Category Archives: Fort Scott

Area News, Fort Scott

Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation 6th Annual Fort Scott Golf Classic Results

Leave a comment
Flight one winners at the Tri-Valley Golf Tournament 2025

 

Saturday, September 13th was a perfect day for the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation to hold their 6th Annual Fort Scott Golf Classic at the beautiful Woodland Hills Golf Course.  It was fantastic weather.  Play began at 9 am with 17 teams.

Flight two winners. Submitted photos.

Prizes were given to 1st and 2nd places in A and B Flights.  The winners were:  A Flight 1st Place – the team of Josh Query, Jonathan Allen, Jordan Herren, and Miles Adams; A Flight 2nd Place – the team of Allen Bukowski, Cody Clayton, Chase Halsey, and Jed Perez; B Flight 1st Place – the team of Billy Portwood, Johnathan Portwood, Shawn Eaton, and Roger Eaton;  and B Flight 2nd Place – the team of Chase Cannon, Hayden Lowe, Noah Panington, and Chad Purdy.  Prizes were also handed out for Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive. Chase Halsey won Closest to the Pin and Jonathan Allen won the Longest Drive contest.

 

Players were given the opportunity to try their chances with several contests and games. The hole games were Paul Bunyon and Trouble Hole-In-One.  Another contest was the 50/50 raffle, which was won by Millie Lipscomb.  The Orange Ball Contest, which was won by the team of Terry Pruitt, Tyler “Goose” Cook, Dustin Fowler, and Ricky McDaniel.  New this year to Fort Scott were “grenades.”  Each team received one grenade to use during the game.  Kat Lorenz-Moore and Sue Schropp oversaw the Hole Games and had fun interacting with the golfers.

 

At the end of the tournament, door prizes were given out to several lucky golfers.  Lunch consisted of hamburgers fresh off the grill, potato salad, and chips.  The hamburgers were grilled by Tri-Valley’s own Neil Kisner.  Water was provided by G & W Foods of Fort Scott.

 

For the third year, a raffle drawing was held.  This year, three prizes were given away.  The prizes were:  a fire pit donated by Niece Products of Fort Scott; $100 Gift Certificate to Ruddick’s Furniture, and 4 tickets to a 2026 Kansas City Royals game along with a backpack cooler courtesy of SEK Financial.  The winners were: Fire Pit – Randy Ruby; Ruddick’s Gift Certificate – Ben Lyons; and KC Royals Tickets – Don Krone.

 

The tournament’s sponsors were:  Cheney Witt Chapel; Don’s Spirits and Wines, LLC; Diehl, Banwart, & Bolton; Holmtown Pub, Kansas Teachers Community Credit Union, Mertz Tax Service, Neighborhood Rx, Peerless Products,  and Wise Accounting.  G & W Foods of Fort Scott and SEK Financial were goodie bag sponsors.

 

All money raised from the event goes toward the Foundation’s mission of providing quality and affordable homes for our neighbors with intellectual/developmental disabilities in the eight counties of Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.  Since 2001, the Foundation has built six houses and acquired nine houses and a duplex.  Four of these homes are located in Fort Scott and are home to 26 of our neighbors with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

 

“Without the generosity of our communities, this fun event could not have been held.  Thank you to all the golfers who participated as well as to our event sponsors: corporate, hole, and in-kind.  It is friends like you that allow us to provide services to our neighbors with I/DD and to help them achieve the quality of life they seek.  Thank you”  stated Special Projects Coordinator, Tricia Campbell.

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for the FS City Commission for Oct. 7

Leave a comment

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
October 7, 2025 – 6:00 P.M.

I. Call to Order/Roll Call
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
IV. Approval of Agenda
V. Proclamation – Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Alyssa Hess/Safehouse Crisis Center, Pittsburg, KS
VI. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1393-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of September 10, 2025 – September 30, 2025- $ 1,165,099.60
B. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of September 16, 2025, and Special Meeting of September 23, 2025
C. Request for Payment – Mainstreet Asphalt Maintenance LLC – Milling of Lees Circle
Drive and Crescent Drive – $66,400.00

VII. Public Comment
VIII. Appearances
A. Lindsay Hill – FRAME Grant – Request for assistance with infrastructure and
surveying of property
B. Rachel Carpenter – Temporary Park Closure – Riverfront Park – Haunting of Belltown
– October 31, 2025 – 6:00PM through November 1, 2025 – 11:00PM
C. Dave Bruner/FSFD – Acceptance of AFG Grant/Exhaust Removal System and proceed with bid process and project completion
D. Jason Pickert/FSPD – TUSA Radio Encryption System – Phase I – Assessment
E. Trey Sharp/Good Ol Days – Food Trucks

IX. Unfinished Business
A. Consideration of Small Business Grant Applications – The After Affect Salon/Shelly Bradley, Hercules Hobby/Phil Jackson, H. Witt Fabrication LLC/Henry Witt, and Clifton Chiropractic/Kaylee Clifton
B. Consideration of Second Amendment to ER Funding Agreement – Approved by Bourbon County Commission September 8, 2025 – Tabled September 16, 2025 C. Consideration to adopt Land Lease Agreement – Tabled from September 16, 2025 D. Discussion of Food Truck Ordinance – Tabled from September 16, 2025

 

X. New Business
Action Items:
A. Consideration of Bids – Replacement of A/C Unit above weight room – Buck Run
B. Consideration of Resolution No. 28-2025 A RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 308 N. MINERAL – L. Kruger
C. Consideration of Resolution No. 29-2025 A RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 1815 E. OAK – L. Kruger
D. Consideration of Resolution No. 30-2025 A RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 1626 E. PINE – L. Kruger
E. Consideration of Resolution No. 31-2025 A RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT1403 E. OAK – L. Kruger
F. Consideration of Resolution No. 32-2025 A RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 505 S. COUCH – L. Kruger
G. Consideration of Engineering for Repair to Waterway System – Agricultural Engineering Associates (AEA) – $36,000.00
H. Consideration of Monthly Fee Adjustment – BakerTilly Municipal Advisors
I. Consideration of Contract for Real Estate Sale – Shoemaker and City of Fort Scott
J. Consideration of Shipping Container Ordinance – K. Salsbury
K. Cape Seal 2026-2027 Program
L. Discussion of November 4th City Commission Meeting – Election night
M. Discussion of ADM

XI. Reports and Comments

XII. Adjourn

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government, Youth

FS Preschool Center Trunk or Treat is Oct. 30: Resource Providers Invited

Leave a comment
On behalf of the USD 234 School District, we would like to invite you to the 2025 Early Childhood Trunk-or-Treat.  This year’s event will be held on Thursday, October 30 from 4:30-6:00 PM at the Fort Scott Preschool Center Gym.  All children ages birth through six years old and their families are invited to attend. Last year, school staff and community partners were able to connect with 225 children and their families at our Trunk-or-Treat.

If you are a family resource provider or a community partner, we invite you to attend and set up a table from which children can trick-or-treat.  Agencies typically pass out snacks, candy, trinkets, small prizes, etc.  During this time, you may also provide brochures, resources, and/or helpful information related to your program.  Our goal is to inform families about the resources available in our community.  If you are a preschool or childcare provider, please share the attached flyer with your families.  We also welcome you to set up a table for your program.

If you plan to attend our event, please complete the form below by Friday, October 17th so we can have a table reserved for your organization.

Fort Scott, Schools, Sports

Fort Scott Quarterback Club Begins At The High School

2 Comments
Johnathon Stark, from the USD234 Website.

Johnathon Stark started as head football coach of the Fort Scott High School Tigers this year, and found there was good community support of the program.

“When I became the head football coach of FSHS, I had a lot of people reach out to me who wanted to support the program,” he said.  “A number of these people brought up the idea of starting a quarterback club.  Previously, I was an assistant coach at Pittsburg and they have one, so it was something I was familiar with, and I think it is a great thing for the community and the players on the team. I recruited Matt Harris and Jordan Witt to help me establish the QB Club, and they are the officers of the organization along with myself.”

“They are both alumni of the football program and the program means a lot to them. They want to see all players on the team have a great experience.”

“I just want to add clarification that the FS QB Club is not associated with USD 234,” Jordan Witt said. “Expenditure approval is done by the FS QB Club board members consisting of Matt Harris, Jordan Witt, and Johnathan Stark, not the school board. We are a separate organization, complementing the support the school district provides.”

“We applied a few months ago and were approved by the Internal Revenue Service on September 12, 2025 as a 501C3 (non-profit) organization. We are very excited about this because donors to the Fort Scott Quarterback Club can deduct the contribution as a charitable contribution.”

“ We want all Tiger football players to have the best experience playing football possible,” he said.  “Quarterback clubs are common in other local communities and help provide financial support and resources to the team.  School district budgets are already stretched thin and the Kansas State High School Activities Association does not allow school funds to be spent on certain things.  The big advantage for Quarterback Clubs is we have the freedom to do and spend where necessary in order to support our Tiger football players both now and in the future. This is an organization that we want to see support the program for years to come.”

Coach Stark. Submitted photo.

Currently there are 65 football players from freshman through senior years.

“I send out an email update throughout the season and we are in the process of organizing some meetings and events for all members. We also share information and photos on our Facebook page. If anyone would like more information, they can email us at [email protected].”

Memberships help purchase equipment, camp fees, team meals, and other team related expenses approved by the school board that are not covered by the school district.

It will also provide insight into the football program and season updates from Coach Stark.

An individual membership is $25 for the year, and a Corporate Membership is $100.  Corporate Memberships  are recognized on the organization’s Facebook Page.

To become a member send name, address, and email address, and send the payment in two ways:

  • Venmo to: @fsqbclub
  • Mail a check to: FS QB Club, 809 Meadow Lane, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Corporate Memberships please email your logo.

FS Quarterback Club Logo taken from the Chamber of Commerce website.

For more information: email at [email protected] and follow  on Facebook at Fort Scott Tiger QB Club.

 

Area News, Food, Fort Scott

Heartland awards $30,000 through Concern for Community grant program

Leave a comment

The Beacon Food Pantry, Fort Scott, receives $5,000 grant.

The Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative Board of Directors has selected six projects throughout the co-op’s service area for funding through the Concern for Community grant program. A total of $30,000 will be awarded.

“We look forward to working with some outstanding partners to put these funds to work for the good of Heartland members and their communities,” said Mark Scheibe, Heartland CEO.

This year, six applications out of 68 received were approved for funding by the Heartland board. Projects selected are as follows:

  • Kansas State Historical Society – $5,000 for restoration work at the Marais des Cygnes Massacre State Historic Site, including electricity and water infrastructure upgrades and interactive interpretive signage.
  • Linn County Fair Association – $5,000 to install an intercom system across the fairgrounds to improve communication and safety for visitors during the county fair and other events.
  • Moran Youth Recreation – $5,000 to help build a 9-hole disc golf course and install permanent cornhole boards at the Moran City Park.
  • Beacon Food Pantry (Fort Scott) – $5,000 for critical lighting system upgrades to improve safety and visibility for volunteers and families served.
  • Cherokee County 4-H Council – $5,000 to replace original 1991 windows in the 4-H Building, improving energy efficiency for this important community hub.
  • Walnut Community Service Organization – $5,000 for upgrades to Walnut Softball Fields, including infield improvements, dugout repairs, batting cage enclosure, and restroom accessibility upgrades.

As a non-profit, member-owned cooperative, Heartland issues capital credits to members each year, but sometimes those credits go unclaimed. Because those monies were intended to be returned to the communities from which they came, Heartland’s Board of Directors decided to use unclaimed funds for community grants and started the Concern for Community program in 2019.

The Concern for Community program provides grants of up to $5,000 for capital improvement projects throughout the Heartland service area, which covers parts of 12 counties in eastern Kansas. Capital improvement projects are those that involve investment in structures or equipment that will last for many years.

Applications were accepted from June 1–July 31 and selected by the Heartland Board of Directors at their September 22 meeting. Heartland plans to reopen applications in summer 2026 for the next round of funding.

About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. powers rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes members in 12 counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Gordon Parks Museum

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Gordon Parks Museum on Oct. 2

Leave a comment

Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

The Gordon Parks Museum
Thursday, October 2nd

8am

@ The Gordon Parks Museum

2108 S. Horton St.

(FSCC Campus)

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, October 2nd at 8am hosted by the Gordon Parks Museum, 2108 S. Horton, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.

The Chamber Coffee will kick off the 22nd Annual Gordon Parks Celebration to be held this weekend for which the full schedule of events may be found on gordonparkscenter.org. The Celebration is in honor Fort Scott native Gordon Parks, noted photographer, writer, musician, and filmmaker. Kirk Sharp, Executive Director of the Museum, and the committee work throughout the year to bring in artists, speakers, programs, and events that have enriched our community and world for all ages.

This year’s event features two meaningful dedications. On Thursday, October 2, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., there will be a tribute to the historic Wayman Chapel AME Church at 301 S. Lowman St., established in 1866, with a ribbon–cutting to inaugurate the new commemorative park and honor its enduring legacy. The next day, Friday, October 3, from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m., the community will gather for the unveiling of the mural “No Place Like Home” by Cbabi Bayoc. This mural celebrates Gordon Parks and his strong connection to his hometown of Fort Scott, and it will be displayed on the Wilder House building at 18 E. Wall Street.

A highlight this year is the “Celebration Dance Party” featuring The Full Flava Kings at the River Room, 3 W. Oak St. on Friday, October 3rd starting at 8pm. The Full Flava Kings, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, are one of the best party bands in the region.

Tickets are available at the Gordon Parks Museum, online at gordonparkscenter.org, or call 620-223-2700 ext. 5850.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.

Click HERE to visit

The Gordon Parks Museum website!

Click HERE to visit

The Gordon Parks Facebook Page!

Click HERE for a schedule of events for

The 22nd Annual

Gordon Parks Celebration!

(October 2nd-4th)

Gordon Parks

Photographer

Filmmaker

Writer

Musician

The Wayman Chapel AME Commemorative Church Park

Est. 1866.

Special Grand Opening Event

Thursday, Oct. 2nd

4:30-5:30pm

301 S. Lowman St.

“No Place Like Home” mural

by Cbabi Bayoc

Celebration Unveiling

Friday, Oct. 3rd

4:15-4:45pm

@ Wilder House Building

18 E. Wall St.

(SW corner of Main & Wall St.)
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

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

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Fort Scott, Schools, Sports

Join the FSHS Quarterback Club

Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

FS Tiger Quarterback Club

FSHS Head Coach Johnathan Stark invites you to join the

Fort Scott Tiger

Quarterback Club

What is the Quarterback Club?

The FS QB Club is a 501c3 organization formed to provide support to eh FSHS Football Team. Quarterback clubs are common in other communities and help provide financial support and resources to the team. We operate separate from the school district, and anyone is welcome to join. We need your help to build a strong football program now and for the future.

Why become a member?

  • Financial Support for the Football Program — Your membership helps purchase equipment, camp fees, team meals, and other team related expenses approved by our board that are not covered by the school district.
  • Exclusive Access & Perks — Your membership gets you insight into the football program and season updates from Coach Stark.

How much is a membership?

  • An individual membership is $25 for the year, and a Corporate Membership is $100. we recognize the Corporate Memberships on our Facebook Page.

How to Join:

Fill out your name, address, and email address, and send payment via Venmo or Check.

Corporate Memberships please email us your logo.

  • Venmo to: @fsqbclub
  • Mailing Check: FS QB Club, 809 Meadow Lane, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Need more information?

If you have questions, reach out via email at [email protected] and follow us on Facebook at Fort Scott Tiger QB Club.

Let’s grow stronger together.

Join the Quarterback Club today.

Go Big Red!!!

Thank you,

Matt Harris, President

Jordan Witt, VP / Treasurer

Coach Johnathan Stark

Fort Scott Tigers Quarterback Club

Click HERE for the Fort Scott Tigers Quarterback Club Facebook Page!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

Leave a comment

What’s Happening in Fort Scott! September 26th 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

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.

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!

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

UPCOMING EVENTS

9/26 ~ NO FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT

IN THE PARK

PAINT THE TOWN RED

Show your own PRIDE & TIGER spirit!

Deadline Friday, Oct 1st at 5pm

Event is Oct 6th-10th

Use your imagination & creativity!

5 Categories:

*Tiger Spirit *Creativity *WOW Factor *Originality * Overall Presentation

Winner Announced Friday, Oct. 10th at the FSHS Football Homecoming Game!

Save the Date October 9th

FSHS Football Community Bonfire

9/26-28 ~ Hazelbaker Memorial Rodeo

@BBCO Fairgrounds

9/26-27 ~ FortFest by Care to Share

@Riverfront Park – 401 N National Ave.

(across from Twister Trailer)

Blue’s Music & Activities, Kids Fall Festival, Bounce Houses, SEK Princesses & Superheroes, Train Rides, Petting Zoo, Car Show & more!

Sunday 9/28 @ 1pm: Traditional Gospel Hymns by Amanda Fish & Meaza Joy.

Free Community Gathering open to all!

9/26-28 ~ | Marmaton Massacre

Mountain Bike Race Festival

Click HERE for more info!

Click HERE to Register

This year, the race will coincide with Fort Scott FortFest, a weekend music festival in Fort Scott

Click HERE for the FortFest Facebook schedule.

9/27 ~ 9am-12pm | Tri-Valley Fall Plant Sale

4305 Campbell Dr.

*Mums *Winter Pansies * Ornamental Cabbage *Houseplants *Decor

9/27 ~ 9am-12pm | 30th Annual National Public Lands Day Event

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Click HERE for Fort Scott National Historic Site’s Facebook Page!

Tools, gloves, & other equipment provided.

Entry is FREE!

9/27 ~ 11am-2pm | Paint & Pizza at Papa Don’s

$30/person

9/27 ~ 6pm-8pm | Vinyl Revival 50’s and 60’s music hosted by Common Ground Coffee Co.

@Common Ground Coffee

9/30 ~ 5-8pm | Brickstreet BBQ

Family Game Night

Kids Eat for $2

10/1 ~ 6-8pm | Back to the Land: Plot Perfect: Garden Planning for Abundant Harvest
Whether you’re new to homesteading or looking to sharpen your small-scale farming skills, this series has something for everyone! Come to one session, or to all of them!

@ FSCC Ag Building

Call 620-223-3720 to RSVP for this FREE event

10/2 ~ 8am | Chamber Coffee hosted by Gordon Parks Museum

@ FSCC / Gordon Parks Museum

10/2-4 ~ | Annual Gordon Parks Celebration

Click HERE for event details!

Click HERE for Facebook Page!

10/2 ~ 6-7pm | Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Parade in Downtown Fort Scott

Click HERE for parade entry form!

10/3-5 ~ | Pioneer Harvest Fiesta

Click HERE for full event details!

10/3 ~ 4:15-:45pm | “No Place Like Home” (Mural Unveiling by Cbabi Bayoc

& Ribbon Cutting)

@ The Wilder House Building,18 E. Wall St.

(corner of Wall St. & Main St. next to Sunshine Boutique)

This is in honor and tribute to Gordon and his message to his hometown Fort Scott.

10/3 ~ 7-10pm | ScareFest 2025

begins by Clark Street Lights @ 753 Clark St.

Every Friday & Saturday in October!

10/3 ~ 8pm | Celebration Dance Party

with the Full Flava Kings

@ River Room, 3 W. Oak St.

$25/ticket or $30 at door

Click HERE to order tickets

10/4 ~ 9am | Elks Christmas Baskets

4 person Golf Scramble

@ Woodland Hills Golf Course

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.

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission for Sept. 23

Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of September 23, 2025                                                                                             Special Meeting

 

A S 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, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke (by Teams).

 

              In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Jessica Oliphant/Baker Tilly and Devin Tally/Finance Manager

 

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:  OLSON moved to approve the agenda as presented. WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Public Hearing

Consideration of Approval of the 2026 Budget

MOTION:  DANCER moved to open the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

No public comments.

 

OLIPHANT presented a revenue-neutral budget that maintains city services, provides a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, and reduces the mill levy by 1.6 mills. The reduction was achieved by deferring two small capital projects—lobby glass replacement and filing system updates—saving $45,000. The initial proposal had a 0.8 mill reduction without cuts, but moving the projects doubled the reduction to 1.6 mills.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to close the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve the 2026 budget as presented. DANCER seconded.

 

OLSON requested VAN HOECKE amend his motion to include the revenue neutral rate.

 

Motion was struck and a new motion was made.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to approve the 2026 budget as presented with a revenue neutral rate of 42.558. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

Commissioners Olson, Wells, Dancer, Salsbury and Van Hoecke gave individual comments regarding the City’s ability to remain revenue neutral for 2026 with a special thank you to BakerTilly.

 

Adjourn

MOTION:  DANCER moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:16PM. SALSBURY seconded.

 

SEPTEMBER 23, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:16PM.

 

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission From Sept. 16

Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 unapproved

Minutes of September 16, 2025                                                                                             Regular Meeting

 

A regular 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, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.

 

              In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Mary Wyatt/Planning, Housing & Business Development Director, Tom Coffman/Public Works Director, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Stephen Mitchell/USD234 Director of Technology, Destry Brown/Superintendent USD234, Pete Allen, Devin Reichard, Michael Hoyt, and Julie Buchta.

 

VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda – Request to amend the agenda with the removal of Consideration of Application – CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Grant – New Business – Action Item E.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to approve the agenda as amended. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consent Agenda

MOTION:  SALSBURY moved to approve the Consent Agenda. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Public Comment  – No public comment

 

Appearances

Devin Reichard – Request for Parade Permit – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta – October 2, 2025.

 

MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the Parade Permit for Pioneer Harvest Festival. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Unfinished Business:

Land Lease Agreement

Discussion was had regarding the options for which the City would use this document for leasing City owned property. WELLS asked that in the document it be included that the lessee will be responsible for the property taxes.

 

ACTION:  WELLS will email FARMER the statute information he received regarding (90) year vs. (99) year verbiage.

 

MOTION:  SALSBURY moved to have FARMER research the (99) year option and present a final version to vote on at the next meeting. WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Food Truck Ordinance

Discussion was had about the potential ordinance, business licenses, enforcement, and cost.

 

ACTION:  MATKIN will check with other municipalities regarding online permitting.

 

WELLS called the question.

 

ACTION:  MATKIN and FARMER will create verbiage as an addendum to municipal code pertaining to Solicitors, Canvassers and Peddlers to specifically address food trucks by the next meeting.

 

CHAMPS Bowl Game

MOTION: SALSBURY moved to rescind the $30,000.00 donation for the CHAMPS Bowl for this year. OLSON seconded.

OLSON, DANCER, SALSBURY and VAN HOECKE voted yes. WELLS abstained.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-0.

 

Public Hearing

Consideration of Resolution No. 25-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 18 S. HOLBROOK

MOTION:  WELLS moved to open the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

KRUGER gave an overview of the structure and its violations. There were no other comments from the public.

 

MATKIN left the meeting at 6:50PM

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to table the decision for (60) days so the Land Bank has an opportunity to look at it, to reach out to the County to see if it will be in the tax sale this year and explore a couple of opportunities before we move forward with the process on this particular house. DANCER seconded.

SALSBURY, OLSON, WELLS and DANCER voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-1.

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 26-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 402 N. SHUTE

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

KRUGER gave an overview of the structure and its violations. There were no other comments from the public.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to close the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 26-2025 A Resolution Directing the Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 402 N. Shute. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MATKIN returned to the meeting at 7:02PM

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 27-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 205 N. LINCOLN

MOTION:  DANCER moved to open the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

KRUGER gave an overview of the structure and its violations. There were no other comments from the public.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to close the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 27-2025 A Resolution Directing the Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 205 N. Lincoln. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

FARMER left the meeting at 7:03PM

 

Devin Reichard appeared regarding the parade permit. He believed the meeting began at 7:00PM. MATKIN told him the permit had already been approved.

 

Consideration to Trade the 963k Track Loader for a 2023 Volvo EC160EL Crawler Excavator

COFFMAN explained that the trade consideration is because parts for the existing model are not available due to its age. The only cost incurred would be freight of approximately $1,200.00 and would be through G. W. Van Keppel Company.

 

FARMER returned to the meeting at 7:05PM

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve the straight across the board trade. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

IT Update

MITCHELL reported there were contact changes for the first year. There is also a shift in priorities for the next (60) days with the police department at highest priority. Updates given networks, firewalls, equipment, ticketing system, and backup system.

 

VAN HOECKE left the meeting at 7:18PM and returned at 7:20PM

 

Wyatt addressed the Commission to request two changes to the grant application process. First, she proposed requiring applicants to include a brief description of their business project and how the funding would impact their business. Second, she suggested a procedural clarification: that City staff should score the applications using the approved rubric and submit those scores to the Commission. Applicants would then appear before the Commission for questions, after which the Commission would award the grants. The Commission discussed the efficiency of this proposed process.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve the changes suggested by City staff to make the process move forward more efficiently. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Planning, Housing and Business Development Update

Wyatt provided an overview of her responsibilities, including managing grants—those awarded, currently being written, and pending notification. In the Business Development Department, she focuses on retaining existing businesses and helping recruit new ones to Fort Scott. She also gave an overview of all three departments she oversees and answered questions from the Commission. Lisa Dillon will soon present a more detailed housing update.

 

Consideration of Second Amendment to Freeman ER Funding Agreement – Approved by Bourbon County Commission – September 8, 2025

 

ACTION:  MATKIN will reach out to Freeman Hospital regarding the City being included the quarterly written itemized accountings.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to send the document back to the County and ask for the City to be included in the furnishing of the quarterly written itemized accounting. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

Approval to Go Out for Codes Mowing Bids – 3 Year Contract

MOTION:  WELLS moved to go out for mowing bids for (3) years. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consideration of CCLIP Project Programming Request

DICKMAN explained this is Phase III of the project. It has been awarded. The next steps would be to formally accept the award and go out for Statements of Qualification for Engineering design work.

 

ACTION:  DICKMAN will send the City Manager and City Clerk the documents for the next step.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to go forward with the project programming request for the third phase of the CCLIP project. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Reports and Comments

CITY ENGINEER

– E. National Project Update

 

ACTION:  DICKMAN will get updated exhibits to WYATT to submit for the Cost Share Program (CCLIP) of 3rd Street from E. National to US69.

 

– Lee Circle Drive base

 

CITY ATTORNEY – No comment

 

CITY MANAGER

–  Naturalization at the Fort – September 17, 2025

–  FEMA update – new projects 4th & Little and Pawn Shop waterway

 

ACTION:  MATKIN will provide a City Manager Communicator by end of the week.

 

COMMISSIONER SALSBURY

–  Shipping container ordinance on next agenda

–  Confirmed the City does not have ducks or geese at Gunn Park

 

COMMISSIONER OLSON

–  Comments on freedom of speech

 

COMMISSIONER WELLS

–  Design Review Board and bylaws for CLG

–  Codes Department and Fire Department

–  Overpass and at-grade study requests status update

–  Comments on freedom of speech

 

COMMISSIONER DANCER

–  Moody building status

 

ACTION:  MATKIN will meet with FARMER for plan of action on the next agenda.

 

–  Items passed at table need to be posted on website

–  Expense Report was not included in the packet and website

 

COMMISSIONER VAN HOECKE

–  Response to comments made on local social media post about him and other rhetoric

–  Naturalization Ceremony

–  City work sites are not open to the public for safety reasons

 

MATKIN commented on Commission decorum and community reactions to decisions.

 

Adjourn

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:49PM. SALSBURY seconded.

 

SEPTEMBER 16, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:49PM.

 

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Housing

Fort Scott Manor Is Turned Into Standard Market Apartments

Leave a comment
Workers are finishing up work at the former Fort Scott Manor to turn it into apartments for the community, which are named Charlotte Place.

Fort Scottians need more apartments, and a Kansas contractor is turning a former nursing home, which has been vacant for several years, into new rentals after a complete renovation of the property.

The former Fort Scott Manor nursing home property, 736 Heylman, was purchased by  Rural Asset Management (RAM) in January 2022, after being closed down by the state several years prior.

The new name for the Fort Scott property is Charlotte Place, RAM Owner Shane Lamb said, adding that his children pick the name of the business’s properties.

The first four units are slated for rental availability in late October, said  Lamb, if all goes as planned.

Work started on the property, then halted to finish a similar Iola project in March 2025.

“It’s coming together, it’s been an intensive and costly project, and it should be nice when done,” he said. “Our goal is to be the nicest apartments in the community we are in, and to keep it affordable.”

There will be 24 units:  one-bedroom, one-bath apartments are 550-626 square feet with a range of $650-695 per month,  two-bedroom apartments are between 700-1000 square feet with a range of $800 to 875, and there will be a 500 square foot studio apartment for short-term rentals, Lamb said.

“The short-term rental, a couple of local businesses want to lease for their staff,” Lamb said.

The apartments will feature new appliances, including a stove, above-stove microwave, and fridge, and will be equipped with fiber optic internet availability.

Tenants will pay rent and their electric bill; the landlord pays for the water, trash, and sewer service.

There will be a brand new on-site laundry provided for the tenants.

Additionally, “there will be a pet-friendly fenced-in area in the back of the apartments,” he said.

These apartments will not be low-income rentals, but instead will be available to the standard market, said Lamb.

“The standard market means that they are not subsidized by the government,” Lamb said.

About Rural Asset Management

RAM focuses on rural towns and rural housing, purchasing nursing homes, schools,  and hospitals that are converted to housing, according to a prior interview with Lamb.

“We currently have 13 projects under construction in rural communities,” he said. “We typically supply 300-600 apartments per year in rural communities.”