Billy Webster has owned and operated the Shirt Shack for 50 years in the same location, 11 East 18th Street, Fort Scott.
The Shirt Shack is having a sale this weekend to celebrate 50 years in business, and everyone is invited to the business milestone anniversary party.
There is a special sale inside the store today and Saturday, September 12, after the store closes, there will be a street dance.
A band, Shades of Blue, will be performing live, so bring lawn chairs and get ready for an evening of music and dancing!
The street in front of Shirt Shack, at 11 East 18th Street, will be blocked off with plenty of room to sit, celebrate, and hit the dance floor from 7 to 10 p.m.
Food and drinks from Cohn’s Cafe will be available for purchase, and Tiger Ice will be serving sno-cones and shaved ice.
Billy Webster began his clothing business 50 years ago, 1976, and has no thoughts of retiring.
“In high school, I worked for a company that sold car wax at car shops. At the shows, I would see T-shirt sellers making money.”
He graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1975.
“I was 17 years old, didn’t know what I was doing and didn’t have a business plan back then.”
“I got a deal on a printing machine and got a bunch of print designs and began printing.”
“I started merchandising for bands, Aerosmith and ZZ Top, but it got too crazy…I would come back here to reset.”
The shop he began his business was at the same site where he does business today.
“it was an old beauty shop. 15 foot by 12 foot. I covered the walls with gunny sacks. I started printing new T-shirt designs. At one time, I had 400 designs.”
He has added to that original building and expanded his products.
Now he sells stylish shirts, jeans, and sportswear in addition to the T-shirts.
Cinch, Red Dirt, Ariat brands, among others.
“Fifteen years ago I went into Western Wear. We were a surf store, but nobody surfs in Kansas. There are a few cowboys here, though.”
For Webster, the best thing about being a business owner in Fort Scott: the people.
“You meet a lot of great people. When it’s your own business, you put your energy into it, and you meet great people.”
Webster has no plans to retire.
“What would I do?” he asked.
The store has four employees and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and can be contacted at 620.223.4680.
4-State Insurance Agency opened the Fort Scott office on August 19, 2026.
A new insurance agency has opened a store front in historic downtown Fort Scott.
Leah Smith is the owner of the 4 State Insurance Agency, Lisa Schossow is the Senior Agent who oversees the Farm and Ranch Division; Dan Shireman is the Agency Development Director; and Josie King is the Farm and Ranch Service Advisor. All were born and raised in the Girard area.
Smith has an office in Overland Park, which opened about 15 years ago, and she opened an office in her hometown of Girard eight years ago.
The agency opened shop at the corner of Wall and Main Street on August 19.
Josie King, left, is a farm and ranch service agent, Lisa Schossow is the senior farm and ranch agent.
“We thought Fort Scott would be a perfect location between Overland Park and Girard. Leah has always wanted to open another office here it was just waiting for the right timing,” said Schossow. “We found the perfect office location in downtown Fort Scott and are excited to be a part of the happening downtown area. We can’t wait to be involved in community events and support all the area local businesses.”
The 4 State Insurance Agency currently has Sales Advisors, one Commercial Insurance Advisor, three Service Advisors, and a Claims Advisor on staff. “We are looking to hire four full-time people in this office,” Schossow said. “Right now, we are rotating staff from the Girard office.”
“We will be hiring insurance advisors as well as customer service representatives. They will need to hold an insurance license; if they aren’t currently licensed, we will provide resources to pass the tests needed and ongoing training to make sure each advisor is successful.”
The agency provides insurance in the following areas: home, auto, business, crop, livestock, and farm insurance.
“We have a brokerage arm, which gives our team the ability to not only quote through Farmers Insurance, but partner with a variety of insurance carriers to get our clients the best coverage for the right price,” Schossow said. “We also have a team of licensed crop insurance agents in our Farm & Ranch Division who can provide area farmers with Federal crop insurance, Livestock Risk Protection, and insure their farm operation.”
Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and weekends by appointment.
For more information, contact 620.670.4590, visit us on Facebook
The new USD 235 Preschool building, at the southeast corner of the West Bourbon Elementary School in Uniontown, is 99 percent complete, said Superintendent Vance Eden.
The school held an open house on Labor Day, alongside the Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show, in the small town of almost 300 people. The town celebrated its annual Old Settlers Picnic.
The new preschool serves 32 three-year-old and four-year-old students and is free, regardless of income. Up to 20 students are allowed in each age group.
A view of the new USD 235 preschool classroom.
The preschool is funded through the Kansas Preschool-Aged At-Risk Program.
The new building includes a large classroom, a child-sized bathroom, and a food preparation area, along with two offices.
The oversized preschool classroom for 3 and 4-year-old students.
The school Psychologist Shelby Reichard, and Speech Therapist Kayla Collins also have dedicated office space in the new building.
The preschool building also houses the school psychologist’s office, Mrs. Reichard.The preschool also houses an office for the speech therapist, Mrs. Collins.
The building was made possible through a successful bond election in March 2025 in the school district, and it replaces an old modular unit.
Old Settlers Picnic’s annual culmination is the Labor Day parade.
This year, the theme was Family, Friends, and Community, with Becky Shinn as the grand marshal, leading the parade.
Grand Marshal Becky Shinn (in wide brimmed hat) had a float of family and friends in the parade. Here they wait for the parade to begin at the Uniontown Fire Department building.
Following are glimpses of the day in Uniontown.
The annual Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show was held at the West Bourbon Elementary School parking lot, starting at 9 a.m. , with awards announced at 1 p.m.
Vendors and the USD 235 Preschool Open House were also happening at the car show.
In the downtown area, vendors were busy with onlookers.
Vendors line the square in Uniontown.Old Setters Picnic planning committee members Mary Pillion and Rhonda Dewitt give instructions from the gazebo on the square in Uniontown.
The children’s parade started at 10:30 a.m., followed by the parade at 11 a.m.
Children wait in the shade of the fire station for the children’s parade to begin.Bicyclists are the front line of the children’s parade.Bourbon County Sheriff’s Officers lead the way in the parade.Scouts from Iola were the color guard.Grand Marshal Becky Shinn points to a crowd member from her float of family and friends.
Following the parade were a picnic, recognition of old settlers, kids races, street games and the drawings for prizes.
Other highlights of the weekend were a fishing derby, rodeos, a 5k run/walk, bingo and family fun night in the park.
The weekend events were planned by Mary Pillion, Rhonda Dewitt and Mike Ramsey.
{Re Freshed} Salon and Spa has a new, expanded building at 102 S. Judson.
Business owner and aesthetician Delane Godden has moved to a new location, 102 S.Judson, and is open for business as of September 1.
“We have grown significantly and needed a bigger space,” Godden said. The building has 3,500 square feet of space.
The building, at 102 S. Judson, was at one time Fort Scott Family Physicians, then Reynold Law Firm, she said.
In addition to the five technicians already at {Re:freshed} Salon & Spa , she has added another aesthetician to her team, Meghan Owenby, who will specialize in headspa services and facials as well.
Godden started her aesthetician business in the Lyons Mansions, then moved to the Five Corners Strip Mall, just off of Highway 69 in 2016.
Delane Godden with eight month old son, Jagger.
Julie Daly has been a provider of massage therapy and nail/pedicure technician services at the salon/spa for nine years. She can be reached at 620.215.3436
Kayla Greenway has provided manicures/pedicures, eyelash services and spray tans for eight years at the spa, contact her at 620.363.0195
Bailey Hall has been a hairstylist for six years there; contact: 620.215.0107
Owenby recently started as a second aesthetician; contact: 620-215-6987
Dr. Saeid from Kansas City has been providing injectable cosmetic services on weekends at the spa for about one year, and has 20 years of experience in aesthetics. Contact “In Town Aesthetics by MD” at 913-602-6265
Cali Emerson is a hairstylist specializing in hair extensions and is also a receptionist, and has been with Re: freshed Spa for a few months.
Heather Jackson has been a receptionist for two years.
The spa is open Monday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday hours are undetermined at this time.
Godden has created a brand of skin care products that is comprised of plant-based ingredients including perfumes and hand sanitizers, and facial products.
“We also have a line of laundry detergent, multi-purpose cleaning spray, hand soaps and room and linen sprays, as well as Bathhouse Trading Co. products and several skincare and body care line options as well,” she said.
One of a kind greeting cards are for sale by Laura Garzone and Cindi Lipe.
Other retail items include hair clips/scrunchies, belt bags, and insulated tumblers etc. Services provided
Noah Terry opened a martial arts business on August 1 in the former St. Andrews Episcopal Church at 123 S. National Avenue.
Terry defines Jiu Jitsu as submission grappling.
“Imagine a martial art built on pure human mechanics, where brain beats brawn almost every single time. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gives you the ultimate equalizer: a proven system of leverage, movement, and control that allows a smaller, calmer person to effortlessly neutralize a larger attacker without ever throwing a single punch.”
“All while inside a community of training partners who push you to get 1% better every single day. Whether you’re looking to get into the best shape of your life or master a real-world chess match on the mats, Jiu Jitsu delivers skills that stick with you for a lifetime.”
“The Watchmen Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is stepping up its community outreach in Fort Scott, introducing dynamic new programs built to give local residents of all ages practical skills and confidence,” Terry said in a press release.
Founded by Terry, the academy was established after he recognized a need in the community for a team- like martial arts experience.
Terry is certified in defensive tactics through the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and brings a tactical, real-world perspective to the mat, according to the press release.
“What started as a vision quickly took root thanks to a strong core of dedicated men who bought into the mission of building a grounded, supportive, and resilient martial arts family.”
“We built this academy to be a place where people can gain real-life skills, physical strength, and unshakeable confidence,” says Terry. “Whether you’re a parent wanting your child to be bully proof, or a woman looking to learn essential self-defense, or a father who wants to prepare himself to defend his family, our goal is to serve and strengthen Fort Scott.”
“The ‘we’ in my statement is the community of guys that have surrounded me and supported me. They are the building blocks of this business, and I am forever grateful to them,” he said.
This fall, The Watchmen BJJ is highlighting two upcoming opportunities. To join the event, go to the event page on Facebook and select ” Going ” to RSVP:
“All you need is a $10 entry fee! A T-shirt and shorts, and an excitement to learn! “
Submitted graphic.
Women’s Only Intro to Jiu Jitsu Seminar
“Designed specifically for women with zero prior experience, this beginner-friendly workshop focuses on practical self-defense techniques in a safe, supportive environment.”
• Date: Wednesday, August 26th
• Time: 5-6 p.m.
• Focus: Core self-defense fundamentals, building functional strength, and empowering personal safety.
• Registration is on the Watchmen’s event page.
Submitted graphic.
Back to School Youth Special (Ages 5–12)
“Timed with the new school year, this youth program helps kids develop physical health alongside lifelong character habits.”
The Meech family in 2016. J.W., Marita, Jim and Elizabeth. Submitted photo.
In 2024, a local foundation was created to assist farmers when in a medical crisis.
The Agri-Med Crisis Foundation is a Bourbon County-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves eligible farmers and ranchers experiencing an unexpected medical crisis.
Submitted graphic.
The third annual fundraiser event-called Hope Grows Here- is August 29 at Memorial Hall, located at 1 East Third Street, Fort Scott. The event starts at 6 p.m. with a cash bar and a professional boot shine station.
The $20 buffet meal follows, along with the raffle, recipient
introductions, and live auction.
Graphic from the organizations Facebook page.
Advance buffet meal purchase is encouraged to help with the meal count, according to a press release.
A limited number of meals may also be purchased at the door.
Advance meal purchases are available through the Facebook
event page or the Event page at agrimedcrisis.org.
The event is free to attend and open to all ages.
About the Foundation
Jim Meech Agri-Med Crisis Foundation, Inc. | D/B/A Agri-Med Crisis Foundation is an approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The foundation’s mission statement: We provide immediate gift assistance to eligible farmers and ranchers within the first 30 days of an unexpected medical crisis.
Recipient Eligibility Requirements
● Working Farmer or Rancher
Agri-Med gives aid to working farmers and ranchers. The person experiencing the unexpected medical crisis may be the primary farmer or rancher or a spouse who is actively involved in the
farming or ranching operation.
● Income Requirement — 50% of Income from Agriculture
At least 50% of the applicant’s income must come from farming or ranching. The applicant may be required to provide proof of income.
● Crisis Window — Crisis Within the Last 30 Days
The application or referral must be submitted within the first 30 days of the unexpected medical crisis.
Agri-Med currently serves farmers and ranchers in Bourbon, Linn, Anderson, Allen, Neosho, and Crawford counties in Kansas. Applications are not limited to these counties.
Agri-Med’s board will review all applications submitted.
Board of Directors
● Marita Meech, President
● JW Meech, Vice President
● Elizabeth Meech, Secretary
● Diana Yeager, Treasurer
● Angela Ragland, Board Member
Applications are available at agrimedcrisis.org under Refer a Farmer or Rancher. The application may be completed online or downloaded. Completed applications are reviewed by Agri-Med’s board.
Agri-Med is funded through individual donations, support from area businesses and organizations, and fundraising events such as the annual fundraiser.
A farmer or rancher may apply for themselves, or someone else may refer them. A spouse, family member, friend, neighbor, healthcare provider, agriculture organization, clergy, lender, Extension
agent, or another concerned person may begin the referral process.
Visit agrimedcrisis.org and select Refer a Farmer or Rancher. The application may be completed online or downloaded. Completed applications are reviewed by Agri-Med’s board.
Agri-Med currently serves Bourbon, Linn, Anderson, Allen, Neosho, and Crawford counties in Kansas, but applications are not limited to those areas.
History
Marita and Jim Meech in 2019. Submitted photo.
The following is from the organization’s website, written by Marita Meech.
“On November 20, 2018, an unexpected medical crisis changed our family and our farm overnight when it was discovered my husband, Jim Meech, had a massive brain tumor. Crops were still in the field, cattle needed to be brought home for the winter, and both of our children lived more than eight hours away. We needed help.
“After a nearly 12-hour surgery and weeks of waiting for pathology results, Jim was diagnosed with gliosarcoma, a terminal brain cancer. He passed away on September 2, 2019.
“While Jim and I were planning his funeral together, he told me he wanted the memorial donations used to ‘help the guys around here.’ At the time, I thought that meant helping a few local farmers and ranchers. I had no idea where that simple statement would eventually lead.
“I made two promises to Jim. The first was that the farm would continue. The second was to find a way to help farmers and ranchers. The kids and I kept that second promise by creating Agri-Med Crisis Foundation in June 2024.
“Agri-Med was not born in a boardroom. It grew from what our farm family lived through firsthand—the uncertainty, hard decisions, and chaos that can follow an unexpected medical crisis.
“Donors, businesses, volunteers, and communities make that work possible. Agri-Med helps ease immediate needs so farmers and ranchers have time to step back and take a deep breath during those first 30 days.
“What began as a promise to Jim became Agri-Med’s mission. We keep that promise, one farmer or rancher at a time.”
The Agri-Med Crisis Foundation was created in June 2024; in July 2024, the group had its first fundraiser.
“On October 1, 2024, we were able to gift/assist an area farmer,” Meech said. “To date, we have aided nine farmers and ranchers.”
A Fox television station in the Kansas City area reported recently they had received tips that some people in Kansas are not getting money loaded onto their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
EBT is the electronic debit card system used to access the official Food Assistance Program in Kansas, which is the state’s name for the federal United States SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), according to the KDCF website.
Fortscott.biz went to the local Department of Children and Families in Fort Scott to find out more.
The spokesperson at DCF, Fort Scott, said she was unable to give information and sent a request to the Kansas Department of Children and Families media relations spokesperson.
In a nutshell, the answer is yes, there have been delays for some people because of requirements by federal and state laws that need longer processing times for case updates, along with increased workload and staffing shortages.
Erin La Row, MBA, who is the Deputy Director of Media Relations, responded with the following in an email:
“My colleagues in Fort Scott said after seeing the FOX 4 story, you were looking for information about delays clients may be facing with receiving their SNAP Food Assistance,” she said in the email.
The Department of Children and Families building, National Avenue and Wall Street, August 2024
“Some clients are experiencing delays in receiving their benefits due to longer processing times for required case updates, including recertifications, change reports, and interim reports. We understand how important these benefits are to the individuals and families who rely on them, and we recognize the hardship and uncertainty that delays can create.”
She listed several factors contributing to longer processing times.
“Increased seasonal workload and staffing shortages, and the time required to obtain and review required verifications —such as shelter and utility expenses— to ensure benefit accuracy and reduce error rates. Some of these factors are related to new requirements put in place by the U.S. Congress and Kansas Legislature.
“DCF is committed to reducing processing times. The agency has implemented overtime opportunities and continues to prioritize recruitment and training to strengthen the eligibility workforce, reduce wait times, and improve service for Kansans.”
Result of 2025 Laws
The U.S. Congress in 2025 enacted the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with the effect trickling down now to the local level.
To learn more about this legislative act, click below.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 reduces federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by $187 billion through 2034 and establishes stricter eligibility standards nationwide, according to a Public Broadcasting Service story:
Dave Gillen shows an empty storeroom at The Beacon.
The Beacon, a local helping agency, needs food and financial donations.
“We’ve been here since 1984 and are the second largest food bank in southeast Kansas,” said Director David Gillen.
In the last few months, he has seen an increase in the number of people The Beacon is helping.
“We serve 465 families,” he said. “That number includes 606 adults and 458 children. We gave groceries to 25 NEW families in July.”
“Our count continues to go up; our donations are down.”
“Food prices keep going up,” which add to a family’s burden.
The latter part of the year is when most organizations plan food drives, he said.
“Most of our donations come in the fall,” he said. “We get food and financial donations from generous individuals and organizations, who give a lot during this time.”
The staff has had three freezers quit working this year and is seeking grants to replace one; the others have been repaired. That has been extra expenses for the organization.
The greatest need at The Beacon currently is health and beauty aids, he said. Items like soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, and shampoo.
But all donations are appreciated. He does ask that food items not be out of date.
Director David Gillen stands in front of the sign at the Beacon, 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott.
On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, the staff gets produce, bakery and meat items from Walmart’s Feed America program.
“We put boxes near the front door on the inside at 9 a.m. and by 9:30 it’s gone,” he said. He said people start lining up at 8 a.m. to get the food.
Here is what’s left of the donated Walmart produce this morning at 9:30. These shelves were full at 9 am. Even produce with spots, etc., doesn’t go to waste. Local people use the leftovers to feed chickens.
Once a month, they get produce boxes from the Kansas Food Bank.
“We give out food according to the size of the family,” he said.
The list on one of the refrigerator doors tells volunteers how much to put in each family’s box.
” We have a standard amount on what we give out. And families can get a box of food two times a month.”
Gillen shows a food box that is being prepared for a family at The Beacon.
The Beacon also gives excess items to Feeding Families In His Name, a weekly free dinner that is given free at the First Methodist Church, Fort Scott, and other local pantries, if they request it.
“If I get a good buy on some product, meat, or egg noodles, or sometimes Feeding Families volunteers call to see if we have something.”
The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth, and hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Submitted photo of SEK Printing, Fort Scott’s newest solar energy system.
A new solar energy system was completed at Sekan Printing Company, 2210 S. Main on August 5.
“We just finished commissioning the largest solar-battery system in Southeast Kansas — right here in Fort Scott at Sekan Printing,” said Daniel Zywietz, with SEK Solar.
Daniel Zywietz.
“300 kW of solar plus 240 kWh of battery storage, cutting their demand charges.” said Zywietz.
The process
“Last October, Justin’s cousin put us in touch. Justin had a very high demand charge from Evergy and wanted to know if anything could be done about it. We spent a month or two looking into it and found the real problem was his demand peaks — short, heavy stretches where his power use spikes. A battery handles peaks well, but it can’t carry a long peak on its own. So the answer was solar and battery together.”
The presses at SeKan run from 5:30 in the morning to 3:30 in the afternoon, five days a week, according to a press release from SEK Solar. The heaviest draw does not come from the presses themselves. It comes from drying. Full-color work means laying ink down in layers and curing each layer before the next one goes on, and that pulls hard and steadily for half an hour at a time, with bigger draws on top of it. A good share of it happens early, before the sun is high. The solar makes the power. The battery holds it and puts it out across those long, heavy stretches. Together they match the way the plant actually runs.
That matters on a commercial power bill. Businesses on Evergy’s medium and large general service rates pay for the electricity they use, and they also pay on the heaviest half-hour they hit in the month. That peak charge can be most of the bill. A system with solar and storage together can bring both down.
The project took bout nine to ten months start to finish, he said. “We put the battery in first, at the end of last year, since it tackled the demand charges right away. The solar took longer: Evergy approvals, a cold first quarter, and a lot of integration. It’s a complex system, with battery inverters, batteries, solar, and a separate meter monitoring the whole thing.”
About ten people helped with the project.
“The mechanical crew installing solar on the roof, the electricians on the ground, and the controls and programming folks. Not all at once, but roughly ten involved overall, ” he said.
There were federal tax credits for the project.
” For commercial and industrial systems, the federal tax credit is still in place — 30% of the system cost — and businesses can also depreciate the system on an accelerated schedule, which adds up to a significant additional write-off. Some projects can qualify for extra credit on top through domestic-content and energy-community bonuses.
“One timing note worth knowing: a commercial system started now needs to be up and running by the end of 2027 to capture the credit, so this is the window.
“On the residential side, the federal tax credit ended December 31, 2025, so there’s no longer a federal credit for homeowners — home systems now stand on their own economics and the value of battery backup.”
Other Fort Scott businesses that have gone solar with SEK Solar:
– 110 South Main / Cohn’s Cafe (Kathy and Tracy Dancer)
– Great Expectations, (Matthew Wells)
– Hole in the Wall Liquor (Roy Hoehner)
– Sekan Printi
The West Bourbon Elementary School is located on Fifth Street in Uniontown. The junior high and high school, and board office are located north, across the street.
Uniontown School District, U.S.D. 235 students start school on Wednesday, August 19.
Open house for the district is August 18 from 4-6 p.m.
Enrollment is currently online, but anyone needing assistance can come to the board office for the appropriate paperwork, according to Superintendent Vance Eden.
“We are excited for a great 2026-27 school year,” Eden said.
There are six new teachers this year:
Kristy Beene, is the new preschool teacher.
Ransom Pflieger is the new West Bourbon Elementary School Music Teacher, and Bralynn Sutterby is the new first grade teacher.
Tori Hathaway is the new Uniontown High School Special Education Teacher, Mike Main is the new high school math teacher and
Ryan Jarboe is the new high school social studies teacher.
The new pre-kindergarten building is located on the southeast side of the main elementary school building.
There is a new building and repurposing of an old building at West Bourbon Elementary School.
The new building will provide a learning space for the 35 currently enrolled pre-kindergarteners starting this school year, according to a school employee, Regina Cagle.
The new pre-k as seen from the east parking lot of the school.
There was a need to replace the modular building that formerly housed the pre-kindergarten learning space in the district, according to Superintendent Eden.
The old modular building on the west side of the school, the one on the north, will be the new custodial storage building.
“It was near the end of its life for use as a classroom,” Eden said. “A new building ensures that the district has a safe and quality learning environment for years to come.”
“Two old modulars were sitting where the new PK has been built. Those modulars were offered free to the public. One was claimed, and the other was demolished after no one expressed interest in it.”
The old pre-k school room is on the north, the former custodial storage building is on the south. Both are located on the west side of the elementary school campus.
There are two other modular buildings, pictured above, where the PK classrooms were previously. The location at the elementary school is on the west side of the campus.
“Our intention is to use the old PK as custodial storage… and get rid of the old modular that has been used as custodial storage.”
The following is the USD 235 Calendar for the new year:
These are the representatives of organizations that received grant awards in 2025—submitted photo.
The annual local grant application cycle benefiting the Bourbon County community has begun.
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) began on August 1, and those who wish to apply must submit applications by August 31.
“Eligible organizations are 501c3 charitable organizations, nonprofit educational institutions, government entities, and nonprofit religious organizations that serve Fort Scott and Bourbon County,” said the marketing chairman Becky Tourtillott.
“We consider projects based on how they improve the quality of life for Bourbon County residents, with particular interest in projects that are collaborative, and sustainable for the future.
“Over the past few years, we have awarded anywhere between $40,000 and $75,000 in grants depending on the performance of our investment funds and the projects submitted, as some of our grant funding is earmarked for specific types of projects.”
Applications are submitted online through the FSACF website, //FSACF.com/Grant-App, where grant guidelines, application materials, and resources for grant writers are available, according to a press release.
Applications received during August will be reviewed throughout September, with grant awards announced mid-October.
“Community foundation grants have helped strengthen Bourbon County by supporting projects that address local needs and create lasting benefits for our residents,” said Gregg Motley, FSACF Grants Committee Chairman. “Over the years, we’ve seen these investments help organizations expand services, improve facilities, and bring people together around common goals. We encourage applicants to think beyond immediate needs and consider how their projects can create sustainable, long-term impact for our communities.”
Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to visit the FSACF website early in the application period to review eligibility requirements and available grant-writing resources.
For more information about the grant program, application guidelines, or eligibility requirements, visit the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation website or contact the foundation directly.
About Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Fort Scott and Bourbon County by connecting donors with community needs. Through charitable funds established by individuals, families, businesses, and organizations, FSACF provides grants and resources that support local nonprofits and community initiatives. Since 2007, the foundation has awarded more than $500,000 in competitive grants to benefit the communities it serves.
Jess Ervin is the newly elected chairman of the FSACF. This is a fortscott.biz 2019 photo.Gregg Motley tells about the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation before the awarding of the grants in this 2021 photo.
“Jess Ervin is our newly-elected Chairman of the Board, so he would be our main official contact for the foundation, and then Gregg Motley would be the official contact for the granting process, as he chairs our grant committee,” Tourtillott said.
The current board of directors include Ervin, Motley, Brad Matkin, Ronda Hassig, Diana Endicott, Jordan Witt, Gary Cullor, Matthew Hunt, Dean Striler, Kenny Felt, Marla Heckman, and Bailey Lyons.
