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Bad Coffee by Carolyn Tucker

Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker

Bad Coffee

When I was in high school, I worked in the kitchen at the Holliday Restaurant in Stockton. The owner would often ask me if I’d like a cup of coffee. I’d thank him and respond, “I don’t drink coffee.” This same conversation occurred over and over and over. Finally, one day Vaughn told me, “Well, whenever you decide to drink coffee, learn to drink it black.” I stored that in the back of my mind and eventually began to drink coffee. (After all, I couldn’t convince anyone that I belonged to the Montgomery/Jennings family if I didn’t drink coffee!) Later, through the years, I switched to drinking coffee with “num-nums” in it. That’s hillbilly for the following ingredients: heavy whipping cream and pure maple syrup, or homemade chocolate satin sauce. I simply flipped around Vaughn’s advice because, if the coffee is bad, I can fix it with yummy additives.

I have a coffee mug that has “Life is too Short for Bad Coffee” imprinted on it. We can take that quote and run 100 miles with it. For example, “Life is too short for bad company, bad living, bad attitudes, and bad breath.” And I would take it a step further and add that life is too short to consume rice cakes, unsweetened tea, chicken gizzards, and raw fish. Those things are just not right!

Life is certainly too short to spend it foolishly. God’s Word reminds us of the brevity of our lives. Moses penned a prayer in Psalm 90:5,6,12 NLT: “You [God] sweep people away like dreams that disappear. They are like grass that springs up in the morning. In the morning it blooms and flourishes, but by evening it is dry and withered. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” We don’t want to spin the tires of our life going nowhere.

“You [God] turn people back to dust, saying, ‘Return to dust, you mortals!’ For You, a thousand years are as a passing day” (Psalm 90:3-4 NLT). God’s timetable and ours is not the same and it’s difficult to wrap our heads around that fact. It’s a fact that life is quickly passing by and we truly don’t have time to waste. We should treat each day as a precious treasure. We shouldn’t procrastinate on achieving the God-given dreams and goals we have for our lives. I grew up with the motto, “Don’t put off ‘til tomorrow what you can do today.” Whoever said that first was a wise person. (I think it was my mom.)

Now is the time to move forward and do what you need to do, whatever that is for you. In regard to eternity, every day we should be preparing to die. There’s no guarantee of tomorrow, so all we really have is today. Apostle Paul gave wise advice, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:3 NKJV). We should not dismiss the opportunity that today affords. Pick up the phone and make that apology, write the letter, forgive, pay back what you borrowed 12 years ago, read the book, write the book, etc. Life is a beautiful experience but it’s surprisingly brief. Time waits for no one.

There is an urgency for doing the right thing now – today. We all have a window of opportunity and we don’t know when that window will close forever. Life is too short for unforgiveness, jealousy, hatred, bickering, disunity, and complaining. As long as we’re breathing, it’s not too late to do the right thing. Ready or not, the aging process will catch up with you and you better have your “house in order” (2 Kings 20:1). Don’t just talk about the things you want/need to do – do ‘em now. Now is the time.

The Key: Aging isn’t a choice like black coffee or coffee with num-nums. However, where you spend eternity is a choice: smoking or nonsmoking.

Soil Testing – The First Step to a Successful Garden by Krista Harding

Soil Testing – The First Step to a Successful Garden

Whether you’re new to gardening or have years of experience, one essential step should never be overlooked, and that is understanding your soil’s fertility. While your plants may offer clues, you can’t accurately judge soil nutrients by sight, touch, or guesswork alone. As planting season approaches, now is the perfect time to invest in a soil test.

A soil test provides a baseline of your soil’s nutrient levels and pH. With this information, you can determine exactly what type and amount of fertilizer your garden needs—if any at all. In many cases, soils already contain adequate levels of phosphorus or potassium. Applying more not only wastes time and money but can also harm plants and the environment.

Soil nutrient levels naturally change over time, which is why Kansas State University recommends testing garden soil every three to five years. However, the accuracy of your results depends entirely on how well you collect your sample. Follow these simple steps to ensure reliable results:

How to Take a Soil Sample

  1. Divide your garden into sections.
    Separate areas based on differences in soil color, texture, slope, or plant growth. Avoid mixing soil from unusual spots, such as low areas or old fence rows—these should be sampled separately.
  2. Collect multiple samples.
    Using a clean bucket and a soil probe or spade, take 10 thin cores or slices from across each section. Sample soil to a depth of 6–8 inches. For best results, avoid sampling when the soil is overly wet.
  3. Mix and prepare the sample.
    Combine all cores in your bucket, breaking up clumps and removing debris such as rocks, roots, and grass. From this mixture, take about one cup to one pint of soil. Spread it out to air dry on newspaper.
  4. Package and label.
    Place the dried soil in a sealable plastic bag or container. Clearly label it with your name, mailing address, and phone number.
  5. Submit your sample.
    Drop off your sample at your local Extension office in Erie, Iola, Fort Scott, or Yates Center. Chanute residents may leave samples at Breiner’s Feed Store for pickup. The cost is $20 per sample, and results are typically available within 7 to 10 days.

Phosphorus and potassium levels tend to build up in soil over time. Excess amounts can damage plant growth and may even leach into nearby streams and lakes, contributing to water pollution. In fact, recent tests from the K-State soil lab have found some Kansas samples with nutrient levels so high they were literally “off the charts.”

If your garden didn’t perform as expected last year, poor soil fertility or an imbalanced pH may have been the cause. A soil test takes the guesswork out of gardening and gives you a clear path forward.

Don’t wait until after planting to check your soil. Test now so you have time to make any needed adjustments—and set your garden up for success.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension horticulture agent serving the Southwind District. She can be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

Obituary of Robert “Bob” Dean McBride

Robert “Bob” Dean McBride, 79, of Fort Scott, passed away Wednesday evening, March 25, 2026, at his home. He was born April 8, 1946, in Mapleton, Kansas, the son of Charles LaWayne McBride and Dorothy Louise (Killion) McBride. He married Linda Ann Large on August 22,1969, in Devon, Kansas, and she preceded him in death on February 16, 2016.

Bob graduated from Uniontown High School. He served his country in the U.S. Army from October 23, 1967, until November 8, 1971. He was a member of the Devon Masonic Lodge & Shriners Mounted Patrol. He enjoyed trail riding & camping on a regular basis with close friends, hunting & fishing. He played in a pool league for numerous years.

Bob is survived by three daughters, Jimmie Hughes and husband Rod, of Archie, Missouri, Bridget Wright and husband John, of Stockton, Missouri, and Tina Jones and husband Rick, of Nevada, Missouri and a son, David McBride and Ashlea, of Fort Scott; a sister-in-law, Arlene Boswell & their children Tim & Annette; eight grandkids, Tiffany Ogle (Clayton), Caleb Franklin (Nichole), Cody Franklin (Tim), Jessica Norwood (Aaron), Megan Demster (Kevin), Zach Simhiser (Hannah), Dalton Jones (Bri), Charlie Wright, & eight great-grandkids. In addition to his wife Linda, Bob was also preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Gary Wayne McBride.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with burial immediately following at the Centerville Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a visitation at the funeral home Sunday evening, March 29, 2026, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Care to Share, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Summary, March 30, 2026

The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

There will be a work session on 03.30.26 at 4:30 PM to discuss Budget Goals for the Bourbon County Commission. Following the work session at 5:30 PM the board will meet for their regular commission meeting at 210 S National Avenue, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Meeting Agenda: Bourbon County Commission

03.30.26 Agenda Packet

Date: March 30, 2026

Time: 5:30 PM

Location: Bourbon County Commission

I. Call Meeting to Order

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Prayer

IV. Introductions

V. Approval of Agenda

VI. Approval of Minutes (03.23.26)

VII. Approval of Accounts Payable (03.27.26) – $60,156.30

VIII. January Financials

IX. Public Comments

X. Executive Session

  • K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) – Attorney/Client privilege regarding Gregg Motley

XI. Department Updates

  • a. Culvert Permit: Tuchscherer (874 210th) – K Allen

  • b. ADM Agreement: Transfer Station – K Allen

  • c. Culvert Permit: Farley (2445 Jayhawk) – K Allen

XII. Old Business

  • a. Elevator Package: Presented by Commissioner Tran

  • b. Vending Machine Placement

  • c. Title IV-E County Reimbursement Opportunity

  • d. Audit RFP

XIII. New Business

  • a. Hay Bids: Presented by the County Clerk

XIV. Future Agenda Topics

XV. Commission Comments

XVI. Adjournment

(Source: PDF Page 1)


Agenda Packet Detailed Summary

1. Previous Meeting Minutes (March 23, 2026)

The packet includes minutes from the previous week’s session. Key highlights include:

  • Public Comments: Clint Walker voiced concerns regarding the condition of flags in the chamber. County Clerk Susan Walker presented legal opinions regarding the restricted access individual commissioners have to personnel records. (Page 3)

  • Cintas Proposal: A representative from Cintas presented a plan to provide hygiene products and dispensers, claiming a potential 10% cost reduction over current providers. (Page 4)

  • Sewer Issues at Hidden Valley: Discussion of serious sewage violations at Hidden Valley lake community, where 30-40 homes lack regular pumping, leading to environmental concerns and potential KDHE fines of up to $7,000 daily. (Page 4)

  • Forensic Audit RFP: Commissioner Tran presented a draft for a forensic audit covering multiple county offices from 2021 to the present. (Page 4)

  • ADM Composting Agreement: Tabled for further cost analysis; current equipment issues (a tractor in the shop since June) have made managing the bean composting volume difficult. (Page 5)

(Source: PDF Pages 2-6)

2. Accounts Payable (March 27, 2026)

The total accounts payable for this period is $60,156.30. The packet includes a line-item breakdown by department:

  • Appraisers: $387.49 for wireless services and fuel. (Page 7)

  • Landfill: $10,740.00, including significant diesel fuel costs and waste services from Allen County Public Works. (Page 7-8)

  • Sheriff/Correctional: $17,475.40, which includes nursing services ($7,678.50), utility costs for the jail ($3,495.17), and plumbing repairs. (Page 8-9)

  • Road & Bridge: $4,887.10 for equipment parts, fuel, and vehicle leases. (Page 9-11)

  • County Jail Bond: $7,641.00 for vehicle fleet leases and equipment principal/interest payments. (Page 11-12)

  • Commissioners: $1,911.32, which includes a new laptop for Commissioner Joe Allen ($1,618.21). (Page 13)

(Source: PDF Pages 7-13)

3. Financial Reports (January 2026)

The packet contains the “Revenue and Expense Report” for the start of the year:

  • General Fund: Provides the percentage of budget remaining for various departments like the Register of Deeds and Courthouse Maintenance. (Page 98)

  • Tax Distributions: Detailed records of tax receipts for employee benefits, public safety, and road and bridge funds. (Pages 106, 125, 133)

  • School District & Watershed Distributions: Records of tax distributions to local entities including USD 234, USD 248, and various watersheds. (Pages 158, 163, 168, 177)

(Source: PDF Pages 98-201)

Masterson: Senate Will Ring-In Another Override

Topeka, KS — Today, Senate President Masterson issued the following statement in regard to the Governor’s veto of HB 2635.

“Yet again, Laura Kelly has chosen to veto good legislation that saves lives. This bill simply protects pregnancy resource centers’ ability to educate mothers and provide life-affirming care. I look forward to ringing-in another override soon,” said Masterson.

Governor Kelly Vetoes House Bill 2635


TOPEKA
– Governor Laura Kelly today vetoed House Bill 2635.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2635:

“The people of Kansas have made it clear, time and time again, that they want government to stay out of women’s private medical decisions. That means we shouldn’t be spending tax dollars trying to interfere with that very personal, very private, medical decision. That’s why I’m vetoing this bill.

“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto House Bill 2635.”

Ken Collins Gives Update on HB2479

Just a quick update on Benny’s Bill. It has been bundled with several other related bills under the number HB 2479 and the bundle has passed both the house and senate and will now go to the Governor. The bundle includes the following:
lectronic Monitoring for Domestic Violence (HB 2479)
Requires courts to consider GPS monitoring with victim notification for certain domestic violence cases to help protect victims before trial.
Blackmail and Deepfake Protections (HB 2594)
Expands blackmail laws to include threats involving images, videos, and AI-generated content.
Privacy and Exploitation Protections (HB 2518)
Strengthens penalties for recording or sharing private images, especially involving minors, including cases involving AI or digital manipulation.
Position of Authority Law (HB 2762)
Clarifies that adults in positions of authority at schools, including volunteers age 21 and older, cannot engage in inappropriate relationships with students.
I will follow up later with a new Thoughts From Under the Dome

Ken Collins

Kansas State Representative-Second District

620-240-0778

 

Re

Obituary of Miles W. Thompson

Miles W. Thompson, age 97, a resident of Manhattan Beach, California, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026.  He was born August 25, 1928, in Ft. Scott, Kanas, the son of William M. Thompson and Eva Ruth Shannon Thompson.  He served with the Signal Corps in United States Army from 1951 to 1953.  He used the skills he learned in the military to further his education and became an electrical engineer.  He worked for many years at Rockwell International.  His hobbies included old cars, model airplane, amateur radio and high-fidelity sound equipment.

Survivors include his three children, Miles Joseph Thompson and his wife, Brenda, Robert Thompson and Patricia Thompson; six grandsons and twelve great-grandchildren.  Miles was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Fritz Thompson.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, April 1st at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas where military honors will be provided by the U. S. Army Honor Guard.  Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 9:45 A.M. on Wednesday.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary of Victor Johnnie Snow, Jr.

Victor Johnnie Snow Jr., of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away on March 23, 2026.

A man of deep faith, Victor lived with sincere devotion to God’s word and a generous spirit toward his community. He was a dedicated father who cherished his children and held them close to his heart. Victor was known for his kindness, fairness, and willingness to help anyone in need.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor Snow and Frances Snow; his sister, Edith Boeding; his former wife, Carolyn Snow; and his wife, Naomi Snow.

He is survived by his children: Victor Snow III and Lori Snow of Independence, Missouri; Michael Snow of Kansas City, Kansas; Vickie and Steve Henderson of Kansas City, Kansas; and Robert and Carmen Snow of Gentry, Arkansas. He is also survived by his sister, Virginia Barnes and her husband, David Barnes of Appleton, Missouri.  Also surviving are his grandchildren: Nicholas Snow and his wife, Becka; Victoria Goldberg and her husband, Nathan Goldberg; Steven Snow and his wife, Heavenly Snow; Steven Smith, Austin Smith, and Mel Henderson; and Cheyenne Smith, Laramie Smith, and Casey Snow; and great-grandchildren, Anastasia Snow and Nicholas Snow.

He will be greatly missed by his children, family, and all who knew him. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.

Pastor Danny Brown will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Monday, March 30th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to Pittsburg Meals on Wheels and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Community Gathers to Learn About Ticks and Alpha‑Gal Syndrome at Southwind Extension Program

Community Gathers to Learn About Ticks and Alpha‑Gal Syndrome at Southwind Extension Program

Fort Scott, KS — March 23, 2026 — Nearly 60 community members joined K-State Extension for the program “Beyond the Bite: Understanding Ticks and Alpha-Gal” last Monday evening at the FSCC campus. This event highlighted how K-State Extension – Southwind District is addressing emerging health issues with timely, research‑based education. An Alpha‑Gal–friendly baked potato bar was provided by Great Western Dining.

Raymond Cloyd, PhD, KSU Professor and Extension Specialist, presented on tick identification and life cycles, strategies for preventing tick bites, proper removal techniques, and recommended steps to take after spending time outdoors. Ticks are typically found just a few inches above the ground on vegetation. To remove a tick, individuals should use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure to remove the entire tick—including the head and mouthparts. After removal, the area should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.

Priscilla Brenes, MPH, PhD, KSU Assistant Professor and Nutrition Specialist, discussed how Alpha‑Gal affects the body and shared nutritional strategies for managing life with Alpha‑Gal Syndrome (AGS). While there is currently no cure for AGS, individuals can reduce symptoms by carefully avoiding foods and products that may trigger reactions. Many people are surprised to learn that rotisserie chicken or turkey sausage may be seasoned or processed with beef‑derived ingredients. Some individuals with this allergy may also react to wearing leather boots, and others may need to carry an epinephrine auto‑injector.

Alpha‑Gal Syndrome is an allergy to red meat and mammal‑derived products that is becoming increasingly common across Kansas, particularly in rural areas. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, AGS can develop after a bite from the Lone Star tick. When an infected tick feeds on a human, alpha‑galactose (alpha‑gal) enters the body and triggers the immune system to produce antibodies. If the body later encounters alpha‑gal—through red meat or mammal‑derived products—a potentially life‑threatening allergic reaction can occur. Fish and poultry do not contain alpha‑gal antigens, making them safe options for those affected.

Symptoms of AGS may appear after eating red meat or being exposed to mammal‑derived products (including leather) and can include hives or itchy rash, nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain, heartburn or indigestion, diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eyelids, and dizziness or faintness.

To request handouts from the program to be emailed or for additional information about Alpha‑Gal Syndrome, please contact Sandy Haggard, Southwind Extension Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent, at [email protected] or 620‑365‑2242.

Minutes of March 17, 2026 Regular Meeting of City of Fort Scott Commission

Fort Scott City Hall.

CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 Minutes of March 17, 2026 Regular Meeting

A meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held  in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer, Tim Van Hoecke, Julie Buchta and Mayor Kathryn Salsbury were present.

In AttendanceBrad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Chief Dave Bruner/FSFD, Chief Jason Pickert/FSPD, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Lisa Dillon/Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspections LLC, Ben Hart/BakerTilly (by phone), Darrin Petrowski/KDOT, Michael Hoyt, Patrick Wood, Geoffrey Marr, Dilynn Marr, Anita Walden/Freeman, Kevin Allen, Doug Eden .

SALSBURY led the Pledge of Allegiance and BUCHTA said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.

Approval of Agenda

MOTIONVAN HOECKE moved to approve the agenda with the amendment of removal of Unfinished Business/Item A Consideration to Initiate Contractor License. DANCER seconded.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

Consent Agenda

 Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1404-A – Expense Approval ReportPayment Dates of February 25, 2026 – March 10, 2026$1,270,095.98

–  Approval of Minutes:  Regular Meeting of March 3, 2026

–  February Financials

Public Comment

Geoffrey Marr addressed the Commission regarding the airplane hangar currently owned by the City. He would like to lease or purchase it and fix it up and negotiate a long lease instead of it being torn down.

ACTION:  MATKIN will meet with MARR regarding an arrangement.

Anita Walden addressed the Commission to introduce herself as the Chief Administrative Officer at the new Freeman Hospital. She also thanked the City for their continued support.

Kevin Allen addressed the Commission in hopes to comment on the KDOT maintenance agreement specifically on Wall Street.

Appearances

Garth Herrmann/Gilmore & Bell – HERRMANN could not be present. HART presented Resolution No. 17-2026 Authorizing and Providing for the Construction Sanitary Sewer Pumping Station Improvements and Providing for the Payment of the Costs. He stated that there will be another Resolution in the future.

 MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve the Resolution. SALSBURY seconded.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0     

Darrin Petrowski/KDOT – PETROWSKI addressed the Commission regarding KDOT Maintenance Agreement on Hwy 69 and Hwy 54.

New Business

Public Hearing:

Vacation of Street and AlleysDoug Eden – Consideration of Petition to Repeal Ordinance No. 3579 and Approve Ordinance No. 3796 – Vacation of Street and Alleys

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. DANCER seconded.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

FARMER left the meeting at 6:58PM and returned at 7:00PM.

EDEN presented his petition to vacate the north-south alley. It was recommended that the prior ordinance (No. 3579) be repealed and replaced with Ordinance No. 3796 addressing the vacation of Durkee Street, the east-west alley and the north-south alley for clarity.

MOTION:  WELLS moved to close the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve the vacation. After having heard all the testimony on said petition on the 17TH day of MARCH, 2026 and all necessary information in order to fully understand the true nature of this petition, the City Commission of the City of Fort Scott, upon motion of DANCER and seconded by BUCHTA,  passed and approved to repeal Ordinance No. 3579 and the petition of the Petitioner to and vacate the platted Durkee Street located between Lots 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, Block 4 and Lots 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19,21, 23, 25, 27, Block 2, all in Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas; AND the alley running East and West through Lots 1-28, Block 2, Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas; AND the alley running North and South along the East side of Lots 27 & 28, Block 2, Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas. BUCHTA seconded. (Excerpt of Minutes of the same but separate document was submitted to Bourbon County Deeds for recording of the vacation).

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

Action Items:

Consideration of Resolution No. 16-2026 and MELPA – Firetruck Financing

MOTION: WELLS moved to approve Resolution No. 16-2026. SALSBURY seconded.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

Consideration of Proposals for Fire Station Exhaust system

BRUNER stated that they received an Assistant to Firefighters Grant (AFG) last year for $106, 571.42 to be used for the exhaust systems in both fire stations. He went out for proposals (RFP) and received (2) back. The first was from Air Clean for  $101,750.00, the second from MagnaGrip that submitted (3) options however their lowest option was $106,913.00. BRUNER requested that the Commission approve the proposal from Air Clean.

MOTION:  BUCHTA moved to approve the recommendation to accept the proposal from Air Cleaning for $101,750.00. WELLS seconded.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

Consideration of 2026 Ground Lease Bids

MATKIN stated that (3) bids were received: $15,700.00, $13,160.00, and $11,776.00.

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve the bid for $15,700.00 from Mike Fritter of Richards, MO for the Ground Lease Bid of 94-acres. WELLS seconded.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

Consideration of 2026 Cape Seal Program Proposal

MATKIN stated that we received (1) proposal from Vance Brothers for $388,948.00 and recommended that the Commission accept their proposal for the 2026 project.

MOTION:  BUCHTA moved to approve the 2026 Cape Seal Program proposal as it’s been presented. WELLS seconded.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

Consideration of Ordinance No. 3795– AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 3782 for CLG

DILLON stated that SHPO and the National Parks Service requested amendments to the ordinance for the CLG. She drafted what they asked for and FARMER approved to form. She requested that the Commission approve the ordinance so it could be submitted and the City could receive its CLG status.

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve Ordinance No. 3795. DANCER seconded. BUCHTA, WELLS, DANCER and SALSBURY voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no.

MOTION CARRIED 4-1

Consideration of Amendment to Zoning Regulations – Connex Boxes – L. Dillon

DILLON stated that the Planning Commission has viewed the City Commission’s initial request and is returning it to the City Commission to make the decision.

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve to table until April 7, 2026. DANCER seconded.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

Reports and Comments        

City Engineer:

            –  Davis Lift Station update

            –  Railroad permit

–  Survey scheduled for Wall St.

–  E. National utility plan sent out

City Attorney: No Comment

City Manager:

–  Moody building update

            –  Railroad dialogue and spur system talks happening

–  Homeless situation in town

Commissioner Wells:

            –  Fort Scott Greyhounds going for title

Commissioner Van Hoecke:

            –  Homeless situation

Commissioner Dancer:

            –  SLA draft and 5-year lifecycle management plan for IT – April 7th

ACTION:  MATKIN will email all Commissioners prior to next meeting.

Commissioner Buchta:

            –  Shop local to help with sales tax

Commissioner Salsbury:

            –  Fish Fry until Good Friday at St. Mary’s

–  8th & Eddy intersection open

Adjourn

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:51PM. DANCER seconded.

MARCH 17, 2026, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:51PM.

  Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis/City Clerk