City of Fort Scott’s East National Avenue Project: KDOT Awarded

Governor Kelly Announces $8.6M Awarded to
Cost Share Program Projects

EDWARDSVILLE – Governor Laura Kelly and Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed today announced that $8.6 million will be awarded to 14 transportation construction projects through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Cost Share Program for spring 2024.

“These new Cost Share projects will repair and modernize transportation infrastructure in communities across Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Collaboration on these selected projects address short-term challenges to bring long-term solutions to the places Kansans call home.”

Governor Kelly lauded the 104th Street sidewalk expansion in the City of Edwardsville as a prime example of how a Cost Share project can benefit a community. Enhancements to the city’s pedestrian facilities will fill the largest gap in pedestrian access between K-32 and the elementary school and encourage safe non-motorized access to school and recreational activities.

With today’s announcement, more than $260 million has been invested to support the 179 projects selected in the Cost Share Program since it began in the fall of 2019. Combining more than $146 million in state funding with more than $115 million in matching local funds has been a substantial boost to Kansas communities.

“Kansans understand the value of partnerships,” Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “The Cost Share Program provides the opportunity for partnership between KDOT and communities to solve local transportation issues through shared investment. Addressing these infrastructure projects enables solutions that will help these communities and residents keep moving forward for generations.”

Both rural and urban areas can submit transportation projects that improve safety, support job retention and growth, relieve congestion, and improve access and mobility. The program is part of the Kelly administration’s 10-year, bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, or IKE.

Click here to view a map of the 14 Cost Share Program projects announced today. These projects are also listed below:

  • City of Baxter Springs – Bagcraft Boulevard improvements.
  • City of Edwardsville – 104th Street sidewalk expansion.
  • City of Fort Scott – East National Avenue project.
  • City of Hesston – East-west community connection.
  • City of Hoisington – Green and Vine Street resurfacing and pedestrian improvements.
  • City of Inman – Street improvements for Nikkel Addition.
  • City of Norton – Oliver Lane and Franklin Avenue paving project.
  • City of Sabetha – Kansas Road and 14th Street surfacing.
  • City of St. John – St. John Street improvements.
  • City of Wamego – Kaw Valley Road improvements.
  • Cloud County – Noble Road pavement preservation project.
  • Lane County – Airport runway and county road improvements.
  • Seward County – Meade Lake Road HMA overlay.
  • Wallace County – Smoky Hill River low water crossings project.

More information about KDOT’s Cost Share Program is on KDOT’s website at https://www.ksdot.org/CostShare/CostShareProgram.asp.

Brickstreet BBQ Hosts Americas Best Restaurants TV Program on July 1: Join The Fun

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Brickstreet BBQ…

Join Brickstreet BBQ for an EXCLUSIVE event where they host America’s Best Restaurants!

They will be open for a full service lunch on Monday July 1st from 11am-2pm, so stop in for your chance to be on tv!

Monday, July 1st, 2024

3 W. Oak St.

11am-2pm

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

What’s Happening In Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott! June 27th Weekly Newsletter

Trolley Tours every Friday and Saturday on the hour.

Fridays 11am-3pm, on the hour, last tour leaves at 2pm

Saturdays 10am-3pm, on the hour, the last tour leaves at 2pm

$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Currently closed Wednesdays & Thursdays

until further notice.

Visit your National Park!

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.

Farmer’s Market at the Gathering Square Pavilion every Tuesday from 4-6pm and Saturdays from 8am-12pm over 15 returning vendors and 11 new ones!

6/28 ~ Kid’s Art Show off at The Artificers, come out and enjoy all the hard work of local children artist, 6-8pm, click here for more information.

6/28 ~ Shepherd’s Center at First United Methodist Church, free admission, 1-4pm, click here for more information.

6/28 ~ Friday Night Cocnert in the Park – featuring Davis Prickett and Open Mic for others who want to perform, 7-8pm, seating is limited, click here for more information.

6/29 ~ NBHA Rodeo at Bourbon County Fairgrounds

6/29 ~ 2-Person Scramble at Woodland Hills Golf Course, proceeds to benefit the Woodland Hills Jr. League, $100 per team (does not include cart), 7am registration with 8am shotgun start, click here for more information.

6/29 ~ 50th Bronson Day in Bronson City Park, free event for the public, bring lawn chairs, 11am-7pm, click here for more information.

6/29 ~ A night of Mardi Gras in the Fort, live music featuring Two Lane Highway & Ernest James Zydeco Band, Care to Share will be offering Shrimp Gumbo and Shrimp Boil for a FREE WILL DONATION, food starts at 5:30pm, Gathering Square Pavilion, see the flyer for more information.

6/29 ~ Live music at Holmtown Pub directly after the City’s Mardi Gras Party, Two Lane Highway, $.50 for every set of beads sold will go to Care to Share bucket at the end of the night, click here for more information.

6/29 ~ Live Music at Brickstreet BBQ by CM Johnson band, 8-10pm

7/1 ~ America’s Best Restaurants visit to Brickstreet BBQ, full service lunch from 11am-2pm, click here for more information.

7/2 ~ Jay & Leslie in Library Escapades at Memorial Hall, the show has nifty juggling/wacky game of 20 questions/and nonsense poem that puzzled Alice, recommended for ages 4 & up, 10am, click here for more information.

7/3 ~ 19th Annual Independence Day Bash at Uniontown Park, jump houses/selfie bar/live music also hotdogs/chips/water, 7pm, click here for more information.

7/4 ~ Happy 4th of July from the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce!

7/4 ~ 42nd Annual Burke Street Parade, lineup at 10th & Burke, everyone welcome for the post parade refreshments at the corner of 9th & Burke, click here for more information.

7/4 ~ Sights and Sounds at the National Historic Site, 9am-4pm, click here for a full schedule of events for visitors & community members to enjoy!

7/5-6 ~ 2024 Bourbon County Fair Rodeo at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 8pm nightly, tickets before rodeo: adults/$15 & kids/$10, tickets at the gate: adults/$17 & kids/$12, see flyer below for more information.

7/5 ~ First Friday at The Artificers, Artist Opening Reception with artist Christine Raymond and Ned Ducharme, 6-9pm, click here for more info.

7/6 ~ City Wide Firework Show at Fort Scott Community College, 9:30pm

7/8 ~ Beauty and Bourbon, skin analysis by Refreshed/wellness services by Refine MedSpa/exclusive charm bar and permanent jewelry by Better in Bourbon/cool refreshing drinks from Libation Station, 6-8pm, click here for more info.

7/9 ~ Downtown Meet & Greet at Cohn’s Cafe, 110 South Main, join community members to network and share ideas on events/promotions/and anything else related to downtown, coffee/juice/and light refreshments will be served, 8:30am-9:30am, see flyer below for more info.

7/10 ~ Food Truck at Woodland Hills Golf Course hosted by Part Tee Girls Ladies’ Golf League, Aunt Toadies will serve the food and the clubhouse will serve the drinks, EVERYONE welcome, 5:30pm-8:30pm.

7/11 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Walmart, 8am

7/12 ~ 30th Annual Fort Scott Area Chamber Golf Classic at Woodland Hills Golf Course, be a banner or hole sponsor/donate a raffle item or prize/volunteer to help, we would love for you to be a part of this tournament that is ALWAYS a blast and one of the primary fundraisers for the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, contact the Chamber at 620.223.3566 TODAY!

7/13 ~ Downtown & Around Summer Sidewalk Sale organized by the Chamber! Business Bingo to get your card punched at 3 or more stores for a Chamber Bucks Drawing and other deals & discounts! Stores featuring fruity refreshments!

7/13 ~ Birth and Beyond at Nevada Regional Medical Centers, a class which covers childbirth/breastfeeding/infant care, 8:30am-12:30pm, register by calling 417.448.3710

SAVE THE DATE:

7/15-21 ~ Bourbon County Fair at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, something for everyone to enjoy, 8am!

7/25 ~ Candidate Forum hosted by Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, doors open at 5:30pm with the forum starting at 6:00pm, location TBA

7/27 ~ Second Annual End of Summer Craft Creations at the River Room, food/drinks/crafts, 10am-4pm

8/3 ~ 2nd Annual Bourbon County REDI Gala, dinner/live entertainment/online auction/live auction, all proceeds will be dedicated to providing scholarships for local students, single ticket/$50 and table of 8/$375, click here to purchase tickets and for more information.

8/2-4 ~ No Sales Tax Holiday Weekend – Shop Local in Fort Scott, receive a 9.4% discount on all purchases at participating locations TBA, shop local promotion organized by Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

_________________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.

Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!

Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

2024 Bourbon County Fair Rodeo at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds!

A Night of Mardi Gras in the Fort at the

Gathering Square Pavilion!

Downtown Meet & Greet hosted by Cohn’s Cafe!

30th Annual Chamber Golf Classic, July 12th!

Contact the Chamber at 620.223.3566 to become a banner or hole sponsor/donate a raffle item or prize/ or volunteer your time!

Summer Sidewalk Sale ~ Downtown and Around Fort Scott!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Overview of Healthcare Development in Bourbon County 

Last week, Freeman Health System’s  CEO Paula Baker announced that they will begin operating 10 in-patient hospital beds in 2025 at the site of the former Mercy Hospital Fort Scott and will open an emergency department as well.
Mercy closed its doors in December 2018, citing “declining patient numbers and shrinking reimbursement.”    Mercy Hospital Fort Scott to Close
Freeman Health Systems CEO Paula Baker announced last week that Freeman will bring a 10-bed hospital and emergency department to the former Mercy Hospital Fort Scott building.
To view the feature on the Freeman announcement:
At the Bourbon County Commission meeting held on June 17, 2024, Rob Harrington, the Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Director, provided a detailed account of the efforts to bring healthcare services to the community in the last three years.
Rob Harrington. Submitted photo.
Fortscott.biz contacted Harrington to tell the story of all the behind-the-scenes activities that helped produce the announcement of the new hospital and emergency services that are to begin in 2025.
Harrington began by outlining the chronology of events that led to the current healthcare infrastructure since he became the Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Director in 2021.
He said that in 2022, the Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) started discussions with Legacy Healthcare to bring their services to Bourbon County.
The Bourbon County Commission transferred the building to them to develop and the building became the responsibility of Legacy Health Foundation in November 2022. View the Bourbon County/ Legacy Health Foundation Agreement
In 2022, the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department approached the Bourbon County Commission with a proposal…and the Commissioners made the prudent decision to waive the lease rate for the Emergency Room facility, he said.
Following this, “We made the strategic choice to forgo clinic rent, amounting to approximately $23,000 per month, to make sure that the hospital facility could retain and use the helipad.” Harrington explained.
This move underscored the county’s commitment to ensuring rapid medical transportation capabilities for critical cases, he said.
AVC operated the emergency department from 2019 until 2023 ceasing operations citing a ” steady decline in visits and its overall average daily census.” December 20: Ascension Via Christi Closes Emergency Department in Fort Scott
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas occupied clinic space in the former Mercy building from 2019 until 2023.
CHC then moved to another site to expand services.
Harrington said the hospital building now houses two important healthcare entities. “Thanks to the combined efforts of REDI and the Bourbon County Commission, the hospital building is now at full capacity, accommodating both the Southeast Kansas (SEK) Mental Health Center and the Kansas Renewal Institute (KRI),” he stated.
Emphasizing the positive impact of these developments, Harrington noted, “KRI has created new employment opportunities and introduced a vital service to the state. Currently, they are managing a waiting list of over 100 children in need of care, demonstrating the high demand for their services.”
“In the State of Kansas, and across the nation child mental health is a critical issue and as we see the need for these services grow, we need to continue to support these types of organizations and their support for our children,” he said.
Harrington also shed light on efforts to secure emergency medical services for the county. “We engaged in discussions with multiple organizations in our attempts to establish an ER-only facility,” Harrington explained. “Ultimately, our partnership with Freeman Health System has yielded even better results.”
The 10-bed Freeman Hospital and emergency department is slated to begin operations in April 2025.
Harrington expressed his gratitude to several key stakeholders who played crucial roles in these developments.
He thanked Bourbon County  Commissioners Clifton Beth, and Jim Harris for their continued support and decision-making, the work that Bourbon County REDI staff and board put in, acknowledged the committee that worked tirelessly to place the retail sales tax initiative on this year’s election ballot, the help that KRI and its Chief Operating Officer T.J. Denning had in bringing in Freeman Health, and commended the Bourbon County Emergency Medical staff for their dedication and hard work throughout the process.
Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth. Submitted photo.
Jim Harris, 2nd District Bourbon County Commissioner, and current chair.
T.J. Denning from his LinkedIn page.
Bourbon County EMS is located at 405 Woodland Hills Blvd. Fort Scott. Photo from its Facebook page.
“This overview… illustrates the collaborative and strategic approach taken by Bourbon County to significantly enhance its healthcare infrastructure, ultimately benefiting the entire community,” he said.

2024 Lowell Milken Center Fellows Receive Keys to the City

Front Row: Ann Marie Vanneste, Matthew Mayeske, Sarah Espinal, Leah Lawrence
Back Row: Ashley Libben, Elisabeth “Bibba” Kahn. Kenny Felt photo.

 

 

The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas has awarded its 2024 National Fellowship to 12 educators. As part of their week-long experience in Fort Scott, the six fellows for June 23 – 28 were given the key to the city on Tuesday, June 25th, by Jackson Tough, Tourism Director. (Five other Fellows were in Fort Scott last week.) Upon the presentation of the keys, Tourism Director Jackson Tough said, “From Gordon Parks to the history of the Fort and the National Cemetery, along with this amazing place, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, we realize that Fort Scott is the home of heroes. Now we add you, the Lowell Milken Fellows to that list of heroes. You influence so many young people. You mold them, inspire them, and give them direction. We truly welcome you to our community and as a small token of our appreciation, we present each of you with a key to the city of Fort Scott.”

 

The Fellows honored this week were Sarah Espinal from New York, Elisabeth “Bibba” Kahn from Vermont, Leah Lawrence from Missouri, Ashley Libben from Indiana, Matthew Mayeske from Kansas, and Ann Marie Vanneste from Canada. LMC Director Norm Conard praised these outstanding individuals, saying, “We are so honored to be able to network and collaborate with these exemplary educators and provide them with an opportunity to reflect, reenergize, and strategize with each other as they seek to find new ways to inspire their students.”

 

Every summer, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes awards its Fellowship to national and international award-winning educators from America and around the world. As National LMC Fellows, they deepen their understanding of Unsung Heroes and project-based learning in preparation for developing Unsung Heroes projects with their students. They also learn the stories of powerful role models who have helped to change the world and can be life-changing examples for students today. Along with the time spent deepening their professional skills at the LMC, the Fellows enjoy visiting the Fort Scott area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR ZONING CHANGE RESIDENTIAL TO COMMERCIAL

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR ZONING CHANGE
RESIDENTIAL T0 COMMERCIAL
 
Case No. 1047 – 223 N. FRANKLIN
 
OFFICIAL NOTICE
July 24, 2024 – 4:00pm
 
                              TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN AND TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED:
              NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN on the 24th DAY OF  JULY, 2024 THE PETITION OF GARRETT KNIGHT REQUESTING A ZONING CHANGE FROM RESIDENTIAL TO C3 (COMMERCIAL) FOR THE PURPOSE OF MECHANIC SHOP AT PARCEL #006-119-29-0-20-21-001.00-0; C05-CAMERONS ADDITION, N 193.33′ OF LOTS 1 & 2 BLK 1.
              The Public Hearing is set for JULY 24, 2024, at 4:00PM at a scheduled Planning Commission meeting in the City Commission Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
              As provided in the Zoning Ordinance of Fort Scott, Kansas the above application will be discussed and considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission and a recommendation to approve or not approve the request will be made to the Fort Scott City Commission for a final decision.
              All persons interested in said matter will be heard at this Public Hearing concerning their views and wishes; and any protest of the proposed changes will be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission before they make such recommendations to the City Commission.

Downtown Meet and Greet at Cohn’s Cafe on July 9

Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet scheduled for July 9th!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, July 9th from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Cohn’s Cafe,

110 South Main .

These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotion and anything related to downtown.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Muddy Water Farms, Fort Scott, Received Federal Grant for Energy Efficient Improvements

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis today announced that USDA is partnering with rural Kansans on 23 clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to clean energy and create jobs in rural Kansas communities.

“USDA is committed to expanding modern clean energy systems that strengthen our energy independence,” Davis said. “We are excited to partner with family farms and small businesses to help create good-paying jobs and save rural Kansans money.”

 

The details of the Kansas projects are:

  • A $19,088 grant will help Muddy Water Farms LLC of Fort Scott make energy efficient improvements to its operations. The project is estimated to save 44,659 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power four homes.
  • A $96,112 grant will help purchase and install an 80 kilowatt solar system for Western Supply Co. Inc of Hutchinson. The project is estimated to generate 126,045 kilowatt hours annually and replace 88 percent of the business’s annual energy needs.
  • A $29,220 grant will help purchase and install a 15 kilowatt solar system for the Bentley Family Irrevocable Land Trust of Gove County. This project will realize $2,231 per year in savings and will generate 24,625 kilowatt hours per year.
  • A $55,340 grant will help purchase and install a 42.1 kilowatt solar system for Cottonwood Hog Farm LLC of Newton. The project is estimated to generate 65,515 kilowatt hours annually and replace 100 percent of the business’s annual energy needs.
  • A $53,393 grant will help purchase and install a 36 kilowatt solar array for Outdoor Vision LLC of Newton. The project is estimated to generate 55,819 kilowatt hours and replace 95 percent of its energy use. This is enough electricity to power five homes.
  • A $15,405 grant will help purchase and install a 10.27 kilowatt solar array for Justin Stithem, a rural small business in Chanute. This project will realize $1,630 per year in savings and replace 100 percent of the business’s annual electrical energy needs.
  • A $23,035 grant will help purchase and install a 7.9 kilowatt solar array for Timber Rock Properties LLC of Chanute. This project will realize $829 per year in savings and replace 100 percent of the business’s annual electrical needs.
  • A $19,995 grant will help Ag Strategies of Kansas LLC of Chanute make energy efficient improvements to their ag supply business. The project is estimated to replace 12,840 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power one home.
  • A $14,985 grant will help ElevenEleven Fresherie LLC of Chanute purchase and install a solar system for their smoothie and juice bar business. The project is estimated to replace 14,377 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power one home.
  • A $6,912 grant will help Calvin D. Parker of Iola make energy efficient improvements to a green house. The project is estimated to replace 4,116 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power the average home for four months.
  • A $6,199 grant will help RVH Properties LLC of Dennis, purchase and install a new HVAC system. RVH provides customization of heavy-duty tow vehicles for recreational use. The project is expected to reduce the company’s energy use by 8,140 kilowatt hours, saving the company $1,056 per year in energy costs.
  • A $71,750 grant will help purchase and install a 48 kilowatt solar system for Salina Diamond Sports LLC of Salina. The project will produce 65,922 kilowatt hours annually and replace 93 percent of the business’s annual energy usage.
  • A $545,750 grant will help purchase and install a 550 kilowatt solar array for Ohlde Dairy LLC of Linn. The project is estimated to replace 900,033 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough energy to power 83 homes.
  • A $16,872 grant will help Butler Ranch Operations LLC of Leon purchase a 10.8 kilowatt solar array for their ag operation. The project is estimated to generate 10,843 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power one home.
  • An $18,415 grant will help Schmidt Family Irrevocable Trust of Burrton purchase and install irrigation equipment for their farm. The project is estimated to save 59,992 kilowatts per year, enough energy to power five homes.
  • A $14,644 grant will help Mary Hobert LLC purchase and install a 6.6 kilowatt solar array. Mary Hobert operates the 1879 Stone House bed and breakfast along the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway in Cottonwood Falls. The project is expected to replace 8,580 kilowatt hours per year, or 85 percent of their usage. The project is expected to save the company $1,099 per year.
  • A $20,000 grant will help Lynco Rec DBA Holiday Lanes purchase and install energy efficient LED lighting at its bowling alley in Pittsburg. The project is expected to reduce the company’s energy use from lighting by 65 percent, saving 64,186 kilowatt hours and $6,855 per year in energy costs.
  • A $69,960 grant will help North Star Feeds LLC purchase and install a 52.8 kilowatt solar array. North Star Feeds is a manufacturer of feed fat blends in Atchison. The project is expected to save 78,017 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which is 82 percent of its usage and enough electricity to power more than seven homes. The project is expected to save the company $7,900 per year in energy costs.
  • A $19,773 grant will help Mellowfields Farm LLC of Lawrence purchase and install a 19.4 kilowatt solar array. The project is estimated to save 27,686 kilowatt house per year, enough energy to power two homes.
  • A $41,178 grant will help purchase and install a 42 kilowatt solar array for Four Streams Dairy Inc. of Hanover. The project is estimated to replace 60,093 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power five homes. Four Streams Dairy Inc. currently has two employees.
  • A $17,700 grant will help purchase and install a 10.56 kilowatt solar array for Gregory Jarrett, a rural small business located in Parsons. This project will realize $1,597 per year in savings and replace 100 percent of the business’s annual energy needs.
  • A $20,000 grant will help purchase and install an 18.17 kilowatt solar array for One28 Bakes, a bakery located in Oswego. The system is estimated to produce 23,207 kilowatt hours per year, enough electricity to power two homes.
  • A $15,020 grant will help Prairie Wind Aquatics of Garden City make energy efficient improvements with new insulation and LED lighting. This project will save 2,230 kilowatt hours per year, enough to power one average household for two months

Live Music and Shrimp: June 29 at The Downtown Community Pavilion

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the day before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, but for Fort Scottians,  the Mardi Gras party is on Saturday, June 29.

Mardi Gras In The Fort will be in the new Gathering Square Pavilion at North National Avenue and Old Fort Blvd. starting at 5:30 p.m.

“The City of Fort Scott is really trying to think of different things to get citizens to come out and enjoy our city, our venues, and other citizens,” Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager, said. “We feel if we can continue to do positive things while working on the negative things, our city will be a better place to live and grow our families.”

Brad Matkin. Submitted photo.

Care to Share, a local organization that helps cancer survivors and their families,  will be offering a “free-will” donation shrimp (and no shrimp) gumbo and boil starting at 5:30 p.m. Local downtown restaurants will be open for your dining enjoyment, as well.

The Care to Share group had a silent auction and bake sale at the pavilion at Riverfront Park. in 2023.

Live music will start at 6:00 p.m. Two Lane Highway and the Earnest James Zydeco Band will entertain the crowd.

“We will have limited tables and chairs for seating, so everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs.,” Matkin said.

The Gathering Square  Pavilion is on North National Avenue and Old Fort Blvd.