Category Archives: Entertainment

Jumpy Jump Land Expands to Fort Scott-Opens August 15

Jumpy Jump Land, the Wichita area’s top indoor bounce-house party spot, is excited to announce the grand opening of its fifth location in Fort Scott on August 15. Known for its vibrant, safe, and energetic indoor play spaces filled with colorful obstacle courses, tall slides, and multiple bounce houses, Jumpy Jump Land has quickly become a beloved destination for families seeking unforgettable fun.

Founded in 2015 in Andover, Kansas, Jumpy Jump Land has grown to serve communities in Andover, Bel Aire, Haysville, and El Dorado, with Fort Scott marking the latest expansion. Owned and operated by JUMPY JUMP LAND, LLC, the brand is dedicated to providing a clean, safe, and stress-free environment where families can jump, play, and celebrate milestones – from birthdays and reunions to corporate events.

Fort Scott Grand Opening Weekend Details:

Dates: August 15–17
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM daily
Location: 2229 S Main St, Fort Scott, KS (inside the Jake’s Fireworks building)

The grand opening weekend will feature FREE Open Jump sessions, exciting games, and fantastic prizes for attendees. Families are invited to drop in, explore the colorful play zones, and join the
festivities. Parties and celebrations can now be booked at jumpyjumpland.com, offering a convenient, fun- filled venue for hosts who want to relax while their kids enjoy hours of energetic play.
For more information, visit jumpyjumpland.com or contact:
Jessica Benford
620.231.2264 ext 11197
[email protected]

Get Ready To Jump Fort Scott

This sign has been taken down, as the three needed employees have been hired.

The former Walgreens store at 23rd and South Main Street will soon be filled with lots of excited kids.

Submitted photo.

Jumpy Jumpland is coming to Fort Scott in that building.

Their opening weekend is August 15-17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The grand opening weekend is free to public for a preview of what the business has to offer, said Heather Sims, district manager.

“We have indoor inflatables, fun for the whole family,” Sims said.

Submitted photo.

In addition to the many inflatables, they have a snack bar.

“We do birthday parties and Open Jumps, where anyone can come and play for $7 for as long as Open Jump is open.”

There are two choices for birthday parties: deluxe for $200, which has a one-hour jump time and then 45 minutes in the party area;  and supreme at $240, which has 1.5 hours of playtime and 45 minutes in the party area.

They can bring outside food and beverages, but no party supplies can be brought into Open Jump.

Submitted photo.

Currently, there are three employees, she said. “Two people per shift. We want eyes on the bounce floor at all times.”

Their hours of operation: Fridays are Open Jump from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon are available party times, then from noon to 2 is Open Jump, followed by times for parties. The last party of the day starts at 7:30 p.m.

“We chose Fort Scott because it doesn’t have a lot for kids to do,” she said. “We wanted to bring something to them.”

Jumpy Jumpland rents the building from Jake’s Fireworks. Starting the first weekend in June, they will move out and then move back in on the first weekend in August, she said. Jake’s Fireworks’ high sales season is June through August.

“Join us for Open Jump, games, and awesome prizes – we can’t wait to see you there!” said Jessica Benford, marketing director for the To book parties and celebrations, email at jumpyjumpland.com

Their address is 2229 S. Main Street, inside the Jake’s Fireworks building.

About Jumpy Jump Land

Who We Are
Jumpy Jump Land is the premier bounce-house party destination in the Wichita area, offering vibrant indoor play spaces filled with colorful obstacle courses, tall slides, and multiple bounce houses. We host both private parties by reservation and Open Jump sessions where families can drop in and play.

Where We Started
We opened our first location in Andover, Kansas, in 2015. Since then, Jumpy Jump Land has grown into a local favorite and expanded to five locations: Andover, Bel Aire, Haysville, El Dorado – and now, Fort Scott, opening August 15!

Who Owns It
Jumpy Jump Land is owned and operated as a Kansas limited liability company: JUMPY JUMP LAND, LLC.

Why We Do What We Do
Our mission is to create unforgettable moments for kids and families through safe, clean, and energetic indoor fun. We’re passionate about providing a stress-free venue where hosts can truly enjoy birthdays, reunions, corporate events, and more – while kids jump, play, and burn off energy.


 

50 Years in the Community: Buck Run Community Center

Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

The Buck Run Community Center came into being after the YMCA building was torn down in 1974. The “Y” had served the Fort Scott community for almost seven decades since it was built in 1907.

Members of the board of the Fort Scott YMCA, in a photo dated 1975. The photo is taken from a program booklet, authored by Pat Henry. The members of this board who also served on the original Neighborhood Facility, which was opened in 1975: are front row, from left Les Hinkley; Harry Fisher, second from right; and Curt Shankel, right.  Second row from left, second person is Albert Hill, to his right is Jack Eshelbrenner. Gloria Key and Beth King are not in this picture.

In 1975, the Neighborhood Center, which was its original name of Buck Run Community Center,  was built at 735 Scott Avenue.

Serving on the first board were Jack Eshelbrenner, Harry Fisher, Albert Hill, Les Hinkley, Gloria Key, and Beth King.

From the dedication program booklet for the new Neighborhood Center, 1975.

Buck Run Community Center celebrates 50 years in Fort Scott this year.

The Center is located east of the Fort Scott swimming pool, and can be seen by passers-by from Hwy. 69.

It continues today to serve the community with recreation programs for all ages and, during winter months, acts as a warming station for those who need it.

Through the years, the original bandshell was transformed into a stage in the Corey Larson Gymnasium. There is a fitness center, another gym, a racquetball court, a kitchen, a lounge, some general-purpose rooms, storage areas, and an office.

In the Corey Larson Gym, there is a stage available and a small adjacent kitchen.

Beth King Nuss was the first director in 1975.

“It’s a pivotal place in the community…as a meeting place for people and organizations,” Nuss said.

Lucas Kelley, the current director of Buck Run Community Center, said, “The Center provides a safe place for families, groups to come together and make memories. Just about every weekend, there is a birthday celebration, wedding or baby shower, family reunion, or funeral dinner.  There are also skate parties, where for $20 you can rent skates for your group and rent the gym for $40 for three hours, if a kid is having a birthday.”

Here is what is offered to the community: handicap-accessible services, with a full-sized basketball court and two regulation volleyball courts. The structure also has a tumbling/gymnastics and aerobics room upstairs, as well as a weight room and fitness center. Picklball and racquetball are also played there, according to its website. There is another pickleball outdoor court at 9th and Burke Street, by the water tower.

Buck Run Community Center is having a Back to School Bash with free backpack giveaways on Saturday, August 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To learn more about the Buck Run Community Center’s current programs/activities:

Backpack Giveaways At BRCC Back to School Bash on August 9

A relatively new sport is pickleball. In this photo, pickleball players enjoy the game indoors in July 2025 at Buck Run Community Center’s gym.

 

 

Traditions Continue At the 120th Old Settlers Picnic Aug. 29-Sept.1

The 120th Old Settlers Picnic in Uniontown has traditionally been a day for the community to view a parade and enjoy a community picnic, with fun activities for all ages throughout the whole weekend.
A street dance, 5K Run/Walk,  fishing derby, co-ed ranch rodeo, community church service, bingo, family fun night, youth rodeo, food and craft vendors, car show, baby contest, a children’s parade separate from the bigger parade, and drawings for the raffles and bicycles will make up the weekend’s festivities.
The theme this year is Remembering the Past, Planning the Future.
Aligning with the theme, not only the recognition of the Old Settlers, but “recognizing the future generation throughout the Monday activities, including the youngest attendee,” said Mike Ramsey, planning committee vice president.
The parade grand marshals are the family of Bill and Doris George.
This year, the West Bourbon Elementary School will be the new location for the Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show.
“We’ve brought back the baby contest,” Ramsey said. “Registration at 9 a.m. with the contest at 9:30 a.m.” The location is at the gazebo in Uniontown’s City Park.
” We’ve brought back the kids’ races on Monday at 1 p.m. on the streets” surrounding the downtown park, he said.
Girls race in a contest during a prior Old Settler’s Picnic.
“Personally, I’m excited about having Dustin Treiber playing for the Street Dance Friday night.” On August 29, there will be a street dance with a food truck available for refreshments.
The planning committee is comprised of Rhonda Dewitt, president; Ramsey, vice president; Mary Pillion, treasurer; and Carissa Jones, secretary.

 

The Uniontown High School Class of 1959 wait to board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade on Labor Day, 2019.

FS Free First Friday Concert Aug. 1 at 7 p.m.

FREE CONCERT!

The City of Fort Scott invites you to enjoy their First Fridays Free Concert Event featuring

Los Swamp Monsters.

Friday

August 1st, 2025

7 pm

Gathering Square Pavilion

(next to the Splash Pad)

Click HERE for the City of Fort Scott webpage!

Click HERE for the City of Fort Scott Facebook page!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members..

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Waypoint Coins Hide and Seek is August 2

Hide & Seek Event!

Mark your calendars for the

Waypoint Coins Hide & Seek Event, in the heart of downtown Fort Scott!  Get ready to embark on a modern-day treasure hunt that’s perfect for adventurers of all ages.

August 2nd, 2025

9am

7 S. National Ave.

(Waypoint HQ)

What to Expect:

Hidden coins to discover around town

Giveaways and surprise prizes

A chance to earn a Team Waypoint Coin (rare & exclusive!)

Fun for all ages

Get Ready Before the Hunt

Download the free Waypoint Coins app to track your finds, earn points, and join the community. Get familiar with it ahead of time so you’re ready to go!

Click HERE to download the app!

Waypoint coins can also be customized for business

branding, personal gifts, and community events designed to tell your story!

Click HERE to learn more about Waypoint Coins!

Click HERE for Waypoint Coin’s official Facebook page!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members..

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Southeast Kansas Library System July 2025 Newsletter: New Book Selections

The SEKnFind Newsletter
July 2025

We hope you enjoy this newsletter sent as a courtesy to adult patrons of a southeast Kansas library using the SEKnFind catalog.
This selection of titles are NEW at a SEKnFind library and available for a hold.
Need assistance? Your local librarian can show you how!
Happy Reading!

New Fiction

A summer for the books
by Michelle Lindo-Rice

“Jewel Stone has it all–the perfect marriage, a bestselling author career, her dream home–or so she likes everyone to believe. But between her writer’s block and her husband losing his job, her picture-perfect life is in shambles…until she receives acall she never expected: her former best friend needs her help. When Shelby Andrews wakes up in the hospital after a biking accident, she can’t remember the last twelve years…There’s only one person who can help Shelby through this–her bestie, Jewel. With so many secrets and heartbreaks between them, Jewel and Shelby haven’t spoken in years. Yet Jewel can’t turn away from the friend who doesn’t remember their fallout. Besides, the best writing she’s ever done was with Shelby”

Sunburned : a novel
by Katherine Wood

When a washed-up foot ties Audrey Collet and her eccentric billionaire ex Tyson to a buried past, she’s pulled into a high-stakes investigation on his St. Barth’s estate, where blackmail, betrayal, and a deadly birthday dive reveal a killer among their secret-laden inner circle

The fourth girl : a novel
by Wendy Corsi Staub

On the 25th anniversary of Caroline Winterfield’s disappearance, her three former best friends reunite at the now-restored Haven Cliff mansion, where a new murder forces them to confront buried secrets, shattered friendships, and the possibility that Caroline might still be alive. Original.

The Poppy Fields : a novel
by Nikki Erlick

“Welcome to the Poppy Fields, where there’s hope for even the most battered hearts to heal. Here, in a remote stretch of the California desert, lies an experimental and controversial treatment center that allows those suffering from the heartache of lossto sleep through their pain… and keep on sleeping. After patients awaken from this prolonged state of slumber, they will finally be healed. But only if they’re willing to accept the potential shadowy side effects. On a journey to this mystical destination are four very different strangers and one little dog: Ava, a book illustrator; Ray, a fireman; Sasha, an occupational therapist; Sky, a free spirit; and a friendly pup named PJ. As they attempt to make their way from the Midwest all the way to the Poppy Fields–where they hope to find Ellis, its brilliant, enigmatic founder–each of their past secrets and mysterious motivations threaten to derail their voyage”

The lost book of first loves
by RaeAnne Thayne

From a New York Times best-selling author comes a brand-new story about two women, a family secret and a lost manuscript that changes everything.

How freaking romantic : a novel
by Emily Harding

“A romantic comedy about a soon-to-be lawyer who doesn’t believe in marriage, her new colleague who makes his living off divorce, and the worst case of all: falling in love”

How to survive a horror story : a novel
by Mallory Arnold

“When legendary horror author Mortimer Queen passes, a group of authors find themselves invited to the last will and testament reading, expecting a piece of his massive fortune for themselves. Each have their own unique connection to the literary icon, some known, some soon to be discovered, and they’ve been waiting for their chance to step into the great author’s shoes for some time. They enter the manor and wait for their prize. Instead, they are invited to play a game. The rules are simple, solve the riddle and progress to the next room. If you don’t, someone dies. Because each of these authors has something to hide, and Mortimer, even from the grave, always delivers the best story. Only this time, his manor will help. You see, the Queen estate was built on the bones of the family, and the house is still very, very hungry.”

The Devils
by Joe Abercrombie

Brother Diaz has been summoned to the Sacred City, where he is certain a commendation and grand holy assignment awaits him. But his new flock is made up of unrepentant murderers, practitioners of ghastly magic, and outright monsters. The mission he is tasked with will require bloody measures from them all in order to achieve its righteous ends. Elves lurk at our borders and hunger for our flesh, while greedy princes care for nothing but their own ambitions and comfort. With a hellish journey before him, it’s a good thing Brother Diaz has the devils on his side.

A Rebel’s History of Mars
by Nadia Afifi

Kezza, an aerialist in the Martian circus, can never return to Earth – but she can assassinate the man she blames for her grim life on the red planet. Her murderous plans take an unexpected turn, however, when she uncovers a sinister secret. A thousand years into the future, Azad lives a safe but controlled life on the beautiful desert planet of Nabatea. His world is upended when he joins a crew of space-traveling historians seeking to learn the true reason that their ancestors left Mars. Separated by time and space, Kezza and Azad’s stories collide in the Martian desert.

Lloyd McNeil’s last ride : a novel
by Will Leitch

“From the award-winning author of How Lucky and The Time Has Come, this heartfelt and humorous novel follows an Atlanta police officer who learns he has months to live and determines to get killed in the line of duty to provide for his son . . . but keeps failing in unexpected ways. Lloyd McNeil has served as an officer with the Atlanta Police Department for 20 years while being a devoted father to his teenage son. But then he learns the worst possible news: He has learned he has an inoperable brain tumor, and he has only months left to live. Lloyd begins throwing himself into a series of increasingly dangerous situations, but things don’t go according to plan. Instead of dying, he becomes a civic hero. Meanwhile, a malevolent force from his past shadows Lloyd as he tries to get his affairs in order, teach his son the lessons he needs to be a good person, and to say goodbye. Told in Lloyd’s wistful but wonderfully comedic voice, Untitled is a masterful blend of suspense, humor, and compassion. It is a novel about what we leave behind and what we learn along the way, a bighearted story that brings into focus the depths of a father’s love for his son”

So far gone : a novel
by Jess Walter

“From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Beautiful Ruins comes a lively, smart, and deliciously funny new novel in the vein of True Grit, about a reclusive journalist who is suddenly thrown into a wild, suspenseful journey to rescue his kidnapped grandchildren”

Return to sender
by Craig Johnson

“Walt Longmire is back after the escapades of First Frost, and encounters one of his most baffling cases. The Sheriff of Absaroka confronts a cabal of devious outlaws who are hell bent on getting what they want, even though they have to bend and break the law. Walt is stretched to his physical limits to try to stop them, and has to answer the question of just how far he will go to stop these outlaws. Fans of the series will love seeing Walt put into this almost impossible situation, and new fans will fall for the venerable Sheriff as he ties to uphold the law and his own values in this high-stakes mystery from the master of the Western crime novel”

New Audiobooks

The river is waiting : a novel
by Wally Lamb

“From the New York Times bestselling author of Oprah Bookclub Picks I Know This Much Is True and She’s Come Undone comes the heart wrenching story of a young father who, after an unbearable tragedy, reckons with the possibility of atonement for the unforgivable”

Never flinch : a novel
by Stephen King

“When the Buckeye City Police Department receives a disturbing letter from a person threatening to “kill thirteen innocents and one guilty” in “an act of atonement for the needless death of an innocent man,” Detective Izzy Jaynes has no idea what to think. Are fourteen citizens about to be slaughtered in an unhinged act of retribution? As the investigation unfolds, Izzy realizes that the letter writer is deadly serious, and she turns to her friend Holly Gibney for help. Meanwhile, controversial and outspoken women’s rights activist Kate McKay is embarking on a multi-state lecture tour, drawing packed venues of both fans and detractors. Someone who vehemently opposes Kate’s message of female empowerment is targeting her and disrupting her events. At first, no one is hurt, but the stalker is growing bolder, and Holly is hired to be Kate’s bodyguard-a challenging task with a headstrong employer and a determined adversary driven by wrath and his belief in his own righteousness.”

Don’t Let Him In
by Lisa Jewell

Nick Radcliffe is a man of substance and good taste. He has a smile that could melt the coldest heart and a knack for putting others at ease. He’s just what Nina Swann needed in her life after her husband’s unexpected death. But to Nina’s adult daughter, Ash, Nick seems too slick, too polished, too good to be true. Without telling her mother, Ash begins digging into Nick’s past. What she finds is more than unsettling. Martha is a florist living in a neighboring town with her infant daughter and her devoted husband Alistair. But lately, Alistair has been traveling more and more frequently for work, disappearing for days at a time. When Martha questions him about his frequent absences, he always has a legitimate explanation, but Martha can’t share the feeling that something isn’t right. Nina, Martha, and Ash are on a collision course with a shocking truth that is far darker than anyone could have imagined.

New Nonfiction

The CIA book club : the secret mission to win the Cold War with forbidden literature
by Charlie English

“Recounts a covert Cold War operation led by George Minden to smuggle banned literature into Eastern Europe, focusing on the cultural and psychological battle against Soviet censorship and the role underground reading networks played in weakening totalitarian control, especially in Poland”

Fired up : how to turn your spark into a flame and come alive at any age
by Shannon Watts

“From the founder of Moms Demand Action, a guide to harnessing your potential, living without fear, and coming alive at any age”

The carpool detectives / : Four Moms, Two Bodies, One Mysterious Cold Case
by Chuck Hogan

“In 2020, four women found themselves at a crossroads: Each of them had transitioned from full-time jobs to full-time parenting, and each was pushing against the new boundaries of her life as the pandemic looms. At a bowling night fundraiser for their kids’ school, they discover they all share a passion for true crime that crystalizes around a mysterious double homicide that took place a decade earlier. A married couple in their 60s vanished overnight from their home. A few days later, the family business was shuttered, and the bank financing it sued the missing couple for one million dollars. They were rumored to have absconded with the money until their bodies were discovered inside their car at the bottom of a steep ravine. And then the case went cold. But what if, the moms think, they could solve it?”– Provided by publisher

Mailman : my wild ride delivering the mail in Appalachia and finally finding home
by Stephen Starring Grant

This is an exuberant, hilarious, and profound memoir by a mailman in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, who found that the post office saved his life, taught him who he was, gave him purpose, and educated him deeply about a country he loves but had lost touch with.

The headache : the science of a most confounding affliction — and a search for relief
by Tom Zeller

“Veteran science journalist Tom Zeller Jr. takes readers on an odyssey both intimate and panoramic, through his own decades-long struggle with cluster headaches and across the scientific landscape of a group of disorders that is-to the chagrin of sufferers-as much a curse as a cultural punchline. He visits cutting-edge clinics; interviews dozens of doctors, neurologists, and fellow headache patients; participates in clinical trials for multi-million-dollar new medicines; and even experiments with psilocybin in search of relief. Along the way, Zeller traces the longer arc of mystery around headaches, from prehistoric skull surgery to Virginia Woolf’s assertion that, in the throes of a migraine, “language runs dry,” to reveal how headaches became one of the most under-researched afflictions in medicine-and how that is slowly starting to change. With warmth, wit, and infectious curiosity, Zeller’s search for the origins of his own headaches becomes a journey into the inner workings of the human nervous system, and an illuminating look at the nature of pain itself”

ArnieTex : over 100 recipes for Mexican-American cooking and Texas-style BBQ
by Arnie Segovia

“Arnie Segovia is a Texas guy with Mexican roots, and his cooking is a blend of Texas and Mexican cuisines in the comdia casera (comfort food) and carne asada (Mexican grilling) styles. His creations are a traditional blend of Southwest, Texas, and Norteäno cooking techniques, both in the kitchen and over open fire. For authentic Mexican cooking combined with a little bit of Texas and open-fire barbecue, look no further than ArnieTex!”

The book of home how-to : complete photo guide to home repair + improvement
by Cool Springs Press

“This updated 3rd edition, the ultimate reference for maintaining any type of home, from a small apartment to a mega mansion, is now completely up to code–featuring code updates and current best practices for all electrical, plumbing, and deck-related concerns. This A-to-Z encyclopedia offers precise how-to instructions and clear photos on every page. With an expanded index that is incredibly intuitive and a simple, alphabetical strategy for organizing the information, you won’t spend precious time wading through stuff you don’t need to know”

A marriage at sea : obsession, shipwreck, and other catastrophes
by Sophie Elmhirst

“The electrifying true story of a young couple shipwrecked at sea: a mind-blowing tale of obsession, survival, and partnership stretched to its limits. Maurice and Maralyn make an odd couple. He’s a loner, awkward and obsessive; she’s charismatic and ambitious. But they share a horror of wasting their lives. And they dream – as we all dream – of running away from it all. What if they quit their jobs, sold their house, bought a boat, and sailed away? Most of us begin and end with the daydream. But Maurice began to study nautical navigation. Maralyn made detailed lists of provisions. And in June 1972, they set sail. For nearly a year all went well, until deep in the Pacific, a breaching whale knocked a hole in their boat and it sank beneath the waves. What ensues is a jaw-dropping fight to survive on the wild ocean, with little hope of rescue. Alone together for months in a tiny rubber raft, starving and exhausted, Maurice and Maralyn have to find not only ways to stay alive but ways to get along, as their inner demons emerge and their marriage is put to the greatest of tests. Although they could run away from the world, they can’t run away from themselves.”

The ride : Paul Revere and the night that saved America
by Kostya Kennedy

Reexamines the famous midnight ride, revealing it as a complex, collaborative effort involving multiple riders and several near-disasters, while exploring its pivotal role in the early stages of the American Revolution through fresh archival research and overlooked historical accounts. Maps.

Lincoln’s lady spymaster : the untold story of the abolitionist Southern belle who helped win the Civil War
by Gerri Willis

“A historical account of wealthy Southern belle Elizabeth Van Lew, whose espionage for Abraham Lincoln and the Union helped win the Civil War”– Provided by publisher

Even more reading suggestions

NextReads Sneak Peek
Looking for something else to read? Try NextReads!
Newsletters are divided into genres and topics. Get recommendations tailored to your interests sent directly to your inbox.
If we don’t yet own a suggested title, make a purchase suggestion or ask your library about interlibrary loan. Here’s a sneak peek of titles from the latest issue:
Fantasy & Science Fiction

More Newsletters…

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Southeast Kansas Library System
218 E. Madison Ave.
Iola, Kansas 66749
620-365-5136sekls.org

Miniature Golf Project Organizers Are Surveying Options

Photo from Wikipedia.

Justin Miles and Josh Jones have been working on a miniature golf course project for the community to enjoy.

“It’s an idea that has been lingering for a little over a year, and we have been hard at work for about the last eight months ironing out the logistics of everything,” Miles said.
Recent Facebook debates over the location are prompting a rethink of several options that will work.

“Since Facebook has a way of muddying the water and stirring up confusion, we wanted to take a moment to clear the air about the mini golf project,” he said.

“First and foremost: this is a privately owned business, not a city project. We’ve been working behind the scenes on something we believe could bring fresh foot traffic, tourism, and life downtown. Because of the positive economic impact we hoped to create, we felt it was fair to ask the city for a little support, not ownership, just support.”

“This is not a get-rich scheme. This is a passion project. One we’ve poured time and heart into because we love this town and wanted to bring something new and fun to it,” Miles said.

The parking lot that was looked at was across from Sharky’s Pub and Grub on North National Avenue.

“It was presented to us—we didn’t go after it blindly. It’s a public city-owned lot, not owned by any one private business. After getting some initial thumbs-up from a handful of downtown business owners and neighbors, we decided to bring it to the  Fort Scott City Commission to test the waters and get their input.”

“That (recent) commission meeting was the public communication step. It was the beginning of the conversation, and we hoped a public hearing would allow everyone to share thoughts and be part of the process. But instead of discussion, we got a Facebook frenzy.”

“To be clear, we never intended to take over the entire lot. In fact, plans included Wall Street adjustments to add new parking, and we hoped to use only about 50% of the lot, leaving 15–20 public spots.”

“But at this point, if it even needs to be said: We will not be moving forward with that location. We’re disappointed, sure—this wasn’t the welcome we hoped for. But we hear you.”

“We’re now going back to the drawing board, exploring new options, and reevaluating the overall feasibility of the project.”

“We truly appreciate everyone who has supported this idea and shared constructive feedback. Thank you for being part of the conversation—even if it came a little louder and messier than expected,” Miles said.

“We are surveying possible options and what will work best for us moving forward.”

Waypoint Coins Hide and Seek Event Is August 2

Hide & Seek Event!

Mark your calendars for the

Waypoint Coins Hide & Seek Event, in the heart of downtown Fort Scott!  Get ready to embark on a modern-day treasure hunt that’s perfect for adventurers of all ages.

August 2nd, 2025

9am

7 S. National Ave.

(Waypoint HQ)

What to Expect:

Hidden coins to discover around town

Giveaways and surprise prizes

A chance to earn a Team Waypoint Coin (rare & exclusive!)

Fun for all ages

Get Ready Before the Hunt

Download the free Waypoint Coins app to track your finds, earn points, and join the community. Get familiar with it ahead of time so you’re ready to go!

Click HERE to download the app!

Waypoint coins can also be customized for business

branding, personal gifts, and community events designed to tell your story!

Click HERE to learn more about Waypoint Coins!

Click HERE for Waypoint Coin’s official Facebook page!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members..

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US

Today at the Bourbon County Fair

Today, July 15,  at the Bourbon County Fair:
The Uniontown 4H Club will be selling items at the Chuckwagon in the Cloverleaf Event Center starting at this morning.

This is a fundraiser for their club this year.

The Rabbit Judging will begin at 8 am in the Rabbit/Poultry Barn followed by Poultry Judging at 10 am.

The Myers Building is closed until 12 pm for Open Class Judging.

At 12 pm the FCE (Food and Community Education) will be auctioning the Open Class Food entries to raise funds for the scholarships they provide to area students.

The Sheep Show will begin at 5 pm followed by the Meat Goat Show at approximately 6:15 pm.

The Merchant’s Building is Businesses only this year and opens at 5 pm.

Vendors include:
Miller’s Feed and Farm
Sally Kraft
T-Mobile
Flying P
Pretty Notations
Baked by Dylan
Mary Kay – Lauren Wagner
Twig and Berries Cotton Candy
Fizz Factory – Non-alcoholic Dirt Sprites
Uppa Creek Honey
2 Ashley’s Just Crafting Around
Riggs Chiropractic
Leaf Guard
Champion Bath
Kitty’s Kreations
Kaitlyn’ Comely Creations
Seams Sew Nice

Remember to get your Chicken Annie’s ticket by Tuesday, July 15th from the Fort Scott FFA Officers or Aikins Insurance, to support the Fort Scott FFA. Then stay and play some Cornhole supporting the Uniontown FFA.