Category Archives: Fort Scott
Candidate Forum July 23
Save the Date: Community members are invited to an Election Candidate Forum co-hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals League of Bourbon County. The event will take place on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center at 2108 S. Horton. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for a meet & greet with the candidates and the forum will begin at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
There will be two races on the Primary Election ballot which will be included in this forum:
- The first is USD-234 Position 3. There are 5 candidates for 1 position; this race will be narrowed to 2 candidates after the primary election. Candidates include Kellye Barrows, Joe Foulk Sr., Michael Hoyt, Josh Jones, and Aaron Judy.
- The second is Fort Scott City Commission. There are 14 candidates for 3 positions; this race will be narrowed to 6 candidates after the primary election. Candidates include Cheryl Adamson, Harold (Pete) Allen, Kevin (Skitch) Allen, Cindy Bartelsmeyer, Casey Bolden, Tracy Dancer, Bobby Duncan, Bob Farmer, Josh Jones, Deb McCoy, Diana Morriss, Jeanie Parker, Lindsey Watts, and Matthew Wells.
Questions for the candidates may be submitted to the Chamber by July 22nd by email at [email protected] or mailed or dropped off in person. Candidates are asked to RSVP to the Chamber prior to the forum by phone or email.
For more information please contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566.
Cason: Via Christi Beginning to Explore Facility Options

Ascension Via Christ came to Fort Scott to fill in the void of emergency care, following the closure of Mercy Hospital.

Friday Night Concert: First Southern Baptist Church
Fort Scott Commission Minutes of June 4
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of June 4, 2019 Regular Meeting #10
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 4th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Mitchell, and Nichols were present with Mayor Parker presiding.
INVOCATION: Pastor Norman Tillotson, First Baptist Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Rhonda Dunn, Robert Uhler, Rachel Pruitt, Darrell Parker, Deb Needleman, Norman Tillotson, Deb McCoy, Dianna Morris, Brian Allen, James Wood, and representing the press, Jason Silvers of the Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None were present.
Introduction of Tiana McElroy, City Prosecutor
Introduction of Adam Harrison, Codes Enforcement Supervisor
Introduction of Lyle Brittain, Codes Enforcement Officer
Recognition of Randy Ballweber, Codes Enforcement Officer
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of May 21st, 2019 and special meeting of May 28th, 2019.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1239-A totaling $273,183.61.
Mitchell moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
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APPEARANCE: James Wood – Closure of alley for events at Holmtown Pub – Mr. Wood thanked JoLynne Mitchell, Dave Martin, Mike Embry, Michael Mix, and Chad Brown. They had an issue behind their building last week and they reacted very quickly and found a solution. They have two upcoming events the next two weekends. They are fundraisers. They would like to utilize the north side of their building weather permitting. He asked to close Pine Street from National to the alley to utilize this area for the events. He asked for it to be closed from 12:00 noon on June 8th through the evening and also on June 15th.
Bartelsmeyer moved to approve to close Pine Street from National to the alley on June 8th and June 15th, 2019 for their two upcoming events. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO CLOSE PINE STREET FROM NATIONAL TO THE ALLEY ON JUNE 8TH AND JUNE 15TH, 2019 FOR TWO UPCOMING EVENTS FOR HOLMTOWN PUB.
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) – None
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PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
CONSIDERATION:
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City Surplus Auction Update – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, gave the Commission an update on the City’s surplus auction that was held on May 10th, 2019. The total of the auction was $14,738.50. The auctioneer, Lance Anderson’s commission was 15% which totaled $2,210.78, advertising was $437.16; amounting to a net proceed of $12,090.56. Part of this went to the general fund and then a part of it went to the Police forfeiture fund as there was a vehicle that was seized and sold from the Police Department. She thanked Chad Brown and Tom Coffman and all the departments for their hard work.
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Consideration to approve extension of the Flood Fill Permit for Golden Arrow Corporation – Rhonda Dunn, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that she has a request from Golden Arrow Corporation, which is Greg Schick, for the property at 520 E. Wall. He has requested from the State and now from the City for a one year extension of his permit. Rhonda told him that she would not make a recommendation for a one year extension. We need to find a timeline to complete this project. We have waited three years. He is working on it. The property has changed and some of the building materials are gone. He is working with AG Engineering on compacting the fill. He is raising the property 12” from the flood plain. The permit expires on July 1st, 2019. The Commission can condemn this after this date if so desired. She has asked him to come up with a plan on this property.
Commissioner Adamson asked about the vehicles that are being placed there.
Rhonda said that she has spoken with him about the vehicles. He does own the old Red Barn property also. She has talked with the State and he does not have any kind of permit to place the vehicles there. He is asking the County for a permit to move materials west of the Red Barn. He prepares these vehicles for the scrap yard and brings a big truck in and hauls them off.
Rhonda asked them to look at this property in the next two weeks.
COMMISSION/STAFF:
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Director Updates: Rachel Pruitt appeared on behalf of Lindsay Madison, Chamber of Commerce, regarding the First Impressions invitation. You are all invited to hear the results tomorrow night at the Empress at 6:00 p.m. The group was here a year ago and will present their thoughts at this event.
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City Commission:
Adamson – Remarked that all the changes for Good Ol’ Days were good – the crowds were great.
Nichols – Thanked all involved in the Good Ol’ Days for their hard work.
Bartelsmeyer – Thanked all the City staff for their hard work this past weekend for Good Ol’ Days.
Mitchell – Said she heard positive feedback on the weekend’s events.
Parker – Thanked all the staff for their efforts and hard work to put on this event.
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City Manager: Nothing to report.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:21 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:21 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on June 18th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
DEB NEEDLEMAN
Fort Scott Commission Agenda for June 18
AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
FORT SCOTT CITY HALL
COMMISSION ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN
JUNE 18, 2019
6 p.m.
I. ROLL CALL:
ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER MITCHELL NICHOLS PARKER
II. FLAG SALUTE
III. INVOCATION: Pastor Steve Cole, First United Methodist Church
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:
Recognition of Dave Bruner, Certified Fire Protection Specialist
Introduction of Adam Harrison, Codes Enforcement Supervisor
Introduction of Lyle Brittain, Codes Enforcement Officer
Recognition of Randy Ballweber, Codes Enforcement Officer
Recognition of Fort Scott Fire Department firefighters
V. CONSENT AGENDA:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 4th, 2019.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1240-A totaling $538,657.58.
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Certificate of Appropriateness – 118 E. Wall Street
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Certificate of Appropriateness – 120-122 E. Wall Street
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Fireworks Waiver – July 4th, 2019
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Parade Permit – Burke Street Parade – July 4th, 2019
VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
-
APPEARANCE:
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:
VIII. CONSIDERATION:
- Consideration of Bids – Electric Vault Building – Airport
- Consideration of amendment to Tobacco Ordinance
- Discussion of Golden Arrow Property – Greg Schick
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Consideration of street closure for Flicks on the Bricks – Skubitz on Main Street and all traffic south of Main to Wall
IX. COMMENTS:
- Director Updates: Dave Bruner – EMS Update
- Commission:
- City Manager:
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE
SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO
(see below justification)
DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN
MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.
Justifications for Executive Sessions:
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Personnel matters of non-elected personnel
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Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
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Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency
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Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
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Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL
Fort Scott Library June 2019 Newsletter
The Fort Scott Public Library June 2019 newsletter:
Click below
Meet The Author: Ronda Hassig, June 25
Join Hedgehog.INK!
for an Author-talk and Book-signing
with Ronda Hassig
June 25, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in her home at 512 S. Judson,
(former home of Ken and Charolette Lunt)
Ronda Hassig is a retired middle school librarian and author. She is a 5th generation Kansan born and raised in Lawrence. She has always loved history and she and her husband Rob have traveled the world collecting artifacts from the Civil War, Civil Rights, World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and the Cold War.
Ronda has a passion for primary sources and uses them in all of her books.
Ronda and her husband have recently moved to Fort Scott.
The Greatest Test of Courage follows Edward Mack during World War II. Stationed in the Philippines, his life changed forever on December 7, 1941.
Learn about Edward Mack’s story and how his ring found in California in 2007, prompted the writing of his story.
National History Day 2019: FSMS
Fort Scott Middle School students attended the National History Day competition June 9-13th in College Park, Maryland.

Participating for the first time were Kaitlyn Leavell, Kaitlin Hardwick and Adelynn Nolan.

The group competed in the junior group performance category with a project titled “We will not be silent: the triumph through tragedy of the White Rose Resistance Group”.
Katelyn Dancer competed for her second year at National History Day as a junior individual performance with her project “Radium Girls: triumph despite tragedy”. Dancer received the top junior project award for the Kansas delegation, and finished fourth in the nation in junior individual performance. Both projects were well received by their judges and received high marks.
“After all the hard work, extra practices and numerous revisions of both script and annotated bibliographies, all four girls can’t wait to try again with next year’s theme, ‘Breaking through Barriers’,” Angie Kemmerer said.

Lavender Patch Fest II June 15

Betsy Reichard can be reached at620-223-1364
Fort Scott Airport Advisory Board Meets June 19
The Airport Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday, June 19th, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at the City Commission meeting room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting is open to the public.
Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25 Scuttlebutt
Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25 continues to lead the Department of Kansas in membership at 153% with 78 members.
Post 25 Legionnaire David Bishard has transferred to Post Everlasting. Additional information on funeral services will be provided at a later date.
Your support for the Fort Scott American Legion baseball team is needed. This is our 1st Legion baseball team in several years and we are literally starting from scratch on equipment. Myra and I will match $1.00 for every $10.00 donation. Our fundraising goal is $3,000. Registration, insurance, baseballs and other incidentals are expensive.
Our goal in Fort Scott is to build an American Legion baseball program based on integrity and develop young men of character for our community. and our nation.
Please mail your donation for the Fort Scott American Legion baseball team to
American Legion Post 25
PO Box 25
Fort Scott, Ks. 66701
You can make a donation at https://www.gofundme.com/fort-scott-american-legion-baseball/donate/?upsell=cpgn_share. If you use GoFundMe, they ask for a platform “service” fee. It is up to you to adjust the “recommended” fee by selecting other.
You can also call me at 620-215-1688 to arrange a local pick up of your donation. No donation too small.
Upcoming Events
June 13. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 meets in Memorial Hall at 6 pm this evening. Tonight’s meeting is a “meet and greet” and will be the last one before the Auxiliary Unit is chartered in July. All eligible female family members of veterans are invited to attend.
June 13. American Legion Post 25 Color Guard meets in Memorial Hall at 7 pm this month. The Post 25 Color Guard is open to all Post 25 Legionnaires and SAL members.
June 14. Flag retirement at The Fort NHS at 7 pm. Unserviceable American flags will be honorably retired during the ceremony. This event is open to the public.
Remember to check out Post 25 on Facebook. It contains current information pertaining to Veterans and their families.
VA Shuttle June Schedule
Mondays. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
Tuesdays. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
Wednesdays. Fort Scott/Kansas City VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
The shuttle will make stops in Pleasanton, Louisburg and Ottawa to pick up scheduled riders.
Carl Jowers. Commander
Fort Scott American Legion Post 25
Telephone: 620.215.1688
Email: [email protected]






