposition: 77.

27,28,29 Checks — 9:53 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

911 / Accidental — 10:05 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Follow-Up — 10:43 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 10:48 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

Check Subject — 11:03 AM, 3rd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 11:11 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

VIN Inspections / County — 12:23 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 12:26 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 2:51 PM, 618 Heylman, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 3:45 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd #C, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Remove Subject — 5:57 PM, 2322 S Main St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint — 6:14 PM, National Ave. Disposition: 77.

Noise Complaint — 7:04 PM, 701 N National Ave #23, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Dead Animal Pickup/Debris — 7:07 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Seeking Advice/Info — 7:06 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 7:07 PM, 320 S Holbrook St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Hang Up — 8:44 PM, 23 W 1st St. Disposition: HBD.

Accident / Non-Injury — 8:56 PM, 39 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Vehicle — 9:25 PM, Shute St. Disposition: HBO.

Check Vehicle — 10:00 PM, 12th St. Disposition: HBO.

September 15, 2026

Reports and Arrests

Traffic Stop — 2:08 AM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-01503FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Traffic Stop — 2:08 AM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-01511FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Burglary — 12:16 PM, 923 S Holbrook St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01504FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Criminal Damage — 12:57 PM, 423 W 2nd St. Complaint No. 26-01505FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Traffic Stop — 12:34 PM, 525 E 6th, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01506FS. Disposition: ARRC.

Theft — 2:23 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01507FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Accident / Non-Injury — 4:49 PM, National Ave, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01508FS. Disposition: RPTA.

Juvenile — 6:54 PM, 119 S Washington St. Complaint No. 26-01509FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 8:22 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01510FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Check Welfare — 10:39 PM, 1313 S Little St. Complaint No. 26-01512FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Accident / Non-Injury — 11:12 AM, 54 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-0884BB. Disposition: RPTA.

Traffic Stop — 10:59 PM, 2 Jersey. Complaint No. 26-0885BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fire and EMS

EMS — 1:01 AM, 201 W 23rd St #2A2, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 4:40 AM, 717 Fairway, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 6:13 AM, 407 Lee’s Circle Drive #1A. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 9:20 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fire / Vehicle — 12:19 PM, 688 S 240th, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS / Transfer — 1:55 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 7:25 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:41 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:57 PM, 4th St, Bronson. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:57 PM, 2nd St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:30 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:04 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:43 PM, Maple. Disposition: WW.

Other Calls for Service

911 / Accidental — 6:29 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

27,28,29 Checks — 6:47 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

Follow-Up — 9:01 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 9:10 AM, Osbun St, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Theft — 9:52 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: RPTG.

Seeking Advice/Info — 10:56 AM, 1402 E Wall, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Parking Complaint — 11:24 AM, 1305 S Little St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 11:53 AM, 1428 S Main St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Other — 12:10 PM, 6th, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Lost Property — 1:24 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 2:31 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 3:32 PM, 224 W 9th St. Disposition: HBO.

Lost Property — 4:13 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Juvenile — 4:39 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Hang Up — 5:51 PM, 11 E 12th St. Disposition: HBD.

Animal Control — 7:05 PM, Steen, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Total Calls for Service: 153

Documents:

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 16, 2026

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 16, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 62 calls for service on September 16, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Criminal Case — 10:28 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0886BB. Disposition: RPTC.

Seeking Advice/Info / Walk-In — 11:08 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0887BB. Disposition: RPTC.

Warrant Service / Arrest — 11:37 AM, 221 S Judson. Complaint No. 26-01514FS. Disposition: ARRC.

Criminal Damage — 11:38 AM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0888BB. Disposition: RPTC.

Warrant Service / Arrest — 3:53 PM, 210 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-0889BB. Disposition: RPTC.

Theft — 4:23 PM, 2500 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01515FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Domestic / Verbal — 5:22 PM, 1181 155th, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0890BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Accident / Non-Injury — 6:24 PM, 1005 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01516FS. Disposition: RPTA.

No Problem — 6:56 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0891BB. Disposition: RPTA.

Disturbance — 11:08 PM, 2224 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01517FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Fire and EMS

Fire / Alarm — 12:33 PM, 302 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Alarm / Burglary — 5:05 PM, 101 Old Fort Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 22.

Fire / Other — 6:45 PM, 735 S Little St. Disposition: * Multiple.

Other Calls for Service

Foot Patrol — 1:17 AM, 1st St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Hang Up — 1:36 AM, 23 W 1st St. Disposition: HBD.

Check Vehicle — 2:47 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 5:40 AM, 835 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Animal Control — 7:04 AM, 6th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Remove Subject — 7:57 AM, 714 Short St. Disposition: HBO.

27,28,29 Checks — 8:14 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 8:22 AM, 1st St. Disposition: 77.

Traffic Complaint / Dead Animal Pickup/Debris — 8:32 AM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 8:48 AM, 1st St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 9:46 AM, 822 S Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: RPTS.

Public Assist — 9:50 AM, 101 Old Fort Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 9:59 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: RPTS.

Harassment — 10:36 AM, 1524 Broadway. Disposition: HBO.

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

Check Records / Employment — 11:24 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Storm Watch — 12:42 PM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Parking Complaint — 1:08 PM, 415 S Eddy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / Walk-In — 1:29 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 2:04 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 2:22 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 3:12 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 3:22 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: RPTS.

Follow-Up — 3:39 PM, 906 E 12th St. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 3:54 PM, 702 S Little St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 4:04 PM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

No Problem — 4:22 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Public Assist — 4:24 PM, 1135 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Parking Complaint — 5:08 PM, 1st St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Theft — 7:56 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 8:01 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Remove Subject — 10:16 PM, 121 N Washington St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 8:55 AM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:02 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:29 AM, State St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:27 AM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:29 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 7:58 PM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:12 PM, 3rd St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 8:14 PM, 12th St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 8:17 PM, 6th St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 8:22 PM, 603 S National Ave. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 8:41 PM, 2322 S Main St. Disposition: HBO.

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

Traffic Complaint / Driving — 8:54 PM, 5th St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 9:22 PM, Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 10:17 PM, 6th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Total Calls for Service: 62

Documents:

Prisoners of War And Those Missing In Action Will Be Honored With An Avenue of Flags Sept. 18

The local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1165 will honor American prisoners of war (POW) and those who did not come home from serving in the military (MIA) tomorrow, September 18.

There will be an Avenue of Flags to commemorate the sacrifice of service members to their country, but there will be no ceremony, only individual remembrances.

 

National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established in 1979 through a proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter, according to the U.S. Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

To learn more:  https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaa

 

Since then, each subsequent president has issued an annual proclamation commemorating the third Friday in September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Deb Lust, spokesperson for the local VFW, said the group is facilitating an Avenue of Flags near the Fort Scott National  Cemetery on East National tomorrow.

National Cemetery, Fort Scott.

“Because of the heat index, we are shortening the number of flags installed, from Margrave Street to all the way in the cemetery,” Lust said. “Normally, it’s East National Avenue through the cemetery.”

At 7 a.m. tomorrow, the flags will be posted, and at 4 p.m. the flags will be recovered, she said.

The Fort Scott Community College Softball Team and a group of youth from Kansas Renewal Institute will help the VFW with the flags.

“This is honoring all those who are POWs as well as those who were never recovered, those Missing In Action,” she said.

These are U.S. service members and civilians missing from past wars/conflicts.

“The Department of Defense has an agency that looks at archeological sites where there have been known battles or planes that went down in different locations in collaboration with the countries: Germany, France, Belgium, Korea, Vietnam, Laos, just to name a few. They help families get some closure,” she said.

To her knowledge there has been only one POW in Bourbon County in recent memory, Jake Underwood. Underwood served in World War II.

Jake Underwood, from obituary in 2018.

Underwood, who was well known in the Bourbon County community, was captured during the Battle of Bulge in WWII and was a prisoner of war from December 1944 to April 1945.

To learn more: https://www.indianamilitary.org/106ID/Diaries/Stalag%20IX-B%20Bad%20Orb/Underwood-Jake-590A-9B/Underwood-Jake-590A-9B.pdf

“There may have been others,” she said. “We don’t know.”

Local VFW flags readied for posting along National Avenue. From the VFW Facebook page.

 

Bourbon County Local News