No arrests reported.
Hatcher, Hadison Mae — Released 7/23/2026 5:22 PM via Surety Bond (Larry Lamb).
Windsor, Gail Renee — Released 7/23/2026 10:14 AM via Surety Bond (Larry Lamb).
Total Inmates Released: 2
Documents:
Tarin Renee Cliffman, age 27, resident of Fort Scott, KS, passed away Friday, July 17, 2026, due to health complications.
Tarin had the biggest, kindest heart and loved everyone so deeply. She was her happiest when she was in nature, hunting, or fishing with her nieces and nephews. Her passion for animals and the outdoors was incomparable and that passion flowed through into her friendships and family life. Tarin made friends anywhere she went and was always unapologetically herself, no matter the odds. Her love, compassion, and selflessness never wavered and will never be forgotten.
Tarin was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Martin and Kathy Ross, her Aunt Retha and Uncle David Ross, as well as her brother-in-law, Jacob Bradley.
She is survived by her parents, Chad and Suzie Cliffman, her three sisters, Olivia, Danielle, and Malia, as well as her seven nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, July 28th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 on Monday evening at the Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Tarin Cliffman Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Rickey “Rick” Callow, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, coach, mentor, and friend, passed away on July 20, 2026, at the age of 75. He lived a life defined by his love for family, dedication to his community, and passion for encouraging young people to reach their potential.
Born on March 28, 1951, in Fort Scott, Kansas, to Leslie and June (Arnold) Callow, Rick graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in 1969. He earned a basketball scholarship to Johnson County Community College before beginning a career in trucking with Midwestern Distribution. He spent 32 years driving for Reynolds Aluminum Supply Company before retiring in 2008, then returned to work as a school bus and activities driver for the Blue Springs School District, where he served for another 11 years.
On Valentine’s Day in 1976, Rick married the love of his life, Carolyn Allen. Together they built a marriage centered on family, laughter and partnership, recently celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They raised two daughters, Bethany Callow of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Jessica (Matt) Hochradel of Jupiter, Florida. Rick was deeply proud of his daughters, who adored him. They especially loved the childhood story that he transformed into Superman after they went to bed. One of Rick’s greatest joys was becoming “Grandpa Rick” to his granddaughter, Ella Hochradel. Ella brought endless happiness and artwork to his life.
Rick is also survived by his brother, Rodney Callow of Elk City, Kansas; his sister, Laura (Don) Shipman of Olathe, Kansas; and many extended family members and dear friends.
Rick’s influence extended far beyond his family. He devoted countless hours to youth sports and school organizations, believing in the power of teamwork, discipline, and encouragement. He coached girls’ soccer, leading the team to the Show-Me State Games twice, and later served as president of both the Blue Springs High School Girls’ Soccer and Drill Team Booster Clubs. Whether coaching, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, Rick generously gave his time and inspired those around him.
Family was always at the center of Rick’s life. He cherished game nights, summers at the lake, trips to Florida, KU basketball games with his nephew, concerts with Bethany, and accompanying Carolyn to events as a Husband of a Daughter of the American Revolution (HODAR). He was happiest simply being with the people he loved.
A celebration of Rick’s life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Cheney-Witt Funeral Home in Fort Scott, Kansas. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Family and friends are invited to remain afterward for a luncheon and a time of sharing memories.
Rick’s kindness, humor, generosity, and unwavering love for others will be remembered always. His legacy lives on in his family, the athletes he mentored, and the many lives he touched. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
July 24, 2026
The Kansas Department of Transportation is alerting motorists in the Frontenac area that U.S. 69 will remain open on Saturday, July 25, during the large fireworks display and music festival at the Camptown Event Center.
Travelers should follow all traffic laws and posted signage. Do not park on the shoulder or stop vehicles on the road.
The event is celebrating the country’s 250th birthday and is featuring five bands or artists followed by a large fireworks display.
KDOT will have message boards on U.S. 69 north and south of the event center notifying motorists to slow down and use caution.
For current road conditions, visit kandrive.gov or call 511. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/projects/southeast-kansas-projects.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites Chamber members, guests, and the community to celebrate the Grand Opening of Bam Bam Brewing!
Friday, July 24th
5:15 – 6:30 p.m.
Remarks & Ribbon Cutting
5:30 p.m.
ὌD Bam Bam Brewing Company
120 East Wall St.
Event Admission: $2/person
(This enters guests in both the Chamber’s 50/50 drawing & Bam Bam’s door prize drawing!)
Doors remain open until 10 p.m.!
Grand Opening Special
$3 off all beer flights!
Opening weekend continues
Saturday, July 25, 12:00 – 10:00 p.m.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members, guests, and the community to attend a Chamber After-Hours, Grand Opening Celebration, and Ribbon Cutting for Bam Bam Brewing on Friday, July 24, from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. at 120 E. Wall St. in the Downtown Historic District.
The celebration will feature remarks and a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. welcoming owners John and Kristine Gemsky to the Fort Scott business community. The Chamber will collect a $2 event admission, which enters guests in both the Chamber’s 50/50 drawing and Bam Bam Brewing’s door prize drawing.
John and Kristine fell in love with Fort Scott after visiting family in the area. Kristine’s brother and sister-in-law, Trent and Kate Freeman, own The Artificers Gallery & Studio in downtown Fort Scott, and her parents also call nearby Bronson home. After spending time in the community, the Gemskys chose to invest in a historic downtown building and relocate their microbrewery to Fort Scott.
Bam Bam Brewing will offer a welcoming atmosphere featuring a variety of locally brewed craft beers, wine, and cocktails. As a Grand Opening special, guests can enjoy $3 off a beer flight throughout the evening.
On Friday, July 24, the Chamber celebration will take place from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., after which Bam Bam Brewing will remain open to the public until 10:00 p.m. Opening weekend continues on Saturday, July 25, from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Following the Grand Opening weekend, Bam Bam Brewing’s regular hours will be Thursdays and Fridays from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m.
In addition to serving customers at their new downtown location, Bam Bam Brewing’s locally brewed beers can also be found at other establishments in Fort Scott and throughout the region.
“We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported us along the way,” said the Gemskys. “We’re excited to officially open our doors, become part of the Fort Scott community, and share our passion for craft brewing with both residents and visitors.”
The Chamber encourages members, guests, and the community to attend the celebration, meet John and Kristine, tour the new business, and help welcome Bam Bam Brewing as one of Fort Scott’s newest downtown businesses. Supporting new small businesses strengthens the local economy and continues the positive momentum in Downtown Fort Scott and Bourbon County.
For more information about Chamber events, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.
Enjoy a glimpse behind the scenes as Bam Bam Brewing gets ready to welcome the community!
By Patty LaRoche
Christian author Vivian Bricker wrote about her struggle with “anhedonia,” a condition prescribed for one who lacks motivation, becomes indifferent to the world and struggles to cultivate any sort of happiness. Its victims feel only emptiness. Bricker referred to her condition as “hitting a wall.” Her solace came only when she spent time with dogs. She compared humans to dogs and felt that although people are capable of unconditional love, most are quick to reject a friend when they feel betrayed or abandoned. Dogs, however, love unconditionally. Bricker never “hit a wall” when she was with a dog.
An individual in scripture knew what it was like to suffer from anhedonia. Asaph, a writer of twelve of the Psalms, finds himself in a bad place. Note some things he says about his circumstance in Chapter 77:
Verse 2—He could not be comforted.
Verse 3—His spirit was overwhelmed.
Verse 4—He could not sleep.
Verse 6—His soul-searching was pointless.
Verse 7-9—He questioned what he knew to be true about God.
Can you relate? Asaph is miserable, depressed. But then, in Verse 12-14, he redirects his thoughts. He decides to focus on the wonders of God, the miracles He performs and the holiness of the Creator. Verse 14 reminds us on where to concentrate: “You are the God who does wonders…”
In Hebrews, Paul tells us that Jesus did just that, enduring the cross “for the joy set before him.” He looked forward to the time when he would sit at the right hand of God, and Paul instructs us to do likewise “so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
This past month I spoke at a women’s retreat and shared my recollection of a story Steve, a friend, once told. An avid Notre Dame fan, Steve would video the football game and look forward to sitting in his favorite chair to watch it. One Saturday afternoon, his father-in-law mentioned to Steve how Notre Dame had beaten Michigan 3-0. Steve said that his day was ruined. He could never enjoy a game when he knew the outcome.
But then a strange thing happened. He opted to watch it anyway, and he enjoyed every second of it. When Michigan was on the one-yard line, Steve was not concerned. He knew the outcome. Fumbles and interceptions caused him no concern. His team would prevail.
Steve shared that the football game was a metaphor for eternity. Jesus would win. Satan would lose, so we should live every day, knowing—and celebrating—the outcome. There was no need to sweat the small stuff.
Asaph seems to come to that conclusion in Psalms. God has done wondrous things. The message for us is straight-forward. When things seem overwhelming and we feel forsaken, the answer is not a dog (although my dog-lover friends might disagree). The answer is to recall all the miraculous things God has done in our lives and focus on what eternal things lie ahead.
I’m Josh Jones, a lifelong resident and small-business owner, and I’m running for Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3.
One of the reasons I got involved in the first place is that I wanted to fight for transparency and public trust in our local government. You deserve to see exactly what your government is up to. Back before our local meetings were routinely posted online, I showed up with my own phone and recorded them myself, so citizens could watch the work for themselves. It made some officials uncomfortable — and that’s the point. Putting government on the record keeps everyone honest, including the people in office.
Here’s how I’ve always worked, and how I’ll work for you:
And here’s the thing I never want anyone in office to forget: this is your county, and those elected officials work for you — not the other way around. If you ever feel like no one’s listening, don’t give up. Make a phone call, write a letter, come to a meeting. Your voice is the whole point.
Vote Josh Jones — Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3. On the record. Within reach.
Paid for by Joshua Jones for County Commissioner, Josh Jones, Treasurer.
Learn more and get in touch: Josh Jones on Facebook
Tuesday, July 28 | 3:00–6:00 PM
Credo Senior Living & Memory Care
820 South Horton Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
For more information, contact Credo Senior Living at 620-223-1822 (option 1) or visit www.CredoSL.com.
Documents:
07.13.26 Commission Minutes (full document)
The Bourbon County Commission Meeting was called to order on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM at 210 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, KS 66701.
ARTEFFECT Ambassadors is an online fellowship for educators working directly with students in grades 6–12 to foster the visual arts. Ambassadors learn alongside other high-level practitioners through visual arts-focused, project-based lessons centered on the inspiring and diverse stories of Unsung Heroes from history. During the school year, Ambassadors participate in a series of online professional development sessions and complete an innovative capstone project that engages their classrooms and communities.
Applications are due Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
Visit the ARTEFFECT Ambassadors website for details and to access the application.
Watch the ARTEFFECT Ambassadors Overview Video on Vimeo.
Review the ARTEFFECT Ambassadors Info Sheet for details on the program overview and timeline, participation requirements, eligibility, and application process.
Join the Ambassadors Info Session on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 4:00–5:00 PM Pacific Time to learn more about the Ambassadors visual arts online fellowship. Bring your questions. Registration required.
Register for the Info Session on Zoom.
For inquiries, contact: [email protected]
Poyner-Reed, Lakin Gentry (Age 21) — Arrested 7/21/2026 3:35 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Assault, Possession of Certain Hallucinogenic Drugs, Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Human Body. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).
Smith, Brandon (Age 41) — Arrested 7/21/2026 10:21 AM by Douglas County. Charges: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).
Dalager, William Paul (Age 29) — Arrested 7/21/2026 10:35 AM by Douglas County. Charges: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.
Carr, Randle R (Age 46) — Arrested 7/21/2026 10:40 AM by Douglas County. Charges: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.
Miller, Ralph Paul (Age 66) — Arrested 7/21/2026 8:45 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: DUI (Misdemeanor), One-Way Glass & Sun Screening Devices, Possession of Certain Hallucinogenic Drugs, Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Human Body. Bond: $1,500.00 (Cash/Surety).
Craig, Sean — Released 7/21/2026 10:17 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas County).
Kerron, Dakota — Released 7/21/2026 10:19 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas County).
Roberson, Malcolm — Released 7/21/2026 10:18 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas County).
Total Inmates Released: 3
Documents:
July 21, 2026
A Kansas Department of Transportation project to overlay about 25 miles of U.S. 69 in Linn and Bourbon counties has been delayed due to contractor scheduling issues. The overlay work will start the last week of July.
The project begins just north of Pleasanton on the southbound lanes and moves south. The southbound lanes will receive a 4-inch asphalt overlay, and portions of the route will require milling before the overlay. Pavement markings also will be added.
The contractor will close one lane at a time to work on a short stretch of highway then switch to the adjacent lane as the project progresses. Temporary exit/entry ramp closures will be required on the route.
The work zone speed limit will be reduced to 65 mph.
Work will occur during daylight hours Monday through Friday, and possibly Saturday, and the U.S. 69 project is expected to be completed this year, conditions permitting.
APAC-Central Inc., of Fayetteville, Arkansas, has the contract for the $15.95 million project.
KDOT urges motorists to stay alert, follow posted signs and refrain from hand-held mobile device use in all active work zones. For current road conditions, visit kandrive.gov or call 511. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/projects/southeast-kansas-projects.
