Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda For the FS City Commission on August 19

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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

August 19, 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 1390-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of July 23, 2025 – August 12, 2025 – $662,802.14
  4. Approval of Minutes: Special Meeting of July 30, 2025; Special Meeting of August 4, 2025; and Regular Meeting of August 5, 2025.
  5. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice No. 18159 – 21-303 – Davis Lift Station – Addendum No. 4 ($11,600.00) and Addendum No. 5 ($18,600.00) – Total $30,3200.00
  6. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice No. 18141 – EEI No. 25-12 – East National Project Phase I – Survey 100% ($6,400.00) and Preliminary Design 12.5% ($12,937.50) – Total $19,337.50
  7. Request to Pay – Cardinal Sitework – Application for Payment No. 2 (FINAL) – Charles Street Lift Station EEI No. 24-003B – $3,587.45
  8. July Financials

 

  1. Public Comment

VII.      Appearances

  1. Rachel Carpenter – Tourism Report
  2. Thomas Metcalf Jr. – 3rd Annual Sons of American Legion Car Show – August 30, 2025 – Request for Temporary Street Closure – National Ave. between Oak St. and Pine St.

 

VIII.   Unfinished Business

Public Hearing:

  1. Planning Commission Case No. 1052 – Conditional Use Permit – 2400 S. Main – Amazon Storage Unit – Recommended by Planning Commission on July 9, 2025 – Tabled from August 5, 2025
  2. Vacation of Alley – Lewis Nihiser – Revisit requested by City Commission

 

Action Items:

  1. A. Consideration of Appointment of (1) Member for FSHPRC – Tabled from August 5,

2025  – L. Dillon

 

  1. Consideration of Resolution No. 9-2025 RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 121 S. MARGRAVE – Tabled from April 15, 2025

 

  1. New Business
  2. Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – Gordon Parks Mural at Main & Wall (Wilder House Building) – Approved by Design Review Board – L. Dillon
  1. Consideration of Fort Scott Developer Partnership Incentive Package 2026 – L. Dillon
  2. Consideration of Sales Tax Ballot Question – B. Matkin
  3. Discussion with Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Requested by M. Wells

 

  1. Reports and Comments
  2. Adjourn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Jumpy Jump Land Expands to Fort Scott-Opens August 15

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Jumpy Jump Land, the Wichita area’s top indoor bounce-house party spot, is excited to announce the grand opening of its fifth location in Fort Scott on August 15. Known for its vibrant, safe, and energetic indoor play spaces filled with colorful obstacle courses, tall slides, and multiple bounce houses, Jumpy Jump Land has quickly become a beloved destination for families seeking unforgettable fun.

Founded in 2015 in Andover, Kansas, Jumpy Jump Land has grown to serve communities in Andover, Bel Aire, Haysville, and El Dorado, with Fort Scott marking the latest expansion. Owned and operated by JUMPY JUMP LAND, LLC, the brand is dedicated to providing a clean, safe, and stress-free environment where families can jump, play, and celebrate milestones – from birthdays and reunions to corporate events.

Fort Scott Grand Opening Weekend Details:

Dates: August 15–17
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM daily
Location: 2229 S Main St, Fort Scott, KS (inside the Jake’s Fireworks building)

The grand opening weekend will feature FREE Open Jump sessions, exciting games, and fantastic prizes for attendees. Families are invited to drop in, explore the colorful play zones, and join the
festivities. Parties and celebrations can now be booked at jumpyjumpland.com, offering a convenient, fun- filled venue for hosts who want to relax while their kids enjoy hours of energetic play.
For more information, visit jumpyjumpland.com or contact:
Jessica Benford
620.231.2264 ext 11197
[email protected]

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Town Wide Garage Sale is Sept. 19-20

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FORT SCOTT’S

FALL TOWN-WIDE

GARAGE SALE

SEPTEMBER 20th & 21st

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Fall Town-wide Garage Sale will be held September 19th and 20th, 2025.

The Chamber encourages the community to start cleaning out households and garages and saving back unnecessary and unwanted items and hold sales to make some cash.

Sales may be registered with the Chamber and listed on the official garage sale map for only $12.

Those interested may register in person at the Chamber, over the phone by credit, debit or Venmo, or online at fortscott.com. The deadline to register a sale on the official map is

1pm on Tuesday, September 16th.

The Chamber also offers display ads to businesses and organizations on the map for $35.

The Chamber sincerely appreciates sales and ads being registered with the Chamber as those funds make it possible for the Chamber to host the event and cover expenses incurred on the event to bring as many people to the community as possible to shop the sales and patronize other businesses while here.

Contact the Chamber for more information at

620-223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW THE

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE COPY OF THE REGISTRATION FORM

A special 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, Schools

USD234 Board Minutes from August 11

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

 
 

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, August 11, 2025

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board approved the official agenda, and the consent agenda as follows:

Board Minutes

07-14-25

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – July 18, 2025 – $1,681,850.38

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Resolution 25-08 – Remove Bank Signers

Resolution 25-09 – Add Bank Signers

 

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported about Open House in the district happening this week. School starts this Friday and KRI will start Monday, August 18.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with an update on the Preschool building and the progress being made in the facility. Also, informing about how each department is preparing for the new school year.

Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on iReady scores. The district is showing growth and an increase in scores. He also informed the Board about New Teacher Orientation and gearing up for the new year.

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes provided a shared document and reported on the beginning of the year starting up. The Special Education audit will be coming up soon.

The Board Approved the following items:

  • 2025-26 High School Handbook
  • Parent Athletics Expectation Policy
  • Audit Contract with Diehl, Banwart, and Bolton, CPA’s, P.A.
  • MOU for IT Services between USD 234 and City of Fort Scott
  • All Weather Track Structural Spray Bid
  • Purchase of Transit Van
  • 2025-26 High School Activity Handbook

There were none present for public forum.

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

August 11, 2025

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Chaplin, Mercedes – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Clements, Adam – Supplemental Resignation – Coach – Boy’s Basketball – High School

Coen, Serenity – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Preschool

Emmerson, Lynette – Resignation – Secretary – Middle School

Floyd, Gary – Resignation – ISS Supervisor – High School

Kitsmiller, Natalie – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE:

Pinkerton, Sammie – LOA – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

TRANSFER:

Beyers, Amy – Cook (Middle School) to Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Moberg, Katelynn – Paraprofessional – High School to Winfield Scott

 

EMPLOYMENT:

Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:

Ackerman, Melina – Cook – High School

Collins, Ashley – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Coon, Osha – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Dotson, Destiny – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Engstrom, Lauren – Secretary – Middle School

Esslinger, Danae – Paraprofessional – KRI

Feagins, Addison – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Heckman, Opal – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Hoener, Rhonda – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Reinbolt, Katren – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Strakal, Eileen – Cook – High School

Tucker, Sandy – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Waala, Emily – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Walker, Jessica – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:

 

Aikin, Kent – Head Softball Coach – High School

Altic, Abby – Supplemental – Assistant Volleyball Coach – High School

Carney, Drew – Supplemental – Powerlifting – High School

EW PBIS Committee

Hall, Dakota – Supplemental – Head Wrestling Coach – Middle School

Woods, Nick – Assistant Track Coach – High School

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee is Hosted by Fort Scott Dental on August 14

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Fort Scott Family Dental
Thursday, August 14th

8am

2 N. Main St.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Fort Scott Family Dental, 2 N. Main St., this Thursday, August 14th, at 8am. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.

Fort Scott Family Dental is excited to welcome the community to this week’s Chamber Coffee. Since their last hosting, the practice has grown while continuing to support downtown happenings and events. They are now accepting new patients from Fort Scott and the surrounding area, offering a full range of services from cleanings, exams, fillings, extractions, crowns, and bridges, as well as oral surgery options like implants and surgical extractions. Plans are also underway to expand services and update insurance networks.

Their friendly, knowledgeable team is always ready to answer questions and help clients achieve their best smile.

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

Click HERE to visit the

Fort Scott Family Dental Facebook Page!
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

Hip-Hop Dance Masterclass Offered on August 16

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About the Event & Instructor
This will be a one-day class led by Lukky, a professional hip-hop dancer, choreographer, and instructor based out of Kansas City, according to Leslie Godden who has facilitated the event.

“Lukky has been my daughter Kenna’s hip-hop teacher since she was 9 years old. He’s signed with the same talent agency as Kenna, and his experience includes traveling the U.S. to train, teach, and judge at dance competitions, working on music video sets for famous artists, commercials, and more. He also runs his own dance company, I-Push, which focuses on inspiring dancers to find their inner performer and reach their full potential.

“Two years ago, Lukky taught a class here in Fort Scott, and I’ve been working to bring him back ever since. We’re excited to finally make it happen!

Why This Matters to the Community
“Kenna has been able to dance, work, and perform with incredible artists thanks to the support of the Fort Scott community. This event is our way to give back and bring a unique dance experience to our hometown—an opportunity that doesn’t come around often here.”

Class Details
📅 Date: Saturday, August 16
🕒 Time: BEGINNERS – 1:00–2:00PM INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED – 2:00–3:30PM

📍 Location: River Room Event Center | 3 W. Oak St.
🎟 Cost & Registration:  BEGINNERS – 1:00–2:00PM – $20! INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED – $30! Both Classes: $40

🎟️ Parents, snag a WATCH BAND for $10 & cheer your dancer from the floor!
Additional class breakdown is available in the flyer attached.

RSVP HERE NOW!
Forms of Payment Accepted:
Cash
CashApp: $LeslieGodden
Venmo: Leslie-Godden (8050 last 4 digits of phone # if asked)
FB Pay
QUESTIONS: Call or text 620-644-8050
LOCATION: I chose the River Room due to its downtown location and figured since class was during the afternoon and on a Saturday, this could give attendees esp ones that aren’t from Fort Scott, a chance to get a bite to eat and hopefully stroll the shops! Again, why the more people that see this the better not just for us with the event, but the community.

I’ve also attached a list of FAQ’s that I typically get for dance events like this.

Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott August 8 Edition

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! August 8th Weekly Newsletter

SAVE THE DATE!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees

Every Thursday at 8am

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Visit your National Park! Visitor Center and historic buildings are open Friday through Tuesday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds continue to be open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset

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

Click HERE to visit the website.

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

Fort Scott Farmers Market

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

Gathering Square Pavilion, 111 N. National

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)

KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott

Every Tuesday 9am-4pm

Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.

620-231-4250

FS Public Library

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

*Summer Reading June 3rd – July 29th!

201 S. National Ave.

Kansas Small Business Development Center

at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

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

Dolly Trolley Historic 50-min narrated tours!

Adults $6 | Children 12&under $4

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

231 E. Wall St. to book your ride!

Fort Scott Aquatic Center

Opens Memorial Day, May 26th

Monday – Saturday

Public Swim: 1-5:15pm

Adult/Family Swim :5:30-7pm

*Lifeguard Breaks: 3pm & 5:15pm

Sunday

Public Swim: 1-6pm

Adult/Family Swim: 4:45-6pm

*Lifeguard Breaks: 3 & 4:30pm

Sign up for Supplemental Art Classes

with The Artificers

Multiple dates & times available

Click HERE to sign up!

Early-Bird Pricing until 8/8.

Regular registration pricing until 9/5.

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

UPCOMING EVENTS

8/1-15 ~ | Back to School Appreciation Party

by Sunshine Boutique

Deals & Mark Downs

3 Back to School/Work Basket Giveaways

Hidden Sales – Find the faux apples!

Bring your faculty or student ID for an

extra 15% off

8/8 ~ 7-8pm | Friday Night Concerts

In The Park

special local talent/band

Bourbon County Revival

Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main

Downtown Fort Scott

8/9 ~ 10-12:30pm | Fort Scott

Stamp Club Meeting

FS Public Library – Lower Level Conf. Room

201 S. National Ave.

8/9 ~ 10:30am-3pm | Paint Your Pet with Anita

at The Artificers

$45/class

Two Classes:

10:30am – 12:30pm | 1-3pm

Click HERE to register!

8/9 ~ 11am-2pm | Back to School Bash/Backpack Giveaway by Fort Scott Rec Dept at Buck Run Community Center

735 S. Scott St.

Bring the whole family & enjoy free activities:

– Mini golf

– Laser tag

– Cookies & lemonade

– Face painting

– Inflatables

8/9 ~ 12pm | Back to School Giveaway by

United Missionary Baptist Church

16 North Ransom (Behind Sherwin-Williams)

8/9 ~ 8-12pm | Breakfast on the Bricks

by Pioneer Kiwanis

(During Farmers’ Market)

Gathering Square Pavilion

8/11 ~ 10-2pm | Bourbon Country

Flange Fitting Clinic

Bourbon County Health Dept.

524 S. Lowman St.

8/12-18 ~ | Teacher Appreciation Special at SkinnyDrip’s Revive Massage

Special 20% Discount for all teachers & staff!

710 W. 8th St. Fort Scott, KS

Call 620-687-6721 for details & to book appt.

8/12 ~ | USD 234 FSHS & FSMS Open Houses

FSHS: 6-7:30pm

FSMS: 5:30-7pm

(6th grade orientation at 5:30pm)

8/13 ~ | USD 234 PreSchool

& Grade School Open Houses

PreSchool: 5-6:30pm

Winfield Scott: 5-6:30pm

Eugene Ware: 5:30-7pm

8/13 ~ 10-11:30am | Junior Chef Lunchbox Workshop at The Kitchen C+C

Ages 7-12 | $30 Click HERE to sign-up!

8/13 ~ 4-7pm | Nevada Pizza Hut

Poppin’ Up in Fort Scott!

250 pizzas then SOLD OUT!

Large 1 topping pizzas

Cheese | Pepperoni | Pork | Beef

Click HERE to order special requests!

8/14 ~ 8am | Chamber Coffee

hosted by Fort Scott Family Dental

2 N. Main St.

8/14 ~ 1:30-3pm | FSCC’s Senior-Versity

FSCC Tour + Q&A with New President

Click HERE for more details!

8/14 ~ 6-8pm | Paint & Sip a Funky Fish

at The Artificers

2hr workshop | $45/person

Click HERE to sign up!

8/14 ~ 6:30pm | Town Hall Meeting

Discussion of the 1/2 cent sales tax.

Empress Event Center | 7 N. Main St.

8/15 ~ | USD234 First Day of School

8/15-17 ~ Heartland Showcare Boer Goat Sale

@ BBCO Fairgrounds

8/15 ~ 6pm | Crooner’s & Liberty Theatre

10th Anniversary

$150/ticket – Ticket includes:

Appetizers, Dinner, Live Entertainment by Melissa Anderson & Les Lankhorst & access to Saturday the 16th Dueling Piano Concert.

Get your ticket HERE, call 620-224-9787 or in person during normal business hours

at Crooner’s

8/15 ~ 7-8pm | Friday Night Concerts

In The Park

Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main

Downtown Fort Scott

8/16 ~ 8am | Kansas Rocks Sunflower

Trail Ride Event

2051 130th St., Mapleton, KS

8/16 ~ 8:30am | FSCC Pickleball Fundraiser hosted by FSCC Volleyball Team

@ Sharky’s Pub & Grub

8/16 ~ 9am | Kiwanis 4-person Scramble Golf Tournament

(rescheduled from May 24th)

Woodland Hills Golf Course

8/16 ~ 1-4pm | Dance Masterclass by Kansas City Dancer & Performer

Manual “Lukky” Harvey

1-2pm | Beginner Class | $20

2-3:30pm | Intermediate/Advanced Class | $30

Both Classes: $45

Parents, snag a WATCH BAND for $10 & cheer your dancer from the floor!

@ River Room Event Center, 3 W. Oak St.

RSVP by clicking HERE or

Call/Text Leslie Godden at 620-644-8050

8/16 ~ 8pm | Liberty Theatre Anniversary

Concert & Fundraiser

Celebrating the 10th Anniv under the management of Jared Leek & Rob Shaw.

Live Music by Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos

$20/ticket

Cash Bar Available

All proceeds go towards the FSCC Walking Trail Improvement Project.

8/16-17 ~ 9pm-7am | Battle at Bone Creek

presents The Fight at Fort Scott

Public Catfishing Tournament located at Lake Fort Scott

$100 per boat

Click HERE for more pricing, prizes, and rules!

For the Facebook Event Page click HERE!

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.
…
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Board of Education Agenda For August 11

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BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

August 11, 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       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            4.1       Board Minutes

                                    07-14-25

            4.2       Financials – Cash Flow Report

            4.3       Check Register

            4.4       Payroll – July 18, 2025 –  $1,681,850.38

4.5       Activity Funds Accounts

4.6       USD 234 Gifts

4.7       Resolution 25-08 – Remove Bank Signers

4.8       Resolution 25-09 – Add Bank Signers

5.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

            5.1       Superintendent’s Report (Destry)  

5.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Zach)

            5.3       Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Terry)

            5.4       Special Education Director’s Report

 

6.0       New Business

6.1       2025-26 High School Handbook (Action) Handbook Edits

6.2       Parent Expectation Policy (Action)

            6.3       2025-2026 Preliminary Budget Report with Needs Assessment (Info only)

6.4       2025-2026 Preliminary Budget Presentation

6.5       Audit Contract with Diehl, Banwart, and Bolton, CPA’s, P.A.  (Action)

6.6       MOU for IT Services between USD 234 and City of Fort Scott (Action)

6.7       All-Weather Track Structural Spray Bids (Action)

6.8       Purchase of Transit Van (Action)

 

7.0       Public Forum

8.0       Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________

8.1       Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

8.2       Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)

8.3       Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)        

 

9.0       Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time)            David Stewart, President

Fort Scott

Local Couple In The Running For America’s Favorite Couple

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Myca and Robert Sellers. Submitted photo.
A couple with ties to Fort Scott, Myca and Robert Sellers, are in the running for America’s Favorite Couple contest.
“I found out about America’s Favorite Couple through a Facebook ad promoted by the actor, Jeff Goldblum,” said Myca (Short) Sellers. I thought it would be such a fun opportunity to share our love story, which I’ve always believed was something really special. The grand prize is $20,000 and a feature in Variety magazine.”
“While I entered this contest mostly for the fun and story-sharing aspect, I love that it’s tied to doing something good by supporting two worthy causes,” she said in an email interview with fortscott.biz. “The Los Angeles Food Bank is an organization that works to fight hunger by distributing food to those in need, and Oceana focuses on protecting and restoring the world’s oceans. Honestly, I wasn’t super familiar with either organization before this competition. While ocean conservation hasn’t been a passion of mine, I do think it’s great to support environmental causes.”
“The food bank’s mission especially resonates with me, I care deeply about helping people in need, especially those facing hunger and homelessness. As a Christian, giving and serving others is really important to me. My family and I sponsor a child in Tanzania through Compassion International, we currently provide a home for some extended family members going through a tough time, we give to our church, and we do our best to help others when we can. So even though I didn’t enter this competition because of the charities, I’m glad that it supports such meaningful work.”
“So far, we just made it through our group finals and will be moving on to the quarterfinals. We’ve been so blessed to have made it this far in the competition with the help of our friends and family. Every free daily vote really makes a difference. People are also able to donate to the partnered charities mentioned to cast additional votes. We’d be incredibly honored to have support from the Fort Scott community to help us make it to the finish line! Please let me know if you need any more information about the competition or anything else about our story.”
To vote for Robert and Myca Sellers
About the couple
Submitted photo.
“Robert and I both graduated from Fort Scott High School in 2012,” she said in the interview.  “My grandma lived there my entire life until recently moving to Chanute, and my mom, Wendy Stewart Hoeme, worked at Ward Kraft when I was little. I even went to Winfield Scott Elementary for 2nd grade. My dad was Robert (Tony) Short, but he passed away in 2009 when I was 16.
“Robert is the son of James and Jackie Sellers, Fort Scott. Jackie is the manager at the Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, and she and James also own and operate Pitt Taxi. James served in the Navy, so Robert spent some of his childhood outside of Kansas, but they eventually returned to Fort Scott when his dad retired from the military.”  Robert attended St. Mary’s  Catholic School and then Fort Scott Middle School and high school.
“I moved to Fort Scott …when my mom got a job at Great West in 2005. I started 6th grade at the middle school, and that’s where I met Robert. We were in the same homebase class (Mrs. Brittan’s!) and quickly became close friends. I developed a crush on him back then, but kept it quiet, … since a friend of mine dated him for a while. Robert and I stayed close throughout middle and high school, and our friendship was always something special.”
Senior prom. Submitted photo.
In their senior year, they had a physics class together with Dr. Klassen.
“We flirted constantly. One day, while cruising around town (as small-town Kansas teens do!), we passed each other at a stop sign. Seeing him prompted me to take a risk and text him later to confess my feelings. But it turned out he had liked me all along, too. We went on a date to play disc golf at Gunn Park and made our relationship official after that.”
Submitted photo.
The summer after graduation, they went cruising in his Jeep, stargazing from the Fort Scott Community College rappel tower, and “just being young and in love.”
He gave her a promise ring before he left for Air Force basic training that fall, and Myca started college at Fort Hays State University.
He was stationed in England.
“When he came home for Christmas, he took me back to the rappel tower at the college and proposed. We got married in Fort Scott at the Scottish Rite Temple on April 6, 2013.”
Submitted photo.
“Since then, our military life has taken us all over the world. We’ve lived in England, Albuquerque, NM, the little island of Okinawa in Japan, and now we’re stationed in Italy at Aviano Air Base.”
Submitted photo.
Robert is a Technical Sergeant in the Air Force, working on HH-60 helicopters.
“We’ve now been married 12 years and have three children: our son Castiel (6), and daughters Salem (4) and Sage (2). We’re not sure yet where we’ll go next since we still have 2.5 years left in Italy, but most likely somewhere in Arizona, New Mexico, or Georgia when we return to the States. He’ll have about 4.5 years left until retirement once we move back.”
“I believe what makes our relationship so special is that it was built on a solid foundation of friendship. We’re truly best friends, we’ve grown up together, and we still know how to have fun and make each other laugh. Living this military life, mostly overseas and far from family, has made us grow even more. We were just 19 when we got married and moved to England, and we’ve had to face a lot of challenges. But those trials taught us how to work together, rely on each other, and strengthen our bond. We deeply value one another and always come together as a team.”
Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Youth

Get Ready To Jump Fort Scott

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This sign has been taken down, as the three needed employees have been hired.

The former Walgreens store at 23rd and South Main Street will soon be filled with lots of excited kids.

Submitted photo.

Jumpy Jumpland is coming to Fort Scott in that building.

Their opening weekend is August 15-17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The grand opening weekend is free to public for a preview of what the business has to offer, said Heather Sims, district manager.

“We have indoor inflatables, fun for the whole family,” Sims said.

Submitted photo.

In addition to the many inflatables, they have a snack bar.

“We do birthday parties and Open Jumps, where anyone can come and play for $7 for as long as Open Jump is open.”

There are two choices for birthday parties: deluxe for $200, which has a one-hour jump time and then 45 minutes in the party area;  and supreme at $240, which has 1.5 hours of playtime and 45 minutes in the party area.

They can bring outside food and beverages, but no party supplies can be brought into Open Jump.

Submitted photo.

Currently, there are three employees, she said. “Two people per shift. We want eyes on the bounce floor at all times.”

Their hours of operation: Fridays are Open Jump from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon are available party times, then from noon to 2 is Open Jump, followed by times for parties. The last party of the day starts at 7:30 p.m.

“We chose Fort Scott because it doesn’t have a lot for kids to do,” she said. “We wanted to bring something to them.”

Jumpy Jumpland rents the building from Jake’s Fireworks. Starting the first weekend in June, they will move out and then move back in on the first weekend in August, she said. Jake’s Fireworks’ high sales season is June through August.

“Join us for Open Jump, games, and awesome prizes – we can’t wait to see you there!” said Jessica Benford, marketing director for the To book parties and celebrations, email at jumpyjumpland.com

Their address is 2229 S. Main Street, inside the Jake’s Fireworks building.

About Jumpy Jump Land

Who We Are
Jumpy Jump Land is the premier bounce-house party destination in the Wichita area, offering vibrant indoor play spaces filled with colorful obstacle courses, tall slides, and multiple bounce houses. We host both private parties by reservation and Open Jump sessions where families can drop in and play.

Where We Started
We opened our first location in Andover, Kansas, in 2015. Since then, Jumpy Jump Land has grown into a local favorite and expanded to five locations: Andover, Bel Aire, Haysville, El Dorado – and now, Fort Scott, opening August 15!

Who Owns It
Jumpy Jump Land is owned and operated as a Kansas limited liability company: JUMPY JUMP LAND, LLC.

Why We Do What We Do
Our mission is to create unforgettable moments for kids and families through safe, clean, and energetic indoor fun. We’re passionate about providing a stress-free venue where hosts can truly enjoy birthdays, reunions, corporate events, and more – while kids jump, play, and burn off energy.