Category Archives: Fort Scott

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Schools, Uncategorized

Highschools Add “Pirate Talk” As Foreign Language Option

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As high schools around the country look for ways to help students meet the two-year foreign language requirement, Fort Scott and Uniontown have come up with an innovative way to offer a new exciting option by pooling their resources to hire a new teacher for “pirate talk” classes at both highschools.

“It was really hard to find a teacher qualified to teach pirate speak,” said a school administrator who was hard to identify on this particular date. “Especially because most people who are good at speaking pirate, are usually looking for watery waves and less amber grain. But we are proud to announce that we’ve managed to procure the services of Captain Barnaby Blackwater as a teacher for the 2025 to 2026 school year.”

When asked about the compensation package offered Mr. Blackwater, the administrator seemed a big hesitant and mumbled something that sounded like “rum, doubloons, and more rum…” but it wasn’t clear exactly what they were trying to say.

Mr. Blackwater agreed to a short interview to answer some questions.

Captian Barnaby Blackwater, what convinced you to give up the high seas to come teach our high school students how to speak like a pirate?

Arrr, that be a fine question, matey! Truth be told, sailin’ the high seas be grand, but when the good folk o’ Bourbon County waved doubloons and barrels o’ their finest rum under me nose, ol’ Barnaby couldn’t resist!

Mind ye, I’m still scratchin’ me beard ’bout the notable absence o’ oceans ’round Kansas—makes sailin’ me ship, the Salty Grammar, mighty tricky—but the thought o’ teachin’ landlocked lads and lasses the sweet tongue o’ piracy warmed me black heart. And between you an’ me, I’ve a notion to recruit a few sturdy seniors to crew me ship once their diplomas be in hand! Harrr-harr-harr!

Some people say that learning pirate speak isn’t comparable to learning a foreign language and students should be required to learn more traditional languages. What do you think of those claims?

Arrrr, poppycock and bilgewater, says I! Pirate speak be as foreign as any tongue sailed across the seven seas. Why, me hearties, Pirate speak is brimmin’ with culture, tradition, and adventure—enough to put French or Spanish to shame!

Besides, when was the last time ye heard o’ French helpin’ ye find buried treasure, or Spanish teachin’ ye how to properly swing a cutlass and shout fearsome insults at yer foes, eh?

Will Pirate Speak help students get positions in the job market?

Arrr! A wise query indeed, matey! O’ course Pirate speak be useful in the job market—more useful than a parrot that can recite poetry, I’ll wager!

Think o’ the skills these young buccaneers’ll master: assertive communication (“Hand over the doubloons, ye scallywag!”), leadership (“Hoist the mainsail and ready the cannons!”), negotiation (“Five barrels o’ rum or I be walkin’ away!”), an’ teamwork (“All hands on deck, ye salty seadogs!”).

Plus, should traditional jobs fail ’em, there’s always plenty o’ room aboard me ship, the Salty Grammar. Ol’ Captain Blackwater always be lookin’ for hearty new recruits with a flair fer proper Pirate speak! Harrr-harr!

Painting of Captain Blackwater’s ship, the Salty Grammar
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Meet and Greet April 1 at the Kitchen Collective

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Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet scheduled for April 1st!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, April 1st at The Parlor by Eighteen65, adjacent to The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative,

10 S. Main St., from 8:30 to 9:30am.

These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotions, and anything related to downtown. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.

Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 with any questions.

Click HERE for the Facebook Event Page.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Fort Scott, Government, Schools, Youth

Students at Fort Scott High School Lead Community Advocacy Efforts

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Students at Fort Scott High School joined the national grassroots effort called Theatre in Our Schools Month (TIOS) to advocate for the benefits of theatre education in schools in the month of March. Members of International Thespian Society (ITS) Troupe #7365 drew attention to the need for increased access to quality theatre programs for all students.

 

To get the word out, students participated in a number of theatre related activities. On Feb. 26 and 28 the troupe participated in community service activities at the Senior Center in downtown Fort Scott. They had a Theatre in Our Schools Month Kick-Off Party on March 4 at the Museum of Creativity. On March 6, the troupe traveled to Topeka to meet with Thespians from across the state and Senator Tim Shallenburger and Representative Rick James to celebrate and discuss Theatre Advocacy Day in KS. Troupe President Cooper George and Secretary Emi King presented to the USD 234 Board of Education on March 10.

 

Throughout the month, the troupe dressed to represent various musicals on Musical Mondays and wore theatre-related shirts on Theatre Shirt Tuesdays. They also had Improv Acting Troupe practice on Tuesdays after school and FSMS Drama Club on Fridays after school. All Drama class students learned about mask use in theatre and created their own masks using plaster strips molded to their own faces. Masks were on display in the Art Gallery throughout the month. Drama classes also held a Creative Costuming contest using a tote full of miscellaneous items to create a unique costume. Technical Theatre classes designed costumes for a specific character based on costuming the school has on hand in our wardrobe. To finish out the month, the troupe saw the FSCC production of “No Exit” on March 26 and held the annual FSHS Talent Show & Minute to Win It on March 28.

 

The ITS is the theatre honor society for middle and high school students. These Thespians plan and implement TIOS activities in their schools, in their communities, and with elected officials. The presentations and activities explain how theatre education positively shapes students’ lives by instilling necessary life skills. TIOS Month is an opportunity for students, parents, communities, school boards, and elected officials to come together to make theatre education more available to all students. One of the key messages is that theatre skills help students develop vital 21st-century skills like communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, as well as social/emotional skills critical to students’ growth as young adults.

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Government, Schools, Youth

Fort Scott High School Hosts Annual Talent Show Awards

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Zoe Scott won first place in the Fort Scott High School Talent Show. Submitted photo.

The annual FSHS Talent Show and Minute to Win It was held on March 28th. The event, sponsored by FSHS Thespian Troupe #7635 and emceed by Molly Hoyt and Emma Bin, awarded cash prizes to the top three competitors.

 

Junior Zoe Scott won the $100 grand prize. She sang “At Last” by Etta James. Sophomore Allie Wards took second and $75 with her violin solo of “Adoration” by Felix Borowski. Third place and $50 went to junior Junie Fisher and freshman Gianna Gorman for their duet of “What is This Feeling” from Wicked.

Allie Ward won second place. Submitted photo.

A new Minute to Win It competition was held between clubs and organizations. The Minute to Win It winners were Blaiton Terry and Gracin Pitts for FFA. They win $200 sponsored by Thespians and National Speech and Debate Association toward their club or favorite charity.

Gracin Pitts and Blaiton Terry

The next Thespian event is the annual Rummage Sale to be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Apr. 18 and from 8 a.m. to noon on Apr. 19 at FSHS. Enter the school through the NW doors. Prices for the sale are a free will donation. Thespians is now accepting donations at the high school or contact Angie Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622 for pick up.

Gianna Gorman and Junie Fisher. Submitted photo.

 

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Meets on March 31

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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

March 31, 2025 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                                                      David Stewart, President

2.0       Flag Salute

 

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

 

4.0       Other Business – Time ______

4.1       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

4.2       Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)

4.3       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

5.0       Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)            David Stewart, President

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for the April 1 FS City Commission Meeting

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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

April 1, 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 1381-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of March 12 – March 25, 2025 – $ 696,826.18
  4. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of March 18, 2025

                                                                

  1. V Public Comment

VII.      Appearances

  1.  Shawn O’Brien – Good Ol’ Days – Street Closures, Memorial Hall reservation,                           Pavilion Reservation and Parade Permit
  2. Representative of USD 234 – Color Run– Temporary Street Closure (road south of                              Riverfront Park) & Temporary Park Closure – Riverfront Park – April 25, 2025 – 5:00PM           until 8:00PM for the safety of participants and their families.
  3. Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director – Wastewater Update

           

VIII.   Unfinished Business

  1.  Approval to honor demolition bid previously awarded for 323 W. Wall

 

  1. New Business

            Public Hearings

  1.  Consideration of Vacation of Street and Alley at approximately 123 McCleverty by  the request of Alyssa Green and Derrik States –  N. Nation

 

            Action Items:

  1.  Status of 118 E. Wall St. – L. Kruger
  2.  Consideration of Resolution No. 10-2025 Project Authorization of the East National   Improvements– G. Herrmann
  3.              Consideration of Plow Truck Purchase – B. Matkin
  4.  Food Trucks – N. Nation
  5. E.  Request for Gun Purchases – J. Pickert
  6.  Consideration to sign letter to save the Institute of Museum and Library Services  (IMLS) – M. Wells

 

           

  1. Reports and Comments

 

  1. Adjourn
Fort Scott, Government

The March 18 FS City Commission Unapproved Minutes

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of March 18, 2025                                              Regular Meeting

 

A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held at 6:00PM 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 Dyllon Olson, Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer and Kathryn Salsbury 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., Jason Pickert/Chief FSPD, Mary Wyatt/Planning, Housing & Business Development Director (officiating the meeting) Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Cory Bryars/Care to Share, Becky Johnson/SEK Multicounty Health Department (SEKMCHD), Michael Hoyt, and Anne Dare.

 

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

 

Approval of Agenda (3:37)

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to amend the agenda with the addition of Item D – New Business – Temporary Street Closure Application for Prom. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve the agenda. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Approval of Consent Agenda  (5:01)

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1380-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of February 27, 2025 – March 11, 2025 – $1,061,286.37

 

  1. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of March 4, 2025

 

  1. February Financials

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve the Consent Agenda minus Item C to be moved under New Business.

 

MATKIN stated that $600,000.00 of the $1,061,286.37 is the amount paid to Freeman Hospital.

 

DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

Public Comments (6:54) – None

 

Appearances (6:57)

Cory Bryan – FortFest 2025 – Park Closure request – Riverfront – Sept. 24 – 29, 2025

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to approve the Park Closure request for Riverfront Park and reserve the Pavilion for FortFest 2025 from Wednesday, September 24th through Sunday, September 29th . SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Unfinished Business (9:52)

Consideration of Letter of Interest for Planning Commission Vacancy – Danny Brown had submitted a Letter of Interest for the Board of Zoning Appeals and was not selected. The City Commission asked the City Clerk to reach out to those who were not selected and ask if they were interested in the vacant position on the Planning Commission. Danny Brown submitted a Letter of Interest to be considered.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve the appointment of Danny Brown to the Planning Commission. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

New Business

Public Hearings

Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 6-2025 – DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 301 N. Jefferson (10:49)

 

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

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

KRUGER:  “Basically to reiterate, on this structure, we did make contact with the owner, the owner doesn’t want any part of the house, says it’s nothing but bad memories and wants it tore down, doesn’t care anything about it.”

 

DANCER:  Did the owner by chance indicate that they might be willing to sign the property over to the land bank with a clear title?

 

KRUGER:  I didn’t ask about that. My feeling was it would be that she might but she’s really hard to get a hold of and hard to keep on the phone.

 

DANCER:  Is she current on taxes on that property?

 

KRUGER:  I don’t know.

 

VAN HOECKE:  Is there anyone here tonight representing 301 N. Jefferson? Any other questions for Codes on this property?

 

DANCER:  Do you think you could reach out to her and find out if she’d be willing to sign it over, if we could get a property with a clear title?

 

KRUGER:  I’d be willing to try for you. It took (20) or (30) calls to get as much as I got out of her, but I’ll sure give it an effort.

 

DANCER:  I’ve seen the pictures, and it’s got fairly recent siding.

 

KRUGER:  Actually, the siding is a complete band-aid for a mess.

 

DANCER:  Okay, even so, if we could get a clear title on that one, even if we had to knock it to the ground, we could possibly make good on another recent promise we had.

 

KRUGER:  I do know that several people in the neighborhood, once that property becomes clear of the house, are willing to buy it as is. I’ve been approached by (2) people from that neighborhood, that once that house is gone, they’re very interested in that property with or without title.

 

DANCER:  I’d be interested to see if you could get a clear title on that. If we could get something into the Land Bank with a clear title, that’s usable property.

 

KRUGER:  I will definitely make the attempt.

 

DANCER:  Unless somebody objects?

 

VAN HOECKE:  Any other comments or questions on this property?

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing (14:42). DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to table the item until Codes had a chance to reach the owner to consider transferring to the Land Bank with clear title. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 7-2025 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 501 S. Osbun – (15:26)

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing (15:39). SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION PASSED 5-0.

 

VAN HOECKE:  Is there anyone here representing 501 S. Osbun?

 

KRUGER:  I do not have anything new to add to this one.

 

WELLS:  They’re wanting to build a new house or bring in a double-wide or something?

 

KRUGER:  The last that I talked, she basically was in between jobs, couldn’t meet the deadline to tear it down herself; that was her intention to tear down the house and put something new there. Her intentions were to pay the City back once she gets back on her feet, but I don’t have anything new other than that.

 

VAN HOECKE:  How long ago was that conversation?

 

KRUGER:  Probably a month.

 

WELLS:  What was her timeline for being able to tear it down herself.

 

KRUGER:  I gave her a complete year. Basically, if she couldn’t tear it down by the first of this year, that would exceed her deadline. So, I gave her a year, she lost her job, so she can’t meet any kind of deadline.

 

VAN HOECKE:  Any other questions on this property?

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing.

 

Inaudible questions from the audience.

 

WELLS:  Apparently, she doesn’t want to donate the property, she wants to build a new house on the property, she wants us to tear it down.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-1. 

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve Resolution No. 7-2025 directing the removal of the alleged unsafe dangerous structure at 501 S. Osbun.

 

DANCER asked for clarification from KRUGER if the house was currently occupied.  KRUGER stated that the house is not livable.

 

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

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-1. 

 

Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 8-2025 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 314 S. Scott – (19:21)

 

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

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

VAN HOECKE:  Is there anyone here representing 314 S. Scott this evening that would like to make a public appearance?

 

KRUGER:  I don’t have anything new to add on this one. Basically we have never made contact with this gentleman. I will remind you that this is the structure that people were having campfires in the garage and flopping in, so just food for thought in your consideration.

 

VAN HOECKE:  And you’ve presented this one to us before?

 

KRUGER:  Yes.

 

DANCER:  Have we used any kind of service like skip tracing, private eye, or something like that. You have your hands full doing Codes stuff, but somebody specialized in finding people?

 

KRUGER:  I know how to do that kind of work, that’s just not part of our procedure. I know where this guy’s at, he’s in the county out by Fulton, it’s just he didn’t make contact with us.

 

DANCER:  Again, hope for a clear title?

 

KRUGER:  This one I don’t know. Like I said, I never made any kind of contact with guy. I do know this one is behind on taxes and it’s a real mess.

 

DANCER:  I think County typically serves by mail. If we had personal delivery, personal service and that would constitute, right?

 

KRUGER: Yes. We meet our standard.

 

DANCER:  Right, but if we had personal service, then we could get a clear title.

 

OLSON:  When you say clear title, what are you meaning? Because all we’re doing is tearing it down and applying a special assessment and the rest is out of our control.

 

Inaudible comments from the audience.

 

WELLS:  We found this stuff out from the lawyer that came to the meeting the other night.

 

KRUGER:  That would be the same with 301, that might be the easier round.

 

SALSBURY:  That’s different, we had been told that if we were torn down we couldn’t get clear title very easily.

 

WELLS:  The lawyer that was here the other night, I believe we live streamed that, he had some very interesting information to provide for us.

 

VAN HOECKE: Are there any other questions for Officer Kruger?

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing (22:37). OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Request for Temporary Street Closure for Prom Walk Up on April 5, 2025

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve the request street closure of Judson and Oak for April 5, 2025. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Action Items:

Consideration of Bids for Easement Machine – (25:28)

 

MATKIN left the room at (25:30)

 

LEMKE explained Wastewater Collections Department has been looking to purchase an Easement Machine to be used for flushing the sanitary sewer and mains. It will work with the Vactor truck. Currently a manual line must be used to flush the lines. The hard, physical work has the potential for operator injuries. The easement machine allows the crew to get into places they would normally not be able to easily to flush the lines.

 

MATKIN returned to the meeting (27:18)

 

LEMKE went out for bids for an easement machine and (3) companies responded. The low bid was $71,100.00 and the highest bid was $93,874.52. He is requesting approval to accept the low bid from Key Equipment. MATKIN confirmed that it was budgeted for $100,000.00 in 2025.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to purchase the Key machine that has been presented by Mr. Lemke for the easement machine in the amount of $71,100.00. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MATKIN asked to return to Item C to complete the motion on 314 S. Scott.

 

Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 8-2025 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 314 S. Scott – (30:59)

MOTION:  DANCER moved to proceed with Resolution No. 8-2025 for the removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 314 S. Scott. WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MATKIN asked the Commission if they would reconsider visiting Item A at 301 N. Jefferson.

 

WELLS left the meeting (31:55)

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to reopen the consideration of Resolution no. 6-2025 – directing the repair or removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 301 N. Jefferson. SALSBURY seconded. SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE, OLSON and DANCER voted yes. WELLS was not present for the vote.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-0.

 

WELLS returned to the meeting (32:55)

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to direct the removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 301 N. Jefferson. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consideration of Ground Lease Bids – Field A (33:24)

MATKIN stated (2) bids were received. $14,250.00 and $12,852.00. He is recommending acceptance the high bid for the 85-acres of land on the west side of Field A.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve the bid for $14,250.00 a year (2025 Lease) for the 85-acres. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consideration of Greens Mower Purchase – (34:14) WYATT stated there were (3) bids submitted in the packet for the purchase of the greens mower.  She stated that last year they had agreed not to purchase a new greens mower but decided on (2) used mowers; only (1) was purchased last year. It is currently operating well. There is another greens mower they wish to use as a backup because it does have an issue with the starter and is not always reliable. They have one other greens mower that scalps the greens. She is recommending approval to purchase the 2021 Eclipse model 322 with 980 hours giving the department (2) operating greens mowers that are reliable with (1) backup.

 

Discussion was had about the bid discount.

 

ACTION:  WYATT to get clarification on the purchase price.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved that we buy the Eclipse mower based upon the price presented unless the John Deere comes back at $21,000.00. If it does come back at $21,000.00 then the Commission would request an opportunity to re-evaluate. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Status of 323 W. Wall – (40:47)

WELLS stated that the lady is willing to donate it to the Land Bank per Pat Bishop/Land Bank Manager who has made contact with her. He stated that he has made contact with her as well as KRUGER and she is willing to donate the house to the Land Bank and we are waiting to hear back from her on the donation process.

 

KRUGER stated the only contact he has had recently was a set up for Commissioner Wells to speak with her. KRUGER did get a phone call last week from the granddaughter who advised him that the mother and grandmother asked her to try to secure a loan for repair of the house. He stated that she asked about the condition of the house. KRUGER took photos and sent them to her via text for her to make her own decision. He stated that her response was that she wanted no part of taking a loan out on the house and that she was going to speak with the mother and grandmother to inform them that the house was not worth saving. KRUGER stated those are the only conversations he has had.

 

WELLS stated he spoke to her about a week and a half ago and he did not ask Mr. Bishop when his last conversation was with her. WELLS stated that BISHOP told him that the mother and grandmother told him they were looking to donate it to the Land Bank.

 

Discussion was had about what would happen if it was donated to the Land Bank and the contractors who have shown interest in saving the home.

 

KRUGER stated that we have already had the public hearing.

 

MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to go forward with bids for demolition of 323 W. Wall. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MATKIN suggested that if the interested contractors come forward, the Commission might want to reconsider.  VAN HOECKE stated to get the process started and it can be halted if that happens.

 

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

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-1.

 

Consideration of RESOLUTION NO. 9-2025 – RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 121 S. MARGRAVE (45:39) – KRUGER presented the property and asked for approval of the resolution to proceed with the demolition process. WELLS stated that he is the current property owner.  Discussion was had about the condition of the structure and the intentions to refurbish the home.

 

WELLS agreed to abstain from any vote on this property.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to table this item until the second meeting in April.

 

KRUGER asked WELLS for a timeline on securing the bank loan. WELLS stated he would reach back out to him next week.

 

WELLS clarified that the title was transferred to one of his companies. He stated that he did not know that this home was up for demolition when he started the process.

 

Further discussion was had on how WELLS acquired the property.

 

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to table Resolution No. 9-2025 regarding and alleged unsafe or dangerous structure at 121 S. Margrave until the second meeting in April of 2025. SALSBURY seconded. SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE, OLSON and DANCER voted yes.  WELLS abstained.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consideration of Lease Agreement for LaRoche Baseball Complex, City of Fort Scott, and Mid America Baseball League – (54:34)

MATKIN stated that MidAmerica Baseball League would like to sign a (5)-year, rent-free lease with the City of Fort Scott for the use of LaRoche Baseball Complex. The City would receive $.50 per ticket sold and they would help with some additional upkeep of the stadium and payment of the groundskeeper.

 

Discussion was had regarding the cost of upkeep verses return as well as damage and liability.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to sign the lease agreement for the LaRoche Baseball Complex between the City of Fort Scott and Mid America Baseball League. OLSON seconded.

 

VAN HOECKE thanked MATKIN for his hard work of bringing this to our City.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consideration of Monetary Partnership agreement between the City of Fort Scott and Mid America Baseball League – (59:24)

MATKIN requested approval of $50,000.00. He stated that $30,000.00 would come from the Economic Development fund and $20,000.00 would come from the Tourism fund.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to approve the monetary partnership agreement between the City of Fort Scott and the Mid America Baseball League with $30,000.00 coming from Economic Development and $20,000.00 coming from Tourism. WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consideration for the City to write a letter to Congress or issue a resolution to send to Congressional Representative to Protect SNAP/No Kid Hungry – (1:01:55)

 

MATKIN left the meeting (1:02:02) and returned (1:04:43)

 

WELLS submitted his proposal followed by discussion. (Full proposal available at the City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel /3-18-2025 City Commission Meeting beginning at 1:01:56)

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved that a letter be presented for Commissioners to sign using their title on the issue to send to Congress, Congressional Representatives to protect SNAP.  OLSON seconded.

 

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

 

MOTION CARRIED 3-2.

 

ACTION:  WELLS will present a letter for review of the Commission.

 

Consideration for approval for Commissioner Wells to sign a letter to Secretary Rubio and Secretary Noem to immediately restart the US Refugee Resettlement Program

WELLS submitted his proposal followed by discussion. (Full proposal available at the City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel /3-18-2025 City Commission Meeting beginning at 1:20:00)

 

MATKIN clarified that the letter will not be written on City of Fort Scott letterhead.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved for approval to sign a letter to Secretary Rubio and Secretary Noem to immediately restart the US Refugee Resettlement Program with his Fort Scott City Commissioner title.

 

FARMER left the meeting (1:28:51) and returned (1:30:51).

 

OLSON seconded.

 

WELLS clarified that his motion was that he will be signing (with his title of Fort Scott City Commissioner) a letter that has already been signed by over (200) other elected nonpartisan City Commissioners and City Mayors.

 

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

 

MOTION FAILED 2-3.

 

Consideration to sign a letter to save our historic site from the damaging impacts of the mass firings

WELLS submitted his proposal followed by discussion. (Full proposal available at the City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel /3-18-2025 City Commission Meeting beginning at 1:35:32)

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved that the City Commissioners join him in signing this letter to be sent to our local representatives. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consideration to approve installation of Family Station(s) in public areas – (1:49:16)

JOHNSON submitted a proposal and asked for permission to install the station(s). Discussion was had regarding possible locations. The Multi-County Breastfeeding Coalition is looking for collaboration with entities in the community and grants to help fund the project. They are asking the City for in-kind donation. She also wanted to inform the public of a Lactation Tent that they will be seeing within the counties.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve installation of a Family Station in a public area determined mutually by SEK Multi-County Health Department and the City of Fort Scott.  SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consideration of Addendum No. 4 – Wastewater Evaluation and Design Contractor for Davis Lift Station Project – (1:58:42)

DICKMAN stated that this lift station is very large, mostly underground and in a flood plain.  Underneath the station are piers that go down to bedrock which was discovered only recently. Initially they considered having those as part of the new wet well that would house the pump for the storm water overflows because it would be the same depth and would be on piers as well. He stated that they overestimated (possibly overdesigned) and received quotes from contractors in the $200,000.00 range. The intent of this addendum is to have a geotechnical engineer do a boring at the location of the wet well, design the piers, and supply a report with recommendations. The addendum includes the cost of the drilling, report and recommendation as well as updating the plans. The final cost estimate as it sets now (without the addendum) is $200,000.00 to complete the project. However, with the report and findings it could potentially cut the cost in half; the intent is to save $100,000.00 on the final build to do the wet well.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to approve Addendum No. 4 for the wastewater evaluation and design contract for Davis Lift Station project. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.     

 

Request to Pay – Schneider Electric – Annual Renewal of Service Agreement – $12,894.00 (2:03:06)

Discussion was had regarding the history of the contract and the future benefits of continuing this service agreement or exploring other options.

 

MOTION:  SALSBURY moved to not proceed with the Schneider contract again. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

     

ACTION:  MATKIN will look into wireless options for thermostat controls.

 

Reports and Comments

CITY MANAGER (2:09:35)

– Dance Party at Memorial Hall, Saturday at 7:00PM

– Designing and going out for bids for updating Memorial Hall bathrooms

– Marquee sign will be moved from Buck Run to Memorial Hall

 

CITY ENGINEER (2:11:39)

– Horton Street update – grinding is complete, fog seal weather permitting, cure for (14) days before striping can be done. Speed limit is temporarily lowered to 30 mph for friction factor of fog seal. Substantial completion date, based on contract days is 3/24/2025 – will do walk through. Punch list to be completed. Final closeout change order to come and final completion should be April 13, 2025.

–  17th and Eddy concrete completed – MATKIN

–  CCLIP due March 28, 2025

–  KDOT Wall Street field check March 26, 2025 – asking for new schedule for construction beginning next year.

 

CITY ATTORNEY (2:17:26) – No comments.

 

COMMISSIONER SALSBURY (2:17:47) – inaudible

 

COMMISSIONER WELLS (2:18:03)

–  Crossing light on 6th St. and Horton St.

–  Work Session for storage containers rescheduled

–  New ordinance for Land Bank to add County Commissioner

 

MATKIN left the meeting (2:20:55) and returned (2:22:49)

 

–  Permission to go to County Commission for TEAP study discussion – no objections

 

COMMISSIONER OLSON (2:26:09) – No comment

 

COMMISSIONER DANCER (2:26:13) – No comment

 

COMMISSIONER VAN HOECKE (2:26:15)

–  New baseball team

–  Bids for 118 E. Wall

–  Lenten Fish Fry – Mary Queen of Angels – Fridays 5-7PM – Cost is free will donation

–  Dance Party at Memorial Hall – 7PM – Friday

–  Bike sidewalk signs for Main Street

 

Adjourn

MOTION:  DANCER moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:31PM (2:31:48). SALSBURY seconded.

 

MARCH 18, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:31PM.

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott March 28

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! March 27th 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 currently 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!

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

Wednesday Writers at FS Public Library

Every Wednesday 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.

EVERY THURSDAY EVENING

STUDENT NIGHT AT FORT CINEMA

$5 tickets for all students Pre-K thru College

KOMB-FM ALL HIT 103.9 Radio Auction

Every Wednesday and Thursday

January 22nd – thru middle of April!

Starting at 3pm

Get bidding and PIN #:

620-223-4500 or radioauction.kombfm.com

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!

__________________________________

UPCOMING EVENTS

3/28 ~ 5-7pm| Pasta Bar Fundraiser for the Pavie Tucker Family

Common Ground Co.

$10/Dinner

*Dinner includes Pasta, breadsticks, green beans, dessert, and a drink!

Take-Out available

Click HERE to sign up!

3/28 ~ 5pm-7pm | Lenten Friday Fish Fry by the

Knights Of Columbus

(Every Friday from March 7th-April 11th)

Kennedy Gym, 705 S. Holbrook

Freewill Offering | To-Go Meals $9

3/28 ~ 7pm | FSHS Talent Show

FSHS Auditorium

Doors open 30min prior to show time.

Tickets $5 at the door

3/29 ~ 8:30-10:30am | Coffee Tasting & Brunch at The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative

$40 per person

3/29 ~ Watercolor with Pen & Ink Class

with Philip Ortiz.

Two class times – Beginner & Advanced Students

10am-12pm

or

1-3pm

Click HERE to sign up!

4/1 ~ 8:30-9:30 | Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet at The Parlor (next to The Kitchen C+C)

10 S. Main St.

4/2 ~ 5:30-6:30pm Golf Lessons for Par-Tee Girls Golf League (each lesson is a different golf skill)

Everyone Welcome – All skill levels

$20/person/lesson

Contact Diane Striler if interested

248-568-7790 or [email protected]

4/3 ~ 8am | Chamber Coffee hosted by KOMB/KMDO – Home Show

Located at FSCC’s Arnold Arena

2108 S. Horton St.

4/3 ~ 5-6:30pm | USD234 Early childhood Spring Fling at the Fort Scott Preschool Center.

Click HERE to sign up!

4/4 ~ 5pm-7pm | Lenten Friday Fish Fry by the

Knights Of Columbus

(Every Friday from March 7th-April 11th)

Kennedy Gym, 705 S. Holbrook

Freewill Offering | To-Go Meals $9

4/4 ~ 6pm | Boardwalk BBq 2025 by the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation

Location: 1500 W. 7th St.

Chanute, KS 66720

4/4 ~ 6-9pm | First Fridays at The Artificers

Cheryl Volz Artist Opening Artist Reception Show

Live Folk music from Max Dubois

4/5-6 ~ | 4 Spurs Rodeo

2102 Huntington Blvd. Fort Scott, KS

4/5 ~ | Kansas Rockers Newbie Women Wheelers Basic Skills Course

2051 130th St. Mapleton, KS

4/5 ~ 9am-3pm | Home, Sport, Farm, & Garden Show by KOMB 103.9 FM and 98.3 FM.

Vendor Booths, Food Trucks, Live

Remote Broadcast & More!

Located at the FSCC Arnold Arena, 2108 S. Horton St.

Contact the Radio Station if interested in a booth.

620-223-4501 or [email protected]

Click HERE for vendor app!

4/5 ~ 10am-3:30pm | Cheryl Volz, Western Artist at The Artificers for Alcohol Ink Class!

10am-12:30pm & 1-3pm

$85 per person

spots limited / materials included!

Click HERE to sign up!

4/5 ~ 7pm | FSHS Prom

The River Room 3 W. Oak St.

4/5 ~ 9am-10am | Little Chefs Class at The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative.

$20

Perfect for ages 4-6

Making Spring Rice Krispy Nests

Click HERE to sign up!

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
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Facebook
Fort Scott

SparkWheel Golf Tourney May 3

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Sending on behalf of Chamber member
Join

SparkWheel

for its 10th Annual

Golf Tournament

SparkWheel needs YOU! Join us on Saturday, May 3rd, at Woodland Hills Golf Course for an exciting 4-person scramble tournament to support students in southeast Kansas, including those at Fort Scott Middle School and Fort Scott High School.

How can you help?

– Grab your team & hit the greens! Scan the QR code to register now and secure your spot.

– Not a golfer? You can still make an impact! Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels—help us change lives while gaining great exposure for your business or organization.

Contact janelle.martin@sparkwheel.org to learn more and get involved today! Let’s make a difference—one round at a time!

Click HERE for the direct FB Event Page!

Click HERE for the SparkWheel Facebook Page!

Click HERE for SparkWheel Website!

Every swing, every putt, and every sponsorship helps provide essential support and resources for students in need!
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
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Fort Scott

Named Top Group in Kansas for Wreaths Across America

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Wreaths Across America KS 0049, the local For Scott, Kansas, fundraising group is proud to be named the Top Group in Kansas.  Thanks to local support, sponsorships to place veteran’s wreaths at Fort Scott National Cemetery were successful to provide a wreath for every veteran gravesite at the ceremony held December 16, 2023.

 

Each year, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America recognizes top sponsorship groups for excellence in serving their local community while helping to share the yearlong mission to Remember, Hoor, and Teach.  Among the thousands of supportive groups honoring locally interred veterans through wreath sponsorships, WAA recently announced that special recognition has been given to Wreaths Across America KS 0049 for Fort Scott National Cemetery as the outstanding group in Kansas.

 

Since its founding in 2007, WAA has collaborated with hundreds of like-minded organizations, volunteers, and civic groups nationwide to remember and honor our nation’s veterans.  Thanks to local support, this group was able to maximize efforts to honor veterans laid to rest at Fort Scott National Cemetery.  This group has been recognized for pride displayed in our veterans at a national level.

 

You can help support the local Wreaths Across America KS 0049 for Fort Scott National Cemetery by sponsoring a veteran’s wreath for placement on National Wreaths Across America Day 2024 on Saturday, December 14.  Each $17.00 sponsorship will sponsor a wreath to be placed on the headstone of an American hero.  To sponsor a wreath, contact Location Coordinator Diann Tucker, 620-224-7054, or Mika, 620-223-6700.  Wreaths Across America is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony.

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

City of Fort Scott Commission Meeting, March 18, 2025

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City commissioners vote on signing political letters and demolition dangerous properties among other business in March 18 meeting.

Consideration of letter of interest for planning commission vacancy from Danny Brown. He had also applied for zoning appeals board, but was not selected. He then reapplied for this position and was approved unanimously by the City of Fort Scott Commission.

Public hearings for a number of properties deemed unsafe or dangerous and in need of either demolition or repair:

First property: 301 N. Jefferson

City Codes officer Leroy Kruger said the owner had communicated to him that she doesn’t want any part of the house. She wants it torn down. The commission voted to direct the removal of the building.

301 Jefferson

Second property: 501 S. Osbun.

Kruger said that when he last spoke to owner, she couldn’t meet deadline to tear it down. She wants to build a new house on the property, but wants the city to tear it down. The commission voted to go out for bids for demolition. Wells voted against the decision.

501 Osbun

Third property: 314 S. Scott.

Kruger hasn’t made contact with owner. He said the property has been used as a flop house and had bonfires on it in the past. It is “a real mess” and behind on taxes. City commissioners voted to tear it down.

314 Scott Ave

Commission approved the closing of S. Judson and W. Oak streets for prom on April 5 from 5:45-8pm.

Consideration of bids for easement machine for use in flushing sanitary sewer mains

Bill Limpky spoke to the commission about the machine. It works with the sewer vacuum truck, enabling the moving of hose for flushing through 36 inch openings, giving normal flushing abilities to areas that cannot be reached by the regular truck. Three companies sent in bids from  $71,100 to $93,874. Limpky asked for approval to purchase low bid item: Pipe Hunter from Key Equipment. It comes with it’s own trailer and a 2 year warranty on the engine and one year on all other components of the machine. The city has a long-standing good history with Key Equipment. The city had budgeted $100,000 for this item. The purchase was approved.

Consideration of ground lease bids

City Manager Brad Matkin said there were two  bids and recommended giving it to the one for $14,250 per year for 85 acres of land on the west side of field A. Commission approved the bid.

Consideration of greens mower purchase

Mary White presented the bid information to the commission, saying they had 3 bids and wanted to go with the $25,000 bid from Kansas Golf for a 2021 Eclipse 322 with 980 hours on it. Last year the city decided not to purchase a new greens mower, decided to go with 2 used mowers. One of which was purchased and is running well. Other mowers don’t start well or scalp the greens. The purchase of this mower, “would give us two operating greens mowers that are reliable with one backup,” White said.

Dancer wanted clarification on John Deere’s bid. Commissioner Dyllon Olson said the lower number of hours on the Eclipse machine: 980 vs. the 1,091 on the John Deere, make it a better buy in his opinion. He also expressed concern that the mower would be not be available.

Motion was approved to purchase Eclipse unless clarification of John Deere bid comes back at $21,000, in which case the commission will look at the bids again.

323 W. Wall status

Commissioner Matthew Wells has contacted owner. She is willing to donate house to land bank. Kruger said that the granddaughter plans to speak to mother and grandmother, saying they should let it go. Wells said he was attempting to not tear it down per two contractors who have expressed interest in saving it, but they were not at the meeting.

Mayor Timothy J. Van Hoecke is concerned about safety with recent fires and the safety of kids in the area. He said they can stop the demolition process if the contractors come forward.

The commission voted to demolish it, Wells against.

121 S. Margrave.

Commissioner Wells told the commission that the home was owned by Susan Anderson, currently living in Minnesota. She contacted one of Commissioner Well’s companies last fall. She has since transferred ownership to that company, which is working to finalize a plan to rehab it.

Dancer moved to table for one month to give Wells’ company time to finalize a loan for doing the rehab work.

Mid-America Baseball League Agreement for LaRoche Baseball Complex

City Manager Brad Matkin said that Fort Scott getting a team in the Mid-American Baseball League in 2026. The league wants a five year free lease of the LaRoche Baseball Complex, and will give the city 50 cents per ticket and help with some additional upkeep of the stadium plus payment of the groundskeeper. The league will do the concessions and clean up after games.

Matkin expects the upkeep costs to stay the same as they have been because they have been treating the complex as though it’s being played on every day because it’s a shrine to baseball.

He had an economic impact study done which showed that if an average of 50 people attend the 32 home games each season, Fort. Scott would see an economic impact of $89,000 for that 2.5 month season.

Commissioner Katheryn Salsbury asked if the league would be responsible to repair significant damage to facility. Matkin said they would and will have insurance to cover any possible injury claims at the complex.

Wells made the motion to sign lease agreement. It was unanimously approved.

Van Hoecke congratulated Matkin for bringing it to Fort Scott.

Monetary partnership agreement with Mid-American Baseball League

Matkin asked for $50,000 as the city’s portion of the monetary partnership with the league, $30,000 from Economic Development and $20,000 from Tourism. In return, the league will have year round storefront downtown as well as the 50 cents per ticket and $89,000 economic impact during baseball season.

The Joplin Outlaws are coming to play at the facility July 11, 12, and 13th. There will be fireworks on Friday, a concert Saturday, and a family-fun-day Sunday.

The commission approved the agreement.

Consideration for the city to write a letter to congress or to send a congressional representative to protect SNAP/No Kid Hungry1:02

Commissioner Wells spoke to the commission about the letter he wishes to sign. “I believe we are to the be voice of the people,” he said. “This is not an attack on any person… Now is our time to stand up for what we believe in, regardless of what others may say.”

The letter he wishes to sign is from the Mayorhood Alliance Against Childhood Hunger. Wells said that there is a current proposal which will cut all funds currently used to feed all the of the kids in Bourbon County and Fort Scott. It hasn’t happened yet, but is part of the budget resolution for later this year. Budget resolution rules to not cut SNAP or Medicaid were voted down. Now there’s nothing to bind congress to not cut funds.

Van Hoecke said current research shows no cut to SNAP funds at this time, but some states are trying to streamline the food choices available with SNAP funds.

Olson said he knows lots of kids that benefit from this, including his own. “I cannot in good conscience let commissioner Wells stand alone.”

While it hasn’t happened yet, Wells said, “Our opportunity now is to tell them what our priorities are as a community. One of my priorities is to feed the children of this community.”

Salsbury referenced the USDA cutting $1billion in funding for school lunches recently as evidence that further cuts may be coming. Van Hoecke pointed out that the cut she mentioned was resetting expenditures to pre-covid 19 levels.

“I find cutting funding for children’s food at a place where they are legal obligated to be [school] unconscionable,” said Salsbury. She went on to say that National Parks and School Lunch funding amount to only a third the size of the budget given to a private entity “doing some things in space.”

While willing to sign the letter as an individual, she is concerned that signing the letter as a government entity will paint a target on the city. “I fear for what would happen to our city if we just happened to get in the searchlight of the wrong person,” she said.

Van Hoecke pointed out that the City Commission is supposed to be a non-partisan body. He advised waiting to see what happens. “I don’t like to say the sky is falling before something happens.”

Dancer spoke up and said, “I would encourage every member of this community … to please, address it with your legislature, state and federal, reach out to the governor, sign a petition, in your own, individual capacity, because feeding hungry children should be a priority.”

Olson said that if the government can feed criminals for free, we can feed children for free. “Whether it happens or doesn’t happen, I wish to put my name and title with Commissioner Wells on this.”

The motion was made that the letter presented for commissioners to read and sign with his or her title, if they want to.

Dancer and Van Hoecke voted No, while Olson, Wells, and Salisbury votes Yes. The motion carried.

Second letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to restart the US Refugee Resettlement Program

Wells said there are currently more than 140,000 refugees who have already cleared all of the hurdles and were prepared for entrance into this country but are now held up by the executive order to suspend the US Refugee Admissions Program.

Van Hoecke said this falls outside the scope of city business and suggested getting a petition together.

Wells claimed that citizens have come to him saying otherwise. “When lives are on the line, I don’t feel like I need to wait to form a petition.”

Van Hoecke pointed out that the executive order has a 90 day window for reevaluation.

Wells said that the attorney general says he has the right to sign these, but a commissioner asked him to bring any future letters before the commission, so he is abiding by that commissioner’s wishes.

“I think it’s an extremely partisan issue,” said Van Hoecke.

Matkin weighed in with, “I’m not even sure why you’re having this debate. Because it’s his (Well’s) right if he writes it [his signature].” A year ago he did something similar and was criticized, which is why he’s bringing it before the commission now.

Salsbury said that Wells’s signing of the letter is free speech, and as a city commissioner, “you don’t forfeit your rights, but I do think there’s a special duty of care.”

“I currently serve as an army reserve lieutenant colonel. I have the same rights as you, but in that capacity, I would not, in addressing city government, state, or federal, identify myself in that capacity for the impact of whoever reads it because I would consider that inappropriate,” said Dancer. Van Hoecke agreed with him.1:29

Wells said that citizens of Fort Scott had reached out to him and asked him to advocate for them, not believing that they can speak up without endangering their lives, which is why he wants to include his title in the signing of the letter. He is doing it as a city commissioner, not just a private citizen.

Olson said petition readers look for elected officials. “This isn’t really city business, but everything happening out there affects our city.”

Wells made the motion to approved to sign onto a group letter with elected representative from other cities to immediately restart the Refugee Resettlement Program with his title.1:33

Van Hoecke, Dancer, and Salsbury voted No. Olson and Wells voted yes. Motion failed to carry.

Letter to Kansas Senators Marshall and Moran and Representative Schmidt to save national historic site of Fort Scott from budget cuts

Wells asked for the whole city commission to sign a letter he has written, “to save our national historic site from the damaging impacts of the mass firings and other changes that have been made.” He said that the site is currently operating at less than 50% of normal staffing levels which has lead to closures of many services and programs at the park and affects economy of the region.

In addition, Wells pointed out that the fort does not have enough staffing available to fire cannon or black powder weapons or bake bread.  He said the staff didn’t not provide the information, as they are not allowed to discuss it. Wells found it through his own research.

The April 12 Civil War Days events are also affected, which brought in 3000 visitors last year.

Van Hoecke said, “this is more in our lane.” He said this is part of the consequences of elections. Reductions in force are part of business. “Hopefully this is something that’s corrected,” he said. He also pointed out that this program is under a 90 day review.

“I believe our fort is very important…we want to keep the fort maintained,” said Van Hoecke.

There is currently no way to privately pay for any of it through donations, as all donations are disbursed evenly among all national parks.

Wells encouraged citizens to let elected representatives know that they are unhappy with these changes which are affecting Fort Scott and the local economy. “Unless we tell them, they are not going to know.”

The motion passed unanimously.

Consideration to approve installation of family stations in public areas submitted by SEK multi-counsel health department

Becky Johnson, health department administrator and health officer for bourbon county, spoke to the commission about the Breastfeeding Coalition within Alan, Anderson, Bourbon, and Whitson Counties, and their desire to install a Family Station at a park in Fort Scott. She was asking the commission for permission to build the station, but not the funding for it.

This would be a seating area with shade, a privacy screen for breastfeeding and other caregiving needs, a changing table for infants and toddlers, and a trash receptacle for cleanliness. It would be a concrete pad with the bench and awning made from metal or composite, and include signage to indicate it’s purpose. She said they are considering the splash pad or other park in town such as Gunn Park or Fischer Park.

The estimated cost is $11,440, subject to adjustments based on partnership and funding. The coalition is interested in collaborating with local schools and businesses to fabricate the components. It will then be assembled by volunteers and local businesses will assist with installation.

“We are actively pursuing funding and community partnership to make this happen, as well as grants,” said Johnson.

The commission gave approval  given with location yet to be finalized.

Johnson also mentioned that the coalition has funding for the four counties to purchase a lactation tent to use at community events that they attend for outreach.  It includes tent, chairs, generator, cooling fans, and a changing station.

Wastewater evaluation and design contract for Davis lift station project

Jason Dickman explained the changes: The Davis lift station is a very large underground structure on peers going down to bedrock. The peers were discovered recently. They had considered having those as part of the new wet well that is going to house the pump for the storm water overflows, but overestimated the cost and found that quotes from contractors put it into the $200,000 range. They have since decided to have a geotechnical engineer do a boring at the location of the wet well and design the peers with a report recommending what to do. Preliminary thinking is that it could cost $100,000. The intent with these findings is to save $100,000 from the original plan, which may have been over-designed.

“If we get this design and that goes in the plans, we’re very close to putting it out for bid,” said Dickman.

Commission approved the new plan.

Snider Electric Service contract

City Manager Brad Matkin explained the service provided by Snider Electric: “They control our thermostats and our heat and air units.” They have 24/7 access and on-site support and semi-annual system database backups. Renewal of the city’s agreement with Snider is $12,894 per year. If city doesn’t continue the services, they will have to control their thermostats themselves. Matkin doesn’t believe the city saves the amount of the service fee on energy costs.

Matkin plans to research the installation of wifi thermostats in city buildings.

The commission voted to discontinue the service contract.

City Manager reports and comments

They are starting to look for bids for bathroom upgrades at Memorial Hall. Parks tax can be used for community buildings.

Currently planning to take the marquee sign off of Buck Run and move it to Memorial Hall on the west side, attached to the building.

Dickman said Horton Street grinding is complete. Fog sealing requires a lowered speed limit until cured. Final completion should be April 13.

Wells asked Matkin about a light for the crossing at Horton and 6th and asked that the work session on storage containers be rescheduled.

He also mentioned that they need a final answer from the Bourbon County Commission on the Transportation Energy Efficiency Program study pertaining to making 240th and Jayhawk a possible truck route, which would open the city up to a bunch of grants on signage and the county to have funds to fix 240th and put in the roundabout on Jayhawk.

The commission decided to review the ordinance forming the land bank board, as the Bourbon County Commission has asked for a seat on it. The Bourbon County Commission contributed to the formation of the land bank and has historically had a seat on the board. Also land from the county can end up in the bank. The County Commission’s seat on the land bank board was taken off via ordinance last year. Now considering adding a commissioner back in.

Van Hoecke said he is excited about getting a baseball team and recommended others turn in a team name suggestions for a chance for free season tickets.

He invited the community to the Friday fish fry from 5-7 pm  in the gym at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic church off of Eddie Street. Cost is a donation for fish fries for everyone through Lent. The meal includes pollock and catfish and the dessert table. The fry will be every Friday through April 18.

He also mentioned the need to reinstall signage for no bikes on sidewalks downtown.