Bam Bam Brewing Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Friday

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites Chamber members, guests, and the community to celebrate the Grand Opening of Bam Bam Brewing!

Friday, July 24th
5:15 – 6:30 p.m.

Remarks & Ribbon Cutting
5:30 p.m.

ὌD Bam Bam Brewing Company
120 East Wall St.

Event Admission: $2/person
(This enters guests in both the Chamber’s 50/50 drawing & Bam Bam’s door prize drawing!)

Doors remain open until 10 p.m.!

Grand Opening Special
$3 off all beer flights!

Opening weekend continues
Saturday, July 25, 12:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Bam Bam Brewing Grand Opening event flyer

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members, guests, and the community to attend a Chamber After-Hours, Grand Opening Celebration, and Ribbon Cutting for Bam Bam Brewing on Friday, July 24, from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. at 120 E. Wall St. in the Downtown Historic District.

The celebration will feature remarks and a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. welcoming owners John and Kristine Gemsky to the Fort Scott business community. The Chamber will collect a $2 event admission, which enters guests in both the Chamber’s 50/50 drawing and Bam Bam Brewing’s door prize drawing.

John and Kristine fell in love with Fort Scott after visiting family in the area. Kristine’s brother and sister-in-law, Trent and Kate Freeman, own The Artificers Gallery & Studio in downtown Fort Scott, and her parents also call nearby Bronson home. After spending time in the community, the Gemskys chose to invest in a historic downtown building and relocate their microbrewery to Fort Scott.

Bam Bam Brewing will offer a welcoming atmosphere featuring a variety of locally brewed craft beers, wine, and cocktails. As a Grand Opening special, guests can enjoy $3 off a beer flight throughout the evening.

On Friday, July 24, the Chamber celebration will take place from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m., after which Bam Bam Brewing will remain open to the public until 10:00 p.m. Opening weekend continues on Saturday, July 25, from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Following the Grand Opening weekend, Bam Bam Brewing’s regular hours will be Thursdays and Fridays from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m.

In addition to serving customers at their new downtown location, Bam Bam Brewing’s locally brewed beers can also be found at other establishments in Fort Scott and throughout the region.

“We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported us along the way,” said the Gemskys. “We’re excited to officially open our doors, become part of the Fort Scott community, and share our passion for craft brewing with both residents and visitors.”

The Chamber encourages members, guests, and the community to attend the celebration, meet John and Kristine, tour the new business, and help welcome Bam Bam Brewing as one of Fort Scott’s newest downtown businesses. Supporting new small businesses strengthens the local economy and continues the positive momentum in Downtown Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

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

Enjoy a glimpse behind the scenes as Bam Bam Brewing gets ready to welcome the community!

Bam Bam Brewing behind the scenes
Bam Bam Brewing behind the scenes
Bam Bam Brewing behind the scenes

Bam Bam Brewing behind the scenes
Bam Bam Brewing behind the scenes
Bam Bam Brewing behind the scenes

Visit Bam Bam Brewing on Facebook!

Hitting a Wall by Patty LaRoche

Patty LaRoche

By Patty LaRoche

Christian author Vivian Bricker wrote about her struggle with “anhedonia,” a condition prescribed for one who lacks motivation, becomes indifferent to the world and struggles to cultivate any sort of happiness. Its victims feel only emptiness. Bricker referred to her condition as “hitting a wall.” Her solace came only when she spent time with dogs. She compared humans to dogs and felt that although people are capable of unconditional love, most are quick to reject a friend when they feel betrayed or abandoned. Dogs, however, love unconditionally. Bricker never “hit a wall” when she was with a dog.

An individual in scripture knew what it was like to suffer from anhedonia. Asaph, a writer of twelve of the Psalms, finds himself in a bad place. Note some things he says about his circumstance in Chapter 77:

Verse 2—He could not be comforted.
Verse 3—His spirit was overwhelmed.
Verse 4—He could not sleep.
Verse 6—His soul-searching was pointless.
Verse 7-9—He questioned what he knew to be true about God.

Can you relate? Asaph is miserable, depressed. But then, in Verse 12-14, he redirects his thoughts. He decides to focus on the wonders of God, the miracles He performs and the holiness of the Creator. Verse 14 reminds us on where to concentrate: “You are the God who does wonders…”

In Hebrews, Paul tells us that Jesus did just that, enduring the cross “for the joy set before him.” He looked forward to the time when he would sit at the right hand of God, and Paul instructs us to do likewise “so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

This past month I spoke at a women’s retreat and shared my recollection of a story Steve, a friend, once told. An avid Notre Dame fan, Steve would video the football game and look forward to sitting in his favorite chair to watch it. One Saturday afternoon, his father-in-law mentioned to Steve how Notre Dame had beaten Michigan 3-0. Steve said that his day was ruined. He could never enjoy a game when he knew the outcome.

But then a strange thing happened. He opted to watch it anyway, and he enjoyed every second of it. When Michigan was on the one-yard line, Steve was not concerned. He knew the outcome. Fumbles and interceptions caused him no concern. His team would prevail.

Steve shared that the football game was a metaphor for eternity. Jesus would win. Satan would lose, so we should live every day, knowing—and celebrating—the outcome. There was no need to sweat the small stuff.

Asaph seems to come to that conclusion in Psalms. God has done wondrous things. The message for us is straight-forward. When things seem overwhelming and we feel forsaken, the answer is not a dog (although my dog-lover friends might disagree). The answer is to recall all the miraculous things God has done in our lives and focus on what eternal things lie ahead.

Ad: Josh Jones — On the Record

I’m Josh Jones, and you’ll always know what your commission is doing.

Joshua Jones, Republican for Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3 — On the Record

I’m Josh Jones, a lifelong resident and small-business owner, and I’m running for Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3.

One of the reasons I got involved in the first place is that I wanted to fight for transparency and public trust in our local government. You deserve to see exactly what your government is up to. Back before our local meetings were routinely posted online, I showed up with my own phone and recorded them myself, so citizens could watch the work for themselves. It made some officials uncomfortable — and that’s the point. Putting government on the record keeps everyone honest, including the people in office.

Here’s how I’ve always worked, and how I’ll work for you:

  • On the record — meetings on video, so anyone can see exactly what happened
  • Reachable — I answer questions on social media and meet folks face-to-face at the car lot; I don’t hide from the people I serve
  • Town halls — a real place to be heard, so the regular meetings stay productive

And here’s the thing I never want anyone in office to forget: this is your county, and those elected officials work for you — not the other way around. If you ever feel like no one’s listening, don’t give up. Make a phone call, write a letter, come to a meeting. Your voice is the whole point.

Vote Josh Jones — Bourbon County Commissioner, District 3. On the record. Within reach.

Paid for by Joshua Jones for County Commissioner, Josh Jones, Treasurer.

Learn more and get in touch: Josh Jones on Facebook

U.S.D. 234 Enrollment Has Started for the 2026-27 Year, With Some New Staff and Teachers

U.S.D. 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main
The U.S.D. 234, Fort Scott School District, starts the 2026-27 school year on Friday, August 14, a little over three weeks away.
Enrollment is currently open and can be done through PowerSchool, a district-wide computer software program.
If a student is new to the district, they must sign up at their school’s building office.
August 10-13 are pre-service and work days in the district.
August 14 is the first day for students.
December 21 through January 1 is Christmas break.
Spring break is March 15-19.
The last day of school is May 14.
The following are newly hired staff and teachers for the year:
The west entrance of the Kansas Renewal Institute, June 2024.
KRI is located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., Fort Scott.
Kansas Renewal Institute-Danae Esslinger
Unified School District 234 is committed to providing general and special education services to KRI residents within school age. These services will be provided on-site at Kansas Renewal Institute, according to a prior fortscott.biz interview with KRI administration.
The Fort Scott Preschool, at 409 S. Judson.
Fort Scott Preschool-Alyssa Smith, special education
Winfield Scott Elementary School, 316 W. 10th Street, Fort Scott.
Winfield Scott Elementary School: Caleb Hendricks-assistant principal, MaKayla Pickert- second grade, Madison Hughes-physical education, Kimberly Demko-speech/language, Katherine Hill and Emily Stephans-special education.
Eugene Ware Elementary School, 900 E. Third Street.
Eugene Ware Elementary School: There are no new teachers, and the administration is still hiring for paraprofessionals that are needed, according to a spokesman at Eugene Ware.
Fort Scott Middle School. 1105 East 12th Street.
Fort Scott Middle School: Jennifer Ellis-science, Don VanBuskirk-business essentials, electives, history instruction, Dawna Krebs-math teacher, Trinadie Oney-science teacher.
Fort Scott High School. 1005 S. Main.
Fort Scott High School: Jared Martin, athletic director; Ashley Keylon-counselor, Dan
i Cummings-business teacher, Sage Hill-special education teacher, and Lucretia Rugero, special education.
The school district’s board of education phone number is: 620-223-0800.

Key Rehab Therapy Open House at Credo Senior Living

Key Rehab Therapy Open House at Credo Senior Living

Tuesday, July 28 | 3:00–6:00 PM
Credo Senior Living & Memory Care
820 South Horton Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

What to Expect

  • Meet the Key Rehab therapy team
  • Learn about therapy services available
  • Connect with staff, residents, families, and professionals

Who Should Attend

  • Credo residents
  • Family members and loved ones
  • Professionals working in the building
  • Community members
  • Referral sources

For more information, contact Credo Senior Living at 620-223-1822 (option 1) or visit www.CredoSL.com.

Documents:

Bourbon County Commission Minutes – July 13, 2026 Meeting

Bourbon County Commission

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Minutes – July 13, 2026, 5:30 PM

07.13.26 Commission Minutes (full document)

  • I. Call to Order
  • II. Pledge of Allegiance
  • III. Prayer / Invocation – led by Commissioner Motley
  • IV. Introductions / Roll Call
  • V. Approval of Agenda – amended to add auction discussion, HSS appointment letter, Kansas Division of EMS document, and budget presentation reordering
  • VI. Approval of Minutes
    • a. 06.29.26 Minutes
    • b. 07.06.26 Minutes – deferred, approved later in meeting
  • VII. Approval of Accounts Payable 07.10.26 – $543,225.90
  • VIII. Approve Tax Corrections
  • IX. Budget Presentations – Baker Tilly general fund forecast & preliminary 2027 budget; Revenue Neutral Rate discussion
  • X. Department Updates
    • Jennifer Hawkins, Treasurer – property tax deadline, unclaimed property
  • XI. Public Comments – none submitted
  • XII. Old Business
    • a. Jarred Gilmore Phillips 2026 Audit Engagement
    • b. Auction Discussion (GovDeals)
  • XIII. New Business
    • a. Opioid Fund
    • b. HSS Appointment Letter
    • c. Kansas Division of EMS Document
  • XIV. Future Agenda Topics
  • XV. Commission Comments
  • XVI. Adjournment – 6:38 p.m.

Detailed Meeting Minutes Summary

Call to Order & Attendance

The Bourbon County Commission Meeting was called to order on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM at 210 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, KS 66701.

  • Present: Commissioner Samuel Tran, District 1 (Chair); Commissioner Mika Milburn, District 5; Commissioner Gregg Motley, District 4; Commissioner Joe Allen, District 3 (arrived late); Deputy Clerk Amber Page
  • Absent: Commissioner David Beerbower, District 2
  • Citizens in Attendance: Teri Hulsey, Lou Howard, Marlon Merida, Clint Walker, Rachel Walker, Jennifer Hawkins, Michael Hoyt, Jean Tucker, Kevin Davidson, Trey Sharp, Matt Lawn, Pete Owenby

Approval of Agenda

  • Agenda was amended to add: an auction discussion under Old Business; an HSS appointment letter under New Business; a Kansas Division of EMS document under New Business; and a request to move the budget presentation to immediately following the Approval of Tax Corrections item.
  • A note was made to add an executive session with Don Dougherty to the following week’s agenda.
  • Motion to approve the agenda as amended: Chair Tran / Commissioner Motley. Carried 3-0.

Approval of Minutes

  • 06.29.26 Minutes: Motion to approve by Commissioner Milburn, seconded by Commissioner Motley. Carried 3-0.
  • 07.06.26 Minutes: Approval deferred to later in the meeting to allow for additional review. Later voted on out of order during Commission Comments — Motion to approve by Commissioner Motley, seconded by Chair Tran. Carried 3-1, with Commissioner Milburn casting the dissenting vote, noting she had not yet finished reviewing the minutes.

Approval of Accounts Payable – July 10, 2026 – $543,225.90

  • A brief question was raised regarding a line item for Desert Snow training in the Sheriff’s Department, which was identified as narcotics training.
  • Motion to approve accounts payable for July 10, 2026 in the amount of $543,225.90: Chair Tran / Commissioner Motley. Carried 3-0.

Approve Tax Corrections

  • Motion to approve tax corrections: Commissioner Motley / Chair Tran. Carried 3-0.

Budget Presentations – Baker Tilly

  • Presenter: Matt Long of Baker Tilly
  • 2026 General Fund Forecast: Estimated 2026 ending fund balance of approximately $594,000, reflecting a projected surplus of roughly $64,000.
  • Preliminary 2027 Budget: Projected a deficit of approximately $201,000.
  • Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) Scenarios Presented:
    • Flat mill levy (prior year): 56.669 mills — total taxes of $8,147,172
    • 15% mill reduction scenario
    • Revenue neutral rate: 54.664 mills — total taxes of approximately $7,858,000
  • Recommendation: Mr. Long recommended notifying the county clerk of intent to preserve the option to exceed the revenue neutral rate, capping the mill levy at last year’s adopted rate of 56.669 mills — setting a ceiling, not a final levy decision.
  • Discussion: Commissioners noted the full picture — including employee benefits and the upcoming presentation from Don Dougherty — had not yet been reviewed. Mr. Long offered to bring the complete employee benefits fund budget to the following Monday’s meeting.
  • Outcome: Commission reached consensus to table the final RNR vote until July 20, 2026 to ensure Commissioner Beerbower’s participation and a more complete budget picture. No vote taken. Mr. Long noted his professional opinion that the revenue neutral rate is generally inadvisable for counties operating without surplus capacity.
  • Commissioner Allen joined the meeting during this discussion.

Department Updates – Jennifer Hawkins, Treasurer

  • Property Tax Deadline: July 31 is the last day to pay property taxes before delinquent names are published in the newspaper; a publication fee will apply after that date. A courtesy call list is available for taxpayers who wish to receive a reminder.
  • Unclaimed Property: The state’s unclaimed property search tool is available at missingmoney.ks.gov.
  • Clarification: Treasurer Hawkins addressed a statement from the prior meeting suggesting she had not responded to commissioner inquiries regarding postage. She clarified that she had received only a single missed call two hours before that meeting, with no voicemail, email, or text, and that she remains available for questions.

Public Comments

  • No public comment cards were submitted.

Old Business – a. Jarred Gilmore Phillips 2026 Audit Engagement

  • Discussion centered on whether to seek competitive bids before renewing the engagement.
  • Commissioner Milburn noted she had spoken with Varney and Associates (which audits Crawford County) as a potential alternative.
  • Commissioner Allen indicated the current firm has served for three years without issue.
  • Commissioner Motley noted that switching auditors incurs higher first-year costs.
  • Outcome: Commission agreed to request a cost estimate from an alternative firm by the following Monday. Item tabled to July 20, 2026 for final decision. No vote taken.

Old Business – b. Auction Discussion (GovDeals)

  • Commissioner Allen reported meeting with a GovDeals representative to review available surplus items.
  • Items identified as sellable: TVs and monitors.
  • Items advised for disposal: wooden items, filing cabinets, broken furniture.
  • Metal items recommended for scrapping.
  • Motion to authorize Commissioner Allen to list surplus items on GovDeals and dispose of unsellable items: Chair Tran / Commissioner Motley. Carried 4-0.

New Business – a. Opioid Fund

  • Commissioner Milburn reported responding to an outside inquiry regarding the opioid fund and researched permitted uses with the Kansas Association of Counties (KAC).
  • KAC confirmed the fund has broad permitted uses under the attorney general’s MOU.
  • Commissioner Milburn presented a draft application process to allow organizations to apply for opioid fund distributions; indicated she would not finalize the template without commission support.
  • Commission expressed general support for establishing a formal application process.
  • Outcome: Item tabled for a future agenda topic. No vote taken.

New Business – b. HSS Appointment Letter

  • The Commission considered a request from the Sheriff to appoint Lou Howard to the Homeland Security Board in place of the Sheriff, who is relinquishing that position.
  • Motion to approve the appointment of Lou Howard to the Homeland Security Board: Commissioner Milburn / Commissioner Motley. Carried 4-0.

New Business – c. Kansas Division of EMS Document

  • Chair Tran requested authorization to sign a document for the Kansas Division of Emergency Management stipulating that Bourbon County is not subject to a single program-specific audit, as the county expends less than $1,000,000 in federally awarded funds annually.
  • Motion to authorize Chair Tran to sign the Kansas Division of Emergency Management document: Commissioner Motley / Commissioner Allen. Carried 4-0.

Future Agenda Topics – July 20, 2026

  • Executive session with Don Dougherty (KSA 75-4319(b)(1))
  • Baker Tilly budget presentation, RNR discussion, and vote
  • Audit engagement decision
  • Opioid fund application
  • Update from Commissioner Allen on the juvenile detention meeting in Girard

Commission Comments

  • Commissioner Milburn: Encouraged fellow commissioners to utilize available resources, specifically noting the KAC local road engineer available at no charge. Expressed concern about deteriorating road conditions, including thinning roads and double-ditch issues, and hopes engineering solutions will focus on utilizing existing infrastructure.
  • Commissioner Allen: Noted fair week activity and mentioned plans to attend.
  • Chair Tran: Reflected on the commission’s fiduciary responsibility during budget season, expressing measured concern about projected expenditures and potential future liabilities. Emphasized the need for the full commission to work collaboratively on budget decisions.

Adjournment

  • Motion to adjourn at 6:38 p.m.: Chair Tran / Commissioner Motley. Carried unanimously.
  • Note: Budget Work Session previously scheduled for after this meeting was not held.

ARTEFFECT Ambassadors Visual Arts Fellowship 2026–27: Apply Now

ARTEFFECT Ambassadors — Visual Arts Online Fellowship 2026–2027

Call for Applications Now Open!

ARTEFFECT Ambassadors is an online fellowship for educators working directly with students in grades 6–12 to foster the visual arts. Ambassadors learn alongside other high-level practitioners through visual arts-focused, project-based lessons centered on the inspiring and diverse stories of Unsung Heroes from history. During the school year, Ambassadors participate in a series of online professional development sessions and complete an innovative capstone project that engages their classrooms and communities.

Applications are due Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Visit the ARTEFFECT Ambassadors website for details and to access the application.

Watch the ARTEFFECT Ambassadors Overview Video on Vimeo.

What are some benefits of being an ARTEFFECT Ambassador?

  • Participate in live online modules—accompanied by lesson plans—led by seasoned visual arts educators and expert practitioners.
  • Hone your instructional practice and learner-centered strategies for designing project-based activities and assessments.
  • Expand the social impact of your curriculum by integrating the stories of LMC Unsung Heroes into your teaching and learning through your capstone project.
  • Represent ARTEFFECT and share the annual student art competition with your classrooms, schools, districts & communities.
  • Engage in peer learning within a creative, collegial, and growing network.
  • Gain recognition through an official press release and promotions.
  • Receive a Certificate of Participation, a $1,250 stipend, and a $250 materials credit.

Review the ARTEFFECT Ambassadors Info Sheet for details on the program overview and timeline, participation requirements, eligibility, and application process.

Interested in Learning More?

Join the Ambassadors Info Session on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 4:00–5:00 PM Pacific Time to learn more about the Ambassadors visual arts online fellowship. Bring your questions. Registration required.

Register for the Info Session on Zoom.

For inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – July 22, 2026

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – July 22, 2026

Arrested

Poyner-Reed, Lakin Gentry (Age 21) — Arrested 7/21/2026 3:35 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Assault, Possession of Certain Hallucinogenic Drugs, Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Human Body. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Smith, Brandon (Age 41) — Arrested 7/21/2026 10:21 AM by Douglas County. Charges: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00 (No Bond).

Dalager, William Paul (Age 29) — Arrested 7/21/2026 10:35 AM by Douglas County. Charges: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.

Carr, Randle R (Age 46) — Arrested 7/21/2026 10:40 AM by Douglas County. Charges: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.

Miller, Ralph Paul (Age 66) — Arrested 7/21/2026 8:45 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: DUI (Misdemeanor), One-Way Glass & Sun Screening Devices, Possession of Certain Hallucinogenic Drugs, Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/Human Body. Bond: $1,500.00 (Cash/Surety).

Released

Craig, Sean — Released 7/21/2026 10:17 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas County).

Kerron, Dakota — Released 7/21/2026 10:19 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas County).

Roberson, Malcolm — Released 7/21/2026 10:18 AM via Transferred Out (Douglas County).

Total Inmates Released: 3

Documents:

U.S. 69 Overlay Delayed in Bourbon, Linn Counties

U.S. 69 Overlay Project Delayed in Bourbon, Linn Counties

July 21, 2026

A Kansas Department of Transportation project to overlay about 25 miles of U.S. 69 in Linn and Bourbon counties has been delayed due to contractor scheduling issues. The overlay work will start the last week of July.

The project begins just north of Pleasanton on the southbound lanes and moves south. The southbound lanes will receive a 4-inch asphalt overlay, and portions of the route will require milling before the overlay. Pavement markings also will be added.

The contractor will close one lane at a time to work on a short stretch of highway then switch to the adjacent lane as the project progresses. Temporary exit/entry ramp closures will be required on the route.

The work zone speed limit will be reduced to 65 mph.

Work will occur during daylight hours Monday through Friday, and possibly Saturday, and the U.S. 69 project is expected to be completed this year, conditions permitting.

APAC-Central Inc., of Fayetteville, Arkansas, has the contract for the $15.95 million project.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert, follow posted signs and refrain from hand-held mobile device use in all active work zones. For current road conditions, visit kandrive.gov or call 511. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/projects/southeast-kansas-projects.

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Strength Training – Register by July 31

Sending on behalf of Chamber member
K-State Extension Southwind District

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy flyer

Community members are invited to build strength, improve balance, and support their overall health through the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy strength training program.

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy

Strength Training Program

August 5th – Sept 23rd
Wednesday & Friday
10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Bourbon County Fairgrounds, in the Yeager Building
2102 S. Huntington Blvd.

This eight-week program meets twice a week for one-hour sessions and is designed to help participants improve their overall health, strength and confidence.

Participants will work toward:

  • Increasing overall fitness, flexibility and balance
  • Building muscle and improving bone density
  • Reducing the risk of frailty, osteoporosis and falls
  •  Meeting new people in a welcoming class environment
  • Learning exercises that can be continued at home

Exercise equipment will be provided during each class, and participants will receive a handy exercise guide to take home.

Thanks to a partnership with the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging, the class is offered for a $10 donation only.

Call 620-244-3826 to Register!
Registration is required by July 31.

Stay Strong Stay Healthy program image

Visit the K-State Extension – Southwind District Facebook Page
Visit the K-State Extension – Southwind District webpage

The program is presented by K-State Research and Extension, Southwind District, in partnership with University of Missouri Extension and the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging.

Kansas Tourism Opens Tourism Marketing Grant Applications

TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism, a division within the Kansas Department of Commerce, today announced that applications are open for the Tourism Marketing Grant program. The grants are designed to assist local tourism organizations or attractions in new or first-time innovative marketing initiatives.

“Strong tourism marketing is essential for ensuring our communities are reaching new audiences, attracting more visitors and generating economic opportunities for local businesses,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These grants are a way to help showcase what makes Kansas special while strengthening our state’s tourism economy.”

The Tourism Marketing Grant program helps local destination marketing organizations (DMO’s), communities and travel industry businesses launch first-time marketing and promotional initiatives that encourage travel to Kansas. Last year, Kansas Tourism awarded $100,000 to support 20 tourism marketing projects across the state.

“Every Kansas community has a story worth sharing,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Tourism Marketing Grants provide community tourism partners with the resources to introduce new audiences to their unique experiences, inspire travel and encourage visitors to explore more of Kansas.”

Applications will remain open until 11:59 p.m. Monday, August 31.

For more information, including application materials and a list of eligible projects and activities, visit the Kansas Tourism grants page or contact Tourism Grant Program Manager Babette Dixon at [email protected].

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education and support.

Chamber Coffee at City State Bank – July 23, 8 a.m.

Join us for Chamber Coffee hosted by City State Bank

Thursday, July 23rd
8 a.m.
@ City State Bank – South Branch location
1012 Highway 69
(Just south of Walmart’s entrance)

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend this week’s Chamber Coffee hosted by City State Bank on Thursday, July 23, at 8 a.m. The event will take place at the bank’s South Branch, located at 1012 Highway 69 in Fort Scott. Coffee, juice and light refreshments will be served, along with a door prize drawing.

City State Bank has proudly served the community since 1920 and is celebrating 106 years of trusted hometown banking. The bank operates two convenient full-service locations: its Downtown Branch at 202 Scott Ave. and South Branch at 1012 Highway 69.

City State Bank provides personalized financial services while supporting the individuals, families and businesses that make the community strong. The bank also offers the modern conveniences customers rely on each day, including mobile and online banking, free ATM and debit cards, and experienced local loan officers dedicated to helping customers reach their financial goals.

Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend, learn more about City State Bank and make connections with fellow attendees.

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.

City State Bank Facebook Page
City State Bank Website

Chamber Coffee event details