Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Youth

Kaylee Lunsford Receives $10,000 Scholarship

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Submitted photo of the awardees.

The American Hereford Association (AHA) hosted their annual meeting in Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 24. This year 27 National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members were awarded $165,500 in scholarships.

 

A junior member from our community, Kaylee Lunsford,  received the $10,000 Vanier Family Scholarship at the event, provided by the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA).

 

Kaylee Lunsford, Fort Scott, Kan., is an animal science major in her last year at Oklahoma State University.

She has broad future goals that include agricultural law and business. “My ambition is to use this foundation to address the critical challenges of global food security by bridging the gap
between producers and the consumers who depend on them,” she says. “I want to be part of the conversations that will later shape agricultural policy and trade, ensuring that the producer’s voice is
represented in decisions that impact the future of our industry.”.

Ten National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members each received a $10,000 Vanier Family Scholarship, totaling $100,000 of financial support, from the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA). The scholarships were presented as part of the 2025 World Hereford Conference coinciding with the American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting in Kansas City,
Mo., on Oct. 24. During the Shaping the Breed’s Future: Young Breeders Competition and HYFA Scholarship Awards Luncheon presented by VitaFerm®

HYFA and its donors awarded $165,500 in scholarships to 27 NJHA members to help support their higher education goals.
“This year marks a truly special milestone for the Hereford Youth Foundation of America’s scholarship program,” says Amy Cowan, AHA director of youth activities and foundation. “Throughout
the past decade, thanks to the generosity of the Vanier family, we’ve awarded $1 million in scholarships to 100 young people who represent the bright future of the Hereford community. It’s truly an honor to continue Jack and Donna Vanier’s legacy. Their deep belief in education, youth and the Hereford family
continues to inspire us all.”

The Vanier family believes the work ethic young people learn growing up in the Hereford breed
sets them apart in today’s workforce.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Peerless Products Rebrands

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Peerless Products Inc., 2403 S. Main, Fort Scott.

Peerless Products Unveils Rebrand In Bold Step Forward for Company Growth and Innovation
New website, brand design reflect leading manufacturer’s commitment to excellence

FORT SCOTT, Kan. (November 5, 2025) – Peerless Products, a leading manufacturer of high-performance curtain walls, windows and doors, announced a comprehensive brand refresh to reflect its continued growth and the exceptional quality of its products and services. The rebrand includes a new logo, color palette, brand voice, website, anthem video and storybook—each showcasing Peerless’s drive to deliver state-of-the-art manufacturing, engineering and innovation.

“At Peerless, we’re constantly striving upward, and our new brand look reflects our ongoing evolution,” said president Coby Jones. “As we continue to build on our 70-year legacy of quality, innovation and strong customer relationships, this new direction is a testament to our continuous drive for improvement and our dedication to engineering solutions that truly matter.”

Peerless has continued to experience strong growth across its national footprint, with several large-scale Talon Wall®, commercial and multifamily projects underway in markets such as Kansas City, Seattle, Chicago and Dallas. To keep pace with demand, the company has increased its workforce at all three of its locations in Fort Scott, Kan., Nevada, Mo. and Iola, Kan.

Since 1952, Peerless has built a reputation for excellence, true to its namesake, in everything from materials to process, engineering to testing, packaging to partnerships, and on-time delivery to on-demand solutions. Specializing in aluminum and hybrid fiber resin windows and doors, the company offers a variety of capabilities across a project’s lifespan, including customized design, engineering, sustainable and long-lasting powder coating, in-house testing, 3D prototyping and aluminum extrusion. Peerless also offers a patented curtain wall system, Talon Wall®, which is lab-tested and certified to the industry’s most demanding air, water, thermal, seismic, fire and acoustic standards.

Peerless services a versatile range of building types within the multifamily, hospitality, historic, government and military, school and university, office and medical sectors. Peerless manufactures, services and distributes from the heart of the U.S., but its portfolio extends far beyond the Midwest, including several projects from coast to coast. Peerless has produced windows for some of the most demanding applications in the country, including projects like the Hudson Exchange residential buildings in Jersey City, N.J., Universal’s Stella Nova Resort in Orlando, Fla., the Lees-McRae College’s Historical Commons in Banner Elk, N.C., the Texas Tech University Honors Hall in Lubbock, Texas and more.

A video for their rebrand can be viewed here. Assets can be found here.

About Peerless Products

Peerless Products is a leading U.S. manufacturer of high-performance curtain walls, windows and doors. With a legacy dating back to 1952, Peerless is dedicated to delivering superior quality, innovative engineering and unparalleled customer service. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement and enduring partnerships makes it the best choice for complex architectural applications. Learn more at peerlessproducts.com.

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Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of The Fort Scott City Commission on November 3

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

Unaproved 

Minutes of November 3, 2025                                                                                                    Regular Meeting

 

A meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held 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. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Kathryn Salsbury, Dyllon Olson, Tracy Dancer, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.

 

              In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Lt. Jason Eastwood/FSPD, Lisa Dillon/Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, and Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspection.

 

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

 

Approval of Agenda

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve the amended agenda. Amendments were requested prior to motion: Removal of Item A. Consideration of Change Order #1 – Gunn Park – Shelter #3 and the addition of $529,112.95 to Consent Agenda Item A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1395-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of October 15, 2025 – October 31, 2025. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consent Agenda

–  Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1395-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of October 15, 2025 – October 31, 2025

–  Approval of Minutes:  Regular Meeting of October 21, 2025

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve the Consent Agenda. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Public Comment – No comments

 

Appearances

Patty Ann Sanborn/SEK Service Inc. – Did not appear

 

Unfinished Business – No unfinished business

 

New Business /Action Items:

Discussion of City Connecting Link Agreement

MATKIN explained Wall Street’s condition, especially east of the CCLIP project, is deteriorating. KDOT pays Fort Scott $12,340 annually under a 1999 agreement to maintain 2.468 miles, which the city seeks to update. A study found the road sits atop brick without a proper base, requiring ongoing resurfacing. If the city declines repairs, the state could bill up to $200,000 annually for ten years. Only essential safety work is planned until more CCLIP funding becomes available.

 

ACTION:  MATKIN will pursue an updated KDOT resolution.

 

Consideration of Bids for Davis Lift Station Extraneous Flow Pump and Force Main – EEI No. 21-303

DICKMAN explained that Jeff Asbel Excavating and Trucking was the low bidder for the Davis Lift Station extraneous flow pump and force main project (Earle’s Engineering Project No. 21-303), though their bid was 33.84% above estimate due to increased costs. The specified Vaughan chopper pump may be overpriced as a sole source; switching to a Hayward pump could save $100,000. The Hayward pump meets specs, has a six-month lead time, and is used by nearby municipalities. Asbel plans to begin work around March 1. Further information regarding the pump choice was requested before a decision was made.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to table the decision to November 18, 2025. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

ACTION:  Bill Lemke and Scott Flater to appear at the November 18th meeting for discussion on pump choice.

 

ACTION:  City Clerk will email to FLATER the information provided by DICKMAN regarding the Hayward Gordon pump.

 

Reports and Comments

            City Engineer: 

–  E. National update

–  CCLIP Phase 3 update

 

City Manager:

–  Request to discuss dog limits in City – November 18, 2025

–  Crescent Drive and Archer update

–  Eddy Street update

–  FEMA projects on hold due to government shutdown

 

City Attorney:

–  Request for (10) minute Executive Session

 

City Clerk: No comment

 

Commissioner Wells:

–  6th and Little

–  Overpass plan at Jayhawk Road

 

Commissioner Olson:

–  Railroad crossing

Commissioner Dancer:

–  Special meeting on Saturday

–  Remember to vote

 

Commissioner Salsbury:

–  Downtown alley

 

Commissioner Van Hoecke

–  Remember to vote

–  Sales tax                  

 

Executive Session

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion pursuant to the attorney-client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). In the Executive Session will be the (5) City Commissioners, the City Attorney and the City Manager in the City Manager’s office. The open meeting will resume at 6:59PM in the Commission Room. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to come out of Executive Session with no action. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Adjourn

 

            MOTION:  DANCER moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:00PM. OLSON seconded.

 

NOVEMBER 3, 2025, CITY COMMISSION MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:00PM.

 

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

FFAll Extravaganza Friday, November 14th 5:00-8:00 pm

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott High School

(Fort Scott FFA)

FSHS Fort Scott FFA invites you to their

FFAll Extravaganza

Friday, November 14th

5:00-8:00 pm

Fort Scott High School Gym

1005 S. Main St.

Hosted by the Fort Scott FFA, this exciting community event invites everyone to enjoy an evening full of food, shopping, and treats—featuring baked goods, clothing, jewelry, crafts, and more!

It’s the perfect opportunity to support local vendors and connect with friends and neighbors in a warm, festive setting.

Be sure to spread the word and bring along family, classmates, coworkers—

everyone’s welcome!

For more information, contact Sydney Cullison at [email protected].
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Elections, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Sales Tax Question Preliminary Results

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Yesterday, Fort Scott citizens voted on the following ballot question:

Shall the following be adopted?
Shall the City of Fort Scott, Kansas be authorized to impose a one-half percent (0.5%) City-wide retailers’ sales tax (the “Sales Tax”), the proceeds of which shall be used for the purpose of financing the following costs and related expenditures:
(a) 80% of the proceeds for street improvements, sidewalks, bike lanes, and curb and gutter, and (b) 10% of the proceeds for Parks and community facilities, and (c) 10% of the proceeds for Public Safety With the collection of the Sales Tax to commence on 7/1/2026; and to expire Ten (10) years after its commencement; all pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 12-187 et seq.,as amended?,

Preliminary election results show 604 votes in favor of adopting the sales tax and 457 against it.

Business, Clothing, Fort Scott

FS Washateria Provides Donated Clothing To Those In Need

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Fort Scott Washateria also houses Fort Scott Community Closet.

Submitted by Linda Lovelace, owner

 

As we go into the colder time of the year, I want to take the time to remind Fort Scott of the Fort Scott Community Closet.

This is Lori Lovelace, owner of  Fort Scott Washateria and Fort Scott Community Closet,  located at 501 S National.

We have been providing clothing, coats and other items to those in need of them with the help of the generous folks of this community for six years now.

I want to say a special thanks to St. Mary’s school and Mary Queen of Angels Church who have supported us year after year with coat and clothing drives.  We have coats right now along with clothing for any who are in need.

We don’t ask what your circumstances are, we have no income or other requirements, we take in the clothing and other items and give them out, no questions asked.

We can do this because of YOU, Fort Scott.

We are currently bringing out coats and they are hanging on a rack in the Washateria, if you need a coat, come in and check out what we have.  We are putting out coats as they are given away so if you don’t find one that fits, stop by again.

The Closet is open Mon-Fri 10-6 if you would like to go through our tubs of clothes as well.  To those who are sorting through clothes looking to donate, our most requested items are children’s clothing of all sizes, adult t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, sweat pants, jeans, coats,

Fort Scott, Youth

Come support FSHS Zero Reasons Why at Papa Don’s Pizza Wednesday, November 5th

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott High School

Zero Reasons Why Club
pepperoni_pizza.jpg

Come support FSHS Zero Reasons Why

at Papa Don’s Pizza

Wednesday, November 5th

Papa Don’s Pizza

10 N Main St. Fort Scott

A portion of all sales will go to help with mental health awareness activities at FSHS.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Fort Scott

Heartland awards $5,000 to Beacon Food Pantry for facility upgrades

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The Beacon Food Pantry in Fort Scott has been awarded $5,000 from Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative’s Concern for Community program for much-needed facility improvements.

The grant funded replacement of the pantry’s inoperable lighting systems. Updated lighting will improve safety and visibility for volunteers and the more than 300 families who rely on the pantry each month for food assistance.

“Food pantries are essential lifelines in rural communities,” said Mark Scheibe, Heartland CEO. “We’re proud to support the Beacon Food Pantry’s mission and help make their facility safer and more welcoming.”

The project was among six chosen this year for a total of $30,000 in funding through Heartland’s Concern for Community program.

Other 2025 grantees include: Kansas State Historical Society, Linn County Fair Association, Moran Youth Recreation, Cherokee County 4-H Council, and Walnut Community Service Organization.

About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. powers rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes consumer-members in 12 counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Government, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Announce Auditions for Children’s Christmas Show

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The Fort Scott High School Thespians are holding auditions for A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller.

 

Auditions are open to children in 1st-8th grades and take place from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 17 OR 18 in the FSHS Auditorium. Children do not need to prepare anything in advance, but should plan to stay for the duration of the audition time on one of the nights. Parents should be present at the beginning for information and to fill out audition forms.

 

Rehearsals are Nov. 19 & 20, Dec. 1-4, and Dec. 9-11 from 6-8 pm. Productions are Dec. 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. There is a $30 participation fee for children cast in the show.

 

A Christmas Carol is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with direction and design by the FSHS Thespians. Please contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622 with any questions.

 

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Bourbon County, Fort Scott

FSACF Grants $59,000 to Fort Scott and Bourbon County Nonprofits

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Over 20 Southeast Kansas  nonprofits and 26 projects will be receiving grant funding thanks to the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation’s (FSACF) 2025 granting cycle. $59,378 will be granted to organizations and projects serving Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

FSACF has provided over $500,000 in competitive grants to Fort Scott and Bourbon County nonprofits since its inception in 2007. These grants are awarded through the annual open application process. Total grants, including the competitive grants, as well as the directed grants provided through the foundation’s donor-advised, designated, and field-of-interest funds have totaled more than $3.8 million.

“It’s incredible inspiring to see the number of deserving organizations doing impactful work across our community,” said Becky Tourtillott, FSACF Board Chairperson. “Awarding these grants is one of the most meaningful ways we support that work, and none of it would be possible without the generosity of our donors. Their continued support allows us to fund projects that create lasting, positive change in the lives of those we serve.”

The following organizations and projects were selected as recipients of the 2025 FSACF grant cycle:

  • Bourbon County Core Community- Getting Ahead in a Just Getting by World
  • City of Bronson- Dawson Field Upgrades
  • City of Fort Scott- Kiwanis Tree Project
  • Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas- Prescription Assistance Liaison (PALs) Program/ Bourbon County
  • Cornerstones of Care- Bright Futures: Sponsor a Youth Holiday Program
  • E3 Ranch Foundation Inc.- The LaRoche Baseball Complex Playground Initiative
  • Fairview Cemetery- Restoration of Fairview Cemetery
  • First United Methodist Church Fort Scott- Feeding Families in His Name
  • Fort Scott Community College- Senior-Versity Fort Scott Community College Foundation
  • Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries- Preserve
  • Fostering Connections- Thriving Beyond Foster Care
  • Good Neighbor Action Team- GNAT’s Variable Mission
  • KVC Kansas- Christmas for Youth in Foster Care 2025
  • Ozark Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America- Empowering Youth Through Scouting
  • Parsons Senior High School Honor Flight- Fort Scott High School Flight of Honor
  • Path of EASE Association- The Redemption House
  • Southwind Extension Education Foundation Inc.- A Heartbeat Away: Expanding AED Access
  • Special Olympics Kansas- Bourbon County Unified Schools
  • The Beacon Inc.- Maintaining Food Assistance
  • Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Inc.- AED Trainers: Training to Save Lives
  • USD 243 Fort Scott- Community-Based Interactive Instruction
  • USD 234 Fort Scott- FSMS Sky Dome: A Portable Planetarium for Scientific Discovery
  • USD 234 Fort Scott- Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports
  • USD 243 Fort Scott- Sunshine Cart, Fort Scott High School
  • USD 234 Fort Scott- Sunshine Cart, Fort Scott Preschool Center
  • USD 234 Fort Scott- Sunshine Cart, Winfield Scott Elementary

The First Christian Church of Fort Scott Endowment Fund helped support the Bourbon County Core Community, Cornerstones of Care, and the Special Olympics Kansas projects.

The Shepherd Family Endowment Fund helped support the City of Bronson and Ozark Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America projects.

The John Valentine and Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund contributed to CHC-SEK, First United Methodist Church, Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, Good Neighbor Action Team, Path of EASE Association, Southwind Extension Education Foundation Inc., The Beacon Inc., and Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Inc. Projects.

FSACF would like to congratulate all this year’s recipients and thank them for the work they do in Bourbon County every day!

 

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Fort Scott High School Performs “Between the Lines”

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Fort Scott High School students will perform the new musical Between the Lines at 7 p.m. on Nov. 11, 13, and 15 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the FSHS Auditorium.

Between the Lines is based on the novel by international bestselling author Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer, featuring a book by Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald (Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, The Big One-Oh!) and score by Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson (Apple TV+’s “Central Park”).

“Between the Lines is an empowering and enchanting story for anyone who has struggled to find their place in the world. An outsider in a new town and a new school, Delilah seeks comfort in the pages of her favorite book, where she feels heard and understood by the handsome Prince Oliver. But as the lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur in extraordinary ways, Delilah realizes her dreams in the real world are worth fighting for,” according to publisher Music Theatre International.

The production features Senior Junie Fisher as Delilah and Senior Levi Fairchild as Prince Oliver. Nearly forty FSHS students perform in the cast or serve as designers or crew members for the musical.

 

“This particular musical was the perfect choice to feature two of our most outstanding seniors this year. Junie and Levi’s vocal talents are excellent on their own and so beautiful on their duets. Both plan to go into music or theatre and perhaps education as a future career and I could not be more proud of them in this show,” said Theatre Director Angie Bin.

 

Between the Lines is also directed by Music Director Taylor Jones, Choreographer Mesa Jones, and Assistant Director Abby Starkey. Bin and Fisher first learned of Between the Lines when they saw a production at the 2024 International Thespian Festival. Bin was then able to attend a workshop and meet with Jodi Picoult and the other authors of the musical in person.

 

Tickets are reserved seating in advance and available at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com. Seating is limited, but some tickets may be available at the door. Adults are $8 and children are $6. A $14 VIP Ticket experience includes the opportunity to meet the cast and take an exclusive photo, a Between the Lines gift bag, concession snack, and concession drink.

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Landmark Bank on October 30

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
Thursday, October 30th

8am

@ Landmark National Bank

200 S. Main St.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, October 30th at 8am hosted by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF). The event will be held at Landmark National Bank, main bank location, 200 S. Main St.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.

During the coffee, the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation will announce 26 grant recipients from the Grant Application Cycle – celebrating the incredible organizations making a difference in our community.

Since its inception in 2007, FSACF has provided over $500,000 in competitive grants to Fort Scott and Bourbon County nonprofits. These grants are awarded through an annual open application process. Including competitive and directed grants through donor-advised, designated, and field-of-interest funds, FSACF has distributed more than $3.8 million in total grants supporting local impact.

Match Week will be held November 10–14th, 2025. Thanks to the generosity of the Patterson Foundation, contributions made to FSACF during Match Week will be matched, amplifying your impact and helping continue to support local initiatives.

For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar on fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.

Click HERE to visit

Fort Scott Area Community

Foundation Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation webpage!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…