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Category Archives: Housing
GNAT Ready To Help Their Community Maintain Properties
The Good Neighbor Action Team (GNAT) helps the Fort Scott community in hands-on projects and is gearing up for this year’s projects.
They are planning for 2026, and are asking the community to let them know of potential projects.
They cannot do roofs, but can clear yard debris and help with light carpentry needs, with curb appeal as the goal.
If you have a larger project, they can assist with grant applications. Please send requests or ideas to Craig Campbell at 620.224.0167.
“We help people where they are overwhelmed, financially or physically,” said Campbell, a member of GNAT. “Our main mission focuses on helping people who are having trouble maintaining their properties. We do things like you would help a neighbor with.”
“We focus on the elderly and financially distressed, like single parents or veterans, or those with a physical disability, to do the work themselves,” he said.
“We do it whether someone has the ability to pay or not,” he said.
“We bring the people and the materials to get the job done.”
The group receives grants and donations to help with the materials, and recently received a Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant. “We have a person who helps with the grants, Jara Martin.”
“We have been successful in getting grants to help with roofs and heating/cooling. We coordinate house painting,” he said.
The GNAT examines the project for need and scopes it to determine how many volunteers are needed.
Then the team asks for volunteers to help with the projects through local organizations and churches.
Last year, the Fort Scott Community College softball women helped paint a house and got the job done in one afternoon, he said.
In recent years they have been building many wheelchair ramps.
“We were building a wheelchair ramp about once a week, but that has gotten slower,” he said.
“As soon as the weather is better, we will paint some houses. We do yard clean-up, life after a storm. Winter can knock branches down.”
Current GNAT members are Ed Allen, Campbell, Bailey Lyons, Lindsay Madison, Martin, Jake Province, C.J. Robison, Gayle Teter, and Don Tucker.
KS Dept. of Commerce Launching Initiative To Redevelop Vacant Buildings into Housing
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How To Apply For Low Income Energy Assistance Program Benefits
Applying for LIEAP?
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) can help eligible households pay a portion of their primary home heating costs by providing a one-time per year benefit. LIEAP can help restore or maintain electricity, natural gas, propane and other home heating bills.
The application period begins
Jan. 20, 2026, at 8 a.m. and ends March 31, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Apply online at dcfapp.kees.ks.gov or get help in-person at an upcoming LIEAP event:
Jan. 20, 2026, at 8 a.m. and ends March 31, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Apply online at dcfapp.kees.ks.gov or get help in-person at an upcoming LIEAP event:
January 29 from 1-6 p.m. at the Fort Scott Public Library, at 2nd and National Avenue.
See the full schedule of LIEAP events at LIEAP.dcf.ks.gov
Please bring copies of the following information:
• Proof of income (earned and unearned) for anyone living in
the residence.
• Copy of all fuel bills (gas, electric, propane, etc.)
• Proof of child support payments received or the court order.
• If in subsidized housing, provide a copy of your rental
agreement.
• If your primary heating costs are included in your rent, provide
a copy of your rental agreement.
*Other information may be requested as needed.
LIEAP
**If your utility bills are in the landlord’s name, a copy of the lease
agreement must be provided.
LIEAP
Please bring copies of the following information:
• Proof of income (earned and unearned) for anyone living in
the residence.
• Copy of all fuel bills (gas, electric, propane, etc.)
• Proof of child support payments received or the court order.
• If in subsidized housing, provide a copy of your rental
agreement.
• If your primary heating costs are included in your rent, provide
a copy of your rental agreement.
*Other information may be requested as needed.
LIEAP
**If your utility bills are in the landlord’s name, a copy of the lease
agreement must be provided.
LIEAP
Fort Scott Manor Is Turned Into Standard Market Apartments
Fort Scottians need more apartments, and a Kansas contractor is turning a former nursing home, which has been vacant for several years, into new rentals after a complete renovation of the property.
The former Fort Scott Manor nursing home property, 736 Heylman, was purchased by Rural Asset Management (RAM) in January 2022, after being closed down by the state several years prior.
The new name for the Fort Scott property is Charlotte Place, RAM Owner Shane Lamb said, adding that his children pick the name of the business’s properties.
The first four units are slated for rental availability in late October, said Lamb, if all goes as planned.
Work started on the property, then halted to finish a similar Iola project in March 2025.
“It’s coming together, it’s been an intensive and costly project, and it should be nice when done,” he said. “Our goal is to be the nicest apartments in the community we are in, and to keep it affordable.”
There will be 24 units: one-bedroom, one-bath apartments are 550-626 square feet with a range of $650-695 per month, two-bedroom apartments are between 700-1000 square feet with a range of $800 to 875, and there will be a 500 square foot studio apartment for short-term rentals, Lamb said.
“The short-term rental, a couple of local businesses want to lease for their staff,” Lamb said.
The apartments will feature new appliances, including a stove, above-stove microwave, and fridge, and will be equipped with fiber optic internet availability.
Tenants will pay rent and their electric bill; the landlord pays for the water, trash, and sewer service.
There will be a brand new on-site laundry provided for the tenants.
Additionally, “there will be a pet-friendly fenced-in area in the back of the apartments,” he said.
These apartments will not be low-income rentals, but instead will be available to the standard market, said Lamb.
“The standard market means that they are not subsidized by the government,” Lamb said.
About Rural Asset Management
RAM focuses on rural towns and rural housing, purchasing nursing homes, schools, and hospitals that are converted to housing, according to a prior interview with Lamb.
“We currently have 13 projects under construction in rural communities,” he said. “We typically supply 300-600 apartments per year in rural communities.”
Housing and Urban Development Rules on Tenants Termination
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Now Accepting Applications: Fort Scott Historic Preservation and Resource Commission (FSHPRC)
The City of Fort Scott is seeking passionate and civic-minded individuals to serve on the Fort Scott Historic Preservation and Resource Commission (FSHPRC)—a key volunteer group that helps guide the city’s historic preservation efforts and ensure thoughtful stewardship of our architectural and cultural resources.
About the Commission:
The Fort Scott Historic Preservation and Resource Commission advises the City Commission on matters related to the preservation of historic properties and districts within Fort Scott. The board is responsible for reviewing Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs), assisting in the development of local preservation policy, and supporting public education and outreach related to Fort Scott’s historic character.
The Fort Scott Historic Preservation and Resource Commission advises the City Commission on matters related to the preservation of historic properties and districts within Fort Scott. The board is responsible for reviewing Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs), assisting in the development of local preservation policy, and supporting public education and outreach related to Fort Scott’s historic character.
Qualifications for Appointment:
The following qualifications shall apply to appointees to the FSHPRC:
The following qualifications shall apply to appointees to the FSHPRC:
- All appointees shall be residents of the City of Fort Scott.
- All appointees should be individuals who have demonstrated interest, knowledge, or training in fields closely related to historic preservation, such as:
History Urban Planning and Design
Architecture Real Estate
Landscape Architecture Law
Architectural History Finance
Archaeology Building Trades
Geography
A majority of the commission must have a demonstrated interest or expertise in historic preservation, and at least one member must meet the professional qualifications established by the National Park Service.
Member Responsibilities:
- Serve as a volunteer representing the public interest in historic preservation
- Attend regular public meetings (typically monthly)
- Review and vote on proposed alterations to designated historic properties
- Provide input on preservation planning and ordinance updates
- Participate in training or workshops as needed
Terms:
The terms of office shall be:
One year term – Three members
Two-year term – Four members
Apply Today:
Interested residents may submit an application for appointment to the City Clerk’s Office. Applications are available online at fscity.org or at City Hall, 123 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.
Interested residents may submit an application for appointment to the City Clerk’s Office. Applications are available online at fscity.org or at City Hall, 123 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS.
Application Deadline: 07/31/25
Thank you,
Lisa Dillon
Redevelopment Project Slated For Completion This Year
Twenty-two new standard market apartments will be available this year in Fort Scott, if all goes as planned.
Shane Lamb is president of Rural Asset Management and Rural ReDevelopment Group, De Soto, KS., and decided to take on the former Fort Scott Manor Nursing Home, 736 Heylman Street as a redevelopment project.
He purchased the property in January 2022, which had been closed for approximately three years, intending to create 24 standard market apartments.
In a prior interview, Lamb said they didn’t receive any state or federal grants or funds. They did apply for them but did not receive any.
Work began last year on the project.
“We went drastically over budget and over time,” he said. “All our contractors were slow, winter was slow.”
“We jumped off that project to finish phase 1 of a project in Iola,” Lamb said.
Lamb said the Fort Scott project will be restarting this week.
Phase 1 of the Fort Scott project will take approximately 60 days once started. It will take six months for the whole project to be completed.
The building is approximately 20,000 square feet and has been completely gutted, and all new materials have been used.
The Fort Scott property will not be low-income apartment rentals but instead will be for the standard market, with prices for the large one-bedroom apartments at $675 to 695 per month, Lamb said.
“We focus on rural towns and rural housing,” he said in a prior interview. “Typically, we purchase nursing homes, schools, hospitals…single-use vacant properties we convert to housing.”
Lamb said he always tries to use qualified local contractors and buy materials locally.
“I always try to keep the money local,” he said. “It doesn’t work 100 percent of the time. Sometimes you can’t find local partners to meet those deadlines…because they are so busy. We do have a couple from Fort Scott, Chanute, and Iola.”
Upper Floor Housing Grants Available For Main Street Communities
Commerce Offers Funding Opportunities for Upper Floor Housing in Main Street Communities
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today $250,000 is available under the Residential Opportunities on Main Street (ROOMS) grant program to support new upper-floor housing in commercial buildings in Designated Kansas Main Street communities.
“Last year’s initial round of ROOMS funding resulted in 34 new housing units across the state and nearly $6 million in total investment,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Another year of funding allows for us to continue breathing life into communities across this state and growing economic opportunities for generations to come.”
Upper-floor investments play an important role in addressing the affordable and quality housing shortage, which regularly is identified as a major issue throughout Kansas. Upper-floor housing enhances the overall livability and functionality of downtowns. It also can lead to increased investment, improved infrastructure, a positive cycle of economic growth, a stronger tax base, and a greater sense of place and community identity.
“The Kansas Main Street program has worked to help communities build their capacity in developing upper-floor housing in downtown buildings,” Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell said. “Housing in these historic buildings downtown helps generate excitement and vitality in the area while restoring buildings to maximize their full use. ROOMS grants help these types of projects become reality.”
ROOMS funds will be available to applicants within active Designated Kansas Main Street communities for projects that can be shown to lead directly to housing creation or retention in upper floors of existing buildings in downtown areas. Projects must incorporate Main Street design standards and follow local ordinances and codes for improvements.
More details about ROOMS can be found here. For more information about the Kansas Main Street program, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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Winter Safety Tips
Lisa Dillon: New FS Housing and Community Development Coordinator
Lisa Dillon started as the new City of Fort Scott Housing and Community Development Coordinator on September 23.
Her wages will be split over a couple of different funds including economic development, FS City Manager Brad Matkin said.
“I graduated from high school in 1986 and later attended Fort Scott Community College. I have gained valuable insights into community development and social issues with prior employment and volunteering ventures with different communities through the years,” Dillon said.
She has experience in real estate, residential lending, and community programs that assisted families.
The following was provided by Matkin about the roles that Dillon and her department head, Mary Wyatt, play.
Planning, Housing, and Business Development Department
The Planning, Housing, and Business Development Department plays a vital role in shaping the future growth and sustainability of a community. It focuses on urban planning, housing initiatives, and business development strategies, ensuring they are integrated to create a vibrant and resilient community. This includes planning, implementing, and evaluating programs that foster economic growth, improve public infrastructure, enhance housing options, and strengthen community ties.
Director of Planning, Housing, and Business Development: Mary Wyatt
- Oversee the Housing and Community Development Coordinator, Tourism and Public Relations Coordinator, Codes Department, and Woodland Hills Golf Course.
- Work closely with the Kansas Department of Commerce on promoting Fort Scott to entice businesses to come to our community.
- Ensure the City of Fort Scott is competitive regionally attracting prospective companies to the City.
- Work with the area Chamber of Commerce to strengthen relationships with existing businesses.
- In partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and local realtors, develops, and maintains a comprehensive inventory of available buildings and sites in the community.
- Provide education to possible new businesses for grants, funding, and locations.
- Report to the commission quarterly on findings, wins, and expectations of the Planning, Housing, and Business Development Department.
- Develop short- and long-range economic development plans.
- Lead efforts to attract new businesses to the City of Fort Scott or Bourbon County.
- Develop incentive programs to encourage business investment in the community.
- Represent the City of Fort Scott at regional and national economic development conferences and trade shows.
- Study and monitor the up-to-date market statistics and demographics for existing businesses, labor shed, and market data for businesses interested in relocating or locating in Fort Scott.
Housing and Community Development Manager: Lisa Dillon
- City liaison for the City of Fort Scott Land Bank
- Educate investors on housing incentives
- Legislative liaison working with Kansas League of Municipalities to influence state and federal legislation.
- Develop, implement, and manage housing and community development programs.
- Oversee the administration of grants and funding for housing and community development projects.
- Ensure that all housing and development projects comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Collaborate with the Codes Department to provide support and assistance
- Prepare and submit required reports and documentation to regulatory bodies.
- Continued education in housing, codes, and community development regulations.
- Identify and secure funding sources for housing and community development
- Report quarterly on housing developments and community activities to the City Commission
- Help the Director of Planning, Housing, and Business Development with incentive programs to encourage business investment in the community.
- Promote the development of affordable housing and improve existing housing stock with the assistance of the Codes department.
- Work with the City of Fort Scott’s bond counselor to promote and execute the city’s RHID program.
- Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment
Her office is located at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street Fort Scott, and her phone number is 620.223.0550.
Buildings Scheduled for Demolition in Fort Scott: A Long Process
On September 3rd, the Fort Scott City Commission voted to demolish several blighted buildings.
The purpose and goal of the Fort Scott Codes Department is to enforce all codes, ordinances, and regulations adopted by the City of Fort Scott to ensure the safety and aesthetic value of all properties and establish a standard of property maintenance, according to the city’s website.
The city has a process to allow extended time for property owners to repair the buildings.
Properties in a state of deterioration are turned into the city by community members for the most part, said Leroy Kruger, who works in the codes department.
This begins a process that starts with a letter to the property owner asking them to repair the house up to city codes and to give the codes department a phone call, within 30 days of receiving the letter.
“If we haven’t heard from them, we send out a condemnation letter,” Kruger said.
“We give 30 more days, if we haven’t heard from them, we turn it over to the city commissioners, and they vote on it,” he said.
“The next step is to advertise (in the Fort Scott Tribune) that we are going to tear it down. Then we have a public meeting,” Kruger said.
“Homeowners or any interested parties get another letter to come and speak to the commission,” he said.
“If no one shows up, the next step is to tear it down.”
“We try to get three bids submitted to the commission (for demolition) and they decide who gets the bid.” he said.
Once torn down to ground level, if the owners want to sell the property, a special assessment fee is given them to recoup the cost of the demolition.
“There’s quite a few blighted properties in Fort Scott,” Kruger said. “We have to stay in a budget for the year. Usually, there are two to three properties at a time.”
At the September 3 Fort Scott City Commission Meeting six properties were submitted.
“If these six go through, we’ve done 10 or 11 properties this year. I think the six have eaten up our budget,” Kruger said.
The codes department office is located in City Hall at 123 S. Main Street and can by reached by calling 620.223.0550.
Norm Nation is the supervisor and lead codes inspector.
On September 3rd, the Fort Scott City Commission voted to demolish several buildings. Here are the addresses and photos of the buildings taken from Google Street View.
