Effective September 21st, 2022, Josh Jones has rescinded his resignation as a City Commissioner, therefore, there is no open City Commission spot at this time.
Category Archives: Fort Scott
FS City Commission Meets in Special Session Today at 5 p.m.
The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 21st, 2022 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission is expected to recess into Executive Session. The meeting is open to the public, but the Executive Session is not.
This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.
Outdoor Blues Festival This Saturday: Plans In Place
This Saturday Sept. 24, gates open for a music concert at a residence at 2006 Maple Road, just west of Fort Scott. Plans are settling into place for the event, which was announced several weeks ago.
New comers to the Fort Scott area from Kansas City, Cory and Cecilia Bryars, have planned the blues festival on their property to benefit a local helping organization, Care to Share.
In addition to the blues concert, there will be food with proceeds going to Care to Share:
–Hot dogs, chips, and chili
–Smash Burgers from 4-8 p.m.
–Funnel cakes
–Chili Frito Pie
–Huge bake sale–pies, cookies, more
–Water (and if you care to share bring a case to donate)
–Coolers are welcome!
–Smash Burgers from 4-8 p.m.
–Funnel cakes
–Chili Frito Pie
–Huge bake sale–pies, cookies, more
–Water (and if you care to share bring a case to donate)
–Coolers are welcome!
There will be other booths and vendors, with proceeds to Care to Share and the booth vendor, featuring metal art, pottery, mums, spices, birdhouses, face painting and the Kansas City Blues Society and more.
The gates open at 1 p.m., and the musicians will play from 2-10 p.m.
Preliminary work has included having enough parking for those wanting to attend.
“There is lots of parking at the venue and neighboring yards,” Cory Bryars said. “Just follow the signs when you get there.”
“Also Dolly the Trolley ( local tourism trolley car) will shuttle from Twister Trailer (on North National Avenue, just across from Riverfront Park) to 2006 Maple at the following times– 1:15-4 p.m., 5:30-8 p.m., 8:30-10:30 p.m or when everyone gets back at their cars,”he said.
If planning on staying the duration of the concert, concert goers are asked to take the trolley.
“If you are staying for quite a while, please take the trolley, which will free up venue parking for people only coming for a short while,” Bryars said.
All the details are located on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
The event is free. However they are asking donations to support Care to Share a local cancer survivor support group.
“Our mission statement is to provide friendship and support through emotional and financial assistance to individuals who are cancer fighters and their caregivers…because we care to share,” Lavetta Simmons, a spokesman for Care To Share said in a prior story.
“We are 100% volunteer individuals, no paid employees, so everything donated goes 100% right back into our community for our cancer fighters. Last year we were able to care and share 1,134 times for a total of $65,711.69 with our cancer families.”
“We are 100% volunteer individuals, no paid employees, so everything donated goes 100% right back into our community for our cancer fighters. Last year we were able to care and share 1,134 times for a total of $65,711.69 with our cancer families.”
No tickets are required and the event is free.
Donations to Care to Share are appreciated, Bryars said. “The event page also has a link to donate even if you can’t be here and want to support a great cause.”
The primary event activity is four top-quality blues bands playing from 2-3:30 p.m., 4-5:30 p.m., 6-7:30 p.m., 8-9:45 p.m.
To learn more about the event organizer:
Blues Festival Coming to Fort Scott Sept. 24
Blues Festival Coming to Fort Scott Sept. 24
Chamber Coffee hosted by SEK VETERINARY CENTER
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by SEK Veterinary Center, Thursday, September 22nd at 8 a.m. at 1251 240th St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.
Dr. Russ Baxley and his team provide comprehensive care of pets and livestock. They have up-to-date digital imaging, digital ultrasound, in-house blood work as well as access to the Zoetis Reference Laboratory for specialized blood work with next day results. For livestock they have a hydraulic tilt chute with safe and efficient alleys and pens. They also have equine stocks. Dr. Baxley is from Southeast Kansas and has extensive experience in many areas of veterinary medicine including Small and Large animal medicine and surgery, emergency medicine, and Working K9s/service dogs.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.
Senior Food Bank, Commodities Distribution Moved to Saturday, Sept. 24
The Bourbon County Senior Citizens are try to get the word out about the Commodities and Sr. Food Bank Distribution. We have had to change the distribution date from Friday, Sept. 23 to Sat. Sept 24. The time of the distribution will be from 9:oo To Noon at Bourbon County Senior Citizens building is at 26 N. Main.
If you have any questions you can contact Jackie Sellers at (620)364-6524.
Submitted by
Jackie Sellers
FSHS Organization to Sponsor Job Fair
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives working to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The Fort Scott High School Chapter of SkillsUSA is hosting a job fair on Wednesday, April 25, 2023 from 8 a.m. to noon in the high school auxiliary gym.
The purpose is to acquaint students with career opportunities available in the region. Michelle Laubenstein is the advisor for the group and can be reached at [email protected] or call 620.223.0600.
The FSHS SkillsUSA club is one of 23 Fort Scott High School student organizations, here is a list of the rest.
Storytime at Local Bookstore: Oct. 1
Ann Stark Retires After 43 Years at Atkins Insurance
After 43 years at a downtown Fort Scott business, Ann Stark has retired.
“My last day was May 27,” Stark said. “The co-workers had a retirement party for me on August 19.”
Stark has worked at Atkins Insurance Agency since 1979.
“I was hired by Ron Dodson in February 1979,” she said. “My first position was clerical, customer service.”
“I liked the small office and meeting clients one-on-one,” Stark said.
She then earned a license in property, casualty, life and health insurance in 1980.
After Ron Dodson died she and Patty West purchased the business from his widow.
“We kept the same phone number and same customer service,” she said. “It was working, why change it?”
Through the years she took classes to improve her service to the customers.
“The laws and policies change and you are required to take continuing education classes every two years,” she said.
And this year marked her 43rd year with the business.
Stark says she does miss the interaction with her clients, since her retirement.
“You know their kids and grand kids,” she said. “I also miss working with Patty West and Chrystal Cowan, they are mother and daughter.”
But Stark said she is enjoying spending more time outside and being able to go see her grand kids more frequently, with her husband, who is also retired.
Friday Night Free Concert: St. Martin’s Academy
Students of Saint Martin’s Academy, 1950 Indian Road, will be the featured entertainment at this week’s Friday Night Concert. The school currently has a healthy and growing enrollment of boys. The music department is under the direction of Dave Agee and Daniel Kerr. The lads will perform vocal solos, duets, and ensemble numbers plus instrumental accompaniment.
“This lively group of young men will warm your heart with their endearing performances of folk, country, and gospel songs,“ concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “In addition to their musical talent, these students have proven to be an asset to the community with their willingness to help out in various areas. We are pleased to welcome Saint Martin’s Academy back to perform in our downtown pavilion. Bring a friend and join us for an enjoyable evening of music.”
The one-hour concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows are free and open to the public. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
Eddy Street At Clairmont Closed Sept. 20-27
The City of Fort Scott Water Distribution Department in conjunction with J. Richardson Company will be closing the intersection of Eddy Street at Clairmont. This will begin on Tuesday, September 20th through September 27th. 17th and Eddy will also be closed periodically for daytime closures.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call 620-223-0550 and ask for Water Distribution.
Sept. 15 Special Meeting of the FS City Commission
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of September 15, 2022 Special Meeting #15
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held September 15th, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Tim Van Hoecke, Shane Walker, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Kathryn Harrington presiding.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Brad Matkin, Anne Dare, Rob Harrington, Braley Harrington, Dave Bruner, and representing the press Tammy Helm, Editor, Fort Scott Tribune.
- Accept resignation of City Commissioner – City Clerk read the following letter from Josh Jones: “It has been a privilege to serve Fort Scott for the last two years as Mayor/City Commissioner. I have had the honor to get to know some of the best employees Fort Scott has. I haven’t always made the right decisions, but I truly felt like the decisions I made were for the betterment of Fort Scott. My house outside of the City limits will be complete in 4-5 months, however, I feel like it is best to resign as City Commissioner effective immediately as I feel the direction of the current Commission is moving in a direction that differs from my views. It would be better suited for me to resign early and let a more motivated commissioner come on board. Josh Jones”.
- Van Hoecke said that he would like to say that he appreciates all that Josh has done for the City. He enjoyed the time he worked with him as Commissioner. He said that they not always saw eye to eye on issues, whether one on one or on social media, but his greatest concern was for the citizens of Fort Scott. He thanked him for his commitment to the City and the plans that he has for the future and wishes him the best.
- Wells said that he knows Josh will continue to work for the betterment of the community. He won’t give up and he appreciates that about him. He felt the decisions he made were best on behalf of the citizens. He thanked Josh for all that he did.
- Walker also thanked Josh. He said that he put in a lot of hours doing City business.
Katie said that he would ask questions and help steer them in the right direction. Katie said that he spent a lot of time preparing for the meetings.
- Harrington moved to accept the resignation of Josh Jones as City Commissioner effective immediately. S. Walker seconded. T. Van Hoecke and S. Walker voted yes. M. Wells and K. Harrington voted no. The City Attorney then had to make the deciding vote.
City Attorney said that he has given us a letter stating that he quit. The Ordinance says that you have 10 days to replace him. It’s hard to replace him if you don’t accept his resignation. You need to be able to move forward and make decisions as a board.
Bob Farmer said that for the good of the City he will vote to accept the resignation of Josh Jones. Motion carried 3-2.
APPROVED THE RESIGNATION OF JOSH JONES AS CITY COMMISSIONER EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
City Clerk said that she drafted a Letter of Interest for them to review. Letters of interest would be accepted until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 26th, 2022. She asked for approval to post this notice.
- Van Hoecke moved to publish the letter of interest to the press. S. Walker seconded. T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, and K. Harrington voted aye. M. Wells voted no. Motion carried 3-1.
APPROVED TO PUBLISH THE LETTER OF INTEREST TO THE PRESS.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
- Van Hoecke moved to recess into Executive Session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) and for attorney/client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2) until 5:55 p.m. This will include the City Commissioners and City Attorney. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
- Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 5:55 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNMENT:
- Van Hoecke moved to adjourn the special meeting at 5:55 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:55 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, MMC, City Clerk
Sept. 14 Special Meeting of the FS City Commission
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of September 14, 2022 Special Meeting #14
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held September 14th, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Josh Jones, Tim Van Hoecke, Shane Walker, Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Kathryn Harrington presiding.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Brad Matkin, Devin Tally, Susan Bancroft, Michael Hoyt, Dave Bruner, and representing the press Tammy Helm, Editor, Fort Scott Tribune.
PUBLIC HEARING:
- Wells moved to open the Public Hearing at 5:01 p.m. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 5:01 P.M.
Consideration of adoption of 2023 Budget: Mayor Harrington asked Susan Bancroft if any changes had been made since their last budget work session.
Susan said no changes have been made.
Mayor Harrington asked for any public comments.
Michael Hoyt reminded the Commission of Kansas State Statute 12-825b which states that any city of the first, second, or third class water funds should stay in that fund. He believes it should not be transferred to any other fund. He also asked about the Municipal Court budget. He questioned what charges the Municipal Court is expanding to and why they were not addressed. He questioned why the full time County Attorney is also the City Prosecutor and the fact that she is double dipping. He said there is a $24,000 increase in expenditures.
Susan said that the increase is for court appointed attorneys.
City Clerk informed him that there are offenses where pleas cannot be taken with an attorney or a court appointed attorney. Those charges are assessed back to the defendant.
- Wells questioned the debt service.
Susan explained the debt service to the Commission. She also said that water funds can be transferred, but not sewer funds. There have been no transfers last year, nor will there be this year.
- Van Hoecke moved to close the Public Hearing at 5:16 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 5:16 P.M.
- Walker moved to approve the 2023 Budget. T. Van Hoecke seconded. T. Van Hoecke, S. Walker, M. Wells, and K. Harrington voted aye. J. Jones voted no. Motion carried 4-1.
APPROVED 2023 BUDGET.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
- Harrington moved to recess into Executive Session for personnel matters of non-elected personnel exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1) until 5:49 p.m. This will include City Commissioners, City Attorney, and Susan Bancroft, Financial Services Analyst. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
- Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 5:49 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNMENT:
- Wells moved to adjourn the special meeting at 5:49 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 5:49 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane K. Clay, MMC
City Clerk