Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Agenda for Ft. Scott City Commission on June 16

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

June 16, 2026  –  6:00 P.M.

                                                                   

                      

  1.     Call to Order
  2. Pledge of Allegiance

III.       Invocation

  1. Approval of Agenda
  2.     Consent Agenda
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1410-A – Expense Approval Report –

Payment Dates of May 28, 2026 – June 9, 2026 – $795,782.34            

  1. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of June 2, 2026
  2. Approval of Retail Fireworks Vendor Permit – Jurassic Fireworks (4500 Campbell Dr.)
  3. May Financials
  4. Request to Pay – Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking, Inc. – Application No. 4 – Davis Lift Station – $12,150.00
  5. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC – Invoice# 18628 – EEI Project No. 25-12 E. National Phase I – Final Design 60% – $10,350.00; and Invoice# 18629 – EEI Project No. 26-402 – Davis Lift Station Extraneous Flow – $18,214.89

 

  1. Public Comment

VII.      Appearance

  1. Garth Herrmann/Gilmore & Bell – Award of Sale and Note Resolution
  2. Review bids for sale of the Series 2026-1 Temporary Notes and award sale to the best bidder
  3. Approve Note Resolution No. 25-2026 authorizing the issuance of the Series 2026-1 Temporary Notes
  4. Al Niece – Moody Building                                                
  5. Kari West/Evergy – Franchise Fee Update
  6. Rachel Carpenter/Director of Community Development & Human Resources – Gordon Parks Film Initiative (First Read)
  7. Kristy Holmes/Holmtown Pub LLC – Request for assistance
  8. Jess Milburn/JCM Restoration – Request to Pay Invoice# 9204 – JCM Restoration – Gunn Park Retaining Wall Repairs – Progress Billing – Base Bid Work Complete – $33,000.00 and Invoice# 9205 – Additional Work Completed Beyond Base Bid – Change Order –  $17,148.00

 

VIII.    Unfinished Business

  1. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3797 – An Ordinance Amending Article 20 of the Fort Scott Zoning Regulations Regarding Accessory Structures and Intermodal Shipping Containers – L. Dillon
  2. B. Consideration to Resolve Issues with 118 E. Wall
  3. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3799 Further Define Gunn Park Camping Regulations Regarding 14-Day Permit and Repeal Ordinance No. 3606 – B. Matkin

 

 

  1. New Business

Action Items

  1. Consideration to Award 2nd Quarter Small Business Grants – M. Wyatt

1) Kale Nelson/K & K Properties – DBA Kale Nelson State Farm Insurance – 113 S. National; 2) Dylan Renfro/M&K Carwash – 723 E. Wall

 

  1. Consideration to Amend City-Issued Alcoholic Liquor and Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) Licenses – Reference to Title 5 – Chapters 5.08; 5.12; and 5.14 of the Fort Scott Municipal Code – B. Matkin

 

  1. Discussion of City Manager’s Review

 

  1. Reports and Comments        

 

  1. Adjourn
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce Lunch & Learn Labor Wages Is June 17

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Join us for an upcoming
Chamber Lunch & Learn
US Department of Labor
Wage & Hour Division
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
11:30am-1pm
Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St.
Entrances in both front & back of the Empress.
Avoid costly wage & hour mistakes!
All are welcome!
Click here for printable flyer.

Chamber Lunch & Learn flyer

Fort Scott Chamber Hosts Lunch & Learn with U.S. Department of Labor Wage & Hour Division

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites business owners, managers, human resource professionals, nonprofit leaders, and employers of all sizes to attend an informative Chamber Lunch & Learn featuring the U.S. Department of Labor Wage & Hour Division on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

The program will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main Street in Downtown Fort Scott.

Presenter Trini Najera Murguia, Community Outreach Resource Planning Specialist with the U.S. Department of Labor, will provide an overview of key employment and overtime regulations and discuss common compliance issues facing employers today.

Topics will include:

  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements
  • Employment relationships
  • Exempt vs. nonexempt employee classifications
  • Calculating overtime pay
  • Recordkeeping requirements
  • Lactation break provision in the workplace
  • Youth employment protections
  • Common wage and hour violations

Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive information directly from a representative of the U.S. Department of Labor.

“This Lunch & Learn is designed to help employers better understand federal labor laws and avoid costly wage and hour mistakes,” said Lindsay Madison, President and CEO of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. “Whether you own a small business, manage employees, oversee HR functions, or operate a nonprofit organization, this information is valuable and applicable to your workplace.”

Registration is $20 for Chamber members with lunch, $10 for Chamber members without lunch, $30 for non-members with lunch, and $20 for non-members without lunch.

Advance registration is requested by Monday, June 15 at 1:00 p.m. for those ordering lunch.

To register, visit FortScott.com, email [email protected], or call the Chamber at (620) 223-3566.

The event is presented by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Davis Accounting and Labconco.

For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit www.FortScott.com.

Click HERE to register to attend.

Please register by 1pm Monday, June 15th, especially if ordering lunch.

We hope to see you there!

Thank you to event sponsors:

Davis Accounting

Labconco

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Champion members

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-3566
fortscott.com

Click HERE to view our 2026 Community Guide-Member Directory!

Business, Clothing, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Varia Quality Resale Clothing on June 11

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by Chamber Member

Varia

Quality Resale Clothing
Thursday, June 11th

 

8am

@ Varia
114 E. 23rd St.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Varia Quality Resale Clothing, 114 E. 23rd St. this Thursday, June 11th at 8am.

Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.

Varia offers affordable prices and a variety of high-quality used items, including women’s, teens’, and children’s clothing, as well as purses, shoes, jewelry, and more. Owner, Robin Kendrick, is celebrating her 5th year in business and is excited to host this event and welcome the community to join in the celebration.

Varia’s June Special will feature a $25 store credit drawing. Customers who spend a minimum of $20 when shopping in-store may register for the drawing.

For more information, contact the Chamber at (620) 223-356. Visit the Events Calendar at fortscott.com and select the Chamber Coffees category for upcoming locations.

Click HERE to visit

Varia Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Varia website!
A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

City of Fort Scott Celebrates Independence Day on June 27 with Family Fun and Fireworks at Dusk

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Submitted graphic.

The Fourth of July is coming early this year in Fort Scott.

On June 27, the City of Fort Scott is hosting its annual community event.

“We wanted to avoid family activities/traditions on the Fourth of July,” said Rachel Carpenter, Fort Scott’s Director of Community Development. “There will not be anything happening from the city on the 4th.”

Rachel Carpenter from the City of Fort Scott Employee Directory.

The City of Fort Scott and community partners do invite residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day at the annual Fort Scott Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Fort Scott Community College, Carpenter said.

“The family-friendly event will feature an afternoon and evening filled with food, live music, competitions, games, and fireworks, offering something for all ages.”

The churches near Fort Scott Community College are opening their parking lots for the afternoon activities,  and there is  ADA parking near the cosmetology department on the south central side of the campus.

June 27 city-sponsored activities begin at 3:00 p.m. and include:

  • Golf cart obstacle course and decoration contest
  • Slip N Slide Kickball Tournament
  • Water Wars featuring water inflatables and splash-filled fun
  • A variety of food trucks offering food and refreshments

Participants are needed for the above activities and the BBQ contest, according to the City of Fort Scott’s monthly newsletter.

Participants can register through the event QR codes available on promotional materials in this publication.

The People’s Choice judging for the Butcher Block BBQ Contest will begin at 5:00 p.m., allowing attendees to help crown the community’s favorite pitmaster.

Live entertainment will be provided throughout the evening with free concerts featuring:

  • Riker at 5:00 p.m.
  • The Flatland Band at 7:00 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of great music, food, and community fellowship before the fireworks display.

“This celebration is a great opportunity for families, friends, and neighbors to come together and celebrate our nation’s independence while enjoying everything that makes Fort Scott a special place to live and visit,” organizers said

Residents and visitors are encouraged to wear their red, white, and blue and join in a day of community pride, family fun, and patriotic celebration, according to Carpenter.

For additional event information, follow City of Fort Scott announcements and event updates on social media.

The annual city-sponsored fireworks display will start at 9:30 p.m., Carpenter said. Cars can line up on South Horton Street as in prior years to view the show.

The show will be launched at the Fort Scott Community College campus, at 1801 S. Horton, with lead pyrotechnician Shaunn Pytlowany and his crew from Premier Pyrotechnics handling the setup and shooting.

Fire works 2026 Rules

Between 18th and 23rd Streets on Horton Street,  cars will be lined up on June 27 for the fireworks display launch at Fort Scott Community College.

From The City of Fort Scott ordinances:

 

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Good Ol’ Days Saturday Highlights

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Good Ol’ Days weekend is here, Fort Scott!

The 45th annual Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days Celebration runs Saturday, June 6, 2026 in Downtown Fort Scott. Bring the whole family out for the parade, craft and food vendors, camel rides, trolley rides, live music, street dances, kids activities, the Red Garter Show, melodrama performances, Farmers Market, Safety Fair, Car and Bike Show, and more.

Saturday highlights

  • Farmers Market — 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Kids Fair and bounce houses
  • Car and Bike Show
  • Magicians, caricatures, balloonist, live music, shows, and more
  • Live music at 4 p.m. — DJ Brown & Bourbon County Revival
  • The Railroad Is a Comin’ melodrama show at the Episcopalian Church, 123 S. National Ave.
  • Street Dance at 7 p.m. featuring Bound & Determined

View the full schedule at fortscottgoodoldays.com/schedule-good-ol-days-festival.

A thank you

The Chamber wants to take a moment to thank all of the donors, sponsors, volunteers, committee members, vendors, performers, local businesses, city crews, first responders, and community members who help make Good Ol’ Days possible. Events like this happen because of so many generous people giving their time, talents, resources, and hearts to the community.

A special thank you goes to the family of Janet Braun, who will be riding as Grand Marshal in the parade in her name. Janet was part of Good Ol’ Days from the beginning, and the Chamber is honored to celebrate her legacy and the many memories she helped create for Fort Scott.

More information

Source: Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701 — (620) 223-3566 — fortscott.com

Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Hosts Annual Spring Fundraiser, Boardwalk BBQ

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Submitted photo.

A crowd of 172 attended the 2026 Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation annual spring fundraiser on Friday, May 1st.  Doors at the SEK Impact Center opened at 5:30 pm.  Décor was provided by Lisa Wolverton of Hitch and Hoedown Rentals.  Approximately $15,000 was raised during the evening from stretch, silent, and live auctions.  Following last year’s successful appearance, Robbie Bell once again provided entertainment throughout the evening.

Attendees were treated to a delicious meal of barbecue chicken, pulled pork, potato salad, baked beans, lettuce salad, and roll furnished by Mark Hall.  Dessert was cobbler, provided by Brenda Harrison of Sassy Chef’s.  Neosho County Community College students helped serve the meal.  Door prizes were courtesy of the TVDS greenhouse in Fort Scott and Jennifer Deitsch State Farm.

As in year’s past, the live auction was the highlight of the evening.  Dave Petersen served as auctioneer and did a fantastic job.  For 2026, our featured trips were courtesy of Monarch Cement and included a trip for two to Nashville and a trip for two to San Antonio.  Other items auctioned off include:  a Breckenridge CO vacation package courtesy of Home Savings Bank; a Branson MO vacation package courtesy of Community National Bank; a full-size recliner courtesy of Ruddick’s Furniture in Fort Scott; and Dinner for 10 courtesy of Brenda Harrison.  Thank you to the local merchants that provided gift baskets for both the silent and stretch auctions.  Thank you to Larry Holman for serving as the evening’s photographer.  The pictures are amazing.

Submitted photo.

All money raised from the evening will go towards the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation projects.  Since 2001, the Foundation has built six homes and acquired nine additional homes and a duplex.  The houses are located in our communities of Buffalo, Chanute, Fort Scott, Humboldt, Iola, Moline, and Neodesha.  These houses are home to 92 of our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by Tri-Valley Developmental Services.

“The evening was fantastic”, said Bill Fiscus, CEO. “The food, drawings and conversation were phenomenal.  Thank you to everyone who attended.  We hope you had an enjoyable evening and look forward to seeing you all in 2027.”

A big thank you goes to the evening’s sponsors.  Promenade Level:  Monarch Cement Company

Colonnade Level: Acrisure; Cardinal Drug Store & Gifts; Community National Bank – Chanute; Hofer & Hofer & Associates; Larry Holman; IMA; Dave Peterson Auction Services; and Smith Law Office, LLC

Esplanade Level: Ash Grove; Hitch & Hoedown; and Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips, CPA

Arcade Level: Bank of Commerce; CASA of the 31st Judicial District; Cheney Witt Chapel; LeRoy Coop; Mertz Tax Service; SEK COOP; and Shields Motor Company

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Tri-Valley Awards Ft. Scott McDonalds Restaurant and Mertz Tax Service Business of the Year

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Submitted photo.

On Friday, April 10th, Tri-Valley Developmental Services held their 2026 Award Ceremony celebrating achievements from individuals and community support in Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson Counties.  The ceremony began at 1 pm and was held at Central Park Pavilion in Chanute.  Awards were presented to the following:

 

Business of the Year – Arby’s of Chanute, McDonald’s of Fort Scott, Mertz Tax Service, Fort Scott

Achievement Award – Dylan Lawrence, Bryan Packard, Josh Wilson

Ed Bideau Advocacy Award – Daniel Smith

Jenny Masterson Family Award – Tiffany Tiegreen

Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Visionary Award – Mike Hofer

Winfred Jent Board Award – Joel Norris

Lifetime Achievement Award – Mike Reid

Employee of the Year Award – Laurel Hall

CEO Award – Jim Jesseph

 

During the ceremony, Ginger Jakee, Kelsey Meza, and Wendy Henderson were recognized as graduates in the DSP+ Apprenticeship Program.

 

Refreshments were served following the ceremony.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Come Welcome Veterans Home from Washington D.C. Honor Flight This Evening

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Photos taken from 2016 Veteran’s Day Program at Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Help Us Welcome Our Honor Flight Heroes Home!
This evening (June 4th), join others on the east side of Fort Scott High School as we welcome home our Honor Flight veterans and their high school guardians who have spent the last three days in Washington.

The expected time of arrival is 7:15 p.m. , possibly earlier.

Please consider arriving a little early, as they may be running ahead of schedule.

Let’s line the street, wave our flags, and show these heroes just how much their service and sacrifice mean to our community. There is nothing quite like seeing our veterans return home to a crowd of grateful Americans.
Bring your family. Let’s give them the welcome home they deserve!
Submitted by
Erica Clark
Area News, Fort Scott, Youth

Raj Gugnani, Fort Scott High School Senior, Elected Attorney General At Kansas Boys State

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from left: State Treasurer Baron Rodvold; Lieutenant Governor Beckett Romain; Governor Bo Barkley; Attorney General Raj Gugnani; and Secretary of State Jackson Roberts. Submitted photo.

 

 

June 2, 2025 — Bo Barkley, a resident of McPherson, Kan., and a senior-to-be at McPherson High School, has been elected governor of the 2026 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas. The announcement was made this evening during the Kansas Boys State evening retreat at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

 

Barkley, the Kansas Boys State Federalist Party governor candidate, and his lieutenant governor running mate, Beckett Romain, a resident of Wichita, Kan., and a junior-to-be at Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, won the election over the Nationalist Party governor candidate Burklee Jackson, a resident of Concordia, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Concordia High School and his lieutenant governor running mate, Alexander Caldwell, a resident of Overland Park, Kan., and a senior-to-be at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

 

Election results for other state offices:

(Name, Party, Hometown, High School – all cities/high schools in Kansas unless noted; all are seniors-to-be)

  • Secretary of State — Jackson Roberts, Nationalist, Spring Hill, senior-to-be at Spring Hill High School, defeated Keaden Yim, Federalist, Lenexa, senior-to-be at Olathe Northwest High School.
  • Attorney General — Raj Gugnani, Federalist, Fort Scott, senior-to-be at Fort Scott High School, defeated Jace Daugherty, Nationalist, Andover, senior-to-be at Andover High School.
  • State Treasurer — Baron Rodvold, Federalist, Wichita, senior-to-be at Derby High School, defeated Alex Ray, Nationalist, Winfield, senior-to-be at Winfield High School.

 

Kansas Boys State Governor Barkley will give his inaugural address tomorrow (Wednesday, June 3) at 8 p.m. at K-State’s McCain Auditorium. The event will conclude with the Kansas Boys State band, chorus and talent show.

 

Wednesday evening’s festivities kickoff at 7:30 p.m. with a flag retirement ceremony at the World War II Memorial in front of McCain Auditorium. The event is an observance of the proper respect for the American flag and how unserviceable flags are properly disposed. The honor guard from the American Legion Pearce-Keller Post No.17 in Manhattan will present the ceremony. Dr. John Lindholm, a 1949 KSU graduate who provided the dog tags as a model for the “Tags of Honor” sculpture at the World War II Memorial, was a longtime Kansas Boys State staff member as a Legionnaire advisor before passing away in January 2020. Both events on Wednesday night are open to the public.

 

High school students from across the State of Kansas are participating in the 2026 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, which started on Sunday (May 31) and ends Saturday, June 6, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This is the program’s 34th consecutive session at KSU and 88th overall. The Kansas Boys State program includes students who have just completed their junior year of high school (will be seniors in the fall) and sophomore year of high school (will be juniors in the fall).

 

The objective of the ALBSK is to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Kansas Boys State provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

 

— #KSBoysState —

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

 

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.

 

Elections, Fort Scott, Government

U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Teletown Hall

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Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to invite you to join me for a live teletown hall tonight, where I’ll be discussing the latest developments in Congress and answering your questions directly.

 

This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts, hear updates on the issues that matter most to our community, and engage in an open conversation about the direction of our country.

Teletown Hall Details:
Date: Tonight (June 2)
Time: 5:30 p.m. CDT
How to Join: You can participate by answering the call if you receive it, or by dialing in at 855-920-0552.

 

I always value hearing from you, and your input helps guide my work in Washington. I hope you’ll be able to join me for this important conversation.

Sincerely,

Rep. Derek Schmidt

Member of Congress
Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Public Library Board Member Vacancy

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VACANCIES FOR LIBRARY BOARD – (1) opening for a (4)-year term.

This board meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Fort Scott Public Library.

For further information please contact the library director, Jennifer Gum-Fowler at (620) 223-2882

. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS MONDAY, JUNE 8 AT 5:00pm.

Please submit ALL Letters of Interest to the City Clerk by the deadlines indicated either in person at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street or by email.

PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE CONTACT INFORMATION.

All letters will be verified, and all candidates must appear before the City Commission when scheduled by agenda.

If letters cannot be verified, they will not be considered. For questions, please contact Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at [email protected] or (620) 223-0550 ext. 507.

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

City of Fort Scott