Fort Scott National Historic Site glows during the annual candlelight tour event. This photo is from 2019.
The U.S. federal government shut down on Oct. 1,, 2025 after lawmakers failed to resolve a budget deadlock, halted some federal operations, according to https://www.ncsl.org/in-dc/federal-government-shutdown-what-it-means-for-states-and-programs Triggered by partisan clashes over funding beyond Sept. 30, the shutdown has created uncertainty for many federal programs.
The local Fort Scott National Historic Site is a government facility.
The annual Candlelight Tour at the Fort has a Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site group that is providing press releases and ticket sales for the event during the shutdown.
They are doing their best to make it happen, although reduced in scope, according to Matthew Wells, president of the Friends organization.
They will put out the candles on the walkways of the fort and there may be a few vignettes of life on the prairie in the fort.
“My wife and family may have a vignette,” said Friends of the Fort President Matthew Wells. “We love doing it and love the fort.”
“Our main goal is to get the candles out for the people to enjoy the beautiful fort,” he said.
“We don’t believe we have time to learn the scripts and music, etc.,” with the buildings being closed for the shutdown, he said. “The government isn’t open to do any of it.”
The Fort’s employees are government employees,
But as in years past, on November 1, 2025, tickets for Fort Scott National Historic Site’s 44th Annual Candlelight Tour went on sale.
The group is doing the preliminary work to have the event and will be providing music and refreshments, as in the past.
However, how you purchase your ticket is changing for the event this year.
The following information is from the Friends of the Fort organization, via a press release:
2) contact the Chamber of Commerce in Fort Scott, 231 E. Wall.
3) If the shutdown ends, tickets can be picked up at the fort’s visitor center on Old Fort Boulevard, just north of Fort Scott’s downtown area.
Tickets are $5 per person and are non-refundable; children, 5 and under, are free.
It is recommended that you get your tickets early to ensure your choice of tour times, as this event frequently sells out.
The 44th Annual Candlelight Tour is Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6, 2025.
Tours on December 5 will begin at 6:30 pm and leave every 15 minutes until 9 pm.
On Saturday, December 6, the tours will start at 5 pm with the final tour leaving at 9 pm. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, present/pick up your ticket, and get oriented.
Participants are advised to please dress for the weather and conditions, as the tour will be outside and on sidewalks.
1,000 candle lanterns illuminate the site, and re-enactors (including you) bring the fort to life. During the tour, you will be immersed in ways people have overcome and learned from challenges and new experiences in Fort Scott.
Depending on the end of the Government shutdown, it may look different this year than years past, but we encourage you to come enjoy the beauty of the Historic site in candlelight, according to the press release.
National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown. However, some services may be limited or unavailable. For more information, please visit: doi.gov/shutdown
A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse in Nov. 2021.
The General Election in Bourbon County is next Tuesday, November 4.
With all the division in the country and our county, voting is a citizen’s chance to make a difference in election outcomes.
There are new districts and polling stations in the county.
“All voters were sent new registration cards in late July showing their polling place based on the new precincts,” Bourbon County Clerk Susan Walker said. “In addition, I put a notice out that the Bronson and Redfield locations were shut down to try to save costs in running the elections. Maps of the districts can be found at https://www.bourboncountyks.org/bourbon-county-election-maps-5-districts/.
Here is a screenshot of most of the map:
Bourbon County’s new voting districts, 2025, submitted by the county clerk.
If there are any questions about the polling process, call the clerk’s office at 620. 223. 3800 Ext. 100.
There will also be a 1/2 cent sales tax vote on the ballot. To see how it is worded, see below.
Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager, said at the candidate forum, the sales tax will make the existing sales tax continue for infrastructure improvements. This tax includes tourists and visitors to the community, not just property owners. If any questions, contact Matkin at City Hall, 620.223.0550.
SALES TAX QUESTION
Shall the following be adopted?
Shall the City of Fort Scott, Kansas be authorized to impose a one-half percent (0.5%) City-wide retailers’ sales tax (the “Sales Tax”), the proceeds of which shall be used for the purpose of financing the following costs and related expenditures:
(a) 80% of the proceeds for street improvements, sidewalks, bike lanes, and curb and gutter, and (b) 10% of the proceeds for Parks and
community facilities, and (c) 10% of the proceeds for Public Safety With the collection of the Sales Tax to commence on 7/1/2026; and to expire Ten (10) years after its commencement; all pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 12-187 et seq.,as amended?,
To learn more about the candidates and see them answer questions, view the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate forum on October 22, and streamed on YouTube.
Below is a list of candidates who will appear on the ballo provided by the Bourbon County Clerk Susan Walker.
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSIONER (3 POSITIONS)
Dyllon Olson, 124 N Washington St, Fort Scott 66701
Garrett Knight, 215 S Barbee St, Fort Scott 66701
Kathryn Salsbury, 802 S Crawford, Fort Scott 66701
Tim Van Hoecke, 802 S Hill St, Fort Scott 66701
Julie Buchta, 1002 Burke St, Fort Scott 66701
CITY OF BRONSON
MAYOR (1 POSITION)
Josh Marlow, 212 Clay, Bronson 66716
CITY COUNCIL (2 POSITIONS)
Kelly Perry, 611 Orange Street, Bronson 66716
Lysa Long, 203 Line Rd, Bronson 66716
Sherri Tribble, 406 Charles St, Bronson 66716
Linda Sprague, 502 Randolph, Bronson 66716
CITY OF FULTON
MAYOR (1 POSITION)
Kathy Hurteau, 402 West Osage Street, Fulton 66738
Jessica Walters, 328 W Osage St, Fulton 66738
CITY COUNCIL (5 POSITIONS)
Janet Schill, 524 W Cedar St, Fulton 66738
Ronald Marsh, 223 N 4 th St, Fulton 66738
Lawrence Paddock, 608 Cedar Street, Fulton 66738
Caleb Jackson, 602 W Spruce St, Fulton 66738
CITY OF MAPLETON
MAYOR (1 POSITION)
Ronald “Buck” Burton, 228 East 7 th St, Mapleton 66754
Mike Hueston, 351 Bourbon, Mapleton 66754
CITY COUNCIL (2 POSITIONS)
Homer Wisdom, 507 N Bourbon, Mapleton 66754
CITY OF REDFIELD
MAYOR (1 POSITION)
Clarence Ed Guss, 301 Pine, Redfield 66769
CITY COUNCIL (2 POSITIONS)
Kirby Martin, 403 W 2 nd , Redfield 66769
Michael Beerbower, 402 W 3 rd Street, Redfield 66769
Jon Brown, 102 N Pine Street, Redfield 66769
CITY OF UNIONTOWN
MAYOR (1 POSITION)
No Candidate
CITY COUNCIL (2 POSITIONS)
Kyle Knight, 606 Sherman, Uniontown 66779
USD 234
BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE (5 POSITIONS)
David J. Stewart, 772 190 th, Fort Scott 66701
Phil Jackson, 25 Golfview Dr, Fort Scott 66701
Rory Chaplin, 1764 215 th Street, Fort Scott 66701
Nick Barrows, 1607 South Crawford St, Fort Scott 66701
Robert Harrington, 1403 Horton, Fort Scott 66701
Mike Miles, 836 S Judson, Fort Scott 66701
USD 235
POSITION 4 (1 POSITION)
Brian Ray Stewart, 179 Soldier Rd, Bronson 66716
POSITION 5 (1 POSITION)
Edward Ramsey, 411 Kansas Rd, Uniontown 66779
Mike Mason, 978 60 th St, Uniontown 66779
USD 248
POSITION 6 (1 POSITION)
Kelly Peak, 60 West Lake Road, Farlington 66734
USD 346
POSITION 6 (1 POSITION)
Ketturah “Kitty” Rhynerson, 2303 Farris Rd, Blue Mound 66010
SOUTHWIND EXTENSION DISTRICT
BOARD MEMBER (2 POSITIONS)
Dennis Fry, 267 130 th Street, Fort Scott 66701
Elli Milburn, 2518 Xylem Road, Fulton 66738
Gary Palmer, 1863 Eagle Rd, Fort Scott 66701
FSCC BOARD OF TRUSTEE (3 POSITIONS)
Chad Cosens, 1320 Marblecrest Dr, Fort Scott 66701
Destry Brown, 2108 Jayhawk Road, Fort Scott 66701
Marilyn J. Hoyt, DVM, PHD, 2422 242 nd Terrace, Fulton 66738
Joshua Baseley, 407 Lees Circle Dr. Apt 2A, Fort Scott 66701
Vince Loffredo, 844 195 th St, Fort Scott 66701
BOURBON COUNTY
DISTRICT 4 COMMISSIONER (1 POSITION)
Gregg Motley, 1904 Jayhawk Road, Fort Scott 66701, Republican
DISTRICT 5 COMMISSIONER (1 POSITION)
Mika Milburn-Kee, 2518 Xylem Road, Fulton 66738, Republican
VOTING PRECINCTS IN BOURBON COUNTY – PLEASE NOTE THAT POLLING PLACES HAVE CHANGED!!
It is hereby noted that the polls are open between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM at all the following locations:
1 st
,4 th
,5 th
,6 th Wards and Scott D1, D2, and D4 Townships– Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton, Fort Scott
Freedom D1, and D5, and Osage Townships, Fulton City – Fulton Community Building, 408 W. Osage, Fulton
2 nd
,3 rd ,7 th Wards and Drywood and Scott D3 and D5 Townships – Grace Baptist Church, 502 S. Margrave, Fort Scott
Franklin, Millcreek, Timberhill Townships and Mapleton City – Mapleton Community Building, 565 Eldora, Mapleton
East Marion, Marmaton D2 and D4, Pawnee, West Marion and Walnut Townships and Bronson, Redfield, and Uniontown Cities–
Uniontown City Hall, 206 Sherman St., Uniontown
VOTER REGISTRATION:
You may register to vote at any of the following locations during their regular business hours: the Office of the
County Clerk, or online www.bourboncountyks.org ; any City Clerk’s office; Department of Motor Vehicles; SRS
offices.
DEADLINE TO CHANGE PARTY: KSA 25-3304(b) The deadline for party affiliation changes was October 14, 2025 at the end of
the business day. Party affiliation changes will be accepted and processed after December 1, 2025. If you still desire to update or
change your party affiliation, you may do so after December 1, 2025 by filling out a new voter registration.
CLOSING OF REGISTRATION BOOKS: Pursuant to K.S.A. 25-2310 & K.A.R 7-23-4 Notice is hereby given that on the 14th day
of October 2025, registration books for the City/School General Election will close at the end of the business day. The books will
remain closed until the day following the General Election.
ADVANCE VOTING by MAIL: K.S.A. 25-1123 Any registered voter is eligible to vote by Advance Ballot, beginning Wednesday,
October 15, 2025. The last day to request an advanced ballot by mail application is Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
APPLY FOR ADVANCE BALLOT: K.S.A. 25-1122(e)(4). Applications for Advance Ballots are available at the Bourbon County
Clerk/Election Office or by calling (620) 223-3800 Ext. 100. A printable application for an Advance Ballot is available on the county
website www.bourboncountyks.org or Kansas Secretary of State website www.kssos.org.
RETURNING ADVANCE BALLOTS: KSA 25-1132 In Person: Ballots must be returned by 7:00 PM on Election Day to any
Polling Location within the County or to the County Election Office, Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave. Fort Scott, KS 66701. By Mail:
Ballot must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, November 4, 2025 (Election Day) and received in County Election Office by Friday,
November 7, 2025.
EARLY VOTING: Voters are able to vote in advance in the Commission Room at Bourbon County Courthouse began October 20 and will end Monday, November 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM. (Noon).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Per KSA 25-2908 All Voters must provide Valid Photo Identification (Drivers’ License, Military ID, Kansas
College ID, Kansas ID or other qualifying ID card) to Vote. For a list of accepted identification and additional information go to
www.gotvoterid.com or call 1.800.262.vote (8683).
PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION: K.S.A 25-4411(b) & 25-4610(b) A Public Demonstration of the Clear Ballot Election Software will
be held Friday October 31, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Bourbon County Courthouse. The final testing of the Clear Ballot Election
Software will be held Friday November 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Bourbon County Courthouse.
CANVASS: KSA 25-3101, 3104 & 3107 Monday, November 10, 2025 at 10:00AM in the Commission Room of the Bourbon County
Courthouse.
I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 5th day of June 2025.
/s/Susan Walker, Bourbon Clerk/Election Officer
Fort Scott High School students will perform the new musical Between the Lines at 7 p.m. on Nov. 11, 13, and 15 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the FSHS Auditorium.
Between the Lines is based on the novel by international bestselling author Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer, featuring a book by Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald (Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, The Big One-Oh!) and score by Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson (Apple TV+’s “Central Park”).
“Between the Lines is an empowering and enchanting story for anyone who has struggled to find their place in the world. An outsider in a new town and a new school, Delilah seeks comfort in the pages of her favorite book, where she feels heard and understood by the handsome Prince Oliver. But as the lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur in extraordinary ways, Delilah realizes her dreams in the real world are worth fighting for,” according to publisher Music Theatre International.
The production features Senior Junie Fisher as Delilah and Senior Levi Fairchild as Prince Oliver. Nearly forty FSHS students perform in the cast or serve as designers or crew members for the musical.
“This particular musical was the perfect choice to feature two of our most outstanding seniors this year. Junie and Levi’s vocal talents are excellent on their own and so beautiful on their duets. Both plan to go into music or theatre and perhaps education as a future career and I could not be more proud of them in this show,” said Theatre Director Angie Bin.
Between the Lines is also directed by Music Director Taylor Jones, Choreographer Mesa Jones, and Assistant Director Abby Starkey. Bin and Fisher first learned of Between the Lines when they saw a production at the 2024 International Thespian Festival. Bin was then able to attend a workshop and meet with Jodi Picoult and the other authors of the musical in person.
Tickets are reserved seating in advance and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com. Seating is limited, but some tickets may be available at the door. Adults are $8 and children are $6. A $14 VIP Ticket experience includes the opportunity to meet the cast and take an exclusive photo, a Between the Lines gift bag, concession snack, and concession drink.
Katelyn Dancer, 19, is the daughter of Tracy Dancer and Kathy Gillmore Dancer, Fort Scott.
She decided to attend Columbia University for the opportunity to attend two colleges, one in Tel Aviv, Israel, and then a second degree at the Columbia campus in New York.
“I chose to attend Columbia for its unique dual degree program. This degree program allows students to complete different bachelor’s degrees in the traditional four years.”
“For their first bachelor’s degree, students go to an overseas university in their freshman and sophomore years, and the second bachelor’s degree is completed at Columbia University in New York.”
“As a sophomore, I am currently attending Tel Aviv University in Israel— but I’m very excited to be in New York next year. For me, this program made attending an Ivy League of any sort possible, financially and acceptance-wise.”
“I get one degree from Tel Aviv University and one degree from Columbia University. At TAU, I will receive a Bachelor’s of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies, and my current plan is to major in American Studies at Columbia with future plans for Law School.”
“Paying an Ivy League tuition, in my case, became much more realistic when faced with only two years of tuition and housing in New York instead of four years. The acceptance rate to my dual degree program is also about 22%, whereas the general acceptance rate for Columbia University is a whopping 4%.”
“I started gathering information about schools I was considering applying to in the middle of my junior year. The process of applying to colleges was very time-intensive because of my decision to apply to multiple low acceptance schools.”
“The total undergraduate population at Columbia University is about 9,500. However, there are only about 120 students in the Dual Degree program between TAU and Columbia.”
Not only classroom learning, Katelyn is also learning about other cultures by living in a foreign country.
“The best part about my experience so far has been the travel and independence I’ve gained. I’ve had a truly unique experience, and I’m extremely proud of myself, as is my family, for moving across the world and living and studying in a foreign country by myself.”
“The biggest challenge has been being so far away from my support system in Kansas and the large credit load each semester. The workload is manageable, but classes can run until 8 p.m., so I can have very long days of classes.”
“I am thrilled to be the first graduate in a very long time to attend an Ivy League school.”
Katelyn graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2024.
“I hope it is the beginning of a new period for FSHS graduates where students truly have the opportunity and support to apply and stand out to Ivy League schools.”
She credits the school counselor and teachers for the chance to follow her dream.
“I wouldn’t have been able to apply to these highly selective schools without the help of Mrs. Martin and the wonderful teachers who wrote recommendation letters, hosted clubs, and gave me a strong foundation on which to build. I would encourage every Fort Scott student to shoot for the stars because with the right focus, commitment, and timeline (start early!) FSHS graduates are absolutely capable of landing themselves as Ivy League alumni.”
Ivy League schools are considered the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in the country and around the world. Eight private Northeastern American schools are known for their highly selective admission process, academic excellence, and promising career opportunities for those who attend, according to U.S. News and World Report online.
Princeton University, New Jersey; Harvard University, Massachusetts; Yale University, Connecticut; University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania; Cornell University, New York; Brown University, Rhode Island; Dartmouth College, New Hampshire; and Columbia University, New York, are the Ivy League Colleges.
Machines of various types are available to students at Uniontown VoAg. shop.
The Uniontown school district has an expanded classroom and shop, all new workspaces, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation, along with new security features to take the vocational agriculture program at the junior high and high school into the future.
Scott Sutton, from the USD 235 Staff Directory.
Vocational Agriculture Instructor Scott Sutton told attendees at the October 23 open house that there was a definite need for the renovation to the building constructed in 1967. The building is on the north side of the main campus building on Fifth Street in Uniontown.
Scott Sutton, center, discusses the newly made (by students) welding spaces with attendees.
The shop floor was uneven, there was no air conditioning, and the electrical, plumbing, and ventilation systems needed to be upgraded. The roof was replaced about nine years ago and was still under warranty, Sutton said.
The classroom space was extended in size, and additionally, space was added to the shop by removing some stairs to a loft that was taken out. And now the teacher can see what is going on in the shop, while in the classroom, with a security camera.
“It’s ADA compliant, fire marshal approved,” he said.
The modernization of the 40-foot by 70-foot building began in February 2025. “It was gutted to the beams, the floor was torn out, and the new windows, electric, plumbing, ventilation system, air conditioning, and heating installed. We had heat, but no air conditioning,” Sutton said. “A new CNC Plasma Table to make metal parts will be here next week. It’s a common industry standard.”
An example of what can be made from a plasma table, Sutton said.
Sutton is the only vo.ag. teacher in the district with 187 students in the junior/senior high school, and 59 of those students are enrolled in the vo.ag. classes.
Freshmen students are offered an agriculture science class. Sophomores are offered plant and animal science, Juniors- agriculture mechanics (welding, electrical, engines), Seniors- agriculture leadership and communication.
Vance Eden, from the USD 235 Staff Directory.
USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden said the program helps students with the teaching of “presentation of self and team effort.”
Sutton said students have been very successful with livestock judging, meat judging, parliamentary procedure, and public speaking competitions in the program. “Several students have received scholarships for livestock and meat judging at the collegiate level. And there are a lot of other scholarship opportunities in the agriculture field and through FFA.
The renovation was sparked by an audit in 2021 that declared there was a need for a plan for the future of the building, USD235 Superintendent Vance Eden said. There was poor insulation, leaks and exhaust fume problems, among others.
A bond issue that included a renovation of the building failed in November 2023. COVID-19 Pandemic era funds were able to be set aside along with some Capital Improvement State Aide, Eden said. “We knew something was going to have to be done, so we saved for 3-4 years.”
The building renovation was just under one million dollars. There was also a donation from the Timken Foundation for the project.
Bourbon County Core Community is a local program that seeks to open the gates of poverty, give education and resources, and offer support to people in this community.
The organization is having its year-end funding campaign called Faces of Change, which supports the program.
“The Core Community Faces of Change Campaign features three community members who are prominent leaders in Bourbon County but had humble beginnings in poverty,” said Deana Betts, liaison for the organization. “They had to navigate broken families, isolation in school and community, and nearly insurmountable odds to get to where they are today.”
“Many times, people have untapped potential trapped behind the bars of poverty. Core Community exists to open the gates of poverty, to give education, resources, support, and hope to people.”
“The results we are seeing are amazing! In our first two classes alone, we have seen eight people walk away from poverty!”
“As a group, our participants have increased their monthly income by $12,738, and they have paid off $36,786 worth of debt! This doesn’t just affect the families in our program; it has a lasting effect on our communities, our schools, dependency on the government, and so much more.”
“This work is needed in Bourbon County, but we cannot do it alone. We are a non-profit 501(c)3 and need the help of our community, churches, organizations, and individual donors to sustain this work.”
They currently have a $20,000 match on funds given during this campaign, which can double every dollar donated.
“This will be a great budget booster,” Betts said.
The match donors are Dean and Becky Mann, Carla Farmer
Steve Buerge, and two anonymous donors.
The website for giving, which also lists the “Faces of Change” stories in full:
Caroline Barnes, 18, a Fort Scott High School 2025 graduate, started at one of the nations Ivy League colleges in August.
Ivy League schools are considered the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in the country and around the world. Eight private Northeastern American schools are known for their highly selective admission process, academic excellence and promising career opportunities for those who attend, according to U.S. News and World Report online.
Princeton University, New Jersey; Harvard University, Massachusetts; Yale University, Connecticut; U. of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania; Cornell University, New York, Brown University, Rhode Island; Dartmouth College, New Hampshire and Columbia University, New York are the list of Ivy League Colleges.
Carolyn is the daughter of Penny Pollock-Barnes and Chris Barnes.
Why did you choose Cornell for college? And when did you start?
“I started this Fall (moved in August 18th, class started August 25th). I chose Cornell because it’s in a location I enjoy (upstate NY), it is strong in many fields (I have interdisciplinary interests, as you’ll see in my minors and majors), and has many opportunities for research and graduate study in plant biology. There’s also a very specified major to what I want to study.”
What is your major?
“I am majoring in Biological Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (Cornell is divided into smaller colleges, like the College of Engineering, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Art, Architecture, and Planning. Biological Sciences is within both the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences). I’m wanting to concentrate in Plant Biology, and to minor in Business and in Fashion Studies.”
Was the process difficult applying at an Ivy League school?
“It was much more complicated than applying to a state school, but only slightly more involved than other out of state colleges I applied to. For many colleges you do a basic application through the Common App, which has a set of questions and essays of its own, and then complete essays specific to the university. For Cornell, the specific college your major is in also requires essays. This ended up being around 5 short essays, the longest having a word limit of 500 words and the smallest 150 words. Now the application requires submission of ACT scores, but they were not submitted at all when I applied.”
How many attend the college?
“3,861 in the class of 2029,
16,128 undergrads,
26,793 total students.”
What is the best part so far of your college experience?
“I would say getting all As in my first two preliminary exams (these are cumulative exams but over about half or a third of the course material interspersed through the year, and then a final fully cumulative exam at the end of the semester. We don’t do tests over each unit/idea). Coming into the semester I was really worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle the coursework. Doing well on the exams (they were curved to As) made me feel better at belonging at Cornell. The friends I’ve made are also a highlight, but there’s nothing specific enough to note.”
What has been a challenge?
“It has been a challenge balancing school work with social engagement. To stay on top of my work, especially my chemistry class, I could easily spend 6-9 hours a day working outside of class. It usually ends up being about 7. To try and make sure I’m still having social interaction on a typical day I always get dinner with a group of friends and form study groups with friends in the same classes. I also have to intently plan actual hangouts, which is harder to fit in, but necessary. Joining clubs was also helpful, so I’m part of a mental health club, a voting advocacy club, a dungeons and dragons club, and a leadership club. All of these things has made balancing school with social engagement easier.”
How can you encourage those at Fort Scott High School to dream big for their future?
“Get involved in high school. Even if you don’t want to leave Fort Scott, or know what you want to do, you’ll be exposed to so many new people and you’ll learn the things you like. No one is going to judge you for being involved. Also, don’t be afraid to start a club and make a major impact. If you can show a demonstrated interest you could have a huge impact on the school and town. You just have to try it!!”
“We also have really great counselors. Reach out to them to talk about school things and future things. They want to help you and they’re good at it. Don’t go through things alone.”
The U.S. Federal Government shut down is affecting areas not thought of previously.
During a city supervisor’s meeting last week, it was brought up in conversation that the Fort Scott National Historic Site’s lawn had not been mowed as usual.
“With the government shutdown the FSNHS, staff has not been allowed to work at the Fort, but the grass continues to grow,” said Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager on the city’s Facebook page. “So I reached out to the FSNHS superintendent to see what kind of hoops we needed to jump through to enable us to mow the property. After a few days of government work we were given the OK to proceed with mowing, Knowing the weekend is going to be nice and visitors will be wanting to see the Fort in it’s beauty, the Parks Department and Chief Bruner took time out of their regular daily duties to go mow and weedeat the grounds. Thank you guys for your dedication.”
Norman Mackley, Fort Scott Park Department Supervisor, said “At a supervisors weekly meeting, I think, (Fort Scott Fire Chief) Dave Bruner volunteered. Then Dave contacted me.”
Thursday afternoon, October 16, Mackley and Parks Maintenance employee Paul Ballou, each took a 72 inch city lawn mower and spent about three hours mowing the Fort Scott National Historic Site lawn.
“I found out, there is more to mow than I thought,” Mackley said. “I estimate seven acres.”
On Friday, Bruner trimmed weeds and overgrown grass with a with a weed eater to keep the Fort lawn looking neat, and manicured, with trimming also from Mackley and Ballou.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces an Election Candidate Forum that will be held on Wednesday, October 22nd in the meeting rooms of the Ellis Fine Arts Center, located at 2108 S. Horton St.
Doors will open at 5:30pm
with a Meet & Greet with the candidates
The forum will begin at 6pm.
The order of the forum will be as follows:
1. USD234 School Board
2. Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees
3. City of Fort Scott Commission
4. Bourbon County Commission
Candidate Questions:
Residents of the community are encouraged to submit questions for the candidates to the Chamber by 1pm on Monday, October 20th.
Questions may be emailed to [email protected], mailed to 231 E. Wall St., or dropped off in person at the Chamber office.
The forum will also be broadcast live on the Facebook page Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for those unable to attend in person.
Candidates in these races are asked to RSVP to the Chamber by October 20th to confirm attendance.
For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Stacy Racy, facing, left, Lindsay Madison, and Wayne Racy at the Downtown Quarterly Meet and Greet at Common Ground Coffee Shop on Oct. 17.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Downtown Quarterly Meet and Greet is a meeting to share events and opportunities that are coming.
Stacy and Wayne Racy, owners of Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall, were introduced by Lindsey Madison, Chamber CEO.
The Racy’s took over ownership in May 2025, from the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, where they are members. Since then, they have been revamping the menu to some healthier options and featuring evening entertainment periodically. They are having a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the Honor Flights program for military veterans on Oct. 25 starting at 4 p.m. To learn more:
The City of Fort Scott Housing and Community Development Coordinator Lisa Dillon spoke about work done on a possible Main Street Program designation. Main Street assists in developing strategies to revitalize or strengthen downtown areas.
The Main Street Program will give technical assistance, training, access to design services, available state and national grant funds and membership to the Main Street America Network, according to info provided by Dillon.
Dillon said it has proven to be successful for communities enhancing the downtown area, but there must be community engagement in the process.
“After meeting four times over the past six months to plan and discuss this effort, we’re now at the point of collecting letters of support for our application,” Dillon said later.
Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent Jill Jaworski told the group that the annual Christmas Candlelight Tour will proceed, but because of the government shut down during the planning season for the event, ” it may not be what it was in the past.” Tickets will go on sale on Nov. 1.
The City of Fort is sponsoring a live music concert by Almost Kiss on Oct. 25 at 9 p.m. at the pavilion on North National Avenue, with costumes encouraged, said Rachel Carpenter, Special Project Coordinator.
Carpenter also told of a new app that she is using that can tell how many visitors visited the city, for example: Fortfest 2025 had 2,500 visitors. Additionally, it can tell spots the visitors went to while here.
The city is sponsoring Haunted Trails at Riverside Park on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Actors are still needed, those “who like to scare people.”
Contact Carpenter at 620-223-0550 Ext. 205.
The annual children’s downtown Halloween Parade will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday Oct. 25, with preliminary fun activities and pizza and drink to end the event. Drink donations are appreciated. Call the Chamber of Commerce at 620.223.3566.
Small business Saturday is November 29.
The Christmas Parade is Thursday, December 4 with a theme of Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.
During Christmas on the Bricks festival event, stores will stay open late and entertainment will abound in the downtown. Diane Striler is the facilitator of this annual event. There will be a cookie making site, a wreath making site, a skating rink, carriage rides, a new event at the splash pad area for children, various alcoholic tasting spots around the downtown, a scavenger hunt and tree decorating contest among many others. See their Facebook page for more info: https://www.facebook.com/fortscottchristmasonthebricks
The Chamber downtown map that has been in the making is nearing completion, Madison said.
The Chamber Guide and Directory deadline is Oct. 31 for reviewing all info.
There is a Chamber sponsored candidate forum on Oct. 22 at the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College, doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Upcoming Chamber Coffees: 10/23 is First United Methodist Church, 10/30 is Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant Awards at Landmark Bank.
There are E-community grants and Grow KS grants available: contact the Chamber for more details.
The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department is located between 6th and Lowman Streets and 6th and Horton Streets. It is the location of the local WIC program in our community.
The U.S. Congress failed to reach an agreement on funding the government beginning on October 1, 2025.
WIC is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, and it is affected by the shutdown. The local health agency is advising WIC users to stock up on food and other items to prepare for this lack of federal funding.
WIC is available for income-eligible pregnant and postpartum women, breastfeeding moms, and children under five (up to their fifth birthday). Dads, grandparents, foster parents, and anyone raising kids under five can apply for support for the kids in their care.
The local WIC Clinic is part of the SEK Multi-County Health Department, and is located at 6th and Lowman Streets in Fort Scott.
From a press release from the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department:
WIC may operate short-term in Kansas by using limited prior-year federal funding.
There is a risk that WIC benefits will be paused, reduced, or ceased.
WIC Food benefits are estimated to last until the end of October, but that can’t be assured.
Users are encouraged to buy shelf-ready healthy food and/or items the family uses at this time, balancing food safety and storage areas available.
Local food banks, pantries, and non-profit groups may be of assistance if WIC benefits are temporarily disrupted.
WIC users are encouraged to continue using their benefits and attending appointments, but call 24 hours before, to verify the office is open, 620.223.4464.
If the WIC clinic closes due to lack of funding, contact the Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment at 785-296-2683 for assistance.
The press release asks that users consider letting their elected U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt, and Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran know how important WIC is to their family and urge them to restore funding.
To reach elected representatives:
President Donald Trump has no phone number to leave comments on; however, the address is 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.
Schmidt can be reached at 202.225.6601 or 1223 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D. C. 20515.
Marshal: 202.224.4774 or PO Box 1588, Great Bend, KS 67530
Moran: 620.232.2286 or PO Box 1372, Pittsburg, KS 66762
