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Category Archives: Fort Scott
First Southern Baptist Church Craft Fair This Weekend
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USD234 Trustees Meet on Sept. 11
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
September 11, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA SUMMARY PUBLIC
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing Budget Hearing with charts
4.1 Open Hearing (Action Item)
4.2 Hear from Patrons
4.3 Close Hearing (Action Item)
5.0 Budget Hearing (5:45 pm) – Review Code 99
5.1 Open Hearing (Action Item)
5.2 Hear from Patrons
5.3 Close Hearing (Action Item)
6.0 Resolution 24-08: Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for financing the annual budget
for 2025-26 (Action Item)
7.0 Resolution 24-09: Make a Local Option Percentage in an amount of 33 percent for the
2025-26 school year (Action Item)
8.0 Approval of the 2025-26 Budget with Consideration of the Needs Assessment (Action Item)
9.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
9.1 Board Minutes
08-11-25
9.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
9.3 Check Register
9.4 Payroll – August 20, 2025 – $1,556,743.36
9.5 Activity Funds Accounts
9.6 USD 234 Gifts
9.7 Orchestra Extended Trip
9.8 HS Powerlifting Fundraising
10.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
10.1 Superintendent’s Report (Destry)
10.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Zach)
10.3 Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Terry)
10.4 Special Education Director’s Report
11.0 Employee Recognitions
12.0 New Business
12.1 Consideration of Adult Meal Prices for 2025-26 School Year
Adult Breakfast – $3.00 Adult Lunch – $5.05
12.2 Consideration of MOU with Fort Scott Community College for shared use of facilities
12.3 Consideration of Partnership Agreement with Head Start
12.4 Consideration of One-Year Lease Agreement Renewal with Head Start
13.0 Public Forum
14.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________
13.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
13.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
15.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President
FSHS Tiger Football invites you to their FSHS Pulled Pork Nacho Dinner: Football Game on Sept. 12
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What’s Happening in Fort Scott Sept. 5 Edition
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…
[Message clipped] View entire message
Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission Meeting on Sept. 2
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of September 2, 2025 Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Lisa Dillon/Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Michael Hoyt, Jack Welch, Zac Crumby, Patrick Barnes/Olsson, Diane Striler, Anne Dare, and Harold Martin.
VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and WELLS said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the amended agenda with the addition of Ben Hart/BakerTilly/Appearances and the removal of Item D/New Business/Action Items – purchase of the skid steer. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1391-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of August 13, 2025 – August 26, 2025 – $1,554,438.30
– Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of August 19, 2025
– Request to Pay – Invoice No. 527851 – Olsson – Project No. 024-06580 – FSK RSA Grading and Runway Lighting Project – AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-024/025-2025 – Design and Bidding (services rendered through February 1, 2025) – $41,850.00
– Approval of Resolution No. 20-2025 A RESOLUTION TO SUBMIT TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY, THE PROPOSITION OF LEVYING ONE-HALF PERCENT (0.5%) RETAILERS’ SALES TAX IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Public Comment
Harold Martin requested permission to comment during the discussion on the sale of lake lots which was granted.
Appearances
Zac Crumby – Request for Temporary Street Closure – Motorcycle Benefit Ride for KRI/Ride 4 Kids – September 13, 2025 – National to W. Oak from Wall St. – 3:00PM – 11:30PM – Last stop at Sharky’s.
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve the Temporary Street Closure for the ride for kids event from 3PM to 11:30PM on September 13, 2025 . WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Jack Welch – CHAMPS (H.O.T.) Heart of Texas Football Bowl
Welch, Founder and CEO of America’s Drug Free Productions, requested City sponsorship for the December 6th CHAMPS bowl game, a 501(c)(3) event promoting awareness on alcohol, drugs, bullying, and suicide. He seeks $30,000 in funding to cover team lodging and a banquet, though $20,000 would cover the game alone without the banquet. Ticket sales support future events. The game typically features a top Texas team against one from Kansas, Mississippi, or Arizona, though it would be canceled in case of bad weather. Welch will host the event at Frary Field.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to host the CHAMPS Heart of Texas Football Bowl with the City of Fort Scott with a donation to help cover those costs including the banquet of $30,000.00 out of the Special Alcohol/Drug Fund. OLSON seconded. VAN HOECKE, OLSON, and SALSBURY voted yes. WELLS and DANCER voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 3-2.
Ben Hart/Baker Tilly was available for Commissioners’ questions in preparation of the public hearing for the budget scheduled for September 16, 2025, including a 0.8 mill decrease.
New Business
Public Hearing:
Consideration of Resolution No. 21-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 102 N. BARBEE – L. Kruger
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
KRUGER gave a history of the structure as it pertains to code violations and Code’s Enforcement.
He stated the owner was unresponsive to outreach attempts, and the property is delinquent on
taxes. There we no other public comments.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 21-2025 a resolution directing the removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 102 N. Barbee. OLSON seconded.
DANCER, SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE and OLSON voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Consideration of Resolution No. 22-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 602 S. BARBEE – L. Kruger
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
KRUGER requested the item be tabled for another time because a gentleman has a contract with a realtor to buy the property. There we no other public comments.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to table the public hearing for 602 S. Barbee for (90) days. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Resolution No. 23-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 505 CLARK – L. Kruger
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
KRUGER gave a history of the structure as it pertains to code violations and Code’s Enforcement. He stated the owner was contacted and expressed no interest in fixing the property.
No public comments.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 23-2025 a resolution directing the removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 505 Clark. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Action Items:
Consideration of Olsson proposal to perform the design and bidding phase services for KDOT-KAIP (Project No. AV-2026-16) – Olsson Project No. 025-04135 – Patrick Barnes/Olsson
BARNES presented the proposal from Olson to design and perform bidding services for taxiway lighting at the Fort Scott Municipal Airport was presented. The project is funded by a KDOT grant with a 90/10 split. He was present to answer questions.
MOTION: WELLS moved to allow Olsson to move forward. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Overview of MIH Grant Application as it relates to the proposal advertised for qualified residential developers (Applications due September 20, 2025) – L. Dillon
DILLON appeared to request permission to apply the MIH grant along with the Kansas Housing Investor
Tax Credit (KHITC). She stated that a Request for Proposals has been advertised and approximately (4) developers are interested. The grant being sought is $650,000, with approximately 10% allocated for down
payment assistance for moderate-income housing.
MOTION: WELLS moved to give permission to go after the MIH and KHITC grants. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Discussion of the Sale of Lake Lots – L. Dillon
DILLON stated that an individual had inquired about purchasing lake lots and wanted to know the process. Discussion was had about the remaining that were still open and owned by the City, and the previous sales. The Commission concluded that the topic and process needed to be discussed and reevaluated in the future.
MARTIN commented that he was encouraged that the Commission was taking a cautious approach on making the decision for further sales of lake lots. He expressed his concern about the health of the lake and recommended that they consider doing a bathymetric survey, environmental impact study and regular water quality testing. He also expressed concern about the sewer system and lift station at the lake regarding its ability to manage an increase of residents. He has brought these items to the City’s attention several times in the past.
Discussion was had on encroachment on City property and improvements at the lake.
MATKIN left the meeting at 7:01PM and returned at 7:03PM.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to table the lake lot discussion until another time in the future, based on our previous procedures of selling lake lots, or until such matter is brought up again. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Resolution No. 24-2025 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AUTHORIZING THE REDEMPTION AND PAYMENT OF ITS TAXABLE INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS, SERIES A, 2014 AND SERIES B, 2014 (SLEEP INN AND SUITES HOTEL PROJECT) AND THE SALE AND CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY TO FS HOSPITALITY GROUP, LLC
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve Resolution No. 24-2025. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Chip Seal Payment
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to accept the offer from Bettis for the Chip Seal payment at the reduced rate of $201,000.00 Olsson. DANCER seconded. DANCER, SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE and OLSON voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Consideration of 99-Year Land Lease Agreement – M. Wells
MOTION: WELLS moved to table the discussion until September 16, 2025. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Reports and Comments
CITY ENGINEER
– E. National Project Update
– Davis Lift Station
CITY ATTORNEY – Observation on American Legion representative for the car show, thorough and appreciative.
FARMER left the meeting 7:13PM and returned at 7:15PM
CITY MANAGER
– Franchise fees with Evergy – agreement expires February 2026
– Milling of Lee Circle Drive and Crescent Drive
– Curb and guttering work on Eddy Street
– 100th Year Celebration of Memorial Hall, Friday, Sept. 5 – 11:30AM
– Organizational chart for DANCER coming this week
– Memorial Hall renovation scope of work to come
ACTION: MATKIN will provide a Scope of Work for Memorial Hall project for bond consideration by September 16, 2025, meeting.
COMMISSIONER WELLS
– Additional activities on Skubitz Plaza
– Concerns about Lake Patrol and camping area improvements
– Evergy franchise agreement
– Bettis Asphalt
– Memorial Hall in combination with Library expansion for bond
COMMISSIONER OLSON
– Comments regarding city events and Commission is doing a good job
COMMISSIONER SALSBURY – No comments
COMMISSIONER DANCER
– Moody building status
– Revisit food truck ordinance September 16, 2025
– Sidewalk improvement in downtown district (mostly south side)
– Budget reports feedback to come Monday, September 8, 2025
ACTION: CITY CLERK to put food truck ordinance on September 16, 2025. MATKIN will look for SALSBURY’S submitted suggestions for the ordinance.
ACTION: DANCER will talk with MATKIN regarding the budget reports he is requesting.
COMMISSIONER VAN HOECKE
– Response to comments made by WELLS
Adjourn
MOTION: OLSON moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:36PM. DANCER seconded.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:36PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Opens Following Successful Kansas Licensure Survey
Up and Running
FORT SCOTT, Kan. – As of 9:00 am Thursday, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. is open for business.
The official opening follows the successful completion of the Kansas Licensure Survey. This milestone marks a significant step forward in Freeman’s mission to expand access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare throughout Southeast Kansas.
“This has been an exciting, and very long journey with many working diligently to support the reopening of this hospital! The overwhelming support and positive response from the community has been humbling and we are so honored to join the Fort Scott community and reopen a hospital and emergency department for the Bourbon County residents, assuring they have access to inpatient and emergency care,” said Renee Denton, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals.
The last time Fort Scott residents enjoyed access to a full-service, hometown-based hospital was 2018, which has forced local residents to seek medical treatment in communities 30-plus minutes away.
“We are thrilled to open our doors in Fort Scott and begin serving this vibrant community,” said Matt Fry, Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and tireless efforts of community stakeholders and our entire team. We are deeply proud to bring Freeman’s standard of care to the people of Southeast Kansas.”
Freeman officials first announced the six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care hospital – located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. – to a crowd of nearly 150 local residents in June 2024.
“We had a staff huddle this morning and I told them, ‘It’s a great day to open a hospital,’” said Anita Walden, Chief Administrative Officer at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. “Today is the culmination of 14 months in the making, and it’s been a lot of hard work by a lot of people to make today even possible. Of course, the support from the citizens of this community and from Bourbon County has been overwhelming.
“Our success will be dependent on the community utilizing the services of our hospital,” she added.
Freeman officials were notified Wednesday evening that the hospital had successfully passed the Kansas licensure survey. The survey is a rigorous process that ensures hospitals meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and patient care. Passing this survey affirms Freeman’s readiness to provide exceptional healthcare services in Fort Scott — and reflects the strength of the organization’s culture and commitment to excellence. Now, attention turns to passing a credentialing survey conducted by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officials.
Freeman Fort Scott Hospital offers a range of services designed to meet the needs of the local community, with a focus on accessibility, innovation, and personalized care. The opening represents not only a physical expansion, but also a cultural one — reinforcing Freeman’s values of compassion, collaboration, and community investment.
Freeman Health System extends its heartfelt thanks to every team and community member who contributed to this achievement. Their dedication and teamwork made this moment possible — and their continued efforts will shape the future of healthcare in the region.
For more information about Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. and the services offered, visit freemanhealth.com.
###
About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2025, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
Fort Scott Freeman Hospital and Emergency Department Opens Today
At the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee this morning, Fort Scott Freeman Hospital Board members Lindsay Madison and Don Doherty announced they had received notice that the hospital and emergency department, long-awaited by the community, is open today. The hospital is located at 401 Woodland Hills, the former Mercy Hospital building.
More information will be provided as it becomes available from Freeman Hospital staff.
Ft. Scott Fire Dept. 9/11 Stair Climb / 5K / Walk Challenge Is September 6
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Agenda for the FS City Commission on Sept. 2
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
September 2, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.
- Call to Order/Roll Call
- Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
- Approval of Agenda
- Consent Agenda
- Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1391-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of August 13, 2025 – August 26, 2025 – $1,554,438.30
- Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of August 19, 2025
- Request to Pay – Invoice No. 527851 – Olsson – Project No. 024-06580 – FSK RSA Grading and Runway Lighting Project – AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-024/025-2025 – Design and Bidding (services rendered through February 1, 2025) – $41,850.00
- Approval of Resolution No. 20-2025 A RESOLUTION TO SUBMIT TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY, THE PROPOSITION OF LEVYING ONE-HALF PERCENT (0.5%) RETAILERS’ SALES TAX IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.
- Public Comment
VII. Appearances
- Zac Crumby – Request for Temporary Street Closure – Motorcycle Benefit Ride for KRI/Ride 4 Kids – September 13, 2025 – National to W. Oak from W. Wall St. – 3:00PM – 11:30PM – Last stop at Sharky’s.
- 2. Jack Welch – CHAMPS (H.O.T.) Heart of Texas Football Bowl
VIII. Unfinished Business
- New Business
Public Hearing:
- Consideration of Resolution No. 21-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 102 N. BARBEE – L. Kruger
- Consideration of Resolution No. 22-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 602 S. BARBEE – L. Kruger
- Consideration of Resolution No. 23-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 505 CLARK – L. Kruger
Action Items:
- Consideration of Olsson proposal to perform the design and bidding phase services for KDOT-KAIP (Project No. AV-2026-16) – Olsson Project No. 025-04135 – M. Wyatt – Patrick Barnes/Olsson.
- Consideration to purchase 24” High Flow Planer for skid steer – $18,759.84 – B. Matkin
- Overview of MIH Grant Application as it relates to the proposal advertised for qualified residential developers (Applications due September 20, 2025) – L. Dillon
- Discussion of the Sale of Lake Lots – L. Dillon
- E. Consideration of Resolution No. 24-2025 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AUTHORIZING THE REDEMPTION AND PAYMENT OF ITS TAXABLE INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS, SERIES A, 2014 AND SERIES B, 2014 (SLEEP IN AND SUITES HOTEL PROJECT) AND THE SALE AND CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY TO FS HOSPITALITY GROUP, LLC
- Consideration of Chip Seal Payment
- Consideration of 99-Year Land Lease Agreement – M. Wells
- Reports and Comments
- Adjourn
National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union’s 152nd Convention
Frances E. Willard “Rest Cottage” Home
Larry and Loreta Jent of rural Fort Scott have recently returned from the National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union’s 152nd Convention on August 18, and the World 42nd Convention August 19-23, 2025. National WCTU followed their convention by hosting the World WCTU Convention at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Conference Center in Chicago-North Shore, Skokie, Illinois.
National WCTU President Merry Lee Powell challenged USA members to be “Mountain Movers” as she referred to Matthew 17:20. “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” Everyone was given a mustard seed on a mountain necklace as a reminder that we are capable of moving mountains and a force to be reckoned with as long as we have faith. WCTU continues to work to make known the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, along with other social concerns.
Fourteen countries entered the World WCTU Convention carrying their nation’s flag. More countries wanted to attend but were denied visas because of the current lack of world peace concern. The theme for the 42nd World Convention was “Fulfilling our Mission”. A special event during the convention was a trip to nearby Evanston, IL, to tour the NWCTU campus, including “Rest Cottage”, the beloved home of Frances E. Willard, a long-time president of National WCTU, founder of World WCTU, an American educator, women’s suffragist, and the first woman who’s statue was erected in Statuary Hall, Washington D.C.
The keynote speaker for World Convention was Professor of Psychobiology Bertha K. Madras of Harvard Medical School. The address included “What are the most effective ways of promoting prevention?” Strengthening families must be a priority! Resolutions, special awards, and elections closed out the week. Elected as the new World WCTU President was Dr. Sheela Lall of India.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott August 28 Edition
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