Category Archives: Area News

Area News, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber After-Hours & Ribbon Cutting at State Farm Nov. 5

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to celebrate the new downtown location of Kale Nelson State Farm with a Chamber After-Hours and Ribbon Cutting event.

Thursday, November 5, 2026
5:15 to 6:30 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting & Remarks at 5:30 p.m.
113 S. National Ave., Downtown Fort Scott

Kale Nelson has proudly served the Fort Scott community as a State Farm agent for 21 years. He and his wife, Kelly, recently purchased and revitalized the property at 113 S. National Ave., continuing their tradition of bringing new life to previously vacant commercial spaces.

Come celebrate by:

  • Congratulating Kale, Kelly, and the State Farm team
  • Touring their newly revitalized downtown office
  • Networking with Chamber members and guests
  • Enjoying refreshments and hospitality

Help Support the FSCC Food Pantry
In conjunction with the celebration, Kale and his team will be collecting non-perishable food items and health and beauty supplies for the Fort Scott Community College Food Pantry. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation to help support FSCC students.

Separately, the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will conduct its traditional Chamber 50/50 drawing, with a $2 admission collected and administered solely by the Chamber.

All Chamber members and guests are welcome. No RSVP required.

More details are available on the event’s Facebook page.

Area News, Food

Kiwanis Pioneers Set Drive-Through Chili Feed Nov. 10

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The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers will hold its 38th annual Chili Feed on Tuesday, November 10, at First United Methodist Church, 301 South National in Fort Scott.

A meal of the Pioneers’ signature chili with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., for a free-will donation (suggested minimum $10.00 per meal) collected at the door.

This year’s fundraiser will be drive-through only, with pick-ups available under the canopy on the National Avenue side of the church. Drivers are asked not to block private driveways while waiting in line for service.

Deliveries are available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.

The Chili Feed is the Kiwanis Pioneers’ major fundraiser of the year. In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of “Improving the world one child and one community at a time,” the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects, including college scholarships, CASA, the Backpack food program, FSHS Key Club, Head Start, the Beacon, Foster Kids, CORE, Feeding Families in His Name, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs.

“All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County,” said Kiwanis Pioneer President Mary Wyatt.

Millie Karleskint and Claudia Christensen boxing cinnamon rolls for the Kiwanis Pioneers Chili Feed.

Millie Karleskint and Claudia Christensen box cinnamon rolls for the Kiwanis Pioneers Chili Feed.

Area News

Church Craft Fair, Bake Sale Set for Nov. 6-7

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Fort Scott First Southern Baptist Church

First Southern Baptist Church will hold its Fall Craft Fair and Bake Sale fundraiser November 6 and 7 at 1818 S. Main, Fort Scott (across from Briggs Auto).

Craft Fair with multiple vendors, including the church, and a church bake sale:

  • November 6 — 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • November 7 — 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Meals served:

  • November 6 — 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • November 7 — 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Choice of meal is $10.00 each, available dine-in, carry-out, curbside, or delivery (for orders of 2 or more meals):

  • Homemade chicken noodle dinner (chicken noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, homemade roll and 2 cookies), or
  • Taco soup and chicken salad sandwich with 2 cookies

Dine-in or order ahead for pickup or delivery by contacting 417-262-3948 or 620-215-3202.

All proceeds from the bake sale, church booth, and meals go to the Church Building Fund.

Area News

Bourbon County Coalition Sets Nov. 4 Meeting Agenda

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The Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition will hold its next General Membership meeting on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Conference Room at Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott Ave.

Agenda

  • Welcome
  • Member introductions and announcements
  • Program: Diane Striler, Christmas on the Bricks
  • Open forum
  • Adjournment — the next General Membership meeting will be December 2, 2026

Full agenda: https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/GM_Agenda.docx

Area News, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Senior Coalition to Host Free Senior Expo Nov. 5

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Fort Scott Senior Coalition to Host FREE Senior Expo!

Senior Expo flyer

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to share an upcoming community event focused on connecting seniors, families, and caregivers with valuable resources and services available right here in our area!

The Fort Scott Senior Coalition invites the community to attend the Senior Expo on Thursday, November 5th, at Buck Run Community Center in Fort Scott.

Thursday, November 5, 2026
10am – 2pm
Buck Run Community Center
735 Scott Ave., Fort Scott, KS
FREE and open to the public!

This FREE event is a wonderful opportunity to visit with local organizations, explore helpful programs and services, ask questions, and discover resources available to support seniors throughout our community.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with a variety of vendors offering information about senior living, healthcare, support services, and other resources.

The Fort Scott Senior Coalition Senior Expo is a collaborative effort involving several Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce members.

Participating Chamber members include:

Credo Senior Living of Fort Scott
Medicalodges, Inc. of Fort Scott
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village
Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice

These organizations are working together as part of the Fort Scott Senior Coalition to bring the Senior Expo to our community!

VENDORS WANTED

Local businesses and organizations are also invited to participate as vendors! This is an excellent opportunity to connect with seniors throughout the community while sharing information about your organization, services, and resources.

Vendor participation is FREE!

Vendor Information:

Setup begins at 9:00 a.m.
Vendors must provide their own tables and chairs.
No meals will be provided for vendors.

Mark Your Calendars

Whether you’re a senior, a caregiver, a family member, or simply interested in learning more about available community resources, this event has something valuable to offer! Help spread the word! Share this event with family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who may benefit from the information and services available.

We hope to see you at the Fort Scott Senior Expo on November 5th!

Senior Expo Vendors Wanted flyer

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Angela Carpenter: 620-215-4942
Cindy Poole: 620-687-3172

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-3566
fortscott.com

Area News, Entertainment

PraiseFest 2026 Returns to Gunn Park Oct. 24

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PraiseFest 2026 is almost here!

Get ready for an incredible day of live music, family fun, community, and inspiration at PraiseFest 2026!

Join us Saturday, October 24th, at Gunn Park in Fort Scott for a day packed with activities, entertainment, and opportunities to come together for a great cause!

This year’s event features Christian recording artist Tasha Layton, taking the stage at 6 p.m.! Plus, enjoy local artists, guest speakers, food trucks, vendors, family activities, and so much more!

Core Community Bourbon County logo

Don’t forget your lawn chairs!

Planning to enjoy the live music and performances at PraiseFest? Be sure to bring something comfortable to sit on!

The main stage area will be set up for the event, but seating will NOT be provided.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, portable seating, or blankets to sit back, relax, and enjoy an afternoon and evening of great music, entertainment, and fellowship!

Bring your own seating

Don’t just hear about PraiseFest. Come experience it!

PraiseFest 2026

Saturday, October 24th
Gunn Park, Fort Scott
Featuring Tasha Layton
Stage events begin at 3 p.m.
Main event at 6 p.m.

Festival activities include:

  • Food trucks and vendors
  • Guest speakers and testimonials
  • Local artists
  • Disc golf
  • Cornhole tournament
  • Fishing derby
  • Tri-Yak-A-Thon
  • Kiddie Zone

Pre-Register for PraiseFest Activities: Visit the PraiseFest event page to find additional information and pre-register for the festival activities.

Wristbands may be purchased at the event ticket table.

Partner with Bourbon County Core Community and help make an eternal impact through PraiseFest 2026!

Visit the Core Community – Bourbon County Facebook Page for more information.

Area News

Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Quilt and Fiber Arts Show a Success

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A quilt show is part of the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta.

The Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Quilt and Fiber Arts Show was a success! Area quilters and fiber artists entered over 80 items in the Meyers Building at the Bourbon County fairgrounds last weekend.

This year, the show featured several vintage quilts, one over 100 years old.

Many visitors came through the doors, including third graders from Uniontown and Arma, who enjoyed voting for their favorite quilt.

Various fiber artists worked on their craft and shared their knowledge with visitors, covering wool rug hooking, embroidery, spinning, hand piecing, tatting, and needle felting.

Congratulations to Lita Miller and her “German Shepherd” quilt for winning Viewers’ Choice. Raffle basket winners were Susan Jones, Evelyn Rhodes, and Lita Miller.

The following businesses donated items for the raffle baskets: Blue Top Quilt Shop, Sew Happy Quilt Co, Rocking Chair Quilt Shop, Bee Creek Sewing Center, Linda Weidert of the Ponderosa Retreat, and Kay Walker, teacher of painted barn quilts.

A big thank you to all who helped make this year’s show a success, including Judy Wilson, Bobbie Schroeder, Ginger McElwee, Janet Tucker, and Jean Strader. The FSCC baseball team helped move display cases the Tuesday before the show for set-up and again after the show on Sunday. Organizers also thanked the Bourbon County Fair board for the use of the Meyers Building.

The love of hand-crafted gifts and treasures will remain for generations to come, and organizers said they enjoyed sharing with everyone who walked through the exhibits.

Area News, Fair

Heartland REC gives $5,000 grant to Bourbon Co. Fair Assn.

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The Welcome Sign at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative (HREC) has presented a $5,000 Concern for Community grant to the Bourbon County Fair Association to fund safety and accessibility upgrades across the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

The grant will pay for a new speaker system across four barns, the show arena and stands, and the pavilion, along with replacement lighting in the show arena and pavilion, four new bike racks to reduce tripping hazards in high-traffic areas, and electrician services for the installation. The Fair Association will complete all non-electrical work.

“This project touches nearly every corner of the fairgrounds — better sound, better lighting, safer walkways,” said Doug Graham, Communication Specialist at HREC. “It’s a great example of a fair board making practical improvements that benefit everyone who comes through the gate.”

Concern for Community is funded through capital credit retirements intended for former members that the cooperative was unable to reach. Rather than letting these funds sit unused, Heartland developed the Concern for Community grant program to return these dollars to the community.

Concern for Community grants are exclusively for capital projects such as construction, renovation, or durable equipment purchases. Due to overwhelming interest in the program, the HREC board decided to limit this year’s applications to area fair boards and 4-H groups.

About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative headquartered in Girard, Kansas, providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service to 8,500 member-owners across 12 counties in southeast Kansas. As a cooperative, HREC is governed by a board of directors elected by and from its membership, and reinvests in the communities it serves through programs such as Concern for Community, Operation Round Up, and Future Foundations. In addition to electric service, HREC’s wholly owned subsidiary, Heartland Propane, serves propane customers throughout the region.

Documents:

Area News, Entertainment, History

Cato Kids’ Day and Cato Day set for Oct. 2-3

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Cato Kids’ Day & Cato Day set for October 2-3

The Cato Historical Preservation Association will hold its annual fall events in historic Cato, Kansas, on Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3.

Cato Kids’ Day — Friday, October 2

Over 500 fourth- and fifth-graders from area schools will be bused to Cato from approximately 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to see presentations on life in the late 1800s and Cato’s history. Students will rotate through stations covering schools, blacksmithing, covered wagons, cattle drives, 1800s weaponry, farming, cowboys and Native Americans, and the day will close with a reading of the Gettysburg Address and a sing-along. Participating schools include Uniontown, Bronaugh, Girard, Lakeside, Liberal, Westside, Frontenac, Fort Scott, Northeast, St. Mary’s FS and Meadowlark. Visitors are welcome.

Stations and presenters:

  • Welcome, songs and introduction — Dan Duling, Jim Harris, Katharine Spigarelli
  • Station 1: One-room schoolhouse — Anna Swank, Elizabeth & Jamie Thompson
  • Station 2: Blacksmith — Troy Kukovich
  • Station 3: Covered wagon travels — Carter & Jill Pugh
  • Station 4: Drovers — Mel Haase
  • Station 5: 1800s weaponry — Matthew Wells
  • Station 6: Farming history & cowboys — Judd Bailey, George Parsons
  • Station 7: Native Americans — Barry Lynn Linduff
  • Closing: Gettysburg Address & sing along — Dan Duling, Jim Harris, Wayne Bockleman

See the full station list here: Cato Kids’ Day Stations/Presenters (2026)

Cato Day — Saturday, October 3

Cato Day, the public celebration of Cato’s pioneer heritage, runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Sign-in begins at 9 a.m., but visitors are welcome to arrive anytime; guests are asked to sign the guest book.

  • 9:30 a.m. — Music and history in the church, presented by Matt Wells and friends, followed by a talk on Cato’s history by Carl Brenner
  • 10:30 a.m. — Cavalry saber drills behind the church, led by Matt Feild
  • 10:45 a.m. — One-room schoolhouse presentation in the “Old Stone School,” with Anna Portwood Swank, Elizabeth Portwood Thompson and Jamie Thompson
  • 11:30 a.m. — Historical re-enactment of the 1860 Settler Removal in front of the Pioneer Cabin
  • 12 p.m. — Outdoor lunch break with music by Jim Harris and the Players Circle; pulled pork sandwiches prepared by Shawn Pryer and the Mighty MO Chuck Wagon crew, with proceeds supporting preservation of Cato’s buildings and educational events for local schoolchildren; Shawn will also demonstrate Chuck Wagon and Dutch oven cooking
  • 12:30 p.m. — Quilt raffle drawing, featuring a quilt donated by longtime member Sue James of Texas
  • 1 p.m. — Hayrack wagon ride to local historical sites, led by Joe Bournonville
  • 3 p.m. — Event concludes (all times approximate)

The Cato Store will sell t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, historical booklets, insulated cups and other Cato merchandise — cash or check only. Proceeds from the quilt raffle, “Cowboy Stew,” books and merchandise support preservation of Cato’s historic buildings and Cato Kids’ Day, held every year for local fourth- and fifth-graders.

About Cato

Cato is the oldest town in Crawford County, located off Hwy 69 in northern Crawford County. From Hwy 69, turn west on 720th Avenue and follow the signs to Cato. Directions are also available at catoschool.com.

The Cato Historical Preservation Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Cato’s buildings and history, including the “Old Stone School” (built in 1869 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places), the Cato Christian Church (built in 1915), and a full-sized replica of an 1860s settler cabin. A stone bridge, part of the “Old Wagon Road,” also sits on the property. Cato’s buildings are open to the public only a few times a year, making this a rare chance to visit.

See the full event flyer here: Cato Days 2026 flyer

Photos

Reenactors in front of the Cato cabin
Left to right: Matt Feild, Carl Brenner, Dan Duling and Matt Wells reenact the 1860 settler removal in front of the Cato cabin.
Matt Feild with cavalry equipment
Matt Feild demonstrates 1860s cavalry equipment.
Matt Feild talking about cavalry life
Matt Feild, in 1860s cavalry uniform, talks about cavalry life.
Matt Wells demonstrates a flintlock rifle
Matt Wells demonstrates a flintlock rifle.

Contact: Katharine Spigarelli, President, Cato Historical Preservation Association, 417-825-2127, kspigarelli@gmail.com, catoschool.com.

Area News, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Fort Scott NHS to Host Naturalization Ceremony Sept. 16

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A previous naturalization ceremony at Fort Scott National Historic Site. NPS Photo.

National Park Service / U.S. Department of the Interior
Fort Scott National Historic Site News Release

Fort Scott National Historic Site to Host Special Naturalization Ceremony on September 16

Fort Scott, Kan. – Media outlets and the general public are invited to Fort Scott National Historic Site on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, for a Special Naturalization Ceremony at the fort’s parade ground.

Check-in for ceremony participants begins at 9:30 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. The Honorable Holly L. Teeter, United States District Judge for the District of Kansas, is scheduled to preside.

Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent Jill Jaworski and Fort Scott Mayor Kathryn Salsbury will provide opening remarks. The Fort Scott High School Orchestra is scheduled to perform.

Seating will be provided for ceremony participants. Friends, family, guests, and the public are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets for seating. In case of rain or inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to Fort Scott’s Memorial Hall (1 E 3rd St, Fort Scott, KS 66701).

Media attending the ceremony are requested to RSVP and be in place by 10 a.m. at Fort Scott National Historic Site, 1 Old Fort Blvd., Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701.

Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. For more information or to learn how to get involved, call 620-223-0310 or visit www.nps.gov/fosc.

Photo credit: NPS Photo

Area News, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Sept. 3

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Chamber Coffee

Thursday, September 3rd
8am
@ Tri-Valley Developmental Services
4305 Campbell Drive

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend this week’s Chamber Coffee hosted by Tri-Valley Developmental Services. 4305 Campbell Dr. on Thursday, September 3rd, at 8 a.m.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, along with a door prize drawing.

Tri-Valley Developmental Services empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, and participate fully in their communities. Through residential, employment, day, case management, and horticultural services, Tri-Valley helps individuals build independence, pursue meaningful opportunities, and feel a sense of belonging.

Representatives will also share information about upcoming events supporting their programs, including the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Fall Golf Classic on September 12th, garden mum preorders with pickup September 21st through 25th, and the Autumn Plant Sale on September 26th. The plant sale will feature mums, winter pansies, ornamental cabbage, houseplants, garden items, and décor.

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

Tri-Valley Developmental Services

Tri-Valley Developmental Services

Tri-Valley Developmental Services

Tri-Valley Developmental Services

Tri-Valley Developmental Services Facebook Page

Greenhouse at Tri-Valley Facebook Page

Area News

U.S. 69 survey to begin today, Aug. 31, in Crawford County

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Kansas Department of Transportation - Southeast District Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aug. 28, 2026

Contact: Ray Nolting | 620-902-6433

U.S. 69 survey to begin Aug. 31 in Crawford County

Beginning Monday, Aug. 31, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a survey on 11 miles of U.S. 69 in Crawford County to gather information necessary for the design of proposed intersection improvements.

The survey of U.S. 69 will look at multiple intersections on the corridor: East 510th Avenue, East 520th Avenue, East 530th Avenue, Centennial Drive, South Olive Street, K-126/Fourth Street, West 20th Street, Atkinson Road, the Frontenac corridor and East 610th Street.

Survey activities will include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the corridor. A member of the survey crew will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property.

KDOT expects this survey to be completed by early March 2027.

Ernie Cantu, Survey Project Manager for PEC, will oversee this survey. For questions, please contact KDOT Public Information Officer Ray Nolting at (620) 902-6433.

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

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