Entrepreneurship isn’t just something that happens in big cities or corporate boardrooms; it’s alive and growing right here in our local communities. Through youth entrepreneurship programming, local students are discovering that their ideas, creativity, and hard work can turn into real opportunities.
Over the past several years, we’ve seen an exciting increase in young people who are interested in starting their own businesses or learning how businesses operate. Youth entrepreneurship programs give students the opportunity to explore these ideas in a supportive environment while building important life skills. One of the most rewarding parts of youth entrepreneurship programming is watching students gain confidence as they present their ideas to community members, local business leaders, and judges. Events like the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) allow students to showcase their creativity while receiving valuable feedback and encouragement from people who understand the importance of innovation and small business development in rural communities.
This year, local competitions in Allen, Neosho, and Bourbon Counties highlighted the creativity and innovation of youth across our area. Students presented a wide range of ideas, from handmade products and specialty foods to service-based businesses and creative solutions to everyday problems. While awards and prizes are part of the competition, the true goal of the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is to help young people build confidence and realize that their ideas have value. Many students leave the experience with a stronger understanding of how businesses operate and what it takes to turn an idea into reality.
Participants learn how to develop a business concept, identify customers, calculate costs, and create a basic business plan. Along the way, they also gain valuable experience in communication, problem-solving, and financial decision-making, skills that will benefit them no matter what career path they pursue.
Programs like this would not be possible without the support of local businesses, volunteers, and community partners who invest their time and resources in supporting our youth. Their encouragement helps students see that their ideas matter and that their community believes in their potential.
Entrepreneurship is about more than starting a business; it’s about developing the mindset to identify opportunities, solve problems, and think creatively. By helping young people build these skills today, we are investing in stronger communities and local economies tomorrow.
If you are interested in supporting youth entrepreneurship efforts, whether by volunteering, mentoring, or encouraging a young person with a business idea, we would love to connect with you. Together, we can continue empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders right here at home.
For more information about upcoming youth entrepreneurship programs or events, please contact Community Vitality Agent Amanda Clasen at any Southwind District office or at [email protected].
Having A Healthy Gut for Physical and Emotional Health
A healthy gut plays a major role in overall well‑being, yet many people are unaware of its importance. Gut health influences the immune system, weight, chronic disease risk, and even mental health. The gut’s impact comes from the trillions of microorganisms living in the digestive system. These microbes work together to keep digestion in balance. When this balance is disrupted—a condition known as dysbiosis—it can lead to many health concerns.
The gut and brain communicate directly through the gut–brain axis, allowing gut conditions to affect both physical and emotional health.
Understanding gut health begins with understanding the gut microbiota. At any time, trillions of microbes live in and on the body, roughly equal to the number of human cells. Most live in harmony with the body and provide many benefits, though they can cause problems if they become unbalanced. The largest concentration of microbes lives in the gut, which has a surface area roughly the size of a tennis court.
Gut microbiota support the immune system, help break down food, and produce essential nutrients such as short‑chain fatty acids, vitamins, and amino acids. They also communicate with the nervous system through the gut–brain axis, influencing mood, cognition, and overall health.
Gut health begins early in life, as microbiota start developing even before birth. For individuals looking to improve gut health, increasing fiber intake is one of the most effective strategies. Fiber comes from plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Many people who follow a typical Western‑style diet consume too little fiber. This diet often contains large amounts of processed foods and simple carbohydrates such as white bread, sugary snacks, and fast food. As a result, it has been linked to higher rates of chronic disease and increased risk of mental health challenges.
The Mediterranean diet, by contrast, contains more fiber‑rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. It also includes healthy fats and antioxidants. This dietary pattern provides significantly higher amounts of fiber and essential nutrients.
Most U.S. adults eat only 10–15 grams of fiber per day—far below recommended levels of 22-28 grams a day. Research shows that fiber can:
Lower the risk of obesity
Reduce heart disease
Lower cancer risk
Help regulate blood sugar
Act as fuel for gut microbiota, helping beneficial bacteria thrive and function effectively.
Probiotics also support gut health. These live, helpful microorganisms form naturally during the fermentation of foods and beverages. Fermented foods have existed for thousands of years, but interest in probiotics has grown as research continues to show their potential health benefits. Today, probiotics appear in many foods, drinks, and dietary supplements and may help support immune function, maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, and assist in managing certain conditions.
However, probiotic supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before reaching the market. This means manufacturers are not required to prove the microorganisms are alive or present in the listed amounts. For this reason, healthcare providers recommend consulting a medical professional before taking probiotic supplements. Providers may suggest probiotics during antibiotic treatment, as antibiotics kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria.
Many fermented foods naturally provide probiotics. Fermentation may occur naturally or through the use of a starter culture. Common probiotic‑rich foods and beverages include sauerkraut, sourdough, yogurt, kimchi, kefir, and kombucha.
During recent Gut Health programming in the Southwind District, participants sampled kefir and kombucha. Among the options provided, blueberry kefir and peach kombucha—both available at local grocery stores—were the most preferred flavors.
Prebiotics also play an important role. Prebiotics are types of fiber that feed beneficial gut bacteria and help them grow. While not all fibers are prebiotics, all prebiotics count toward daily fiber intake. Prebiotics should be consumed daily to support a balanced gut microbiome. Prebiotic‑rich foods include bananas, apples, blueberries, asparagus, jicama, leeks, leafy greens, artichokes, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans, and whole grains.
The gut microbiome affects digestion, immune function, chronic disease risk, and emotional well‑being. Fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics all play key roles in supporting gut health. A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle habits help beneficial bacteria thrive—and support overall health.
For further information on nutrition programming such as Gut Health, Cooking for 1-2, Dining with Diabetes or Planning Family Meals, please contact Sandy Haggard, Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent, Southwind District, [email protected] or 620.365.2242.
Governor Kelly Allows Senate Bill 334 to Become Law Without Signature
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has allowed Senate Bill 334 to become law without her signature.
The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding Senate Bill 334:
“I understand the urgent need to address the workforce shortage in skilled nursing and to have a sufficient number of educators to prepare future nurses. However, I have concerns that the lowered educational requirements for educators in Senate Bill 334 would result in a decreased level of rigorous academic training that would leave prospective nurses unprepared to deliver the standard of care Kansans trust nursing professionals to provide. Nurses are on the frontlines of caring for Kansans in medical situations ranging from simple preventive care to emergency trauma response, and we should honor the responsibility of these roles by ensuring they receive the highest quality education possible.
“For these reasons, I am letting Senate Bill 334 become law without my signature.”
Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill
Reducing Distracted Drivers in School and Construction Zones
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed House Substitute for Senate Bill 366, which prohibits the use of a cell phone while driving in a school or construction zone.
“House Substitute for Senate Bill 366 takes concrete steps to make our communities safer for all – and safe communities are vital to making Kansas a state where people want to put down roots and raise their families,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m pleased to signsmart, commonsense legislation that will help ensure drivers are distraction-free and schoolchildren, pedestrians, and constructions workers are protected.”
Under Senate Bill 366, individuals who use a cell phone while driving in school or construction zones will be subject to a warning citation. After July 1, 2027, individuals will be subject to a citation with a $60 fine. Additionally, this law permits the display of certain lighting in road construction zones by vehicles and trailers being used for highway construction and maintenance operations.
“We need to keep our kids and workers safe on the road. Car crashes and fatalities caused by distracted driving are far too prevalent in our state, with tragedy touching too many families,” said Senator for District 7 Ethan Corson. “Prohibiting cell phones in school and construction zones is a commonsense action to curb the inattention that leads to accidents. With the signing of this legislation, we are delivering on the promise to enhance public safety and protect Kansans from harm.”
By prohibiting and authorizing penalties for drivers’ cell phone use in school and construction zones, Senate Bill 366 aims to reduce accidents, protect children and construction workers, and ensure drivers are alert, focused, and distraction-free.
“Distracted driving from cell phone usage is one of the biggest preventable causes of traffic fatalities, injuries, and accidents,” said Representative for District 125 Shannon Francis. “This bill helps protect construction workers and school children where they are most vulnerable. We must build a culture of safety among Kansas drivers.”
In addition toHouse Substitute for Senate Bill 366, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:
Senate Substitute for House Bill 2212: Authorizing the governor to make a declaration of need for enhanced public safety and security for an extraordinary event.
House Bill 2393: Authorizing the supreme court to impose a charge to fund the costs of non-judicial personnel through June 30, 2030.
House Bill 2511: Permitting money received from agricultural production on a state-owned property to be used for the management of all state-owned properties.
House Bill 2519: Continuing in existence certain exceptions to the disclosure of public records under the Kansas Open Records Act.
House Bill 2622: Modifying the municipal lease-purchase protest petition requirements.
House Bill 2702: Providing that applicants for a physician assistant license submit to a criminal record check, providing for the collaboration between physicians and physician assistants, and requiring the revocation of a physician assistant license under certain circumstances.
House Bill 2761: Enacting the speech-language pathology assistant act to provide for the licensure of speech-language pathology assistants.
Senate Bill 55: Providing additional protections from exploitative contractors by prohibiting the assignment of benefits under certain property and casualty insurance contracts.
Senate Bill 425: Increasing the maximum annual registration fee limit for seed retailers and wholesalers and authorizing a late fee for registrations renewed after the registration deadline.
This weekend, families across our district and around the world are gathering to observe Passover, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Whether you are commemorating the liberation of the Israelites or celebrating the joy of the Resurrection, I wish you and your loved ones a meaningful and blessed holiday.
As we gather in faith and community, please join me in keeping our brave service members in your prayers. We remain deeply mindful of those currently serving in the Middle East and stationed across the globe and of their families and friends at home. We are eternally grateful for their sacrifice and unwavering commitment to defending our freedoms, and we pray for their continued safety, success in their mission, and swift return home.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees
Every Thursday at 8am
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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Fort Scott National Historic Site
Visit your National Park! Visitor Center and historic buildings are open Friday through Tuesday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds continue to be open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset
Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!
BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)
KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott
Every Tuesday 9am-4pm
Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.
Welcome: Thirteen members from eleven agencies attended the meeting in the Scottview Apartments Conference Room.
Coalition Board News: There is an open seat on the Coalition Board. Reach out to Nick if you are interested.
Member Introductions and Announcements:
Shelby Moore with Families Together shared about the different ways her program benefits children and families.
Cheri Walrod from Credo Senior Living passed around flyers promoting their Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for 4/2 at 3:30 p.m.
Shelby Blagg and Jennifer Gurnee are the Victim Advocates from Pittsburg Safehouse, and had business cards to share. They help those in need in seven counties. Providing victim-centered services to those fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking in Southeast Kansas.
Megan Smith with Parents as Teachers from Greenbush has openings in her program. She mentioned the different ways families qualify for programs in Greenbush.
Larry Jump, the Community Liaison from SEK-CAP, shared about how his program is doing.
Jennifer Gum-Fowler is our Fort Scott Public Librarian. She shared that the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Chamber Coffee in the library on April 23rd for library month. The theme of the month is Find Joy. There are so many new additions in the library to see, go check them out.
Lora Wilson shared about what she does for CHCSEK.
Airrick Lee was here from Neosho County Community College with a program called R.S.V.P.
Michelle Stevenson with the Fort Scott Early Childhood Program shared about the upcoming Spring Fling the Fort Scott Preschool is hosting. It will be April 23 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. in the preschool gym.
Janelle Tate the Transitions Coordinator in six counties with the Early Childhood Block Grant.
Some local updates from other programs:
The Fort Scott Preschool Center is having the Preschool Round Up April 10th. Please callTammy Catronat (620)223-8965 to schedule your appointment.
The Kindergarten Round Up will be at Winfield Scott April 8th, contact Amanda and Kelli to schedule your appointment at (620)223-0450.
The Head Start Preschool has openings call Janice Durbin at (620)223-4440.
The Path of Ease Redemption House celebrated one year in the community last Sunday March 29th, please join them on their facebook page for updates on the openings in the program for Women and children in our community. They had a time of refreshments and testimonies of what the program has done for them. A lot of the ladies also graduated from The CORE Program March 24th.
Program:
Winter Moore & Rachel Eden, SparkWheel
Winter Moore with the Fort Scott Middle School Sparkwheel Program let us know how her students qualify to be able to attend her program. She even shared that some communities such as Pittsburg are having students from Preschool throughout their College careers. She really meets children where they are by finding out what is maybe creating some of the behaviors that are showing at school, or if they are in need of some supplies due to lack of resources. She teaches them life skills to boost their confidence. The other pieces to the role of Student Support Coordinator might entail supporting them in grocery shopping, Dr. visits, Court dates, finding furniture such as beds to support them, help budget and pay bills. There is a LIFE simulation that the students get to participate in, similar to the game LIFE, where the students get to practice their skills and have someone there to help them navigate what that looks like. The students are asking about the incentive trip they take each year by the 2nd quarter in anticipation. Winter mentioned they are open to accepting volunteers for the support of the students. Any opportunities that a student could job shadow would be welcomed.
Rachel Eden with the Fort Scott High School Sparkwheel Program shared with us about many benefits her students are receiving by enrolling with her. From a specialized tour to fit a student’s needs at FSCC to helping them “Remember who they are.” She did a great job to help us understand what is offered and how to enroll. Currently she is working with a grant that is a piloted program for next year that will match students together based on need. They are working on familiarizing the incoming 8th grade class with what to do when they arrive at the high school. The students that have been on target will be going with their mentor to the zoo. They have earned trips in the past like Main Event and students respond very well. In this program they are able to teach Life Skills, Leadership, Ownership, and conversation skills such as helping them talk to teachers when needed. They are feeling less overwhelmed and are able to meet regularly with support from peers or Sparkwheel staff.
Open Forum: Nothing further came before the coalition.
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.
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