Category Archives: Fort Scott

Fort Scott High School Thespians Win State Honors

FSHS Thespians Troupe. Submitted photo.

 

 

The Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 brought home several high honors from the KS State Thespian Festival this weekend.

 

The troupe traveled to Wichita on Jan. 4-6 for the annual festival with nearly 2,000 other Kansas Thespians. Of the thirty students who attended, half of them also competed in individual Thespy events. Two students received Superior ratings on their events, qualifying them to compete at the International Thespian Festival in June. Senior Regen Wells qualified for the third year in a row in the Monologue category and sophomore Junie Fisher qualified in the Musical Solo division. Ten other entries received Excellent ratings on their Thespys.

 

The troupe received the Gold Honor Troupe Award which is the highest honor a troupe can receive at Festival. FSHS also had a team qualify to compete in the finals of the Competitive Improv event.

 

The FSHS Advanced Drama class competed with the one-act play entitled “I Quit! A Guide to Quitting Your Job in Style” directed by senior Josiah Eisenbrandt. The troupe also competed in the Lobby Display category by creating a display featuring the Festival theme “Kansas Thespians are One of a Kind” based on the musical Six.

 

FSHS Thespian President Lexi Hill, a senior, was one of only 10 students in the state to win a KS Thespian college scholarship for Technical Theatre. She also auditioned for all of the colleges in attendance at the Festival and had call-backs from 21 colleges for Technical Theatre and thirteen colleges for her Acting audition.

 

 

In addition to competing, students attended workshops from professionals in the theatre industry from across the country. They also attended the best high school musicals and plays in the state that were invited to perform at the Festival.

The troupe, directed by FSHS Theatre teacher Angie Bin, is currently in rehearsals for the dark comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Performances are Feb. 8-10 in the FSHS Auditorium. More information on Troupe #7365 can be found on the Fort Scott High School Thespians Facebook page.

 

Left to right: Junie Fisher and Regen Wells receive Superior ratings on their Thespy events at the KS State Thespian Festival qualifying them to compete at the International Thespian Festival in June.

Stay Strong Stay Healthy Starts February 20th

Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

 

 

Starting February 20th, improve your health and independence through strength-building exercises at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott. Stay Strong Stay Healthy class will meet twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:00-10:00am, for 8 weeks. Pre-registration is required, call Tara at 620-244-3826 to register and learn more.

 

This evidence-based program is built on simple, strength-building exercises that will improve balance, health and state of mind. No, it’s not strenuous weight-lifting. You’ll start at a level that’s right for you! No one is too inactive to participate. Take this opportunity to take better care of your health and join others for this fun program!

 

# # #

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

 

 

The Artificers January Schedule

Logo

The Artificers In January!

Happy New Year!!

Check out the calendar below for all events happening this month!

January Events Here!

Upcoming Classes

We are packing up art from Amy Smith, Lorrie Fowler, Isaac Fowler, Liberty Worth, and Brandy Evens this week… SO hurry in and check them out before they’re gone!! Check Socials for Specifics!

Think of us for your party’s!

Call us at 913-574-7741 for reservations!

We have catering connections for stress free party planning!

First Friday’s Is TONIGHT…

Join us tonight for a fun late night looking at art and socializing!

GLAZE DAY is January 27th!

Come in and “paint” your heart away with all the variety of glazes and pieces we have available!

Click Here to Join in the Fun!

USD234 Agenda for January 8

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 8, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY

 

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                  David Stewart, President

2.0       Flag Salute

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0       Reorganization of New Board (Action Item)

            4.1 Appoint Board Member

            4.2 Election of Vice-President of the Board

5.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            5.1       Board Minutes

  1. 12/11/23 Board Minutes

            5.2       Financials-Cash Flow Report

            5.3       Check Register

            5.4       Payroll – December 18, 2023 – $1,689,996.80

            5.5       Activity Fund accounts

5.6       USD 234 Gifts

5.7       CTE Math 2023-2024 Fundraising

5.8       Update Officers

            Appoint KPERS Designated Agent

5.9       Resolution 23-11 KMIP Signers

5.10     Resolution 23-12 Bank Account Signers

6.0       Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)

6.1 Employee Recognition

  • Licensed
    • Speech Team
  • Classified
    • Bus Driver
    • Bus Driver

7.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

7.1       Superintendent’s Report

            7.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            7.3       Special Education Director’s Report

            7.4       Finance Director’s Report

 

 

8.0       Old Business

            8.1       Core Communities Report

8.2       Board Vacancy (Discussion Item)

            8.3       Publish Board Seat Vacancy #1&4, #2&5 in the Fort Scott Tribune.  (Action Item)

 

9.0       New Business

9.1     Resolution 23-10 to adopt Open Enrollment Policy (Action Item)

9.2     Resolution 23-13 To Establish Regular Board Meetings 2024

9.3     Resolution 23-14 To Establish Election of School Board Officers

10.0     Public Forum

11.0     Other Business – Personnel Matters

11.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

11.2     Exit Executive Session

11.3     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

12.0     Adjourn Meeting            David Stewart, President

Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission From January 2

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Unapproved

Minutes of January 2, 2024                                 Special Meeting

 

A Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held January 2, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, M. Guns were present with Mayor M. Wells.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION  M. Wells led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE  Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, Michael Hoyt, Jason Silvers

 

NEW BUSINESS

Tracy Dancer and Dyllon Olson recited their Oath of Office for Commissioner and were sworn in by the City Clerk.

 

The City Clerk called roll for the first 2024 Fort Scott City Commission:

Commissioners T. VanHoecke, M. Guns, M. Wells, T. Dancer, and D. Olson were present. A quorum was established, and business was continued according to the agenda.

 

Appointment of Mayor of Fort Scott: 

Nominations opened for Mayor by M. Wells.  T. VanHoecke nominated T. Dancer for Mayor.  M. Guns seconded.

 

There were no further nominations for Mayor. M. Wells closed nominations.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to select T. Dancer as the Mayor of the City of Fort Scott. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. DANCER APPOINTED AS THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT.

 

  1. VanHoecke thanked M. Wells for his service as Mayor over the past year.

 

 

 

Mayor T. Dancer took position at the head of the Commission table and presided over the meeting.

 

Appointment of President of the City Commission of Fort Scott:  Nominations for President were opened.  M. Wells nominated M. Guns for President.  T. VanHoecke seconded.

 

There were no further nominations for President. T. Dancer closed nominations.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to appoint M. Guns as President of the City Commission of Fort Scott. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. GUNS APPOINTED AS PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF FORT SCOTT.

 

Review and Agreement of the Code of Ethics – Ordinance 3563

  1. Olson expressed concerns about specific responsibilities of Commissions such as “Represent the City at ceremonial functions at the request of the Mayor” and wishes to strike “at the request of the Mayor.”

 

Discussion was had about D. Olson’s concerns regarding Commissioners ability to directly contact the Chief Financial Officer, City Clerk, Contracted Entities and the City Attorney without prior approval of the City Manager.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to table the Review and Agreement of the Code of Ethics – Ordinance 3563until the January 9, 2024, meeting. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE REVIEW AND AGREEMENT OF THE CODE OF ETHICS – ORDINANCE 3563 UNTIL THE JANUARY 9, 2024, MEETING.

 

Review and Agreement of the Code of Procedure for the Commission of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to agree to the Code of Procedure for the Commission of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas as it is written. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO AGREE TO THE CODE OF PROCEDURE FOR THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AS IT IS WRITTEN.

 

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Michael Hoyt: addressed the Commission to congratulate the new Commissioners and passed out copies of the Constitution that he does traditionally.

 

  1. Hoyt requested to be put on the January 23, 2024, agenda to discuss Charter Ordinance 31. T. VanHoecke requested that M. Hoyt provide support materials to the Commission for their review prior to the meeting if possible.

 

  1. Wells moved to have a meeting on January 2nd to swear in the new Commissioners and officers. The regular City Commission meetings for January will be on the 9th and the 23rd. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

The City Manager reminded the public about the scheduled Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, January 4, 2024, 6:00PM at the Empress Event Center to discuss the Star Bond and TIF Bond issues with the City’s Bond Counsel, Gath Herman, Bourbon County REDI’s Rob Harrington and City Manager, Brad Matkin.

 

         Commissioner VanHoecke, Commissioner Guns, Commissioner Wells, Commissioner Olson, and Commissioner (Mayor) Dancer made comments.

 

The City Attorney commented as well.

 

ADJOURNMENT

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:56PM. D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:56PM.

 

Next Meeting:

WORK SESSION:  Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 5:00PM to discuss Advisory Boards

REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETINGTuesday, January 9, 2023, at 6:00PM

 

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Agenda for FS City Commission Meeting on January 9

Work Session at 5:00 PM on 1-9-2024 – Advisory Boards

City Commission meeting at 6:00 PM on 1-9-2024

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

January 9, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.   Call to Order
  2.   Roll CallT. VanHoecke, M. Wells, M. Guns, D. Olson, T. Dancer

III.    Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Invocation
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Consent Agenda:
  4. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 19, 2023, and January 2, 2024.
  5. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1351-A – $4,063,977.89
  6. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Project No. 23-430 – South Industrial Park Waterline Extension – Invoice No. 17054 – Inspection Fees – $17,473.48
  7. Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion Project – Payment Application No. 3 – $70,875.00
  8. Request to Pay – Nowak Construction Co., Inc. – Project No. 22-305 – Contractor’s Project No. 231031 – South Industrial Park Waterline Extension – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 2 – $231,061.95
  9. Request to Pay – T. Richardson Construction – Project No. 21-307 – Application for Payment No. 8 – 17th and Eddy St. Stormwater Improvements –           Drainage – $23,619.44
  10. Request to Pay – Bourbon County Treasurer – 2023 Real Estate Taxes for City-owned properties – $43,301.08
  11. Renewal of 2024 Cereal Malt Beverage License for Consumption on the Premises – Debra Cagle – DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 N. Humbolt, Fort Scott.

 

VII.   Public Comment:   Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda

and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

 

 

 

 

  VIII.   Old Business:

 

  1. Review and Agreement of Code of Ethics – Ordinance No. 3563 – tabled from January 2, 2024.

 

  1. Discussion of Advisory Boards from Work Session.

 

 

  1.  New Business: 
  2. Selection of City Commissioner Representatives to Advisory Boards
  3. Bourbon County REDI Representative
  4. Land Bank Representative
  5. Lake Advisory Board Representative
  6. Library Board Representative
  7. Fort Scott Housing Authority Delegate
  8. Healthy in All Practices (HIA)

 

  1. Approval of Golf Advisory Board recommendations – (8) Letters of Interest submitted to fill (4) vacancies – Golf Advisory Board recommendations made on December 27, 2023.

 

  1. Request to Amend Ordinance No. 3604 – Membership Terms – Golf Advisory Board recommends change City/County requirements in the ordinance as stated on Staff Request for Commission Action – M. Wyatt

 

  1. Consideration of Change Order No. 1 – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-032 – KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 at 20th Repair – Final Measured Quantities – Decrease of $7,341.20

 

  1. Consideration of Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 1 (Final) – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-032 – KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 at 20th Street Repair – $148,783.80 – Certificate of Substantial Completion included.

 

  1. Consideration of Change Order No. 2 – Bennett, Inc. – Project No. 23-005B – Engineer’s Project No. 217314-022 – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation – $129,530.00

 

  1. Approval of 2024 Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) License for Consumption on the Premises and Retail Sale of Original and Unopened Containers – Kevin Allen – DBA Aunt Toadies – 1411 E. Wall, Fort Scott – 2023 CMB License was issued for Consumption on the Premises only, requires new approval.

 

 

 

  1. Resolutions
  2. Resolution No. 1-2024 – DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL CITY NEWSPAPER FOR THE ENSUING TERM OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF   THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS

 

  1. Resolution No. 2-2024 – DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES FOR THE PUBLIC FUNDS OF THE CITY OF FORT    SCOTT, KANSAS

 

  1. Resolution No. 3-2024 – EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES UNDER K.S.A. 1120A

 

  1. Resolution No. 4-2024 – NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 922 E.            WALL – PUBLIC HEARING DATE – FEBRUARY 20, 2024, AT 6:15PM.

 

  1. Resolution No. 5-2024 – NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 515 S.            HEYLMAN – PUBLIC HEARING DATE – FEBRUARY 20, 2024, AT 6:15PM

 

 

  1. Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:
  3. Engineering Comments:
  4. Commissioners Comments:
  5. VanHoecke
  6. Wells
  7. Guns
  8. Olson
  9. Dancer

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1.  Executive Session:

XII.     Adjournment:

 

 

Work Session – Contactors’ Licenses: Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 5:00PM

City Commission meeting:  Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 6:00PM

Celebrating the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 15

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Gordon Parks Museum…..

Celebrating The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

All events will be held at the Ellis Fine Arts Center (2108 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, Ks.)

Monday, January 15th, 2024 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Events

1:00pm-6:00pm – Day of Service: Canned Food Drive – Join us as we will collect canned and non-perishable food items to donate to the Beacon in Fort Scott. Anyone in the community is invited to drop off canned and non-perishable food.

1:00pm-2:00pm – Showing of the PBS home video documentary “In Remembrance of Martin” in the Gordon Parks Museum. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Theatre. This event is free to the public.

2:00pm-3:00pm – Showing of “Martin” – A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Gordon Parks. This is a ballet tribute to Dr. King written and directed by Gordon Parks. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Theatre. This event is free to the public.

5:00pm-6:00pm – Soup Dinner – Come and join us for free soup followed by a music celebration performance at 6:00pm. Soup, drinks and dessert provided by Great Western Dining. Photo Promotion taken with “I Stand For Signs”. FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center Lobby. This event is free to the public.

For more information, please call 620.223.2700 ext. 5850

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

Local Sonic App Is Currently Not Functioning

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM OUR LOCAL

FORT SCOTT SONIC DRIVE-IN

January 4, 2024

SONIC APP UPDATE

FORT SCOTT LOCATION

To our customers who we consider friends…

The Sonic app for the Fort Scott location

is currently down and we are working diligently

with the powers that be to rectify the issue.

It is not a fix that can be controlled locally.

We do not turn the app on and off at discretion.

The issue is technological and beyond our control.

We apologize for the inconvenience

and frustration this causes.

We are still OPEN for your favorite drinks,

burgers, fries, and ice cream treats!

A significant portion of our business operates

through the app and we greatly appreciate your

continued business during this time.

We will update you as soon as the app

for Sonic Fort Scott is available!

Thank you for your loyalty and business!

Click here for our website and menu!

John Horn, Jody Dell’ Antonia, and Team!

TO EXPRESS OUR APPRECIATION OF YOUR SUPPORT

WE ANNOUNCE 1/2 PRICE DRINKS

THE REMAINDER OF TODAY 1/4/24!

WE ARE OPEN UNTIL 10PM.

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below!

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

New Website for Fort Scott Recreation Allows Registrations/Payments Online for Convenience

The Fort Scott Recreation Center has a new website through RecDesk.
  “The benefit of the new website change is that it allows people to do anything they could from our front desk on their phone or computer at their convenience,” Lucas Kelley said. “This new website also allows for online registrations and payments. This will also help with late registrations… We just switched over to this website on December 26th.”
Kelley is the FSRC recreation director and the Buck Run Community Center Manager.
Buck Run Community Center is located at 735 Scott Avenue and can be contacted at 620.23.0386.
Lucas Kelley, submitted photo.

“People can access it by going to brcc.recdesk.com.,” he said. “Here they will be able to view all of our programs, facilities available to rent, fitness memberships, current league standings/schedules, a calendar of events, and a preview of our Facebook page.   We just switched over to this website on December 26th. When getting to the website users will have to create an account and add their household.”
Programs starting here shortly are: The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Challenge, Tiger Kids Cheer, Taekwondo Lessons, Soul Fusion/Adult Fitness Classes.
Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

Chamber Ribbon Cutting Jan. 11 at Freedom Fitness

Join us for a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting

Freedom Fitness

Thursday, January 11th

8:00 am

15 S. National

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting Thursday, January 11th at 8 a.m. hosted by Freedom Fitness which will be held at their new business, 15 S. National Street. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

 

Any member business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2023 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].

Click here for their Facebook page!

We hope to see you there!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Facebook  Twitter
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Freedom Fitness Opens at 15 S National

John and Lindsey Hill and sons, from Freedom Fitness Facebook page.
 Lindsay and John Hill are the owners and coaches of a new business, Freedom Fitness, located at 15 S. National.
“We offer fitness classes for all ages and fitness levels,” Lindsay said.  “We also offer regular gym memberships so you can come in and lift during certain hours and use equipment and facilities.”
“This was a need in our community and we are super passionate about helping others become their best self,” she said.  “This will allow us to not only help people with physical fitness, but we will also be offering nutritional classes, flexibility, and mobility sessions, and so much more.”
 Classes available:
Training – A Cross Training class that offers strength, flexibility, endurance, and much more.
EnduraFit – An endurance class that uses barbells and weights to move with speed and efficiency.
LIFE – A bootcamp style, focusing on body movement and functional fitness.
Masters – A class focused on seasoned individuals who want to move, have flexibility, and functional fitness using minimal weight.
FreeFit -The normal gym membership that allows individuals to focus on their own goals and programs.
KidFit- all things kids, including speed, agility, mobility, strength, plyometrics, etc.
“We will tailor all classes to fit the fitness levels and goals,” she said.
The business phone number  is  620-644-2167
Business hours of operation are from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The cost for Freedom Fitness is  $79/month for unlimited, and $60/month for 3 days/week.
Freedom Fitness business front at 15 S. National. Submitted photo.
“We look forward to serving Fort Scott with a Faith.Family.Freedom.Fitness environment,” she said.  “It will be a positive, uplifting space where people can leave life at the door and focus on themselves.  We want to create a space where health and fitness is a way of life – helping Fort Scott become a healthier community.”

Downtown Meet and Greet Is January 9

Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet scheduled for January 9th!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, January 9th at Papa Don’s Pizza, 10 N. Main, from 8:30am-9:30am.

These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.

Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 with any questions.

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701