Category Archives: Fort Scott
Stories of Fort Scott Film This Evening
Get Planting: Bourbon County Garden Club Sale at Fort Scott Farmer’s Market on May 2
Spring is finally here, and the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market will start May 2 at the Gathering Square Pavilion, located at 111 N. National Avenue, just across from Brickstreet BBQ.
The Gathering Pavilion is a community hub featuring a covered pavilion, splash pad, and the Glide synthetic ice rink (during the winter).
The pavilion houses the Farmer’s Market (May–October), in addition to concerts and events. It serves as a central venue for community gatherings.
The local garden club will offer plants for sale as a fundraiser, as they have done for the last several years.
The Bourbon County Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale on the opening day of the downtown Farmers’ Market, Saturday, May 2, from 8 a.m. until noon, at the north end of the pavilion.
“Proceeds from the sale support beautification efforts throughout the community, including the city swimming pool islands, Heritage Park, the North Main area, and Riverfront Park,” according to Martha Jane Gentry, a spokeswoman for the group.
“Assistance is also provided with the plantings, at the downtown splash pad (adjacent to the pavilion). The garden club partners with Tri-Valley Developmental Services to sell a wide variety of plants, all of which are geared to our area’s challenging weather. Club members offer plants freshly dug from their own gardens.”
“Tri-Valley provides annuals, herbs, and both floral and foliage hanging baskets, all of which are ideal for Mother’s Day gifts. Other garden-related items will be available, such as pots, plant markers, tools, and books. There will also be drawings for several unique pots of flowers and herbs. Knowledgeable members and Master Gardeners will be available to offer advice and answer questions about gardening during the sale,” she said.
“This year’s plant sale has a committed focus, beyond community beautification,” she said. “The garden club has pledged $1,000 toward the replacement of the Lexan roof of the Tri- Valley greenhouse. The (greenhouse) site provides plants for civic areas, individual gardens, and fund-raising, in addition to horticultural therapy for developmentally disabled adults.”
Those who are interested in gardening can join the club.
“The Bourbon County Garden Club meets on the second Tuesday of the month, March through October. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 12th, at 6 p.m. Like us on Facebook for news, specific meeting announcements, and photos,” she said.
“Support the Bourbon County Garden Club’s commitment to the Tri-Valley greenhouse’s new roof project, and community beautification by shopping at the plant sale on Saturday, May 2,” she said.
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village announces Art is Ageless® winners
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village is excited to announce the winners of its recent Art is Ageless® juried competition and exhibit.
“We’re honored that local seniors allowed us to exhibit and judge their wonderful works,” said Angela Carpenter, senior living sales specialist. “Art is Ageless is unique because it only features the works of artists who are 65 and over.” Our artists prove it’s never too late to create art, in any form.
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village hosted a reception for the winning artists listed here:
Best of Show amateur: Ann Rawlins, “Forest Fire”
Best of Show professional: Paul Milks, “Kansas State Bird”
People’s Choice amateur: Ann Rawlins, “Forest Fire”
People’s Choice professional: Paul Milks, “Kansas State Bird”
Judge’s Choice amateur: Janet Tucker, Log Cabin Jacket and Purse”
Judge’s Choice professional: Tony Fornelli, “Two Bass and Lunch”
Christmas amateur: Judy Howser, “White Christmas”
Drawing amateur: Letha Johnson, “Peace Offering”
Fiber Arts amateur: Ruth Bahr, “Share and Share Alike”
Mixed Media/Crafts amateur: Bonnie Seifer, “Ugly Flamingo”
Mixed Media/Crafts professional: Mary Eastwood, “Bench Shoe Box”
Needlework amateur: Marie Wiley, “Puppy Towels”
Needlework professional: Charlotte Kite, “Apples on Shelf”
Painting amateur: Judy Howser, “Wake Up Call”
Painting professional: Tony Fornelli, “Home on the Range”
Photography amateur: Donna Lutes, “Country Sunset”
Photography professional: Paul Milks, “Kansas State Bird”
Quilting amateur: Janet Tucker, “Log Cabin Jacket and Purse”
Quilting professional: Carolyn Sadler, “Slices of My Life”
Sculpture/3-D professional: Bobbi Kemna, “Pocket Full of Prayers”
Local competition winners will join winners from 14 other PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) senior living communities to be judged at the masterpiece level. Winning entries at the masterpiece level are selected for publication in PMMA’s annual Art is Ageless calendar and note cards.
Art is Ageless is a copyrighted program of PMMA®. For the competition, works must have been completed in the past five years. Started in 1980, Art is Ageless is an extension of PMMA’s wellness programs, which focus on mental, physical, social, and spiritual health. The program encourages Fort Scott Presbyterian Village residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition.
For more information about Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, contact Angela Carpenter, senior living sales specialist, at 620-223-5550, or [email protected].
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Special Event at Hedgehog Bookstore This Saturday
Hedgehog Bookstore is preparing to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day this Saturday, April 25th and would love for you to join us! We’ll have special activities and promotions from 10 am to 5 pm.
Golden Ticket Hunt – Find the golden ticket hidden somewhere in the store and win 12 FREE audiobooks from Libro.fm!
Giveaways – Every $10 you spend gets you a ticket for a chance to win book bundles and gift certificates!
Mystery Book Bundles – We’ll be offering wrapped bundles of books in specific genres. These are great if you love a surprise or want to broaden your horizons!
Make Your Own Bookmark – Kids & those who are young at heart will have a chance to create their own bookmark!
Golden Ticket Hunt – Find the golden ticket hidden somewhere in the store and win 12 FREE audiobooks from Libro.fm! Giveaways – Every $10 you spend gets you a ticket for a chance to win book bundles and gift certificates!Mystery Book Bundles – We’ll be offering wrapped bundles of books in specific genres. These are great if you love a surprise or want to broaden your horizons!Make Your Own Bookmark – Kids & those who are young at heart will have a chance to create their own bookmark!If you aren’t able to come in but still want to support the store, you can:
* Make a purchase at the Hedgehog Books shop on Bookshop.org. A portion of each purchase supports Hedgehog Books, and Bookshop is offering free shipping all weekend!
* Purchase an audiobook on Libro.fm. A portion of your purchase supports Hedgehog Books. From April 20th thru the 26th, Libro is offering customers who start a new one credit per month membership two free audiobooks with code BOOKSTOREDAY. And, they’ll have bestselling audiobooks on sale all week long!
“Thanks for your continued support of Hedgehog Books! We appreciate you and value your continued input on ways we can serve you better. Hope to see you soon,” said Janet Miller, co-owner of the store.
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Chamber Coffee hosted by Fort Scott Public Library On April 23
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The Dillons Open The Market at 23 Main
Rob and Lisa Dillon purchased Main Street Gallery on April 9 and reopened the store on April 14 as The Market at 23 Main.
“We bought the inventory and historic building, the Von Fossen Building, at 23 S. Main,” Rob said. “We have always enjoyed flea market shopping, and we were looking to start a business with another downtown merchant, and that didn’t work out. This came available, and we jumped on it.”
The products they sell are consignment items, antiques, home decor, clothes, collectables, and knick-knacks on the multi-level booth areas.
Along with Lisa and Rob and their children, they have hired an employee, Madi Collins, who worked for the previous owners, the McClellans.
The current hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
The store’s phone number is 620.223.2210.
They currently have over 30 consignors and 28 vendors who sell items at the store. “Each booth is based on square footage,” he said. “We are looking for more vendors.”
Lisa is the Housing and Urban Development coordinator for the City of Fort Scott, which includes the Land Bank and the Certified Local Government designation.
Rob has been a locksmith for 15 years and can make duplicate keys for the public. He is hoping for the future of the business to add leather works to the store and an engraving business (on wood, slate, and leather).
FS Water Boil Order Lifted, But Remains for Bourbon County Residents
Fort Scott Stories film: powerful, emotional look at moments that define our community
Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
The Gordon Parks Museum
Fort Scott Stories isn’t just a film… It’s a powerful, emotional look at the people, history, and moments that define our community.
And this is your chance to experience it.
Through real voices and real stories, from youth to elders, this documentary captures the heartbeat of Fort Scott in a way that will stay with you long after the night ends.
You’ll laugh. You might cry. You’ll definitely feel something.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Film Begins: 7:00 PM
Gordon Parks Museum (Ellis Fine Arts Building)
FREE Admission (Donations welcome)
Cash Bar Available
Reservations Required — contact the Gordon Parks Museum to reserve your seat.
Seats will fill quickly. Don’t miss this unforgettable night celebrating the soul of Fort Scott!
What is a Certified Local Government (CLG)?
Sending on behalf of Platinum Chamber Champion Member
The City was recently designated as a Certified Local Government (CLG) through a partnership with the National Park Service and the State Historic Preservation Office. This designation reflects Fort Scott’s commitment to preserving its historic character while supporting thoughtful growth and development.
What is a Certified Local Government (CLG)?
A Certified Local Government is a city that has met state and federal standards for historic preservation and participates in a larger partnership between local, state, and federal programs.
This designation allows the City to:
- Participate in preservation planning at the local level
- Apply for historic preservation grants
- Provide local review of projects affecting historic properties
Programs like this are designed to help communities protect historic resources while also encouraging economic development and revitalization.
What does this mean for downtown property owners?
For properties located within designated historic districts or individually listed properties, certain exterior changes may require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) before work begins.
This may include:
- Window and door replacements
- Exterior materials or siding changes
- Demolition or new construction
- Significant exterior alterations
The purpose of this process is to help maintain the historic character of downtown Fort Scott while still allowing property owners to invest in and improve their buildings.
Quick Checklist: Do You Need a COA?
Property owners are encouraged to contact the City before starting work if they answer YES to any of the following:
- Is the property located in the downtown historic district or individually listed?
- Are windows, doors, or exterior materials being changed?
- Is the exterior appearance being altered?
- Is an addition or new construction planned?
- Is demolition (partial or full) being considered?
If there is any uncertainty, City staff are available to help determine next steps.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott
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New Collegiate Summer Baseball Team Needs Host Families
A new collegiate summer baseball team, a part of the 2026 Mid-America League, based in Fort Scott, will begin the season next month. The team name honors the U.S. Army’s 1st Regiment of Dragoons, a mounted infantry unit at Fort Scott National Historic Site in the 1840s.
“The Dragoons are a developmental collegiate league, a wood bat league baseball team,” said Steve Anthony, Dragoons Host Family Coordinator. “There will be 26 players on the team from all over the United States coming to Fort Scott. The Players will be from NCAA Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3 NAIA and Junior Colleges.”
“This will be the first season in Fort Scott. League play starts in late May and will run until late July,” he said. “They will be playing their home games at LaRoche Stadium here in Fort Scott. Folks who decide to house players will receive season tickets as well as discounts at the concession stand.”
“From what I understand, the players will have their own transportation to and from home games, and they require a bed and bathroom, and also provide meals for the players.”
The team is owned by Bill Larsen, managed by Mike Albin, with Justin Miles as General Manager.
The team is still being assembled, but Fort Scott athletes, Lennox Vann and Kanin Brown, among others, have signed on to play with the Dragoons, according to its Facebook page.
From a press release:
Fort Scott Dragoons Announce 2026 Season Schedule
The Fort Scott Dragoons have officially released their 2026 season schedule, featuring a summer packed with competitive baseball and family-friendly entertainment. After starting the season on the road, the Dragoons will host their Opening Night in Fort Scott on May 26.
The upcoming season highlights include:
Competitive Matchups: Key games against the Meridian Blues, Bryan Yard Dogs, and Nacogdoches Niners.
Fan Experience: A full slate of promotions, theme nights, and premium seating options.
Community Focus: Affordable entertainment designed for youth teams, businesses, churches, and local organizations.
Mid America League Action: The league features talented collegiate and professional players dedicated to community connection.