Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott

Naomi Arnold Receives Grant to Pursue Degree in Nursing

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Naomi Arnold was recently awarded a P.E.O. Continuing Education Grant. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. Fort Scott P.E.O. Chapter CA nominated Naomi. Pictured left to right is Chapter CA President Kate Freeman, recipient Naomi Arnold, and Continuing Education Co-Chair Joyce Davenport. Submitted photo.

 

Naomi Arnold, a student at Pittsburg State University, was awarded a P.E.O.  Continuing Education Grant. She is sponsored by P.E.O. Chapter CA of Fort Scott, KS.

 

The P.EO. Program for Continuing Education was established in 1973 to provide need-based grants to women in the United States and Canada whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to school to complete a degree or certification that will improve their marketable skills for employment to support themselves and/or families.

 

Naomi is pursuing a Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree. She took prerequisite classes at Fort Scott Community College. She was awarded a $3,800 international award to assist her in pursuing her degree.

 

P.E.O., a philanthropic educational organization, has been celebrating women by helping women reach for the stars for more than 155 years. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 125,000 women pursue educational goals by providing approximately $432 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. The Sisterhood also owns and supports Cottey College. Through membership, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has brought together more than a half a million women in the U.S. and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance through education while supporting and motivating them. In addition to the educational philanthropies, the P.E.O. Sisterhood provides a framework of support and community for all members.

 

What started with a bond of friendship among seven women in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is now one of the oldest women’s organizations in North America with close to 5,500 chapters. There are two chapters here in Fort Scott. To learn more about P.E.O., its powerful educational philanthropies and see stories of women who have benefited from the programs, visit peointernational.org. You can also join us at facebook.com/peointernational, and @PEOInternational on Instagram

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

The Rural Community Partners Website is officially live

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Jody Love

 

I have great news!  The Rural Community Partners Website is officially live!

 

Thanks to our Pittsburg State University Micro-Intern (funded through the Parker Dewey and the Kansas Department of Commerce), we have a BEAUTIFUL, user friendly website that clearly showcases our work and makes it easy for people to sign up for services, get involved, and connect with us.  It’s all part of our effort to find, connect, and engage across our rural communities!!

 

Explore the site:

 

The home page is here: https://www.ruralcommunitypartners.org/

 

Community Local Health Equity Action Team Page:  https://www.ruralcommunitypartners.org/programs/local-action-teams

 

Small Business and Entrepreneur Council Here:  https://www.ruralcommunitypartners.org/programs/entrepreneur-council

 

RCP Executive Board Members: https://www.ruralcommunitypartners.org/programs/board-members

 

And to sign up for all kinds of support or services:  https://www.ruralcommunitypartners.org/get-support

 

A few of the services offer to our rural communities:

  • General community support,
  • Small Business Mentorship Program (funded through HBCAT’s Social Entrepreneurship BCBS Pathways Grant),
  • Coalition and community technical assistance and community investment in partnership with KUMC COPE,
  • Small business micro grant program (a project we spearheaded with the support of our KFAN grant, funded by KHF)
  • Feasibility Studies and Cost Benefit Analysis

 

We’re incredibly proud of this milestone and grateful to the partners who helped make it happen. Please take a look, share the site, and encourage individuals, businesses, and community partners to explore how they can connect with Rural Community Partners.

 

 

Thank you to everyone involved in making this happen!!

 

Jody Love

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc.

Rural Community Partners

President and CEO

Office: 620-224-2563 Ext. 4

Cell: 620-215-2892

104 North National

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Entertainment, Fort Scott

New Additions at the Fort Scott Public Library

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Fort Scott Public Library, 2nd Street at National Avenue.

Late last year, the Fort Scott Public Library received notification it would receive a $10,000 gift in celebration of our country marking the 250th year since the Declaration of Independence was signed.

“The Carnegie grant is for the celebration of the U.S. 250th anniversary,” said the library director, Jennifer Gum-Fowler. “Out of the 1,280 Carnegie Libraries left operating, we are part of those 750 that are still in our original buildings. Which we are very proud of. We have not yet received the grant, but it is to arrive within the next couple of months. As of now, we are considering several areas for the grant funds, but haven’t settled on anything yet.”
Sensory Area

Currently, new additions from an American Library Association $20,000 grant last year are in the works for children of all ages.

“We have the new Shushbooth in and I have received the correct furniture, but am still waiting on just one piece for it to be complete,” she said. “The Shushbooth is a sound-deadening room where children can decompress with less stress. It is also where they can do therapy. When not in use for that purpose, the booth can be used by community members for study, job interviews, and telehealth. It is upstairs, next to the east window, so they can see the reading mural across the way and it is in the new study area. I have one more piece of furniture for the booth, and that will be done.It is available for patrons for limited use at this time.”

The Shushbooth at the Fort Scott Public Library.

 

 

The staff is creating a new children’s area, teen area and maker space for the library.

Fort Scott Public Library Awarded $20,000 For Children’s Section

“The Shushbooth is part of the ALA grant,” she said. ” It was $20,000 for the library to support a project serving children in the community with sensory issues. The Shushbooth and the sensory toys the library is ordering are tied to that grant. The toys are also slowly arriving.”
“Most of the furniture for the rest of the makeover spaces is in the building, just not in the locations where it will be once everything is finalized. I try to buy American-made as much as possible, so things trickle in as they get finished.
“The goal was to make the library a more welcoming space for children with sensory issues and to provide privacy when needed in a small building. This grant does that for children and their families, with the added benefit that others in the community benefit as well.”
“Once the makeover is complete, I will be on the lookout for more grants like that one so the library can contribute more to the community. My goal is to make the library a proactive part of Fort Scott and a place the community comes to hang out, learn, and grow.”
Jennifer Gum-Fowler is the Library Director and also does Adult Services.
Jennifer Gum-Fowler. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott Public Library
201 S National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-2882
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

News Release of USD2354 Board of Education Meeting on January 12

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                  

Superintendent                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

NEWS RELEASE

Monday, January 12, 2026

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, for their regular monthly meeting at 424 S Main.

 

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

 

David Stewart welcomed new Board Members.

 

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

Board Minutes

12-08-25

Financials – Cash Flow Report

Check Register

Payroll – December 20, 2025 – $1,831,678.21

Activity Funds Accounts

USD 234 Gifts

 

Superintendent Destry Brown informed the Board on the new Tiger Academy. As of now there are five students enrolled and they are doing well. Mr. Brown reviewed the handbook and daily routine of the Academy.

Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided a shared document. Mr. Mayfield provided an update on the Preschool building, Wrestling Facility, and budget information.

Assistant Superintendent Zach Johnson updated the Board on testing scores over the last ten years. Staff was thanked for the improvement in results. There will be a Board planning meeting to be set up in February.

Special Education Director Tonya Barnes shared an update on state reports. The district scored 100% on the Indicator 12. Mrs. Barnes thanked the SPED staff for the hard work on these reports.

 

 

The Board approved the following:

  • Resolution 25-14 To Establish Regular Board Meetings 2026
  • Resolution 25-15 To Establish Election of School Board Officers

 

Administration has updated and consolidated USD 234’s Human Resources Processes & Procedures to improve clarity, consistency, and fiscal stewardship related to staffing and hiring. The update formalizes vacancy review, centralizes HR coordination, and standardizes onboarding and exit procedures, while preserving existing board authority and hiring practices.

 

There were none present for public forum.

 

The Board went into an executive session for personnel matters.

 

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

 

PERSONNEL REPORT – APPROVED

January 12, 2026

 

RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS/RETIREMENTS:

 

Able, Andrew – Supplemental Resignation – Assistant Speech Coach – Middle School

Black, Staci – Retirement – Business Teacher – Middle School – end of 2025-26 school year

Burton, Toni – Termination – Teacher’s Aide – Middle School

Dotson, Destiny – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Eugene Ware

Guss, Stewart – Retirement – Bus Driver

Harper, Amy – Resignation – Math Teacher – High School – end of 2025-26 school year

Lail, Brandon – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Robertson, Tom – Supplemental Resignation – Head Boys Golf Coach – High School

Shaw, Mike – Termination – Custodian – Eugene Ware

Young, Annie – Resignation – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

 

Leave of Absence:

 

Engstrom, Lauren – Middle School – Jan 19 through April 7

 

TRANSFER:

Barnes, Jon – Supplemental – Assistant Boys Golf Coach to Head Boys Golf Coach – High School

Ruggero, Lucretia – Paraprofessional to ISS Supervisor – High School

 

EMPLOYMENT:

 

Classified Recommendations for 2025-26 School year:

 

Harper, Melonie – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Ingraham, Elizabeth – Paraprofessional – Winfield Scott

Lemcke, Hailey – Paraprofessional – High School

VanBuskirk, Don – Student Support – Middle School

 

Supplemental Recommendations for the 2025-26 school year:

 

Collins, Clayton – Supplemental – Assistant Baseball Coach – High School

Nelson, Andrew – Supplemental – Academic Team – Winfield Scott

Ruggero, Lucretia – Supplemental – Assistant Debate & Forensics – High School

 

Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Receive State Honors

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The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 brought home a number of honors from the 2026 Kansas Thespian Festival (KTF).

 

Students attended the festival with nearly 2,000 other students from across the state on Jan. 8-10 at the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center in Wichita.

 

Sixteen students performed in the Thespy individual events competition with a record number of FSHS students receiving Superior ratings and qualifying to compete at the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University on June 21-26. Superior achievers include senior Levi Fairchild in both Duet Acting and Musical Solo, senior Junie Fisher – Musical Solo, senior Lily Brown – Short Film, senior Grace Walker – Stage Management, junior Ava Johnson – Solo Acting, junior Clark Uttinger – Duet Acting, and sophomore Gianna Gorman – Musical Solo.

 

“Kansas Thespian Festival has always been so fun and is always a great reminder of why I love theater,” Fisher said. “This year’s festival was truly a great way to close out my senior year!”

 

The troupe received the Gold Honor Troupe Award, the highest level of achievement for Thespian troupes in Kansas, based on performances, community, outreach, advocacy, and service from the past school year.

 

The Advanced Drama class performed the one-act play “When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors” by Ian McWethy and Jason Pizzarello. The troupe also presented a Lobby Display featuring photos and events from the past school year.

 

FSHS State Thespian Festival Board Members, senior Chris Newman and Juniors Ava Johnson and Allie Wards helped organize the festival as leaders.

 

“KTF taught me, challenged me, and reminded me why theatre matters so much to me. It’s not just something I love to do, it’s something that’s continuously changing my life,” said Wards.

 

FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin taught a workshop entitled “From Burnout to Balance: Wellness for Theatre Teachers” and Bin as well as Assistant Theatre Directors Mesa Jones and Abby Starkey judged Thespy events performing at the festival. Bin, a member of the Kansas State Festival Board, also led the Competitive Improv Event and the Honor Troupe competition.

 

Students participated in a variety of workshops and classes throughout the festival learning about acting, technical theatre, dance, playwriting, and other theatre-related topics. Workshops were taught by theatre professionals from all over the country. Thespians also viewed mainstage and one-act productions from schools throughout the state. Students competed in events including Competitive Improv, Speed Charades, and Creative Costuming. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet with college theatre programs from across the country.

 

Brown said, “At KTF, I learned to embrace failure, and to use failure to my advantage, whether it be humorous or serious, I can use my failures as a way to bring life to my performances. In fact, failure is no longer a word I use to describe mishaps in my performances anymore, now I call them moments of opportunity.”

 

Sophomore Theodore Bowman added, “Going to KTF is more than an experience, it’s a bonding adventure full of new friends, incredible workshops, lots of laughs, and mind-blowing performances. KTF isn’t a theatre-filled field trip, it’s a weekend where emotions are inevitable, friends are everywhere, laughing is plenty, and memories are made.”

 

FSHS Theatre’s next event is auditions for Clue High School Edition on Jan. 12 and 13 with performances on March 5-7, 2026.

 

Photos and information about Troupe #7365 can be found at the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page.

 

# # #

 

Contact: Angie Bin, [email protected], 620-719-9622.

 

International Thespian Festival qualifiers from left to right: Top – Clark Uttinger, Levi Fairchild, Lily Brown. Bottom – Ava Johnson, Junie Fisher, Gianna Gorman, Grace Walker.

 

 

Fort Scott High School Thespians attending the Kansas Thespian Festival from left to right: Top – Junie Fisher, Chris Newman, Clark Uttinger, Tray Maloun, Aimee Hardwick, Levi Fairchild, Tyffani Bolden, Michael Stevenson II. Middle – Abby Starkey, Theodore Bowman, Emma Marshall, Isis Patton, Lily Brown, Bonnie Esgar, Angie Bin. Bottom – Mesa Jones, Ava Johnson, Gianna Gorman, Allie Wards, Grace Walker, Landon McDaniel, Trinity Leihsing.

 

FSHS students compete in the Creative Costuming event: (from left to right) Isis Patton, Ava Johnson, Grace Walker.

 

Chris Newman and Ava Johnson in the one-act play “When Bad Things Happen To Good Actors.”

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening In Fort Scott Jan. 9 Edition

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! January 9th Weekly Newsletter

❄️The Glide Skating Rink is still open for winter hours! ⛸️ Bring your friends and family out to skate while the season lasts. Plus, the Hay Climb Slides are still up — enjoy them before they’re gone! ❄️

SAVE THE DATE!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees

Every Thursday at 8am

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

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

** Guided tours Saturday & Sunday 10am & 1pm! **

Click HERE to visit the website.

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.

620-231-4250

FS Public Library

*Wednesday Writers every Wed. @ 1:30-3pm

201 S. National Ave.

Kansas Small Business Development Center

at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 9am-4pm.

Grief Share Support Grp – Mondays 5-7pm – Mary Queen of Angels Church, Rm 203 –

Jan 2nd – March 30th.

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Recurring Event
RETHL 2026 Ladies Doe Hunt “WEWE”

📆 Jan. 2 – Jan. 11

Enjoy this outdoor hunting event for ladies of all skill levels at Timber Hills Lake Ranch. Includes mentoring, meals, and lodging.

👉 More info & registration click HERE!

Saturday, Jan. 10

Pilates & Parfaits @ The Parlor🧘
🕛 10am

📍 The Parlor – next to The Kitchen C+C, 10 South Main St.

Recreation & healthy living session.

Learn how to Bake a Pie

🕛 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

📍 First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main St.

A hands-on pie baking workshop (limit 16 participants, $10).

👉 RSVP/Info: Call Sandy Haggard at 620-365-2242 or email [email protected].

Sunday, January 11

Mahjong 101 – SOLD OUT

🕛2-4pm

📍 The Kitchen C+C

Introductory class on the classic tile game — fun and social learning.

👉 Details: https://thekitchencc.com/products/mahjong-101-beginner-class

Wednesday, January 14

KOMB/KMDO 103.9 Radio Auction Begins

📅 Jan. 14 | Time: TBD

📍 Local radio broadcast

Fundraising auction with unique items.
👉 Details: https://radioauction.kombfm.com/

Thursday, Jan. 15

Chamber Coffee hosted by FSCC – Martin Luther King Jr Celebration

Start your Thursday with coffee, connections, and community conversation with Friends of the Fort.

🕗 8:00 AM

📍 FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center – 2108 S. Horton St.

Celebrate the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther

King Jr.

🕛 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

📍FSCC – Ellis Fine Arts Center

Tribute reading of Dr. King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” plus free lunch.

👉 Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1635207231196431

January Book & Cook Club

@ The Kitchen C+C

🕕 6:00 PM

📍 The Kitchen C+C

Community book discussion with 1960s-inspired hors d’oeuvres.

👉 Details & RSVP: https://thekitchencc.com/products/january-book-cook-club

Bourbon Country Conservation District 80th Annual Meeting

🕕 6:30 PM

📍 Cloverleaf Event Center 4-H Building at the BBCO Fairgrounds

Hors d’oeuvres sponsored by: City State Bank

NO RSVP Required.

BINGO hosted by the American Legion

🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 Memorial Hall

Bingo & concessions (American Legion Post 25).

Saturday, Jan. 17

Self-Care Fair at Bourbon County Fair🎪

🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Cloverleaf Event Center – Bourbon County Fairgrounds

Health and wellness expo featuring self-care products and services.

👉 Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1338939541322018

Sunday, Jan. 18

Double Feat. Film Screening

🕟 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

📍 Fort Scott Nazarene Church, 1728 Horton St.

Free community film screening event featuring two local films.

Monday, Jan. 19

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration Event

🕘 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 Fort Scott Community College – Ellis Fine Arts Center

A day of service including a food drive, a free PBS documentary screening, and a Lunch & Learn on the Dockum Drugstore Sit-In with free gumbo lunch.

👉 Full Schedule: https://www.visitkc.com/events/martin-luther-king-jr-celebration-2026-schedule-of-events/

Junior Chefs Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Night

🕘 4-5:30pm

📍 The Kitchen C+C

Family cooking event for comfort food creation.👉 Details: Click HERE to RSVP!

Thursday, January 22

Chamber Coffee hosted by Brickstreet BBQ

Start your Thursday with coffee, connections, and community conversation with Friends of the Fort.

🕗 8:00 AM

📍 3 W. Oak St.

Thursday, Jan 23

Friendship Soup Luncheon in

Fellowship Hall
🕗 11:30am-1pm

📍 First United Methodist Church

Saturday, January 24

Little Chefs January Saturday Morning Cartoon Pancakes🥞

🕗 Time: Morning (check calendar for exact start)

📍 The Kitchen C+C

A fun Saturday morning event for kids — pancakes and cartoons! Great for families.

👉 More info: https://fortscott.com/events/calendar

Thursday, January 29

Chamber Coffee hosted by The Friends of the Fort

Start your Thursday with coffee, connections, and community conversation with Friends of the Fort.

🕗 8:00 AM

📍 FS National Historic Site, 199 Old Fort Blvd.

Kansas Day Celebration

📆 All day – Thursday, Jan. 29

🌟 Celebrate Kansas history and heritage with community activities marking Kansas Day.

👉 Event details & reminders: https://fortscott.com/events/details/kansas-day-01-29-2026-33180

January Book & Cook Club

@ The Kitchen C+C (Meeting 2)

🕕 6:00 PM

📍 The Kitchen C+C

Community book discussion with 1960s-inspired hors d’oeuvres.

👉 Details & RSVP: https://thekitchencc.com/products/january-book-cook-club

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 U
Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD 234 Board of Education Agenda for January 12

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Unified School District 234
424 South Main
Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697
www.usd234.org
620-223-0800 Fax 620-223-2760

DESTRY BROWN
Superintendent

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
January 12, 2026 – 5:30 P.M.
AGENDA PUBLIC
1.0 Call Meeting to Order David Stewart, President
2.0 Flag Salute
3.0 Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)
4.0 Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)
4.1 Board Minutes
12-08-25
4.2 Financials – Cash Flow Report
4.3 Check Register
4.4 Payroll – December 20, 2025 – $1,831,678.21
4.5 Activity Funds Accounts
4.6 USD 234 Gifts
5.0 Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)
5.1 Superintendent’s Report
5.2 Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Zach)
5.3 Assistant Superintendent’s Report (Terry)
5.4 Special Education Director’s Report (Tonya)
6.0 New Business
6.1 Resolution 25-14 To Establish Regular Board Meetings 2026 (Action)
6.2 Resolution 25-15 To Establish Election of School Board Officers (Action)
6.3 Human Resources Processes & Procedures (Information only) Presentation
7.0 Public Forum
8.0 Other Business – Personnel Matters – Time __________
8.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)
8.2 Exit Executive Session – _______ (Time)
9.0 Adjourn Meeting _____ (Time) David Stewart, President

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, History

Old Fort Genealogical Society is Re-Opening January 12

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Old Fort Genealogical Society

Old Fort Genealogical Society is Re-Opening

Doors Open:

January 12th

Hours:

Monday – Friday

9:30am-3pm

*Appts after 3pm and Saturdays accepted

with an appointment

Location:

2801 S. Horton St.

in the Professional Building

*North of the current KRI/IAM Fitness/Freeman Hospital Building

(see below)

Click HERE for their

Old Fort Genealogy and History at Fort Scott, Kansas

Facebook Page!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

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

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Fort Scott

Contributors to Wreaths Across America Are Thanked

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Cool temperatures and wind did not deter several hundred people from attending the 2025 Wreaths Across America ceremony and laying of wreaths on December 13 at Fort Scott National Cemetery.  Volunteers were able to place a remembrance wreath on each grave at the cemetery, thanks to the donations and sponsorships for the 2025 campaign.

 

At the ceremony, Diann Tucker, location coordinator, announced that there is a matching funds campaign for all donations received by December 31, 2025, to help sponsor wreaths for the 2026 Wreaths Across America event that will be held December 19, 2026.  Wreaths are still $17.00 each.  You can leave your sponsorship donation at Stewart Realty Co., 1707 S. National, Fort Scott, or call the office (620-223-6700) to use a debit or credit card.  Sponsoring during the “match campaign” allows your sponsorship dollars to DOUBLE.

 

Tucker said they also want to thank all of the volunteers who showed up early to station boxes throughout the cemetery Saturday morning to make it easier for the wreaths to be placed.  If you have not yet driven through the cemetery to see the result of the wreaths effort, Tucker invites you to do that.  Wreaths will remain at the cemetery until the middle of January when they will be removed and retired.

Business, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Hand-Scooped Ice Cream With A Mission

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Nichole Regan stands behind the counter at Lu’s Ice Cream shop at 6th and Main Street.
Nichole Regan is a special education teacher for USD 234, Fort Scott.  As a teacher, she is concerned about what happens to her students after they leave school.
“As a special education teacher, for years it has bothered me that when our kids age out of the school system and leave us, there are very few opportunities in our area for them to work,” she said. “Meaningful work provides people with social connection, purpose, and dignity. It is a positive part of all of our lives.”
“I was always hoping that more opportunities would be created in our community.”
“About a year and a half ago, I went to a conference that discussed post-secondary transition planning for students with special needs.”
One presenter was a previous Kansas City Special Education teacher who opened “The Golden Scoop”, an ice cream and coffee shop, which employs individuals with special needs.
“I thought it was awesome,” she said.” I started thinking about doing something like that in Fort Scott.”
Regan heard that Al and Luanna Niece were opening an ice cream parlor in Fort Scott. The Nieces are Texans who have a business in the Fort Scott Industrial Park. They noticed the dilapidated building at 6th and Main St. and have been working for two years to bring it back. They have a vacation rental and apartment for themselves on the second floor, and the ice cream shop was developed on the first floor of the building.
Lu Niece stands at the entrance to her new business, Lu’s Ice Cream Shop at 6th and Main in Fort Scott. Nichole Regan is the manager of the ice cream shop. The entrance to the shop is on the 6th Street side of the building.
To view that recent story:
“A friend of mine put me in contact with them, and I pitched them the idea. If you know Al and Luanna, they are wonderful people who continue to invest in the city and especially the people of Fort Scott. They loved the idea, and it took off from there!”
The first weekend of December, during the Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks Festival, the ice cream shop opened for business, with Regan as the manager.
“We have started right away with employing some kids from the high school, as well as a few adults,” she said. “We will have a mix of employees, as I feel that everyone has something to offer and we can all learn from each other! “
Regan hired an assistant who has experience working in both special education and the restaurant industry.
“We also have a couple of shift leaders who I know on a personal level and trust to be the kind and patient leaders needed in this position.”
  “My plan is to add as many employees with unique abilities as possible. They have assigned duties based on their current strengths and tasks they are comfortable with. As we grow, we will continue to train and ease into new job duties. It has been amazing so far! Everyone is doing such a great job, and they love the experience!”

“We currently have eight employees and two individuals completing a job tryout period through Vocational Rehabilitation,” she said. “Five adults and five high schoolers. We have all of the employees we need at this time, but will be looking to add a couple more this spring. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.”

She will be teaching employment skills while they earn money at the shop

“That is definitely one of the goals. For most of our employees, this is their first consistent job. They are learning a lot about responsibility, expectations, customer service, and working alongside other people. With all of our employees, as they learn more and become more familiar, they will be given more responsibilities.”

Lu’s Ice Cream Shop has vintage type furniture and one true vintage Coke machine. A customer on their birthday can get one free bottle of Coke.
Lu’s Ice Cream Shop is one of several businesses at 523 S. Main..

The address is 523 S. Main, but the entrance for the ice cream shop is on 6th Street-the phone number is 620-418-4288.

Current Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Friday 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sunday 2:00-7:00 p.m.

“We plan to stay open later this spring once ball season begins” she said. “After the school year is over, and I move to a full-time position at Lu’s, we will be open during the day and will offer some light lunch options in addition to our ice cream! At this time we plan to offer paninis and salads as well as soups next fall and winter.”

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Hosts Needed For 2026 Chamber Coffees

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Sending on behalf of
Fort Scott Area

Chamber of Commerce

As we kick off 2026, it’s the perfect time for a fresh start — and that means filling up our Chamber Coffee spots! Don’t miss your chance to showcase your business, connect with fellow members, and engage with the community.

Chamber Coffees bring 40+ visitors and guests to your place of business for valuable exposure — and they’re also available on Facebook Live, so even more people can see what your business is all about!

These gatherings are a great way to:

✨ Share what your business offers

✨ Let everyone know what’s coming up next

✨ Promote upcoming events, sales, or specials

✨ Highlight new products or services

✨ Celebrate anniversaries or achievements

✨ Thank your customers and the community for their support

Chamber Coffees are casual, engaging, and one of the best ways to spotlight your business — and we’d love to help you secure your date!

📅 Call us at: 620-223-3566

📧 Email: [email protected]

Let’s get your 2026 Chamber Coffee on the calendar — dates fill up fast.

See the 2026 Chamber Coffee Calendar below!

Warm regards,

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Click here for a printable pdf copy of the schedule.

*Reminder – the schedule is current as of the time of this email

and can be updated at anytime.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

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

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Freedom Fitness

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Freedom Fitness
Thursday, January 8th

8am

Freedom Fitness

15 S. National Ave.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, January 8th, at 8am hosted by Freedom Fitness, 15 S. National Ave. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.

Freedom Fitness is a locally owned training facility dedicated to helping individuals of all ages and fitness levels build strength, confidence, and long-term health. With flexible training and multiple class times, Freedom Fitness supports members in reaching their goals in a welcoming, results-driven environment.

Training Schedule

Classes Offered:

6:00 AM, 4:00 PM, 5:20 PM, 6:00 PM

Open Gym Available:

5:00 AM, 11:15 AM, 6:00 PM

What Sets Freedom Fitness Apart

• Experienced, certified coaches with years of hands-on strength and conditioning expertise

• Coach-led classes focused on proper form, safety, and progression

• Prime, convenient location in the heart of the community

• Programming designed for all fitness levels—from beginners to advanced athletes

• Supportive and encouraging atmosphere that keeps members motivated and accountable

Why Strength Training Matters

• Builds lean muscle and increases metabolism

• Improves bone density and reduces the risk of injury

• Enhances balance, mobility, and overall functional movement

• Supports heart health, mental well-being, and long-term independence

• Helps prevent chronic disease and promotes healthy aging

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

Click HERE to visit

Freedom Fitness Facebook Page!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

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

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US