Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission on Feb. 24

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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

February 24, 2025  –  6:00 P.M.

                                                                       

                                                              AMENDED

  1.     Call to Order/Roll Call
  2. Pledge of Allegiance

III.       Invocation

  1. Approval of Agenda
  2. Consent Agenda
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1378-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of January 30, 2025 – February 11, 2025 – $435,193.60
  4. Approval of Minutes: February 4, 2025
  5. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice 17807 – Project No. 24-414 Horton St. & 6th Improvements – Payroll – $23,262.07
  6. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice 17733 – KDOT Project 06 KA-6898-01 Pay Estimate 9 – 23-15A US-54 CCLIP Phase I – Direct Salary, Overhead, and Fixed Fee – $23,736.49
  7. Request to Pay – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – Payment No. 8 – Project No. 24-414 Horton St. & 6th Improvements – $26,678.45
  8. Request to Pay – Olsson – Invoice 524497 – AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-024/025-2025 – Grading and Runway Lighting – Design & Bidding Fee – Phase 1 – $33,480.00
  9. January Financials

                                                                

  1. V Public Comment

VII.      Appearances

                       

VIII.   Unfinished Business

  1. Status of 118 E. Wall – Kruger

 

  1. New Business

            Public Hearing:

  1.   Zachary Bradley – Vacation of Alley between 1418 Wall and 1416 Wall

 

            Action Items:

  1.  Credit Card Purchasing Charges – D. Tally
  2.   Discussion of Projects for Grant Opportunities – M. Wyatt
  3.   Christmas Tree Approval – B. Matkin
  4.  Consideration to Amend Verizon Tolling Agreement – B. Farmer
  5.   Consideration to Approve Members of Board of Zoning Appeals for another term:      Robert Nelson, Mark McCoy, Patrick Wood and Brian Rhoades – (1) vacant seat with       Letters of Interest received from Aaron Judy and Josh Jones.

              

  1. Reports and Comments

 

  1. Adjourn
Fort Scott

Parent Empowerment Circle Feb. 23

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Southwind

Extension District

Are you a parent navigating the extraordinary journey of raising a child with special needs? You’re not alone. We’re here to inspire, educate, and connect you with others who understand your unique challenges and joys.

Sunday, February 23rd

1:30-3:30pm

First Southern Baptist Church

Family Life Center

1818 South Main St.

Refreshments provided

Children are welcome with parents.

RSVP:

Cherri Walrod, Community Health Worker

620-945-9081 or [email protected]

Join us – Because Together, We Thrive
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Local High School Play: Speaking Up For Oppressed People

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FSHS Play Performance Opening Night Rescheduled
The Feb. 20 performance of Fort Scott High School’s play “And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank” is rescheduled for 7 p.m. on Feb. 23.
The rescheduling is due to the weather forecast for the week. Tickets previously sold for the Feb. 20 performance will be transferred or refunded, please contact Angie Bin, [email protected] or 620-719-9622. Other performances should run as scheduled at 7 p.m. on Feb. 21 and 22 in the FSHS Auditorium.
Left to right: Clark Uttinger, Sypher Cannon, Gianna Gorman, Tray Maloun.Submitted photo.

The production, by James Still, is a multi-media performance with live sound bytes and videos from the actual Holocaust survivors portrayed in the play as well as real video footage from the time period.

Left to right: Cooper George, Mykael Lewis, Gianna Gorman, Sypher Cannon. Submitted photos.

In addition to the performance, the lobby will feature many items of interest to the audience. A collection of Holocaust memorabilia from local historian Ronda Hassig will be on display in the Art Gallery.

Left to right: Gianna Gorman, Sypher Cannon

Students in the Advanced Drama class are displaying research on groups of oppressed peoples and plays that have been written to speak up for those groups, much like how “And Then They Came for Me” speaks for victims and survivors of the Holocaust.

Left to right: Kaiden Clary, Levi Fairchild. Submitted photos, all taken during dress rehearsal.

Students in Jon Barnes’ Government and Current Events classes, after reading and listening to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail,” wrote “A Letter From a Fort Scott Classroom” about a time in their lives that they felt discriminated against.

Many of these letters will be available to read.

The Technical Theatre class also built white models of set designs for the play that are on display.

Cast and crew members of the play were educated about the real lives of their characters through research and a presentation by Hassig. Hassig has personally visited sixty concentration camps and she shared her knowledge and photos with the students to help them better understand their characters and the world of the play.

Senior Kaiden Clary plays one of the Holocaust survivors, “Performing Young Ed gave me a chance to look into how a Jewish person was treated during WWll, how this person had to hide from SS guards to even be with his grandparents, how he had to try to escape time and time again. After learning about and discussing him, it is hard to believe that people actually had to go through many of these things, especially not seeing his parents for almost four years.”

Tickets for “And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the Life of Anne Frank” are $5 for students and $7 for adults and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Doors open thirty minutes prior to showtime.

The play is directed by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with Mesa Jones serving as Assistant Director. It is produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.

Left to right: Sypher Cannon, Cooper George, Gianna Gorman, Mykael Lewis, Mary Racer, Kaiden Clary, Clark Uttinger, Junie Fisher.

# # #

Fort Scott, Government

City of FS Commis Meeting Cancelled for Tonight Rescheduled Feb. 24 With Work Session

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Tonight (2/18/2025), the City Commission meeting is cancelled and rescheduled to MONDAY, (2/24/2025) along with the scheduled work session on storage containers.

 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH – 5:00 TO 6:00 – WORK SESSION (Storage Containers) immediately followed by the REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING beginning at 6:00PM.

 

 

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Agenda for Feb. 18

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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

February 18, 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 1378-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of January 30, 2025 – February 11, 2025 – $435,193.60
  4. Approval of Minutes: February 4, 2025
  5. Request to Pay – Olsson – Invoice 524497 – AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-024/025-2025 – Grading and Runway Lighting – Design & Bidding Fee – Phase 1 – $33,480.00
  6. January Financials

                                                                

  1. V Public Comment

VII.      Appearances

                       

VIII.   Unfinished Business

  1. Status of 118 E. Wall – Kruger

 

  1. New Business

            Public Hearing:

  1.   Zachary Bradley – Vacation of Alley between 1418 Wall and 1416 Wall

 

            Action Items:

  1.  Credit Card Purchasing Charges – D. Tally
  2.   Approval of Purchase – Golf Course Grounds Greens Mower –  M. Wyatt
  3.   Discussion of Projects for Grant Opportunities – M. Wyatt
  4.  Christmas Tree Approval – B. Matkin
  5.   Consideration to Amend Verizon Tolling Agreement – B. Farmer

              

  1. Reports and Comments

 

  1. Adjourn
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College, Uncategorized

Ft. Scott City Commission approves letter of support for house-building grant by FSCC

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Fort Scott City Hall.

Ft. Scott Community College came to Fort Scott City Commission last week to obtain a letter of support for a house-building grant they are applying for. The application is due February 14, 2025.

Sonia Gugnani, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Rory Chaplain, Associate Dean of CTE and workforce development spoke to the commissioners on Feb. 13 in a special meeting.

Gugnani told the commission that Fort Scott Community College is applying for the Frame grant through the Department of Commerce for community and technical colleges in Kansas. It’s a construction trade grant. The total amount available is $2million, with awards ranging from $250,000 to $1 million per award for those who qualify. This grant is to be used to build 4 houses in the next 2 years, with the first 2 either being renovated or built in the first year and proceeds from the sale of those properties used to build another 2 houses in the next year.

However, the grant money cannot be used buy the land or create the infrastructure needed for the houses.

Gugnani told the commissioners that FSCC wants to collaborate with the city to benefit students and residents of Bourbon County. She asked the city to donate land to build houses on. These houses would be 1100 to 1500 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. The Bourbon County Housing Assessment study by Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) in 2022 showed there is a need for these kind of houses in Fort Scott.

It would give our students work alongside the contractor and give them an opportunity to give back to their community, said Gugnani.

Chaplain explained that their aim is to build houses in the $185,000 to $225,000 range, so they “feel like it kind of needs to be more of a subdivision, rather than infill,” because the goal is to perpetuate the grant by continuing to build and sell homes. This will give students the ongoing opportunity to learn building skills. Homes must be sold within 180 days of completion.

They are hoping to build a neighborhood, according to Gugnani. The problem with using the renovation option of the grant, is that the department of commerce says they (the homes) must be uninhabitable to qualify.

Commissioner Katheryn Salsbury asked if the school could work with the land bank, which keeps the city from having to build all the infrastructure on a neighborhood plot of land. “It seems to me like that would be a better route,” she said.

Chaplain explained that the issue with using land bank properties is the difficulty of getting a clear title. “The Frame grant allows us to do more, as far as scale. We want to get a bigger return up front before working infill lots.”

Regarding the need to add infrastructure, he said if the land has water and sewer, that could spur on other builds from other contractors.

Gugnani also pointed out that the lots need to be adjacent to facilitate student’s working, as they are bussed over from their schools.

Commissioner Tim Vanhoeke verified that the school does not already have a parcel in mind, and asked how much FSCC is putting into the purchase.

City Manager Brad Matkin explained that the city would purchase the land and gift it to FSCC. As for infrastructure, the city would do it. He said that committing to a certain dollar amount of land purchase money is all the grant application requires.

Commissioner Tracey Dancer said he is not supportive of the city being a land holder or of city tax payers paying to supplement another taxing entity’s acquisition. FSCC already taxes residents of the city and, “the idea that the city tax payers would then pay again, more, to then supplement the community college’s budget. I can’t support it.”

Chaplain responded that FSCC is not asking for more taxes. “The point of the grant is to bolster housing and then also the training for the skills gap…and then also the economic development.”

Gugnani said it’s about whether or not they can include the city’s support in their grant application.

Commissioner Matthew Wells said, “You gotta look at the benefits vs. the cost. One of the benefits that this would bring, specifically to the school, is that if they can get this grant and invest in it now, then in the third and fourth year, they’re going to have the money….this is something that allows them to sow in to doing the land bank properties later.” If they go after the land bank properties right now, they’re not going to make enough of a return to make this particular grant viable for the long-term probability of the program to be able to benefit the city.19:14

Matkin suggested the city buy a 10 acre plot, give 4 to the school to build on and sell the rest to developers to recoup the costs of the city’s initial investment.

Katheryn Salsbury mentioned that at the last city commission meeting they discussed the need for properties in the $60,000-$70,000 range. “I wish that’s what we were doing here….are there enough people in the area who can afford housing these houses that are $125,000 plus?”

Chaplain said that based on housing study and realtors they’ve spoken with, the range they are aiming for is the most popular ask.

Vanhoeke asked what number FSCC wants the city to commit to.

Chaplain replied they are looking at property in the $10,000-$15,000 per acre range.

Matkin said that while the city doesn’t have a 5-10 acre plot within city limits, but there are properties owned by others.

Dancer said he could support working with land bank properties. But reiterated his unwillingness to help another taxing entity (FSCC) by spending taxpayer dollars to buy property.

Matkin replied that FSCC isn’t asking for the city to help them with their budget, they are asking for a grant to give kids the opportunity to build houses. The grant provides material and tools.

Chaplain asked about the city’s economic development dollars.

Dancer said it was already designated. Wells disagreed, saying they had “over $100,000,” and Matkin mentioned land bank money as well.

“We are not looking for 8-10 acres, that was just an idea for the city to recoup the costs,” said Gugnani.

Commissioner Dyllan Olson said the city has to grow. “If your saying investing $100,000 to get more than $2 million in return is a bad investment, I would have to disagree with that.”

Wells pointed out that at the end of the day the city would get 4 taxable properties that would pay back into the city coffers in the form of property taxes for the foreseeable future. He said that by spending $30,000 for 2 acres for the school to build houses on, at current tax rates, the city would recoup their investment in less than 10 years.

Olson said the land bank lacks properties with clear titles that would be viable for the school’s project. Title insurance won’t be available for at least 10 or 15 more years, while the land bank works to clear up the titles.

“We need to make sure were are building the place that we able to sell it so we can recoup the money so that we can continue this project…Building is one part of it. Sustaining is a bigger part of it,” pointed out Gugnani. She said that all the profits of the sale of the houses are rolled into building the next house. FSCC cannot keep any of the money.

Vanhoeke said he was opposed to putting any monetary support in a letter of support from the city.

The City of Fort Scott, REDI, Bourbon County Foundation, and USD234 have all been asked for a letter of support, per Gugnani.

Wells made motion: Because it’s Fort Smith Community College and would provide benefit to our city, provide employees that know how to build,  “I’d be willing to offer up at least $30,000 from the economic development fund to be able to purchase land to donate to the school in order to get this program going, just based on the return that we’re going to see.”

Motion was seconded by Olson.

It failed to carry due to Dancer, Vanhoeke, and Salsbury voting against it.

Dancer then made a motion for a letter of the support to include infrastructure, but with no dollar amount or acquisition of property.

Olson asked if the city manager could then look for properties.

Dancer then retracted his motion.

“We have 25 years of not having new housing,” a concerned citizen addressed the commission, saying that the community serious has housing issues and has voiced that they are desperately looking for new housing. “All I ask is that you take the time to consider… that they [community] are looking for some new options to be able to stay here in Ft. Scott. Our population is continually declining. If we don’t make some sort of a move in some direction, I’m afraid that that decline will still continue.”

Salsbury tried to bring the commission to a decision saying they want to support FSCC, but without a dollar amount.

Vanhoeke said dollars should be used to incentivize contractors to rehab or build infills, not fund FSCC’s plan.

Matkin asked what the difference is between giving financial help to a developer (which he predicted would be asked for in a future commission meeting) and buying land for FSCC to build houses on, because it’s a grant they are going after, it’s not benefiting FSCC, but the tax payers by putting houses on the tax rolls.

It’s beneficial to the people who live here and attracting people who commute here. The students who live here in the county, help the community, take pride in it, will be building the houses, pointed out Gugnani.

Wells said there are more than 2,800 commuters to Fort Scott who want to live here, but they want new homes, so they buy them in other cities.

Dancer said that due to the short notice, he is disinclined to commit to support in a monetary amount. “The public has not had a chance to consider this, to contact their representatives…”

Chaplain apologized for the last-minute nature of their meeting, but said regarding helping FSCC and developing housing in Fort Scott, “I don’t think that should be anything new as far as what the idea is.”52:08

Wells made the motion, “that the city write a letter of support saying that we will donate land for the building of the four houses and help with the infrastructure that is needed in order to get the grant.”

Olson seconded.

Dancer wanted to clarify that the city is committing to donate the land by the Aug. 1, 2025 grant start date, “whether we have it currently or not. So sometime in the next 5 months we would have to find the land, or acquire the land, or have it donated.” He expressed concern about urgency driving prices of the land up.

Vanhoeke and Dancer voted no.

Wells and Olson voted yes.

Salsbury broke the tie with her “yes” vote.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Feb. 14 Edition

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! February 14th Weekly Newsletter

SAVE THE DATE!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees

Every Thursday at 8am

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

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

Click HERE to visit the website.

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

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

KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott

Every Tuesday 9am-4pm

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

620-231-4250

Wednesday Writers at Hedgehog.Ink Book Store

Every Wednesday 1:30-3pm

Downtown Fort Scott, 16 S. Main St.

Kansas Small Business Development Center

at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

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

2/1-28 | Valentine’s Day “Ghost” Class

at The Artificer’s

2 hr private wheel throwing class as a couple.

$175/couple for minimum of 5 couples

$300/couple for private session

RSVP 913.574.7741

EVERY THURSDAY EVENING

STUDENT NIGHT AT FORT CINEMA

$5 tickets for all students Pre-K thru College

KOMB-FM ALL HIT 103.9 Radio Auction

Every Wednesday and Thursday

January 22nd – February 27th

Starting at 3pm

Get bidding and PIN #:

620-223-4500 or radioauction.kombfm.com

__________________________________

UPCOMING EVENTS

2/14 ~ 12-1pm | “The Kansas City Monarchs and America’s National Pastime” Lunch and Learn hosted by Gordon Parks Museum.

Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton St.

Free Event – Bring your lunch (drinks, chips, & desserts provided)

T-Mobile on site with a raffle drawing!

2/14 ~ 6:30-8:30pm | FSMS Valentine’s Dance hosted by the Junior Class/After Prom

$5 entry (includes 1 snack & 1 drink)

Buck Run Community Center

2/15 ~ 5-7:30pm | Cohn’s Cafe presents

Murder Mystery Dinner

5-6pm-Cocktail Hour | 6-7:30pm-Dinner

$45

Cash Bar available

RSVP text 620-418-6209 or 110southmainfortscott@gmail.com

2/15 ~ 6-9pm | Care to Share Pre-Spring Fling

Presents “The Piano Man” A Rock & Roll Tribute

River Room, 3 W Oak St. (elevator available)

Piano Man Dennis Laffoon, a long-time member of Shooting Star and Piano Man extraordinaire.

Tickets:

Single: $30 Couples: $60 Table of 8: $250

Click HERE to get your tickets!

**Tickets ARE refundable

2/15 ~ 8-11pm | Bourbon County Community Theatre Presents: Saturday Night Fever

Adult Prom Fundraiser

Sharky’s Pub & Grub, 16 N. National Ave.

Tickets:

Single: $25 Couple $40

Click HERE to get your tickets!

Click HERE to follow the Facebook Event Page!

2/16 ~ 4-6pm | Galentine’s Paint & Sip hosted by Brickstreet BBQ

Click HERE to reserve your spot

2/18 ~ 10:15am | Story Time at Fort Scott Public Library – “I Don’t Want To Be A Frog”

2/18 ~ 4:30-7:30pm | Potato Feed

hosted by FSHS Key Club

partnered with Kiwanis & Pioneer Kiwanis

FSHS Commons Area, 1005 S. Main St.

$7 classic Baked Potato

$10 Pulled Pork Loaded Potato

To-Go Meals Available!

2/19 ~ | FSCC Basketball at Home

Women 5:30pm | Men 7:30pm

FSCC Arnold Arena

2/20 ~ 8am | Chamber Coffee hosted by Trophy Properties & Auction, Cedar Ridge Group.

Coffee will be held at Common Ground Coffee Co.

12 E. Wall St.

2/20-22 ~ 7pm | Fort Scott High School Thespians Presents “And Then They Came For Me” -Remembering The World Of Anne Frank

FSHS Auditorium

Doors open 30 min prior to showtime

$7 Adults | $5 Students

Tickets available at the door or by clicking HERE!

2/21 ~ 6-8pm | USD234 Daddy Daughter Dance

“Dancing Through the Eras” Taylor Swift themed

Children ages Pre-K – 5th grade

Pre-Register $5/couple $2.50 additional child

*At the door $8/couple $4 addtl child

Buck Run Community Center

2/21 ~ 6-8pm | The Artificers “Art + Business 101”

$25

Sign up HERE!

SAVE THE DATE

2/22-23 ~ 8am/daily | Bareback & Bronc Riding Clinic hosted by FSCC

Instructors: Hardy Braden, Bo Casper,

& FSCC Staff & Students

$300/student (suitable stock for all levels)

Contact: 620-224-6108 or 620-223-2700 x 7020

[email protected]

2/22-23 ~ | LaRoche Baseball Complex hosts the Play NAIA Game Series.

22nd: 1pm & 4pm

23rd: 12pm & 3pm

Two Days of baseball doubleheaders feat.

Concordia vs. University of Jamestown

2/22 ~ 11am-1pm | Pasta Making Class & Lunch with Chef Sebastian at The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative

$65

Sign up by clicking HERE!

2/22 ~ 8am | FrostBite ’25 – The Thrill of the Chill at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park

$65/ day passengers ride free!

Click HERE to register or pay at the gate

To RSVP for 2/21 camping click HERE !

Raffle drawings with over $40k worth of prizes!

Live television film crew for the upcoming TV show American Dream is on site!

2/22 ~ 6-8pm | Scouts Annual Pinewood Derby

Memorial Hall, Fort Scott

$30 includes Pinewood Derby Car Kit, Race Registration, Dinner, & Company Recognition

Contact Seth Needham

620-215-6934 or [email protected]

2/24 ~ 8:30am-2:30pm | Blood Drive

Fort Scott High School Aux Gym

1005 S. Main St.

Appointments are strongly encouraged.

Call 417-227-5006 or 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, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at T-Mobile on Feb.13

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

T-Mobile
Thursday, February 13th

8am

2400 S. Main St., Ste. 300

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, February 13th at 8am hosted by Chamber member T-Mobile, 2400 S. Main St., Ste. 300. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served along with a door prize drawing.

Viewers of the recent Super Bowl would have seen that T-Mobile has some big news that, “IF YOU CAN SEE THE SKY, YOU’RE CONNECTED”. T-Mobile is on a mission to make every phone a satellite phone to bring coverage in ways users never thought would be possible. T-Mobile is the first and only U.S. wireless provider with a mobile-plus-satellite network, connecting customers automatically so texting can be sent via satellite on most modern smartphones. Now anyone, on any carrier, can sign up to join the beta test and get satellite-powered messaging at no extra cost until July.

T-Mobile encourages locals to attend the Chamber Coffee or stop by the store soon to find out more and check out all the great Valentine’s deals we have for your special person.

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.
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, Schools

USD234 Press Release of Meeting on Feb. 10

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Danny Hall-Jenkins, Dayne Downing, Luca Morter, (not pictured) Hadlee Simonds. Submitted photo.

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, February 10, 2025

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025, for their regular monthly meeting at the board office.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

The board interviewed a potential board member.

The board appointed Phil Jackson and Rory Chaplin to the Board.

 

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

Board Minutes

01-13-25

01-20-25

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – January 20, 2025 – $1,682,710.56

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

UMB Credit Card Agreement

Zero Reasons Why Fundraising

 

Superintendent Destry Brown reported on a Special Olympics Basketball at Pitt State to be held Wednesday. He also presented the board with Math & Reading reports from Eugene Ware. There has been great growth in the students.

 

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided the Board with an update that the Football Field turf is officially completed. There will be more discussion with Wrestling in the coming months as different options have been looked at. He also provided updates on all the facilities as well as food service.

 

Chris Garzone, principal at Winfield Scott was present with many from his team to update the board on some amazing things happening in their school. Linda Minor along with Luca Morter, Hadlee Simonds, Dayne Downing, and Danny Hall-Jenkins informed the Board about Community Based Interactive Instruction and their favorite parts about this program. Each grade level took a moment to speak about the positive events happening in their classes. Jenny Tourtilott, counselor, explained about the time she spends with each of the classes and the life lessons she can teach them. Each teacher reported amazing growth within their classrooms. Mr. Garzone and Nicole Gilmore, assistant principal, both spoke highly of the staff and students this year.

 

The Board Approved the following items:

  • Towerpoint Acquisitions Letter of Intent to Purchase Interest in Wireless Site
  • Two 10 passenger van purchases from Hillsboro Ford
  • Eugene Ware event date changes

 

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

February 10, 2025

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Glades, Matt – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Football Coach – High School

Hendricks, Sarah – Resignation – Teacher – Eugene Ware

Howell, Carolien – Resignation – 2nd Grade Teacher – Winfield Scott

Jones, Taylor – Resignation – Spanish Teacher – High School

Martin, Jara – Retirement – Orchestra aide/Choir accompanist

Martin, Jared – Resignation – PE Teacher – High School

Messer, Josh – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Football Coach – High School

Metcalf, John – Resignation – Middle School Physical Education Teacher

Metcalf, John – Resignation – Middle School Head Wrestling Coach

Metcalf, John – Resignation – High School Assistant Wrestling Coach

Motley, Aubrionna – Resignation – SPED Teacher – Winfield Scott

Oxholm, Chris – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Wrestling Coach – High School

Oxholm, Chris – Resignation – SPED Teacher – High School

Thurston, Erin – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware


EMPLOYMENT:

Certified Recommendations

Stark, Jonathan – PE Teacher – High School – 2025-26

 

Classified Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Dare, Jeremy – Full Time Bus Driver

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2024-25 school year:

Davis, Heather – Assistant Softball Coach – High School

Hall, Dakota – Assistant Wresting Coach – High School

Nickelson, Aaron – Assistant Softball Coach – High School

Stark, Jonathan – Head Football Coach – High School – 2025-26

 

Art, Fort Scott

Barr Creates Art From His Rural Home

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Calvin “Joe” Barr creates pallet art from old pallets at his home at 1225 245th Street.
Joe and his wife Rita decorate their home for each season, including an American Flag, a large pumpkin,  a snowman, and for St. Patrick’s Day.
He sent this one with a note to fortscott.biz.

Joe and Rita Barr’s home in Fort Scott with his Valentine to his wife. Submitted photo.
“At the end of this month, I will move the Valentine one and take it to the storage shed until next year and put up Saint Patrick’s for the month. I just finished the Saint Pats one this week. I made the Valentine in the last week of January, mainly for my bride of 60 years come this May 29th if the good Lord is willing,” Barr said.
Calvin “Joe” and Rita Barr from his Facebook page.
Art, Business, Fort Scott

Valentine Art for Every Heart at the Artificers

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Valentine’s Art for Every Heart!

Amy Smith’s Hearts:
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Something for HIM!

Tony Fornelli & Scott York’s Art!
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8 N National Ave, Fort Scott, KS

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Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission on Feb. 4

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of February 4, 2025                                   Regular Meeting

 

A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM (0:09). Roll call was taken. Commissioners Dyllon Olson, Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer and Kathryn Salsbury were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.

 

In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Chief Jason Pickert/FSPD, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement Technician, Jessica Oliphant/BakerTilly (via telephone), Lisa Dillon/Housing & Community Development Coordinator, Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director, Bill Lemke/Water Distribution & Collections Supervisor, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Steve Mason, Michael Hoyt, and Josh Jones.

 

  1. Farmer/City Attorney was absent.

 

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

 

Approval of Agenda  (1:28)

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve the Agenda as presented with the amendment of Item F/New Business worded 2024 Annual Report from the Land Bank.  SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Approval of Consent Agenda  (2:08)

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1377-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of January 16, 2025 – January 29, 2025 – $548,345.32
  2. Approval of Minutes: January 21, 2025    
  3. Request to Pay – Heck & Wicker – Payment No. 7 – $97,296.07
  4. Request to Pay – Invoice #17735 – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. Project No. 24-414 – Horton & 6th Street Improvements – Payroll – $21,013.62

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0

 

Public Comments

Josh Jones (3:59) –  addressed the Commission regarding contractor’s licenses specifically redundancy of existing regulations, potential administrative overload, limited effectiveness in ensuring quality of work and possible unintended consequences for contractors and new businesses.

Appearances (6:44) – None

 

Unfinished Business

Consideration  of Change Order for Davis Lift Station (6:50) FLATER presented a request to approve the change order (original appearance for project November 12, 2024) for JCI to rebuild pumps and motors which will cost $22,444.00. Discussion was had on the necessity of modifications to existing specifications and about the lifespan of rebuilt equipment compared to new.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve the change order according to the new findings for $22,444.00. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Status of 118 E. Wall (14:16) – MATKIN gave a status update stating that FARMER’S office sent legal communication to the barber shop owner on 1/28/2025 regarding a release of liability (Montanez and Family assume all liability) and that the insurance company requires the “Red Tag” to be removed for the owner to obtain insurance. There is currently no insurance on the building. MATKIN reached out to the owner but has not been able to contact him.

 

Discussion was had about the conditions previously agreed upon for reopening the building.

 

Discussion was had about the adjoining building.

 

Discussion was had about an alternative course of action with the City going for quotes to repair it to structural engineer’s report. WELLS stated that the City has the right to do the repairs (when the owner refuses) to keep the structure from falling. WELLS’ intention is to move forward and pursue legal recourse with the options that have been presented by the City Attorney.

 

ACTION:  MATKIN was directed to get (3) bids to repair the items necessary and will contact the insurance agent that contacted him regarding the building.

 

Status of 323 W. Wall (26:18) – WELLS met with the Land Bank, and they are excited about the opportunity to take this property along with others into the Land Bank before demolition is done. According to the Land Bank manager, the preferable way is to reach out to owners to see if they are willing to donate the property to the Land Bank before the City does the demolition. It could streamline the process of making it a viable property for contractors to come in and fix the properties instead of them being demolished.

 

WELLS stated he has not been able to contact the owner. The Land Bank Manager is reaching out as well.

 

Discussion was had on extending the timeline and tax grant rebate incentive.

 

KRUGER stated that the owner wishes to keep the property and is aware of the back taxes owed. The owner’s daughter has told him that they lack funds to save or demolish the home, but the owner will not agree to sell it. He also stated that this property has been on the radar (of the Codes Department and City Commission) for an extremely long time.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting at (31:21.

 

Further discussion was had on the extended timeline for the unsafe building.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to press forward with the demolition of 323 W. Wall. DANCER seconded. DANCER and VAN HOECKE voted yes. SALSBURY, OLSON, WELLS voted no.

 

MOTION FAILED 2-3.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting at (33:45.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to table 323 W. Wall until the first meeting in March (March 4, 2025). WELLS seconded.

 

ACTION:  WELLS will get permission from MATKIN to join KRUGER on a visit the owner of 323 W. Wall.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Discussion on the use of storage container boxes (35:20) WELLS stated this topic was introduced last year because of community interest in using containers for residential and commercial purposes. It remains an issue regarding using the boxes as storage on properties and the trending interest in using them to build modern homes.

 

Discussion was had about how other communities manage the issue, use in the historic district, and what our current Zoning Regulation states and how it would need to be rewritten. KRUGER stated that as is currently written, Codes cannot address the issue; a rewrite, as presented, would be required. He stated that he has not addressed it with any citizen despite claims.

 

ACTION:  A Work Session is scheduled for February 24th, 2025, at 5:30PM.

 

New Business

Consideration  of Letter of Interest submitted by Heather Madison for Land Bank Trustee due to the expired term of Bailey Lyons – February 2025 (53:28)

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve Heather Madison as a Land Bank Trustee. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

A brief discussion was had about David Beerbower/County Commissioner expressing interest in being the County Representative on the Land Bank. The current ordinance will need to be revised.

 

Presentation of 2024 Land Bank Annual Report – DILLION presented the report and answered Commissioners’ questions. The ending balance for 2024 reported as $71,560.00. Budget for the Land Bank in 2025 was reported by OLIPHANT AS $113,000.00 separate from the 2024 balance.

 

Discussion was had on the amount budgeted for 2025.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting at (58:49).

 

  1. Matkin returned to the meeting at (59:28).

 

Discussion of Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) (59:30) DILLION presented an introduction of the program which is a collaborative program between the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County. The primary goal is to encourage property owners to invest in the rehabilitation, conservation, and redevelopment of properties within designated areas by offering property tax rebates for quality improvements. They are broken down into (3) categories: residential, commercial, and historic. She explained the tax rebates, the application, and requirements.

 

Further discussion continued with the proposed changes to the program for developer incentives.

 

Consideration to begin Demolition Proceedings for 301 N. Jefferson, 501 Osbun, and 314 S. Scott – KRUGER presented an overview of conditions, owner contact history and answered questions for each of the (3) structures/properties. Codes determined these to be unsafe and dangerous and should be demolished. A Public Hearing is therefore set for March 18, 2025, with the passage of the resolutions.

 

MOTION: DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 3-2025 – A RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 301 N. JEFFERSON. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve Resolution No. 4-2025 – A RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 501 S. OSBUN. DANCER seconded.

 

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

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to approve Resolution No. 5-2025 – A RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 314 S. SCOTT. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consideration of Bids for Charles Street Lift Station (1:20:30) – DICKMAN presented the bid tabulation for the project that was opened on 1/23/2025. Three (3) bids were received and (1) bid was rejected. Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc. recommended that the bidder Cardinal Siteworks, LLC – Pittsburg, KS – be awarded the bid.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to award Cardinal Siteworks, LLC the project for the rebuild at the Charles Street Lift Station.  SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consideration of Change Order No. 4 – Horton St. & 6th St. Improvements – Heck & Wicker – Corrective Action for Rejection of Defective Work (EEI: 22-049 & 24-414) – DICKMAN stated that this approval was to close out the rejected work on the overlay work with the previously discussed compromise with Heck & Wicker. They have left the site for the winter but will return on March 10, 2025, to perform corrective action on the overlay consisting of the diamond grinding and a fog seal. Heck & Wicker will profile the road before beginning the diamond grinding and after and then fog seal. All corrective work is at no cost to the City. The Change Order No. 4 official document reflects “No Charge” and an additional (6) more days to the total calendar days for completion to account for weather issues.

 

(1:24:31) WELLS stated for the record that there were over (178) defects noted in the profiling that was done and few of those were more than an inch, they did a (3) inch overlay which was in violation of the specs which means in certain sections of the road, after the grinding takes place, there will be (2) inches or less of material in the overlay that will be left the grinding. Because this fall well outside the specs, because the job was not done according to specs, where it was clearly laid out how it should have been done, in (2)-(1.5) inch lifts and instead was done in (1)-(3) inch lift, we will be left with a road, in certain instances, that will be less than (2) inches thick on the overlay, I am not okay with the corrective action that has been brought forth.

 

(1:25:40)  DANCER and OLSON expressed their unhappiness which prompted further discussion.

 

(1:26:55) MATKIN requested an explanation of “tighter management” that was used during the discussion. DANCER replied and further discussion ensued over supervision of projects. DICKMAN provided an explanation of changes that will happen moving forward.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve Change Order No. 4 – Horton St. & 6th St. Improvements – Heck & Wicker – Corrective Action for Rejection of Defective Work for Earles Engineering.

ACTION:  DANCER requested formal action, changing our position, and stipulating in black and white the relationship between the City and Earles Engineering.

 

DANCER seconded.

 

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

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-1.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to amend the agenda to allow for an Executive Session. WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion with an entity pursuant to the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4). The open meeting will resume in the Commission Room at 7:47PM. In the meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners and the City Manager. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to come out of Executive Session. DANCER seconded.

 

WELLS was absent for the vote.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-0.

 

Reports and Comments    

 

CITY ENGINEER DICKMAN (1:47:52) –  No comments.

 

CITY MANAGER MATKIN (1:48:02)

– City/County Work Session

– Bettis replaced Harbour Construction to complete our Cape Seal project and will be back in May (possibly sooner) repair what has been done and complete the remainder.  

 

  1. Wells returned to the meeting (1:48:18)

 

COMMISSIONER SALSBURY (1:50:25) – No comments.

 

COMMISSIONER WELLS (1:50:29)

– Clarification on the intent of the Business License during the Work Session of 1/28/2025

– Previous passage of Contractor’s License and Ordinance – possible Work Session,

– Bourbon County Community Theater Adult Prom event

– 1st Street Alley repair with established policy

– Thank you to the Commission for staying focused for the benefit of our citizens

 

 

COMMISSIONER OLSON (2:06:51)

– Business License intent from 1/28/2025 Work Session

 

COMMISSIONER DANCER (2:07:36)

– Apology to Commissioner Wells regarding Business License and Contractor License issues

– Thank you to City Employees, City Manager, and fellow Commissioners

– Proposed a future Work Session regarding Tourism and Retailer Event Coordination

 

COMMISSIONER/MAYOR VAN HOECKE (2:09:43)

– Business Licenses and Contractor Licenses comments

– Fence in front of Memorial Hall – MATKIN stated it was removed.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:10PM (2:10:48). WELLS seconded.

 

FEBRUARY 4, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:10PM.

 

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk