Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Minutes of Oct. `

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of October 1, 2024                                                              Regular Meeting

 

A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held October 1, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. Meeting available on City of Fort Scott YouTube Channel. Time stamps according to recording.

 

Meeting called to order at 6:00PM. Commissioners Tim VanHoecke, Dyllon Olson, Matthew Wells, and Kathryn Salsbury were present with Mayor Tracy Dancer.

 

Audience in Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering, Caleb Bell/FSPD Lieutenant, Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director, Carey Spoon/Executive Director of Southeast Kansas Regional Planning & Development Consultant, Michael Hoyt.

 

  1. Dancer led the Pledge of Allegiance and M. Wells said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda – (Time stamp 2:29)

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the agenda as presented.  D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Approval of Consent Agenda – (Time stamp 3:02)

– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1369-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of September 11, 2024 – September 24, 2024 – $449,830.43

-Approval of Minutes for September 3, 2024, September 9, 2024, September 17, 2024, and September 24, 2024.

-Request to Pay – Heck & Wicker, Inc. – Project No. 24-414 – Horton St. & 6th St. Improvements – Application for Payment No. 3 – $60,439.46

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Public Comments

 

Michael Hoyt – (Time stamp 3:34) – a reminder to the citizens that October 14th will be the last day for voter registration and to request a mail-in ballot for the November 5th election, early voting begins October 21st. He also distributed postcards as a reminder and to explain the item on the ballot regarding the move from (3) to (5) County Commissioner Districts.

 

Appearances

 

Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director – (Time stamp 4:53) addressed the Commission with an update on Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), and the status of the Wastewater Treatment Plant lagoons. Graphs kept from January 2022 until August 2024 were distributed. They illustrated: loads from ADM, charges to ADM, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) average, chemical oxygen demand (COD) average, total suspended solids, pH on load, total phosphorus, total Kjeldahl nitrogen average, and reuse water sold to ADM. The conditions of the lagoons at the WWTP are healthy. ADM continues to work on their pre-treatment. AMS still has (5) trailers on location and continue to dump the advanced microbes into the lagoon, and once a week agitate the sludge by boat. Measurements of the sludge level are not routinely provided to S. Flater. He stated that in the future, Lagoon #1 will need to be dewatered to remove the inorganic sludge (such as rocks, sand, etc.) which comes mainly from the storm and sanitary sewer systems.

 

  1. Olson would like to see an MOU drawn up with AMS putting terms on paper regarding reimbursement.

 

ACTION: D. Olson will send contact information to S. Flater regarding the previous mechanical dredge of one of the lagoons.

 

  1. Matkin stated that they will be discussing the contract prior to the expiration date of the current contract in December 2024.

 

ACTION: S. Flater will get sludge level numbers from AMS.

 

ACTION: B. Matkin and S. Flater will talk to ADM regarding their previous offer to help the City with the mechanical dredging at their meeting on October 10, 2024.

 

  1. Flater explained that the long-term plan will be created when ADM solves their lagoon issues as they will not want to pay for AMS any longer once that happens.

 

Discussion was had regarding the level limits that are set for the lagoons and the long-term impact of the discontinuation of AMS. ADM has a long-term plan to pipeline the water to Fort Scott instead of hauling, therefore they are working on improving their lagoons and pre-treatment process.

 

Unfinished Business

Status of Building at 118 E. Wall – Requested documents from owner due per September 24, 2024, Special City Commission meeting – (Time stamp 29:58)

  1. Matkin received documents from Jose Montanez by email (on September 30, 2024) and the Commissioners were given printed copies at the table. He was told that they will be starting this week and have a lift at the site. They need to obtain a permit from the Codes Department prior to beginning the work which requires documents that are still missing: certificate of liability for the building, structural engineering report and scope of work. The documents provided are not what was requested by the Commission.

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin will ask Jose Montanez for a copy of the liability insurance for the building at 118 E. Wall St.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting at (Time stamp 45:01) and returned at (Time stamp 47:37).

 

Missing pages of the email were printed and distributed to the Commissioners by B. Matkin.

 

Discussion was had regarding the missing documents that needed to be submitted before the permit to begin work could be issued by the Codes Department.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to extend the timeline to the October 15th deadline, still requesting the (2) pieces of documentation – the timeline for the work and the structural engineer’s report (from RetroPros for the work being performed) – laying out his scope of work as indicated from the permanent repair recommendations.

 

Further discussion was had regarding the engineering report that was provided (to date) and the current contractor (RetroPro). It was determined that the report provided was from Thomas Rewert, however he is the engineer that was fired by the building owner.  M. Wells stated that what has been provided is a scope of work by a contractor who has still not provided any structural engineer report and the work listed on the scope, according to that structural engineer report, cannot be performed. He stated that the work being performed must be certified by a structural engineer or it is not guaranteed to be structurally safe, and the buildings will not be reopened.

 

  1. Kruger commented on the lift and scaffolding options.

 

  1. VanHoecke left the meeting at (Time stamp 57:05).

 

  1. Dancer clarified that in the previous meeting the building owner told the Commission that they had fired this gentleman (T. Rewert) and they were going to hire a different contractor now that they had the recommendations to do the work that the structural engineer (T. Rewert) recommended. The building owner stated they were going with Option 2. He stated that the scope of work from RetroPros does not describe Option 2 from the structural engineering report provided.

 

  1. VanHoecke returned to the meeting at (Time stamp 58:43).

 

Further discussion was had regarding the intentions of the Commission in the matter and the options if the deadline is not met.

 

  1. Salsbury seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Approval of Certificate of Substantial Completion – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Tabled from September 17, 2024 – (Time stamp 1:03:24) – J. Dickman explained the work that had been completed according to the request of the Commission at the September 17, 2024 meeting.

 

  1. Matkin left the meeting at 1:04:36.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to approve the Certificate of Substantial Completion for Project No. 22-031B.  K. Salsbury seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Payment Application No. 5 – $8,075.00 – Tabled from September 17, 2024.

 

Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion – Payment Application No. 6 FINAL (Retainage) – $10,397.85 – Tabled from September 17, 2024.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to pay Payment Application No. 5 and Payment Application No. 6 (Final Retainage) for Project No. 22-031B. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

New Business /Public Hearing:

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to open the public hearing at 7:06PM (Time stamp 1:06:08). M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Consideration of Submission of Application on behalf of the City of Fort Scott to the Kansas Department of Commerce for a CDBG Grant under the Community Centers & Parks Category for improvements at Memorial Hall – C. Spoon/Executive Director of Southeast Kansas Regional Planning & Development

  1. Spoon read the following statement: This project proposes replacing existing windows with new aluminum windows, replace existing steel lintels, restore the damaged brick and cast stone masonry, and mend the masonry and mortar joints. The roof at the northeast corner of the building will also be restored. The estimated total project cost is $751,484.75 with a grant request of $569,000.

 

There were no public comments.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to close the public hearing at 7:08PM (Time stamp 1:08:17).  D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. Matkin returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:09:20).

 

MOTION: T. VanHoecke moved to go forward with the CDBG grant application regarding Commerce for Small Cities Community Development Block Grant funds under the Community Centers & Parks Category for Memorial Hall.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.’

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

New Business/Action Items:

Consideration to Approve Renewal of the Downtown Historic District and Riverfront Park Common Consumption Area Permit (existing Ordinance No. 3756) – annual permit expires November 21, 2024 – (Time stamp 1:10:21) – City Clerk explained that the annual permit needs to be renewed at this time. If the Commission wishes to make any changes to the Ordinance, including the boundaries, it must be done and passed before the application can be submitted to the state.

 

Discussion was had regarding options to change the existing boundaries.

 

ACTION:  B. Matkin will talk to Jill Jaworski/Superintendent of Fort Scott National Historic Site regarding the inclusion of the Pavilion and Skubitz Plaza in the Common Consumption Area.

 

MOTION:  T. VanHoecke moved to table this item until the October 15, 2024, meeting.  M. Wells seconded the motion.  All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

Reports and Comments

           

City Manager (Time stamp 1:19:16)

– Received COI from the building owner of 118 E. Wall by email.

– Cape Seal Update

– Weekend Events: Gordon Parks event, Pioneer Harvest Fiesta and Parade, Alumni Rodeo and comedy show

– VanFossen Update

– Horton & 6th St. Project Update

 

City Engineer (Time stamp 1:20:49)

– Horton & 6th St. Project Update

 

  1. Farmer left the meeting (Time stamp 1:21:08)

 

  1. VanHoecke (Time stamp 1:22:07)

–  Many exciting things in Fort Scott

–  Request to pray for NC, SC, GA and FL, please help where you can

 

  1. Farmer returned to the meeting (Time stamp 1:22:47).

 

  1. Wells (Time stamp 1:23:02)

–  Special thank you to Care to Share people for their past event

–  Request to pray for the hurricane victims

 

  1. Salsbury (Time stamp 1:24:20)

–  Spent some extra time in town this week, beautiful both visually and in spirit

and noted the progress we are making

 

  1. Olson (Time stamp 1:24:39)

–  Care to Share Fort Fest was a great event

–  Contractors’ licensing program needs to move forward. Will be putting an Ordinance together and bring before the Commission.

 

  1. Dancer (Time stamp 1:26:27)

–  Thank you to the organizations hosting events that make our town great

–  Moving school zone speed limit signs North of 8th St. and South of 12th St.

–  Follow up of annexation report requested of City Attorney

–  Lake property storage encroachments

–  Lake shore easement encroachments

–  IT Infrastructure for the City – IT Equipment Purchase Moratorium suggested pending the acceptable report of equipment currently in use and a diagram of our current IT infrastructure.

 

Discussion was had about IT concerns and the moratorium.

 

ACTION:  IT Department to provide answers to the questions T. Dancer has submitted prior to the invitation to appear at the next meeting, October 15, 2024, for an update.

 

City Attorney (Time stamp 1:39:28)

– Teresa Davenport and Cory Bryars did an exceptional job with the Care to Share event

 

Executive Session

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved for the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of a legal matter pursuant to the attorney-client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). The meeting will resume in the Commission Room at 8:00PM after recessing in the City Manager’s office. In the meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners, the City Manager and the City Attorney. T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to come out of Executive Session.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. M. Wells, T. VanHoecke, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted yes. K. Salsbury was not at the table to vote.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  moved for the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of a legal matter pursuant to the attorney-client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). The meeting will resume in the Commission Room at 8:11PM.  In the meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners, the City Manager and the City Attorney. D. Olson seconded the motion. M. Wells, T. VanHoecke, D. Olson and T. Dancer voted yes. K. Salsbury was not at the table to vote.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 4-0 VOTE.

 

MOTION:  M. Wells moved to come out of Executive Session.  T. VanHoecke seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:11PM. D. Olson seconded the motion. All voted yes.

 

MOTION PASSED BY 5-0 VOTE.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:11PM (Time stamp 2:11:14).

 

WORK SESSION, REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024, BEGINNING AT 5:00PM AT CITY HALL

 

 

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for the FS City Commission for Oct. 15

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

October 15, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.     Call to Order
  2.     Roll Call

Tim VanHoecke,   Matthew Wells,   Dyllon Olson,   Kathryn Salsbury,  Tracy Dancer

III.       Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Invocation
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Consent Agenda
  4. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1370-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of September 25, 2024 – October 8, 2024 – $ 734,821.86
  5. Approval of Minutes for October 1, 2024.
  6. September Financials

 

VII.    Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

VIII.     Appearances – Must be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting             

              you wish to address the Commission. You will be scheduled on the agenda to speak on your topic.

 

  1. Kathy Dancer – Alley Repairs in Downtown Fort Scott

 

  1. Unfinished Business
  2. Status of Building at 118 E. Wall – Requested documents from owner due per October 1, 2024, extension approved until October 15, 2024.
  3. Consideration to Approve Renewal of the Downtown Historic District and Riverfront Park Common Consumption Area Permit (existing Ordinance No. 3756) – annual permit expires November 21, 2024 – Tabled from October 1, 2024.

 

  1. New Business

 

Public Hearing:

  1. Consideration to Approve Ordinance No. 3771 – Floodplain Management Ordinance – Pursuant to 44 CFR Sect. 60.3(d) – Regulatory Floodway Identified, K.S.A. 12-766 and K.A.R. 5-44-1 through 5-44-7 – Wyatt, N. Nation, B. Allen

 

  1. Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 28-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1721 E. Wall
  2. Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 29-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 323 W. Wall
  3. Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 30-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure located at 1619 E. Pine
  4. Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 31-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 1105 E. Scott
  5. Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 32-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 402 S. Lowman
  6. Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 33-2024 – Directing the Repair or Removal of an Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 418 S. Couch

 

Action Items:

  1. Consideration to Approve Resolution No. 27-2024 – Operation Greenlight for Veterans – that in observance of Operation Green Light, the City of Fort Scott, Kansas encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence from November 4th through the 11th, 2024 – Submitted by Michael Hoyt
  2. Consideration to Approve Healthcare MOU
  3. Consideration to Approve Federal-Aid Fund Exchange Master Agreement
  4. Consideration to Appoint Ann Rawlins to the Fort Scott Planning Commission – Recommended by the Planning Commission on October 2, 2024, to fill the vacant seat of the (7) member Commission.
  5. Consideration of MOU Between City of Fort Scott and Old Fort Genealogical Society (OFGS) for Usage of the Eastern Side, Lower Level of Memorial Hall
  6. Consideration of a Change Order on Project No. 6 U-2455-01 Horton St. & 6th Project – Replace/Repair Inlet and Manholes – J. Dickman
  7. Reports and Comments
  8. City Manager Comments
  9. Engineering Comments
  10.  Commissioners Comments
  11. City Attorney Comments

 

XII.      Adjourn

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Annual Downtown Trick or Treat Parade Is Oct. 26

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The Fort Scott Chamber announces the Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat Parade!!!

SPONSORS NEEDED!

The past couple of years the attendance has been growing for the Downtown Trick-or-Treat parade with 600+ kids in attendance! At the end of the parade, we serve a slice of Papa Don’s pizza and a drink to each child who is in costume. We have been very thankful for the gracious donations from you all in the past!

If your business is interested in making a donation, please contact us! Click here to email us or call the

Chamber at 620-223-3566.

We will accept monetary donations or other items such as pop, juices, or bottled water.

Saturday, October 26, 2024 @ 11:00 AM

10-11am: Halloween photo backdrop for pictures with your own camera.

Face painting will be offered by the Fort Scott High School Pride and Thespian Clubs!

11am: Parade will start at La Hacienda, down the west side of Main Street to 2nd, then back down the east side of Main Street to Skubitz Plaza.

Following parade: A slice of pizza and a drink will be served to the kids in costume provided through the generous donation of local businesses!

__________

***Businesses along Main Street will be handing out candy during the parade, and businesses not on Main Street as well as any community organizations are welcome to set up a table along Main to pass out candy, coupons, promo items, etc.***

Please email the Chamber if your business or organization will be passing out candy so we

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

Fort Scott Halloween Parade

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For Immediate Release
October 10, 2024
Submitted By: Lindsay Madison
Phone: (620) 223-3566
Email: [email protected]
HALLOWEEN PARADE
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces this year’s Halloween Parade will
be held Saturday, October 26th at 11:00 a.m. in Downtown Fort Scott.
Prior to the parade, starting at 10:00 a.m., there will be special activities including
pictures with a spooktacular backdrop at the City Scales building on North Main and face
painting by Fort Scott High School Thespians.
The parade trick-or-treats merchants along Main Street, starting at La Hacienda, south to
2nd Street, crossing the street then heading north back to Skubitz Plaza. Any businesses
or organizations in the community not located along Main Street are also welcome to set
up a table on the sidewalk providing treats, coupons, or other handouts for kids. Children
are encouraged to bring a sack or bag to collect treats along the parade route.
Following the parade, a free slice of pizza sponsored by Papa Don’s and a drink will be
served to kids in costumes.
The Chamber is currently seeking sponsors and donations for the event. Contact the
Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Military Vehicle Preservation Group Convoy Visits Fort Scott On Oct. 13-14

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Military Vehicle Preservation Association logo from it website.

 

The community will see a unique group of vehicles in Fort Scott on October 13 and 14.

The 2024 Military Vehicle Preservation Association Convoy is coming through on its way to Louisiana from Minnesota.

The group was started in the 1970s by “a crazy group of people who started collecting vehicles,” said Charles Toney, convoy planner with responsibility of Fort Scott to New Orleans for the group. They are now in 100 countries around the world.

“The Military Vehicle Preservation Association is an international group of thousands of folks who purchase, rebuild and maintain ground-based military vehicles or transportation equipment,” he said. “MVPA.org. I believe 1974 was when it started.”

“The purpose is to preserve history and educate the public. I drive and maintain three vehicles because I enjoy the challenges and am a retired educator.”

City of Fort Scott Public Relations and Tourism Director, Jackson Tough said “We truly enjoy hosting groups like the Military Vehicle Preservation Association Convoy! Everyone wins when groups like this come through Fort Scott. We offer them a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions and they offer our community an opportunity to see some very interesting military vehicles that we don’t often get to see.”

“There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes prep,” Jackson said.  “We’ve been working on coordinating this for about a year and I’m glad the convoy is almost here. I hope folks join us at the National Historic Site and the VFW to experience these incredible vehicles and the patriots that pilot them.”

Where One Can View The Vehicles

The convoy of approximately 27 military vehicles will be on display at the Fort Scott National Historic Site (199 Old Fort Blvd.) from noon -2 PM while they tour the fort and historic downtown district on Sunday, October 13, according to a press release from Fort Scott’s Tourism Department.

The drivers and passengers will stay overnight in Fort Scott and be hosted for breakfast by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Post #1165, on Monday, October 14.  The post is located at 1745 S. National. The convoy vehicles will be on display again Monday morning at the VFW from 7:30 -10 A.M.

Afterward, they will travel through the Fort Scott National Cemetery as they depart for the next leg of the journey to Pittsburg, Kansas and points south, according to the press release.

The convoy will retrace the historic 1918 Jefferson Highway route from the Minnesota-Canadian border to New Orleans, Louisiana, traversing 2,500 miles. The group will travel through Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana.

Vehicles, the oldest of which is from the 1940s, include Humvees, Jeeps and a Half, MRAP, Willys, MRZR, Tac-Ops, RSOV, and others.

 

Taken from the Facebook page of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association.

The Route

The Jefferson Highway was built in the 1910s as part of the national auto trail system, an informal network of marked routes that existed in the United States and Canada. Named for President Thomas Jefferson and inspired by the east–west Lincoln Highway, the Jefferson Highway was nicknamed the “Palm to Pine Highway” for the varying types of trees found at either end.

 

For more information and to follow the convoy: www.facebook.com/MVPAConvoy.

Fort Scott

U.S. 54 railroad crossing to close at Fort Scott On October 14-16 For Repairs

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On Monday, Oct. 14, the BNSF Railway will close and begin repairs on the U.S. 54 railroad crossing at Fort Scott (see map). The crossing is expected to close to traffic from around 7 a.m. Monday until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, weather permitting.

 

Traffic should follow the signed detour on Fort Scott city streets. The detour has an 11-foot driving lane width restriction and a vehicle length limit of 80 feet. Persons with questions may contact Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.

Art, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

Thespian Tea Party This Saturday For Local Youth

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Fort Scott High School Thespians from its Facebook page  Back row: Charlie Chaplin, Kaiden Clary, Junie Fisher, Ava Johnson, Angie Bin, Brooke Barnett, Emma Bin, Kate Morillo Front: Tobi Larrabee, Emily Endicott, Allie Wards, Cooper George, Chris Newman, Emi King.

The Fort Scott High School Thespians are hosting their 7th Annual Royal-Tea and Friends Party this Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at the FSHS Commons area and Courtyard.

“This is an annual fundraiser for the FSHS Thespian Troupe,” said teacher Angela Bin. “Many students play their chosen character throughout high school and some pass their character on to an underclassman when they graduate.”

The thespian students provide a snack, activity or craft and dress as their chosen character.

“We also have costumes that the children who attend can dress up in if they choose to,” Bin said.

In this land of make-believe children can join their favorite princesses and princes, queens and kings and other members of the royal court.

They are invited to take photos with favorite characters as they make crafts, have treats and play games.

Over 30 FSHS Thespians will be dressed in character and lead the event.

New this year is the inclusion of superheroes, villains and other cartoon characters.

Attendees are encouraged to come in costume as well.

Tickets for this special event are $5 per child and must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets may be purchased online in advance at fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door.

Featured characters are the stars of the FSHS Fall Musical – Frozen Jr.

They include Junie Fisher as Elsa, Chris Newman as Anna, Theodore Bowman as Olaf, and Mykael Lewis as Kristoff.

FSHS performs Frozen Jr. on Nov. 12 and 14 at 7 p.m. and on Nov. 16 at 2 and 7 p.m.

For more information, please see the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page or contact Angie Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Scammers Are Active in Bourbon County

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Cell phone photo taken from Pixabay.
Scammers have figured out countless ways to get people to part with their money.
In some phone scams, they act friendly and helpful. In others, they threaten or try to scare you. They’ll do what it takes to get your money or your personal information to commit identity theft, according to the Federal Trade Commission https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/phone-scams#howtorecognize
There have been some scammers working in Bourbon County.
On Monday, October 7, Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department Administrator Becky Johnson posted this on the agency’s Facebook page:
“If you or your business have been contacted by Promotional Specialties International requesting donations on behalf of the SEK Multi-County Health Department or Bourbon County Health Department, please be aware that this is not a legitimate request. They have falsely claimed that we are seeking sponsorships for t-shirts, which is not the case.
“This group has previously engaged in similar activities, successfully obtaining funds from several businesses under the pretense of supporting our local health department. We strongly advise against making any donations to this organization. Numerous complaints are noted in the Better Business Bureau for the same issues in other states.”
Patty Simpson, Executive Director of Fort Scott Housing Authority posted on her Facebook page yesterday:
“I received a call yesterday from a similar organization wanting donations to sponsor for the Uniontown School District. I told them we were a government entity and were not allowed to do such. Then she asked me if I knew of any other business that would be willing to donate. “
  
After being notified of the phone solicitation for his district,  USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden a few hours later posted on the Uniontown Public Schools USD 235 Facebook page:
“SCAM ALERT! If you receive a call from someone that you don’t know who is soliciting donations on behalf of USD 235, please do not give them funds. We were made aware of a call center trying to do this. Please know that they are not acting on our behalf nor providing us with any monies that they collect. Please share this information with those who may need it.”

How To Stop Calls From Scammers

Hang up

Even if it’s not a scammer calling, when a company is calling you illegally, it’s not a company you want to do business with. When you get a robocall, don’t press any numbers to let you speak to a live operator or remove you from their call list. Instead, it might lead to more robocalls.

Consider call blocking or call labeling

Scammers don’t care if you’re on the National Do Not Call Registry. That’s why call blocking is your best defense against unwanted calls. Which type of call-blocking or call-labeling technology you use will depend on the phone — whether it’s a cell phone, a traditional landline, or a home phone that makes calls over the internet (VoIP). See what services your phone carrier offers and look online for expert reviews. For cell phones, also check out the reviews for different call-blocking apps in your app store. Learn more about blocking unwanted calls.

Don’t trust your caller ID

Scammers can make any name or number show up on your caller ID. That’s called spoofing. So even if it looks like it’s a government agency like the Social Security Administration calling, or like the call is from a local number, it could be a scammer calling from anywhere in the world.

Learn more about unwanted calls and what to do about them at ftc.gov/calls.

Church news, Fort Scott, History

View the authentic historical artifacts from the Isreal, Middle East, and Asia Minor on Oct. 25-27

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Sending on behalf of Chamber member First Southern Baptist Church…
First Southern Baptist Church invites everyone of all ages!

October 25-27th

 

The Enduring Word Travel Museum

Teaching the History and Significance of the Bible

Non-denominational Exhibit & Programs

View the authentic historical artifacts dating back to 5000 years from the Holy Land, Middle East, and Asia Minor.

Ancient Torahs, Bibles, manuscripts, and pottery.

Plus, a working replica of the Gutenberg press.

Like used to print the first-ever Bible.
See the chart below for event times or click here for a printable copy:
A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Fort Scott, Schools

2024 Early Childhood Trunk-or-Treat Organizer Invites Resource Providers/Community Partners

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On behalf of the USD 234 School District, we would like to invite you to the 2024 Early Childhood Trunk-or-Treat.  This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, October 30 from 4:30-6:00 PM at the Fort Scott Preschool Center Gym.  All children ages birth through six years old and their families are invited to attend. Last year, school staff and community partners were able to connect with 205 children and their families at our Trunk-or-Treat.

 

If you are a family resource provider or a community partner, we invite you to attend and set up a table from which children can trick-or-treat.  Agencies typically pass out snacks, candy, trinkets, small prizes, etc.  During this time, you may also provide brochures, resources, and/or helpful information related to your program.  Our goal is to inform families about the resources available in our community.

If you plan to attend our event, please fill out the form below by Friday, October 18th so we can have a table reserved for your organization.

 

Early Childhood Trunk-or-Treat Reservation

 

Nick Johnson, FSPC Principal

[email protected]

(620) 223-8965

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Murder and Mayhem at the Fort: Special Halloween Candle Lantern Tours

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Fort Scott, Kan. – Thursday, October 31, 2024, join Fort Scott National Historic Site for a special candle lantern walk through the Murder and Mayhem at the Fort. Tour leaders, from the 1840s-1860s, will share some of the lesser told tragedies and macabre events that were far too common in Fort Scott’s 19th century. These four special Halloween lantern tours will start every 30 minutes beginning at 6:30 pm. Tours are free and open to the public however space is limited and required reservations will open Friday, October 18, at 8:30 am.

 

Those with reservations, please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park and get oriented. Participants are advised to please dress for the weather and conditions, as the entire tour will be outside and on sidewalks.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

-NPS-

 

Credit Photo as: NPS Photo

Business, Fort Scott

Name Change For Mortgage Business at 1 E. Wall Street

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Guild Mortgage company, National Avenue and Wall Street in downtown Fort Scott.
Open Mortgage has a new name:  Guild Mortgage
 
The business, located downtown at  1 E. Wall Street, started with Guild Mortgage on June 17, 2024.
 
“We wanted more opportunities to help more clients,” said David Vonfeldt, branch manager. “With us moving to Guild Mortgage we are able to offer more loan programs to assist more clients. The company itself has been in business for over 63 years and is ranked in the top 10 for mortgage companies.”
 
The services the business offers the community are home loans, Home Equity Line of Credit HELOC loans, bridge Loans, refinancing.
“Bridge loans are short-term loans using your home’s equity to put money down on a new home before selling your current home,” he said.
To Buy A House
The process of getting a mortgage is complex, Vonfeldt said.
Here is a flyer for new home buyers wanting to know the process:  #3204155_Homebuying Process_Flyer_C
“The information needed to start the process is name, date of birth, two-year residence history, two-year work history, income, and assets. Most of all this information is entered into the loan application and then the appropriate documents are provided to prove the entered information.”
“Interest rates change every day and for me to quote an actual rate I would need to have an actual application for a mortgage. I can tell you that we are very competitive on interest rates and that they are starting to come down,” he said.
“We are the number one U.S. Department of Agriculture lender in the country which gives us the ability to give great interest rates and favorable terms. A USDA loan is a no-money-down loan for low to moderate-income families and is a very popular loan in rural areas, which makes it a great option for the residents of Ft. Scott.”
For more information call +1 (620) 268-2945.
  David Vonfeldt – Branch Manager       
                             
Joe’ Fritter – Loan Officer      
            
 
 Monica Creighton – Originating Loan Officer/Assistant