The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College is excited to remind the community and surrounding region of the upcoming premiere of Fort Scott Stories, a powerful feature-length documentary created in partnership with acclaimed photojournalist and filmmaker D. Michael Cheers, recipient of the 2025 Choice of Weapons Award.
The premiere will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the screening beginning at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets as soon as possible, as availability is limited and the event is nearing capacity. Donations are welcome and will support the ongoing work and programming of the Gordon Parks Museum.
As the premiere date approaches, anticipation continues to grow for Fort Scott Stories, a documentary that captures the spirit, voices, and lived experiences of the Fort Scott community. Through deeply personal interviews and rich storytelling, the film reflects the beauty, complexity, and resilience of everyday life, echoing the legacy of Gordon Parks and his 1950 photographic work in Fort Scott.
“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.”
Executive Director Kirk Sharp emphasizes the emotional impact of the film: “This documentary will make you smile, cry, and feel inspired. It is an honest and deeply human reflection of our community, bridging the past and present while inviting us to reflect on who we are and where we are going.”
Inspired by Gordon Parks’ unpublished LIFE magazine assignment in Fort Scott in 1950, this film continues his legacy of truth-telling through art, empathy, and vision.
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.
Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets by visiting: the Gordon Parks Museum website event page at https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events or by calling 620-223-2700, ext. 5850.
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].
There will be a joint City and County Meeting 4/16/26 at 6:00 PM at the Empress Center. All Bourbon County Commissioners plan to be in attendance but no official business will be conducted.
FORT SCOTT, KS – The Fort Scott Dragoons have officially released their 2026 season schedule, featuring a summer packed with competitive baseball and family-friendly entertainment. After starting the season on the road, the Dragoons will host their Opening Night in Fort Scott on May 26.
The upcoming season highlights include:
Competitive Matchups: Key games against the Meridian Blues, Bryan Yard Dogs, and Nacogdoches Niners.
Fan Experience: A full slate of promotions, theme nights, and premium seating options.
Community Focus: Affordable entertainment designed for youth teams, businesses, churches, and local organizations.
Mid America League Action: The league features talented collegiate and professional players dedicated to community connection.
2026 Home Game Schedule
All home games are scheduled to begin at 7:05 PM.
Date
Day
Opponent
May 26
TUE
Meridian Blues
May 27
WED
Meridian Blues
May 28
THUR
Meridian Blues
May 29
FRI
Bryan Yard Dogs
May 30
SAT
Bryan Yard Dogs
May 31
SUN
Bryan Yard Dogs
June 2
TUE
Nacogdoches Niners
June 3
WED
Nacogdoches Niners
June 9
TUE
Beaumont Oil Barons
June 10
WED
Beaumont Oil Barons
June 11
THUR
Beaumont Oil Barons
June 12
FRI
Bryan Yard Dogs
June 13
SAT
Bryan Yard Dogs
June 14
SUN
Bryan Yard Dogs
June 16
TUE
Piney Woods Timberhogs
June 17
WED
Piney Woods Timberhogs
June 18
THUR
Nacogdoches Niners
June 19
FRI
Nacogdoches Niners
June 20
SAT
Nacogdoches Niners
June 21
SUN
Nacogdoches Niners
June 30
TUE
Piney Woods Timberhogs
July 1
WED
Piney Woods Timberhogs
July 2
THUR
Piney Woods Timberhogs
July 14
TUE
Nacogdoches Niners
July 15
WED
Nacogdoches Niners
July 16
THUR
Nacogdoches Niners
July 17
FRI
Bryan Yard Dogs
July 18
SAT
Bryan Yard Dogs
July 19
SUN
Bryan Yard Dogs
July 21
TUE
Bryan Yard Dogs
July 22
WED
Bryan Yard Dogs
July 23
THUR
Bryan Yard Dogs
Plan Your Summer: Fans and organizations are encouraged to secure group outings early to ensure availability. Additional promotional announcements will be released in the coming weeks.
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 Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer, Tim Van Hoecke, Julie Buchta and Mayor Kathryn Salsbury were present.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Deputy Chief Mike Miles/FSFD, Chief Jason Pickert/FSPD, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Lisa Dillon/Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, Mary Wyatt/Planning, Housing & Business Development Director, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspections LLC, Daniel Wilson/Owner-Repair Guy, Alex Swank, Kathy Dancer, and Jess Milburn/JCM Restoration.
SALSBURY led the Pledge of Allegiance and BUCHTA said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the Amended agenda as presented. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1405-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of
March 11, 2026 – April 12, 2026 – $763,783.28
– Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of March 17, 2026
– Request to Pay – Application No. 1 – Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking, Inc. – Davis Lift Station – Mobilization Costs for Bond Expenses and Materials – $28,596.00
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Public Comment – No comments
Appearances
Alex Swank – addressed the Commission to purchase a parcel owned by the City at approximately 101 Clark. Leasing option was discussed because the City maintains it will not sell property.
MOTION: DANCER moved to open the process to solicit bids for a (5) year lease with the stipulation to include something to legally cover any liability.
FARMER added a point of reference that even though the motion is made, nothing happens until it’s written, the Commission has seen it, (the winning bidder) sees it, and it’s signed.
BUCHTA seconded. BUCHTA, WELLS, DANCER and SALSBURY voted yes.
VAN HOECKE voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
ACTION: FARMER will write the lease document.
Kathy Dancer – addressed the Commission to inform them that the tasks placed upon the CLG board will require a budget and she is requesting they consider that in the upcoming 2027 budget planning. The FSHRPC is exploring grants but the ordinance that was approved did include the establishment of a Preservation Fund and briefly explained how that money would be used. DANCER also stated the fine frequencies outlined in the approved ordinance. Currently in the enforcement section, the wording only addresses the demolition of a building or does any kind of improvements without getting the proper permitting and proper approvals, then it’s enforceable. She does not see provisions to enforce outside of that. Also, the wording is incorrect. It was approved as per week but the ordinance states per day. She explained that violations demolition by neglect, gross neglect of a building or safety hazards are a different category and are not in the current ordinance. She asked the Commission to revisit that and the frequency of fining, with safety issues being of the greatest concern.
Discussion was had about the fining process as it relates to enforcement through the municipal court and addressing additional definitions to be included in the ordinance.
KRUGER stated that anything that is going to be enforced must be paired with a K.S.A. and the state sets the fine schedule per class of crime, the maximums and the minimums. He stated that Class B Misdemeanor does not go up to $1000.00, the maximum is $500.00 and the minimum is $50.00. Currently no fine amount is put on a citation only a Notice to Appear (in court) and the prosecutor will set the fine amount. He explained how the multiple (day to week) fines currently work in our municipal court and what is able to be fined and what is not.
Executive Session:
MOTION: DANCER moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel matters of non-elected personnel pursuant to K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1). In the meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners, City Attorney and City Manager. The open meeting will resume in the City Commission Room at 6:43PM. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION:DANCER moved to come out of Executive Session. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Unfinished Business
Consideration of Ordinance No. 3799-Contractor License –Tabled from March 17, 2026
Discussion was had about the implementation of contractor licenses. BUCHTA read a letter she received from Tim Barasa/General Contractor and Licensed Realtor.
WILSON/Owner of Repair Guy addressed the Commission to inform them that he is in favor of a licensing program but has concerns about the contractor board that is being considered and where the money collected for licenses will go and suggested background checks for community safety.
BUCHTA read a text message she received from another contractor (who wanted to remain anonymous) regarding the licensing.
Further discussion was had on the intent of the license to protect citizens and support all local businesses and whether the Commission is in agreement with the proposed ordinance.
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to table the ordinance.
VAN HOECKE requested to amend BUCHTA’S motion to have the ordinance returned to the table at the second meeting of July with a work session prior to that meeting to include all contractors.
VAN HOECKE seconded (the original motion with amendment).
The City Clerk verified that BUCHTA’S motion was as follows:
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to table Ordinance No. 3799 until the second meeting of July. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
ACTION: FARMER will draft an ordinance for the interim to enforce that contractors must show proof of insurance when applying for a permit with the Codes office.
DANCER left the meeting at 7:20PM
New Business
Action Items:
Consideration of Ordinance No. 3798 – Disband Design Review Board
DILLON requested by ordinance that the Commission dissolve the Design Review Board since the City has received its CLG status.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve Ordinance No. 3798 to Disband the Design Review Board. SALSBURY seconded. BUCHTA, WELLS and SALSBURY voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no. DANCER was not present for the vote.
MOTION CARRIED 3-1.
Consideration to Approve Sale of Fire Truck
MILES requested the approval of the Commission to advertise and sell the 1997 (E-One-American Eagle Top Mount Custom Pumper) Fire Truck which is no longer in service and has been replaced with the newly purchase truck. MATKIN stated the proceeds will be placed in a fire department equipment fund.
DANCER returned to the meeting at 7:23PM
MILES stated that the new engine is at Station One and the Pierce was moved over to Station Two and explained the plan to avoid wear and tear.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to allow the fire department to advertise and sell the 1997 fire truck without equipment with the understanding that the funds will go into a fire equipment fund and report the proceeds to the City Manager who will report it to the Commission.
MILES added that the proceeds are being earmarked for extrication equipment.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration to Approve Purchase of Pumps, Control Panel and Guide Rails for Williamsburg and White Grill Lift Stations – $25,860.00
LEMKE stated that over the past (3) years they have been working on improvements for lift stations. This year, Williamsburg (on Tiffany Land) and White Grill Lift Stations (215th and Hwy 54) were selected. Williamsburg’s control panel is approximately (20) years old and the components are getting harder to find. It currently has one pump that is non-operational. The White Grill station has been underwater several times including the control panel. Currently one of the pumps is bypassing and not pumping water. He is requesting permission to replace the control panels and the pumps for both stations using Haynes Equipment for the price of $25,860.00. Grainger’s quote did not include guide rails and the third contact could only offer a complete lift station which is not needed. The work will be done in house, however Haynes has included a one-day startup time if they need assistance. MATKIN stated it will come from the Wastewater Fund.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the purchase of pumps, control panels and guide rails for Williamsburg and White Grill Lift Stations from Haynes Equipment for a total of $25,860.00. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Bids for Repair of Retaining Walls at Gunn Park
MATKIN stated there were (2) bids received with the lowest bid coming in at $66,000.00 from JCM Restoration which he is recommending for approval.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the bid from JCM Restoration for $66,000.00 for repairing the retaining wall at Gunn Park. BUCHTA seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration to Extend Hay Rights for (3) Years
MATKIN stated that currently the invitation for bids is for a (1) year awarded contract. He would like to extend that to a (3) year contract beginning with this year’s invitation to bid for Hay Rights at the airport.
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to approve the extension of the hay rights to (3) years at the next bid opportunity. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Reports and Comments
City Engineer:
– Davis Lift Station update – Vanessa is supervisor until lift station work, then Gary
– Wall Street – CCLIP update
VAN HOECKE left the meeting at 7:49PM and immediately returned.
– Horton asphalt update
ACTION: DICKMAN will follow up with Heck & Wicker
City Attorney: No Comment
City Manager:
– 8th & Eddy is complete and open
– Groundwork for outdoor fitness park at BRCC
– New Clubhouse Manager at Woodland Hills Golf Course and new tee time system that allows everything, including score keeping by your phone-including POS system.
– Moody Building – owner waiting on title report
– Airport hangar lease – Geoffrey Marr
– Timken building update
– Valu building is sold – cannot disclose information yet
– IT Department at next meeting for update
– Public Works update first meeting in May
– April 16 – City/County Meeting at 6:00PM
– Natalia hired to work with Rachel Carpenter on Public Information
Commissioner Van Hoecke:
– Dragoons Baseball season tickets
– Keep military and first responders in prayers
Commissioner Buchta:
– 8th & Eddy
– Salsbury with KDOT
Commissioner Dancer:
– Non-residential residents situation
ACTION: WORK SESSION – May 5 – Homeless situation
WORK SESSION – May 19 – Contractor licenses
Commissioner Wells:
– Barber Shop (118 E. Wall St.) update
ACTION: Barber Shop on next agenda (April 21)
– Skubitz Plaza meeting at 1:30PM
– Federal government cuts
Commissioner Salsbury:
– Code review sent to MATKIN for Commission action
ACTION: MATKIN will distribute to all Commissioners
– 8th & Eddy intersection open
Adjourn
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:27PM. BUCHTA seconded.
Wednesday, April 15th
Volunteer Check-in: 3:30-4pm @ Lyons Realty Group, 8 E. Wall St.
Event: 4-7pm @ Downtown Fort Scott
We have many projects planned including painting, leaf blowing, planting, mulching, general trash pickup, and more!
Visit fortscott.com for the volunteer signup link and all the details!
FREE pulled pork sandwich meal following the event for the first 150 confirmed volunteers!
A special thank you to The Elks Foundation for supporting this event!
Organized by the Chamber Board’s Downtown Division, in partnership with the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County Garden Club, and the Good Neighbor Action Team.
Chamber Downtown Division
Cheryl Adamson, Chair, Courtland Hotel & Spa
Cathy Bishop, The River Room Event Center
Carissa Bowman, Brickstreet BBQ
Kate Freeman, The Artificers
Kinede Jennings, Blissful Aesthetics & Wellness
Karen Wilterding, Lowell Milken Center
James Wood, DBB Inc. & Holmtown Pub
Rachel Carpenter, representing City of Fort Scott
Special thanks to Craig Campbell of GNAT and Barb McCord of Bourbon County Garden Club for all of your assistance with this event, and to Bailey Lyons for use of Lyons Realty Group as the check-in location.
You’ve never seen Fort Scott like this before…Be part of something powerful. Be part of our story.
✨
The premiere of Fort Scott Stories is more than a film. It’s a moving look at the heart, history, and people that make our community what it is today ❤️
From youth to elders, business owners to community leaders… this is Fort Scott. Raw, real, and unforgettable.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees
Every Thursday at 8am
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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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
Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!
BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)
KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott
Every Tuesday 9am-4pm
Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.
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 Matthew Wells, Tracy Dancer, Tim Van Hoecke, Julie Buchta and Mayor Kathryn Salsbury were present.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Chief Dave Bruner/FSFD, Chief Jason Pickert/FSPD, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Lisa Dillon/Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspections LLC, Ben Hart/BakerTilly (by phone), Darrin Petrowski/KDOT, Michael Hoyt, Patrick Wood, Geoffrey Marr, Dilynn Marr, Anita Walden/Freeman, Kevin Allen, Doug Eden .
SALSBURY led the Pledge of Allegiance and BUCHTA 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 agenda with the amendment of removal of Unfinished Business/Item A Consideration to Initiate Contractor License. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1404-A – Expense Approval Report-Payment Dates of February 25, 2026 – March 10, 2026 – $1,270,095.98
– Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of March 3, 2026
– February Financials
Public Comment
Geoffrey Marr addressed the Commission regarding the airplane hangar currently owned by the City. He would like to lease or purchase it and fix it up and negotiate a long lease instead of it being torn down.
ACTION: MATKIN will meet with MARR regarding an arrangement.
Anita Walden addressed the Commission to introduce herself as the Chief Administrative Officer at the new Freeman Hospital. She also thanked the City for their continued support.
Kevin Allen addressed the Commission in hopes to comment on the KDOT maintenance agreement specifically on Wall Street.
Appearances
Garth Herrmann/Gilmore & Bell – HERRMANN could not be present. HART presented Resolution No. 17-2026 Authorizing and Providing for the Construction Sanitary Sewer Pumping Station Improvements and Providing for the Payment of the Costs. He stated that there will be another Resolution in the future.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the Resolution. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Darrin Petrowski/KDOT – PETROWSKI addressed the Commission regarding KDOT Maintenance Agreement on Hwy 69 and Hwy 54.
New Business
Public Hearing:
Vacation of Street and Alleys – Doug Eden – Consideration of Petition to Repeal Ordinance No. 3579 and Approve Ordinance No. 3796 – Vacation of Street and Alleys
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
FARMER left the meeting at 6:58PM and returned at 7:00PM.
EDEN presented his petition to vacate the north-south alley. It was recommended that the prior ordinance (No. 3579) be repealed and replaced with Ordinance No. 3796 addressing the vacation of Durkee Street, the east-west alley and the north-south alley for clarity.
MOTION: WELLS moved to close the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the vacation. After having heard all the testimony on said petition on the 17TH day of MARCH, 2026 and all necessary information in order to fully understand the true nature of this petition, the City Commission of the City of Fort Scott, upon motion of DANCER and seconded by BUCHTA, passed and approved to repeal Ordinance No. 3579 and the petition of the Petitioner to and vacate the platted Durkee Street located between Lots 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, Block 4 and Lots 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19,21, 23, 25, 27, Block 2, all in Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas; AND the alley running East and West through Lots 1-28, Block 2, Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas; AND the alley running North and South along the East side of Lots 27 & 28, Block 2, Durkee and Stout’s Addition to the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas. BUCHTA seconded. (Excerpt of Minutes of the same but separate document was submitted to Bourbon County Deeds for recording of the vacation).
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Action Items:
Consideration of Resolution No. 16-2026 and MELPA – Firetruck Financing
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve Resolution No. 16-2026. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of Proposals for Fire Station Exhaust system
BRUNER stated that they received an Assistant to Firefighters Grant (AFG) last year for $106, 571.42 to be used for the exhaust systems in both fire stations. He went out for proposals (RFP) and received (2) back. The first was from Air Clean for $101,750.00, the second from MagnaGrip that submitted (3) options however their lowest option was $106,913.00. BRUNER requested that the Commission approve the proposal from Air Clean.
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to approve the recommendation to accept the proposal from Air Cleaning for $101,750.00. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of 2026 Ground Lease Bids
MATKIN stated that (3) bids were received: $15,700.00, $13,160.00, and $11,776.00.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the bid for $15,700.00 from Mike Fritter of Richards, MO for the Ground Lease Bid of 94-acres. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of 2026 Cape Seal Program Proposal
MATKIN stated that we received (1) proposal from Vance Brothers for $388,948.00 and recommended that the Commission accept their proposal for the 2026 project.
MOTION: BUCHTA moved to approve the 2026 Cape Seal Program proposal as it’s been presented. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Consideration of Ordinance No. 3795– AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 3782 for CLG
DILLON stated that SHPO and the National Parks Service requested amendments to the ordinance for the CLG. She drafted what they asked for and FARMER approved to form. She requested that the Commission approve the ordinance so it could be submitted and the City could receive its CLG status.
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve Ordinance No. 3795. DANCER seconded. BUCHTA, WELLS, DANCER and SALSBURY voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1
Consideration of Amendment to Zoning Regulations – Connex Boxes – L. Dillon
DILLON stated that the Planning Commission has viewed the City Commission’s initial request and is returning it to the City Commission to make the decision.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve to table until April 7, 2026. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0
Reports and Comments
City Engineer:
– Davis Lift Station update
– Railroad permit
– Survey scheduled for Wall St.
– E. National utility plan sent out
City Attorney: No Comment
City Manager:
– Moody building update
– Railroad dialogue and spur system talks happening
– Homeless situation in town
Commissioner Wells:
– Fort Scott Greyhounds going for title
Commissioner Van Hoecke:
– Homeless situation
Commissioner Dancer:
– SLA draft and 5-year lifecycle management plan for IT – April 7th
ACTION: MATKIN will email all Commissioners prior to next meeting.
Commissioner Buchta:
– Shop local to help with sales tax
Commissioner Salsbury:
– Fish Fry until Good Friday at St. Mary’s
– 8th & Eddy intersection open
Adjourn
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:51PM. DANCER seconded.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1405-A ($763,783.28)
Approval of Minutes from March 17, 2026
Request to Pay Application No. 1 – Davis Lift Station Mobilization ($28,596.00)
VI. Public Comment
VII. Appearances
Alex Swanker – City Property Purchase
VIII. Unfinished Business
Ordinance No. 3799 (Contractor License)
Ordinance No. 3797 (Connex Boxes)
IX. New Business
Ordinance No. 3798 (Disband Design Review Board)
Sale of Fire Truck
Purchase of Lift Station Equipment
Bids for Gunn Park Retaining Walls
Extension of Hay Rights
X. Reports and Comments
XI. Adjourn
Detailed Agenda Action Items
Consent Agenda (Page 1)
The Commission will consider the approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1405-A, which covers expenses totaling $763,783.28 for the period between March 11, 2026, and April 12, 2026. This section also includes the approval of minutes from the previous regular meeting held on March 17, 2026. Additionally, there is a request to pay $28,596.00 to Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking, Inc. for mobilization costs, including bond expenses and materials, related to the Davis Lift Station project.
Appearances (Page 1)
Alex Swanker is scheduled to appear before the Commission to discuss a proposal for the purchase of a parcel of land currently owned by the City of Fort Scott.
Unfinished Business (Page 1)
The Commission will revisit two items tabled from the March 17, 2026 meeting:
Ordinance No. 3799: Regarding Contractor Licenses, presented by B. Matkin.
Ordinance No. 3797: Regarding regulations for Connex Boxes, presented by L. Dillon.
New Business Action Items (Page 1)
Several key decisions are scheduled for this meeting:
Design Review Board: Consideration of Ordinance No. 3798, which proposes the disbanding of the Design Review Board.
Fire Department Assets: A request by D. Bruner to approve the sale of a city fire truck.
Infrastructure Improvements: Approval is sought for the purchase of new pumps, a control panel, and guide rails for the Williamsburg and White Grill Lift Stations at a cost of $25,860.00.
Gunn Park Maintenance: B. Matkin will present bids for the necessary repair of retaining walls located at Gunn Park.
Agricultural Rights: The Commission will consider a request to extend hay rights on city-managed land for a period of three years.
Inside the Kingfisher Inn, 742 S. National Avenue, Fort Scott. From its Facebook page.
The two historic mansions on South National Avenue are back to business.
Following a couple of changes of ownership since they were known as The Lyons Mansions, the north mansion is ready for travelers once again, and the south mansion is currently rented for office spaces.
Daniel Kerr is the owner of Kingfisher Properties LLC and owns the two mansions, plus a small house on the property that faces Judson Street.
“In December, I was hired as the manager,” said Mindy McDonald. “We offer boutique lodging, more upscale. We are just now starting to get the word out that we are open.”
Mindy McDonald is the manager of the Kingfisher Inn in Fort Scott. Submitted photo.
One can rent the entire mansion or a single room.
Single use allows usage of the common areas in the building: living area, billiard room, sun room, she said.
The east side of the Kingfisher Inn. One can see the sun room available for guests. From its Facebook page.
“To rent the entire mansion, prices start at $600 per night,” she said. “It will sleep 16 people.”
There is a full kitchen with various coffee makers, stove, oven, full fridge, and dishwasher available for guest use.
The single room starts at $130 per night, excluding the cleaning fee and taxes.
“There is a family suite on the third floor that starts at $210, with two bedrooms and two baths and a sitting area. It sleeps 8 people, with three beds in one room and one bed in another.”
“The Kingfisher Inn stands out as a piece of history in Fort Scott,” she said. “It’s pretty important to keep these historic buildings alive. It’s unique to stay in an historic building. My husband and I stayed in the Lyons Mansion when visiting Fort Scott, when Miss Pat was the host and owner.”
“We operate like an Airbnb, through me,” she said. “They self-check into their room and contact me with any issues during their stay.”
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, April 2nd at 8 a.m., hosted by Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize.
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village is a faith-based, not-for-profit community offering independent and assisted living, along with a variety of services that support residents in maintaining an active, engaging lifestyle.
During the Chamber Coffee, guests will also learn about the Village’s current Art is Ageless program and exhibit, on display March 30 through April 10. This annual juried exhibit showcases the creativity of artists aged 65 and older, with selected works eligible to be featured in the 2027 Art is Ageless calendar.
The Art is Ageless program encourages local seniors to express their creativity through visual arts, music, lifelong learning, and community engagement throughout the year.
For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit the Events Calendar at fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.
