Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Government, Housing

Now Accepting Applications: Fort Scott Historic Preservation and Resource Commission (FSHPRC)

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The City of Fort Scott is seeking passionate and civic-minded individuals to serve on the Fort Scott Historic Preservation and Resource Commission (FSHPRC)—a key volunteer group that helps guide the city’s historic preservation efforts and ensure thoughtful stewardship of our architectural and cultural resources.
About the Commission:
The Fort Scott Historic Preservation and Resource Commission advises the City Commission on matters related to the preservation of historic properties and districts within Fort Scott. The board is responsible for reviewing Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs), assisting in the development of local preservation policy, and supporting public education and outreach related to Fort Scott’s historic character.
Qualifications for Appointment:
The following qualifications shall apply to appointees to the FSHPRC:
  1. All appointees shall be residents of the City of Fort Scott.
  2. All appointees should be individuals who have demonstrated interest, knowledge, or training in fields closely related to historic preservation, such as:
      History                                                Urban Planning and Design
      Architecture                                     Real Estate
      Landscape Architecture             Law
      Architectural History                    Finance
      Archaeology                                     Building Trades
      Geography
A majority of the commission must have a demonstrated interest or expertise in historic preservation, and at least one member must meet the professional qualifications established by the National Park Service.
Member Responsibilities:
  • Serve as a volunteer representing the public interest in historic preservation
  • Attend regular public meetings (typically monthly)
  • Review and vote on proposed alterations to designated historic properties
  • Provide input on preservation planning and ordinance updates
  • Participate in training or workshops as needed
Terms:
The terms of office shall be:
One year term – Three members
Two-year term – Four members
Apply Today:
Interested residents may submit an application for appointment to the City Clerk’s Office. Applications are available online at fscity.org or at City Hall, 123 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.
Application Deadline: 07/31/25
Thank you,
Lisa Dillon
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

2025 Fort Scott High School  All-Classes Reunion Is This Weekend

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The alumni reunion board, from its Facebook page.

The 2025 Fort Scott All-Classes Reunion committee has planned an extraordinary number of events to help former students reconnect this weekend.

“This reunion has been going on since 1961,” said board member Craig Campbell. “It’s a chance to get together and reconnect with not only your class, but the ones before and after.”

There was a hiatus in 2020 because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the event was changed to 2022.

“We decided to continue every five years on the 5 and O years,” he said.

New this year is a golf scramble, a fun event that will help raise money for FSHS scholarships.

“The Woodland Hills Golf Course is a gem, a great course,” Campbell said. “Please register as soon as possible for a lunch count for the event at www.fshsalumni.org

Registration

Registration for the alumni weekend will be at the FSHS Gym through the east side entrance of the building from 9 am to 4 p.m., according to the group’s Facebook page.

Golf cart transportation will be available for those who need assistance getting from their parking spot to the building.

FSHS t-shirts will be available for purchase, as well as other vendor information, at registration.

Parade

The parade kicks off the weekend at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 27. The parade emcee will be David Brown, a former Fort Scott Middle School Principal. There is still time to register to be in the parade. Please go to the website http://www.fshsalumni.org  to do so.

Parade line-up starts at 5 p.m. this Friday near the Fisher Park Concession Stand. Registrants will be given a lineup number. Everyone else is behind the horses in the parade.

The parade will start from 6th & Main, north to Wall Street, then west to National Avenue, and south to 6th & National. Each class is encouraged to participate in the parade; the parade organizer is Craig Campbell, and he can be reached at rcraigcampbell59@gmail.com or via phone at 620-224-0167.

Food

Food trucks will be available at 3rd & Main both Friday
night and Saturday. There will be several options available, including local restaurants. There will not be a traditional chicken dinner this year because it has declined in popularity in recent years, so there is
something different for 2025.

Music

The All-Star Reunion Band will be performing at the Liberty Theater from 8 p.m. to midnight, with a cash bar available. This is a reunion tradition!

Additionally, Bourbon County Revival will be live music at 3rd & Main. A cash bar will also be available in this area.

Saturday night’s activities will be focused on 3rd & Main with music by the Teresa Deaton Band and food trucks.

Main Street will be closed to traffic to allow alumni to move between the food trucks and outdoor music.

Entertainment will begin at 8 p.m., and all entertainment is free of charge.

The City of Fort Scott is allowing you to bring in your own beverages (no glass containers, please) during these events; however, a cash bar will be available as well.

Luncheon and Reception

There will be a luncheon for the classes of 1963 and earlier at the FSHS commons area starting at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 28. The Tigers Honors Luncheon is hosted by the Reunion.

The Fort Scott KNEA will be hosting the Retired Teachers’ Reception on Saturday, June 28, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the FSHS Commons area. Come back and visit with a favorite teacher.

A commemorative reunion photo will be taken under the new City entrance arch on Wall Street near 69 Highway.

The reunion board will have a roving photographer taking candid shots of the reunion weekend.

 

 

2025 Fort Scott High School  All-Classes Reunion
Schedule of Events

Friday, June 27
9 am – 4 pm Registration FSHS Gym
6 pm Parade Downtown
8 pm – midnight 80s Classes Party Memorial Hall
8 pm – midnight All Star Reunion Band Liberty Theatre
8 pm – midnight Bourbon County Revival 3rd Street Stage (3rd & Main)
Saturday, June 28
7 am 1st Annual Alumni Golf Tournament Woodland Hills Golf Course
9 – 11 am Registration FSHS Gym
11:30 am Honors Tiger Luncheon FSHS Commons Area
1 – 3 pm Theater/Debate Improv Show FSHS Auditorium
3 – 5 pm Teacher/Employee Reception FSHS/FSMS TBD
8 pm – midnight Teresa Deaton Band 3rd Street Stage (3rd & Main)

 

The planning board is comprised of:

President (2025): Rhonda Dunn, graduate of 1984
Vice-President /President-Elect: Sydney Cullison, 2015
Past President (in 2022): Lori Potter Farmer, 1983
Recording Secretary: Haley Jones, 2013
Corresponding Secretary: Ronette Center, 1984
Treasurer: Gina Findley Shelton, 1997
Parade Chair: Craig Campbell, 1977
Registration Chair: Debbie West, 1976

Entertainment, Fort Scott

43rd Annual Burke Street Parade …a long-standing neighborhood tradition.

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Burke Street Parade. Margaret & Merl Humphrey and granddaughter Meg Norman. Submitted photo.

Come One, Come All, Let Freedom Ring!  It is once again time to celebrate U.S.A.’s 249th Independence Day with a neighborhood parade on Fort Scott’s “Tower Hill,” better known as Burke Street on the Fourth of July.  Following patriotic songs by “Kids on Burke” led by two of the parade founders:  Susan Foster and Jill Gorman; the parade will depart at 10:00 AM from Tenth and Burke going south around the Marblecrest Triangle and returning north to the point of origin.  Cheering spectators, who are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and dress in red, white, and blue, will line the parade route with family and friends.

Post-parade refreshments will be available and ALL ARE WELCOME to the Halsey front yard, 1222 Burke.  Neighbors and friends-of-the-parade donate the cookies and drinks are provided by this year’s hosts Deb & Frank Halsey.

A severe storm or lightning cancels the parade and there are no large vehicles allowed due to the many children participating in the festivities.

Parade questions can be answered by Margaret Humphrey 620-224-7388 or Barbar Albright 620-224-7762.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Government

City of Fort Scott Ordinance on Fireworks

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To view the ordinance:

Ordinance 3781 – FIREWORKS sales and discharge(2)

 

Here is a shortened version:

Only Class C fireworks, common ones, are allowed to be discharged within the city limits of Fort Scott.

The sale of fireworks started on June 20 and will stop on July 7.

They can be discharged from June 27 to July 2 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

From July 3 to 4, from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. and on

July 5 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The city manager, fire chief, or designated authority may change the dates due to severe weather conditions, etc.

It’s illegal to discharge fireworks within 1,000 feet of a hospital, 50 feet from where they are sold, 100 feet from a gas pump, filling station, or bulk fuel storage facility, Fort Scott Community College campus/grounds, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, or city-owned parks.

No fireworks are allowed from 18th to 23rd Streets on Horton Street on the day of the city’s fireworks display.

It’s unlawful to throw any kind of fireworks at a person, group or vehicle.

Bottle rockets are illegal in the city.

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Gordon Parks Museum

Kansas Tourism Announces 2025 Sunflower Summer Attraction Lineup

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Editor’s note: Fort Scott National Historic Site and Gordon Parks Museum are on the list!

TOPEKA – Kansas Tourism today announced that more than 230 tourism attractions across the state are participating in the 2025 Sunflower Summer program. The lineup includes something for every interest and region of the state —  museums and historic sites, zoos, arboretums, art centers and more.

“With such a wide variety of exceptional attractions participating this year, Sunflower Summer continues to open doors for Kansas families to explore and connect with every corner of our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This program not only creates unforgettable memories for students and parents — it also fuels local economies by drawing visitors to main streets, museums and hidden gems across Kansas.”

The 2025 Sunflower Summer program will run from July 12 to August 3. During this period, eligible students and one accompanying adult are granted free one-time access to each participating attraction, once per season. Passes can be claimed through the free Sunflower Summer app and redeemed at the attraction upon arrival. Kansas students from pre-K through 12th grade — including those in public, private and homeschool settings — are eligible to participate. The program is exclusively available to Kansas residents.

“We’re thrilled to bring back Sunflower Summer for another year,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “This program is a wonderful celebration of the incredible experiences Kansas has to offer. The variety and quality of attractions participating this year truly are outstanding — and we can’t wait for the season to begin.”

For the complete list of participating attractions and full program details, go to SunflowerSummer.org.

Families are encouraged to share their Sunflower Summer journeys on social media using #ToTheStarsKS and #SunflowerSummer. For more Kansas travel ideas and inspiration, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education and support.

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Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott June 20 Edition

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! June 20th Weekly Newsletter

SAVE THE DATE!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees

Every Thursday at 8am

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

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

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

Click HERE to visit the website.

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

Fort Scott Farmers Market

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

Gathering Square Pavilion, 111 N. National

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

KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott

Every Tuesday 9am-4pm

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

620-231-4250

FS Public Library

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

*Summer Reading June 3rd – July 29th!

201 S. National Ave.

Kansas Small Business Development Center

at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

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

Par Tee Girl Ladies’ Golf League –

Every Wednesday thru July!

League Fee: $40

Contact:

Diane Striler at dlstriler@gmail.com or 248-568-7790

Click HERE for the Facebook Group Page!

Dolly Trolley Historic 50-min narrated tours!

Adults $6 | Children 12&under $4

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

231 E. Wall St. to book your ride!

Fort Scott Aquatic Center

Opens Memorial Day, May 26th

Monday – Saturday

Public Swim: 1-5:15pm

Adult/Family Swim :5:30-7pm

*Lifeguard Breaks: 3pm & 5:15pm

Sunday

Public Swim: 1-6pm

Adult/Family Swim: 4:45-6pm

*Lifeguard Breaks: 3 & 4:30pm

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

Lavender Patch Farm Saturdays!

9am-1pm

2376 Locust Rd. Fort Scott, KS

Click HERE for their website

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

UPCOMING EVENTS

GOLF CART RAFFLE – donated by

Bourbon County Cars

Proceeds benefit:

Kiwanis Youth Scholarships & Care to Share

2011 Yamaha 48V Electric Golf Cart

Tickets: $20 each or 10 for $100

Tickets can be purchased at Bourbon County Cars

via Venmo by texting Josh Jones 620-215-3680

or by clicking HERE!

Drawing will be held July 12th at the

Care to Share Golf Tournament!

6/2-7/17 ~ 9:15am-10am | Freedom Fitness KidFit Summer 7-week Session

Mon-Thurs.(4 days a week)

Skill/Sport-specific training

Limited spots available

$110 due on the first day

6/20 ~ 7-8pm | Friday Night Concerts in the Park

Feat. David Prickett (guitar/vocal/solo act)

Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main St.

In case of inclement weather concert will move inside at

Common Ground Coffee Co.

6/20-22nd ~| Bourbon County Fair Rodeo, Bourbon County Fairgrounds

Contact: Stewart Gulager 620-215-5302

6/20-21st ~ 7-10pm | RockBallet Dance Recital

6/21 ~| Kansas Rocks – Newbie Women Wheelers

Basic Skills Course

2051 130th Mapleton, KS

6/21 ~ 8am-12pm | Woodland Hills Jr. Golf

2-person Scramble

8am start

6/21 ~ 11am-1pm | Bike Show for

Guest Home Estates, 737 S. Heylman

BBQ, Meet & Greet with the residents

Enjoy food & great company!

Bike Show & 50/50 Raffle

Trophies for 1st place in residence choice.

** All proceeds benefit Guest Home Estates

6/21 ~ 12pm-5pm | Pool Tournament – Brent Wheeler Benefit

Jack & Jill tourney

Holmtown Pub, 206 S. National Ave.

$20/per | $40/team

Calcutta starts at 12pm | Play starts at 1pm

Pool Register: Les 620-215-3199 or

Jena 620-704-9399

Silent Auction Items:

Shotgun a5 sweet 16 & Winchester 36 Gun Safe

Raffle tickets: Nick 316-212-6450 or

Chase 620-224-8015

6/21 ~ 6-10pm | Mardi Gras in the Fort – Ernest James Zydeco Band

Care to Share providing Shrimp Boil for a

free will donation.

Downtown The Gathering Square Pavilion.

Bring your lawn chair!

6/21 ~ Glaze day at the Artificers

10am-3pm

$10 per piece

Click HERE for their website!

6/22 ~ 1:30-3:30pm | Parent Empowerment Circle – “Finding Help Closer to Home”

First Southern Baptist Church

1818 S. Main St.

6/24 ~ 11-6pm | FS Chamber of Commerce Job Fair

11am-2pm Session 1

4-6pm Session 2

Ellis Fine Arts Center – FSCC Campus

2108 S. Horton St.

6/25 ~ Welcome Great Adventure Tours for a Daytrip in Fort Scott!

They are here to tour the town!

Trolley ~ Lowell Milken Center ~ Gordon Parks Museum ~ Lunch ~ Shopping and more!

6/26 ~ 8am | Chamber Coffee hosted by TBD

6/26 ~ 1-3pm | Family Strong Community Sensemaking Session

Ellis Fine Arts Center, FSCC Campus

2108 S. Horton St.

Click HERE to RSVP

6/27-28th Fort Scott High School

All School Reunion!

Click HERE for Facebook Page details!

Click HERE for website details!

6/28 ~ Bronson Day 2025

6/30 ~ Boots, Badges, & Bandages Community Challenge Blood Drive

10am-4pm

Buck Run Community Center

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.

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
…
Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Incident at National Speech and Debate Conference Explained by Destry Brown

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

6/19/2025

 

Nine students and three coaches from Fort Scott High School attended the National Speech and Debate Conference this week in Des Moines, IA.

During the finals round of one of the competitions and unknown person walked onto the stage and interrupted the speech. They evacuated the auditorium thinking he was an active shooter. Later the National Speech and Debate Conference posted the following announcement:

 

This afternoon, an unidentified attendee entered the stage during the Humorous Interpretation Finals, interrupting the round. The individual has been subdued and removed from the premises. There were no weapons involved, and no threats were made. The hall was evacuated and there are no reported injuries. The rest of the venue has been swept for any potential threats by members of law enforcement. We understand the concerns people have, and we want to assure everyone that this is an isolated incident. We plan to resume the tournament later today and will aim to update attendees on the revised schedule by 4 PM CT.

The reunification area for all participants is the North parking lot, outside the Memorial Hall entrance.

 

All our students and coaches are safe and accounted for. The district administrators along with the sponsors on the trip have made the decision to bring everyone home this evening. Upon their arrival home, in addition to their families, our high school counselors and other support staff will be there to meet them at the school. We want to make sure our students, sponsors, and parents are given any support they may need in the coming days as a result of this very scary situation.

 

Mr. Slinkard, our debate and forensics coach, reported that our kids reacted very calmly and maturely during the evacuation and were helping each other as well as other kids from around the country get to safety.  He is very proud of the way our kids and coaches conducted themselves during this situation.

 

We are very thankful that everyone is safe and on their way back home.

 

Submitted by Destry Brown, Superintendent of USD234

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Youth

Parent Empowerment Circle Sunday, June 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m. First Southern Baptist Church

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Sending on behalf of a Chamber Member

Southwind Extension District

You’re invited to attend the

Parent Empowerment Circle

Sunday, June 22

1:30-3:30

 First Southern Baptist Church

(Family Life Center)

1818 South Main, Fort Scott, KS

Questions/to RSVP:

Cherri Walrod, Community Health worker.

Call or text 620-945-9081

or email cwalrod@ksu.edu

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Business, Fort Scott

The After Affect Has A New Building In the Works

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From left, owner Shelly Bradley and long-time employee Debi Fritter stand in front of the current salon site. A new building for the salon is being constructed about 14 blocks east.

Shelly Bradley, owner of The After Affect Salon, said the business will have an “18 and on-our-own party” to celebrate the relocation of her business to a newly constructed building.

“We hope to be open in August (at the new site),” she said. “August will be the salon’s 18th anniversary, and we want to have a party to celebrate.”

“My husband, Zach, had tried to talk me into buying or building a new salon, to invest in our own property, and have our own parking.”

The current salon is located in the Historic Downtown Fort Scott district at 14 E. Wall, and parking can be competitive at times.

The new shop is being built and is located at 1416 E. Wall.

Shelly Bradley opens the door to her new salon at 1416 E. Wall on June 18. Completion is slated for August 2025. The salon door is on the east (left) and the other services door is on the west (right) of the front of the building.

“My Grandma Martha Cook offered to sell a lot next to her house to me. The time was right. God’s timing is perfect, and everything fell into place.”

The new 40-foot-by-40-foot building will have parking for 13 cars.

This will be needed with the additional services she will be offering in the shop: red light therapy, and tanning services, including stand-up, lay-down, and automated. All will have their private work room and additionally, two bathrooms, a utility room/kitchen/storage room, a room for retail products, and a waiting room. In addition, there will be a designated nail technician room.

“I feel so blessed with our amazing clientele that has made this a possibility and can’t wait to offer more for our community,” she said. “I am blessed that my husband has the talent and patience to help me build my dream. And I’m excited to be next door to my Grandma’s house.”

Those working on the build are Gieger Plumbing, KTK Electric, and Thomas Concrete and Construction, all of Fort Scott. She has been working with the City of Fort Scott on an economic development grant.

Bradley started the business in 2007, and Debi Fritter started offering services with her in 2010.

Riley Findley will be the new nail technician, and Debi’s daughter, Dani, will help in the tanning area.

 

 

Art, Business, Fort Scott

The Rockballet Dancers Present “Jet Set To Wonderland” June 20-21

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Reserved Tickets are now on sale for a show of talent you
do not want to miss! Call 855-222-2849 (the number on the flyer is not correct)

https://www.etix.com/ticket/o/8277/rockballet

Kristin Lewis Gorman will present her Rockballet dancers
in their 5th annual production, “Jet Set to Wonderland” ,
this Friday and Saturday, 7:30 PM at the Ellis Family Fine
Arts center, in Fort Scott.

Kristin was a New York City based career performer and
choreographer for 25 years before coming back to open
Rockballet, sharing her knowledge and love of singing,
dancing and acting with students in her hometown.
Kristin teaches every genre of dance and every class at
Rockballet.

As always, each number in the show is her original
choreography, created exclusively for her students.