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Category Archives: Fort Scott
Community Endeavors To Honor Veterans With Flags and Ceremonies
Early this morning community volunteers placed American flags on National Avenue from the Fort Scott Police Station, 1604 S. National Avenue, to the U.S. National Cemetery, on east National Avenue.
The Fort Scott Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, the Fort Scott Fire Department, Fort Scott Community College Softball Team members and other volunteers, placed American flags on National Avenue that leads into the national cemetery.
“We do it every year, ” said Fort Scott Fire Department Assistant Chief Mike Miles. “On holidays such as Flag Day, Veterans Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day. We start at 7 to 8 a.m. then pick them up before dusk.”
“The vets take all the help they can, there are a couple of hundred flags to place,” he said. “Whoever will get involved.”
An estimated crowd of 30 helped this morning.
At noon today, there was a Veterans Day Program at Memorial Hall at 11 a.m. followed by a ham and bean lunch at the VFW on South National Avenue. In both the USD234 School District and USD235 School District there were Veteran honoring assemblies at different schools.
History of Veterans Day, taken fromhttps://department.va.gov/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day/
“World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
Minutes of the USD234 Board of Education Meeting New Release on November 10
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
Monday, November 10, 2025
Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at Fort Scott Middle School
President David Stewart opened the meeting.
The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:
Board Minutes
10-13-25
Financials – Cash Flow Report
Check Register
Payroll – October 20, 2025 – $1,826,376.48
Activity Funds Accounts
USD 234 Gifts
Resolution 25-13 Add Bank Signers
FCA Fundraising Application
Orchestra Fundraising Application
Choir Fundraising Application
DJ Brown, Middle School Principal, and a couple from his team were able to present to the Board. Travis Wilcoxen, SPED teacher, gave a report about Special Olympics. Track & Field, Basketball, Bowling, and Corn hole are a few of the events that the students have been participating in. Tracy Homan, Language Arts Teacher, is working with Student council and Leadership Class students. They are focusing on creating a positive school culture where students enjoy coming to school. They also will be attending Leadership and Team Building at Greenbush throughout the year. Matt Harris, Assistant Principal, explained about the advisory period schedule. This is designed to specifically help students in ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Science. The teachers can work directly with students on skills that will help keep them on grade level. They have seen great growth with this program. Mr. Brown informed on the Veteran’s Day program the Middle School will be having on Wednesday. He also explained that a major goal for the school is building relationships between staff and students. The staff is working great together to make sure each student is involved and has someone they can turn to.
Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided information on the completed financial audit and the upcoming KSDE audit. Mr. Mayfield is working on several grants that will help offset some costs with the Preschool and the CTE program.
Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on the Veterans’ Day Assemblies that will be held throughout the district on Tuesday and Wednesday. He also updated on iReady testing and other training that has been taking place.
Special Education Director Tonya Barnes praised the SPED team and informed the Board of future planning for transitioning students between buildings.
There were none present for public forum.
The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.
President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.
PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED
November 10, 2025
RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:
Hazen, Clint – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware
Jackman, Sara – Supplemental Resignation – History Club – High School
Mitchell, Jacqui – Supplemental Resignation – PBIS – Winfield Scott
Pearson, Vanessa – Resignation – Paraprofessional – KRI
LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
Nation, Laura – LOA – Winfield Scott
TRANSFER:
Brown, Jodi – Speech Pathologist – .5 to .75
Whitt, Derrick – ISS Supervisor – High School to Alternative School Director
EMPLOYMENT:
Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:
Brown, Khya – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Isaac, Britney – Paraprofessional – High School
Khang, Julianne – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Lail, Brandon – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott
Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:
Allen, Brian – History Club – High School
Bowels, Kendall – PBIS – Winfield Scott
Coyan, Paula – Assistant Softball – High School
Hartman, Heather – Assistant Softball – High School
Nelson, Andrew – PBIS – Eugene Ware
Nickelson, Aaron – Assistant Softball – High School
Norris, Danielle – PBIS – Eugene Ware
Whitt, Derrick – Assistant Girl’s Basketball – High School
Mesa Casper Will Compete at Cross Country National Championship
2024 Fort Scott High School Graduate, Mesa Casper, will compete with her collegiate team, the Spires, of the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth at the NAIA Cross Country National Championships in Tallahassee, FL on Friday, November 21st. The team clenched their national qualification with a close runner up finish at the KCAC Championships on November 8th on their home course in Leavenworth.
Additionally, Casper was named the KCAC Champion of Character for her team at the KCAC Conference Championships.
“The KCAC (Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference) Champions of Character awards recognize student-athletes and teams who best represent the NAIA Champions of Character Program’s mission. These awards honor individuals and groups that exemplify the program’s five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. The awards are presented to those who demonstrate these values both on and off the field.”
Casper is in her sophomore year at the University of Saint Mary where she is majoring in Nursing and competes on the Cross Country and Track teams. She was a 6 time 4A State Qualifier in Cross Country and Track as a Tiger Runner.
Tri-Valley Receives Grant for Life-Saving AED Trainers
Tri-Valley Developmental Services (TVDS) is proud to announce the receipt of a $2,943 grant from the Fort Scott Community Foundation and the John Valentine and Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund. The grant will be used to purchase AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Training Devices that will be utilized in Tri-Valley’s monthly CPR/1st Aid Classes. Tri-Valley offers multiple CPR/1st Aid classes throughout the month for Tri-Valley Staff, Persons Served, and External Agencies.
“Tri-Valley is grateful to the Fort Scott Community Foundation and the John Valentine and Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund for enabling us to train not only our staff, but persons served and other community members on the proper use of these life saving devices. The use of these AED Trainers will not only be beneficial to Tri-Valley but to the community at large,” said Bill Fiscus, CEO. “Tri-Valley appreciates the support given to us by the Fort Scott Community Foundation.”
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) hosts individual charitable funds created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from these funds assist people throughout Southeast Kansas and beyond. FSACF is an affiliate of Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK). Call CFSEK at 620-231-8897 with questions about FSACF.
Tricia Campbell
Special Projects Coordinator
Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Inc.
PO Box 518
Chanute, KS 66720
Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Announces 2025 Match Week November 10th-14th
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Food Resources By The Family Strong Project
- Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Elks Lodge — Thursday, Nov 27 2025 from 11:30 AM–1:30 PM at 111 W. 19th St., Fort Scott. free-will donation, delivery and drive-through options
- The Beacon Food Pantry (often called “The Beacon”) in Fort Scott, KS:
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- Address: 525 E. 6th St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.
- Phone: 620-223-6869
- Regular Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wed. and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m
- Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Submitted by Pamela Thompson, M.S.
- Family Strong Project
- Community Outreach Liaison
SE Kansas IRIS Network Data and Systems Manager
Cell: 620-249-1490
https://1800childrenks.org/ IT’S FREE nationwide resources
SE Kansas Outreach Additional resources for families in SE Kansas
Kansas Data Critical Data for the State of Kansas
LinkTree Links for Crawford County Core
Facebook page For Crawford County Core Community program
Youth Core Ministries Our parent organization
Youtube Bourbon County Our sister program in Ft. Sco
Agenda For The USD234 School Board on November 10
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
This will be held at Fort Scott Middle School Commons Area (1105 E 12th St) at 5:30pm on November 10th.
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
November 10, 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 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Board Minutes
10-13-25
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – October 20, 2025 – $1,826,376.48
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
4.7 Resolution 25-13 Add Bank Signers
4.8 Fundraising Application
4.9 FCA Fundraising Application
5.0 Middle School Presentation
6.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
6.1 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
6.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report
6.3 Special Education Director’s Report
7.0 Public Forum
8.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________
8.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
8.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
8.3 Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)
9.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President
Fort Scott’s Holiday Open House Starts At 5 p.m. Today
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Kaylee Lunsford Receives $10,000 Scholarship
The American Hereford Association (AHA) hosted their annual meeting in Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 24. This year 27 National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members were awarded $165,500 in scholarships.
A junior member from our community, Kaylee Lunsford, received the $10,000 Vanier Family Scholarship at the event, provided by the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA).
Kaylee Lunsford, Fort Scott, Kan., is an animal science major in her last year at Oklahoma State University.
She has broad future goals that include agricultural law and business. “My ambition is to use this foundation to address the critical challenges of global food security by bridging the gap
between producers and the consumers who depend on them,” she says. “I want to be part of the conversations that will later shape agricultural policy and trade, ensuring that the producer’s voice is
represented in decisions that impact the future of our industry.”.
Ten National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members each received a $10,000 Vanier Family Scholarship, totaling $100,000 of financial support, from the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA). The scholarships were presented as part of the 2025 World Hereford Conference coinciding with the American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting in Kansas City,
Mo., on Oct. 24. During the Shaping the Breed’s Future: Young Breeders Competition and HYFA Scholarship Awards Luncheon presented by VitaFerm®
HYFA and its donors awarded $165,500 in scholarships to 27 NJHA members to help support their higher education goals.
“This year marks a truly special milestone for the Hereford Youth Foundation of America’s scholarship program,” says Amy Cowan, AHA director of youth activities and foundation. “Throughout
the past decade, thanks to the generosity of the Vanier family, we’ve awarded $1 million in scholarships to 100 young people who represent the bright future of the Hereford community. It’s truly an honor to continue Jack and Donna Vanier’s legacy. Their deep belief in education, youth and the Hereford family
continues to inspire us all.”
The Vanier family believes the work ethic young people learn growing up in the Hereford breed
sets them apart in today’s workforce.
Peerless Products Rebrands
Peerless Products Unveils Rebrand In Bold Step Forward for Company Growth and Innovation
New website, brand design reflect leading manufacturer’s commitment to excellence
FORT SCOTT, Kan. (November 5, 2025) – Peerless Products, a leading manufacturer of high-performance curtain walls, windows and doors, announced a comprehensive brand refresh to reflect its continued growth and the exceptional quality of its products and services. The rebrand includes a new logo, color palette, brand voice, website, anthem video and storybook—each showcasing Peerless’s drive to deliver state-of-the-art manufacturing, engineering and innovation.
“At Peerless, we’re constantly striving upward, and our new brand look reflects our ongoing evolution,” said president Coby Jones. “As we continue to build on our 70-year legacy of quality, innovation and strong customer relationships, this new direction is a testament to our continuous drive for improvement and our dedication to engineering solutions that truly matter.”
Peerless has continued to experience strong growth across its national footprint, with several large-scale Talon Wall®, commercial and multifamily projects underway in markets such as Kansas City, Seattle, Chicago and Dallas. To keep pace with demand, the company has increased its workforce at all three of its locations in Fort Scott, Kan., Nevada, Mo. and Iola, Kan.
Since 1952, Peerless has built a reputation for excellence, true to its namesake, in everything from materials to process, engineering to testing, packaging to partnerships, and on-time delivery to on-demand solutions. Specializing in aluminum and hybrid fiber resin windows and doors, the company offers a variety of capabilities across a project’s lifespan, including customized design, engineering, sustainable and long-lasting powder coating, in-house testing, 3D prototyping and aluminum extrusion. Peerless also offers a patented curtain wall system, Talon Wall®, which is lab-tested and certified to the industry’s most demanding air, water, thermal, seismic, fire and acoustic standards.
Peerless services a versatile range of building types within the multifamily, hospitality, historic, government and military, school and university, office and medical sectors. Peerless manufactures, services and distributes from the heart of the U.S., but its portfolio extends far beyond the Midwest, including several projects from coast to coast. Peerless has produced windows for some of the most demanding applications in the country, including projects like the Hudson Exchange residential buildings in Jersey City, N.J., Universal’s Stella Nova Resort in Orlando, Fla., the Lees-McRae College’s Historical Commons in Banner Elk, N.C., the Texas Tech University Honors Hall in Lubbock, Texas and more.
About Peerless Products
Peerless Products is a leading U.S. manufacturer of high-performance curtain walls, windows and doors. With a legacy dating back to 1952, Peerless is dedicated to delivering superior quality, innovative engineering and unparalleled customer service. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement and enduring partnerships makes it the best choice for complex architectural applications. Learn more at peerlessproducts.com.
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Unapproved Minutes of The Fort Scott City Commission on November 3
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Unaproved
Minutes of November 3, 2025 Regular Meeting
A 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, Dyllon Olson, Tracy Dancer, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Lt. Jason Eastwood/FSPD, Lisa Dillon/Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, and Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspection.
VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and OLSON said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the amended agenda. Amendments were requested prior to motion: Removal of Item A. Consideration of Change Order #1 – Gunn Park – Shelter #3 and the addition of $529,112.95 to Consent Agenda Item A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1395-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of October 15, 2025 – October 31, 2025. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1395-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of October 15, 2025 – October 31, 2025
– Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of October 21, 2025
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the Consent Agenda. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Public Comment – No comments
Appearances
Patty Ann Sanborn/SEK Service Inc. – Did not appear
Unfinished Business – No unfinished business
New Business /Action Items:
Discussion of City Connecting Link Agreement
MATKIN explained Wall Street’s condition, especially east of the CCLIP project, is deteriorating. KDOT pays Fort Scott $12,340 annually under a 1999 agreement to maintain 2.468 miles, which the city seeks to update. A study found the road sits atop brick without a proper base, requiring ongoing resurfacing. If the city declines repairs, the state could bill up to $200,000 annually for ten years. Only essential safety work is planned until more CCLIP funding becomes available.
ACTION: MATKIN will pursue an updated KDOT resolution.
Consideration of Bids for Davis Lift Station Extraneous Flow Pump and Force Main – EEI No. 21-303
DICKMAN explained that Jeff Asbel Excavating and Trucking was the low bidder for the Davis Lift Station extraneous flow pump and force main project (Earle’s Engineering Project No. 21-303), though their bid was 33.84% above estimate due to increased costs. The specified Vaughan chopper pump may be overpriced as a sole source; switching to a Hayward pump could save $100,000. The Hayward pump meets specs, has a six-month lead time, and is used by nearby municipalities. Asbel plans to begin work around March 1. Further information regarding the pump choice was requested before a decision was made.
MOTION: WELLS moved to table the decision to November 18, 2025. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
ACTION: Bill Lemke and Scott Flater to appear at the November 18th meeting for discussion on pump choice.
ACTION: City Clerk will email to FLATER the information provided by DICKMAN regarding the Hayward Gordon pump.
Reports and Comments
City Engineer:
– E. National update
– CCLIP Phase 3 update
City Manager:
– Request to discuss dog limits in City – November 18, 2025
– Crescent Drive and Archer update
– Eddy Street update
– FEMA projects on hold due to government shutdown
City Attorney:
– Request for (10) minute Executive Session
City Clerk: No comment
Commissioner Wells:
– 6th and Little
– Overpass plan at Jayhawk Road
Commissioner Olson:
– Railroad crossing
Commissioner Dancer:
– Special meeting on Saturday
– Remember to vote
Commissioner Salsbury:
– Downtown alley
Commissioner Van Hoecke
– Remember to vote
– Sales tax
Executive Session
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion pursuant to the attorney-client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). In the Executive Session will be the (5) City Commissioners, the City Attorney and the City Manager in the City Manager’s office. The open meeting will resume at 6:59PM in the Commission Room. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to come out of Executive Session with no action. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Adjourn
MOTION: DANCER moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:00PM. OLSON seconded.
NOVEMBER 3, 2025, CITY COMMISSION MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:00PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk