Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott

Fort Scott Allies For Cats Meeting is April 11

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There will be a meeting Saturday April 11 at Common Ground for a new group called Fort Scott Allies for Cats.  This group will focus on supporting the cat communities in Fort Scott by initiating a strong Trap, Neuter, Return program, with the possibility of a new no-kill humane society and/or spay-and-neuter clinic down the road.

If anyone out there has grant writing experience and would be willing to help us to write a grant, your presence would be greatly appreciated.

We encourage all veterinarians in the area, cat groups and individuals to come to this meeting.  If we all work together, we can do this.  Questions?  Email [email protected] or text 435-899-0321.

Fort Scott

Fly the Flag Subscription Program Offered

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Friends of The Fort Scott National Historic Site

Show your patriotism in 2026 by participating in the

Fly the Flag Project hosted by the

Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Fly the Flag Program

For an annual subscription of $40, volunteers will place a 3′ x 5′ American flag on a 12-foot staff at participating homes or businesses within the Fort Scott city limits on five national holidays:

Memorial Day

Flag Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans Day

The program makes it easy to proudly display the Stars and Stripes without the hassle of purchasing, installing, or storing a flag and pole. Volunteers place the flags in the morning and remove them before sunset in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code.

Applications for new subscriptions and renewals are available at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, and forms must be returned by March 31, 2026.

Proceeds from the Fly the Flag Project support programs at Fort Scott National Historic Site, including the Naturalization Ceremony, Candlelight Tour, Veterans Challenge Coins, and other special programs.

Help celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary

and show your community pride by flying

the flag this year!

Click below to download a printable PDF of the Flag Project Agreement. Please bring or mail the completed form to the

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St.
Click here for Flag Project Agreement 
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

Fort Scott Flight of Honor “Come Fly With Us” Gala is March 28

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Honor Flight

Tickets are still available for the

Fort Scott Flight of Honor

“Come Fly With Us” Gala

Organizers invite the community to join them for a meaningful evening honoring our local veterans.

Saturday, March 28, 2026

6:00 – 9:00 pm

@ The River Room Event Center

3 W. Oak Street, Fort Scott, KS

This inaugural gala will raise funds to help send local veterans on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where they will have the opportunity to visit the memorials built in their honor.

Guests will enjoy an evening that includes:

• Heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks

• Live music and entertainment

• A live auction and silent auction featuring many great items donated by local businesses

• A chance to support an incredible mission honoring those who served our country

Ticket Pricing:

• $25 – Advance Tickets

• $30 – At the Door

• $200 – Table for 8

Tickets are available online by clicking the button below, or they can be picked up at the

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!

Community members are encouraged to reserve their seats soon and join in supporting this important effort to recognize and honor our veterans.

Thank you for helping make this inaugural Flight of Honor mission possible.

Click HERE to visit the

Fort Scott Flight of Honor

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

Fort Scott Flight of Honor

Donation Page

website!
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, Gordon Parks Museum, History

Gordon Parks Museum receives Historic Yearbooks and Two Glass Dish Artifacts

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Fort Scott, Kan. – The Gordon Parks Museum has received a rare donation of historic items connected to the early life and legacy of Gordon Parks. The donation includes a 1926 Plaza School-Fort Scott yearbook, a 1925 Fort Scott High School yearbook, and two glass dishes, generously given by Cheri Dixon, a longtime family friend of Parks. Dixon, a former resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, now resides in Smyrna, Georgia.

 

The 1926 Plaza School-Fort Scott yearbook belonged to Dixon’s grandmother, Louella (Russell) Hill, a lifelong resident of Fort Scott. Hill graduated from the eighth grade at Plaza School in 1926 and was both a classmate and lifelong friend of Gordon Parks. Parks attended the segregated Plaza School from kindergarten through eighth grade at what was formerly 111 Hendricks Street, located on the east side of what is now the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

 

The yearbook is particularly significant because it is the same year Parks graduated from the eighth grade, and his graduation photograph appears in the book. The 50-page publication provides insight into student life at Plaza School during the 1920s, including academics, athletics, and school activities.

 

Also included in the donation is a 1925 Fort Scott High School yearbook that belonged to Dixon’s grandfather, Clarence Hill, who graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1925.

 

In addition to the yearbooks, Dixon donated two glass dishes that appear in a well-known photograph taken by Gordon Parks of Clarence and Louella Hill inside their Fort Scott home. In the photograph, Louella Hill is holding one of the dishes. The image was taken in 1950 as part of Parks’ assignment for Life magazine for photo essay, when he returned to Fort Scott to do a story on segregated schools and follow up on the lives of his former classmates from Plaza School. The photograph later appeared in the 2015 book Gordon Parks: Back to Fort Scott.

 

The items were donated in honor of Louella Russell Hill, Shirley Hill Hutt, and the Cheri Dixon family.

 

“We are beyond excited to receive these incredible historic items from Cheri Dixon,” said Kirk Sharp, Executive Director of the Gordon Parks Museum. “The 1925 Plaza School yearbook, will offer valuable insight into the history of the school and student life during that time in the 1920s when Gordon Parks attended school there.”

 

The Plaza School was later renamed Hawkins School in 1946 in honor of Professor E. J. Hawkins, a longtime educator, administrator, and coach at the institution. The original two-story school building with a full basement was demolished during an urban renewal project in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Today, a memorial wayside marker recognizing the school stands at the Fort Scott National Historic Site recreational vehicle parking lot behind the Chamber of Commerce building.

 

MORE

The newly donated yearbooks, along with other Plaza-Hawkins School artifacts and the glass dishes, are now on display at the Gordon Parks Museum on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

 

For more information or to schedule a museum visit or tour, contact the Gordon Parks Museum at (620) 223-2700, ext. 5850, or email [email protected].

(Left to Right) Kirk Sharp and Cheri Dixon at her home in Smyrna, GA, holding the 1926 Plaza School Year book.

1925 Fort Scott High School Crimson Yearbook.

 

 

(Photo Left to Right) Kirk Sharp and Cheri Dixon at her home in Smyrna, GA, holding one of the dishes and the book Back to Fort Scott which features the 1950 photograph taken by Gordon Parks in the home of her grandparents, Louella and Clarence Hill, while her grandmother is holding one of the same dishes. The photo below is an image of the photo that Gordon Parks took in 1950.

###

Art, Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Garden Art Creation Workshop Offered

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
K-State University Southwind Extension District

K-State University Southwind Extension District invites you!

Kokedama Workshop
Kokedama is the Japanese art of growing plants in a moss-covered ball of soil wrapped with string, transforming ordinary houseplants into elegant living sculptures.

Tuesday, March 17th

6pm

@ Fort Scott Public Library
201 S. National Ave.

$45 pre-registration required

online by clicking HERE!

Walk away with your own garden art creation that will make for a unique personalized gift or addition to your home and garden décor.

** NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED **

• Limited to the first 25 individuals who sign-up!

• Classes appropriate for ages 7+.

• Pre-registration with payment is required.

** Attention **

YOU MAY/WILL GET MESSY AND DIRTY, BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT!

** Bonus **

Simple Morea will also bring a variety of trending tropical indoor plants for sale.

Click HERE to visit the

Southwind Extension District

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

K-State Extension Southwind District

website!

Other upcoming K-State Extension Southwind District Events:

Passport To Fun: Spring Break Edition

March 16th at Buck Run Community Center, 735 S. Scott Ave., Fort Scott & other dates/locations – see flyer below.

Click HERE to Register!

Passport To Fun: Beyond the Bite:

Understanding Ticks & Alpha-Gal

Monday, March 23rd @ 6pm

Fort Scott Community College – Ellis Meeting Rooms
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, Health Care

Fort Scott Community Foundation Grant Purchases Life-Saving AED Trainers

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Thanks to funds from the Fort Scott Community Foundation and the John Valentine and Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund, Tri-Valley Developmental Services purchased six AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Training Devices and supplies.  These devices provide students in Tri-Valley’s CPR/1st Aid Class firsthand experience on the proper use of an AED.  Tri-Valley offers multiple CPR/1st Aid classes throughout the month for Tri-Valley Staff, Persons Served, and Community Members.

 

“Thanks to the Fort Scott Community Foundation and the John Valentine and Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund, we are able to train not only our staff, but persons served and other community members on life saving techniques.”  said Alisa Miner, Training Coordinator.  “These trainers provide the opportunity for hands-on training.  Class attendees have benefited from learning on these trainers.  It is exciting!”

 

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) hosts individual charitable funds created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from these funds assist people throughout Southeast Kansas and beyond.  FSACF is an affiliate of Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK).  Call  CFSEK at 620-231-8897 with questions about FSACF.

 

 

 

Tricia Campbell

Special Projects Coordinator

Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Inc.

PO Box 518

Chanute, KS 66720

620-431-7655

 

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott

National Senior Nutrition Month: Helping Older Adults

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Participants at the Pittsburg 60+ Nutrition Meal Site at the Homer Cole Community Center.

 

SOUTHEAST KANSAS AREA AGENCY ON AGING Joins National Campaign to Reduce Food Insecurity Among Older Americans During National Senior Nutrition Month

 

Fort Scott, KS – In 2025, 13 million older adults experience food insecurity – they lacked reliable access to nutritious meals needed for healthy living. During National Senior Nutrition Month, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging is joining USAging in a national consumer campaign focused on helping older Americans get the healthy, nutritious food they need to maintain their physical and cognitive health.

 

“Eat Well. Live Well. Age Well.” Highlights the importance of nutrition in promoting healthy aging, the different kinds of meals programs and nutrition services available to older adults in their communities and how to find them.

 

Healthy food and nutrition are vital for older adults to maintain their health and well-being. Proper nutrition is critical to reduce chronic illness, improve immune system functioning and enhance cognition. Food also brings people together, bosting mood and decreasing feelings of isolation and loneliness. But it is challenging for many older adults to get the healthy foods they need.

 

AAAs strive to make healthy eating accessible, appetizing, and affordable. AAA nutrition services include home-delivered meals, meals served in groups settings, and more.

 

“It is amazing the positive comments we receive from our participants. We received a note recently from someone receiving home delivered meals, “Do you all realize what lifesavers you are?”  It is amazing that a meal and a friendly hello from the driver can make such a difference. Unfortunately we do have a waiting list for home delivery but we have openings at all our meal sites. People report they get so much more than a meal. They make new friends and as one person said she didn’t know what to do with herself after retirement and going to the meal site she met people who showed her how to be a senior.”, Kathy Brennon, Executive Director

 

Call 620-431-2980 or visit www.sekaaa.com to learn more.

Exercise, Fort Scott, Sports

Buck Run Community Center Expands Fitness Center

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The fitness center at Buck Run will be expanded to a space to the north, which currently houses a racquetball court..
The Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue, will expand its fitness center.
“We will be moving all of our cardio equipment into the racquetball room to provide more space for equipment in the fitness center. We will be adding a new set of dumbbells, new Olympic Bench Press, another functional trainer, a set of straight bars,  and a Glute Drive Machine,” said Lucas Kelley, BRCC’s Recreation Director.”
“We are repurposing the space of the racquetball court. This is due to the lack of use of the racquetball court and the uptick in our Fitness Center Memberships. When I started, BRCC had around 400 members, and today we are just over 700. “
The changes will start next week.
“These changes will begin taking place March 16, and are expected to be completed by March 20. Fitness Center member use will not be impacted by this remodel, we will continue to be open 24/7. This is financed by the revenue generated from our memberships.”
‘We are excited to keep enhancing the Fitness Experience at Buck Run,” Kelly said.
Buck Run offers t-ball, baseball, and softball leagues, group exercises, Taekwondo, youth track,  an annual weight loss competition, STEM Club and holds events such as the Princess Tea Party on April 25.
To learn more: call
620.223.0386.
Lucas Kelley.
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

Minutes of the USD 234 Board of Education on March 10

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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, March 9, 2026

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 2026, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main St.

 

Vice President Stewart Gulager opened the meeting.

 

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

Board Minutes

                        02-09-2026

02-11-2026

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – February 20, 2026 – $1,842,624.59

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

Food Service Fundraiser

Archery Club Fundraiser

Boys Golf Fundraiser

 

Students, Junie Fisher, Clark Uttinger, and Levi Fairchild, from Fort Scott High School along with teacher, Angie Bin presented to the Board about their performances, events, and services.  They went through each of their performances and events that have happened over the last year. Also, the students have helped with the Food Bank and help lead the Middle School Drama Club. Angie Bin brought a few items that need updated and thanked the Board for their continued support.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document. Mr. Mayfield reviewed budget projections and summer projects. There was discussion with the Board about the Preschool building and construction that is happening.

 

Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on State Assessment preparations that are underway.  He also discussed a couple bills and propositions that are being brought up by the state, he will keep the board updated as his is given information.

 

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update on Special Olympics on March 25.  Everyone was invited. She also updated on reports and payments that are happening soon.

 

The Board approved the following:

  • Health Insurance Refund
  • 10 Passenger Van Purchase
  • 2026-27 School Calendar (Pending Negotiations)
  • Approval of Graduation Requirements
  • High School Activity/Athletic Director Mentor Contract
  • KASB Membership Renewal 26-27
  • KASB Legal Assistance Fund Renewal 26-27
  • Sparkwheel MOU 26-28

 

The Board received an informational overview of Fort Scott USD 234’s Cost Containment planning. No board action was requested.

 

There were none present for the public forum.

 

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

Vice President Stewart Gulager adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

March 9, 2026

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

Campbell, Marjorie – Resignation – SPED Teacher – High School

Dare, Jeremy – Resignation – Bus Driver

Lemcke, Hailey – Resignation – Paraprofessional – High School

Stewart, Mya – Resignation – Speech Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Coen, Jessica – Resignation – Teacher – PreSchool

Howard, Paulette – Retirement – Gifted/ESOL Teacher – MS/HS

Ables, Andrew – Resignation – Science – Middle School

Rainey, Taylor – Resignation – Special Education Teacher – Eugene Ware

Feeback, Brennen – Resignation – Social Studies – High School

Judy, Mercedes – Resignation – Teacher – Winfield Scott

 

SUPPLEMENTAL RESIGNATIONS:

Horton, Curtis – Assistant Football, Summer Conditioning – High School

Glades, Matt – Assistant Football, Summer Conditioning – High School

Feeback, Brennen – Head Boys Basketball, Assistant Football, Assistant Track, Summer Conditioning – High School

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Certified Recommendations for 2026-27 School Year:

Hughes, Madison – Physical Education Teacher – Winfield Scott

 

Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:

Karleskint, Josh – Bus Driver

 

SUPPLEMENTAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Eastwood, Kim – K-5 Summer School Administrator

Farrington, Jannah – ESY Coordinator – grades 6-12

Hendricks, Caleb – 6-12 Summer School Administrator

Jones, Mesa – Assistant Play – Spring

Shoemaker, Billi Jo – ESY Coordinator – grades K-5

 

Administrator Contracts – Extended 27-28

Terry Mayfield – Assistant Superintendent

Tonya Barnes – Director of Special Education

Jeff Johnson – High School Principal

Josh Regan – High School Assistant Principal

Daniel (DJ) Brown – Middle School Principal

Matt Harris – Middle School Assistant Principal

Yasmina Query – Eugene Ware Elementary Principal

Brandon Boyd – Eugene Ware Elementary Assistant Principal

Chris Garzone – Winfield Scott Elementary Principal

Nick Johnson – Preschool Principal

 

Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

First Farmers Market Vendors Meeting of the Season In April 7

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It’s almost that time again! The Fort Scott Farmers Market vendors are excited for a new Market Season and can’t wait to see you!
They will be meeting Tuesday, April 7, from 6 – 8 pm,
at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) Offices,
104 North National Avenue, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 
 
April 7th, 6-8pm Vendors’ Meeting is for new and returning vendors.
Items to discuss:
Electing new officers
Market Guidelines
Various voucher programs
SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks
Applications and Fees 
They will be discussing last year’s season to see what worked, what can be improved, and what you’d like to see happen this year. 
They will elect new officers for leadership of the market.
Please look over the attached roles and consider volunteering, or someone you’d like to nominate. A smooth transition will keep the momentum established for a successful market, so President Teri Hamilton will be operating in a training/support/transitional role this year.
They will be accepting your application and fees. Please print and fill out your application, and be prepared to pay by cash or check.
2026 Fees are:
$5.00 Registration Fee
$5.00 per week
$30 (1 week per month)
$60 (2 weeks per month)
$108 (27 weeks Full Season)
Please feel free to pass this information on to anyone who may be interested in joining this year. And please reach out if any questions or comments.
“We look forward to seeing you and we can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store for the coming Market Season! It’s going to be a great year!”
Sincerely,
Teri Hamilton, President
Ethan Holly, Treasurer
Leanna Cain, Secretary

— 

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market
The Gathering Square Pavilion
111 N National Ave
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to host TWO Business-Building Workshops

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to host TWO Business-Building Workshops

designed to help your business grow smarter and stronger.

Smarter Social Media Strategies
Tuesday, March 10th ~ 1:30-2:30 PM

&

Google Business 101
Tuesday, March 31st ~ 1:30-2:30 PM

📍Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Room

302 E. Wall St., Fort Scott

Chamber Members

$10 per workshop

Non-Members

$20 per workshop

Register for both workshops & save:

Members

$15 total

Non-Members

$25 total

Register online by clicking below

or call the Chamber at 620-223-3566!

Visit our website for more info at fortscott.com !
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

About the classes:

Smarter Social Media Strategies

“Stop Posting and Hoping: A Smarter Social Media Strategy for Small Businesses”

Google Business 101

Learn how to improve your business visibility in local searches, build customer trust, and make your Google Business profile work for you.

About the presenter

Sara Comer, owner of Gracefully Managed of Columbus, KS has presented workshops and offers remote training around the region on topics such as e-commerce, websites, & social media.

These workshops are brought to you by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, made possible through Network Kansas and our Bourbon County eCommunity program.
DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER – CLICK HERE!

Click HERE to visit

Gracefully Managed LLC

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit the

Gracefully Managed LLC

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

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

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Area Chamber Launches 2026 Business Builder Workshop Series

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Network Kansas and Bourbon County eCommunity, is launching its new 2026 Business Builder Workshop Series, designed to provide practical, affordable education to help local businesses grow and thrive.

The first two one-hour workshops in the series will focus on digital marketing strategies that help small businesses increase visibility, attract customers, and work more efficiently.

The first session, “Stop Posting and Hoping: A Smarter Social Media Strategy for Small Businesses,” will be held Tuesday, March 10 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Room, 302 E. Wall Street. This session will provide practical guidance on building a focused, results-driven social media strategy rather than simply posting content without a plan.

The second workshop, “Google Business 101,” will take place Tuesday, March 31 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. This session will help businesses improve their visibility in local search results, strengthen customer trust, and better utilize their Google Business profile.

Both workshops will be presented by Sara Comer, owner of Gracefully Managed, who has worked with businesses throughout Southeast Kansas to improve their online presence and marketing effectiveness.

“These workshops are designed to give our members real tools they can immediately apply to their businesses,” said Lindsay Madison, Chamber President & CEO. “Whether you’re a retailer, restaurant, nonprofit, service provider, or attraction, these sessions are intended to help you grow smarter and stronger in 2026.”

Registration is $10 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members. A discounted rate is available for those registering for both workshops. Seating is limited to allow for discussion and questions.

In addition, the Chamber encourages businesses and community leaders to save the date for Monday, April 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a special Destination Creation Workshop at The River Room Event Center featuring nationally recognized speaker Jon Schallert, an expert in transforming businesses, attractions, and entire communities into destinations. This extended workshop will focus on strategies to attract visitors, increase spending, and position Fort Scott as a must-visit destination. Additional details and registration information will be released soon.

Businesses, organizations, and community members are encouraged to register for the workshops through the Chamber office or online via fortscott.com.

For more information or to register, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.