Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

The Cornerstone Hosts the Weekly Chamber Coffee on Sept. 17

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Chamber Coffee to be Hosted by The Cornerstone

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites Chamber members and the community to Chamber Coffee hosted by The Cornerstone tomorrow morning, Thursday, September 17, at 8 a.m. at 2 Old Fort Blvd. in Fort Scott. The Cornerstone is located in the same building as Better in Bourbon Boutique.

The event will introduce new Chamber member, The Cornerstone, a business center offering professional office suites for local entrepreneurs and businesses. The suites include utilities, high-speed internet, secure 24-hour access, dedicated parking, and shared amenities.

Guests will have the opportunity to tour the space, meet the owners, network with members of the community, and enter a drawing for a door prize. Chamber Coffee is open to Chamber members and the public.

For more information about Chamber Coffees or other Chamber events, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

***

Schools

USD 234 Board of Education Meeting Minutes – Sept. 14, 2026

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USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

Board of Education Regular Meeting — News Release

Monday, September 14, 2026

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main St.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

The board approved the official agenda with the following change: Middle School, Winfield Scott, and Virtual School update to be moved to after the Budget Hearings.

Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing was opened. No Patrons present. Hearing was closed.

Budget Hearing was opened. No Patrons present. Hearing was closed.

Board Approved:

  • Resolution 26-10 – Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for the Financing the Annual Budget for 2026-27
  • Resolution 26-11 – Make a Local Option Percentage in the Amount of 33% for the 2026-27 school year
  • Approval of the 2026-27 Budget with Consideration of the Needs Assessment

Principal Brown and Vice Principal Harris were present to highlight the start of the year at Fort Scott Middle School. Mr. Brown spoke about Careers in Action classes which exposes students to different careers. Don VanBuskirk has been an amazing addition to this class and has helped bring in speakers for the students. An exciting program that the school has is SOS or Save One Student. It is designed for each student to have an adult in the school that they can depend on or go to for questions. They are having remarkable success with this so far.

Principal Garzone and Vice Principal Hendricks said they have had a great start to the school year. They reported that behavior reports have been down so far and thanked the staff and time they have spent in collaboration on this topic. They are also taking small steps to implement dyslexia supports starting this year. Tiger Families has been a huge success which pairs two staff members and around twelve students. They meet for thirty minutes and do activities and build bonds that help the students feel supported.

Marci Travis and Eliya Deckinger both have had a huge part in the start of the Tiger Virtual School. There are thirty-three enrolled from Kindergarten to Seniors. It has been a rollercoaster start but things are starting to even out and work great. They are both extremely excited with the start and continuation of the virtual school.

The board approved the consent agenda.

  • Board Minutes: 08-10-26, 08-27-26
  • Financials – Cash Flow Report
  • Check Register
  • Payroll – August 20, 2026 – $1,713,565.26
  • Activity Funds Accounts
  • USD 234 Gifts
  • HS Handbook Edit
  • Fundraising Application

Superintendent Zach Johnson gave a thank you to everyone that has attended the Strategic Planning meetings so far. The next will be September 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. iReady fall results will be shared with parents soon.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document and shared the two passenger vans have arrived and are being used. He also went over a few upcoming dates: Financial Audit will begin next week, Count Day is September 21st, and the KSDE audit is coming soon.

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update and reported the SPED Audit is finished and the district did an excellent job. She has also implemented a Friday Notes email that will help the staff receive more information and training. Feedback has been great with this added information.

The Board approved the following:

  • School Vehicle Purchase
  • One Year Lease Agreement Renewal with Head Start
  • Concession Stand Coordinator Supplemental Position
  • New Supplemental Duty Compensation
  • Construction Management Services Agreement with Builtwell Consulting, LLC

There was one present for Public Forum.

The Board went into executive session for personnel matters.

The Board approved the Personnel Report.

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

Personnel Report – Approved

September 14, 2026

Resignations / Terminations / Retirements

  • Beth, Whitney – Supplemental Resignation – Head Track Coach – Middle School
  • Button, Shayla – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
  • Daly, Bryce – Resignation – Technology Coordinator
  • Kiel, Simas – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Track Coach – Middle School
  • LaFarge Dehner, Dani – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
  • Long, Daniel – Termination – Paraprofessional – High School
  • McDonald, Maggie – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Middle School
  • Mitchell, Stephen – Resignation – Technology Director
  • Peters, Julia – Resignation – KSD Driver/Para – High School
  • Shepherd, Melissa – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
  • Simpson, Doug – Resignation – Activity Bus Driver
  • Tate, Madlynn – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool
  • Tate, Wanita – Resignation – Bus Driver

Employment

Classified Recommendations for 2026-27 School Year:

  • Avery, Karen – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
  • Bradley, Brittany – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
  • Clark, Jennifer – Paraprofessional – Middle School
  • Eichenberger, Justin – Part Time Paraprofessional – High School
  • Horlacher, Melanie – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
  • Hull, Lauren – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
  • Majors, Kaylee – Full Time Van Driver – Preschool
  • Pitts, Bill – KSD Route Driver
  • Pfohl, Cari – Part Time Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
  • Rea-Banda, Yandi – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
  • Simpson, Doug – Full Time Bus Driver
  • Smith, Bobba – Paraprofessional – KRI
  • Weber, Sheila – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
  • Weber, Sheila – Full Time Van Driver – SPED
  • Worthing, Beth – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Supplemental Recommendations

  • Beth, Whitney – Assistant Track Coach – Middle School
  • Brittain, Michelle – PDC – Middle School
  • Fairbanks, Janet – Virtual Support Teacher – Social Studies
  • Farrington, Jannah – DLM Building Test Coordinator
  • Gorman, Krista – Building Test Coordinator – High School
  • Gorman, Krista – Building Test Coordinator – Middle School
  • Hughes, Madison – Wellness Coordinator – Winfield Scott
  • Mayberry, Polly – ESOL Coordinator
  • Middle School Supplemental
  • Nelson, Andrew – Virtual Support Teacher – Elective
  • Nelsen, Lori – .5 District Wellness Coordinator
  • Russell, Deborah – Virtual Support Teacher – Science
  • Simas, Kiel – Head Track Coach – Middle School
  • Sauerwein, Stacy – .5 District Wellness Coordinator
  • Stafford, Jennifer – Concession Stand Coordinator – High School
  • Tally, Jenna – Virtual Support Teacher – Elective
  • Travis, Marci – Building Test Coordinator – Eugene Ware

Documents:

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Jail Report: Sept. 15–16, 2026

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Watercolor illustration of the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center with the words Bourbon County Sheriff s Report

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office — Arrest Summary Report

Period: 09/15/2026 – 09/16/2026

Arrests

Inmate Name Agency Held For Arrest Date Released Date Age
Alverto-Lopez, Angel Eduardo (#2026-000790) Fort Scott Police Department 9/15/2026 7:14 AM 9/15/2026 9:37 AM 21

Charges — Alverto-Lopez, Angel Eduardo

Charge Warrant Type Bond Type Bond Amt.
Human Smuggling ×6 No No Bond $0.00
Operate a Motor Vehicle Without a Valid License No No Bond $0.00
Possess Paraphernalia; Unknown Misdemeanor No No Bond $0.00
Possession of Marijuana No No Bond $0.00

Bond Total: $0.00

Inmate Released List

Period: 09/15/2026 – 09/16/2026

Inmate Name Inmate No. Booked Date Released Date/Time Age Race Sex Release Type Released To
Alverto-Lopez, Angel Eduardo 2026-000790 09/15/2026 9/15/26 9:37 AM 21 — M Nothing Filed Self
Church, Chad Matthew 2026-000787 09/13/2026 9/15/26 7:22 PM 55 W M Time Served Self

Total Inmates Released: 2

Documents:

Uncategorized

P.E.O. Trivia Night Fundraiser – Sept. 19 at Liberty Theater

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P.E.O. Chapter CA of Fort Scott is teaming up with What the Trivia? for a community Trivia Night benefiting educational and scholarship opportunities for women locally and around the world.

Trivia Night Fundraiser

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Liberty Theater | 113 S. Main, Fort Scott

Doors & Taco Bar Open at 5:00 p.m.
Trivia begins at 6:00 p.m.
$40 per person — dinner included!

No pre-registration needed! Gather your friends and put together a team of six, then simply show up ready to play. Coming solo or don’t have a full team? That’s okay—we’ll help you find a team!

Along with a great night of trivia, there will be raffle items, a 50/50 raffle, a cash bar, and a cash prize for the first-place team.

Best of all, your night out helps P.E.O. continue its mission of creating educational opportunities for women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and support of Cottey College.

Grab your smartest friends—or at least your most fun ones—and join us for a great evening for an even better cause!

For more information, visit the PEO Sisterhood Fort Scott Chapter Trivia Night Fundraiser Facebook Event Page.

Submitted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce on behalf of P.E.O. Chapter CA of Fort Scott.

Fort Scott

City of Fort Scott Commission Agenda Summary for September 15, 2026 Meeting

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Fort Scott City Commission Meeting

9-15-26 Agenda

Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Agenda – September 15, 2026, 6:00 PM

  • I. Call to Order
  • II. Pledge of Allegiance
  • III. Invocation
  • IV. Approval of Agenda
  • V. Consent Agenda
    • A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1416-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of August 26, 2026 – September 9, 2026: $505,024.42
    • B. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of September 1, 2026
    • C. Request to Pay Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking, Inc. – Application for Payment No. 7 – Davis Lift Station: $114,300.00
    • D. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC – Invoice #18780 – EEI Project No. 26-08 Topo Wall St Phase 3 – Survey Completed 100%: $20,000.00
    • E. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC – Invoice #18797 – EEI Project No. 26-402 Davis Lift Station Extraneous Flow – Payroll: $9,883.14
    • F. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC – Invoice #18795 – EEI Project No. 25-12 East National Phase I – Final Design 95% and Bidding 5%: $10,725.00
    • G. Request to Pay Strukel Electric – Payment Application No. 1 – FSK Airport Runway Lighting Repair: $139,218.75
    • H. August Financials
  • VI. Public Comment
  • VII. Appearances
  • VIII. New Business
    • Action Items
      • A. Consideration of Small Business Grant Applications for Quarter 3 of 2026: Brooklyn Holder, Rachel Pruitt, Travis Sawyer, Brent Cavin, Katie Freeman, Maria Morris, and Hardi Patel – M. Wyatt
      • B. Discussion of Lake Lot Sales – B. Matkin
    • Public Hearing
      • A. Budget Hearing – B. Hart & J. Oliphant / BakerTilly
  • IX. Unfinished Business
    • A. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3801 – An Ordinance to Amend Municipal Code 5.08 – Alcoholic Liquor; 5.12 Cereal Malt Beverages and 5.14 Cereal Malt Beverages – Beer Gardens – First Reading – Tabled from September 1, 2026
    • B. Status Update for 118 E. Wall
  • X. Reports and Comments
  • XI. Adjourn
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 14, 2026

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Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 14, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 55 calls for service on September 14, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fire and EMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Calls for Service

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 5:07 PM, 320 S Holbrook St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Traffic Stops

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Total Calls for Service: 55

Documents:

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – September 15, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff's Report

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – September 15, 2026

Arrested

Alverto-Lopez, Angel Eduardo (Age 21) — Arrested 9/15/2026 7:14 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Human Smuggling x6, Operate a Motor Vehicle Without a Valid License, Possess Paraphernalia (Unknown Misdemeanor), Possession of Marijuana. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Released

Anderson, Adam — Released 9/14/2026 11:15 AM via Surety Bond (A+ Bail Bonds).

Carson, Lowell — Released 9/14/2026 1:47 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Finchum, Brandon Keith — Released 9/14/2026 11:00 AM via Time Served (Self).

Hegge, Jaimie Sueann — Released 9/14/2026 10:52 AM via Surety Bond (A Plus Bonding).

Houdashelt, Randy Keith — Released 9/14/2026 10:31 PM via Own Recognizance (Self).

Litchfield, Leslie Lee — Released 9/14/2026 8:00 PM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Morris, Johnathan Imar — Released 9/14/2026 11:36 AM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Young, Leslie — Released 9/14/2026 10:24 AM via Surety Bond (Able Bonding).

Total Inmates Released: 8

Documents:

Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Pete Allen on Fort Scott’s infrastructure funds

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LEST WE FORGET

Here is the “why” that we now have funds to rebuild our infrastructure in Fort Scott.

During the August 18, 2020 vote to pass Charter Ordinance No. 31, one commissioner voted “no”: Pete Allen.

The remaining four members of the commission—including then-Mayor JoLynne Mitchell—voted in favor of passing the ordinance. Following the 4-1 vote, Pete Allen and local citizens organized a petition drive to force a public referendum, leading Fort Scott voters to ultimately strike down the charter ordinance in a special election.

Thanks to the voters, Michael Hoyt, and Debby McCoy we put the money where it belongs. Now it is time to put the money in the ground and not in the bank or any more new equipment. New water lines! Sewer mains replaced or sleeved! And a real street improvement program! Commissioners, listen up!

Pete Allen

Note: FortScott.biz publishes letters to the editor from a variety of perspectives. If you would like to share your opinion, please send a letter to news@fortscott.biz.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, Submitted

Friends of FSNHS Annual Meeting Set for Sept. 21

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The public is invited to attend the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site (FSNHS) being held Monday, September 21st at the Herbert House, 512 S Judson in Fort Scott, KS. The meeting begins at 6 pm with light appetizer refreshments. At 6:30 pm, a drawing for a replica 1847 Walker Colt revolver will be held followed by the general meeting. A twenty minute program “Quantrill’s Raid on Lawrence and Jacob Rote,” presented by Ronda Hassig, will follow the meeting.

Join us to learn about the Friends’ work on behalf of the National Historic Site and a little known Bleeding Kansas story in one of Fort Scott’s premier historic homes. Anyone (18 years or older) interested in participating in the drawing for the replica revolver can contact a FFSNHS board member or the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for a ticket prior to the meeting.

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site is a non-profit organization established in partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of FSNHS.

Uncategorized

AMENDED Agenda: Fort Scott City Commission, Sept. 15, 2026

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Watercolor illustration of Fort Scott City Hall with the words Fort Scott City Commission Meeting

Notice of and Agenda for Regular Meeting of Fort Scott City Commission

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
September 15, 2026 – 6:00 P.M.
AMENDED

This agenda has been amended. Changes include:

  1. Emergency request for consideration to repair a pump at the College Booster Station (includes proposal submitted) — added to New Business/Action Items.
  2. Discussion of lake lots moved to Unfinished Business.

I. Call to Order

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Invocation

IV. Approval of Agenda

V. Consent Agenda

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1416-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of August 26, 2026 – September 9, 2026 – $505,024.42
  2. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of September 1, 2026
  3. Request to Pay Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking, Inc. – Application for Payment No. 7 – Davis Lift Station – $114,300.00
  4. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC – Invoice #18780 – EEI Project No. 26-08 Topo Wall St Phase 3 – Survey Completed 100% – $20,000
  5. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC – Invoice #18797 – EEI Project No. 26-402 Davis Lift Station Extraneous Flow – Payroll – $9,883.14
  6. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC – Invoice #18795 – EEI Project No. 25-12 – East National Phase I – Final Design 95% and Bidding 5% – $10,725.00
  7. Request to Pay Strukel Electric – Payment Application No. 1 – FSK Airport Runway Lighting Repair – $139,218.75
  8. August Financials

VI. Public Comment

VII. Appearance

VIII. New Business

Action Items

  1. Consideration of Emergency Replacement Pump at College Booster Station – $43,772.30 – S. Flater
  2. Consideration of Small Business Grant Applications for Quarter 3 of 2026: Brooklyn Holder, Rachel Pruitt, Travis Sawyer, Brent Cavin, Katie Freeman, Maria Morris and Hardi Patel – M. Wyatt

Public Hearing

  1. Budget Hearing – B. Hart & J. Oliphant/BakerTilly

IX. Unfinished Business

  1. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3801 – An Ordinance to Amend Municipal Code 5.08 – Alcoholic Liquor; 5.12 Cereal Malt Beverages and 5.14 Cereal Malt Beverages – Beer Gardens – First Reading – Tabled from September 1, 2026
  2. Status Update for 118 E. Wall
  3. Discussion of Lake Lot Sales – B. Matkin

X. Reports and Comments

XI. Adjournment

Documents:

Government, Kansas

Kansas Commerce Seeks IDA Program Administrators

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TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Department of Commerce is seeking qualified community-based organizations to administer Individual Development Account (IDA) programs. These programs are designed to reduce both the number of Kansans receiving public income support and the number of communities with high concentrations of poverty.

Applications will be accepted through October 16.

IDA programs allow administering organizations to provide a match on deposits made by low-income participants who are saving to buy a home, making repairs on existing homes, starting or expanding a business, or attending continuing education classes at a college or technical school.

“Being an IDA program administrator gives community organizations a powerful way to invest in the people they serve by offering direct support for homeownership, education and entrepreneurship,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “We want to partner with communities that are ready to help us deploy these barrier-breaking programs across the state and build a more prosperous future for all Kansans.”

Financial assistance is provided to charitable, tribal and religious organizations that administer IDAs in their community through the sale of tax credits. Organizations that service a specific region, multiple regions or the entire state can receive up to $100,000 in tax credits annually for three years. For the first two years, organizations are granted up to 20% of the funds earned to use for operational costs and 15% for each following year.

“Individual Development Accounts are a way to help level the playing field for all Kansans by strengthening families and supporting local economies,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “By partnering with local nonprofits across our state, we’re able to help Kansans reach their full potential and open new doors for themselves and their loved ones.”

Organizations interested in administrating an IDA program are encouraged to register for an informational webinar at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 15. Registration is required to attend. To register for the upcoming webinar, click here.

To learn more about the IDA program, visit the program webpage or contact Kerri Falletti at Kerri.Falletti@ks.gov or by phone at (785) 207-5206.

About the Quality Places Division: Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, visit kansascommerce.gov/community-development.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce: As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

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Ad: FortScott.biz — Whose Name Comes Up First?

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Bourbon County Local News