Monthly Archives: September 2026

Opinion

A Literal Time of Worship

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

I fired my husband. This happened after a long-time friend recommended that Dave and I worship God for five minutes every morning. After that, we would pray, thanking Him and making our requests. A beautiful plan.

The first morning, Hubby’s responsibility was an easy one—set the timer for five minutes. Dave and I worshiped but ran out of things to say. Pathetic, I know, since Biblical people wrote lengthy praises that probably lasted for days. Several minutes after we started, Dave began to repeat himself. That’s when I opened my eyes and glanced at his phone, the phone that was supposed to have been set for the timer to go off in five minutes.

“5:00” was pulsing in large numbers. Hubby had not pressed the “Go” button.

The next morning, same thing. I praised God for what seemed to be three minutes, and then Dave took over, once again running out of things to say and so, repeating his sweet thoughts. Somehow, Hubby again had failed to press the “Go” button.

So, I fired him. “How can you fire someone for worshiping over five minutes?” he asked. I admit, I had no answer, but I said that I needed to be in charge. I’m sure he thought, No surprises there.

The next morning, I placed my phone between us and set the 5:00 timer. “This is how you start the countdown,” I announced in my teacher voice and pressed with great force on the timer button. Dave began the prayer, and when he finished, I took over…until what seemed like an eternity had passed. Peeking at the timer, I could not believe what I saw: “5:00!” Impossible! Was God behind this to teach me a lesson?

I hated to admit to Dave what had happened because I knew that he would find great delight in firing me like I had him, but if both of us were fired, who would press the button so we would know when five minutes had passed? This was a dilemma.

Maybe that was the point. Maybe we were to worship with no time constraint. Maybe God just wanted our hearts to be in line with His and not to the timer on our phone. The idea had been a great one because it was intended to help us develop a practice of worship, of letting our Heavenly Father know that we adore Him, and clearly we needed to develop that tradition. By just worshiping and not jumping into our prayer requests, God would be pleased.

Worship is critical if we call ourselves Christians. The Greek word for “worship,” proskuneō, means “to encounter God and praise Him.” The Bible lists dozens of scriptures that tell us so. Here, for instance, are two:

My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day. — Psalm 71:8 ESV

And Jesus answered him (Satan), “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'” — Luke 4:8 ESV

Worshiping God means crediting to Him the absolute worth that He alone deserves, and although five minutes is a start (provided, of course, the timer actually starts), our entire lives should be about honoring Him. John Piper once said, “True worship is a joyful response to the greatness of God.” I’m guessing that does not include firing a spouse. I’m also guessing that an apology is in order.

— Patty A. LaRoche

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Uniontown City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – Sept. 8, 2026

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Uniontown City Hall.

Uniontown City Council Regular Meeting

September 8, 2026 – Uniontown Community Center

The Regular Council Meeting on September 8, 2026, at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Mary Pemberton, Kyle Knight, Bradley Stewart, and newly appointed council member Jess Ervin. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Joe George, Betty Dennis, Loretta George, Casie Herrmann, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, and City Clerk Haley Arnold.

Special Considerations/Projects

Mayor Jurgensen suggested that Jess Ervin be appointed to fill the vacant council position.

Motion by Stewart, Second by Knight, Approved 3-0, to approve Jess Ervin to fill the vacant spot on the Council.

Jess Ervin was sworn in and administered the Oath of Office as a member of the City Council.

Citizens Request

(None noted.)

Financial Report

Treasurer Johnson presented the August 2026 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $228,979.05; Receipts $26,173.94; Transfers Out $6,774.25; Expenditures $45,108.12; Checking Account Closing Balance $203,270.62. Bank Statement Balance $203,330.65, including Checking Account Interest of $47.82; Outstanding Deposits $0; Outstanding Checks $60.03; Reconciled Balance $203,270.62. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $43,929.74; Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $24,783.10; Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $51,506.03; Total All Funds including Certificates of Deposit $323,489.49. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Account $407.38 and Utility CDs $2,071.88 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,479.26.

Projects Checking Account for August 2026: Beginning Balance $0; Receipts $0; Expenditures $0; Ending Balance $0.

August Transfers: Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.25; Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; Capital Improvement-Streets from General Fund $3,750.00; Total Transfers $6,774.25.

Net loss for August $25,708.43; Year-to-Date Net Income $2,525.16.

Budget vs. Actual: Gas Fund YTD Revenue $94,980.18 (73.4%), Expenditures $66,817.53 (50.7%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $27,926.20 (77.4%), Expenditures $21,134.15 (49.5%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $80,511.35 (64.7%), Expenditures $70,700.98 (49.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $96,304.66 (65.4%), Expenditures $116,874.89 (49.8%); Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,054.18 (83.0%), Expenditures $5,524.08 (49.4%).

Payables for the period August 12, 2026, through September 8, 2026, totaled $31,581.04. The invoice from KMGA had not been received by noon on meeting day.

Consent Agenda

Motion by Pemberton, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve the Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of August 11, 2026, 2027 Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting
  • August Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & September Accounts Payables

Department Reports

Codes Officer Doug Coyan was absent from the meeting but had previously submitted an email regarding code enforcement matters. Clerk Arnold reviewed the email with the Council. One concern discussed was the overgrown vegetation at 101 Washington. Following discussion of previous encounters with the property owner, the Council decided to send a letter advising the property owner to weed-eat the overgrown vegetation around the property. Another property of concern was 202 4th Street, where little improvement had been made. Council Member Knight volunteered, as a private individual, to assist with the cleanup of the property if the property owners agreed. Clerk Arnold stated she would contact the property owners to determine their interest. The Council decided no further action would be taken regarding that property until court proceedings were completed.

Mayor Jurgensen thanked Superintendent Rich for his hard work preparing the City for the Labor Day weekend celebration and asked how the citywide cleanup went. Superintendent Rich stated the dumpsters were not utilized as much this time as in the past.

Clerk Arnold presented the 2025 audit prepared by DBB Inc. to the Council for review.

Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve the 2025 audit prepared by DBB Inc.

Clerk Arnold presented the Council with a donation request letter from the Uniontown Booster Club. The Council declined to make a donation at this time.

Arnold informed the Council that, due to an issue with QuickBooks, Council checks would not be distributed at the meeting. The checks will be distributed once the issue has been resolved.

Council Reports

  • Councilman Knight – None
  • Councilwoman Kelly – Absent
  • Councilwoman Pemberton – None
  • Councilman Stewart – None
  • Councilman Ervin – None

Mayor Jurgensen thanked the Old Settlers Committee and all volunteers for their hard work organizing the Labor Day weekend celebration, with special thanks extended to Mary Pillion, Mike Ramsey, Rhonda DeWitt, Marty DeWitt, and all other volunteers. Appreciation was also extended to those who organized the Dale Jackson Car Show and the rodeos. Council Member Knight thanked Mayor Jurgensen for handing out bicycles during the bike raffle.

Mayor Jurgensen reported he has been in communication with the City’s technology representative, Mark Warren, regarding establishing Wi-Fi in the park. Clerk Arnold has ordered the necessary equipment, which has been received. Discussion has also taken place with Kelly Electric regarding adding additional electrical outlets in the park to accommodate Christmas in the Park decorations and Wi-Fi/camera equipment.

Clerk Arnold informed the Council of a dog ordinance violation at 401 2nd Street due to the number of dogs at the property. The property owner submitted a letter outlining her plans to come into compliance and requested an exception to keep four dogs rather than the maximum of three allowed by ordinance.

Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0, to allow the property owner 45 days to reduce the number of dogs on the property to four and allow the owner to keep the fourth dog. Once the number is reduced to three, no additional dogs may be added that would cause the property to exceed the three-dog limit.

Old Business

Dog Ordinance Review and Discussion: The Council discussed suggestions and proposed amendments to the draft presented at the previous meeting. The Council agreed that Clerk Arnold would prepare the final draft and submit it to the City Attorney for review. The final draft will be presented to the Council for approval at a later date.

Waterway Project: Mayor Jurgensen stated he had spoken with Mitch Crystal, who had forwarded the information to another surveyor. No response had been received at this time.

New Business

Motion by Stewart, Second by Knight, Approved 4-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss applicants and conduct interviews for a non-elected personnel position; open meeting to resume at 8:35 PM.

Meeting resumed at 8:35 PM. No action taken from executive session.

Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:35 PM.

Documents:

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Board of Trustees Special Meeting Sept. 18

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The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold a Special Board Meeting on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. in the Ellis Fine Arts Building on the Fort Scott Community College campus.

Public Agenda

1.0 Call Meeting to Order – Chair Doug Ropp
1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk
___Bailey___Brown___Cosens___Hoyt___McKinnis___Ropp

2.0 Flag Salute & Invocation

3.0 Architect Presentations (30 min each)
3.1 Architect One, Inc.
3.2 HTK Architects, Inc.
3.3 PGAV Architects

4.0 Leadership Reports & Updates (Information)
4.1 Academics – Vice President of Academic Affairs & Enrollment Management – Dr. Larry Guerrero
4.2 Advancement – Dean of Advancement – Lindsay Hill
4.3 Athletics – Athletic Director – Keith Stiffelmire
4.4 Enrollment & Student Services – Dean of Enrollment & SS – Courtney Kline
4.5 Finance – CFO / Vice President of Finance & Operations – Gina Shelton
4.6 Students – Dean of Student Affairs – Vanessa Poyner
4.7 Presidential Update – President Dr. Jack Welch

5.0 Review of September 21st Agenda Items (Information)

6.0 Personnel
5.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action)
5.2 Exit Executive Session – Return to Open Session (Action)

7.0 Board Member Training (Information)

8.0 Adjourn (Action)

Documents:

Government, Kansas

Kansas Courts Mark Constitution Day and Week

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TOPEKA—Chief Justice Eric Rosen signed an administrative order today proclaiming September 17 Constitution Day and September 17 through 23 Constitution Week in Kansas courts and encouraging all Kansans to commend its observance.

He signed the order in the Supreme Court courtroom, where the court had convened to hear cases on its docket. Before signing, he gave brief remarks connecting the U.S. Constitution with the Declaration of Independence signed 250 years ago.

“The Declaration announced our ideals that all people are created equal and endowed with rights that no government may rightfully take away,” he said. “But it was the Constitution that established a government of laws and an independent judiciary to protect rights, fairly resolve disputes, and uphold the rule of law.”

He added that the words in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution endure today because each generation accepts responsibility for giving them meaning. That responsibility now belongs to this generation, and it includes a duty to instill these ideals in others.

Celebrating Constitution Day in Kansas courts

Rosen noted several examples of court activities that celebrate Constitution Day and Constitution Week, including Supreme Court and Court of Appeals visits to schools, a mock trial for third graders, and educational programs at the Kansas Judicial Center.

Educational programs at Judicial Center

Students from northeast Kansas high schools visited the Kansas Judicial Center September 16 to participate in the Gene Balloun Legal Career Education Program. The Kansas 1st Amendment Foundation organized the event to introduce students to legal careers and help them develop related skills.

Staff in the Office of Judicial Administration led tours of the Judicial Center, taught students how to get into law school and become an attorney, and shared the history of the appellate courts. In the morning, the students attended Supreme Court oral arguments and were introduced to the court by Ken Thomas, executive director of the Kansas 1st Amendment Foundation. Chief Judge Sarah Warner and Judge Karen Arnold-Burger of the Court of Appeals spoke to the students to wrap up the daylong program.

Laurel Klein Searles, chief of attorney services and compliance, said the program is a great way for students to learn more about the legal field.

“These students chose the program because they are already interested in careers in law,” she said. “The visit is about connecting these students with professionals already working in the field who can share their firsthand experiences and answer their questions.”

Supreme Court special session in Liberal

The Supreme Court will visit Liberal High School as part of its outreach to familiarize Kansans with the court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary in recognition of Constitution Week.

The court will be in session at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 22, after which justices will greet the public in an informal reception.

Court of Appeals Constitution Day dockets

In its annual recognition of Constitution Day, Kansas Court of Appeals’ panels will visit three college campuses next week to hear cases before students and members of the public.

On September 22, a three-judge panel will hear arguments in Lawrence at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics and the University of Kansas School of Law, while another panel will hear arguments in Manhattan at Kansas State University. A third panel will hear oral arguments September 23 at Washburn University School of Law.

When the visits were announced, Warner said the cases selected for them were chosen because they include constitutional questions.

“Through these cases, students and the public can witness how constitutional rights impact everyone’s daily lives and understand how judges approach and decide constitutional disputes,” Warner said.

Mock trial for third-grade classrooms

To reach a younger audience, Judge Robert Wonnell of the 10th Judicial District invited third-grade classrooms nationwide to participate in a mock trial conducted from his Johnson County courtroom.

More than 47,000 students from 47 states and more than 90 classrooms on military bases around the world registered to participate in this year’s virtual event.

“The mock trial teaches students about our responsibilities, opportunities, and rights under the Constitution of the United States of America,” Wonnell said. “Students listen to witnesses, evaluate evidence, and act as jury to decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of violating a fictitious law that prohibits running in the hallway.”

Judges throughout the Kansas courts were encouraged to connect with third-grade classrooms in their communities and to volunteer to visit classrooms in person for the event.

Importance of celebrating Constitution

In Administrative Order 2026-PM-098, Rosen notes the importance of celebrating the Constitution that shapes American democracy.

“As justices, judges, and court staff, we are honored to uphold that promise and to share its meaning with the people we serve,” Rosen said. “We encourage all Kansans to reflect on the freedoms and responsibilities guaranteed by the Constitution.”

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – September 17, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff's Report

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – September 17, 2026

Arrested

Carson, Lowell Hilton (Age 75) — Arrested 9/17/2026 11:56 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Arson; Unknown Circumstance, Criminal Damage to Property; Misdemeanor. Bond: $10,000.00 Cash/Surety.

Morgan, Kathryn Renee (Age 32) — Arrested 9/17/2026 2:01 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Bond Revoke). Bond: $10,000.00 Cash/Surety. Released 9/17/2026 7:14 PM via Surety Bond.

Plaster, Jesse (Age 45) — Arrested 9/17/2026 2:47 PM, held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00 No Bond.

Prattis, Ronald Jr (Age 35) — Arrested 9/17/2026 3:03 PM, held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.

Salazar, Joshua None (Age 32) — Arrested 9/17/2026 3:24 PM, held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00 No Bond.

Sheridan, Caleb C (Age 32) — Arrested 9/17/2026 3:46 PM, held for Douglas County. Charge: Other Agency Hold. Bond: $0.00.

Morgan, Ryan Thomas (Age 43) — Arrested 9/17/2026 5:59 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Arrest). Bond: $10,000.00 Cash/Surety. Released 9/17/2026 7:22 PM via Surety Bond.

Belcher-Cowlishaw, Gabrielle Kaye (Age 21) — Arrested 9/17/2026 8:56 PM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charge: Domestic Battery; Unknown Circumstance; Misdemeanor. Bond: $0.00 No Bond.

Released

Chase, Jesse Lee — Released 9/17/2026 6:06 PM via Surety Bond (American Western).

Gomes, Steven Lou — Released 9/17/2026 10:25 AM via Surety Bond (Larry Lamb).

Morgan, Kathryn Renee — Released 9/17/2026 7:14 PM via Surety Bond (American Western).

Morgan, Ryan Thomas — Released 9/17/2026 7:22 PM via Surety Bond (American Western).

Nunley, Richard — Released 9/17/2026 8:16 AM via Transferred Out (KDOC).

Total Inmates Released: 5

Documents:

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – September 17, 2026

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Bourbon County Sheriff's Report

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report – September 17, 2026

Arrested

Hodgins, Darrin Oaren (Age 57) — Arrested 9/16/2026 12:00 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Sanction. Bond: $0.00 [No Bond].

Chase, Jesse Lee (Age 26) — Arrested 9/16/2026 4:08 PM by Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office. Charge: Warrant Bourbon County (Probation Violation). Bond: $0.00 [No Bond].

Staten, Madison Jane (Age 22) — Arrested 9/16/2026 11:58 AM by Fort Scott Police Department. Charges: Warrant – Out of County, Warrant Bourbon County (Probation Violation), Warrant Bourbon County (Probation Violation). Bond: $5,000.00 [Cash/Surety].

Released

Total Inmates Released: 0

Documents:

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 13–15, 2026

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Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 13–15, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 153 calls for service from September 13–15, 2026.

September 13, 2026

Reports and Arrests

Domestic / Physical — 12:56 AM, 817 S Little St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01490FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Accident / Injury — 1:52 AM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-0877BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fire / Structure — 2:43 AM, 2283 Osage. Complaint No. 26-0878BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Domestic / Verbal — 12:17 PM, 205 S Hill St. Complaint No. 26-01492FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Child Custody Dispute — 1:11 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01493FS. Disposition: HBO.

Threat — 6:10 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01494FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Follow-Up — 9:38 AM, 1121 E Elm, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0879BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Follow-Up — 9:38 AM, 1121 E Elm, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01491FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Check Welfare — 9:21 PM, 7 S Crawford #4. Complaint No. 26-0880BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Check Welfare — 9:21 PM, 7 S Crawford #4. Complaint No. 26-01495FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fire and EMS

EMS / Mutual Aide — 9:01 AM, 1318 Thomas, Linn County. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS — 4:02 AM, 324 S Main St #1. Disposition: AMBU.

Fire / Other — 9:51 AM, National Ave. Disposition: FIRE.

Fire / Vehicle — 2:31 PM, 218th, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fire / Other — 3:42 PM, 2513 Limestone Rd. Disposition: HBD.

EMS — 5:30 PM, 201 W 23rd St #2A2. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 8:59 PM, 108 E 11th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 9:55 PM, 1114 S Main St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 7:22 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:41 PM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:53 PM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:04 PM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:19 PM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:37 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 9:04 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:21 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Other Calls for Service

Remove Subject — 8:59 AM, 121 N Washington St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Child Playing With Phone — 9:23 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Animal Control — 9:24 AM, 408 Lee’s Circle Drive. Disposition: HBO.

Check Welfare — 9:41 AM, 1135 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 12:23 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Driving — 12:27 PM, 1411 E Wall, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 77.

Alarm / Burglary — 12:45 PM, 2103 Kansas. Disposition: HBD.

Traffic Complaint / Driving — 12:55 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Hang Up — 1:02 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 77.

Noise Complaint — 1:05 PM, Judson, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 1:13 PM, 1817 Osage, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / County — 1:23 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: 77.

Animal Control — 2:56 PM, 1010 Park Ave. Disposition: HBO.

Theft — 4:03 PM, 114 Steen. Disposition: HBO.

27,28,29 Checks — 4:15 PM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

911 / Accidental — 4:19 PM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: 22.

Follow-Up — 4:48 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Other — 5:49 PM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Dead Animal Pickup/Debris — 5:52 PM, Lee’s Circle Drive. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 5:58 PM, 1010 Park Ave. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 6:42 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 6:43 PM, 102 Andrick St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 6:59 PM, 302 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Noise Complaint — 7:13 PM, 1st St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Civil Standby — 7:24 PM, 302 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Remove Subject — 8:11 PM, 121 N Washington St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 8:41 PM, 817 Little St, Fort Scott. Disposition: RPTS.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 8:42 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Juvenile — 9:16 PM, 1013 E 14th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

Other Agency Assist — 9:38 PM, 112 N Crawford. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 10:52 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

September 14, 2026

Reports and Arrests

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fire and EMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Traffic Stops

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Calls for Service

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 7:07 PM, 320 S Holbrook St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

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

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

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

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

September 15, 2026

Reports and Arrests

Traffic Stop — 2:08 AM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-01503FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Traffic Stop — 2:08 AM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-01511FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Burglary — 12:16 PM, 923 S Holbrook St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01504FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Criminal Damage — 12:57 PM, 423 W 2nd St. Complaint No. 26-01505FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Traffic Stop — 12:34 PM, 525 E 6th, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01506FS. Disposition: ARRC.

Theft — 2:23 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01507FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Accident / Non-Injury — 4:49 PM, National Ave, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01508FS. Disposition: RPTA.

Juvenile — 6:54 PM, 119 S Washington St. Complaint No. 26-01509FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 8:22 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01510FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Check Welfare — 10:39 PM, 1313 S Little St. Complaint No. 26-01512FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Accident / Non-Injury — 11:12 AM, 54 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-0884BB. Disposition: RPTA.

Traffic Stop — 10:59 PM, 2 Jersey. Complaint No. 26-0885BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fire and EMS

EMS — 1:01 AM, 201 W 23rd St #2A2, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 4:40 AM, 717 Fairway, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 6:13 AM, 407 Lee’s Circle Drive #1A. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 9:20 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fire / Vehicle — 12:19 PM, 688 S 240th, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS / Transfer — 1:55 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 7:25 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:41 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:57 PM, 4th St, Bronson. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:57 PM, 2nd St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:30 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:04 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:43 PM, Maple. Disposition: WW.

Other Calls for Service

911 / Accidental — 6:29 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

27,28,29 Checks — 6:47 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

Follow-Up — 9:01 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 9:10 AM, Osbun St, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Theft — 9:52 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: RPTG.

Seeking Advice/Info — 10:56 AM, 1402 E Wall, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Parking Complaint — 11:24 AM, 1305 S Little St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 11:53 AM, 1428 S Main St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Other — 12:10 PM, 6th, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Lost Property — 1:24 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 2:31 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 3:32 PM, 224 W 9th St. Disposition: HBO.

Lost Property — 4:13 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Juvenile — 4:39 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Hang Up — 5:51 PM, 11 E 12th St. Disposition: HBD.

Animal Control — 7:05 PM, Steen, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Total Calls for Service: 153

Documents:

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 16, 2026

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Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – September 16, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 62 calls for service on September 16, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Criminal Case — 10:28 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0886BB. Disposition: RPTC.

Seeking Advice/Info / Walk-In — 11:08 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0887BB. Disposition: RPTC.

Warrant Service / Arrest — 11:37 AM, 221 S Judson. Complaint No. 26-01514FS. Disposition: ARRC.

Criminal Damage — 11:38 AM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0888BB. Disposition: RPTC.

Warrant Service / Arrest — 3:53 PM, 210 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-0889BB. Disposition: RPTC.

Theft — 4:23 PM, 2500 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01515FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Domestic / Verbal — 5:22 PM, 1181 155th, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0890BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Accident / Non-Injury — 6:24 PM, 1005 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01516FS. Disposition: RPTA.

No Problem — 6:56 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0891BB. Disposition: RPTA.

Disturbance — 11:08 PM, 2224 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01517FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Fire and EMS

Fire / Alarm — 12:33 PM, 302 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Alarm / Burglary — 5:05 PM, 101 Old Fort Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 22.

Fire / Other — 6:45 PM, 735 S Little St. Disposition: * Multiple.

Other Calls for Service

Foot Patrol — 1:17 AM, 1st St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Hang Up — 1:36 AM, 23 W 1st St. Disposition: HBD.

Check Vehicle — 2:47 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 5:40 AM, 835 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Animal Control — 7:04 AM, 6th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Remove Subject — 7:57 AM, 714 Short St. Disposition: HBO.

27,28,29 Checks — 8:14 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 8:22 AM, 1st St. Disposition: 77.

Traffic Complaint / Dead Animal Pickup/Debris — 8:32 AM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 8:48 AM, 1st St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 9:46 AM, 822 S Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: RPTS.

Public Assist — 9:50 AM, 101 Old Fort Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 9:59 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: RPTS.

Harassment — 10:36 AM, 1524 Broadway. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 11:11 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: RPTS.

Check Records / Employment — 11:24 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Storm Watch — 12:42 PM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Parking Complaint — 1:08 PM, 415 S Eddy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / Walk-In — 1:29 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 2:04 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 2:22 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 3:12 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 3:22 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: RPTS.

Follow-Up — 3:39 PM, 906 E 12th St. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 3:54 PM, 702 S Little St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 4:04 PM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

No Problem — 4:22 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Public Assist — 4:24 PM, 1135 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Parking Complaint — 5:08 PM, 1st St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Theft — 7:56 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 8:01 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Remove Subject — 10:16 PM, 121 N Washington St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 8:55 AM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:02 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:29 AM, State St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:27 AM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:29 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 7:58 PM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:12 PM, 3rd St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 8:14 PM, 12th St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 8:17 PM, 6th St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 8:22 PM, 603 S National Ave. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 8:41 PM, 2322 S Main St. Disposition: HBO.

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

Traffic Complaint / Driving — 8:54 PM, 5th St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 9:22 PM, Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 10:17 PM, 6th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Total Calls for Service: 62

Documents:

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Submitted

Friends of Fort Scott NHS Annual Meeting – Sept. 21

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Friends members and the general public are invited to attend the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Annual Meeting!

Monday, September 21, 2026
6 p.m.

At the home of Ronda & Rob Hassig
512 S. Judson St., Fort Scott

Annual Meeting details

Evening Highlights

  • Light refreshments
  • Special program on Quantrill’s Raid
  • Drawing for a reproduction U.S. 1847 Walker Colt Revolver

Revolver Fundraiser Drawing

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Suggested donation:
• $15 or more for one ticket
• $40 or more for three tickets

Purchase tickets here!
*A small service fee applies to online purchases

You do not need to be present to win.

No donation is necessary to obtain a ticket.

To request one free ticket, mail a handwritten request to:

Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site
P.O. Box 442
Fort Scott, KS 66701

*Limit one free ticket per household.

*Free tickets are limited, so requests should be mailed early.

Friends of Fort Scott NHS

Everyone is welcome to attend and learn more about the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site!

Click here for the Friends of FSNHS Facebook Event Page!

Bourbon County, Government, History

Prisoners of War And Those Missing In Action Will Be Honored With An Avenue of Flags Sept. 18

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The local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1165 will honor American prisoners of war (POW) and those who did not come home from serving in the military (MIA) tomorrow, September 18.

There will be an Avenue of Flags to commemorate the sacrifice of service members to their country, but there will be no ceremony, only individual remembrances.

 

National POW/MIA Recognition Day was established in 1979 through a proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter, according to the U.S. Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

To learn more:  https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaa

 

Since then, each subsequent president has issued an annual proclamation commemorating the third Friday in September as National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Deb Lust, spokesperson for the local VFW, said the group is facilitating an Avenue of Flags near the Fort Scott National  Cemetery on East National tomorrow.

National Cemetery, Fort Scott.

“Because of the heat index, we are shortening the number of flags installed, from Margrave Street to all the way in the cemetery,” Lust said. “Normally, it’s East National Avenue through the cemetery.”

At 7 a.m. tomorrow, the flags will be posted, and at 4 p.m. the flags will be recovered, she said.

The Fort Scott Community College Softball Team and a group of youth from Kansas Renewal Institute will help the VFW with the flags.

“This is honoring all those who are POWs as well as those who were never recovered, those Missing In Action,” she said.

These are U.S. service members and civilians missing from past wars/conflicts.

“The Department of Defense has an agency that looks at archeological sites where there have been known battles or planes that went down in different locations in collaboration with the countries: Germany, France, Belgium, Korea, Vietnam, Laos, just to name a few. They help families get some closure,” she said.

To her knowledge there has been only one POW in Bourbon County in recent memory, Jake Underwood. Underwood served in World War II.

Jake Underwood, from obituary in 2018.

Underwood, who was well known in the Bourbon County community, was captured during the Battle of Bulge in WWII and was a prisoner of war from December 1944 to April 1945.

To learn more: https://www.indianamilitary.org/106ID/Diaries/Stalag%20IX-B%20Bad%20Orb/Underwood-Jake-590A-9B/Underwood-Jake-590A-9B.pdf

“There may have been others,” she said. “We don’t know.”

Local VFW flags readied for posting along National Avenue. From the VFW Facebook page.

 

Jobs, Kansas

KANSASWORKS Virtual Statewide Job Fair Sept. 24

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TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland invites jobseekers and employers to take part in the September Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, September 24.

“Our monthly KANSASWORKS Virtual Statewide Job Fairs are designed to give Kansans a platform to discover and explore open job opportunities in a wide variety of career fields,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “With the number of new jobs increasing and industries expanding into Kansas, we’re creating opportunities for everyone in the Sunflower State.”

The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.

This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in Virtual Job Fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.

About KANSASWORKS:

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services. KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.

Fort Scott

City commission splits 3-2 on exceeding the revenue-neutral rate, then adopts the budget unanimously

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FORT SCOTT — The Fort Scott City Commission split 3-2 Tuesday night on whether to levy a property tax rate above the revenue-neutral rate, then turned around and adopted the 2027 budget unanimously.

Resolution 40-2026 says the county clerk calculated the city’s revenue-neutral rate (the rate that would raise the same money from existing property as last year) at 41.472 mills, and that the commission, “having heard testimony, still finds it necessary to exceed” it (video, 1:38:11). The rate the city adopted is 41.886 mills, 0.414 above revenue-neutral, worth about $24,000 on an assessed valuation of $58,608,895, according to the budget summary the city published Sept. 5.

On the roll call, Mayor Kathryn Salsbury, Julie Buchta and Tim Van Hoecke voted yes. Matthew Wells and Tracy Dancer voted no (video, 1:39:43).

Minutes later the same five voted yes on the budget itself. Wells said so explicitly: “I approve of this budget, yes.”

The vote to exceed does not mean the city is raising its rate. Ben Hart, the city’s financial adviser, told the commission that since 2020 Fort Scott has cut its levy every year but one, “going down by almost six full mills,” and that this year it found a way to cut taxes “by almost a half a mill” even with revenues falling and costs rising.

Hart also commended the commission for having the conversations necessary to enable them to keep the budget as low as they have.

Kansas still requires the hearing and a recorded vote whenever a city intends to levy above the revenue-neutral rate, because rising property values raise more money at an unchanged rate (video, 1:36:10).

Michael Hoyt, who serves on the city land bank board, questioned the budget from the floor, asking about a $3,179,736 lease-purchase principal line and whether the debt service above it covered only the general obligation bonds (video, 1:16:52). He asked why the principal hasn’t been going down. Hart answered that the city adds leases every year; Wells mentioned new police cars, and Hart cited fire apparatus and a rescue truck, “not cheap pieces of equipment.”

What the budget fight was actually about

The argument that dominated the hearing was over $38,976 cut from the general fund demolition budget.

The cut itself had already been made. At the commission’s previous meeting, Wells moved to eliminate the line for one year, which by the published figures took about two-thirds of a mill off the levy (the minutes and Hart both round it to half). Wells, Dancer and Salsbury voted yes; Van Hoecke and Buchta voted no, and it carried 3-2, a different split from Tuesday’s; the mayor was the only commissioner in the majority both times. The budget options in front of the commission before that cut carried a levy of 42.551 mills; the budget adopted Tuesday levies 41.886.

Van Hoecke read aloud an email from a business owner of 20 years. “I watch as you remove demolition from the 2027 budget,” it said. “I would encourage you to reconsider before you adopt a budget” (video, 1:21:40).

Wells responded saying, “I’ve also been reached out to by many citizens who say we demo too many good houses… houses that very easily could have been restored, put back on the market, and sold to somebody at a discounted rate.”

Salsbury said cutting the line does not end demolitions. “Removing the strict code demolition line does not completely remove the ability to demolish houses,” she said. “That is a function that can also be done through the land bank.” Wells said the solution he presented with his motion was to funnel blighted houses into the land bank, which has money to demolish them, or to have a contractor restore them and sell them, as he said Parsons has done.

Dancer argued the money would do more as an incentive than as a demolition line. “Maybe we need to pull back some of the money that we are giving up so freely,” he said, and instead tell developers the city will pay them $5,000 once a rehabilitated house is sold (video, 1:28:14).

Dancer framed the test narrowly: the standard the commission has to apply is whether a structure is dangerous and unsafe, not whether the community dislikes looking at it. Van Hoecke said unsafe was not the whole of it. “If you’re a longtime resident here and you’re paying your taxes, it does come down to quality of life as well,” he said (video, 1:29:56). Salsbury agreed aesthetics matter to people but are not part of the ordinance’s mechanism.

Hart put numbers to it: $40,000 budgeted for the land bank, plus about $82,000 already sitting in cash. Van Hoecke started to move $15,000 back into the demolition fund, then dropped it after being told the land bank would spend that much on blight regardless, having already identified the area it wants to work on (video, 1:33:09).

$15,000 in grants, seven applicants, three winners

The longest stretch of the meeting was the third-quarter small-business grants. Seven applicants came to the table and presented in person for a $15,000 pool: Salon Social, Better and Bourbon, Travis Sawyer, the Fort Cinema, Bourbon County Clay, Midwest Runway Boutique and the Super 8.

Van Hoecke moved first, for a three-way $5,000 split to Bourbon County Clay, Salon Social and the Fort Cinema, saying he was reluctant to see the theater go the way of neighboring towns’ (video, 1:10:45). That motion died for want of a second.

Wells then proposed an even three-way split, $5,000 each to Midwest Runway Boutique, Salon Social and Bourbon County Clay, and asked the others to reapply next quarter. His test, he said, was “return on investment. What are we going to get back as a city?”, noting one applicant expected to create three new jobs (video, 1:06:58). It passed unanimously (video, 1:14:48).

Maria Morris told the commission she had just relocated Midwest Runway Boutique to downtown Fort Scott. Brooklyn Holder is opening Salon Social, which she said would hire three people. The Freemans’ Bourbon County Clay and their Artificers gallery are downtown. Buchta noted, echoing Wells, that applicants who missed out can apply again next quarter.

Also before the commission

Emergency pump. The commission unanimously approved $43,772.30 for an emergency replacement pump at the College Booster Station, upgrading to an impeller that stands up better to chlorine.

Alcohol ordinance. Ordinance 3801, amending the city code on alcoholic liquor, cereal malt beverages and beer gardens, came back for a first reading after being tabled Sept. 1. City attorney Bob Farmer said the fee schedules are unchanged and the draft’s one change is to repeal the former $125 beer garden license; Wells said the beer garden rules were the only place the old code fell out of line with state statute. Commissioners asked for a single revision: language making clear that the common consumption area applies every day of the year, not only during special events, which Van Hoecke said is how the draft read. Salsbury and Dancer also asked whether license fees should distinguish a restaurant that serves drinks from a bar; Farmer said the line is hard to draw. “It is a bar. They just happen to sell food there,” he said (video, 1:53:12). Van Hoecke moved to approve the ordinance with that one change and Wells seconded; the clerk and Farmer said the vote approved only the changes, with the final ordinance to come back at the next meeting. Salsbury first voted no, saying she had made “a personal commitment never to vote in the affirmative on an ordinance that I don’t have the final version of in front of me,” then said “okay, yes” after Farmer clarified that the vote approved only the changes, not the final ordinance (video, 1:56:50).

FortScott.biz file photo of 118 Wall in September 2024

118 E. Wall. Farmer said he told the owner of the blighted building that the city will not pay for it and has been authorized to sue to bring it into compliance, but that the owner should first look at giving the building away. The owner had asked for tax credits, which Farmer said the city cannot grant. City Manager Brad Matkin said two men from a church-funded Kansas City medical business, with locations in Wyandotte and Johnson counties, visited City Hall and said the owner may donate the building to them; the city plans to look at their operations before anything is settled. “It’s not a done deal,” Matkin said. Farmer added that if a use is allowed under zoning, the city cannot pick and choose who occupies a building. At Wells’s request, Matkin said the city will send the notice that starts the 30-day clock for demolition-by-neglect citations and fines (video, 2:03:12).

Moody Building. Farmer said the owner’s corporate status has been revived, so the proper party can now act on the building, and that he is still trying to get an answer from the IRS: an agent who had been responsive no longer returns calls, and the office number rings to a national line that, after 20 minutes on hold, tells him to call back another day. Matkin said the party interested in the building has been cleared to bring in architects and engineers and has started cleaning out the basement, which is why a dumpster is parked outside. Van Hoecke said that when he was downtown Saturday they were pumping out water that “has been in that basement for a long time” (video, 2:07:05).

Lake lots. Matkin was asked to gather survey costs, covenants and deed-restriction information on eight lake lots on the east side and to look at leasing rather than selling, including very long-term leases and RV sites; he said he would come back in about a month. Van Hoecke said selling the lots would help pay down debt on the fire trucks; Wells said he would lease all eight on 199-year leases, as some Colorado resort towns do. Salsbury cautioned about protecting the water supply. “I don’t want to compromise our water supply at all, and I think we just have to be incredibly careful about it,” she said (video, 2:09:56).

Naturalization ceremony. Matkin reminded the mayor that a naturalization ceremony was scheduled for the following day and asked who else planned to attend, saying he would be running sound and would post about it (video, 2:21:52). Twenty-five people are to be sworn in as citizens; Salsbury said she is to speak at the ceremony.

Street repairs. Answering Streeter, Matkin said the city plans to run the striping machine over several streets at once when the cape-seal top coat is finished. He said the dip in the brick street by Streeter’s shop was left by a contractor rather than the street department and will be repaired, and that Wall Street should be finished the next day after the asphalt plant the city buys from broke down twice.

Memorial Hall. Mary Wyatt, the city’s business development director, reported that the Kansas Department of Commerce that morning released the Memorial Hall window and exterior restoration project, approving the single-bidder award to Mid-Continental Restoration so construction can begin. Asked by Van Hoecke whether the city’s Certified Local Government status helped win the grant, Wyatt said it did not; the city was not yet a CLG when it applied (video, 2:16:53).

Public comment. Cory Bryars of Care to Share thanked the city golf course, promoted Fort Fest at Riverfront Park and said the group is now averaging about $12,000 a month to local cancer patients. Ray Streeter urged the city to stripe recently cape-sealed streets, said he is “sick and tired of the brick streets,” and argued against spending grant money on another walking path when streets, sewers and water need it.

Consent agenda. The agenda was approved as amended, adding a late Olson invoice of about $5,381.74 for airport grading and runway-lighting work. The consent agenda also carried a $505,024.42 appropriation ordinance, $114,300 to Jeff Asbell Excavating for the Davis Lift Station and $139,218.75 to Strukel Electric for airport runway lighting repair.

Executive session. The commission closed for seven minutes to discuss information technology under the financial-affairs and trade-secrets exception, then returned and directed the city manager to negotiate an information technology support agreement on behalf of the city (video, 2:43:29).

The commission opened and closed the budget public hearing formally, and adjourned at about 8:45 p.m.