FSN TEENS ANNOUNCES 4TH ANNUAL TRIVIA NIGHT TO SUPPORT STUDENT MISSIONS AND CAMP EXPERIENCES
Fort Scott, KS — Fort Scott Nazarene Church’s student ministry, FSN Teens, is excited to host its 4th Annual Trivia Night on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 pm at 1728 Horton Rd., Fort Scott, KS 66701.
This fun-filled evening is open to everyone and designed to bring the community together for a great cause. Whether you’re a trivia pro or just in it for laughs and fellowship, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy friendly competition while supporting FSN Teens.
Participants can register as individuals or form teams of up to six people. Entry is $10 per person or $60 per full team. Trivia will be played in rounds throughout the night, with plenty of chances to show off your knowledge. Dinner will be available for purchase, and childcare will be provided with registration.
Proceeds from the event help send students to transformational experiences, including summer camps, mission trips, and the Nazarene Youth Conference — opportunities that foster growth in faith, community, and leadership.
Local businesses and supporters are encouraged to get involved by entering a team, sponsoring a round or the entire event, donating a silent auction basket, or helping promote the night in the community. If you are interested in sponsoring the event reach out to Andrea Bryant at [email protected].
Event Details at a Glance:
📅 Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
📍 Location: 1728 Horton Rd., Fort Scott, KS 66701
💵 Cost: $10/person or $60/team (up to 6)
📧 Contact:[email protected]
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to support the next generation of leaders — gather your squad, dust off your trivia skills, and join us for a night of fun and purpose!
Merle Humphrey Photography is located at 5 N. Main, Fort Scott.
Merl Humphrey retired from Farmer’s Insurance on December 31, 2025. But he is not retiring from this side gig, Merl Humphrey Photography, 5 N. Main, in Fort Scott’s Historic Downtown District.
In 1971, he started working for Farmer’s Insurance.
“I took over an agency of H.B. Marr,” he said. “John Lewis assumed part of the agency.”
He has been working as a photographer since 1992.
“I was friends with Mike Henry, and he asked if I’d like to do weddings with him. He taught me a lot.”
“I’ve taken courses and have a pretty good working knowledge of photography. When he left town, I put up a sign in the window and started getting a lot of calls to do photography. It’s been a good support business.”
“The photography business has always been appointment only,” he said. “I also do photo restoration services. Not on the original image, but I can make a representative of what they had before.”
“I like to make photos of people in formal attire and formal settings. Also lifestyle photography. I prefer shooting indoors…generational photos, high school seniors.”
“My dad, Edward Humphrey, was a family photographer in Hume, MO. He ran the grocery store in the 1950s and 60s. It was something he did. I got the bug being in the dark room with him. It was magic.”
Future Plans For The Building
He will be reconfiguring his storefront into two parts.
The north part, with a front counter, separate office, storage, and bathroom, will eventually be for rent for a business. The dimensions are approximately 40 by 18 feet.
“Several people have been interested,” Humphrey said.
The front office space is slated for completion by summer, he said.
The south part, as one walks in the front glass door, will lead to his photography business, which has another door on the east side of the building on Old Fort Blvd.
In addition, he is working on a project to renovate the second floor of the building into an accommodation rental.
“Possibly a vacation rental or a monthly rental,” he said. It has a timeline for completion of approximately 60 days.
The building was built in the late 1800s and has been a stable, restaurant, shoe store, antique shop, and dentist’s office, he said.
Humphey can be reached at 620.223.4150 or 620.224.6843 or
The Bourbon County Arts Council will present its 34th Annual Fine Arts Exhibit from March 5th through March 14th, at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, on the Campus of Fort Scott Community College.
The Arts Council will host the Chamber Coffee at 8:00am on Thursday March 5th, at the Ellis Center. The Exhibit will be open to the public beginning Thursday March 5th through Saturday March 14th: weekdays from 12:00pm to 7:00pm, and on Saturdays, from 9:00am to 1:00pm. The Opening Reception to honor this year’s Juror and artists will be held on Thursday the 5th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm; the public are invited to attend and enjoy the opportunity to meet and visit with them about the art.
Artists will have their work on display and for sale in this multi-media exhibit, in categories including Ceramics, Drawing & Graphics, Fiber Arts, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting, Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor. A “themed” category was added to the Exhibit, with this year’s theme being “Life Inspiring”. An artist may create a piece in any of the above categories, in relation to the theme. This year, artists from Kansas and Missouri, will participate in the Fine Art Exhibit, including local artists Kathy Allen, John Batrelsmeyer, Sally Brandon, Steve Floyd, Kate Freeman, Oriah Freeman, Lucy Gladbach, Leslie Godden, Sara Hannigan, Katie Hueston, Jodi Johnson, Bobbi Kemna, Andrea Latham, Katelynn McCoy, Jill Moler, Connie Neil, Kadra Nevitt, Eric Popp, Elisabeth Ross, Kaitlyn Walker, and Karen Wilterding.
Cash prizes awarded for category winners are given by the Bourbon County Arts Council in memory of E.C. Gordon, and by the generous sponsorship from these local businesses: Buerge Art Studio, Citizens Bank, City State Bank, Edward Jones-Jamie Armstrong , T.E. Freeman Studios, Front Door Realty-Crystal Mason and Diane Striler, H&H Realty, Landmark Bank, Lyons Realty, Mid-Continental Restoration, State Farm Insurance, Union State Bank, and Ward Kraft.
Al Letner will serve as Juror for this year’s exhibit. Mr. Letner is a 1976 graduate of Pittsburg State University with degrees in Art and History in Education. He has been an artist and educator both in Missouri and Kansas for more than 40 years. He has exhibited and won awards for his work for decades and has judged art competitions on both educational and professional levels. Mr. Letner continues to work in 2-D and 3-D at his studio near Pittsburg, Kansas.
The Bourbon County Arts Council encourages everyone to come and enjoy an exciting collection of original artwork! The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is located at 1208 Horton St., in Fort Scott, Kansas. There is no admission charge for this event.
Keaton Brown and his wife moved to Fort Scott to be closer to family when their twins arrived.
” We decided to start our own company, Dynamic Contracting, dedicated to hard work and quality, in hopes of having something to hand down to our three boys someday,” Brown said.
“I really love giving the customers exactly what they want. I believe that the customer should be put first—no run-arounds, total transparency, and fair pricing. Communication is key. We show up and do what we say we’re going to do the first time.”
His extended family includes his dad, Destry Brown, and grandparents, Donnie and Georgia Brown, of Fort Scott.
His business offers a variety of services.
“Custom homes, shops/bardos, remodeling, concrete, dirt work, foundation repair, and fencing,” he said. “I have 17 years of experience in various areas of construction, specializing in concrete, but not limited to just that skill, as in the last ten years I worked for a large commercial concrete company, working my way from carpenter/finisher to general superintendent overseeing up to 5 or 6 crews at a time.”
“I spent most of my college days working for a very skilled home builder while I studied construction management at Pittsburg State University,” he said.
In his spare time, he loves ” hunting and fishing, especially when I get to take Hudson, our five-year-old, and spending time with my family.”
For more information:
Facebook page: Dynamic Contracting or
phone number: 620. 687. 7342.
On behalf of the USD 234 School District, we would like to invite you to the 2026 Early Childhood Spring Fling. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, April 23rd from 5:00-6:30 PM at the Fort Scott Preschool Center. All children ages birth-six years old and their families are invited to attend.
For this event, we are asking family resource providers and community partners to bring an interactive activity for students and families. We will provide space and a table for your activity. During the event, you will also have an opportunity to visit with families and distribute flyers, handouts, giveaways, etc. Our goal is for children and families to interact, be active, and learn about the resources available in our community. If you are a preschool or childcare provider, please share the attached flyer with your families. We also welcome you to set up an activity and table for your program.
If you plan to attend our event, please complete the short form below by Friday, April 17th so we can have a table reserved for your organization. If you have questions, please let me know.
This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business to the community, network with other local entrepreneurs, and enjoy a day dedicated to empowerment and connection.
Lindsay Madison is the executive director of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. Submitted photo.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce staff have been working to provide educational, financial, and marketing opportunities for businesses.
Kansas Main Street
At the Feb. 20 Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet at the Courtland Hotel, President and CEO Lindsay Madison said that the City of Fort Scott passed a resolution to apply for Kansas Main Street. The Kansas Main Street Program is a self-help, technical assistance program that targets revitalization and preservation of downtown districts. Currently, Fort Scott is listed as an affiliate. She is waiting for the new Kansas Department of Commerce/Kansas Main Street training. This training is provided to equip participants with knowledge, skills, and strategies to effectively engage with decision-makers and drive meaningful change, according to information she passed out.
Legislators In Town at Chamber Coffee on Saturday
This Saturday, February 28, the Chamber is having a Capitol Update over coffee with Kansas legislators, which will be held at the Kansas Renewal Institute, at 401 Woodland Hills. It will be in the McAuley Center from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The public is invited.
Guests should enter through the main east doors; the meeting room is located down the hallway on the right. KRI will sponsor coffee and light refreshments provided by Common Ground Coffee Co. Tours of the KRI facility will be offered immediately following the event. according to a press release.
Kansas Senator Tim Shallenburger and State Representative Rick James are confirmed to attend. The legislators will provide an update on the current legislative session, share information about the committees on which they serve, and address questions and issues presented by attendees. Bryan Holt will serve as moderator for the event, according to the release.
Other items from the meet and greet meeting:
A Destination Creation course will be offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, April 13. This one-day course will help towns to work towards becoming a tourist destination. The cost is $50, including lunch. Contact the Chamber at 620.223.3566.
There are two upcoming business builder workshops: March 10 at 1.30 p.m. for creating a smarter social media strategy for small businesses, and March 31 at 1.30 p.m. for Google Business 101.
There is a Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks state-wide leadership training on March 7 at the River Room, with approximately 100-150 people attending.
The Fort Scott Community College Rodeo is March 13-15.
The 2026 Schedule of Events, a community guide, is almost complete. There will be 10,000 copies available for distribution.
The Fort Scott Downtown Clean-up will be in April or May, with Craig Campbell leading. The Elks have provided a grant for clean-up supplies for the event. Businesses are requested to send notices of clean-up needs to the Chamber.
Grants Available
An E-Community Grant is available at .networkkansas.com Grants are for $5,000 to $50,000 at 6% for 10 years.
Grow KS maximum grant for $100,000 at 4% for five years and 6% for 10 years.
There are technical assistance grants available for up to $1,000 to current loan participants.
The next Meet and Greet is Tuesday, May 5 from 8-9 a.m. at City State Bank.
This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business to the community, network with other local entrepreneurs, and enjoy a day dedicated to empowerment and connection.
Lindsay Madison, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Director, led the Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet on Feb.20. at the Courtland Hotel and Spa and told of changes happening in the historic district.
The former After Effect Beauty Salon, 14 E. Wall, will be a leather business in the future, she said.
Better in Bourbon Boutique on Main Street will be moving to the former H & H Insurance/Real Estate, 2 Old Fort Bvd. Rachel Pruitt is the owner. The timeline is uncertain at this point, Pruitt said.
Merle Humphrey has retired from his insurance business, but will still operate his photography business from the back of the store. He is also updating the second floor for another business project. The storefront will be available to rent.
Merle Humphrey’s storefront at 5 N. Main.
Barbara Trimbur, owner of the Iron Star Antiques and Such Store, closed and sold the store to new owners this month. This store is 3 N. Main, Fort Scott.
Barbara Trimbur recently sold the Iron Star Antiques and Such Store at 3 N. Main.Better in Bourbon is located at 13 N. Main.
The subject of “unhomed people” was discussed among the group.
“The city is meeting with the unhomed people,” Rachel Carpenter, Human Relations/Project Coordinator for the City of Fort Scott said. “They are moving out of the gazebo area.” The Heritage Park Gazebo is located at First and Main Street.
“The unhomed have been hanging laundry on a line, taking ownership of the spot,” Madison said.
Some clothing and food were left at the Heritage Park Gazebo in downtown Fort Scott on February 20.
John Hill, a meeting participant, noted that there is currently a “car blocked up on bricks” in the parking lot of the gazebo.”
A car with one wheel missing was parked at the Heritage Park parking lot at 1st and Main.
Carpenter said “It is a work in progress,” indicating that the city is working to resolve the issue.
Carpenter also said there is a prospective buyer of the former Fort Scott Barber Shop building, 118 E. Wall. The building has been vacant for an extended time.
The Fort Scott Barber Shop building, the tall red brick one, is empty in this 2024 photo.
The Moody Building at 2nd and Main Street has a person interested in purchasing it, she said. The building has been deteriorating for several years.
The Moody Building, 2nd and Main Street, Fort Scott.
Madison reminded the group that a Civil War Encampment is scheduled for April at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, at the north end of Main Street.
The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site has a flag pole subscription as a fundraiser currently. They will set up a flag at your site on special occasions during the year. To learn more about the event, here is a prior announcement: Civil War Encampment April 27-28 at FSNHS
Carpenter said the World Cup soccer matches will be in Kansas City in June and July (six matches) this year, and http://VisitKC.com is doing all the marketing for the Kansas City region. Fort Scott Tourism is making plans for visitors to come by bus for a day trip. The event is listed on TripAdvisor, she said.
The Fort Scott Dragoons Baseball Team, a new collegiate summer team in the Mid-America League, will have its first season at the LaRoche Baseball Stadium this year. Volunteer hosts are needed for the men.
Dragoons Baseball from Facebook.
Christmas on the Bricks, the winter festival in Fort Scott has monthly meetings with local organizer, Diane Striler, leading.
“We need more people to help,” she told the attendees. “Put and take down” some of the temporary buildings for the event. We are hoping to add next year that clubs will help with the skating rink staffing and get a percentage of the profits. Maybe we could start having the rink open from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day.”https://fortscott.com/christmas-on-the-bricks
The Glide is a synthetic ice skating rink that is located at the Gathering Pavilion on North National Avenue in the 2024 photo.
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, Wall and Main Street, is bringing a large dinosaur exhibition celebrating a paleontologist in the near future.
The Artificers Art Gallery is having a textile show through the end of March at the shop on North National Avenue.
The Courtland Hotel Dining Room was the location of the Downtown Meet and Greet on Feb. 20
The hotel owners, Frank and Cheryl Adamson, purchased the historic property at 121 E. First Street in 2004. He said many people who stay at their hotel “praise what’s going on in our downtown.”
People have been purchasing historic buildings and renovating them into new businesses.
“Many people don’t realize the diversity of restaurants the downtown has to offer,” Frank Adamson said. The attendees tallied the total of restaurants to be 11 in the downtown district.
Fort Scott High School Performs Clue (H.S. Edition)
Fort Scott High School performs the play Clue (H.S. Edition) at 7 p.m. on March 5-7 in the FSHS Auditorium.
“It’s a dark and stormy night, and we’ve been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well, dead. So whodunit? Join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep the audience guessing until the final twist,” according to Concord Theatricals.
The show features seniors Levi Fairchild as Wadsworth the butler, Sypher Cannon as Mrs. White, and Grace Walker as Miss Scarlet; juniors Landon Hill as Professor Plum and Ava Johnson as Mrs. Peacock; and sophomores Theodore Bowman as Mr. Green, Gianna Gorman as Yvette the maid, and Tray Maloun as Colonel Mustard.
Clue is adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn and written by Sandy Rustin, with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price. Parental guidance is suggested as the play includes simulated use of weapons and smoking.
Tickets are reserved seating and are $8 for adults and $6 for youth. Tickets are available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.
Clue (H.S. Edition) is directed by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with Mesa Jones as Assistant Director and Jericho Jones as Sound Designer.
Barbara Trimbur is a “hunter and gatherer” at heart, she said.
In 1996 she started a flea market vendor booth at this building. She began renting more booths and gathering items to sell. Eventually, she “took over the back room” of the flea market,” she said.
“Yvonne Beck owned the store and I mentioned that if she ever got tired of doing this, I was interested,” Trimbur said. That was in November 2003.
“The first year Cindy Bowman (another vendor) and I did an open house around the holidays,” she said.
The store next door, Corner of Time, became available to rent when Cathy Reed and her husband left. She started expanding and moved into that store.
In 2014, the building owner, Steve McGinnis, was interested in selling the store, so Trimbur purchased the whole building at 3 North Main Street in Fort Scott’s Historic Downtown District.
The store, The Iron Star Antiques and Such, was an anchor in the downtown for these decades.
On February 13, 2026 she closed her doors.
A young couple has purchased the building and her inventory.
“I just had to move out a few things,” she said.
“It’s been a very emotional transaction for me,” she said. “I had no idea how people really felt about us.”
“The store was a place where people could decompress. We tried to treat everybody with respect, whether they spent $5 or $500.”
Trimbur had two consigners at the store, people who brought items in to be sold: Karen Mix and Cathy Thomas.
The challenge through the years has been “to win over ‘Where are we going to put that?’ But, some of the grumpy men became our best friends.” Many customers became friends over the years, she said.
The best part of the job was helping people create a warm space
“The building needed to be taken over by somebody younger with visions for it,” she said. “It’s time to let go. Maybe I’ll do a little traveling.”
“I’ll have a booth here and there and continue hunting and gathering antiques and decor things that bring joy.”
Trimbur would like to thank Fort Scott and the surrounding area for “Making us feel so appreciated. We had about 1/3 of our customers that came from Nevada (MO) and Pittsburg. We are lucky to have such a pretty downtown.”
The Iron Star, north Main, September 2018.A view of the interior of The Iron Star, 3 N. Main in 2019.
