Photos taken from 2016 Veteran’s Day Program at Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Help Us Welcome Our Honor Flight Heroes Home!
This evening (June 4th), join others on the east side of Fort Scott High School as we welcome home our Honor Flight veterans and their high school guardians who have spent the last three days in Washington.
The expected time of arrival is 7:15 p.m. , possibly earlier.
Please consider arriving a little early, as they may be running ahead of schedule.
Let’s line the street, wave our flags, and show these heroes just how much their service and sacrifice mean to our community. There is nothing quite like seeing our veterans return home to a crowd of grateful Americans.
Bring your family. Let’s give them the welcome home they deserve!
from left: State Treasurer Baron Rodvold; Lieutenant Governor Beckett Romain; Governor Bo Barkley; Attorney General Raj Gugnani; and Secretary of State Jackson Roberts. Submitted photo.
June 2, 2025 — Bo Barkley, a resident of McPherson, Kan., and a senior-to-be at McPherson High School, has been elected governor of the 2026 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas. The announcement was made this evening during the Kansas Boys State evening retreat at Kansas State University in Manhattan.
Barkley, the Kansas Boys State Federalist Party governor candidate, and his lieutenant governor running mate, Beckett Romain, a resident of Wichita, Kan., and a junior-to-be at Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, won the election over the Nationalist Party governor candidate Burklee Jackson, a resident of Concordia, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Concordia High School and his lieutenant governor running mate, Alexander Caldwell, a resident of Overland Park, Kan., and a senior-to-be at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.
Election results for other state offices:
(Name, Party, Hometown, High School – all cities/high schools in Kansas unless noted; all are seniors-to-be)
Secretary of State — Jackson Roberts, Nationalist, Spring Hill, senior-to-be at Spring Hill High School, defeated Keaden Yim, Federalist, Lenexa, senior-to-be at Olathe Northwest High School.
Attorney General — Raj Gugnani, Federalist, Fort Scott, senior-to-be at Fort Scott High School, defeated Jace Daugherty, Nationalist, Andover, senior-to-be at Andover High School.
State Treasurer — Baron Rodvold, Federalist, Wichita, senior-to-be at Derby High School, defeated Alex Ray, Nationalist, Winfield, senior-to-be at Winfield High School.
Kansas Boys State Governor Barkley will give his inaugural address tomorrow (Wednesday, June 3) at 8 p.m. at K-State’s McCain Auditorium. The event will conclude with the Kansas Boys State band, chorus and talent show.
Wednesday evening’s festivities kickoff at 7:30 p.m. with a flag retirement ceremony at the World War II Memorial in front of McCain Auditorium. The event is an observance of the proper respect for the American flag and how unserviceable flags are properly disposed. The honor guard from the American Legion Pearce-Keller Post No.17 in Manhattan will present the ceremony. Dr. John Lindholm, a 1949 KSU graduate who provided the dog tags as a model for the “Tags of Honor” sculpture at the World War II Memorial, was a longtime Kansas Boys State staff member as a Legionnaire advisor before passing away in January 2020. Both events on Wednesday night are open to the public.
High school students from across the State of Kansas are participating in the 2026 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, which started on Sunday (May 31) and ends Saturday, June 6, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This is the program’s 34th consecutive session at KSU and 88th overall. The Kansas Boys State program includes students who have just completed their junior year of high school (will be seniors in the fall) and sophomore year of high school (will be juniors in the fall).
The objective of the ALBSK is to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Kansas Boys State provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.
— #KSBoysState —
The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.
The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.
I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to invite you to join me for a live teletown hall tonight, where I’ll be discussing the latest developments in Congress and answering your questions directly.
This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts, hear updates on the issues that matter most to our community, and engage in an open conversation about the direction of our country.
Teletown Hall Details: Date: Tonight (June 2) Time: 5:30 p.m. CDT How to Join: You can participate by answering the call if you receive it, or by dialing in at 855-920-0552.
I always value hearing from you, and your input helps guide my work in Washington. I hope you’ll be able to join me for this important conversation.
VACANCIES FOR LIBRARY BOARD – (1) opening for a (4)-year term.
This board meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Fort Scott Public Library.
For further information please contact the library director, Jennifer Gum-Fowler at (620) 223-2882
. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS MONDAY, JUNE 8 AT 5:00pm.
Please submit ALL Letters of Interest to the City Clerk by the deadlines indicated either in person at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street or by email.
PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE CONTACT INFORMATION.
All letters will be verified, and all candidates must appear before the City Commission when scheduled by agenda.
If letters cannot be verified, they will not be considered. For questions, please contact Lisa Lewis, City Clerk at [email protected] or (620) 223-0550 ext. 507.
Fort Scott, Kan. June. 2, 2026 – The Gordon Parks Museum, in partnership with photojournalist and documentary filmmaker D. Michael Cheers, recipient of the 2025 Choice of Weapons Award, proudly presents the encore screening of Fort Scott Stories, the theatrical version. The feature-length documentary is inspired by Gordon Parks.
The screening will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, as part of the 23rd Annual Gordon Parks Celebration that is taking place October 1 – 3, 2026. General admission doors will open at 12:30 p.m., followed by the film screening at 1:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is required.
Fort Scott Stories offers a compelling and intimate portrait of present-day Fort Scott, capturing the heartbeat, character, and vibrancy of a community rich in history, resilience, and diverse cultural experiences. Through the voices of residents spanning generations, from youth to elders, business owners to church members, the documentary weaves together authentic narratives that reflect both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life in Fort Scott that reflects the city’s enduring spirt.
“Fort Scott Stories is about honoring the everyday lives that shape a community,” said D. Michael Cheers. “Gordon Parks taught us that there is power, dignity, and beauty in telling people’s stories with honesty and care. This film is my creative way of continuing that conversation, by listening deeply, bearing witness, and allowing Fort Scott to speak for itself.”
Inspired by Gordon Parks’ unpublished LIFE magazine assignment in Fort Scott in 1950, this film continues his legacy of truth-telling through art, empathy, and vision.
“We are very fortunate to have this film being shown once again here in Fort Scott with the shortened length theatrical version.” said Kirk Sharp, Executive Director of the Gordon Parks Museum. “We had a had packed house for the premiere of the film this past April, and we expect even a larger crowd for the encore screening. Fort Scott Stories will make you smile, cry, and feel inspired and empowered. It is an honest and deeply human reflection of a community, seen through compassion, memory, and hope. The film is both a continuation of history and a living conversation about where we came from, and who we are today.”
The documentary also features actor Kyle Johnson, who portrayed Gordon Parks in the 1968 film The Learning Tree and is a 2021 Choice of Weapons Award recipient.
Ticket registration is available through the Gordon Parks Museum website event page at https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events or by calling 620-223-2700, ext. 5850.
Running Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes.
Limited Edition DVDs will be on sale following the showing.
For more information about the Fort Scott Stories Feature Documentary Premiere in Fort Scott, Kansas, please contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700, ext. 5850, or email [email protected].
Submitted photo. Back row – John Doherty, Father Yancey Burgess, Faber White; middle row – Kendrick Simon, Jake Lewis, Cole Casper, David Regan, Beckham Fox; front row – Jhett Lyons, Avery Meeks, Jaxon Lyons
A spring tradition at St. Mary’s Catholic School is for the outgoing students to help beautify the area. These projects have included planting spring bulbs and annuals in front of the building, tending a pollinator garden behind the school, and filling pots with blooming flowers. Each group has learned about gardening while adding to the beauty of the school grounds. This year’s group is particularly noteworthy because these ten boys have been together as St. Mary’s students since they started kindergarten.
*In case of inclement weather, stay tuned for location updates.
We hope to see you there!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by the Good Ol’ Days Festival Committee this Thursday, June 4th at 8am, on Skubitz Plaza in Downtown Fort Scott. In case of inclement weather, stay tuned for updated information. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register for a special door prize drawing.
Trey Sharp, Good Ol’ Days Chairman, and the committee are excited to celebrate the 45th Annual Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days, taking place June 5-6 in Downtown Fort Scott. This year’s theme, Red, White, & Good Ol’ Days, is a fitting tribute as America celebrates its 250th birthday, while also honoring the traditions that have made Good Ol’ Days a community favorite for 45 years.
One of those traditions is the popular vendor fair, featuring more than 100 booths offering food, crafts, shopping, family activities, and much more.
Plan to attend the parade, which kicks off Good Ol’ Days at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 5. Before and after the parade, stroll along Main Street north of Wall Street and throughout Skubitz Plaza to explore the many vendors, who will open at 5 p.m. Friday evening will also feature live entertainment beginning at 7 p.m. with a DJ, followed by The KC All Stars live band at 8 p.m. on Skubitz Plaza.
On Saturday, vendor booths open at 9 a.m., with a full day of activities, entertainment, and live music planned throughout downtown. For a complete schedule, visit www.fortscottgoodoldays.com or follow Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days on Facebook.
The Good Ol’ Days Committee extends its sincere thanks to the sponsors, volunteers, donors, and supporters who help make this annual tradition possible. Everyone is encouraged to join the fun and help celebrate 45 years of Good Ol’ Days memories in Fort Scott.
For more information, contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit fortscott.com Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees for upcoming locations
The reception area of the Freeman Fort Scott Hospital.
Joplin, MO – Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. was awarded a $2.5 million rural health grant on Friday that will vastly improve access and outcomes in health care to Bourbon County residents.
Freeman’s fourth and newest hospital was one of 17 Kansas-based health care facilities to receive a Rural Emergency Hospital Conversion/Transformative Capital Investment Program (REH/CAP) grant via the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). These grants help rural health facilities like Fort Scott Hospital make either facility renovations or capital investments “to transform how they serve their communities.”
A total of $29.1 million was distributed to the 17 Kansas locations. Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Inc. was chosen from a pool of 73 applications. The $2,502,999 amount was the fourth highest awarded.
“This award represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare in Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and the surrounding region,” said Anita Walden, chief administrative officer of Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.
The grant money was made available through the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).
“We are incredibly grateful for the support provided through the Rural Health Transformation Program and for the confidence placed in Freeman Fort Scott Hospital’s vision for improving access to care for the community we serve,” Walden continued.
Last December, Kansas was awarded $221 million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as part of the H.R. 1 bill, which provided $50 billion to help reshape healthcare in rural communities nationwide over the next five years.
“These investments reflect the power of collaboration and long-term planning in addressing the unique health care needs of rural Kansas communities,” Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement. “By supporting regional partnerships, rural hospitals, and critical infrastructure improvements, the Rural Health Transformation Program is empowering communities to strengthen local health systems, improve access to high-quality care, and build a more sustainable future for rural Kansans.”
Located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.—consisting of a six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care unit—opened in September 2025 and celebrated its official ribbon cutting earlier this month. More than 3,400 Fort Scott and Bourbon County residents have utilized the hospital’s emergency department in the last eight months.
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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., and Ozark Center—the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services—as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics, and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
A. Appropriation Ordinance 1409-A (Expense Approvals)
B. Approval of Minutes (May 19, 2026)
C. New Retailer’s Liquor License (Don’s Spirits & Wine)
D. Renewal of Drinking Establishment/Caterer License (Sharkys)
E. Retail Fireworks Vendors Permits (Jake’s, Bellino, Ka-Boomers)
F. Invoice Approval: Gunn Park Retaining Wall (JCM Restoration)
G. Invoice Approvals: FSK Taxiway Lights Design (Olsson)
VI. Public Comment [Page 1]
VII. Appearance [Page 1]
Bourbon County Core Community Presentation
118 E. Wall/Barber Shop Property Status Update
VIII. Unfinished Business [Page 1]
A. Resolution No. 6-2026: Unsafe Structure at 1403 E. Oak
IX. New Business (Action Items) [Page 1]
A. Airport (FSK) Taxiway Edge Lighting System Bid Award
B. Letter Agreement Amendment No. 1 (Olsson / FSK Project)
C. Resolution No. 20-2026: Notice of Hearing (1701 E. Wall)
D. Resolution No. 21-2026: Notice of Hearing (723 W. 5th)
E. Resolution No. 22-2026: Notice of Hearing (123 S. Wilson)
F. Resolution No. 23-2026: Notice of Hearing (414 W. 4th)
G. Resolution No. 24-2026: Notice of Hearing (18 S. Holbrook)
H. Ordinance No. 3606 Amendment: Gunn Park Camping Regulations
X. Reports and Comments [Page 1]
XI. Adjourn [Page 1]
II. Detailed Information Packet Summary
V. Consent Agenda Details
(Source Document: Page 1)
Financial & Expense Approvals: Consideration of Appropriation Ordinance 1409-A involving the Expense Approval Report for payments issued between May 14, 2026, and May 27, 2026, totaling $487,980.60. [Page 1]
Approval of Minutes: Formal approval of the official minutes taken during the last Regular City Commission Meeting on May 19, 2026. [Page 1]
Business & Alcohol Licensing:
Don’s Spirits & Wine (1705 S. National Ave.): Approval of a new Retailer’s Liquor License requested due to a change in ownership. The license term spans May 20, 2026, to May 19, 2028. [Page 1]
Sharkys (16 N. National Ave.): Approval of a license renewal for a Drinking Establishment/Caterer, running from May 24, 2026, to May 23, 2028. [Page 1]
Seasonal Fireworks Permits: Review and approval of local Retail Fireworks Vendor Permits for the following applicants:
Jake’s Fireworks — 2229 S. Main St. [Page 1]
Bellino Fireworks, Inc. — 2400 S. Main St. [Page 1]
Ka-Boomers Enterprises, Inc. — 1712 S. National Ave. [Page 1]
Public Infrastructure Invoices:
Gunn Park Retaining Wall: Request to pay Progress Billing Invoice #9203 to JCM Restoration for $13,000.00. Documentation shows that structural repairs to the park’s retaining wall are currently over 50% complete. [Page 1]
Fort Scott Municipal Airport (FSK) Lighting Project: Request to pay engineering firm Olsson a total of $57,500.00 for professional design and bidding services under Project No. AV-2026-16. The payout tracks across three cumulative historical invoices: Invoice #555897 ($28,750.00 dated Oct. 4, 2025); Invoice #572809 ($23,000.00 dated Mar. 14, 2026); and Invoice #576737 ($5,750.00 dated Apr. 11, 2026). [Page 1]
VII. Scheduled Public Appearances
(Source Document: Page 1)
Deana Betts / Bourbon County Core Community: Presenting an introductory segment titled “What is Core Community?” to update city leaders on local programmatic actions, community resources, and public goals. [Page 1]
Jose Montanez (Owner of 118 E. Wall / Barber Shop): Appearing before the commission by official invitation to provide a formal real estate status update concerning property conditions and operational plans. [Page 1]
VIII. Unfinished Business
(Source Document: Page 1)
Resolution No. 6-2026 (1403 E. Oak): The Commission will revisit an ongoing codes enforcement item regarding an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 1403 E. Oak. This item is brought back to the floor after being sequentially tabled at three prior meetings: November 18, 2025, January 20, 2026, and February 16, 2026. Presented by L. Kruger. [Page 1]
IX. New Business & Action Items
(Source Document: Page 1)
A. Airport Infrastructure Upgrades (B. Coomes / Olsson)
Bid Award Recommendation: Consideration to formally award the construction bid for Fort Scott Municipal Airport (FSK) KAIP Project No. AV-2026-16 (Olsson No. 025-04135) for the complete replacement of the airport’s Taxiway Edge Lighting System. [Page 1]
Letter Agreement Amendment No. 1: Consideration to amend the existing professional services contract with Olsson for the design and bidding phases of the FSK Taxiway Edge Lighting System upgrade. [Page 1]
B. Public Safety Hearings for Unsafe Structures (L. Kruger)
The commission will evaluate five standalone resolutions. If passed, these will trigger statutory Notices of Hearings to officially address alleged unsafe, hazardous, or dangerous structures. The affected residential/commercial properties are:
Resolution No. 20-2026: 1701 E. Wall [Page 1]
Resolution No. 21-2026: 723 W. 5th [Page 1]
Resolution No. 22-2026: 123 S. Wilson [Page 1]
Resolution No. 23-2026: 414 W. 4th [Page 1]
Resolution No. 24-2026: 18 S. Holbrook [Page 1]
C. Local Parks Ordinance Revision (B. Matkin)
Ordinance No. 3606 Adjustments: Evaluation of updates to further define, restrict, or structure the Gunn Park camping regulations, specifically targeting conditions attached to standard 14-Day camping permits. [Page 1]
Chris Newman as Opal Openheart-Driver and Tynce Joles as Bull Driver, the heroine and hero in this year’s melodrama. Submitted photo.
Bourbon County Community Theatre presents “The Railroad is a Comin’ (Or Scam I Am)’’ written by BCCT Vice President Mark Bergmann.
Bergmann says the show is, “The world premiere of a totally fabricated true story about the founding of the first railroad in Fort Scott.”
The hero and heroine from last year’s melodrama return to the story this year. Bull Driver is played by Tynce Joles and Opal Openheart-Driver is portrayed by Chris Newman. Villains in this year’s show are played by Matthew Wells as Monty Bags, Angie Bin as Suzy Roomer, and Theodore Bowman plays Sheriff Carlyle Clink.
The show is directed by Bergmann with Abby Starkey serving as Assistant Director.
Performances are at 8 p.m. on June 5 and at 10:30 a.m., and 12:30, 4:30, and 6:30 p.m. on June 6 at 123 S. National (former St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church). Tickets for the show are $5 at bcct.ludus.com or at the door, but seating is limited. Age 5 and under are free. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show.
Chris Newman as Opal Openheart-Driver and Tynce Joles as Bull Driver, the heroine and hero in this year’s melodrama.
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