Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Incident at National Speech and Debate Conference Explained by Destry Brown

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

6/19/2025

 

Nine students and three coaches from Fort Scott High School attended the National Speech and Debate Conference this week in Des Moines, IA.

During the finals round of one of the competitions and unknown person walked onto the stage and interrupted the speech. They evacuated the auditorium thinking he was an active shooter. Later the National Speech and Debate Conference posted the following announcement:

 

This afternoon, an unidentified attendee entered the stage during the Humorous Interpretation Finals, interrupting the round. The individual has been subdued and removed from the premises. There were no weapons involved, and no threats were made. The hall was evacuated and there are no reported injuries. The rest of the venue has been swept for any potential threats by members of law enforcement. We understand the concerns people have, and we want to assure everyone that this is an isolated incident. We plan to resume the tournament later today and will aim to update attendees on the revised schedule by 4 PM CT.

The reunification area for all participants is the North parking lot, outside the Memorial Hall entrance.

 

All our students and coaches are safe and accounted for. The district administrators along with the sponsors on the trip have made the decision to bring everyone home this evening. Upon their arrival home, in addition to their families, our high school counselors and other support staff will be there to meet them at the school. We want to make sure our students, sponsors, and parents are given any support they may need in the coming days as a result of this very scary situation.

 

Mr. Slinkard, our debate and forensics coach, reported that our kids reacted very calmly and maturely during the evacuation and were helping each other as well as other kids from around the country get to safety.  He is very proud of the way our kids and coaches conducted themselves during this situation.

 

We are very thankful that everyone is safe and on their way back home.

 

Submitted by Destry Brown, Superintendent of USD234

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Youth

Parent Empowerment Circle Sunday, June 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m. First Southern Baptist Church

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Sending on behalf of a Chamber Member

Southwind Extension District

You’re invited to attend the

Parent Empowerment Circle

Sunday, June 22

1:30-3:30

 First Southern Baptist Church

(Family Life Center)

1818 South Main, Fort Scott, KS

Questions/to RSVP:

Cherri Walrod, Community Health worker.

Call or text 620-945-9081

or email [email protected]

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Business, Fort Scott

The After Affect Has A New Building In the Works

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From left, owner Shelly Bradley and long-time employee Debi Fritter stand in front of the current salon site. A new building for the salon is being constructed about 14 blocks east.

Shelly Bradley, owner of The After Affect Salon, said the business will have an “18 and on-our-own party” to celebrate the relocation of her business to a newly constructed building.

“We hope to be open in August (at the new site),” she said. “August will be the salon’s 18th anniversary, and we want to have a party to celebrate.”

“My husband, Zach, had tried to talk me into buying or building a new salon, to invest in our own property, and have our own parking.”

The current salon is located in the Historic Downtown Fort Scott district at 14 E. Wall, and parking can be competitive at times.

The new shop is being built and is located at 1416 E. Wall.

Shelly Bradley opens the door to her new salon at 1416 E. Wall on June 18. Completion is slated for August 2025. The salon door is on the east (left) and the other services door is on the west (right) of the front of the building.

“My Grandma Martha Cook offered to sell a lot next to her house to me. The time was right. God’s timing is perfect, and everything fell into place.”

The new 40-foot-by-40-foot building will have parking for 13 cars.

This will be needed with the additional services she will be offering in the shop: red light therapy, and tanning services, including stand-up, lay-down, and automated. All will have their private work room and additionally, two bathrooms, a utility room/kitchen/storage room, a room for retail products, and a waiting room. In addition, there will be a designated nail technician room.

“I feel so blessed with our amazing clientele that has made this a possibility and can’t wait to offer more for our community,” she said. “I am blessed that my husband has the talent and patience to help me build my dream. And I’m excited to be next door to my Grandma’s house.”

Those working on the build are Gieger Plumbing, KTK Electric, and Thomas Concrete and Construction, all of Fort Scott. She has been working with the City of Fort Scott on an economic development grant.

Bradley started the business in 2007, and Debi Fritter started offering services with her in 2010.

Riley Findley will be the new nail technician, and Debi’s daughter, Dani, will help in the tanning area.

 

 

Art, Business, Fort Scott

The Rockballet Dancers Present “Jet Set To Wonderland” June 20-21

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Reserved Tickets are now on sale for a show of talent you
do not want to miss! Call 855-222-2849 (the number on the flyer is not correct)

https://www.etix.com/ticket/o/8277/rockballet

Kristin Lewis Gorman will present her Rockballet dancers
in their 5th annual production, “Jet Set to Wonderland” ,
this Friday and Saturday, 7:30 PM at the Ellis Family Fine
Arts center, in Fort Scott.

Kristin was a New York City based career performer and
choreographer for 25 years before coming back to open
Rockballet, sharing her knowledge and love of singing,
dancing and acting with students in her hometown.
Kristin teaches every genre of dance and every class at
Rockballet.

As always, each number in the show is her original
choreography, created exclusively for her students.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College, Government

Critical Shortage of Housing and Skilled Labor Response

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FRAME Grant Land Donation
Request for Proposal

Fort Scott Community College (FSCC), in collaboration with The City of Fort Scott, is seeking proposals for the donation of land to support a new workforce training initiative under the FRAME Grant program.

The FRAME Grant was developed in response to a statewide housing study conducted by the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. This study identified a critical shortage of both quality housing and skilled labor across Kansas. With current contractors operating at capacity, there is an urgent need to recruit and train a new generation of workers to ensure our communities can build, grow, and thrive.

As part of this initiative, FSCC is seeking the donation of at least 2 acres of land located within the City of Fort Scott. The proposed site will be used for the construction of two new residential homes, which will serve as part of FSCC’s hands-on training program for students entering skilled trades.

Proposals for land donation are now being accepted at the City of Fort Scott to advance this vital collaboration with Fort Scott Community College through the FRAME Grant program.

Submit proposals in writing no later than Monday, June 30, 2025. To Lisa Lewis, City Clerk, City Hall, 123 S. Main Street. Fort Scott KS 66701.  For questions, please reach out to Lisa Dillon 620-223-0550 x 250 or [email protected].

The city reserves the right as judge of all values of selection.

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Kansas Main Street Program is Tuesday, June 17 at 10 AM at Fort Scott City Hall

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

City of Fort Scott

You’re invited to attend an informational

meeting about the

Kansas Main Street Program

 Tuesday, June 17th at 10:00 AM

 Fort Scott City Hall

123 S. Main St.

in the Commission Room

This meeting is an opportunity to learn how the Main Street Program supports downtown revitalization, promotes small business growth, and enhances historic districts. We’ll discuss how this program can benefit Fort Scott and the businesses that call downtown home.

We encourage all business owners, building owners, and stakeholders to attend and share your voice as we explore this exciting opportunity for our community.

Please join us as we take the next steps to build on our vibrant and thriving downtown Fort Scott.

Click HERE for the FS City website!

Click HERE for the LMC Facebook Page!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for the Fort Scott Commission Meeting on June 17

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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 17, 2025  –  6:00 P.M.

                                               

  1.     Call to Order/Roll Call
  2. Pledge of Allegiance

III.       Invocation

  1. Approval of Agenda
  2. Consent Agenda
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1385-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of May 29, 2025 – June 10, 2025 – $1,258,853.46
  4. Approval of Minutes: Special Meeting of June 2, 2025 & Regular Meeting of June 3, 2025.
  5. May Financials
  6. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – EEI Project No. 24-414 Horton St. & 6th Improvements – Invoice # 18032 – Payroll – $10,917.04
  7. Final Approval of Revised Ordinance No. 3781 – Fireworks Discharge

 

  1. Public Comment

VII.      Appearances

  1. Cory Bryars – Care to Share Progress and Survivors
  2. Taylor Bailey – Consideration to Approve as Fort Scott Library Board member
  3. Kori Widder/Cub Scout Pack #114 – Street Closure for Soapbox Derby
  4. Mark Bettis – 2024 Cape Seal Program
  5. Tom Coffman – Public Works Update
  6. Mary Wyatt, Jody Love and Justin Miles – Business Retention & Expansion Survey Results presentation

 

VIII.   Unfinished Business

  1. Consideration of Small Business Grant Incentive Program – Revised – M. Wyatt
  2. Consideration for Action on 118 E. Wall
  3. Consideration to Formally Adopt the Guidance Provided by the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for the installation guidelines of murals –
  4. Dillon – Tabled from 5/20/2025
  5. Consideration to Approve Revised Employee Handbook – B. Matkin
  6. Consideration to Adopt Ordinance No. 3782 – AN ORDINANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING THE FORT SCOTT HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND RESOURCE COMMISSION TO THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS – Continued from June 3, 2025

 

 

 

  1. New Business

            Action Items:

  1. Consideration of Street Closure for All Class Reunion – B. Matkin
  2. Consideration to Approve Purchase of Playground Surface for Nelson Park – $36,000.00 – Recommended by Parks Advisory Board on June 12, 2025 – Matkin

 

  1. Reports and Comments
  2. Adjourn
Business, Food, Fort Scott

La Hacienda Restaurant Owners Celebrate 15 Years In Fort Scott

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Lupe and Mirna Santana in front of La Hacienda, 24 N. Main.

 

Sixteen years ago, Mirna and Lupe Santana moved to Kansas from Georgia. Lupe had family in Parsons who owned a Mexican restaurant, and they decided to venture into that business, so Lupe began looking in other towns in the area.

In Fort Scott, they discovered that a Mexican restaurant had recently relocated from the downtown area, and they believed this would be an ideal location.

In 2010, they moved into 20 S. Main, Mirna said. By 2015, they were looking for a different location because of the condition of the building.

“We moved into 24 N. Main in 2015,” she said. “And we are celebrating 15 years in Fort Scott.”

“We enjoy when we see people happy and thankful they had a great meal,” she said. “That makes us feel proud.”

Mirna has her father living in their home, and Lupe has his mom and dad in town, and that requires a lot of time, she said. They enjoy having their parents so near,  but it is a challenge, because “We think about the business 24/7,” she said.

But despite this challenge, “We hope to keep La Hacienda open for another 15 years. We just want to work.” And they are thankful to own their own business.

Her mom and dad were in the food business as well.

“My daddy used to be a baker and my mama used to put a table out on the street and sell food, and I helped her,” she said.

One of their son helps care for her father, and another son, nephew, uncle, and daughter-in-law work with them in the restaurant.

Last month, the restaurant reopened on Sundays after a year-long break.

“We invite you to come and try, we cook with lots of love,” Mirna said.

The history of Mirna and Lupe is told on a page in their menu.

The “mom and pop”  restaurant is open Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The restaurant also does catering.

To contact: (620) 223-4400 or
The La Prima on their menu is the favorite dish of Fort Scottians.

 

La Prima is the number one requested dish in Fort Scott, she said.

“It’s whatever meat you want, over a bed of rice with cheese sauce, served with tortillas,” she said.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Minutes of the June 13 Meeting

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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                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Friday, June 13, 2025

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, for a special meeting at 424 S Main.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

June 13, 2025

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Kimble, Scott – Resignation – Principal – High School

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Certified Recommendations

 

Marlow, Billie – 5th Grade Teacher – Eugene Ware

Deckinger, Eliya – Counselor – High School

 

Classified Recommendations

 

Collins, Clayton – Full Time Substitute at FSHS

 

Transfer Recommendations for 2025-26 School year

 

Hutchinson, Patty – Paraprofessional – Preschool – Transfer from Food Service

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:

 

Collins, Clayton – Assistant Football Coach – High School

Simas, Kiel – Assistant Wrestling Coach – High School

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott June 12 Edition

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! June 12th Weekly Newsletter

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

** Guided tours Saturday & Sunday 10am & 1pm! **

Click HERE to visit the website.

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

Fort Scott Farmers Market

Saturdays | 8am-noon Tuesdays | 4-6pm

Gathering Square Pavilion, 111 N. National

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.

620-231-4250

FS Public Library

*Wednesday Writers every Wed. @ 1:30-3pm

*Summer Reading June 3rd – July 29th!

201 S. National Ave.

Kansas Small Business Development Center

at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 9am-4pm.

Par Tee Girl Ladies’ Golf League –

Every Wednesday thru July!

League Fee: $40

Contact:

Diane Striler at [email protected] or 248-568-7790

Click HERE for the Facebook Group Page!

Dolly Trolley Historic 50-min narrated tours!

Adults $6 | Children 12&under $4

Call 620-223-3566 or stop in the Chamber at

231 E. Wall St. to book your ride!

Fort Scott Aquatic Center

Opens Memorial Day, May 26th

Monday – Saturday

Public Swim: 1-5:15pm

Adult/Family Swim :5:30-7pm

*Lifeguard Breaks: 3pm & 5:15pm

Sunday

Public Swim: 1-6pm

Adult/Family Swim: 4:45-6pm

*Lifeguard Breaks: 3 & 4:30pm

Daily Admission:

2& under Free

3-14yrs $2

15-62yrs $3

63yrs+ $2

Questions: 620-223-8142

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

__________________________________

__________________________________

Fort Scott High School

All Class Reunion Yard Signs!

Signs $20/each

*Several personalized designs available

*Additional Tiger swag including apparel, drinkware, license plates, banners also available

Deadline to order: Monday, June 16th

Pick up: Wednesday, June 25th @ the Chamber

231 E. Wall St.

Click HERE for order form .pdf file

Show off your Tiger Pride in style!

__________________________________

__________________________________

UPCOMING EVENTS

GOLF CART RAFFLE – donated by

Bourbon County Cars

Proceeds benefit:

Kiwanis Youth Scholarships & Care to Share

2011 Yamaha 48V Electric Golf Cart

Tickets: $20 each or 10 for $100

Tickets can be purchased at Bourbon County Cars

via Venmo by texting Josh Jones 620-215-3680

or by clicking HERE!

Drawing will be held July 12th at the

Care to Share Golf Tournament!

6/2-7/17 ~ 9:15am-10am | Freedom Fitness KidFit Summer 7-week Session

Mon-Thurs.(4 days a week)

Skill/Sport-specific training

Limited spots available

$110 due on the first day

Good Ol’ Days Raffle!

Enter to win some of the exciting activities Fort Scott has to offer! Raffle Ends Friday, June 13th at midnight. Drawing will be Sunday, June 15th time TBD.

Tickets $5/each or 5 for $20

6 Raffle items to choose from!

1 Year Family Fitness Membership for Buck Run Community Center

1 Year Family Aquatic Center Membership at the Fort Scott Aquatic Center

1 Year Single Golf Membership at Woodland Hills Golf Course

1 Candlelight Tour Ticket at the Fort Scott National Historic Site (1st weekend of Dec)

1 Candlelight Tour Ticket at the Fort Scott National Historic Site (1st weekend of Dec)

1 Tractor Supply Gift Card valued at $25

Click HERE to order tickets online or pick up tickets at the Chamber until 2pm Friday, June 13th.

6/13 ~ 3-4:45 | FSCC Presidential Search – Community Forum

Ellis Fine Arts Center at FSCC

Candidate 1 | 3pm-3:45pm

Candidate 2 | 4pm-4:45pm

6/13 ~ 6-8pm | Raku Firing Experience by Trent Freeman at The Artificers

Age 16+ | $45

— SOLD OUT —

6/13 ~ 7-8pm | Friday Night Concerts in the Park

Feat.Micheal Lundeen (piano/solo act)

Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main St.

In case of inclement weather concert will move inside at

Common Ground Coffee Co.

6/14-15 ~ | 4Spurs Rodeo

Bourbon County Fairgrounds

6/14 ~ 8am-12pm | Help Joe Fight Fundraiser at the Farmers Market

$5 Biscuits & Gravy 8-10am or sold out

$7 Pulled pork Nachos 10:30am-12pm or sold out

Variety of baked goods

**All proceeds will be used towards cancer treatment in Arizona. Treatment is not covered by insurance.

6/14 ~ 9am-1pm | The Lavender Patch Farm Saturdays

Admission Free | Fields & Store are open

2376 Locust Road

Click HERE for Facebook page!

6/14 ~ 10am | Dragoon Charge – American Legion Riders Post 25 for Wreaths Across America

$20 per bike | $10 per passenger

Kick Stands Up at 10am at 5 Corners Mini Mart

Potluck dinner provoded at end of ride

at Memorial Hall.

50/50 Raffle, Women’s Raffle, & Men’s Raffle

6/15-17 ~| Bob Vanschoelan Group Golf Outing

Woodland Hills Golf Course

6/16 ~ 3-5pm | Free Physicals for FSHS Students by Girard Medical Center

at GMC in Fort Scott, 1624 S. National Ave.

**Please fill out and sign all KSHAA physical & concussion forms BEFORE the day of physical.

KSHSAA Physical Form:

https://5il.co/3gs4d

Concussion Form:

https://5il.co/3grkz

Dates and times are as follows:

Monday, June 16th: 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Tuesday, July 1st: 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Tuesday, July 8th, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Questions? Call the provider: 620-224-2627

6/13 ~ 3-4:45 | FSCC Presidential Search – Community Forum

Ellis Fine Arts Center at FSCC

Candidate 3 | 3pm-3:45pm

Candidate 4 | 4pm-4:45pm

6/16-20th ~ 5:30-8pm | VBS with First Presbyterian Church & the First United Methodist Church

Ideal for K-5th grade

Food & Snacks available

6/19 ~ 8am | Chamber Coffee hosted by State Farm – Kale Nelson – Celebrating 20 years!

1805 S. National Ave.

6/19 ~ 6-8pm | Create a Peony Flower with Katie Hueston at The Artificers!

21+ ages, bring your own beverages as you sip ?& paint with Katie. Limited spots

Click HERE to sign up!

6/13 ~ 7-8pm | Friday Night Concerts in the Park

Feat. David Prickett (guitar/vocal/solo act)

Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main St.

In case of inclement weather concert will move inside at

Common Ground Coffee Co.

6/20-22nd ~| Bourbon County Fair Rodeo, Bourbon County Fairgrounds

Contact: Stewart Gulager 620-215-5302

6/20-21st ~ 7-10pm | RockBallet Dance Recital

6/21 ~| Kansas Rocks – Newbie Women Wheelers

Basic Skills Course

2051 130th Mapleton, KS

6/21 ~ 8am-12pm | Woodland Hills Jr. Golf

2-person Scramble

8am start

6/21 ~ 11am-1pm | Bike Show for

Guest Home Estates, 737 S. Heylman

BBQ, Meet & Greet with the residents

Enjoy food & great company!

Bike Show & 50/50 Raffle

Trophies for 1st place in residence choice.

** All proceeds benefit Guest Home Estates

6/21 ~ 12pm-5pm | Pool Tournament – Brent Wheeler Benefit

Jack & Jill tourney

Holmtown Pub, 206 S. National Ave.

$20/per | $40/team

Calcutta starts at 12pm | Play starts at 1pm

Pool Register: Les 620-215-3199 or

Jena 620-704-9399

Silent Auction Items:

Shotgun a5 sweet 16 & Winchester 36 Gun Safe

Raffle tickets: Nick 316-212-6450 or

Chase 620-224-8015

6/21 ~ 6-10pm | Mardi Gras in the Fort – Ernest James Zydeco Band

Care to Share providing Shrimp Boil for a

free will donation.

Downtown The Gathering Square Pavilion.

Bring your lawn chair!

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
…