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Ad: Rick James — Came Home

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I served my country for 30 years. I always knew I’d come home.

Re-elect Rick James, Republican, Kansas State Representative District 4: Rooted In Eastern Kansas

I’m Rick James, your State Representative for the 4th District.

I grew up in La Cygne and graduated from Prairie View High School in 1981. A few days later, I left for the Marine Corps.

There was never any doubt I’d come back to Eastern Kansas. In 2008 I moved my family to a small farm near Highway 69, and finished my Marine career nearby in Belton.

This is home. I’ll keep standing up for the values, the freedoms, and the future of Eastern Kansas.

Rooted in Eastern Kansas. Re-elect Rick James, State Representative, District 4.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Early voting at the Bourbon County Courthouse starts Oct. 19.

Paid for by Rick James for Kansas State Representative.

Learn more: Rick James on Facebook | rickjamesks.com

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

FSACF Grants $48,264 to Area Nonprofits for 2026

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FSACF Grants $48,264 to Fort Scott and Bourbon County Nonprofits in 2026

Sixteen Bourbon County nonprofits and 17 projects will receive grant funding thanks to the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation’s (FSACF) 2026 granting cycle. A total of $48,264.05 will be granted to organizations and projects serving Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

FSACF has provided $571,726 in competitive grants to Fort Scott and Bourbon County nonprofits since its inception in 2007. These grants are awarded through the annual open application process. Total grants — including the competitive grants, as well as the directed grants provided through the foundation’s donor-advised, designated, and field-of-interest funds — have totaled more than $3.9 million.

“FSACF continues to look for projects that create strategic partnerships and move the needle in our community, while continuing to support our long-term, reliable community partners,” said Gregg Motley, FSACF Grant Committee Chairman.

The following organizations and projects were selected as recipients of the 2026 FSACF grant cycle:

  • Care to Share Cancer Support Group of Bourbon County Kansas, Inc. – Daily Cancer Fighter Support Services and FortFest26 Kid’s Fair
  • City of Bronson – Bronson Park Recreation Refresh Project
  • City of Fort Scott – Gunn Park House Child Services Center
  • City of Fort Scott – Kiwanis Tree Project
  • Compass Academy Network – Compass Fort Scott 2027: A New Summer Learning Experience for Middle Schoolers
  • Fort Scott Community College – Hounds Eye View: Student & Community Storytelling Project
  • Fort Scott Community College Foundation – Fort Scott Community Foundation Senior-Versity
  • Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries – Preserve
  • Frankie’s Mission – Frankie’s Mission
  • Gordon Parks Museum Foundation – Gordon Parks Museum Preservation, Education, and Community Filmmaking Initiative
  • Kansas Food Bank Warehouse, Inc. – Food 4 Kids 2026-2027
  • Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes – Improving Accessibility at LMC for Unsung Heroes
  • Path of EASE Association – Redemption/Weddle House
  • SparkWheel – Sparking Success for Fort Scott Middle and High School Students
  • Special Olympics Kansas – Bourbon County Unified Schools
  • The Beacon Inc. – Freezer Project
  • Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Inc. – Level Up Life Skills: Building Independence Through Inclusive Gaming

The John Valentine and Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund contributed to Care to Share, Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, Frankie’s Mission, Kansas Foodbank Warehouse, The Beacon, and Tri-Valley Developmental Services projects.

The Duvall Family Memorial Fund contributed to the City of Fort Scott’s Gunn Park House Child Services Center.

FSACF congratulated all of this year’s recipients and thanked them for the work they do in Fort Scott and Bourbon County every day.

Kansas

Buckle Up Phone Down Day set for Oct. 28

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The Kansas Department of Transportation wants drivers to make safety a priority by buckling up and putting down the phone every time they operate a vehicle.

Wednesday, Oct. 28 is Buckle Up Phone Down Day, which urges drivers to make two simple choices that can help decrease traffic injuries and fatalities on Kansas roadways: always wear a seat belt and avoid distracted driving.

“I’m encouraging all Kansans to join me by accepting the challenge to buckle up and put the phone down every time you get into your vehicle,” said Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “If we want our kids to be safe drivers, it starts with us. That means leading by example and having honest conversations with our teens about the responsibility that comes with driving.”

According to preliminary Kansas 2025 crash data, 368 people died in Kansas crashes. Of these, 110 were unbelted. Additionally, in over 1,900 crashes with suspected serious injuries, 379 of the injured occupants were unbelted. In the same year, 60 people died in crashes linked to any type of distracted driving, and another 421 persons were suspected to have sustained serious injury in distracted driving crashes. Each of these crashes — and the resulting deaths and injuries — may have been prevented. According to NHTSA, wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of fatal injury by about 45% in a passenger car and by 60% in a light truck. Moderate to severe injury is reduced by 50% and 65% respectively.

Cell phone use is the most common form of distracted driving. Texting is particularly dangerous because it involves visual, manual and cognitive distraction. KDOT encourages drivers to:

  • Park in a safe location before reading or sending a text message.
  • Ask a passenger to serve as the “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages.
  • Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications or put your phone away so you won’t be tempted to respond.
  • Speak up if you see someone texting and driving and ask them to put the phone down.

The Missouri Department of Transportation created the campaign in 2017, and it has since grown into a nationwide campaign.

For more information about the campaign and to accept the challenge, visit www.modot.org/buckleupphonedown.

For the latest updates on road closures and conditions, visit KanDrive.gov, call 511 in Kansas or 866-511-5368 outside Kansas. Travelers who need assistance on the highway can dial *47 for the KHP or *582 while on the Kansas Turnpike. If it’s an emergency, call 911.

Government, Kansas

6th District Nominating Commission Sets Judge Interviews

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TOPEKA—The 6th Judicial District Nominating Commission will convene at 9 a.m. Tuesday, October 27, to interview applicants to fill a district judge vacancy.

The 6th Judicial District is composed of Bourbon, Linn, and Miami counties. The judicial vacancy was created when District Judge Mark Ward retired October 9.

Public interviews

Interviews are open to the public and will take place at:

Linn County Justice Center
308 Main St.
Mound City

Interview schedule

9:30 a.m. — Madeline Jensen, Spring Hill, assistant county attorney, Miami County

10:15 a.m. — James Crux, Pittsburg, Bourbon County attorney

11:00 a.m. — Joshua Albin, Andover, attorney, Adams Jones Law Firm, P.A.; city attorney, Burden

12:30 p.m. — Terra Tecchio, Ft. Scott, attorney, Tecchio Consulting, LLC; Baseley Law Office

1:15 p.m. — Jacklyn Paletta, Paola, municipal judge, Louisburg; county counselor, Linn County; Pascolo Law LLC

Accommodation

Any person with a disability who requires accommodation to access the nominating commission meeting should notify the judicial branch ADA coordinator as early as possible: ADA@kscourts.gov, 785-296-2256, TTY at 711.

Nominating commission

The 6th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Larkin Walsh as the nonvoting chair; Mark McCoy and Zackery Reynolds, Fort Scott; Patton Apple and Ronald Wood, Louisburg; Todd Schneider, Mound City; and Mary Stephenson, Paola.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Halloween Trick-or-Treat Parade Set for Saturday, Oct. 31

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Grab your costumes and candy bags! Join us October 31st for trick or treating, costume photos, and Halloween fun in Downtown Fort Scott!

Trick or Treat Parade flyer

Halloween Trick-or-Treat Parade

Saturday, October 31st
10am Festivities | 11am Parade
Downtown Fort Scott

Start at the City Scales building on North Main at 10:00 a.m. for photos with a Halloween backdrop and face painting by the Fort Scott High School Thespians.

The parade begins at La Hacienda at 11:00 a.m. Families will trick-or-treat with downtown merchants as they travel south on Main Street to 2nd Street, cross the street and return north to Skubitz Plaza. Be sure to bring a bag for treats!

Following the parade, children in costume will receive a free slice of Papa Don’s pizza and a drink.

Planning to hand out candy?

Please let us know so we can include you on the parade map and make sure everyone is spaced out along the route with no big gaps between candy stops!

Call: 620-223-3566
Text: 620-644-8050
Email: communications@fortscott.com

600+ Little Smiles, One Big Community Tradition!

Each year, more than 600 children fill Downtown Fort Scott for our annual Halloween Parade! This free community tradition is made possible with the support of local businesses, organizations, and individuals who help us bring a little Halloween magic to Main Street.

Want to be part of the fun?

We’re inviting our community to join us as event sponsors or contribute drinks, candy, and other supplies to help make this year’s parade another memorable one!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Presenting Sponsor: $500
Jack-o’-Lantern Sponsor: $250
Bat Sponsor: $100

Drink donations, monetary contributions, and sponsorship checks can all be dropped off or mailed to:

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall St.
Fort Scott, KS 66701

Please make checks payable to the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

Questions or interested in sponsoring? Call us at 620-223-3566 or email communications@fortscott.com.

Every contribution helps us keep this Halloween tradition FREE and fun for hundreds of local children!

Thank you for helping us make Halloween a fun day for Fort Scott children and families!

Trick or Treat Parade poster

Click HERE for the FS Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook Page!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-3566
fortscott.com

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – Oct 27, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Report

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – October 27, 2026

Arrested

Hill, Michael T (Age 38) — Arrested 10/26/2026 10:44 AM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond required).

Stoker, Jason K (Age 37) — Arrested 10/26/2026 10:56 AM by Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond required).

Ahtone, Randy (Age 32) — Arrested 10/26/2026 11:04 AM by Douglas County. Charge: Out of County Hold. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond required).

Tweet, Garan Walter (Age 27) — Arrested 10/26/2026 9:31 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant – Out of County. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Taala, Pese Filisi-Lepani (Age 43) — Arrested 10/27/2026 12:11 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Possess Paraphernalia; Unknown Misdemeanor, Possession of Opiate, Opium, Narcotic or Certain Stimulant. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Released

Falley-Wallace, John L — Released 10/26/2026 11:00 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas Co).

Grewing, Joseph Edwin — Released 10/26/2026 1:19 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Marquec-Perez, Gian — Released 10/26/2026 11:27 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas County).

Murray-Crawford, Benz — Released 10/26/2026 11:29 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas County).

Total Inmates Released: 4

Documents:

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Ad: Rob Hodgkinson — We Already Agree

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If you’ve voted Republican for lower taxes and smaller government, we already agree.

Rob Hodgkinson, Libertarian, Kansas House District 4: Lower taxes. Less government.

Lower taxes. Less government. Property rights. Personal responsibility. If those are the reasons you vote the way you do, you and I want the same things.

The reality is we need less government, not more. It won’t happen overnight, but I’ll work toward it one step at a time.

I’ll answer to the people of Bourbon and Linn counties, not party leaders in Topeka.

You don’t have to be a Libertarian to vote for me. You only have to believe District 4 deserves a better choice. Rob Hodgkinson for Kansas House, District 4.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. In Bourbon County, early voting at the Courthouse runs Oct. 19 through noon Nov. 2.

Paid for by Hodgkinson for Kansas, Ric Koehn treasurer.

Learn more: rob4ks.com

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Ad: Rob Hodgkinson — Earn Your Vote

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District 4 deserves an election, not a coronation.

Rob Hodgkinson, Libertarian, Kansas House District 4: An election, not a coronation.

For too long, this seat has felt more like a coronation than an election. No elected office should be treated as automatic. Your representative should have to earn your vote.

That means answering questions, explaining where you stand and listening. I’ve been doing that at my booth at the Linn County Fair and at the state fair, and I’ll keep doing it.

At the state fair, I had Republicans come to my booth looking for another option. I’m offering one.

You deserve a real choice. Rob Hodgkinson for Kansas House, District 4.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. In Bourbon County, early voting at the Courthouse runs Oct. 19 through noon Nov. 2.

Paid for by Hodgkinson for Kansas, Ric Koehn treasurer.

Learn more: rob4ks.com

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 25, 2026

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Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – October 25, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 45 calls for service on October 25, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Accident / Non-Injury — 5:25 AM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-1011BB. Disposition: RPTA.

Warrant Service / Arrest — 9:00 AM, 1251 N Main St, Mapleton. Complaint No. 26-1012BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Remove Subject — 9:08 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01706FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Juvenile — 11:55 AM, 1313 S Little St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01707FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Traffic Stop — 5:02 PM, 2207 S Main St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01708FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Check Vehicle — 5:45 PM, 215th, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-1013BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Fire and EMS

EMS — 1:28 AM, 101 Andrick St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 5:44 AM, 315 Scott St #311, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 5:59 AM, 315 Scott St #311, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Fire / Other — 7:22 PM, Soldier Rd, Fort Scott. Disposition: FIRE.

EMS — 9:24 PM, 315 Scott St #412, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Other Calls for Service

Check Vehicle — 12:14 AM, 1411 E Wall, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Check Welfare — 12:41 AM, 101 Andrick St. Disposition: * Multiple.

Other Agency Assist — 5:20 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 7:15 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Public Assist — 7:20 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: NR.

Public Assist — 7:41 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Follow-Up — 8:01 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Welfare — 8:00 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

27,28,29 Checks — 8:53 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: NR.

Traffic Complaint / Dead Animal Pickup/Debris — 9:47 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

Missing Person — 9:46 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 12:43 PM, Wilson St. Disposition: HBO.

Check Welfare — 2:01 PM, 101 Andrick St. Disposition: HBO.

Vehicle Unlock — 2:49 PM, 1510 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 3:56 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Threat — 3:57 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 4:04 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 5:06 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Remove Subject — 6:52 PM, 601 S Little St. Disposition: HBO.

EMS — 7:08 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: * Multiple.

Check Vehicle — 7:53 PM, 2121 Arapahoe Rd, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Dead Animal Pickup/Debris — 8:20 PM, 235th, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 8:47 PM, 101 Andrick St. Disposition: HBO.

Accident / Non-Injury — 8:47 PM, 996 Maple, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Juvenile — 8:50 PM, 702 N Shute St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Public Assist — 11:28 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 2:39 PM, 7th St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 4:37 PM, 18th St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 6:46 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:57 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:41 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:21 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:33 PM, 12th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Total Calls for Service: 45

Documents:

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – Oct 26, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – October 26, 2026

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Report

Arrested

Grewing, Joseph Edwin (Age 36) — Arrested 10/24/2026 10:02 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Driving Under Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (Misdemeanor), Driving While License Cancelled/Suspended/Revoked (Misdemeanor, Unknown Conviction), Transporting an Open Container, Vehicle Liability Insurance Required (Unknown Circumstance), Vehicles Unlawful Acts (e.g., Registration). Bond: $2,500.00 No Cash/Surety.

Blevins, James Robert (Age 41) — Arrested 10/25/2026 9:39 AM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Bond Revoke). Bond: No Bond.

Nunley Jr, Richard Darrell (Age 22) — Arrested 10/25/2026 6:41 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Possess Paraphernalia (Unknown Misdemeanor), Possession of Opiate, Opium, Narcotic or Certain Stimulant. Bond: No Bond.

Ayers, Joshua Lorenzo (Age 36) — Arrested 10/25/2026 6:41 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Possession of Controlled Substance (Unknown Substance, Misdemeanor), Possess Paraphernalia (Unknown Misdemeanor), Possession of Opiate, Opium, Narcotic or Certain Stimulant. Bond: No Bond.

Released

Hall, Michael Leon — Released 10/23/2026 6:40 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Snow, Brandon — Released 10/23/2026 4:51 PM via Transferred Out (DGCO).

Total Inmates Released: 2

Documents:

Bourbon County Local News