Category Archives: Fort Scott

City of Fort Scott Commission Agenda Summary for July 21, 2026 Meeting

City of Fort Scott

7-21-26 AMENDED Agenda

Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Agenda – July 21, 2026, 6:00 PM

Note: This is an AMENDED agenda. The change is an addition to New Business/Item D. Also: the 2027 Budget Work Session scheduled for July 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM is cancelled and will be rescheduled.

  • I. Call to Order
  • II. Pledge of Allegiance
  • III. Invocation
  • IV. Approval of Agenda
  • V. Consent Agenda
    • A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1412-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of June 17, 2026 – July 14, 2026: $1,112,893.00
    • B. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of July 7, 2026 and Special Meeting of July 13, 2026
    • C. June Financials
    • D. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC – Invoice #18693 – Davis Lift Station – Salary: $6,799.35
    • E. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC – Invoice #18628 – EEI Project No. 25-12 E. National Phase I – Final Design 80%: $13,800.00
    • F. Request to Pay – Stifel, Nicholaus & Company, Inc. – Invoice #M21659-48602-838 – Financial Advisory Fee and Continuing Disclosure Review – General Obligation Temporary Notes Series 2026-1 – Davis Lift Street Project: $16,250.00
  • VI. Public Comment
  • VII. Appearances
  • VIII. Unfinished Business
    • A. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3800 – An Ordinance Granting to Evergy Kansas South, Inc., a Kansas Corporation, Its Successors and Assigns, an Electric Franchise Including the Right to Construct, Operate and Maintain Electric Transmission, Distribution and Street Light Facilities Within the Corporate Limits of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas – Presenter: B. Matkin
    • B. Consideration to Resolve Issues with 118 E. Wall
  • IX. New Business – Action Items
    • A. Discussion of Rodeo Arena – Presenter: B. Matkin
    • B. Consideration of Bids for Investment in CD for $2,000,000.00 for a period of 12 months – Presenters: D. Tally and B. Hart
    • C. Consideration of Letter of Interest to Fill (1) Vacancy on Library Board – Presenter: M. Wells
    • D. Consideration to Purchase Ventrac Mower for Golf Course: $31,000.00 – Presenter: D. Fowler
  • X. Reports and Comments
  • XI. Adjourn

Community Invited to America 250 Bingo Night July 23

America 250 Bingo flyer

Get ready for an evening of bingo, prizes, music, and patriotic fun! The American Legion and Molly Foster Berry Chapter, DAR invite the community to America 250 Bingo!

  •  Date: July 23rd
  • ⏰ Time: 7 PM
  •  Location: Memorial Hall
  • Music Bingo begins at 6 PM
  • Regular Bingo begins at 7 PM
  • $2 per game
  • Prizes and plenty of fun

Guests are also encouraged to dress up for the Patriotic Costume Contest!

  • ⭐ Best Patriotic Costume — Show off your American spirit in red, white, and blue!
  • ⭐ Best Period Costume — Dress in Colonial, Revolutionary War, or other historical American attire!

Gather your family and friends, wear your most patriotic outfit, and join the celebration!

Visit the Molly Foster Berry DAR Facebook Page for more information.

Visit the Fort Scott American Legion Post 25 Facebook Page for more information.

American Legion logo
Daughters of the American Revolution logo

City of Fort Scott Commission Agenda Summary for July 21, 2026 Meeting

City of Fort Scott

7-21-26 Agenda

Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Agenda – July 21, 2026, 6:00 PM

  • I. Call to Order
  • II. Pledge of Allegiance
  • III. Invocation
  • IV. Approval of Agenda
  • V. Consent Agenda
    • A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1412-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of June 17, 2026 – July 14, 2026: $1,112,893.00
    • B. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of July 7, 2026 and Special Meeting of July 13, 2026
    • C. June Financials
    • D. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC – Invoice #18693 – Davis Lift Station – Salary: $6,799.35
    • E. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC – Invoice #18628 – EEI Project No. 25-12 E. National Phase I – Final Design 80%: $13,800.00
    • F. Request to Pay – Stifel, Nicholaus & Company, Inc. – Invoice #M21659-48602-838 – Financial Advisory Fee and Continuing Disclosure Review – General Obligation Temporary Notes Series 2026-1 – Davis Lift Street Project: $16,250.00
  • VI. Public Comment
  • VII. Appearance
  • VIII. Unfinished Business
    • A. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3800 – An Ordinance Granting to Evergy Kansas South, Inc. a Kansas Corporation, Its Successors and Assigns, an Electric Franchise Including the Right to Construct, Operate and Maintain Electric Transmission, Distribution and Street Light Facilities Within the Corporate Limits of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas – B. Matkin
    • B. Consideration to Resolve Issues with 118 E. Wall
  • IX. New Business
    • Action Items
      • A. Discussion of Rodeo Arena – B. Matkin
      • B. Consideration of Bids for Investment in CD for $2,000,000.00 for the period of (12) months – D. Tally and B. Hart
      • C. Consideration of Letter of Interest to Fill (1) Vacancy on Library Board – M. Wells
  • X. Reports and Comments
  • XI. Adjourn

New Women’s Clothing Boutique Opens August 1: Midwest Runway

 

Maria Morris. Submitted photo.

Maria Morris grew up on the Kansas/Missouri border in Deerfield, MO.

“I bar tended at Sharkey’s Pub for eleven years,” Morris said. “A year ago, I decided to start a different career. I always loved fashion, so I decided to follow my dream and own a clothing store.”

She started her venture in Nevada, MO in 2025.

“I was talking to Dean Striler (co-owner of the new space she is leasing in Fort Scott), and he presented the opportunity to open in Fort Scott. I always loved the community of Fort Scott and wanted to be a part of bringing customers to the area.”

The new space is 6 North Main, the former Tribune storefront.

The name of her new venture is Midwest Runway.

“I am really excited to be a part of the community,” she said. “I believe clothing is more than what we wear, but is also a unique part of who God created us to be.”

 

The next two weeks are the last weeks at her location at 14182 E. U.S. 54 Hwy, Nevada, and also starting the move to the new location in downtown Fort Scott.

 

Once she gets moved in, there will be a grand opening on Saturday, August 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Normal hours will follow: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. The business is closed on Sundays.

 

Morris said she likes to “make women feel empowered and beautiful on the outside and the inside.”

 

The selection ranges from lounge wear to special-occasion clothing.

“Outfits you can take from day to night,” she said.

Sammie Barner is the manager of Midwest Runway. Submitted photo.

Sammie Barner will be the store manager, and there are some part-time employees as well.

The business can be contacted on its Facebook and Instagram pages or at midwestrunwayboutique@gmail.com.

New Superintendent For Fort Scott School District: Zach Johnson

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

Zach Johnson is the new superintendent for U.S.D. 234, Fort Scott’s school district, as of July 1.

ZJHeadshot – 1

As a leader, Johnson hopes to help facilitate a collective vision that focuses on the success of all students, he said.

“I believe in supporting and creating a culture that adds value and support to our staff. I look forward to working alongside our staff to create positive student outcomes every year.”

Background

“I am originally from Willard Missouri. I have been in education for 13 years. I have spent six of those years as a teacher and coach in Missouri. I then spent four years as an assistant principal/athletic director at Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville and I was the principal at Fort Scott Middle School for three years, and assistant superintendent for one year.”

Family

“My wife Bethany is a therapist at Kansas Renewal Institute (KRI). We have four kids. We are very active in the school and the Fort Scott community. We are excited to be here and look forward to continuing to build connections throughout our community.”

What is the best thing about being in education for you?

” The relationships that are made and the positive impact that is made on students.”

What is a challenge?

” I believe a challenge would be external factors that influence our district and other school districts across Kansas. Examples would be state and federal legislation that affects public education and the day-to-day work of educators.”

Is there anything new on the horizon for the district this year?-

” I am excited for the strategic planning that we will begin working on. This process will involve all stakeholders in our community to help develop the mission, vision, and values for U.S.D. 234. More information will come as we get closer to the school year.”

What’s Happening in Fort Scott July 18 Edition

What's Happening in Fort Scott July 18th Weekend Edition!

🚎 Historic Trolley Tours

Ride Dolly the Trolley and explore Fort Scott’s history

with a narrated tour.

Fridays & Saturdays – Now Boarding!

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

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.

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

Kansas Small Business

Development Center

at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

Every 2nd Thursday of the month 9am-3pm

Want more details or updates Community, Chamber, and Member events?

You can find full dates, times, locations, and links on our community calendar on the Chamber’s website at:

👉 fortscott.com/events/calendar/

RECURRING EVENTS

Farmers Market

Saturday Markets (May-October)

8am-12pm

Tuesday Markets (June-August)

4-6pm

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, July 18th

Christmas in July @ Farmers Market 9-11am @Farmers Market – Gathering Square Pavilion

Christmas on the Bricks -Save the Date Enjoy the snow machine at the splash pad, temporary tattoos for the kiddos Click HERE for more info!

CYRA Rodeo Sat: 10am Sunday: 9am Bourbon County Fairgrounds Click HERE for more info!

Kansas Rocks – Summer Off-Road 101 Courses Click HERE for more info!

Kansas Concealed Carry Class 8am Click HERE for more info!

Estate Auction – The Late Larry Ballou 9am 112 S. Margrave. St.

Brett Johnson Memorial Scholarship Poker Run 11am-6pm $30/hand 50/50pot Starting at: Sharky's Pub & Grub, Fort Scott, Ks. Check in starts at 10am, Kickstands up at 11am. stops at Sunflower Saloon in Blue Mound, Ks; One Stop, Parker, Ks; Lucy's Bar & Grill, La Cygne, Ks; ends at Pleasanton Community Center for final draw, raffle, & free-will-donation dinner, which will conclude the ride.

Paint & Pizza Flamingo Flock 11am-2pm @ Papa Don's Pizza, 10 S. Main St. $30/person

Sunday, July 19th

CYRA Rodeo Sat: 10am Sunday: 9am Bourbon County Fairgrounds Click HERE for more info!

✅ See more events & details:

https://fortscott.com/events

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

620-223-3566

information@fortscott.com

fortscott.com

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.

REMINDER TO GET YOUR TICKETS ⬇️

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

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

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

Click HERE to view our 2026 Community Guide-Member Directory!

Christmas in July at Fort Scott Farmers Market This Saturday

Christmas is Heating Up in July!

Christmas on the Bricks

July 18   ⏰ 9–11am  Fort Scott Farmers Market

Come enjoy:

  • ❄️ Snow machine fun!
  • Summer-themed Christmas tattoos for kids!
  • Information about volunteering, sponsoring and getting involved.
  • A cheerful reminder that Christmas on the Bricks will be here before we know it!

Christmas on the Bricks Hosts Christmas in July Event Scheduled for July 18th

The Christmas on the Bricks Committee invites the community to enjoy a little holiday cheer in the heat of summer during its Christmas in July event on Saturday, July 18, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market, held at the Gathering Square Pavilion, 111 N. National Ave., in the Downtown Historic District.

Community members are encouraged to stop by the Christmas on the Bricks booth for a festive Christmas in July experience. The booth will feature a snow machine and summer-themed Christmas temporary tattoos for children to enjoy.

The event is a fun opportunity to cool off, celebrate the holiday spirit and learn more about the upcoming 4th Annual Christmas on the Bricks celebration.

Christmas on the Bricks will take place December 3 through 6, 2026, in Downtown Fort Scott. The annual celebration is held during the first weekend in December and features holiday activities, shopping, dining, carriage rides, Christmas lights, family fun and more.

Stop by the Fort Scott Farmers Market on July 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. for a little snow, summer fun and a festive reminder to save the date for this Fort Scott holiday tradition.

Additional information about Christmas on the Bricks can be found at fortscott.com/christmas-on-the-bricks.

Visit the Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks Facebook Page!

Visit the Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks webpage!

Christmas on the Bricks Save the Date

Frankie’s Mission: Helping the Homeless

Submitted photos. Frankie’s Mission volunteers had a dinner at Wesley House for the homeless in Pittsburg.
Vickie Crowe, Fort Scott,  started a mission to honor her son Frankie, who died about three years ago, and was homeless.

Since then, the group that has volunteered to help her has held dinners for the homeless at Wesley House and the Salvation Army in Pittsburg because she couldn’t find a place in Fort Scott to do a dinner, she said. She also does mission work in Pittsburg.

Recently, at the Heritage Pavilion in Fort Scott, she and a group of helpers handed out sack lunches to those in need.
“We would like to do more and more often,” she said. “We have to raise money to do this.”
The group that helps the mission consists of Cara Guthrie, Donna Brisbin, Jeri Mitchell, and Burt Hawkins, and recently some others have expressed interest in joining the group, she said.
Submitted photos from Vickie Crowe, a dinner for the homeless in Pittsburg.
Frankie’s Mission is a non-profit organization in Fort Scott.
“We help the homeless and less fortunate,” said Vickie Crow. “We pass out food, hygiene items, clothes, etc. We recently set up at the pavilion and handed out sack lunches and hygiene supplies . The photos I sent are of dinners we have had. We do things to raise money to do this stuff.”
A free-will donation yard sale to benefit the mission will be held on July 31 to August 1 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations for the sale are accepted.
The yard sale will be at 2403 Jayhawk.
Submitted photos of the dinner for the homeless in Pittsburg, which Frankie’s Mission volunteers supplied.

For questions, contact Crowe at vickiebrewercrowe@gmail.com

or

phone number 620-215-4816.

 

Free 4-H STEM Summer Day Camp – July 23 at Fort Scott Library

Sending on behalf of Chamber member
K-State Research & Extension — Southwind District

FREE 4-H STEM Summer Day Camp

FREE 4-H STEM SUMMER DAY CAMP

You’re invited!

Calling all young builders, creators, and problem-solvers!

Students entering Grades 3 through 6 are invited to a FREE morning of hands-on STEM activities presented by K-State Research and Extension and the Southwind District 4-H program.

July 23
⏰ 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Fort Scott Public Library
FREE to attend

Camp Activities:

 Build a simple robot

Create a catapult

Create a working windmill

Space may be limited, so be sure to register your child soon!

Click HERE to Register Today!
Or call 620-244-3826

Get ready for a morning filled with building, experimenting, learning, and STEM-powered fun! Ὠ0

Click HERE to visit K-State Extension – Southwind District Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit K-State Extension – Southwind District webpage!

Apothecare Select Pharmacy Receives Accreditation

Apothecare Select Achieves ACHC Accreditation

PITTSBURG, Kan.—The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) announces that Apothecare Select, its specialty pharmacy division, has achieved accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for specialty pharmacy services and mail order pharmacy services.

Accreditation by ACHC reflects an organization’s dedication and commitment to meeting nationally recognized standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care. “This accreditation represents a significant milestone for our specialty pharmacy program. While our patients already experience the quality of care we provide, the ACHC seal allows us to formally demonstrate that level of excellence to the broader healthcare community. It validates the standards we uphold every day and marks an important step in our continued growth,” said Brian Martin, PharmD, MBA, Apothecare Specialty Pharmacy Manager. “We’re proud to provide this level of care while serving as a local, accessible option for our community.”

Since opening in 2024, Apothecare Select has focused on helping patients with rare, chronic, or complex health conditions manage high-cost, specialized medications. “Specialty medications often require close monitoring and coordination. Our team is actively engaged in each patient’s journey, providing them with ongoing support, answering questions quickly, and offering refill reminders,” said Martin. “This level of care helps patients stay on track with their treatment and ultimately helps them achieve better health outcomes.”

Apothecare Select’s pharmacy staff also helps ensure patients can access the prescriptions they need. “For many, affordability can serve as a significant barrier to their care. We guide them through their assistance options to help make sure no one falls through the cracks,” said Martin.

Apothecare Select offers convenient access to specialty medications through in-person pickup or delivery to homes in Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma. The pharmacy is located at 924 N. Broadway inside the CHC/SEK Pittsburg Downtown location.

For more information, call Apothecare Select at 855-222-1505.

###

About Accreditation Commission for Health Care
Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) is a nonprofit organization that has stood as a symbol of quality and excellence since 1986. ACHC is ISO 9001:2015 certified, and it has Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services deeming authority for Home Health, Hospice, and Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies.

About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.

This email and any attachments may contain confidential information subject to protection under the Federal Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (45 C.F.R. Parts 160 and 164). If you or your organization is a “Covered Entity” under the above mentioned regulations, you are obligated to treat such information in a manner consistent with the regulations. If it appears that this email was sent to you in error, (1) you are prohibited from utilizing or disseminating this email or any attachments; (2) please immediately delete it from your computer and any servers or other locations where it might be stored and (3) email webmaster@chcsek.org or call 620.231.9873 advising that you have done so. We appreciate your cooperation.Ap

First Baptist Church VBS is July 23-25

First Baptist Church, 123 Scott Avenue.
First Baptist Church at 123 Scott Ave is having a Vacation Bible School from Thursday-Saturday July 23-25.

 

Thursday & Friday, July 23 & 24

9:45  a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

 For children aged 5 – entering 6th grade

Saturday, July 25 – FAMILY DAY

10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Lunch served daily

 

First Baptist Church

123 Scott Avenue

Fort Scott, Kansas

620-223-3080

Find us on Facebook: First Baptist Fort Scott

 

LMC Awarded Grant to Support Unsung Heroes of Fort Scott

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Awarded

Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area Grant

 

Fort Scott, Kansas – The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes has been awarded a grant from the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA) to support the “Unsung Heroes of Fort Scott” project.

 

The project, titled “Unsung Heroes of Fort Scott” will include a wall-mounted 55-inch digital screen with touch and interactive capabilities.  The screen will be placed in the museum and contain information about Fort Scott and Kansas unsung heroes and their histories. The wall mount contains technology that will allow for AI portraits of unsung heroes like native son and Renaissance man Gordon Parks, one of Fort Scott’s early Jewish businessmen Alfred Weil, and Kansas suffragist Carrie Langston Hughes, to name only a few! An interactive map will also pinpoint the connections to all of the Fort Scott unsung heroes! Through this effort, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes aims to promote tourism, improve our local economy, and engage our local, national, and international visitors in new and exciting ways!

 

“We are really excited to work with the Freedom’s Frontier once again in our mutual effort to raise awareness about Kansas and Fort Scott unsung heroes and their history!” said Norm Conard, Executive Director of the LMC of Unsung Heroes.

 

Freedom’s Frontier is a congressionally designated national heritage area that spans eastern Kansas and western Missouri, working with partners to preserve and share the stories of the region’s role in shaping the nation’s history.  FFNHA provides grant funding to support projects promoting heritage tourism, historic preservation, and public interpretation.

 

The project is expected to be completed by the end of this summer.

 

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes: The LMC is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) that works with students and educators within a range of diverse academic disciplines, to develop projects focused on unsung heroes. Our mission is to share those projects and the stories of these unsung heroes with our community through our museum at the Center!

Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA): FFNHA builds awareness of struggles for freedom in western Missouri and eastern Kansas. Established by Congress in 2006, FFNHA covers a unique physical and cultural landscape across 41 counties and 31,000 square miles. It promotes three diverse, interwoven, and nationally significant stories: frontier settlement, the Kansas-Missouri Border War and Civil War, and enduring civil rights disputes. FFNHA inspires respect for multiple perspectives and empowers area residents to preserve and share these stories, achieving its goals through interpretation, preservation, conservation, and education for all residents and visitors. It is one of the 62 federally recognized national heritage areas across the United States.