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Category Archives: Fort Scott
FSHS Student Led Fundraiser For Cancer is Feb. 6 at Basketball Game
Agenda for the Ft. Scott City Commission on Feb. 3
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
February 3, 2026 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Call to Order
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
IV. Approval of Agenda
V. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1401-A – Expense Approval Report –
Payment Dates of January 14, 2026 – January 30, 2026 – $
B. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of January 20, 2026
VI. Public Comment
VII. Appearances
A. Stephen Mitchell – IT Update
VIII. Unfinished Business
IX. New Business
Public Hearings:
A. Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 9-2026 RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE
REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE
AT 310 N. CLEVELAND – L. Kruger
B. Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 10-2026 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE
REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE
AT 601 S. LITTLE – L. Kruger
Action Items:
A. Status update of 18 S. HOLBROOK – Tabled from November 18, 2025 – L. Kruger
B. Consideration of changes to Ordinance No. 3793 – AN ORDINANCE REGULATING
PUBLIC OFFENSES WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FORT
SCOTT, KSANSAS; INCORPORATING BY REFERENCE THE UNIFORM PUBLIC
OFFENSE CODE FOR KANSAS CITIES, 41 ST EDITION, PROVIDING CERTAIN
PENALTIES AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3749 – K. Salsbury
C. Approval to go out for bids for Cape Seal Project – B. Matkin
D. Discussion – City lake properties – B. Matkin
E. Discussion – Contractor Licensing – B. Matkin
F. Discussion – Condition of Horton Street – J. Dickman
2
X. Reports and Comments
Unapproved Minutes of the Ft. Scott City Commission on Jan. 20
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of January 20, 2026 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 Matthew Wells, Tracy
Dancer, Tim Van Hoecke, Julie Buchta and Mayor Kathryn Salsbury were present.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Lisa
Dillon/Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering &
Inspections LLC, Ben Hart/BakerTilly, Dave Bruner/FSFD Chief, Lindsay Madison/Chamber of
Commerce, Amanda Lancaster/DBB, Inc., and Gregg Motley/4th District Bourbon County Commissioner.
SALSBURY led the Pledge of Allegiance and BUCHTA said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City,
the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the agenda as presented. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda – Amendment with addition of Item D
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1400-A – Expense Approval Report –
Payment Dates of January 1, 2026 – January 13, 2026 – $440,300.54
B. Approval of 2026 Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) License For Consumption on the
Premises: Fifth Wheel Tavern – 206 N. Humbolt St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
C. Approval of 2026 Occupation License – Precious Metals Dealer – Hulberts Jewelry
LLC/Bartelsmeyer Jewelry – 22 N. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
D. Approval of 2026 Occupation License – Precious Metals Dealer – Fort Scott Gun &
Pawn – 1402 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
E. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection LLC – Invoice 18373 – EEI Project
No. 25-12 East National Phase I – Design – 60% Complete – $15,525.00
F. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of January 6, 2026
G. December Financials
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the amended Consent Agenda. SALSBURY
seconded. SALSBURY, BUCHTA, VAN HOECKE and DANCER voted yes. WELLS voted
no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Public Comment – No public comment.
Appearances –
Amanda Lancaster – 2024 Audit and Consideration to Approve Invoice 176143 – Certified Audit
of Records and Preparation of Audit Report for the Year Ended December 21, 2024 – $20,200.00
Minutes of January 20, 2026 Fort Scott City Commission Regular
Meeting
2
LANCASTER was delayed.
MOTION: DANCER moved to push item (7) down until Ms. Lancaster can make an
appearance before the Commission. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Unfinished Business
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 8-2026 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS, ENDORSING PARTICIPATION IN THE KANSAS MAIN
STREET PROGRAM AND DESIGNATING THE LOCAL MAIN STREET ORGANIZATION –
Lindsay Madison
MOTION: WELLS motioned to move forward with the City’s version of the resolution, No. 8-
2026 with the inclusion of the City’s historic preservation committee as a signature on the
form. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 5-2026 A RESOLUTION FOR EXEMPTION FROM
GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRACTICES (GAAP) UNDER K.S.A. 1120A – Ben
Hart
Discussion was had about the differences between GAAP and Regulatory Cash Basis (KMAAG)
Audits and accounting procedures, fixed asset inventory and depreciation schedule. Greg Motley
contributed to the discussion.
VAN HOECKE requested a Point of Order and that Amanda Lancaster be allowed to make her
appearance before a vote is taken on the matter.
LANCASTER presented her results from the 2024 audit for the City of Fort Scott.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to pay the invoice for DBB for $20,200.00 for our audit
report from year ended December 31, 2024. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Further discussion was had regarding the possibility of doing a GAAP audit.
SALSBURY called the question.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve Resolution No. 5-2026 A RESOLUTION FOR
EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRACTICES OR GAAP
UNDER K.S.A. 1120A. SALSBURY seconded. DANCER, SALSBURY, BUCHTA, and
VAN HOECKE voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Minutes of January 20, 2026 Fort Scott City Commission Regular
Meeting
3
ACTION: HART will prepare a proposal for providing a depreciation schedule and the other
things that would meet the needs of the concerns expressed.
Consideration setting a date for a Budget Workshop with BakerTilly
Work Session set for April 21, 2026, at 5:00PM at City Hall before the Regular Commission
Meeting.
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 6-2026 RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR
REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 1403 E. OAK –
Tabled November 18, 2025, for (30) days – Previously presented as Resolution No. 37-2025
KRUGER reported that the owner is currently working on the house, but may have stopped for
the winter. The house is still open, but the foundation (footing and a concrete retaining wall) has
been laid. Work has been done, but it is still in a state of disrepair. He has faith that it will
eventually be completed.
MOTION: WELLS moved to table this again until such a time as Officer Kruger has an
opportunity to bring more information and leave it up to his discretion. DANCER seconded.
MOTION PASSED 5-0.
ACTION: KRUGER will reach out to the owner about closing up the structure and report back to
the Commission.
Status Reports on Pending Demolition Proceedings
1626 E. Pine – KRUGER stated the owner has completely cleaned up the property, painted the
house and are doing everything that he has asked them to do so far. He believes the progress
justifies removing the placard from the house.
1815 E. Oak – KRUGER stated that it was requested by a person of interest at the public
hearing, that he be given time to get the house in probate. However, he has been in and out of
jail since the time was granted. This person does not have any legal authority for the house but
had agreed to board up windows and doors but nothing has transpired. The neighbor expressed
interest in purchasing the property when it goes to the Land Bank. The owner is in arrears on
taxes. KRUGER requested that the Commission reconsider the hold they put on the house and
that it be brought back up for demolition.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE motioned to move forward with resolving the unsafe home that
was up for repair or removal at 1815 E. Oak. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
New Business
Action Items:
Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 7-2026 RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH
REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE(S) AT 406 S.
HORTON, FORT SCOTT, KS 66701
Minutes of January 20, 2026 Fort Scott City Commission Regular
Meeting
4
FARMER left the meeting 6:58PM
KRUGER reported that no taxes have been paid since 2021. He has been trying for over (1) year
to get the owner who lives in California to do maintenance on this house. It has been vacant and
currently the roof has started to cave in on the house and it needs to come down. He gave further
description of the condition of the house.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve Resolution No. 7-2026 A RESOLUTION AND
NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS
STRUCTURE AT 406 S. HORTON. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration to purchase Water Truck
MATKIN requested the purchase of a water truck for asphalting. It is on the CIP. He presented
the comparables and recommended the model from Niece Products – 2022 demo model, 17,200
miles, $65,850.00 plus $1,000.00 credit toward a trade in for a piece of iron in the back of the
barn. A warranty is included.
FARMER returned to the meeting 7:01PM
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to approve the purchase of the water truck from Niece
Products with a thank you to Al Niece. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Discussion to adopt International Building Code (IBC) 2018 – L. Dillon
DILLON requested that the City upgrade from 2012 to 2018 to increase their chances for grant
awards. Discussion was had regarding the differences between the (2) codes. The fire code
would be the biggest impact but the advantages or increasing our ISO has benefits such as
homeowners receiving better insurance rates. BRUNER explained the ISO rating. The next
evaluation for ISO will be in 2027. By upgrading the code, the hope is to bring the City’s ISO
down from the current (3). Grandfathering under 2018 applies if renovation is under 50%.
FARMER added that it is important to remain current. BRUNER explained that the state fire
marshal is headed toward adopting IBC 2024 in the near future, but legislation will take longer.
Reports and Comments
City Manager:
– GO Bond being discussed with GilmoreBell
– IT will be at the next meeting for an update
– Moody Building – for sale, still monitoring
– 118 E. Wall – for sale, no updates, time to consider moving forward
– February meetings – discuss Contractor Licenses and City Lake Properties.
City Engineer:
– E. National update – working on preliminary plans
– Wall Street traffic control plan in works
– Consider sludge removal this year
Minutes of January 20, 2026 Fort Scott City Commission Regular
Meeting
5
– Water/Sewer Rate analysis needed before budget season
– Pre-construction meeting for Davis Lift Station project – start date February 16, 2026
Commissioner Wells:
– KDOT agreement for HWY54
– Fitness park timetable
– County moratorium for industrial and commercial business status
–
Commissioner Van Hoecke:
– City Clerk to put December 2, 2025 minutes on website
– 118 E. Wall – ready to move forward for resolution
– Cold weather awareness
Commissioner Dancer:
– Comments on accounting and demands for GAAP audit
– 911 outage question
– Hay bale obstacle course
Commissioner Buchta:
– Timken and Valu buildings update – appreciate City’s persistence
– Comments on GAAP audit
Commissioner Salsbury:
– Working on Ordinance 3793 – put on next agenda
– Cold weather awareness
Adjourn
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:33PM. DANCER seconded.
JANUARY 20, 2026, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:33PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis/City Clerk
FSHS Hosts Cancer Awareness Week Starts Feb. 6
Fort Scott High School is hosting a Cancer Awareness Week to raise awareness, honor cancer fighters and survivors, and support cancer related causes through school wide activities and fundraising. The week will include both a community event and daily student involvement at the high school.
Cancer Awareness Week is intended to be educational, meaningful, and engaging. It reminds students and the community of the impact cancer has on so many lives and how collective action, even small contributions, can make a difference. Cancer Awareness Week is being organized and led by Fort Scott High School Junior Allie Wards, with support from FSHS staff and administration. FSHS clubs assisting Wards with the event include Community Empowerment, Zero Reasons Why, and Key Club.
The following events are planned:
Friday, February 6th – Cancer Awareness Week will begin with a Miracle Minute at a home basketball game at FSHS. During this minute, attendees will be invited to donate in support of cancer awareness and related causes. The event will also include recognition of cancer fighters and survivors to honor those affected by cancer.
Monday, February 9th – Friday, February 13th – Throughout the week at Fort Scott High School, students will participate in simple awareness activities designed to educate, encourage compassion, and build community support.
Monday: Students will write encouraging notes to cancer patients and their families.These notes will be donated to Care to Share who will help distribute them.
Tuesday: A large poster will be displayed for students to sign reading: “I stand with cancer fighters because…” students will be encouraged to write their personal reasons and messages of support.
Wednesday: A school wide Google form will be shared with students containing some cancer awareness questions. Students will also vote for songs to be used later in the week during a special fundraising event.
Thursday: Students will receive temporary tattoos and are encouraged to take photos wearing them and post on Instagram, tagging @fshscancerawareness to help spread awareness beyond the school.
Friday: The week will conclude with a school assembly. Throughout the week, students are donating money under specific teachers’ names. The top teachers with the highest total donations by Thursday afternoon will participate in a karaoke performance during the assembly. They will sing the top 3 songs chosen by students and wear costumes selected from the FSHS Theatre costume wardrobe. At the assembly, FSHS will present Care to Share with all funds raised throughout the week.
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Lowell Milken Center: MONDAYS this February, enjoy a complimentary hot cocoa bar
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GNAT Ready To Help Their Community Maintain Properties
The Good Neighbor Action Team (GNAT) helps the Fort Scott community in hands-on projects and is gearing up for this year’s projects.
They are planning for 2026, and are asking the community to let them know of potential projects.
They cannot do roofs, but can clear yard debris and help with light carpentry needs, with curb appeal as the goal.
If you have a larger project, they can assist with grant applications. Please send requests or ideas to Craig Campbell at 620.224.0167.
“We help people where they are overwhelmed, financially or physically,” said Campbell, a member of GNAT. “Our main mission focuses on helping people who are having trouble maintaining their properties. We do things like you would help a neighbor with.”
“We focus on the elderly and financially distressed, like single parents or veterans, or those with a physical disability, to do the work themselves,” he said.
“We do it whether someone has the ability to pay or not,” he said.
“We bring the people and the materials to get the job done.”
The group receives grants and donations to help with the materials, and recently received a Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant. “We have a person who helps with the grants, Jara Martin.”
“We have been successful in getting grants to help with roofs and heating/cooling. We coordinate house painting,” he said.
The GNAT examines the project for need and scopes it to determine how many volunteers are needed.
Then the team asks for volunteers to help with the projects through local organizations and churches.
Last year, the Fort Scott Community College softball women helped paint a house and got the job done in one afternoon, he said.
In recent years they have been building many wheelchair ramps.
“We were building a wheelchair ramp about once a week, but that has gotten slower,” he said.
“As soon as the weather is better, we will paint some houses. We do yard clean-up, life after a storm. Winter can knock branches down.”
Current GNAT members are Ed Allen, Campbell, Bailey Lyons, Lindsay Madison, Martin, Jake Province, C.J. Robison, Gayle Teter, and Don Tucker.
Fort Scott High School FFA Students Fundraiser: Flowers For Valentines Day
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Weekly Chamber Coffee Hosted by Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Group
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What’s Happening In Fort Scott Jan. 23 Edition
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USD 234 Demonstrates Academic Growth Across Core Subjects
USD 234 is proud to share academic progress reflected in the recent Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) results. These results demonstrate meaningful gains in Math, English Language Arts (ELA), and Science.
Over the past several years, USD 234 students have steadily improved proficiency rates on the state assessments required by KSDE. Proficiency status represents students mastering grade level standards that are included on the state assessment each spring. USD 234 now ranks near the top of other Southeast Kansas League schools in multiple subject areas. In Math and ELA, Fort Scott’s proficiency levels have climbed consistently, placing the district among one of the strongest performers among other Southeast Kansas League schools for the 2024–25 school year. Science results also reflect sustained and consistent growth over the last few years.
These results reflect the dedication and hard work of all USD 234 staff. This is also a reflection of each students’ commitment to continuous learning. We are thankful for these individuals’ efforts each and every day.
More detailed assessment information is available through the Kansas State Department of Education Report Card at datacentral.ksde.gov.”
School Board Recognition Month
Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760
DESTRY BROWN Superintendent
TERRY MAYFIELD Assistant Superintendent
Join us in thanking our Board of Education
January is School Board Recognition Month, and our school district would like to thank each of our board of education members for their incredible service to our community and our public schools.
School board members in USD 234 develop policies and make important decisions that help shape the future of our education system.
This January, please join us as we thank our school board members for volunteering their time, their passion for serving our district and for advocating on behalf of every child in our community.
The board members serving USD 234 and their years of service are:
David Stewart – President Stewart Gulager – Vice President
Doug Hurd Nick Barrows
Mike Miles Phil Jackson
Rory Chaplin
Sincerely,
Destry Brown
USD 234 – Fort Scott