Category Archives: Fort Scott

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Gordon Parks Museum, History

Fort Scott Stories Documentary Film Returns for Encore Theatrical Version

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Fort Scott, Kan. June. 2, 2026 – The Gordon Parks Museum, in partnership with photojournalist and documentary filmmaker D. Michael Cheers, recipient of the 2025 Choice of Weapons Award, proudly presents the encore screening of Fort Scott Stories, the theatrical version. The feature-length documentary is inspired by Gordon Parks.

The screening will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, as part of the 23rd Annual Gordon Parks Celebration that is taking place October 1 – 3, 2026. General admission doors will open at 12:30 p.m., followed by the film screening at 1:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is required.

Fort Scott Stories offers a compelling and intimate portrait of present-day Fort Scott, capturing the heartbeat, character, and vibrancy of a community rich in history, resilience, and diverse cultural experiences. Through the voices of residents spanning generations, from youth to elders, business owners to church members, the documentary weaves together authentic narratives that reflect both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life in Fort Scott that reflects the city’s enduring spirt.

“Fort Scott Stories is about honoring the everyday lives that shape a community,” said D. Michael Cheers. “Gordon Parks taught us that there is power, dignity, and beauty in telling people’s stories with honesty and care. This film is my creative way of continuing that conversation, by listening deeply, bearing witness, and allowing Fort Scott to speak for itself.”

Inspired by Gordon Parks’ unpublished LIFE magazine assignment in Fort Scott in 1950, this film continues his legacy of truth-telling through art, empathy, and vision.

“We are very fortunate to have this film being shown once again here in Fort Scott with the shortened length theatrical version.” said Kirk Sharp, Executive Director of the Gordon Parks Museum. “We had a had packed house for the premiere of the film this past April, and we expect even a larger crowd for the encore screening. Fort Scott Stories will make you smile, cry, and feel inspired and empowered. It is an honest and deeply human reflection of a community, seen through compassion, memory, and hope. The film is both a continuation of history and a living conversation about where we came from, and who we are today.”

The documentary also features actor Kyle Johnson, who portrayed Gordon Parks in the 1968 film The Learning Tree and is a 2021 Choice of Weapons Award recipient.

Ticket registration is available through the Gordon Parks Museum website event page at
https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events or by calling 620-223-2700, ext. 5850.

Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes.

Limited Edition DVDs will be on sale following the showing.

For more information about the Fort Scott Stories Feature Documentary Premiere in Fort Scott, Kansas, please contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700, ext. 5850, or email [email protected].

Michael Cheers. Submitted photo.

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Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

St. Mary’s Students Finish Project,

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Submitted photo. Back row – John Doherty, Father Yancey Burgess, Faber White; middle row – Kendrick Simon, Jake Lewis, Cole Casper, David Regan, Beckham Fox; front row – Jhett Lyons, Avery Meeks, Jaxon Lyons

 

A spring tradition at St. Mary’s Catholic School is for the outgoing students to help beautify the area. These projects have included planting spring bulbs and annuals in front of the building, tending a pollinator garden behind the school, and filling pots with blooming flowers. Each group has learned about gardening while adding to the beauty of the school grounds. This year’s group is particularly noteworthy because these ten boys have been together as St. Mary’s students since they started kindergarten.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Bourbon County Arts Council: patio concert featuring Roxie & The Moon King, Friday, June 26

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Bourbon County Arts Council patio concert flyer

The Bourbon County Arts Council presents a patio concert featuring Roxie & The Moon King.

  • When: Friday, June 26, 8:00–10:00 p.m.
  • Where: Liberty Theatre Patio, 113 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS
  • Tickets: $15 BCAC members / $20 non-members
  • Reservations required
  • Contact: Terri Floyd, 620-224-7221

Roxie & The Moon King concert details

For more details, visit the Bourbon County Arts Council Facebook page or the Roxie & The Moon King Facebook page.

Roxie & The Moon King promotional image

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Good Ol’ Days Hosts The Weekly Chamber Coffee

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by Chamber Member

Fort Scott

Good Ol’ Days Committee
Thursday, June 4th

 

8am

@ Skubitz Plaza
Downtown Fort Scott

*In case of inclement weather, stay tuned for location updates.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by the Good Ol’ Days Festival Committee this Thursday, June 4th at 8am, on Skubitz Plaza in Downtown Fort Scott. In case of inclement weather, stay tuned for updated information. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register for a special door prize drawing.

Trey Sharp, Good Ol’ Days Chairman, and the committee are excited to celebrate the 45th Annual Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days, taking place June 5-6 in Downtown Fort Scott. This year’s theme, Red, White, & Good Ol’ Days, is a fitting tribute as America celebrates its 250th birthday, while also honoring the traditions that have made Good Ol’ Days a community favorite for 45 years.

One of those traditions is the popular vendor fair, featuring more than 100 booths offering food, crafts, shopping, family activities, and much more.

Plan to attend the parade, which kicks off Good Ol’ Days at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 5. Before and after the parade, stroll along Main Street north of Wall Street and throughout Skubitz Plaza to explore the many vendors, who will open at 5 p.m. Friday evening will also feature live entertainment beginning at 7 p.m. with a DJ, followed by The KC All Stars live band at 8 p.m. on Skubitz Plaza.

On Saturday, vendor booths open at 9 a.m., with a full day of activities, entertainment, and live music planned throughout downtown. For a complete schedule, visit www.fortscottgoodoldays.com or follow Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days on Facebook.

The Good Ol’ Days Committee extends its sincere thanks to the sponsors, volunteers, donors, and supporters who help make this annual tradition possible. Everyone is encouraged to join the fun and help celebrate 45 years of Good Ol’ Days memories in Fort Scott.

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

Click HERE to visit

Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days

website!
A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

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

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
Fort Scott, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. Receives $2.5 Million Kansas Rural Health Grant

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The reception area of the Freeman Fort Scott Hospital.

Joplin, MO – Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. was awarded a $2.5 million rural health grant on Friday that will vastly improve access and outcomes in health care to Bourbon County residents.

Freeman’s fourth and newest hospital was one of 17 Kansas-based health care facilities to receive a Rural Emergency Hospital Conversion/Transformative Capital Investment Program (REH/CAP) grant via the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). These grants help rural health facilities like Fort Scott Hospital make either facility renovations or capital investments “to transform how they serve their communities.”

A total of $29.1 million was distributed to the 17 Kansas locations. Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Inc. was chosen from a pool of 73 applications. The $2,502,999 amount was the fourth highest awarded.

“This award represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare in Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and the surrounding region,” said Anita Walden, chief administrative officer of Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.

The grant money was made available through the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

“We are incredibly grateful for the support provided through the Rural Health Transformation Program and for the confidence placed in Freeman Fort Scott Hospital’s vision for improving access to care for the community we serve,” Walden continued.

Last December, Kansas was awarded $221 million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as part of the H.R. 1 bill, which provided $50 billion to help reshape healthcare in rural communities nationwide over the next five years.

“These investments reflect the power of collaboration and long-term planning in addressing the unique health care needs of rural Kansas communities,” Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement. “By supporting regional partnerships, rural hospitals, and critical infrastructure improvements, the Rural Health Transformation Program is empowering communities to strengthen local health systems, improve access to high-quality care, and build a more sustainable future for rural Kansans.”

Located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.—consisting of a six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care unit—opened in September 2025 and celebrated its official ribbon cutting earlier this month. More than 3,400 Fort Scott and Bourbon County residents have utilized the hospital’s emergency department in the last eight months.

 

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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., and Ozark Center—the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services—as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics, and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

Fort Scott

City of Fort Scott Commission Agenda Summary for June 2, 2026 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

June 2, 2026 – 6:00 P.M.

I. Meeting Outline & Agenda Overview

6-2-26 Agenda

(Source Document: Page 1)

  • I. Call to Order [Page 1]

  • II. Pledge of Allegiance [Page 1]

  • III. Invocation [Page 1]

  • IV. Approval of Agenda [Page 1]

  • V. Consent Agenda [Page 1]

    • A. Appropriation Ordinance 1409-A (Expense Approvals)

    • B. Approval of Minutes (May 19, 2026)

    • C. New Retailer’s Liquor License (Don’s Spirits & Wine)

    • D. Renewal of Drinking Establishment/Caterer License (Sharkys)

    • E. Retail Fireworks Vendors Permits (Jake’s, Bellino, Ka-Boomers)

    • F. Invoice Approval: Gunn Park Retaining Wall (JCM Restoration)

    • G. Invoice Approvals: FSK Taxiway Lights Design (Olsson)

  • VI. Public Comment [Page 1]

  • VII. Appearance [Page 1]

      1. Bourbon County Core Community Presentation

      1. 118 E. Wall/Barber Shop Property Status Update

  • VIII. Unfinished Business [Page 1]

    • A. Resolution No. 6-2026: Unsafe Structure at 1403 E. Oak

  • IX. New Business (Action Items) [Page 1]

    • A. Airport (FSK) Taxiway Edge Lighting System Bid Award

    • B. Letter Agreement Amendment No. 1 (Olsson / FSK Project)

    • C. Resolution No. 20-2026: Notice of Hearing (1701 E. Wall)

    • D. Resolution No. 21-2026: Notice of Hearing (723 W. 5th)

    • E. Resolution No. 22-2026: Notice of Hearing (123 S. Wilson)

    • F. Resolution No. 23-2026: Notice of Hearing (414 W. 4th)

    • G. Resolution No. 24-2026: Notice of Hearing (18 S. Holbrook)

    • H. Ordinance No. 3606 Amendment: Gunn Park Camping Regulations

  • X. Reports and Comments [Page 1]

  • XI. Adjourn [Page 1]

II. Detailed Information Packet Summary

V. Consent Agenda Details

(Source Document: Page 1)

  • Financial & Expense Approvals: Consideration of Appropriation Ordinance 1409-A involving the Expense Approval Report for payments issued between May 14, 2026, and May 27, 2026, totaling $487,980.60. [Page 1]

  • Approval of Minutes: Formal approval of the official minutes taken during the last Regular City Commission Meeting on May 19, 2026. [Page 1]

  • Business & Alcohol Licensing:

    • Don’s Spirits & Wine (1705 S. National Ave.): Approval of a new Retailer’s Liquor License requested due to a change in ownership. The license term spans May 20, 2026, to May 19, 2028. [Page 1]

    • Sharkys (16 N. National Ave.): Approval of a license renewal for a Drinking Establishment/Caterer, running from May 24, 2026, to May 23, 2028. [Page 1]

  • Seasonal Fireworks Permits: Review and approval of local Retail Fireworks Vendor Permits for the following applicants:

    • Jake’s Fireworks — 2229 S. Main St. [Page 1]

    • Bellino Fireworks, Inc. — 2400 S. Main St. [Page 1]

    • Ka-Boomers Enterprises, Inc. — 1712 S. National Ave. [Page 1]

  • Public Infrastructure Invoices:

    • Gunn Park Retaining Wall: Request to pay Progress Billing Invoice #9203 to JCM Restoration for $13,000.00. Documentation shows that structural repairs to the park’s retaining wall are currently over 50% complete. [Page 1]

    • Fort Scott Municipal Airport (FSK) Lighting Project: Request to pay engineering firm Olsson a total of $57,500.00 for professional design and bidding services under Project No. AV-2026-16. The payout tracks across three cumulative historical invoices: Invoice #555897 ($28,750.00 dated Oct. 4, 2025); Invoice #572809 ($23,000.00 dated Mar. 14, 2026); and Invoice #576737 ($5,750.00 dated Apr. 11, 2026). [Page 1]

VII. Scheduled Public Appearances

(Source Document: Page 1)

  1. Deana Betts / Bourbon County Core Community: Presenting an introductory segment titled “What is Core Community?” to update city leaders on local programmatic actions, community resources, and public goals. [Page 1]

  2. Jose Montanez (Owner of 118 E. Wall / Barber Shop): Appearing before the commission by official invitation to provide a formal real estate status update concerning property conditions and operational plans. [Page 1]

VIII. Unfinished Business

(Source Document: Page 1)

  • Resolution No. 6-2026 (1403 E. Oak): The Commission will revisit an ongoing codes enforcement item regarding an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 1403 E. Oak. This item is brought back to the floor after being sequentially tabled at three prior meetings: November 18, 2025, January 20, 2026, and February 16, 2026. Presented by L. Kruger. [Page 1]

IX. New Business & Action Items

(Source Document: Page 1)

A. Airport Infrastructure Upgrades (B. Coomes / Olsson)

  • Bid Award Recommendation: Consideration to formally award the construction bid for Fort Scott Municipal Airport (FSK) KAIP Project No. AV-2026-16 (Olsson No. 025-04135) for the complete replacement of the airport’s Taxiway Edge Lighting System. [Page 1]

  • Letter Agreement Amendment No. 1: Consideration to amend the existing professional services contract with Olsson for the design and bidding phases of the FSK Taxiway Edge Lighting System upgrade. [Page 1]

B. Public Safety Hearings for Unsafe Structures (L. Kruger)

The commission will evaluate five standalone resolutions. If passed, these will trigger statutory Notices of Hearings to officially address alleged unsafe, hazardous, or dangerous structures. The affected residential/commercial properties are:

  • Resolution No. 20-2026: 1701 E. Wall [Page 1]

  • Resolution No. 21-2026: 723 W. 5th [Page 1]

  • Resolution No. 22-2026: 123 S. Wilson [Page 1]

  • Resolution No. 23-2026: 414 W. 4th [Page 1]

  • Resolution No. 24-2026: 18 S. Holbrook [Page 1]

C. Local Parks Ordinance Revision (B. Matkin)

  • Ordinance No. 3606 Adjustments: Evaluation of updates to further define, restrict, or structure the Gunn Park camping regulations, specifically targeting conditions attached to standard 14-Day camping permits. [Page 1]

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Bourbon County Community Theatre Performs Melodrama for Good Ol’ Days

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Chris Newman as Opal Openheart-Driver and Tynce Joles as Bull Driver, the heroine and hero in this year’s melodrama. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County Community Theatre presents “The Railroad is a Comin’ (Or Scam I Am)’’ written by BCCT Vice President Mark Bergmann.

Bergmann says the show is, “The world premiere of a totally fabricated true story about the founding of the first railroad in Fort Scott.”

The hero and heroine from last year’s melodrama return to the story this year. Bull Driver is played by Tynce Joles and Opal Openheart-Driver is portrayed by Chris Newman. Villains in this year’s show are played by Matthew Wells as Monty Bags, Angie Bin as Suzy Roomer, and Theodore Bowman plays Sheriff Carlyle Clink.

The show is directed by Bergmann with Abby Starkey serving as Assistant Director.

Performances are at 8 p.m. on June 5 and at 10:30 a.m., and 12:30, 4:30, and  6:30 p.m. on June 6 at 123 S. National (former St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church). Tickets for the show are $5 at bcct.ludus.com or at the door, but seating is limited. Age 5 and under are free. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show.

Chris Newman as Opal Openheart-Driver and Tynce Joles as Bull Driver, the heroine and hero in this year’s melodrama.


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Fort Scott

Tri-Valley Receives Good Spark Grant from Fort Scott Walmart

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Tri-Valley Developmental Services is located at 4305 Campbell Drive in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park.

 

Tri-Valley Receives Grant from the Fort Scott Wal-Mart Store #39

Tri-Valley Developmental Services (TVDS) is proud to announce the receipt of a $500 Spark Good grant from the Fort Scott Wal-Mart Store #39.  The grant will be used to purchase first aid kits for our facilities and vehicles.

“Tri-Valley is grateful to Heather Magruder and Fort Scott Wal-Mart Store #39 for helping us to ensure that we have the necessary safety equipment for both our facilities as well as our vehicles.” said Bill Fiscus, CEO.  “Tri-Valley appreciates the support given to us by the Fort Scott Wal-Mart Store.”

Business, Clothing, Fort Scott

Eternal Grace Boutique Opens Today with Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

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Ella Grace Townley is the new owner of Eternal Grace Boutique in downtown Fort Scott.

Ella Townley, 18, graduated from Spring Hill High School last week, and tomorrow she will open her new business venture, Eternal Grace Boutique LLC, in Fort Scott’s Historic Downtown District.

The store is located at 13 N. Main Street.

Ella is the daughter of the owners of Be The Light Boutique, Susan and Ed Townley, just across the street.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do after graduating,” she said. “I will attend Pittsburg State University, majoring in management and marketing, in the fall.”

In the future, Townley plans to have her own brand of clothing.

“I always wanted to own my own clothing store and bring ideas to life,” she said.

The products she sells are clothes for girls of all ages, she said

“In addition to young women’s clothing (ages 14-25). I sell two lines of jewelry, collegiate ware, home decor items, Bibles, prayer journals, devotionals, and hats.”

The store opens today, May 28, at 3 p.m., and there will be a ribbon-cutting and grand opening at 5:30 p.m. sponsored by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

The hours of operation for the store will be Thursday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, the store is closed.

For information, contact the store at: 913-827-2574.

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

The Splash Pad is Open For Family Fun

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The Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park is open for the 2026 season. The park was envisioned and then carried to fruition by a grass-roots group in the community. It is free to the public and is located near the Fort Scott National Historic Site, at Old Fort Boulevard and National Avenue on the city’s north side.

Children enjoy the splash pad at National Avenue and Old Fort Boulevard on Monday, May 27.
Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Heartland Rural Electric/Propane on May 28

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by Chamber Member

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative

& Heartland Propane
Thursday, May 28th

 

8am

@ Heartland Propane

Bulk Plant & Shop
2161 Osage Rd.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, May 21st at 8am hosted by Chamber members Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative and Heartland Propane. The coffee will take place at the Heartland Propane bulk plant and shop located at 2161 Osage Rd, just north of town on Old 69.

Guests traveling west on Highway 54 should turn north at Durossette’s onto 215th Street (Old 69 Highway), continue north for approximately two miles, then turn east onto Osage Road. The facility will be visible immediately after turning onto Osage Road and will be located on the left-hand side.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served along with a door prize drawing.

Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative and Heartland Propane, their shared commitment to serving local communities, and the important role they play in providing dependable energy to homes, businesses, and rural areas across Southeast Kansas. Representatives will share information about how the electric grid works, how rural electric cooperatives fit into the larger energy network, and how Heartland Propane supports the cooperative’s mission by expanding reliable energy options for members and customers.

Heartland Propane recently reached an exciting milestone of 4,000 routed delivery customers, reflecting the company’s continued growth and service throughout the region. Heartland REC has served the area for decades with safe and reliable electric service, while Heartland Propane continues expanding dependable propane options for homes, farms, and businesses across Southeast Kansas.

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

Click HERE to visit

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative

website!

Click HERE to visit

Heartland Propane

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Heartland Propane

website!
A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

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

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Click HERE to view our 2026 Community Guide-Member Directory!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US

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