The new public restroom at the Gathering Place Splash Pad is nearing completion.
Thomas Construction of Fort Scott employees poured concrete on April 25 at the new 12-foot by 14-foot public restroom project. The restroom is located northeast of the Pavilion, on North National at Old Fort Boulevard.
The restroom is handicapped accessible and has a changing station, said Luke Thomas with Thomas Construction.
The yet-to-be-finished inside of the restroom, which includes a changing station, on the right.
According to Meredith Tucker, spokesperson for the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Committee, the restroom will be officially opened in mid-May.
The hours the restroom will be open are 7 a.m. to dark, seven days a week, coinciding with the splash pad, which will open in mid-May.
The restroom is a one-stall, family-style, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant one, Tucker said.
“It has a changing bench built-in to help families with their loved one,” she said.
Elite Construction, Fort Scott, built the structure also installed some shading umbrellas at the adjacent Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park.
“The splash pad committee hired us to do it,” Derek Houdashelt with Elite Construction said.
“We received another grant from the Timken Company and Walmart Inc.,” Tucker said.
The committee is comprised of Tucker, Bailey Lyons, and Josh Jones.
“The committee has done the bid-letting,” she said.
A Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park shading device at right, with the new restroom with changing station in the background left.Two shading devices have been installed on the north side of the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park.
The Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park was a grassroots project that opened in 2023, according to its Facebook page.
First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 South Main, Fort Scott, KS
Agenda
1:30 PM – Sign the attendance sheet and get name tag
1:30-1:45 PM – Meet and Greet Time with other attendees
1:45 PM – Round table introductions: Please briefly introduce yourself, why you are attending today and what you hope to gain from coming to this meeting.
2:00 PM – Introduction of special speaker via Zoom
2:10 PM to 2:40 PM – Presentation of special guest speaker (Recorded for later playback, link will be on the KSRE Southwind District Website)
2:40 PM to 3:00 PM – Question and Answer time with special guest (NOT RECORDED)
3:00 PM to 3:15 PM – Other questions, comments, suggestions
3:15 PM – Dismiss meeting but you are welcome to chat with other attendees
3:15 PM to 3:30 PM – Clean up space and leave building
Next meeting: May 25, 2025, 1:30-3:30 PM at this same location
The CHW project has received funding and support from K-State 105, Kansas State University’s economic growth and advancement initiative for all 105 counties in Kansas. Learn more at k-state.edu/105.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott! April 25th Weekly Newsletter
SAVE THE DATE!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees
Every Thursday at 8am
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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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
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
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!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
4/25 ~ 7-10pm | Sharky’s Pub & Grub new patio is open – feat. Live Music by Royce Hyer
4/27 ~ 4pm | FSCC Spring Music Fest
by the FSCC Music Dept.
Ellis Fine Arts Center
Free Event
feat. The Dog Tracks, SoundDawg Pep Band, FSCC Choir, Guitar Class and special guests THE BAKBEATZ!
Governor Kelly Announces Over $14M for 47 Aviation Projects Across Kansas
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday $14.5 million for 47 aviation projects across the state through the Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP), which provides funding for planning, construction, and rehabilitation of public-use general aviation airports.
“The Kansas aerospace industry is an essential part of our state’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Keeping our aviation infrastructure in optimal condition is a large part of that economic growth and job creation, allowing local businesses and communities to prosper.”
The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation received 81 applications seeking a combined total project value of more than $42 million for this round of KAIP grants. Projects were selected from across the state and focused on pavement preservation, safety, and air ambulance accessibility to remote communities.
“Combining state and local funds to provide vital improvements to general aviation airports has helped to create a statewide aviation network citizens can depend on,” said Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed. “This offers more services, like air ambulance accessibility, that can help support transportation needs in all areas of Kansas.”
The KAIP receives $15 million annually through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) and requires local matching funds of 10-50%, depending on the project. With local matching funds for these projects, the KAIP total project value this year is $22.9 million.
Approved state FY 2026 KAIP projects:
Allen County Airport, Iola
$409,500 for design and construction of a taxilane project.
Anthony Municipal Airport, Anthony
$153,000 for Jet A fuel system.
Atkinson Municipal Airport, Pittsburg
$81,000 for a focused Airport Layout Plan update.
Atwood-Rawlins County City—County Airport, Atwood
$270,000 for new Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS).
Chanute Martin Johnson Airport, Chanute
$450,000 for design and reconstruction of south apron phased pavement project.
Cheyenne County Municipal Airport, Saint Francis
$180,000 for runway pavement rehabilitation.
Clay Center Municipal Airport, Clay Center
$468,000 to construct taxilanes and hangar approaches.
Clyde Cessna Field, Kingman
$90,000 for fuel system upgrades.
Comanche County Airport
$540,000 for runway and taxiway lights.
$90,000 for fuel system improvements.
Cook Airfield, Rose Hill
$34,650 for aircraft parking ramp and drainage.
$22,680 for Taxiway A extension.
Dighton Airport, Dighton
$274,500 for runway and taxiway pavement crack fill, seal coat, and markings.
Emporia Municipal Airport, Emporia
$391,000 to rehabilitate the south apron.
$208,000 to relocate and upgrade fuel system.
Fort Scott Municipal Airport, Fort Scott
$684,000 to replace taxiway edge lighting.
Freeman Field, Junction City
$189,000 for tip-down rotating beacon.
Garnett Municipal Airport, Garnett
$20,000 help with local match for phased FAA runway reconstruction project.
Gove County Airport, Quinter
$120,000 for a pilot lounge, restroom, hangar, and snow removal equipment storage.
Great Bend Municipal Airport, Great Bend
$450,000 for design of runway 11/29 reconstruction.
$146,000 for local match for FAA funded runway 17/35 rehabilitation.
Greensburg Municipal Airport, Greensburg
$191,250 for design of a project to pave runway 18/36.
Independence Municipal Airport, Independence
$756,000 for rehabilitating north asphalt apron pavement.
Jetmore Municipal Airport, Jetmore
$800,000 for planning and design for runway 17/35 reconstruction project.
Johnson County Airport, Olathe
$13,600 for pavement maintenance materials.
Kearny County Airport, Lakin
$537,000 for design and construction of runway 14/32 lighting.
Lawrence Regional Airport, Lawrence
$666,000 for design and construction of runway 1/19 pavement rehabilitation.
Lt. William M. Milliken Airport, Eureka
$385,200 for design and construction of a runway light and PAPI rehab project.
Mankato Airport, Mankato
$333,333 for design of a runway extension, rehab, and lighting project.
Marion Municipal Airport, Marion
$138,330 to replace the fuel system.
Mark Hoard Memorial Airport, Leoti
$373,860 help with local match for FAA funded hangar project.
McPherson Airport, McPherson
$350,000 for design and construction for phased fuel system replacement.
Miami County Airport, Paola
$765,000 to rehabilitate west taxilanes and hangar ramps.
Mid-America Regional Airport, Liberal
$382,500 to replace runway 04/22 PAPI and REIL systems.
Ness City Municipal Airport, Ness City
$25,215 for help with local match for FAA funded apron expansion project.
New Century Air Center, Olathe
$800,000 for rehabilitation of the central portion of the west apron.
$13,600 for pavement preservation materials.
Newton City-County Airport, Newton
$647,361 for electrical upgrades to runway 8/26.
Oakley Municipal Airport, Oakley
$180,000 for fuel system improvements.
Osborne Municipal Airport, Osborne
$800,000 to rehabilitate runway 02/20 pavement.
Pratt Regional Airport, Pratt
$77,490 to update ALP.
Scott City Municipal Airport, Scott City
$27,360 to relocate wind cone and upgrade segmented circle.
Shalz Field, Colby
$180,000 to construction taxiway extension.
Stanton County Municipal Airport, Johnson
$270,000 to install electric vault and relocate airfield electrical controls and regulators.
Michael Hoyt reminded the commission that from 6a.m. to 6p.m. on April 22-23 at Veterans Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas, assistance will be available to help veterans to file claims.
Appearances
The commissioners approved the parade permit for the Fort Scott High School All Class Reunion Parade to take place at 6 p.m. on June 27.
Unfinished Business
121 Margrave, tabled from 3/18/2025
Commissioner Matthew Wells, whose construction company owns and is remodeling the property, gave the commission an update. He said that once utilities are turned back on they will start foundation work in the next 90 days and work on the addition in 120 days. Codes officer Leroy Kruger asked that they fill in the old cistern on the property for safety’s sake, which Wells agreed to. The commission then voted to table the discussion for 120 days.
118 E. Wells proposals discussion
City Manager Brad Matkin said that the city of Fort Scott has asked the owner to sign a liability waiver, allow codes time to go in once a year to inspect the building, and get insurance in order to continue conduction business in the building. The owner cannot get insurance because of the red tag. Matkin asked that the commission approve a plan to allow the city attorney to write up a simple letter saying that they will remove the red tag for 30 days, during which time no business can be done at the location, but the insurance company can look at the building to see if they will insure it.
A $1 million in liability is what the city usually requires.
Kruger expects them to only be able to get liability. His understanding is that this 30 days is to get insurance in order to be able to sign the other contract, to be able to sign the release of liability then open for business.
The city’s lawyer says that the release of liability may not fully protect Fort Scott.
The owners asked Kruger if the city would like to purchase the building. Kruger said that whatever the commission decides to do will set a precedence and there are two or three other buildings that he’s already started the work on, so “this is going to come up again in the very near future.”
Wells said that a similar situation happened in Miami Dade and the liability waiver did not protect the city. He also said that if the building fails, at least one other one will go down with it because they share a wall.
Matkin suggested giving the owner the opportunity to get insurance and give them 6 months for them to give the codes officers their game plan whether to fix or sell. The building will continue to require repairs, but let the owners decide what they do with it.
Commissioner Kathryn Salsbury expressed concern that the city had told the owners what they needed to do in order to conduct business, so the city needs to stick to that agreement.
The city lawyer said, “I think this hole gets deeper every time we talk about it…I don’t think you’re legally bound to continue down that path.” Because so many other issues have come up with the building and it’s situation. “I think you are free to try to structure or craft a different path that makes sense.”
Kruger said it was important that the city spell out what they expect to happen over time with time frames on it. “It would be unfair for us to make them jump through hoops and them not know what to expect and then I go shut them down in 6 months.”
Mayor Timothy Van Hoeke summed up the commissions position that they don’s want to buy and fix the building, nor do they want to pull the red flag.
The current bids to do all needed repairs will cost a minimum of $412,000.
Van Hoeke asked for details about the owner’s desire to sell it.
The commission voted to move the decision of what to do to the May 20 meeting to see what develops. Wells opposed.
New Business
Purchase of a Fire Truck
Chief Dave Bruner spoke to the commission about the new trucks his department needs. After forming a committee and doing research, he came with his committee’s suggestions.
Ford F550 Rescue truck replacement
The department has had the current truck for 11 years and it has been involved in nearly 90% of total call volume. The truck’s expected lifespan of 10 years is passed and it’s becoming less reliable. When it had 50,000 they replaced the engine and the transmission at 30,000. The pump on it is 22 years old.
The price to replace it from Hay’s Fire Equipment is $255,686.
The capital improvement budget will pay for the chasis at $61,971, then they build the truck over the next 12-18 months, at which time the remaining price is paid.
The commission approved purchase.
Pumper
The capital improvement plan for 2026 has $850,000 budgeted to replace the 1997 E1 Truck. They currently have a 2019 pumper a 2020 tower, and 2009 pumper, the rescue truck and this 1997 truck. It is the last truck in the fleet they are looking to replace.
The committee talked about purchasing used, new, or re-configuring the current truck. The cost of trucks has risen 40% compared to previous years, and the cost continues to rise between 3-7% annually. Part of the cost increase is global supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and increase demand for updated safety features, as well as the new emissions requirements coming in 2027, which will increase the cost of fire trucks by between $64,000 and $120,000. In 2019, the city paid $465,000 for Engine One. That same truck costs $938,000 today. There was a good deal of discuss about the rising cost of equipment and the city’s best course of action. 1:04
Refurbishing the current truck would be $602,547 and take 12-15 months, and would require the department to rent a truck to replace during the refurbishment. Also, the insurance on it would only cover a 1997 truck value, making replacement in case of loss cost-prohibitive.
He said he would prefer to pay off the current truck before adding a new one, but is concerned about the increase in costs. With current recommendation of purchasing from Spartan Apparatus for $784,702, the 11 month build time would make payment for the truck due in February of 2026.
The commission asked for more details on some of the bids and confirmation that the price will be locked in. This gives city workers time to go out for bids on the lease to purchase the truck.
The commission also approved the purchase of a new mower for the park to replace the 2013 mower.
Revised Employee Handbook
Brad Matkin gave the commission a revised version in December and asked for their feedback. Salisbury moved to schedule a work session for 5 p.m. May 6 to discuss the employee handbook. Commission approved.
Reports and Comments
Jason Hickman gave the Horton Street update. Fog seal was started last week and will be finished this week.
Commission approved the motion to have Earl’s Engineering, the city’s engineer, do the design for the match project on East National.
Brad Matkin reported that the free Saturday night concert is moved to Memorial Hall this week at 7p.m.. The Teresa Deaton Band will be performing.
Commissioner comments
Wells: Friends of the Fort used Memorial Hall for their dance the other night. It was in great shape, kudos to Norman Nation.
He asked about the Wall Street city lot that the freight house sits on. He was told it was deeded to a group with a 2 year limitation on completing their project, which they failed to do. That group then deeded it to somebody else without the authority to do so. City has the right to enforce the original contract to claw the lot back.
Wells ended his comments by reminding those present of Romans 3:23. He said everybody makes mistakes, but it’s about how you respond to those mistakes and move forward. Please keep that in mind.
Commissioner Tracy Dancer said, “I would like to apologize to Brad.” 1:42
Van Hoeke: said that for a lot of people around the world right now, this is Holy Week, keep in mind the reason for the season. Hopefully you’ll be able to take in the true meaning of what this time means.
Ended with executive sessions to deal with non-elected personnel issues.
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
April 22, 2025 – 7:30 A.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 – Personnel Matters – 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
A new parking lot is under construction at National Avenue and Wall Street.
Fort Scott Public Works personnel were excavating the site at National Avenue and First Street on Wednesday in preparation for a new public parking lot, according to Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager.
The Fort Scott Public Library is located at the corner of 2nd Street and National Avenue.
The Fort Scott Public Library was honored to be one of the 50 libraries in the United States to receive a prestigious $20,000 grant from the American Library Association and the Association of Small and Rural Libraries for their Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities Grant.
“Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities offered more than $14 million in grants to small and rural libraries to increase the accessibility of facilities, services, and programs to better serve people with disabilities.
To be eligible, a library must have a legal area population of 25,000 or less and be located at least five miles from an urbanized area, in keeping with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) definitions of small and rural libraries.
ALA awarded four rounds of grants to be distributed over the next four years ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.
Participating libraries will first conduct community input-gathering sessions to assure that their work aligns with local needs. Libraries will be required to identify the primary audience they are hoping to reach (e.g., homebound seniors, children with autism, Deaf community members) and facilitate a community conversation with the impacted populations in order to guide the improvement of the library’s services. Grantees would then use the funds to create services or improve their facilities based on the needs identified by their audience.”
“This grant, in the amount we received, was a testament to our commitment to serving our community,” said Library Director Jennifer Gum-Fowler. “Another 250 libraries were granted $10,000 for the same grant.”
“We were informed in late March that we had won, but we were asked to wait until all the other libraries had been notified and accepted the grant. To make a bigger splash, we announced it at the Chamber Coffee last week. We will begin working on the grant in just a few weeks.”
Some new play areas for the children’s section.
“This grant is a game-changer for us. It will create a dedicated quiet space in the library for children with non-neurotypical disabilities, a much-needed addition to our services.”
“We will purchase a Shushbooth to do this in our limited space,” she said.
“A Shushbooth is a soundproof room with a small table, chairs, and an area for the kids to sit on the floor,” she said. “Depending on the child, it will give them a place where they can be both quiet and loud. It makes the library more accessible for the children. When not used for the kids, the rest of the community can use it for Zoom meetings and telehealth.”
“Some of the grant will also help us add therapeutic toys and items that the parents and children can check out and use. The rest of the grant will train staff to work better with these children and parents, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive environment. We will be hosting a community conversation soon about the grant, so stay tuned for that,” she said.
Changes on the horizon
“The library is undergoing a makeover to align with the grant we just received. The children’s area is being moved downstairs to make it more accessible for parents and children. We are also creating a Teen Zone and a Makerspace upstairs for the community. ”
“In addition, the library has received a Tech Grant from Southeast Kansas Library System, which we used to purchase a projector and screen for the events room. This makes the event room a conference room and a programming room for the community. We hope these changes will transform the library into a vibrant hub for the community to use and enjoy.”
Pictured is Jennifer Gun-Fowler, standing, and front row from left are Jennifer Carnes, Machenzie Kaemmer, and Samantha Miller. Not pictured is Pam Johnson.
The employees of the Fort Scott Public Library are
Jennifer Gum-Fowler- Library Director
Mackenzie Kaemmer- Youth Services Specialist
Samantha Miller- Youth Services Assistant
Pam Johnson – Inter Library Loan-Resource Clerk
Jennifer Carnes – Collections-Cataloging Clerk
The library is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is closed Sunday.
Contact info: Jennifer Gum-Fowler- 620-223-2882, [email protected], 201 S Nation
The north side of the library is ground level. The City of Fort Scott was working on the stripes for the parking spaces on April 15.
Submitted by Haley Houdeshelt, Administrative Assistant/Communications Coordinator with the USD 234 Board of Education.
Zach Johnson, Submitted photo.
“Zach Johnson is the new Assistant Superintendent for USD 234. He will begin his new position in the 2025-2026 school year.
Zach’s Background-
“I am originally from Willard Missouri. I have been in education for 13 years. I have spent six of those years as a teacher and coach in Missouri. I then spent four years as an assistant principal/athletic director at Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville and I have been the principal at Fort Scott Middle School the last three years.”
What do you hope to bring to this position and what are you most eager for?
“My hope is to help facilitate a collective vision that focuses on the success of all students. I believe in supporting and creating a culture that adds value and support to our staff. I am looking forward to working and meeting our staff in the upcoming months.”
Zach & his family-
“My wife Bethany is a therapist at KRI. We have three kids with a fourth on the way. We are very active in the school and the Fort Scott community. We are excited to be here and look forward to continuing to build connections throughout our community. ”
Congratulations, Zach! We are thrilled to watch you exceed in this new role!”
