Ad: Rob Hodgkinson — Earn Your Vote

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 Police Day Sheets – October 25, 2026

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 Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – Oct 26, 2026

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:

Obituary: Doyle Dean Zimmerman, Age 77

Doyle Dean Zimmerman, 77, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away on October 16, 2026, at Freeman Hospital in Fort Scott following a long battle with Lewy body dementia.

Doyle was born on April 1, 1949, in Girard, Kansas, to Enos Doyle Zimmerman and Wilma Turner Zimmerman. He attended grade school in Hiattville, graduated from Uniontown High School, and went on to earn a certificate in electricity from Kansas State College of Pittsburg.

Doyle served six years in the Army National Guard, completing training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Fort Lee, Virginia.

Doyle dedicated 50 years to his profession as an electrician. He was certified through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration and conducted electrical inspections in coal mines throughout the region. In addition to owning and operating Zimmerman Electric, he worked in maintenance for Dayco/Carlisle and The Timken Company.

Family was at the heart of Doyle’s life. He and his wife, Rebecca, loved bringing family together and creating lasting memories through annual Fourth of July celebrations at Elm Creek Lake, Christmas gatherings, and trips to Table Rock Lake in Branson. Doyle also enjoyed motorcycle trips across the country, creating memories and experiencing the open road along the way. One especially cherished family memory was the annual Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days bed race, where Doyle’s bed claimed victory for many years.

Doyle will be remembered for his dedication to his work, his love for his family, and the many traditions and memories he helped create over the years.

Survivors include his wife, Rebecca Zimmerman, of the home; two brothers, David Zimmerman and his wife, Teresa, of Fort Scott, and Darel Zimmerman and his wife, Crystal, of Garland; and several nieces and nephews.

Doyle was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Donathan Zimmerman.

Rev. Mike Buckamneer will conduct funeral services at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow at Mount Orum Cemetery.

Words of remembrance may be shared in the online tribute book at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary for Oct 26, 2026 Meeting

Bourbon County Commission

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda – October 26, 2026, 5:30 PM

agenda-packet (full PDF)

Agenda as of October 23rd, 2026 4:43 PM Central for the October 26th, 2026 5:30 PM meeting, fetched from HeyGov when this draft was created.

  • I. Call Meeting to Order (Page 1)
  • II. Prayer – Allen (Page 1)
  • III. Introductions (Page 1)
  • IV. Approval of Agenda (Page 1)
  • V. Approval of Minutes (Page 1)
  • VI. Approval of Accounts Payable $78,932.08 (Page 1)
    • Hampton Inn — $129.32
    • Hometown — $69.75
    • New Grill — $63.74
  • VII. Executed Documents for Record (Page 1)
  • VIII. Public Comments (Page 1)
  • IX. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)( ) Subject: (Page 1)
    • a. Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) Subject: – Allen (Page 1)
  • X. Department Updates (Page 1)
    • a. Security Cameras – Maint – Krom (Page 1)
  • XI. Old Business (Page 1)
    • a. Asbestos Report – Beerbower (Page 1)
    • b. Well Testing – Milburn (Page 1)
    • c. HR – End of Contract Letter – signing of new contract – Milburn (Page 1)
    • d. Policy pertaining to use of county property for personal use – Milburn (Page 1)
  • XII. New Business (Page 2)
    • a. 108 W. 2nd Street (Page 2)
    • b. Grant Opportunity – Milburn (Page 2)
    • c. Transportation letter of support – Casey Brown – Milburn (Page 2)
    • d. Transportation letter of support – Becky Gray – Milburn (Page 2)
    • e. Benefit Contribution Review – Milburn (Page 2)
    • f. Kansas Association of Counties Membership – Motley (Page 2)
  • XIII. Commission Comments (Page 2)
  • XIV. Future Agenda Topics (Page 2)
  • XV. Adjournment (Page 2)

Detailed Information Packet Summary

1. Accounts Payable Bills & Invoices (Pages 9–20)

The packet includes the detailed open-invoices report for the batch due 10/23/2026, totaling $78,932.08 across 73 invoices.

Batch Due 10/23/2026 — Grand Total: $78,932.08 (Pages 9–20)

  • Non-Departmental / Funds Summary: Total payouts $52,522.61 across 52 invoices. Notable funds: County Sheriff/Correctional $15,517.47 (including Evergy electric $5,497.75, Johnson Controls fire alarm repair $7,586.54), Bond Sales Tax – County Jail $9,827.76 (Advantage Computer Enterprises remote-court computers $6,825.00 and courtroom AV work), Road & Bridge Sales Tax Fund $8,320.43, Landfill $5,466.48, ROD-Tech Fund $5,136.00 (new copier), Employee Benefit $2,618.80, Addiction Settlement Fund $1,410.00 (Progressive auto insurance reimbursement), Election $915.15, Road and Bridge $3,108.54. (Pages 9–12)
  • County Department Operations:
    • County Attorney: $12,150.00 (Karpel Solutions annual maintenance/hosting/e-discovery) (Page 13)
    • Courthouse Maintenance: $262.73 (Page 14)
    • Emergency Preparedness: $100.99 (Page 15)
    • Ambulance Service: $5,827.69 (fuel, medical supplies, tire balancing) (Page 16)
    • Courthouse General: $3,768.06 (includes Apex Environmental asbestos sampling/ambient air monitoring $2,124.80) (Page 17)
    • Human Resources: $4,300.00 (HR Solutions On Call monthly support package) (Page 18)

2. Official Meeting Minutes Approval – October 19, 2026 (Pages 3–8)

  • Attendance & Logistics: Chair Motley called the meeting to order; Commissioners Tran, Beerbower, Allen, Motley and Milburn-Kee present along with Clerk Clarkson and numerous members of the public. (Page 3)
  • Agenda Modifications: PVD compliance call moved to follow Public Comments; Sheriff’s Office personnel executive session postponed a week; Backhoe Bid struck from Old Business; Range Road added under New Business; Treasurer’s quarterly reports added as Department Update item XI.c. Approved as amended by voice vote. (Page 3)
  • Minutes Corrections: Minutes of October 5 and October 9, 2026 approved by voice vote with no opposition. (Page 3)
  • Financial & Payables Approvals: October 9 accounts payable total corrected from $334,783.98 to $428,742.99; commissioners questioned several credit card charges (Hometown $69.75, New Grill $63.74, Hampton Inn ~$129) and approved accounts payable of $428,742.99 less those three amounts; a possible duplicate billing in Fund 108 was flagged for staff follow-up; Treasurer’s quarterly reports approved. (Page 3)
  • Administrative Actions: KDOR PVD compliance call reviewed (county scored 63.1/100, below the 75 required for substantial compliance); transfer station backhoe and rate discussion; Resolution 21-26 revised so meetings on county holidays move to the next business day; CIC payroll-accounting interface license signed; Verizon contract updated and administrative phone-line rights extended to department heads; TEC remote support continued at $60/device; Conservation District commitment increased by $5,000; Range Road concerns raised and biweekly Public Works department updates established; HR RFP awarded 3-2 to local consultant Millie amid contentious discussion; election early-voting space prompted moving the October 26 and November 2 meetings to Fort Scott City Hall; meeting adjourned. (Pages 5–8)

3. Accounts Payable Batch Due 9/21/2026 (Pages 9–14, from prior packet material)

  • Grand Total: $110,758.06 across 32 invoices, including Dispatch appropriations $60,500.00 to City of Fort Scott, Health Board $22,687.50 third-quarter mill levy to SEK Multi-County Dept of Health, County Attorney $10,271.56 (contracted assistant county attorneys), Human Resources $7,093.10, Courthouse General $4,004.67, Non-Departmental $3,316.95.

Note: the packet also contains a large volume of historical county financial material (September 28 and October 5 meeting minutes, quarterly treasurer and fund status reports, numerous vendor contracts, resolutions, an asbestos inspection/air-monitoring report series for the courthouse and 108 W. 2nd Street, a real-estate contract for 108 W. 2nd Street and 201 S. Crawford Street, a repair-cost estimate, a KCAMP grant application, an EMPG grant application, a Murphy Tractor training report, surveillance system proposals, a KORA resolution draft, a purchasing policy draft, and employee compensation/benefit proposals). These are summarized only at a high level above; readers wanting full detail should consult the linked PDF directly.

From the Bleachers: The Star Follower

By Dr. Jack Welch

The Star Follower

Many think leadership means being in charge, making decisions and controlling outcomes. Yet some strong leaders I have known were not at the top of the organizational chart. They were teammates and colleagues who understood the mission.

Who is the captain? Is that person a great leader simply because the team selected them? A captain’s title may reflect ability, but it can also reflect popularity. The real test is whether that person serves teammates and puts the team ahead of personal recognition.

During my coaching years, I had outstanding captains who did not always see much playing time. They led by being first in drills, encouraging teammates from the sideline, and doing the little things that kept the team strong. If we value only starters, we overlook people essential to success. Head coaches also need assistants who lead, serve, and sacrifice for the mission.

Think about the different types of people you encounter on a team or in the workplace. The “sheep” waits to be told what to do at every step. The “yes-person” agrees with the boss, even when they have concerns or believe a different approach would be better. The “dictator” may have good ideas but delivers them in ways that push people away. The “chameleon” changes opinions depending on who is in charge or what will make them look good. Then there is the “star follower,” a person who demonstrates integrity, speaks honestly and respectfully, supports the team, and remains committed to the mission—even when doing so is difficult. Which type best describes you?

Star followers remind me of dependable teammates. They do not need a title or applause to make a difference. They support others, speak up when necessary, and stand ready when their opportunity arrives. Their goal is team success, not personal power.

An offensive lineman may be one of the greatest examples of a star follower on a football team. These players often do the thankless work of blocking, sacrificing their bodies, and creating opportunities for the skill players to gain yardage and score points. Their names may not appear in the headlines, and they rarely receive the recognition given to the quarterback or running back. Yet without their effort, discipline, and teamwork, those big plays would not happen. Offensive linemen understand their role, take pride in serving the team, and do whatever it takes to help others succeed. That is the heart of a great follower, and a true leader.

Leadership is not always about being number one or being in control. Sometimes the greatest leadership is being a good follower, a trusted partner, and a faithful teammate. The question is not simply, “Who is in charge?” It is, “Who is helping fulfill the mission?”

Thought for the Week: “Great teams are built by people willing to lead when needed and follow when the mission calls for it.” — Keith Stifflemire, Fort Scott Community College Athletic Director.

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.

Ad: Rick James — Preserving Rural Kansas

Rural Kansas isn’t just land. It’s a way of life worth protecting.

Re-elect Rick James, Republican, Kansas State Representative District 4: Dedicated To Preserving Rural Kansas

I’m Rick James. Communities like Bourbon and Linn counties are built on hard work, resilience, and family.

When big projects like commercial solar want thousands of acres of our farm and pasture land, the people who live here deserve a strong voice.

  • Keep farm and pasture land with farmers and ranchers
  • Listen to the landowners and farm families affected by big projects
  • Help local governments negotiate better, so rural communities don’t get stuck with the short end of the stick

Dedicated to preserving rural 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

Ad: Rob Hodgkinson — Read the Bills

I’ll read the bills, and I’ll explain my votes.

Rob Hodgkinson, Libertarian, Kansas House District 4: Read the bills. Explain the votes.

Right at the end of the last session, legislators were handed a gut-and-go bill: the original bill was gutted, a different one was dropped in its place, and they were told to vote. That has to end.

Every vote should be on the record, in committee and on the floor, not just taken by voice, so you can see where your representative stood.

Elected officials are public servants, not bosses. If you’re going to be a public servant, you should be very public.

Read the bills. Explain the votes. 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

Tree Care Workshop Planned for Nov. 10 in Fort Scott

Community members interested in improving the health and longevity of their trees are invited to attend a Tree Care Workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 Horton St., Fort Scott.

The workshop is hosted by the Southwind Extension District and will be presented by Kody Kraemer of the Kansas Forest Service. Participants will learn the essentials of proper tree care, including tree biology, selecting the right tree for the right location, proper planting techniques, pruning practices, and watering recommendations for both young and established trees.

Designed for homeowners, landowners, and gardening enthusiasts, the program will provide practical information to help participants make informed decisions that support healthy and thriving trees.

For more information about the workshop, call the Southwind Extension District at 620-244-3826.

Ad: Rick James — Insurance & Prescriptions

Insurance costs keep going up. I feel it too.

Re-elect Rick James, Republican, Kansas State Representative District 4: Fair Treatment For Local Pharmacies

I’m Rick James, and I serve on the Kansas House Insurance Committee. Health insurance and car insurance keep going up, and prescription costs are a real concern.

This session we passed SB 20 to rein in the prescription middlemen, the pharmacy benefit managers:

  • Bans the hidden markup known as spread pricing
  • Makes them treat our local pharmacies the same as their own
  • Requires more transparency in how drug prices are set

Insurance costs will be a big topic again next session, and I sit on the committee that handles them.

Working for fair treatment of local pharmacies and better savings for you. 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

Is This Normal Aging or Something More?

Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

Is This Normal Aging or Something More?

Many people become concerned when they forget a name, misplace their keys, or need an occasional reminder. While some changes in memory and thinking are a normal part of aging, others may be warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Knowing the difference can help individuals and families seek medical guidance when needed.

Here are 10 warning signs to watch for and examples of what is typically considered normal aging:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life

A common warning sign is forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or events, asking for the same information repeatedly, or relying heavily on reminders.

A typical age-related change is forgetting someone’s name but remembering it later.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems

Individuals may have difficulty following a familiar recipe, concentrating, or managing numbers and finances. Normal aging may involve occasional mistakes when balancing a checkbook or preparing a meal.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks

A person may struggle with routine activities such as driving to a familiar location, performing work responsibilities, or remembering the rules of a favorite game. Typical aging may mean occasionally needing help with technology or an unfamiliar task.

4. Confusion with time or place

People may lose track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time. They may forget where they are or how they got there. A normal age-related change is occasionally forgetting the day of the week but remembering it later.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

Difficulty judging distance, reading, or distinguishing contrast and color may occur. Normal changes are often related to vision conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma.

6. New problems with speaking or writing

Someone may have trouble following conversations, frequently repeat themselves, or use incorrect words.

A typical age-related change is occasionally struggling to find the right word.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

Items may be placed in unusual locations, and the person may be unable to recall where they were left. Normal aging involves occasionally misplacing something but eventually finding it.

8. Poor or decreased judgment

Changes may include poor financial decisions, giving away large amounts of money, or neglecting personal hygiene. Typical aging may involve making an occasional poor decision.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities

A person may stop participating in hobbies, work projects, or social events because tasks become difficult or frustrating. In contrast, most people occasionally feel tired and choose to skip activities.

10. Changes in mood or personality

Individuals may become more anxious, fearful, suspicious, depressed, or easily upset. Normal aging may include occasional irritability when things do not go as planned.

Experiencing one of these signs does not necessarily mean a person has dementia. However, if you notice several of these changes in yourself or a loved one, it is important to schedule a medical evaluation. Early detection can help identify the cause of symptoms, provide access to resources and support, and allow families to plan for the future. For more information about the 10 warning signs, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at www.alz.org.

Information for this article came from “Alzheimer’s 101,” Kansas State University Extension, MF3364. For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, Family & Community Wellness Agent, at 620-244-3826 or tsolomon@ksu.edu.

Bourbon County Local News