Freedom’s Frontier NHA grant awarded to Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is excited to announce that we have received $1,000 in grant funding from Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area. The award will help replace the Unsung Hero Window Clings on the south side of the building overlooking the Unsung Heroes Park. Norm Conard, Executive Director of the Center said “We are happy to be partnering with Freedom’s Frontier and look forward to working with them again in the future!” The Milken Center is open daily, except for Sundays, but the park is always accessible with stories of eleven unsung heroes to read about and learn from. Visitors are always welcome!
The Lowell Milken Center is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. Our mission is to share those projects and the stories of these unsung heroes with our community and the world through our museum and special cultural events.
Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA) is a federally funded nonprofit organization and affiliate of the National Park Service dedicated to building awareness of the struggle for freedom along the Missouri-Kansas border. Established by Congress in 2006, its nationally significant themes are the settlement of the frontier, the Missouri-Kansas Border War and Civil War, and the enduring struggle for freedom. These diverse, interwoven, and nationally important stories grew from a unique physical and cultural landscape. FFNHA inspires respect for multiple perspectives and empowers residents to preserve and share these stories. We achieve our goals through interpretation, preservation, conservation, and education for all residents and visitors.
Accounts Payable and Financial Summaries (Pages 2–16)
The total accounts payable for this period is $104,217.64 (Page 15). Major expenditures and departmental breakdowns include:
Landfill (Fund 108): Totaling $33,299.89, with significant costs for oil leak repairs to equipment ($21,670.51) and waste disposal services (Page 2).
Road and Bridge (Funds 220 & 222): Combined total of $30,059.88 for equipment payments, electricity for shops, and various maintenance commodities like diesel exhaust fluid and repair parts (Pages 3–5).
District Court (Fund 001): Totaling $10,680.00, primarily for monthly legal contracts (Page 10).
County Attorney (Fund 001): Totaling $9,500.00 for assistant county attorney monthly rates (Page 7).
Courthouse General (Fund 001): Totaling $8,431.94, covering utilities and legal advice services (Page 14).
Other Departments: Includes Services for the Elderly ($4,050.00), County Sheriff ($3,173.69), IT ($1,232.50), and Courthouse Maintenance ($930.37) (Pages 15–16).
Minutes: Regular Meeting – March 30, 2026 (Pages 17–20)
Public Works & Culverts: The Commission voted 4-1 to delegate culvert permit approvals directly to the Public Works Director to improve efficiency, despite concerns about oversight (Page 18).
Composting Program: Based on a financial analysis showing projected losses of $34,000 annually and equipment inadequacies, the Commission voted 3-2 to terminate the county’s composting program (Page 18).
Audit RFP: The Commission approved a modified Request for Proposal (RFP) for a county audit. Key changes include moving the proposal deadline to May 4, 2026, and appointing external points of contact to avoid potential conflicts of interest with county employees (Page 19).
Grants & Projects: Commissioner Motley was authorized to apply for a Title IV-E grant for 23% reimbursement on children in need of care services. Additionally, the commission is waiting for property owners to raise funds for the Benefit District at 100th and 190th Street (Page 19).
Minutes: Special Meeting – March 31, 2026 (Pages 21–22)
Excavator Purchase: The Commission discussed financing options for a new excavator. To avoid a month-long RFP delay and keep existing equipment from requiring further costly repairs, they voted 3-2 to proceed with a 4.99% interest rate contract. The equipment includes a warranty and is expected to last approximately 10 years (Pages 21–22).
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, Julie Buchta and Mayor Kathryn Salsbury were present.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Chief Dave Bruner/FSFD, Chief Jason Pickert/FSPD, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Lisa Dillon/Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspections LLC, Ben Hart/BakerTilly (by phone), Darrin Petrowski/KDOT, Michael Hoyt, Patrick Wood, Geoffrey Marr, Dilynn Marr, Anita Walden/Freeman, Kevin Allen, Doug Eden .
SALSBURY led the Pledge of Allegiance and BUCHTA said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the agenda with the amendment of removal of Unfinished Business/Item A Consideration to Initiate Contractor License. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1404-A – Expense Approval Report-Payment Dates of February 25, 2026 – March 10, 2026 – $1,270,095.98
– Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of March 3, 2026
– February Financials
Public Comment
Geoffrey Marr addressed the Commission regarding the airplane hangar currently owned by the City. He would like to lease or purchase it and fix it up and negotiate a long lease instead of it being torn down.
ACTION: MATKIN will meet with MARR regarding an arrangement.
Anita Walden addressed the Commission to introduce herself as the Chief Administrative Officer at the new Freeman Hospital. She also thanked the City for their continued support.
Kevin Allen addressed the Commission in hopes to comment on the KDOT maintenance agreement specifically on Wall Street.
Appearances
Garth Herrmann/Gilmore & Bell – HERRMANN could not be present. HART presented Resolution No. 17-2026 Authorizing and Providing for the Construction Sanitary Sewer Pumping Station Improvements and Providing for the Payment of the Costs. He stated that there will be another Resolution in the future.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the Resolution. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Darrin Petrowski/KDOT – PETROWSKI addressed the Commission regarding KDOT Maintenance Agreement on Hwy 69 and Hwy 54.
New Business
Public Hearing:
Vacation of Street and Alleys – Doug Eden – Consideration of Petition to Repeal Ordinance No. 3579 and Approve Ordinance No. 3796 – Vacation of Street and Alleys
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
FARMER left the meeting at 6:58PM and returned at 7:00PM.
EDEN presented his petition to vacate the north-south alley. It was recommended that the prior ordinance (No. 3579) be repealed and replaced with Ordinance No. 3796 addressing the vacation of Durkee Street, the east-west alley and the north-south alley for clarity.
MOTION: WELLS moved to close the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the vacation. After having heard all the testimony on said petition on the 17TH day of MARCH, 2026 and all necessary information in order to fully understand the true nature of this petition, the City Commission of the City of Fort Scott, upon motion of DANCER and seconded by BUCHTA, passed and approved to repeal Ordinance No. 3579 and the petition of the Petitioner to and vacate the platted Durkee Street located between Lots 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, Block 4 and Lots 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19,21, 23, 25, 27, Block 2, all in Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas; AND the alley running East and West through Lots 1-28, Block 2, Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas; AND the alley running North and South along the East side of Lots 27 & 28, Block 2, Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas. BUCHTA seconded. (Excerpt of Minutes of the same but separate document was submitted to Bourbon County Deeds for recording of the vacation).
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Action Items:
Consideration of Resolution No. 16-2026 and MELPA – Firetruck Financing
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve Resolution No. 16-2026. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of Proposals for Fire Station Exhaust system
BRUNER stated that they received an Assistant to Firefighters Grant (AFG) last year for $106, 571.42 to be used for the exhaust systems in both fire stations. He went out for proposals (RFP) and received (2) back. The first was from Air Clean for $101,750.00, the second from MagnaGrip that submitted (3) options however their lowest option was $106,913.00. BRUNER requested that the Commission approve the proposal from Air Clean.
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to approve the recommendation to accept the proposal from Air Cleaning for $101,750.00. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of 2026 Ground Lease Bids
MATKIN stated that (3) bids were received: $15,700.00, $13,160.00, and $11,776.00.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the bid for $15,700.00 from Mike Fritter of Richards, MO for the Ground Lease Bid of 94-acres. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of 2026 Cape Seal Program Proposal
MATKIN stated that we received (1) proposal from Vance Brothers for $388,948.00 and recommended that the Commission accept their proposal for the 2026 project.
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to approve the 2026 Cape Seal Program proposal as it’s been presented. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of Ordinance No. 3795– AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 3782 for CLG
DILLON stated that SHPO and the National Parks Service requested amendments to the ordinance for the CLG. She drafted what they asked for and FARMER approved to form. She requested that the Commission approve the ordinance so it could be submitted and the City could receive its CLG status.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve Ordinance No. 3795. DANCER seconded. BUCHTA, WELLS, DANCER and SALSBURY voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1
Consideration of Amendment to Zoning Regulations – Connex Boxes – L. Dillon
DILLON stated that the Planning Commission has viewed the City Commission’s initial request and is returning it to the City Commission to make the decision.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve to table until April 7, 2026. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Reports and Comments
City Engineer:
– Davis Lift Station update
– Railroad permit
– Survey scheduled for Wall St.
– E. National utility plan sent out
City Attorney: No Comment
City Manager:
– Moody building update
– Railroad dialogue and spur system talks happening
– Homeless situation in town
Commissioner Wells:
– Fort Scott Greyhounds going for title
Commissioner Van Hoecke:
– Homeless situation
Commissioner Dancer:
– SLA draft and 5-year lifecycle management plan for IT – April 7th
ACTION: MATKIN will email all Commissioners prior to next meeting.
Commissioner Buchta:
– Shop local to help with sales tax
Commissioner Salsbury:
– Fish Fry until Good Friday at St. Mary’s
– 8th & Eddy intersection open
Adjourn
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:51PM. DANCER seconded.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1405-A ($763,783.28)
Approval of Minutes from March 17, 2026
Request to Pay Application No. 1 – Davis Lift Station Mobilization ($28,596.00)
VI. Public Comment
VII. Appearances
Alex Swanker – City Property Purchase
VIII. Unfinished Business
Ordinance No. 3799 (Contractor License)
Ordinance No. 3797 (Connex Boxes)
IX. New Business
Ordinance No. 3798 (Disband Design Review Board)
Sale of Fire Truck
Purchase of Lift Station Equipment
Bids for Gunn Park Retaining Walls
Extension of Hay Rights
X. Reports and Comments
XI. Adjourn
Detailed Agenda Action Items
Consent Agenda (Page 1)
The Commission will consider the approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1405-A, which covers expenses totaling $763,783.28 for the period between March 11, 2026, and April 12, 2026. This section also includes the approval of minutes from the previous regular meeting held on March 17, 2026. Additionally, there is a request to pay $28,596.00 to Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking, Inc. for mobilization costs, including bond expenses and materials, related to the Davis Lift Station project.
Appearances (Page 1)
Alex Swanker is scheduled to appear before the Commission to discuss a proposal for the purchase of a parcel of land currently owned by the City of Fort Scott.
Unfinished Business (Page 1)
The Commission will revisit two items tabled from the March 17, 2026 meeting:
Ordinance No. 3799: Regarding Contractor Licenses, presented by B. Matkin.
Ordinance No. 3797: Regarding regulations for Connex Boxes, presented by L. Dillon.
New Business Action Items (Page 1)
Several key decisions are scheduled for this meeting:
Design Review Board: Consideration of Ordinance No. 3798, which proposes the disbanding of the Design Review Board.
Fire Department Assets: A request by D. Bruner to approve the sale of a city fire truck.
Infrastructure Improvements: Approval is sought for the purchase of new pumps, a control panel, and guide rails for the Williamsburg and White Grill Lift Stations at a cost of $25,860.00.
Gunn Park Maintenance: B. Matkin will present bids for the necessary repair of retaining walls located at Gunn Park.
Agricultural Rights: The Commission will consider a request to extend hay rights on city-managed land for a period of three years.
March Total Tax Collections at $577.1 Million;
10.7% Below Estimate
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends March 2026 with total tax collections at $577.1 million. That is $68.9 million, or 10.7%, below the estimate. Total tax collections were down 9.4% from March 2025.
“Missing revenue estimates by nearly $69 million in March and by over $175 million cumulatively since the last Consensus Revenue Estimates in November is concerning,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “More concerning is that Legislative Leadership rushed through this session, turning off the lights and going home before the April Consensus Revenue Estimates are announced.
“This reckless, irresponsible approach to budgeting is not smart and it is not fair. I hope that future Legislative Leadership understands that the people expect them to be good stewards of Kansas taxpayers’ dollars and that means working until the job is done right, even during election years.”
Individual income tax collections were $271.3 million. That is $3.7 million, or 1.3% below the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 3.7% from March 2025. Corporate income tax collections were negative $23.5 million. That is $63.5 million, or 158.8% below the estimate, and down 147.0% from March 2025.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $262.1 million, which is $8.1 million or 3.2% above the estimate, and up 6.2% from March 2025.
Click here to view the March 2026 revenue numbers.
Patty LaRoche. 2023. Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection www.alittlefaithlift.com AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
Thirty years ago, I was not frazzled easily. Perhaps because I had survived the ordeal of raising three A.D.D. sons without any criminal repercussions. Perhaps because I had learned to relax as a teacher and enjoy my students, or perhaps because I was finally figuring out the difference between religion and a relationship with Christ. What I deal with now is nothing compared to those challenges, so I have no idea why at this age I get frazzled so easily. Still, the list of things that frustrate me is endless. For example:
Delayed Amazon deliveries
A slow internet speed
Passwords and QR codes
Fast-food restaurants that use kiosks
Pinterest ideas that appear impossible to mess up…until I try them
Stop lights that stay red when no one is coming from the opposite direction
The list above includes modern inventions that are intended to make our lives easier, yet when they fail to do so, I become frustrated instead of being thankful for the times they do work. Why is that? In Luke 17:11-17, we read of 10 outcast lepers who were healed by Jesus. Lepers were no small deal (like my list above). They were considered permanently unclean, so they could not worship in the temple. They could not hang with their families and were cut off from society. They would gladly have changed places with me, complaining about such trivial things as my list above. Jesus curing them was no minor miracle.
Still, only one leper thanked him, and in no insignificant way. That leper fell at Jesus’ feet and loudly praised him for this miracle. Jesus questioned why the other nine just went on their merry way while only this one stayed behind to show gratitude. “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Questions asked in Luke 17:17,18. Being thankful was important to Jesus.
Typically, I love thanking people and look for ways to do so. Still, I need to do a better job of thanking God. Take this morning, for example. I had countless reasons for which to be grateful: life itself; opportunities to pray; a phone call from one of our children; a car that started; great friends; inspirational, Christian Instagram posts; Kleenex (allergies); and short lines at the post office. The list was endless, but only now, while writing this, am I thanking God.
In the Bible, the word “thanks” or “Thanksgiving” appears over 100 times, and no season reminds me of the need to show gratitude more than Easter. Without the Resurrection, we would be hopeless. The Bible would be just another history book, Christianity would be pointless, and none of us would have a chance to spend eternity with Jesus.
The next time I’m frustrated because my internet is weak or my Pinterest macaroons look more like a blackened pizza crust or I spend 15 minutes pushing the wrong buttons, trying to order an Egg McMuffin, I need to remember what’s truly important. Actually, I need to remember Who is the most important…and maybe fall at His feet when I do.
TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Labor has released the January 2026 Kansas Labor Report. The full report can be accessed here: January 2026 Kansas Labor Report.
The February 2026 Kansas Labor Report will be released on Friday, April 17.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, April 2nd at 8 a.m., hosted by Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize.
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village is a faith-based, not-for-profit community offering independent and assisted living, along with a variety of services that support residents in maintaining an active, engaging lifestyle.
During the Chamber Coffee, guests will also learn about the Village’s current Art is Ageless program and exhibit, on display March 30 through April 10. This annual juried exhibit showcases the creativity of artists aged 65 and older, with selected works eligible to be featured in the 2027 Art is Ageless calendar.
The Art is Ageless program encourages local seniors to express their creativity through visual arts, music, lifelong learning, and community engagement throughout the year.
For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit the Events Calendar at fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.
Bill House was a visionary figure in the world of agriculture in Kansas and across the country. When Mr. House passed in 2009, he chose to give back to the future of agriculture across Kansas. Following the sale of his land in 2024, the Bill House Legacy Funds were established at the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) to support agricultural initiatives and scholarships for students pursuing agricultural-related degrees.
“Bill House understood that the land is only as strong as the people who manage it. We are honored to carry on his legacy and lifelong commitment to education and leadership,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “These grants are an investment in the families and students who will keep the legacy of Kansas agriculture strong for future generations. We strive to carry out Mr. House’s vision of leaving the land better than he found it.”
In the inaugural grant cycle in 2025, 11 projects received grants totaling $100,000. In 2026, 21 projects through 9 organizations received a total of $200,100 in grant funds. These grants focus on supporting agricultural education opportunities across Kansas for all age groups.
The 2026 recipients of the Bill House Agricultural Grants are:
Hereford Youth Foundation of America
National Junior Hereford Association Fed Steer Shootout Program and Educational Field Day
Kansas 4-H Foundation Inc.
Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes
Kansas State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest Enhancement
Southeast Kansas 4-H Challenge Days
Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation
Agricultural Leadership Conference Scholarships
Kansas FFA Foundation Inc.
Supervised Agriculture Experience Grants
Agricultural Educator Development & Retention Initiative
Kansas Livestock Foundation
Kansas Junior Livestock Show CFSEK Bill House Leadership Award
Kansas State University
Returning to the Farm Family Scholarship
Transition Planning Coaching for Farm and Ranch Families
K-State Junior Beef Producer Day
Bovine reproductive practices workshop and reproductive efficiency conference
Cow-Camp
Enhancing training tools for cattle producers
KOMA Cattle Conference
Beef and Forage Field Days
Pioneer Bluffs Foundation, Inc.
Far Corners- A segment of Emil Redmon’s Cow Stories from the Farm and Ranch
Southwind Extension Education Foundation Inc.
Forage Testing Incentive – An Extension Effort to Improve Feed Quality & Profitability
Soil Sampling Incentive – An Extension Effort to Improve Crop Production and Forage Quality
Wildcat Extension Education Foundation
Forage Probes
Livestock Production Youth Programming Materials
In the spirit of Bill House’s dedication to the ranching community, the selection committee also allocated $20,000 to support Kansas livestock producers affected by recent wildfires in the state. This contribution to the Kansas Livestock Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund reflects a commitment to providing critical support for producers as they navigate the difficult path to recovery.
CFSEK would like to congratulate all the recipients and thank them for their work supporting the future of agriculture in Kansas and beyond.
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2.8 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $28 million in total granting to Southeast Kansas since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by connecting donors with various charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. The Columbus Area, Fort Scott Area, and Girard Area Community Foundations are affiliates of CFSEK. More information about CFSEK and the Bill House funds is available at SoutheastKansas.org/BillHouse
