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Category Archives: Fort Scott
Collapse Of West Wall of Holmtown Caused An Electrical Fire
The west wall of Holmtown Pub, 206 North National Avenue, Fort Scott, collapsed on Feb. 13 and that event caused an electrical fire.
“To be clear, there was no major fire on the property,” said Fort Scott Fire Department Deputy Chief Mike Miles. “As you can see from the pictures shown on our Facebook page, it was an electrical fire caused by the collapse. The building’s far west wall of the two-story structure failed and collapsed. When that happened, it sheared off the entire electrical panel to the building, leaving behind the incoming electric lines. Those began arcing and caused the wiring to catch fire. So it was not a fire that caused the collapse, or was there a major fire”.
It is unknown why the wall collapsed, Miles said.
“Occupants of the building said there was flickering of lights, then a full loss of power, so they went to investigate. They found that the entire wall had collapsed, and they called 911.”
“When I arrived on scene, the building had no electricity and I advised all occupants to exit the building. I investigated the area of collapse and found the fire beginning in the collapse area. Fire crews arrived on scene, and we were able to extinguish the fire with an extinguisher off the truck.”
“Crews taped off the area and determined the building was unsafe due to the structural integrity and the electrical system being severely damaged. We contacted Evergy and Kansas Gas to disconnect services from the building.”
“Fort Scott Fire was the only responding unit. The Fort Scott Police Department did respond for traffic control.”
“It (the damage) is severe, and the extent of it would need to be determined by a structural engineer and insurance,” Miles said.
From The Owner Team
“The wall on the northwest section of the building collapsed, causing a small electrical fire,” said co-owner James Wood.
” Patrons and team members were in the building at the time for our normal operations. The damage was not anywhere near our operations area, and thankfully, no one was injured.”
“We don’t believe it will be a total loss. We are working with insurance to determine coverage and plan for securing the remaining building and hopefully repairs,” Wood said.
The business has been at 206 N. National Ave. for 19 years.
The ownership team is Charles and Kristy Holmes, and James and Kristal Wood.
The short-term plans are to secure the building and work on a plan, with hopes of reopening as soon as possible, he said.
Capitol Update Over Coffee Saturday Feb. 28 at KRI
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Ft. Scott Stamp Club Meets March 14
Presbyterian Church Hosts Chamber Coffee on Feb. 19
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Downtown Meet and Greet on February 20
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New Auto Repair Business Opens in Fort Scott
Noah Terry and Dakota Rusk are the owners of a new car maintenance business.
G3 Auto Repair, is located at 1131 227th, Fort Scott, on the east side of town by the Fort Scott Middle School.
Terry and Rusk perform simple auto maintenance to major overhauls “and everything in-between,” said Terry.
“We also do tires, we can even balance them, and we offer detailing services.”
(620) 240- 9343
The business will have a grand opening on February 28, 2026. They are currenlty accepting job inquiries now, Terry said.
Dakota Rusk is the technician and has experience from working at Briggs Auto. Terry is the CEO, he said.
Why start an auto repair business?
“The reasons are twofold,” Terry said. “We want to first and foremost honor God with our work. We devote all things to Him, and our business is a part of that.”
“Secondly, we see this as an opportunity to serve our community; we want to offer a professional service to Fort Scott. We want to build up the place we call home, and providing excellent and honest service is one of many ways we can contribute to that mission.”
Terry said their goals are simple:
“Over communicate. Under promise.
and over deliver.”
To learn more: 620.240.9343 or
Feb. 17 City Commission Agenda Summary
City Commission Meeting Agenda – February 17, 2026
Meeting Overview
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Date: February 17, 2026
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Time: 6:00 PM
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Location: City Hall Commission Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS
Agenda Outline
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Call to Order (Page 1)
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Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation (Page 1)
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Approval of Agenda (Page 1)
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Consent Agenda (Page 1)
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Appropriation Ordinance 1402-A ($363,090.91)
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Approval of February 3, 2026 Minutes
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January Financials
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Payment to Earles Engineering & Inspection LLC ($20,700.00)
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Public Comment (Page 1)
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Appearances (Page 1)
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Land Bank End of Year Report & Resolution No. 12-2026
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922 E. Wall Update
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Unfinished Business (Page 1)
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Status of 121 S. Margrave
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New Business: Action Items (Page 1-2)
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Milling Machine purchase
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Golf Tournament Daily Maximum Fee increase
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Certificate of Appropriateness: 5 E. Wall
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Abatement Process: 523 Heylman
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911 Communication Dispatch MOU
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Ordinance No. 3793 Changes (Public Offense Code)
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Reports and Comments (Page 2)
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Adjournment (Page 2)
Detailed Agenda Information
Consent Agenda & Financials
The commission will consider the approval of expenditures totaling $363,090.91 for the period of January 31 through February 12, 2026. Also included is a request to pay $20,700.00 to Earles Engineering & Inspection LLC for preliminary 80% work on the East National Project Phase I. (Page 1)
Appearances & Reports
Land Bank & Blight Mitigation: Lisa Dillon will present the Land Bank End of Year Report. The commission will also consider Resolution No. 12-2026, which would authorize the Land Bank to engage in blight mitigation activities specifically for areas in close proximity to properties already owned by the Land Bank. (Page 1)
Property Updates: Garrett Knight is scheduled to provide an update regarding the property at 922 E. Wall, and the commission will review the ongoing status of 121 S. Margrave under Unfinished Business. (Page 1)
Action Items
Equipment & Fees: The commission will evaluate the purchase of a new milling machine and a proposal to increase the maximum daily fee for golf tournaments at the city course. (Page 1)
Codes & Historic Preservation: * 5 E. Wall: Consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness for a metal sign for The Reynolds Law Firm, P.A., which received approval from the Design Review Board on February 10th. (Page 1)
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523 Heylman: Consideration to officially begin the abatement process for this property. (Page 1)
Public Safety & Ordinances:
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911 Dispatch: Discussion regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 911 Communication Dispatch services. (Page 1)
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Ordinance No. 3793: Mayor Salsbury will present changes to this ordinance, which regulates public offenses. The update incorporates the 41st Edition of the Uniform Public Offense Code for Kansas Cities and repeals the previous Ordinance No. 3749. (Page 1-2)
City Commission Meeting Summary, Feb. 3, 2026
City Commission Meeting Summary – February 3, 2026
Meeting Overview
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Date: February 3, 2026
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Time: 6:00 PM
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Location: City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS
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Attendance: Mayor Kathryn Salsbury; Commissioners Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer, Tim Van Hoecke, and Julie Buchta.
Agenda Outline
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Call to Order & Roll Call (Page 1)
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Pledge of Allegiance & Prayer (Page 1)
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Approval of Agenda (Page 1)
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Consent Agenda (Page 1)
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Appropriation Ordinance 1401-A ($420,842.25)
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Approval of Minutes from January 20, 2026
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Public Comment (Page 1)
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Appearances (Page 1)
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IT Update – Stephen Mitchell
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Unfinished Business (Page 1)
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Status of 602 S. Barbee
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New Business & Public Hearings (Page 1-2)
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310 N. Cleveland (Resolution No. 9-2026)
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601 S. Little (Resolution No. 10-2026)
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Action Items (Page 2-3)
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18 S. Holbrook Status Update
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Bid Approval: 2026 Cape Seal Project
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Discussion: City Lake Properties
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Discussion: Contractor Licensing
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Discussion: Horton Street Condition
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Reports and Comments (Page 3)
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Executive Session (Page 3)
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Adjournment (Page 3)
Detailed Meeting Summary
Public Comments & Appearances
Housing Grant & Public Hearing: Lisa Dillon requested a special meeting/public hearing for February 13, 2026, regarding a CDBG grant for a Housing Rehabilitation Program. (Page 1)
Traffic & Utilities: Kevin Allen raised concerns regarding idle trains blocking traffic and requested that water leak bill relief be extended to rural water customers, as it currently only applies to city residents. (Page 1)
IT Infrastructure Update: Stephen Mitchell reported that the dispatch move is complete and equipment inventory is 98% finished. Future priorities include the Water Plant and establishing a long-term upgrade schedule (1, 3, and 5 years). (Page 1)
Property & Structure Reviews
310 N. Cleveland: The owner, Mr. Peterson, requested the city not demolish the structure. He admitted to living there without utilities and stopping repairs due to weather
601 S. Little: Following a fire, this structure was deemed a safety hazard and is six years behind on taxes. Despite the owner’s representative (Mr. Eastwood) offering to clean the site, the Commission approved Resolution No. 10-2026 for the city to proceed with demolition. (Page 2)
18 S. Holbrook: The Land Bank remains interested in this property via tax sale to clear the deed. The City Manager was directed to bring this back to the agenda within 90 days for a final resolution. (Page 2)
Infrastructure & City Operations
Cape Seal Project: The Commission unanimously approved going out for bids for the 2026 Cape Seal project based on specs from Earles Engineering. (Page 2)
Horton Street Remediation: Jason Dickman identified “bleeding” asphalt on Horton Street. The city will initiate a warranty claim with the contractor (Heck and Wicker) to develop a work plan for repairs. (Page 3)
Contractor Licensing: There was an extensive discussion regarding the feasibility of city-level contractor licensing. Concerns were raised about the administrative burden and liability. Staff will research how surrounding cities handle licensing and reciprocal agreements. (Page 3)
City Lake Lots: Commissioners discussed leaning toward a leasing model for city-owned lake properties, primarily for storage use. Commissioner Buchta will tour the area with the Codes Department for further evaluation. (Page 3)
Commission & Staff Reports
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City Engineer: Reported that the Davis Lift Station work begins February 16, 2026, and the CCLIP Phase 4 application will be submitted in March. (Page 3)
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General Comments: Commissioners discussed recent snow removal efforts and street sweeping. Commissioner Van Hoecke noted the Dragoon is scheduled to open June 1st. (Page 3)
USD 234 Minutes of the Feb. 11 Special Meeting
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, for a special meeting at 424 S Main.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda.
The board approved the purchase of 850 State Street.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
Fly the Flag Subscriptions for 2026 Begin
Friends Now Accepting New and Renewed Subscriptions for U.S. Flags
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country. What better way to celebrate than to fly the Stars and Stripes in 2026? The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Inc. makes it easy.
The Friends provide homeowners and businesses, within the city limits of Fort Scott, the opportunity to display “Old Glory” on five different flag holidays during 2026 without the hassle of purchasing, placing, and storing a flag and pole. No need to even remember the holiday!
For $40 annually, the Friends will install a 3’x5′ flag on a 12 foot staff at your home or business on each of the following Flag Holidays :
Memorial Day, May 25th
Flag Day, June 14th
Independence Day, July 4th
Labor Day, September 17th
Veteran’s Day, November 11th
Applications for new subscriptions can be obtained at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce or can be requested by phone, text, or email. Call 417-684-2484 or email [email protected]. Renewal notices are being mailed/e-mailed to 2025 subscribers. Both new agreements and renewals must be returned by March 31, 2026.
All proceeds support programs at Fort Scott National Historic Site including the Naturalization Ceremony, Candlelight Tour, and Veterans Challenge coins among other special programs.
Show your patriotism and help our local National Park by displaying the nation’s symbol!
The Fly the Flag project is a yearly project sponsored by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site. Once signed up, you will receive the option to renew annually.
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Minutes of the USD234 Board of Education Meeting on Feb. 9
Unified School District 234 424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
www.usd234.org
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NEWS RELEASE
Monday, February 9, 2026
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, for
their regular monthly meeting at 900 E 3rd St.
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
01-12-26
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – January 20, 2026 – $1,801,674.26
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Key Club Fundraising Form
Students from Eugene Ware presented to the Board. Working with Mrs. Keating the students cover
announcements and help make the parent weekly newsletter. They have been able to participate in
leadership training at Greenbush and do several fun fundraisers during this school year. Mrs.
Query, Eugene Ware’s Principal, had a presentation that highlighted a few amazing things
happening in the building. She ended explaining how staff morale has been great thanks to
Secretaries Jessica Johnson and Kenda Schmidt and their entertaining projects that include
everyone.
Superintendent Destry Brown informed the Board on great things happening at Tiger Academy and
has appreciated all the support that they have been given.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document. Mr. Mayfield reviewed
budget projections and insurance renewals. He also updated on Preschool Building project with
the playground being installed soon.
Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on winter iReady scores showing
positive growth throughout the district. Later this week a few staff will be traveling to PSU to
participate in Teacher Interviews with graduation students.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update on reports that are coming due soon.
She also invited all to Special Olympics Basketball at Fort Scott High School on February 18.
The Board approved the following:
● Resolution 25-16 Healthy Kansas Farm to School Program
The Board received an informational overview of Fort Scott USD 234’s five-year long-range
financial outlook for FY25–FY30. This review examines enrollment trends, revenue assumptions,
and projected expenditure growth to provide a forward-looking view of the district’s financial
trajectory. No board action was requested.
The Board went into an executive session for property acquisition.
There were none present for public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for attorney-client privilege.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
February 9, 2026
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Barr, Lynn – Supplemental Resignation – Head Girls/Boys Tennis Coach – High School
Campbell, Erin – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Hudiburg, Kenny – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Girls Tennis Coach
Rogers, Jamie – Supplemental Resignation – Girls Basketball Coach – Middle School
Leave of Absence:
Barrager, Terry – Custodian – Eugene Ware
TRANSFER:
Clayton, Emily – Paraprofessional to OT Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Durossette, Jake – Business Teacher to Math Teacher – High School – 2026-27
Weber, Betty – Paraprofessional – KRI to Winfield Scott
EMPLOYMENT:
Certified Recommendations for 2026-27 School year:
Hendricks, Caleb – Assistant Principal – Winfield Scott
Martin, Jared – Athletic Director – High School
Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:
Carson, Jessica – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Cooper, Tyler – Custodian – Middle School
Davenport, Sam – Paraprofessional – Middle School
Hodges, Julius – Paraprofessional – KRI
Ruggero, Frankie – Custodian – Middle School
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:
Carney, Drew – Supplemental – Assistant Track Coach – High School
Chipman, Karlie – Supplemental – Assistant Boys Golf Coach – High School
Sponsor Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:
Cook, Gary – Head Sponsor – Archery
Whitehead, Trisha – Assistant Sponsor – Archery