Gordon Parks Museum

Parks Museum Wins Award of Excellence

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The Gordon Parks Museum
Wins 2026 AASLH Award of Excellence
NASHVILLE, TN.– June 12, 2026 – The AASLH awards The American Association for State
and Local History (AASLH) proudly announces that the Gordon Parks Museum is the recipient
of an Award of Excellence for the Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Church Commemorative Park
Project. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards are the most prestigious recognition for
achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.


The Wayman A.M.E. Church Commemorative Park was developed on the original site of the
historic Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, which stood at 301 S. Lowman
Street in Fort Scott, Kansas, for 116 years. After the property was donated to the Gordon Parks
Museum, it was transformed into a tribute park honoring the oldest Black church in Fort Scott

 


and celebrating its enduring legacy. The Park features four 72″ x 27″ interpretive display panels
and a 4′ x 3′ welcome sign, all installed on a 12′ x 20′ concrete slab beneath a 12′ x 20′ pergola.
The displays highlight key aspects of the church’s history, including a timeline of significant
events, recognition of its pastors, and the congregation’s lasting impact on the community.

 

The
interpretive panels also explore Wayman Chapel’s connections to influential figures and events
such as Gordon Parks, The Learning Tree, Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Carrie
Hughes, and Professor E.J. Hawkins. Together, the exhibits honor the church’s role in shaping
community life, fostering faith, education, and leadership, while QR codes on each sign provide
visitors with access to expanded digital content for deeper engagement and learning.
This year, AASLH confers 42 national awards honoring people, projects, exhibits, and
publications. The winners represent the best in the field and provide leadership for the future of
state and local history.

 

 

 


The AASLH awards program was initiated in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of
excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history throughout
the United States. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards not only honor
significant achievement in the field of state and local history, but also bring public recognition of
the opportunities for small and large organizations, institutions, and programs to make
contributions in this arena. For more information about the Leadership in History Awards,
contact AASLH at 615-320-3203 or go to www.aaslh.org.

Established in 2004, the Gordon Parks Museum, located at Fort Scott Community
College in his hometown of Fort Scott, Kansas, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the
remarkable life and work of Gordon Parks, the internationally renowned photographer,
filmmaker, writer, and musician. The museum also uses his inspiring life story to teach about
artistic creativity, cultural awareness, and the role of diversity in our lives. Gordon Parks
attended the first Annual Gordon Parks Celebration, which was created in his honor. The
museum’s valuable collection includes many of his iconic photographs, personal artifacts,
awards, medals, honorary degrees, and replica furnishings from his New York apartment,
highlighting his extraordinary achievements and lasting impact on American culture. More than
a museum, it inspires visitors through exhibitions, educational programs, special events, and the
annual Gordon Parks Celebration. The museum encourages visitors to learn from Parks’
creativity, perseverance, and commitment to making a positive difference through the arts.
The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), a national nonprofit association, provides
leadership and resources to help the history community thrive and make the past more meaningful for all
people. AASLH serves the tens of thousands of history organizations, professionals, and volunteers
around the country who help people of all ages develop critical thinking skills and understand how
learning history helps society make progress toward justice. Through research, advocacy, and our field-
leading professional development program, AASLH advances public history practice and connects history
practitioners to critical issues in the field and to one another. For more information about AASLH visit
www.aaslh.org.
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Fort Scott Community College, Government

Agenda For the FSCC Trustees Special Meeting on June 15

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FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SPECIAL MEETING
ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER
JUNE 15, 2026 – 5:30 P.M.
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 APPROVAL OF OFFICIAL AGENDA (ACTION)
4.0 APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA (ACTION)
4.1 Minutes
• May 14, 2026, Board of Trustees Special Meeting
• May 18, 2026, Board of Trustees Meeting
• June 2, 2026, Special Board Meeting
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register – $386,285.99
4.4 Payroll
• May 15, 2026 – $755,977.54
• June 15, 2026 – $635,645.75
4.5 Contract Ratification
• Contract – UAMS e-Link
5.0 COMMUNITY, EMPLOYEE, AND STUDENT RECOGNITION (INFORMATION)
5.1 Program Review – none
5.2 Recognition: Students & Program Update
o Kirk Sharp and Gordon Parks Museum
6.0 LEADERSHIP REPORTS & UPDATES (INFORMATION)
7.0 OLD BUSINESS
7.1 Reserve Unencumbered Fund Balance Policy (ACTION)
8.0 NEW BUSINESS
8.1 Remote Work Policy (INFORMATION)
8.2 KASB Workers Compensation Agreement (ACTION)
8.3 Certification of the Mill Rate (ACTION)
8.4 ARPA Grant – Van Purchase (ACTION)
9.0 PUBLIC FORUM
Comments should be restricted to no more than three minutes. Requests should
be submitted by noon on the day of the Board meeting. Forms will be presented to
the Board Chair for consideration. Matters which are personal in nature or relate to
personnel matters will not be heard publicly.
10.0 PERSONNEL
10.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (ACTION)
10.2 Exit Executive Session – Return to Open Session (ACTION)
10.3 Employment Matters of Non-Elected Personnel (ACTION)
10.4 President’s Contract (ACTION)
10.5 Addition of CTE Development Coordinator (ACTION)
11.0 BOARD REPORTS (INFORMATION)
• Finance Committee – Chad Cosens & Doug Ropp
• Policies – Marilyn Hoyt
• Negotiation Committee – Destry Brown
• Strategic Plan Committee – TBA
• KACCT & Greenbush – Ronda Bailey
• Student Leadership/Coaching Academy – Chad McKinnis
• Correspondence
12.0 ADJOURN (ACTION)Agen

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the June 2 City of Fort Scott Meeting

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FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of June 2, 2026                                                                                                                       Regular Meeting

 

A meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held  in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer Tim Van Hoecke (via Teams), Julie Buchta, were present with Mayor Kathryn Salsbury (via Teams). Julie Buchta presided over the meeting this evening.

 

In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Chief Jason Pickert/FSPD, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspections LLC, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Deana Betts/Core Community, Brian Coomes/Olsson, Kristene Gemsky, Gavin Gemsky, Aleksei Gemsky and Michael Hoyt.

 

BUCHTA led the Pledge of Allegiance and WELLS said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda

MOTION:  WELLS moved to amend the agenda to include an Executive Session after Reports and Comments. DANCER seconded.

 

       MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

       MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve the amended agenda.  DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consent Agenda

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1409-A – Expense Approval Report –

Payment Dates of May 14, 2026 – May 27, 2026 – $487,980.60              

  1. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of May 19, 2026
  2. Approval of New License – Retailer’s Liquor License – Don’s Spirits & Wine – 1705 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, KS – New Ownership – Licensing May 20, 2026 – May 19, 2028.
  3. Approval of Renewal of License – Drinking Establishment/Caterer – Sharkys – 16 N. National Ave., Fort Scott, KS – Licensing May 24, 2026 – May 23, 2028
  4. Approval of Retail Fireworks Vendors Permits – Jake’s Fireworks (2229 S. Main St.) – Bellino Fireworks, Inc. (2400 S. Main St.) – Ka-Boomers Enterprises, Inc. (1712 S. National Ave.)
  5. Request to Pay Invoice# 9203 – JCM Restoration – Gunn Park Retaining Wall Repairs – Progress Billing – Completion over 50% – $13,000.00
  6. Request to Pay Olsson – Project No. AV-2026-16 – FSK Reconstruct Taxiway Lights – Design & Bidding – Invoice# 555897 – $28,750.00 (Oct. 4, 2025); Invoice# 572809 – $23,000.00 (Mar. 14, 2026); Invoice# 576737 – $5,750.00 (Apr. 11, 2026) – $57,500.00

 

              MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve the Consent Agenda.  WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

Public Comment – No comments.

 

 

 

Appearance

Deana Betts /Bourbon County Core Community

Program Overview: Core Community aims to “Engage a community to lift people out of poverty” by addressing 11 types of poverty, not solely financial. The program utilizes Ruby Payne’s “Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World” curriculum, with Phase One focusing on mindsets and Phase Two connecting members with resources, “core friends” (middle-class volunteers), and a coach for barrier elimination and crisis management. The program serves as a “wraparound service” for Redemption House, assisting women with re-entry into the community, housing, and life skills, and plans to expand to an upcoming men’s house. Core Community has 29 class graduates, with 4 “declarations of poverty” (exited poverty). Participants collectively saved over $26,000 in taxes,

decreased debt by almost $40,000, and increased income by $160,000. The coach’s role is “instrumental” and “vital” to the program’s success, encompassing recruiting, crisis intervention, and navigating barriers for participants, including middle-of-the-night calls.

Funding Request: Core Community requested support from the city’s drug and alcohol tax revenue in the amount of $30,000.00. VAN HOECKE requested that upon voting, that the stipulation that it be reviewed in (1) year with an update of how the (2) programs (Core Community and Redemption House) are working together.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to table discussion for funding until the next meeting in June

 

MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND.

 

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to fund this particular program for a one-year cycle with the stipulations that Commissioner Van Hoecke asked be placed upon it. SALSBURY seconded. VAN HOECKE, SALSBURY, WELLS and BUCHTA voted yes.  DANCER voted no.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-1.

 

 

Jose Montanez/ Owner of 118 E. Wall/Barber Shop – An invitation was extended to the owner to appear and provide status update however he could not attend the meeting.

 

 

Unfinished Business

Consideration of Resolution No. 6-2026 Resolution Directing The Repair Or Removal Of An Alleged Unsafe And Dangerous Structure at 1403 E. Oak – Tabled November 18, 2025, January 20, 2026, and February 16, 2026 – L. Kruger

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve the removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure at 1403 E. Oak.  VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 11-2026 – Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of An Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 18 S. Holbrook – Tabled September 19, 2025, November 18, 2025, and February 3, 2026 – L. Kruger

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve the removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure at 1403 E. Oak.  DANCER seconded. DANCER, BUCHTA, VAN HOECKE and SALSBURY voted yes. WELLS voted no.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-1.

 

New Business

Action Items

Consideration of Bid Award for Fort Scott Municipal Airport (FSK) – KAIP Project No. AV-2026-16 – Olsson No. 025-04135 – Replace Taxiway Edge Lighting System – B. Coomes/Olsson

A bid award was considered for the Fort Scott Municipal Airport KAIP project to replace the taxiway edge lighting system, which is a continuation of efforts from last summer and funded 90% by a KDOT grant. Strukel Electric was the low bidder at $398,158.40 and was recommended due to their low bid, familiarity with the facility from a previous runway lighting project, and reputation in airport work. The total anticipated project cost of $562,258.40 is approximately $200,000 under the KDOT grant award, resulting in about $20,000 less for the city’s share.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to award Strukel Electric out of Girard the contract for replacement of the lights at the airport. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

Consideration of Letter Agreement Amendment No. 1 to Current Design and Bid Phase Agreement with Olsson for Professional Services KAIP Project No. AV-2026-16, Olsson Project No. 025-04135 the FSK Taxiway Edge Lighting System – B. Coomes/Olsson

Letter Agreement Amendment Number One was considered for Olson’s professional services for the FSK Taxiway Edge Lighting system, covering the construction engineering and closeout phase. This amendment includes construction administration, full-time on-site personnel for construction observation, and materials testing (concrete testing).

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to award Olsson Amendment number one so they can continue with the project, provide the professional service and the closeout for the taxiway edge lighting system.                DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MATKIN left the meeting at 7:08PM and returned at 7:10PM.

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 20-2026 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1701 E. Wall – L. Kruger

The property owner has been in communication, but no action has been taken; the roof is falling in, windows are missing, and doors are open, making it accessible and dangerous.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve Resolution No. 20-2026.  VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 21-2026 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 723 W. 5th – L. Kruger

The owner’s grandson has promised action for over a year with no changes; the city regularly mows the property due to nuisance violations, and the house is dilapidating with sagging roof levels and a falling privacy fence.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 21-2026. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 22-2026 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 123 S. Wilson – L. Kruger

There has been limited interaction with the owner, who did tarp a gigantic hole in the roof after an extended period; many windows and doors are boarded up, and the house is dilapidating to the point of no repair.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve Resolution No. 22-2026.  WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 23-2026 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 414 W. 4th – L. Kruger

The owner advised they would tear it down and started the process but stopped, with no movement for a while.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve Resolution No. 23-2026. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

406 South Horton: Resolution No. 24-2026 was removed from the agenda as the house already been taken down.

 

 

Consideration to Further Define Gunn Park Camping Regulations Regarding 14-Day Permit in Ordinance No. 3606

MATKIN recommended amending Ordinance No. 3606 to require campers to vacate the park for (30) days after a (14)-day stay, addressing a “tremendous problem” where campers could stay indefinitely by leaving for a day and returning.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to go forward with the recommendation of City staff on making the (2) weeks in effect and then must vacate the campground for at least (30) days.  DANCER seconded. BUCHTA, VAN HOECKE, SALSBURY and DANCER voted yes.  WELLS voted no.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-1.

 

 

Reports and Comments

 

Commissioner Wells:

–  Good Ol Days and Melodrama

–  Standard Traffic Ordinance (STO) and parking laws

 

Commissioner Dancer:

–  IPAWS Alert System

–  City Manager evaluation criteria

–  School Zones concerns at 9th, 10th & 11th streets

 

Commissioner Buchta:

–  Lake lots encroachment

–  School zones

–  Crosswalk painting

–  Common Consumption area

 

Commissioner Van Hoecke:

–  Good Ol Days

–  Freeman grant

–  Golf cart safety reminder

 

FARMER left the meeting 7:51PM and returned at 7:54PM

 

Commissioner Salsbury:

– Status of CLG scholarship

–  Fireworks discharge ordinance

 

City Attorney:

–  Moody Building update

 

 

City Manager:

–  Monthly newsletter

–  Good Ol Days – streets closures

–  Outdoor Fitness Park

–  Gunn Park retaining wall

–  Street projects update

–  City-issued alcohol licenses – next agenda

 

City Engineer:

–  Memorial Hall update

–  Davis Lift Station update

–  Railroad permit

–  Wall Street – Phase III

–  E. National Project update

–  Traffic and school signs

 

Executive Session

MOTION:  BUCHTA moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(6). In the meeting will be the City Manager, City Attorney and (5) City Commissioners in the City Manager’s office. The open meeting will resume in the Commission Room at 8:48PM. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

       

        MOTION:  DANCER moved to come out of Executive Session with no action.  WELLS seconded.

 

        MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

 

Adjourn

 

        MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn at 8:51PM.  DANCER seconded.

 

        MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:51PM.

 

 

 

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis/City Clerk

Fort Scott, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Agenda for Ft. Scott City Commission on June 16

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

June 16, 2026  –  6:00 P.M.

                                                                   

                      

  1.     Call to Order
  2. Pledge of Allegiance

III.       Invocation

  1. Approval of Agenda
  2.     Consent Agenda
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1410-A – Expense Approval Report –

Payment Dates of May 28, 2026 – June 9, 2026 – $795,782.34            

  1. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of June 2, 2026
  2. Approval of Retail Fireworks Vendor Permit – Jurassic Fireworks (4500 Campbell Dr.)
  3. May Financials
  4. Request to Pay – Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking, Inc. – Application No. 4 – Davis Lift Station – $12,150.00
  5. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC – Invoice# 18628 – EEI Project No. 25-12 E. National Phase I – Final Design 60% – $10,350.00; and Invoice# 18629 – EEI Project No. 26-402 – Davis Lift Station Extraneous Flow – $18,214.89

 

  1. Public Comment

VII.      Appearance

  1. Garth Herrmann/Gilmore & Bell – Award of Sale and Note Resolution
  2. Review bids for sale of the Series 2026-1 Temporary Notes and award sale to the best bidder
  3. Approve Note Resolution No. 25-2026 authorizing the issuance of the Series 2026-1 Temporary Notes
  4. Al Niece – Moody Building                                                
  5. Kari West/Evergy – Franchise Fee Update
  6. Rachel Carpenter/Director of Community Development & Human Resources – Gordon Parks Film Initiative (First Read)
  7. Kristy Holmes/Holmtown Pub LLC – Request for assistance
  8. Jess Milburn/JCM Restoration – Request to Pay Invoice# 9204 – JCM Restoration – Gunn Park Retaining Wall Repairs – Progress Billing – Base Bid Work Complete – $33,000.00 and Invoice# 9205 – Additional Work Completed Beyond Base Bid – Change Order –  $17,148.00

 

VIII.    Unfinished Business

  1. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3797 – An Ordinance Amending Article 20 of the Fort Scott Zoning Regulations Regarding Accessory Structures and Intermodal Shipping Containers – L. Dillon
  2. B. Consideration to Resolve Issues with 118 E. Wall
  3. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3799 Further Define Gunn Park Camping Regulations Regarding 14-Day Permit and Repeal Ordinance No. 3606 – B. Matkin

 

 

  1. New Business

Action Items

  1. Consideration to Award 2nd Quarter Small Business Grants – M. Wyatt

1) Kale Nelson/K & K Properties – DBA Kale Nelson State Farm Insurance – 113 S. National; 2) Dylan Renfro/M&K Carwash – 723 E. Wall

 

  1. Consideration to Amend City-Issued Alcoholic Liquor and Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) Licenses – Reference to Title 5 – Chapters 5.08; 5.12; and 5.14 of the Fort Scott Municipal Code – B. Matkin

 

  1. Discussion of City Manager’s Review

 

  1. Reports and Comments        

 

  1. Adjourn
Area News, Health Care

Nevada Hospital Recieves Sleep Lab Accrediation

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NRMC Achieves Sleep Services Accreditation With ACHC

 

Nevada, MO Nevada Regional Medical Center proudly announces that the Respiratory Therapy Department has renewed its accreditation through Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for Sleep Lab services upon successfully passing the accreditation survey on June 9, 2026.

 

This achievement recognizes the hard work, clinical excellence, and attention to patient safety demonstrated by the NRMC Respiratory Therapy and Sleep Lab teams.  The accreditation recognizes NRMC’s dedication and commitment to providing high-quality sleep care services, including home sleep testing and in-lab services, in accordance with nationally recognized standards.

 

“Sleep accreditation validates the quality of care our team delivers every day,” noted Andrea Miller, RRT, Respiratory Therapy Manager.  “It confirms that our processes, technology and patient care meet the rigorous national benchmarks.”

 

“Having accredited sleep services available locally at NRMC allows patients to receive timely diagnosis and treatment close to home, which makes a real difference for individuals and families in our community.”

 

Sleep disorders can have significant negative health impacts including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression, obesity, and more. Symptoms of a sleep disorder include snoring, breaks and pauses in breathing while sleeping, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, the urge to move legs or uncomfortable feeling in the legs at night, excessive sleepiness during the day, and reduction in concentration, memory, and attention.

 

If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, please make an appointment to discuss this with your primary care provider, who can recommend appropriate sleep testing at NRMC.

 

For more information about sleep studies and respiratory therapy services, please visit www.nrmchealth.com/sleep-center, or contact us at (417) 667-3355 ext. 3183.

 

 

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Bourbon County

Walker v. Crux Update: Recall Committee Moves to Rejoin the Case

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The legal fight over the effort to recall Bourbon County Clerk Susan Walker has taken a new turn: the three members of the recall committee, after being dropped from the lawsuit, are now asking the judge to let them back in as a group. On June 9 they filed a motion to intervene, along with a request to throw Walker’s lawsuit out entirely.

This is the latest step in a case we have been following. For the fuller background — how the lawsuit started and how the committee members came to be dismissed — see our earlier story: Walker v. Crux Update: Recall Committee Dismissed, Member Fights Back.

Key events

  • A petition is being circulated to recall Walker from office. It points to mistakes on the USD 235 (Uniontown) school board ballots in the November 2025 election.
  • Walker sued, asking a court to rule that the recall petition does not meet the legal requirements, which would stop it from going to a vote. She first named County Attorney James Crux and the three recall committee members as defendants: Kyle R. Parks, Kevin Wagner, and Lyle K. Owenby.
  • She later narrowed her lawsuit to drop the three committee members and proceed only against Crux. The judge dismissed them from the case. Wagner then asked the judge to undo that dismissal.

What’s new (June 5–9)

  • June 5 — Walker’s attorney filed a response opposing Wagner’s request to undo the dismissal. Her argument, in plain terms: dropping the committee members was proper, and if they want back in, the right way is to ask to “intervene” — formally join the case — not to reverse the dismissal.
  • June 9 — That is exactly what they did. All three committee members, now represented by Wichita attorney Patrick B. Hughes, filed a motion to intervene under K.S.A. 60-224, the state law on joining a lawsuit. They argue they are “necessary parties” — people the case cannot fairly be decided without — under K.S.A. 60-219, because the case asks the court to decide whether their recall petition is valid. County Attorney Crux, they say, cannot stand in for them — his role is separate, and a ruling without them could leave Crux facing conflicting court orders later on.
  • If the judge lets them back into the case, they also want to throw Walker’s lawsuit out under K.S.A. 60-5320, the Kansas Public Speech Protection Act, and to make Walker pay their attorney fees. That law — often called an “anti-SLAPP” law — lets people who are sued over protected speech or petition activity ask a court to dismiss the case early. They included a copy of that motion with their June 9 filing.

Underneath the legal back-and-forth is a factual dispute about what happened with the November 2025 ballots. Neither side disputes that about 50 of the USD 235 school board ballots used during early voting were printed wrong, but they do disagree about whether Walker acted fast enough to fix them.

The recall committee’s petition, which Kansas requires the petitioners swear are true,  says Walker “caused to be printed and distributed incorrect ballots,” and that even though the problem was “brought to her attention by multiple individuals during the early voting period,” she did not correct it promptly and new, correct ballots were not printed until the night before Election Day.

However, in Walker’s sworn court petition, she says she “took immediate action to cure the ballot error”: within about four hours she and her staff set up a corrected election with the county’s voting-machine vendor, and, working into the early morning of Election Day, printed roughly 2,600 new ballots before voters went to the polls. In a written statement she released to the public, she added that her office received only one complaint just before early voting ended on Nov. 3, 2025 and that a review of two weeks of her office’s phone records turned up no earlier complaint. She points to the state law requiring that ballot mistakes be “corrected without delay” (K.S.A. 25-604) and says she did exactly that once she knew about the error.

It is worth being clear that none of these filings is asking the court to decide on the conflicting sworn statements. As the committee’s own filing puts it, whether Walker’s explanation is convincing is “a question for the voters, not the court.” The judge’s job at this stage is narrower: to decide whether the recall petition meets the legal requirements to move forward, such as stating valid grounds. Under K.S.A. 25-4302, “failure to perform duties prescribed by law” is one of the grounds Kansas law allows for a recall.

On June 9 the court also granted a 14-day extension giving County Attorney Crux until June 23 to formally respond to Walker’s lawsuit. The judge has not yet ruled on Wagner’s request to undo the dismissal, on the committee’s request to rejoin, or on the underlying question of whether the recall petition is legally sufficient. No hearing date had been set as of this writing.

Being named in a lawsuit is not a finding of wrongdoing, and the filings described here reflect each party’s arguments, not the court’s conclusions. FortScott.biz will continue to follow the case.

Opinion

Storms on the Sea of Life by Patty LaRoche

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

As I watched the movie “The Twister: Caught in the Storm,” I was reminded of the tornado warnings we had when I was a child living in Fort Scott. When the warning signs screamed, my mother gathered up the three of us kids and headed to our neighbor’s cellar across the street. I had packed a box loaded with my favorite things, just in case. My stuffed monkey sat atop my plastic horses and pop-bead bracelets, treasures I could not live without. When the all-clear siren blasted, I knew my precious treasures and I were safe… at least for a while. Little did I know, those storms were nothing compared to the figurative storms I would face as an adult. You probably can relate.

Life is filled with storms – crazy schedules, emotional bankruptcy and physical exhaustion. My first reaction is to run and hide until the storm passes, but I have learned that (1) there will always be another storm, and (2) I must be prepared before those trials hit. That means I sometimes must say “no” to requests that do not edify those I love or the Lord. If not, my life becomes pretty chaotic.

My girlfriend Robin and I recently were discussing how easy it is to miss God’s will when we are navigating turbulent decisions. She and her husband moved to another town when they were offered a good price on their home. The only problem? They had to be out in three weeks…not a lot of time to check out other properties on the market in their new location. One prospective house needed a little work, but when the inspector assured them that all was well, they placed a bid that was accepted.

Unfortunately, they had purchased “the money pit.” A few days after moving in, Robin’s husband was in the attic, moving boxes, unaware there was a hole in the ceiling, a hole he fell through, resulting in seven broken ribs, a head laceration, a broken finger and a broken hip. As bad as that was, nothing prepared them for the cockroach infestation, a refrigerator and dishwasher that did not work, and a copperhead that crawled up Robin’s leg when she was in her back yard.

“I probably didn’t pray enough,” she said. “I prayed but clearly panicked with the time constraints.” Oh, how many times have I done the same! There isn’t enough room here to describe my inability to listen to God before I jump in, and usually a storm of some sort is waiting for me. Then again, in my case, that storm might be for my benefit to draw me closer to God.

One of the most recognizable stories in the Bible is when Jesus slept during a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee. The day has been long, filled with teaching, healing, and ministry, and the disciples are weary. Although accomplished fishermen, they, accompanying him in the boat, cannot imagine how he is not awakened as the “waves swept over the boat.”

Matthew 8:26, 27 reports that Jesus replied, “’You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!’”

Bible Hub tells us that Jesus’ words point to the danger of fear when faith is weak, and they serve as a reminder that true faith trusts in His power and presence. Jesus not only has authority over creation, he also can bring peace to the chaos of life. Think about it. His ability to calm the sea is immediate and complete. There are no after-effects except, of course, in the life of the disciples who once again are witnesses to the person in whom they need to place their faith.

What storm are you enduring? If you are trying to face it alone, you are missing an opportunity to call on the One who can make an everlasting difference, and in this case, you don’t even have to wake him up to ask for his help.

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – June 12, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – June 12, 2026

Arrested

Arent, Nicholas Ray (Age 43) — Arrested 6/11/2026 2:51 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Possess Opiates/Opium/Narc Drug and Certain Stim, Use/Poss Drug Paraphernalia/Human Body. Bond: $2,000.00 (Cash/Surety). Released 6/11/2026 5:53 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Leonord, Hilary Rose (Age 42) — Arrested 6/11/2026 3:37 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Domestic Battery; Knowing/Reckless Bodily Harm. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Young, Corey Danielle (Age 52) — Arrested 6/12/2026 2:00 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Cultivate/Distribute/W/Int Opiates/Opium/Narc/Stim, Poss of Certain Hallucinogenics W/1 Prior Conv, Use/Poss Drug Paraphernalia/Human Body. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Blevins, Roger Dean (Age 57) — Arrested 6/12/2026 2:09 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Possess Opiates/Opium/Narc Drug and Certain Stim, Use/Poss Drug Paraphernalia/Human Body. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Released

Arent, Nicholas Ray — Released 6/11/2026 5:53 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Lotterer, Joseph — Released 6/11/2026 8:00 AM via Probation (Self).

Ludeman, Samantha Joy — Released 6/11/2026 7:03 AM via Transferred Out (KDOC).

Total Inmates Released: 3

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Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Annual Chamber Golf Tournament is June 26

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The Fort Scott Area

Chamber of Commerce presents the

32nd Annual

Chamber Golf Classic

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to invite members, businesses, organizations, golfers, and the community to the 32nd Annual Chamber Golf Classic!

 

This annual tournament is a great way to enjoy a fun day on the course, promote your business or organization, and support the Chamber. Teams, sponsorships, and raffle items are now being accepted.

Click here for online registration, printable registration & sponsorship form, and more info.!

 

Friday, June 26th

Woodland Hills Golf Course

2414 s. Horton St.

Registration & Putting Contest

8am

Shotgun Start

9am

Format

4-person Scramble

$320 per team includes:

Play, lunch, cart, mulligans, games package, & skins

Limited carts are available, so teams with their own cart are encouraged to bring it.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Sponsorships

This annual event is a great opportunity to promote your business or organization while supporting the Chamber and enjoying a fun day of golf, networking, and community connection.

BANNER SPONSOR
Showcase your business name & logo prominently displayed along the fence at #1 tee box. sponsor logos also included on pre-tournament materials

Banner + Team

$595 with own/prior banner

$645 if banner is made

Banner Only

$300

$350 if banner is made

EXCLUSIVE HOLE SPONSOR

Showcase your business name & logo displayed

exclusively on a hole.

Exclusive Hole + Team
$495

Exclusive Hole Sponsor Only:

$200

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

Sponsor sign with business name displayed in front of the clubhouse, showing your support.

Supporting Sponsor & Team

$420

Supporting Sponsor Only

$125

TEAM ENTRY ONLY

Enjoy a great day of golf, which includes play, lunch, cart, mulligans, games package, and skins.

$320

Click HERE for a PDF copy of Sponsorship levels and information.

Reserve your sponsorship:

[email protected] or 620-223-3566

Raffle & Prize Donations Needed!

The Chamber is also accepting raffle and prize donations for the Golf Classic. Donated items help add excitement to the event and give businesses another great way to be recognized.

Items may include gift certificates, merchandise, themed baskets, promotional items, services, golf items, swag bag items, or hole prize giveaways.

All donations are appreciated and help make the tournament more fun for players while showcasing local businesses and organizations.

Register Today!

Teams may register online, stop by, or call the Chamber Office!

620-223-3566

231 E. Wall St.

Click HERE to register!

Click HERE to visit the

FS Area Chamber of Commerce

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

FS Area Chamber of Commerce

website!
A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Click HERE to view our 2026 Community Guide-Member Directory!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
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Bourbon County

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – June 11, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – June 11, 2026

Arrested

Arent, Nicholas Ray (Age 43) — Arrested 6/11/2026 2:51 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Possess Opiates/Opium/Narc Drug and Certain Stimulants, Use/Possess Drug Paraphernalia/Human Body. Bond: $0.00.

Released

Lotterer, Joseph — Released 6/11/2026 8:00 AM via Probation (Self).

Ludeman, Samantha Joy — Released 6/11/2026 7:03 AM via Transferred Out (KDOC).

Total Inmates Released: 2

Documents:

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

CHC/SEK to Assume Operations of Ascension St. John Primary Care

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INDEPENDENCE, Kan. — The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is pleased to announce an agreement with Ascension St. John to assume operations of Ascension St. John Primary Care in Independence, Kansas, effective July 1, 2026.

As part of this transition, Ascension will donate the clinic’s building and land to CHC/SEK. CHC/SEK and Ascension St. John are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for every patient.

“We very much appreciate Ascension’s trust in us and are committed to ensuring that every patient in Independence receives the quality care they deserve,” said Krista Postai, CHC/SEK Chief Executive Officer.

This agreement deepens CHC/SEK’s longstanding roots in Montgomery County. The organization first came to the area in 2012 with the opening of its Coffeyville location. CHC/SEK’s Independence clinic, established in partnership with Four County Mental Health Center, opened in 2014.

Moving forward, CHC/SEK will operate two locations in Independence. The new CHC/SEK Independence clinic will open on August 10, 2026, offering primary care services as well as specialty services in collaboration with Ascension. Erica Whitson, APRN-C, will join the CHC/SEK team, providing family medicine services. Walk-in care and pharmacy services will be introduced later in the year.

Earlier this year, CHC/SEK released the results of its 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment, which serves as a blueprint for the organization’s plans to address the region’s largest health challenges. “Our Community Health Needs Assessment made one thing clear: the people of southeast Kansas need more access to care,” said Jason Wesco, CHC/SEK President and Chief Strategy Officer. “Every barrier we remove, whether it’s distance, cost, or availability, is a step toward a healthier community.”

Expanding access to quality, affordable care is not just a goal for CHC/SEK, it is the mission. The organization serves more than 85,000 patients annually across Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma, a region that faces persistent provider shortages and generational poverty. This investment into the Independence community is one of the many ways CHC/SEK strives to meet these challenges head-on.

CHC/SEK has built its recent growth by developing partnerships aimed at preserving healthcare access in rural communities. Before opening a new location, CHC/SEK works to first understand the community’s unique needs and tailors services accordingly. Over the past several years, the organization has opened clinics in:

  • Arma, Fort Scott, Mound City, Pleasanton, and Miami, Oklahoma (2019)
  • Garnett (2022)
  • Pittsburg State University campus and Bartlesville, Oklahoma (2023)

For more information, visit chcsek.org.

About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.

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Bourbon County Local News