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Category Archives: Fort Scott
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Union State Bank on May 7
Sending on behalf of Chamber Champion member
Union State Bank
***Note that the Coffee will be held at Uniontown City Hall, next door to Union State Bank***
Thursday, May 7th
8am
@ Uniontown City Hall
206 Sherman St., Uniontown, KS
We hope to see you there!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, May 7th, at 8 a.m., hosted by Union State Bank. The coffee will take place at the Uniontown City Hall building, directly next door, at 206 Sherman St., Uniontown, KS. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize.
Union State Bank was founded on May 10, 1901, by a group of investors, including L.E. Holt, and has remained family-owned and operated by Holt descendants for five generations. While proud of its long history, Union State Bank continues to focus on providing a strong customer experience, reasonable fees, and meaningful support for the communities it serves through employee volunteerism and local involvement.
Union State Bank is celebrating its 125th Anniversary on May 10th. To mark the occasion, the bank will host special giveaways and refreshments at both the Uniontown and Fort Scott locations during the week of May 4th through May 8th. Community members are encouraged to watch Union State Bank’s Facebook page for additional details and updates throughout the anniversary week.
For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit the Events Calendar at fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.
Downtown Meet and Greet is May 5
Sending on behalf of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet scheduled for May 5th!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to attend:
Downtown Meet & Greet
Tuesday, May 5th
8am–9am
@ City State Bank, 202 Scott St.
These quarterly informal gatherings provide an opportunity to network, collaborate, and share ideas regarding downtown events, promotions, and other topics impacting our downtown district. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be provided.
For more information, please contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566.
Tri-Valley Receives $15,000 Grant for Fort Scott Greenhouse
Grant provided by Frontier Farm Credit’s Working Here Fund for Agriculture Education
Tri-Valley Developmental Services (TVDS) is proud to announce the receipt of a $15,000 grant from Frontier Farm Credit Working Here Fund Grant. The grant funds will be utilized to replace paneling and windows on the 20-year-old greenhouse.
“Thanks to the generosity of Farm Credit Services of America and Frontier Farm Credit, we are able to update our current greenhouse so that we can ensure sustainability for our Horticultural Program. Since its inception, the greenhouse has provided hands-on training to not only individuals served by Tri-Valley, but the community at large. It is our hope that our greenhouse and horticultural program has continued success and increased community inclusion for the foreseeable future.” states Bill Fiscus, CEO.
“With this renovation, it is my hope that we will continue to support community groups and the beautification efforts of the community of Fort Scott. It is always a joy when the community participates in our activities at the greenhouse. We recently had community classes on stepping stones and succulent plantings. Plans are underway for additional classes that will be open to the public. Plus, our annual spring sale is just a few weeks away – it is set for May 9th. We can’t wait to see what the future holds.” Said Austin Bolinger, Tri-Valley Horticultural Coordinator.
Tri-Valley’s greenhouse is located at our Fort Scott Day Program at 4305 Campbell Drive. More information about the greenhouse and the various programs and projects that are upcoming is available on the Tri-Valley website (www.tvds.org/horticultural-therapy) or via the greenhouse’s dedicated Facebook page (Greenhouse at Tri-Valley).
Tri-Valley is one of 26 organizations to receive a Working Here Fund grant in the fourth quarter of 2025. Frontier Farm Credit awarded $197,935 during the latest grant cycle ending December 31, 2025.
“Supporting projects that positively impact the communities in which we live and work is one way we can give back to the people we serve and the rural life we value so highly,” said Karla Rosell, regional vice president of customer experience in Frontier Farm Credit’s Parsons office.
Frontier Farm Credit in eastern Kansas is a customer-owned financial cooperative proud to finance the growth of rural America, including the special needs of young and beginning producers. The Association has nearly 3.5 billion in assets and nearly 610.2 million.
Their Working Here Fund grant program supports projects and nonprofit organizations that align with the organization’s mission to serve agriculture and rural communities. The grant program has several focus areas: agricultural education, hunger relief, rural disaster response, and rural health services. Organizations must demonstrate alignment with one focus area and serve communities in eastern Kansas. For more information visit www.frontierfarmcredit.com/about/community-involvement/working-here-fund-grants.
City of Fort Scott May 5, 2026 Commission Agenda Summary
Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Agenda
May 5, 2026 | 6:00 PM
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I. Call to Order
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II. Pledge of Allegiance
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III. Invocation
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IV. Approval of Agenda
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V. Consent Agenda
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A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1407-A ($183,512.30)
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B. Approval of Minutes: April 21, 2026
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C. Request to Pay: JCM Restoration ($20,000.00 for Gunn Park Retaining Wall)
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VI. Public Comment
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VII. Appearances
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Garth Herrmann: Bond Notes for Davis Lift Station (Resolution No. 19-2026)
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Stephen Mitchell: IT Update for City
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Safe Routes to School Plan Adoption
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Transportation Alternative Grant
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VIII. Unfinished Business
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A. Memorial Hall CDBG Grant & Environmental Review
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B. Gunn Park Caretaker’s House Discussion
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IX. New Business
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A. Resolution No. 18-2026: Expanded Alcohol Sales for 2026 FIFA World Cup
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B. 2026-28 Airport Hay Rights Bids
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C. Change Order No. 1: Davis Lift Station ($126,323.58)
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X. Reports and Comments
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XI. Adjourn (Reference: Word Doc Page 1)
Information Packet Summary & Detailed Discussion
Financial Approvals and Consent Items
The Commission is set to review Appropriation Ordinance 1407-A, covering expenses from April 17 to April 28, 2026, totaling $183,512.30. A notable payment within the consent agenda is a $20,000.00 progress billing to JCM Restoration for repairs being made to the retaining wall at Gunn Park (Page 1).
Infrastructure and Public Works
Significant focus is placed on the Davis Lift Station project. The Commission will hear from Garth Herrmann regarding Resolution No. 19-2026, which authorizes the sale of bond notes to fund the project. Additionally, a change order for $126,323.58 from Asbell Companies is under consideration to address groundwater levels that require a new anchoring system for the force main pipe (Page 1).
Community Projects and Grants
Several community-focused initiatives are on the agenda:
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Safe Routes to School: Rachel Carpenter and Lisa Dillon will present a plan for adoption to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety for students (Page 1).
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Memorial Hall: M. Wyatt will provide an update on the CDBG Grant and seek approval for a completed environmental review, a necessary step for the project’s progression (Page 1).
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Transportation Grant: Discussion regarding a Transportation Alternative Grant is scheduled (Page 1).
New Business and Local Regulations
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2026 FIFA World Cup Sales: The Commission will conduct the first reading of Resolution No. 18-2026. This proposal would temporarily expand the hours for alcoholic liquor and cereal malt beverage sales between June 11 and July 19, 2026, to accommodate fans during the World Cup tournament (Page 1).
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Airport Management: Bids for the 2026-2028 hay rights at the local airport will be considered (Page 1).
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IT Services: Stephen Mitchell from USD 234 will provide a general IT update for the city (Page 1).
What’s Happening in Fort Scott May 1 Edition
🚎 Historic Trolley Tours
Ride Dolly the Trolley and explore Fort Scott’s history with a narrated tour.
Fridays & Saturdays – Now Boarding!
Spring Town-wide Garage Sale
Click below on the image for the interactive Google map of the sales!
SAVE THE DATE!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees
Every Thursday at 8am
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Visit your National Park! Visitor Center and historic buildings are open Friday through Tuesday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds continue to be open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset.
Click HERE to visit the website.
Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!
BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)
KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott
Every Tuesday 9am-4pm
Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.
FS Public Library
*Wednesday Writers every Wed. @ 1:30-3pm
201 S. National Ave.
$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!
Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!
Kansas Small Business Development Center
at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.
Every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month 9am-3pm
Want more details or updates on Community, Chamber, and Member events? You can find full dates, times, locations, and links on our community calendar on the Chamber’s website at:
👉 fortscott.com/events/calendar/
RECURRING EVENTS
Bartelsmeyer Jewelry Estate Sale
25% off April 21st to May 2nd
50% off May 5th to May 16th
Mother’s Day Giveaway!
📍 22 N. Main St.
Fort Scott Tiger Wrestling Takedown Club Gun Raffle!
🎟️ Tickets:
- 1 for $20
- 6 for $100
🏆 Prizes:
- Prize #1: Ruger American Predator .223 Rem, 10 rounds
- Prize #2: Tokarev SDS Imports TAR 12P, 12GA 3″ chamber, 5 rounds
- Prize #3: CZ P-10 F 9mm Luger, 19 rounds, 2 mags
📅 Drawing: May 15
⏰ Deadline: May 13
Hosted by Tiger Wrestling Takedown Club — not affiliated with USD 234.
You can visit the Chamber for Tickets or reach out to Leslie Godden 620-644-8050.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, May 1
🎡 Winfield Scott Carnival
🕔 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Winfield Scott Elementary School, 316 W. 10th St.
Food, games, prizes, dunk tank, bounce houses, face painting, barrel rides, snack walk, and more.
🎨 First Fridays at The Artificers
🕕 6:00–9:00 PM
📍 The Artificers, 8 N. National Ave.
Browse art, enjoy light refreshments, and stop in for good conversation. Hosted by Kate & Trent Freeman.
Saturday, May 2nd
🛍️ Spring Town-Wide Garage Sale 2026
📅 Friday, May 1 & Saturday, May 2
📍 Fort Scott, KS
Plan your shopping route and check out garage sales throughout town. Printed maps are available through the Chamber and local distribution spots.
🚜 Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Swap Meet — 70th Anniversary
📅 Friday, May 1 & Saturday, May 2
📍 Bourbon County Fairgrounds, Fort Scott, KS
Part of the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta’s 70th anniversary celebration. The Swap Meet takes place May 1–2, with show dates coming later in October.
⛳ Flight of Honor Golf Tournament
🕗 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
📅 Saturday, May 2
Golf tournament benefiting Flight of Honor.
🌱 Fort Scott Farmers’ Market – Opening Day!
🕗 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 Gathering Square Pavilion, Downtown Fort Scott
Shop local produce, goods, and more at the Farmers’ Market, held Saturdays May through October.
🌸 Bourbon County Garden Club Booth at the Farmers’ Market
🕗 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 Gathering Square Pavilion, Downtown Fort Scott
The Bourbon County Garden Club will be selling perennials, annuals, and other gardening items as a club fundraiser.
🏃 1st Annual Summer Stride 5K by FSRD
🕘 9:00 AM
📅 Saturday, May 2
Run or walk to kick off summer with the 1st Annual Summer Stride 5K.
🚎 Trolley Tour of Historic Fort Scott
🕙 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 Pick up/drop off: Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, 231 E. Wall St.
Hop aboard Dolly the Trolley for a 50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott. Saturday tours depart at 10 AM, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM, and 2 PM. Adults are $6 and children 12 & under are $4.
🌴 Summer Luau & Splash Pad Launch Party featuring 90s Kids Superfly Tribute
🕔 5:00–9:00 PM
📍 Gathering Square Pavilion / Downtown Fort Scott area
Enjoy a summer luau, splash pad launch, face painting, food vendors, and live 90s tribute music.
🎨 Celebrating Sobriety Art Fair
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 HBCAT, 104 N. National Ave., Fort Scott, KS
Free, all-ages art fair celebrating recovery, wellness, and creative expression. Includes art, food trucks, $5 walking tacos, and live music by 90s Kids Superfly Band at 7:00 PM.
Sunday, May 3rd
🛍️ Spring Town-Wide Garage Sale 2026
📅 Friday, May 1 & Saturday, May 2
📍 Fort Scott, KS
Plan your shopping route and check out garage sales throughout town. Printed maps are available through the Chamber and local distribution spots.
✅ See more events & details: https://fortscott.com/events
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!
Click here for Chamber member specialty shopping & other retail in Downtown & other areas of the community.
Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
REMINDER TO GET YOUR TICKETS ⬇️
Better in Bourbon Boutique Will Open In a New Building In The Near Future
A downtown boutique will be moving in the near future to a bigger location one street over, with more parking availability.
Better in Bourbon is owned by Rachel Pruitt is currently located on North Main Street but will be moving to a location on National Avenue.
“Better in Bourbon, the independently owned boutique known for its curated items (selected best styles for the season) AND personalized shopping experience, is expanding,” Pruitt said.
The newly renovated space at 2 Old Fort Blvd., in the former H&H building, offers customers more room to shop and a major upgrade in convenience with dedicated parking.
Pruitt says the move marks an exciting new chapter for the business, which began as a small pop-up and quickly became a staple in the Fort Scott retail scene.
“This expansion is about creating a better experience for our customers,” Pruitt said. “We’ve outgrown our current space, and this new location allows us to offer more of what people love—more inventory, more styling options, and an easier, more comfortable way to shop.”
The new location will feature increased floor space for apparel, accessories, and the boutique’s popular permanent jewelry offerings. The additional room will also allow for more curated, head-to-toe outfit displays—an approach that has set Better in Bourbon apart with its “solution-based shopping” model, according to a press release from Pruitt.
The expansion is part of a larger renovation effort aimed at breathing new life into a prominent Fort Scott property, while also supporting small business growth in the community, according to the press release.
Pruitt will be offering other businesses places to lease.
As part of the renovation, three unique spaces will also be available for lease. These turn-key spaces are suitable for a variety of business types and include all amenities. For more information, contact Nancy Pruitt at 620-224-9480.
Better in Bourbon plans to continue operating during the transition, with new arrivals and customer-favorite services still available as the move progresses.
An official opening date for the new space is expected to be announced soon. In the meantime, Pruitt encourages the community to stay tuned and stop in to see what’s new.
Pruitt also expressed gratitude to the loyal customer base that made the expansion possible. “We are so thankful for our customers—near and far—who have supported us every step of the way,” she said. “This growth wouldn’t be possible without you.”
“We’re excited to grow right here in Fort Scott and continue bringing something unique to local shopping,” she added.
Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8, 2026) At Lu’s Ice Cream
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Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet is May 5 At City State Bank
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Briggs Auto Hosts Chamber Coffee on April 30
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SPRING TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALE IN FORT SCOTT – LAST CHANCE TO GET YOUR SALE ON THE MAP
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Spring Town-wide Garage Sale on May 1st and 2nd. The community is encouraged to register their garage sales listed on the official map for a fee of $12. Businesses and organizations can also purchase display ads on the map for $35 for a business card size ad, with limited space available.
The deadline for registration is 1pm on Tuesday, April 28th. Copies of the official garage sale map will be available at the Chamber office and local stores starting on Thursday, April 30th at 12pm. The map can also be found on the Chamber website and Facebook page.
For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566.
Winfield Scott Carnival is May 1
