The National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (NWCTU) held a Leadership Training Seminar October 12-14 at the Hampton Inn Fairmont in Fairmont, West Virginia. The instructor for the seminar was NWCTU Vice President Kathleen E. Johnson, who chose the theme “Focus on the Cause.”
Members from Kentucky, Florida, Michigan, Illinois, Louisiana and West Virginia attended. Representing Kansas was Loreta Jent, NWCTU Education Director, of Fort Scott.
During the seminar, Kathleen Johnson reviewed the WCTU’s rich heritage of more than 152 years of service to the United States, calling on members to respect and build upon the principles of the past.
The objectives of the WCTU are:
To protect the home
To instill Christian virtues in our children
To promote good citizenship
To inform society about the values of total abstinence by providing scientific facts concerning the effects of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs
Following a two-week delay due to weather, the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation held its 2026 Fall Golf Classic on Saturday, September 26, at Woodland Hills Golf Course in Fort Scott. The tournament’s original date was September 12, but extreme weather conditions pushed it back two weeks.
Play began at 9 a.m. with eight teams competing in the 4-person scramble tournament. Prizes were awarded for 1st and 2nd place in both A Flight and B Flight. The winners were:
A Flight 1st Place — Labconco team: Ronnie Marsh, Shawn Marshall, Shayne Johnson, and Travis Schilling
A Flight 2nd Place — Jay Fowler, Kyle Fowler, John Staton, and Mike Bodensteiner
B Flight 1st Place — Bill Fiscus, Braden Robinson, Cadence Hull, and Newt Reed
B Flight 2nd Place — Sheryl Gauss, Jake Harvey, Blaine Ross, and Justin Harvey
Prizes were also given for Closest to the Pin, won by Shawn Marshall, and Longest Drive, won by Braden Robinson.
Players also had the opportunity to try their luck with several contests and games, including Paul Bunyan on Hole 16 and Hole in One on Hole 11. Each team received a “grenade” to use during play. The popular Orange Ball Contest returned as well — teams tried to bring back their specially marked golf balls at the end of the tournament. Four teams succeeded and were entered into a drawing for Tri-Valley travel mugs: Drake Anderson, Beau Kincaid, Joey Haskett, and Evan Strange.
Lunch consisted of freshly made sandwiches from Marsha’s Deli. At the end of the tournament, door prizes were awarded to several lucky golfers, and two raffle drawings were held. The 50/50 raffle was won by Ron Query. Prize raffle winners included:
Sheryl Gauss — “Blessed” metal yard sign from Niece Products
Terry Pruitt — Igloo cooler backpack, courtesy of SEK Financial Services
Sheryl Gauss — cooler backpack
Sheryl Gauss — $100 gift certificate to Holmtown Pub
Justin Harvey — box of Pro V1 Titleist golf balls
Chuck Thompson — box of Pro V1 Titleist golf balls
The tournament’s corporate sponsor was Tarrytown Pharmacy. Hole sponsors included Citizen’s Bank, Cheney Witt Chapel, Enterprise Fleet Management, Hole in the Wall Liquor Store, Holmtown Pub, Lyons Realty Group, and Peerless Products. Door prize sponsors included Holmtown Pub, Kale Nelson State Farm, After Effect Salon, Heidrick Tru Value, Brigg’s Auto, SEK Financial Services, Niece Products of Kansas, Ruddick’s Furniture, KMOB, and Hugo’s Industrial Supply.
All proceeds from the event support the Foundation’s mission of providing quality, affordable homes for neighbors with intellectual/developmental disabilities across eight counties: Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson. Since 2001, the Foundation has built six houses and acquired ten houses and a duplex. Five of these homes are located in Fort Scott and are home to 26 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
“Without the generosity of our communities, this fun event could not have been held. Thank you to all the golfers who participated as well as to our event sponsors: corporate, hole, and in-kind. It is friends like you that allow us to provide services to our neighbors with I/DD and to help them achieve the quality of life they seek. Thank you,” said Special Projects Coordinator Tricia Campbell.
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — As temperatures begin to cool, Kansas Gas Service customers still have time to take proactive steps that can help reduce their energy usage and avoid surprises on their monthly bills as colder weather sets in.
While customers can’t control the weather, they can control the energy efficiency of their homes and how they prepare for seasonal changes in their monthly natural gas bills. Taking action now can help reduce energy usage, improve home comfort and put customers in a better position to manage heating costs throughout the winter.
“Many customers don’t realize they can help reduce their winter energy use and monthly energy costs,” said Lisa Holleron, vice president of Operations for Kansas Gas Service. “The steps they take now, from improving their home’s energy efficiency to enrolling in the Average Payment Plan, can help reduce surprises and provide more predictability during the heating season.”
Customers can prepare their homes for colder weather by sealing air leaks around doors and windows, adding weather stripping where needed and replacing or cleaning HVAC filters. Even small adjustments like lowering the thermostat when away or sleeping can help reduce unnecessary energy use.
In addition to improving energy efficiency, customers can enroll in the Kansas Gas Service Average Payment Plan (APP). The program helps reduce seasonal swings in natural gas bills by spreading costs evenly throughout the year, providing a more predictable monthly payment.
While energy usage can naturally climb during the cold winter months and increase bills, APP calculates payments using a rolling 12-month average that adjusts over time based on actual energy use and natural gas costs. Combined with energy-saving habits and home efficiency improvements, APP can help customers better plan for winter heating expenses.
The best time to prepare for winter energy bills is before winter arrives. Customers who act now can take steps to use less energy, improve home comfort, lower bills and make monthly energy costs more predictable.
Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 647,000 customers in Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state, in terms of customers. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States. For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit kansasgasservice.com.
Core Community believes something powerful: poverty can be solved when a community comes together with the right tools, trusted relationships, and long-term support.
The organization equips families by inviting them to participate in a 22-week-long class, mobilizes food donors and childcare volunteers to help eliminate barriers during class, and wraps participants — called Core Leaders — with support and proven tools. After the class and graduation, graduates move into Phase 2, where they are partnered with a community volunteer who joins them once a month to walk alongside the Core Leaders as they continue working on their goals and gaining resources from community presenters.
Core Community meets every Tuesday night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Fort Scott Nazarene.
Core Community Bourbon County is also a sponsor of Praisefest, happening Oct. 24 at Gunn Park in Fort Scott, with stage events starting at 3 p.m. and the main event with Tasha Layton at 6 p.m. The festival features food trucks, vendors, guest speakers, local artists, testimonials, a disc golf round, a cornhole tourney, a fishing derby, a tri-yak-a-thon, and a kiddie zone. Wristbands are $10 (ages 5 and under free), and all proceeds benefit Core Community’s work engaging the community to lift families out of poverty.
Kansas Renewal Institute remains committed to supporting rural healthcare and expanding access to quality care in Fort Scott and the surrounding area.
Our ownership shares the vision that brought KRI to this community: to strengthen local healthcare, address unmet needs, and continue growing the services available to the individuals and families we serve. With the support of our ownership, KRI is fully capitalized to continue its operations and carry forward that vision.
Our ownership recognizes the unique combination of services already available at the KRI facility and the opportunity to build a more comprehensive healthcare resource for the region. By bringing together complementary services and pursuing additional mental health and hospital service lines, we see meaningful potential to meet more of the community’s healthcare needs close to home.
The recent ownership transition represents a continued investment in KRI’s future and in the long-term healthcare needs of this region. Any future expansion will follow the necessary planning and regulatory approval processes.
We recognize how much access to dependable healthcare means to this community. We look forward to working with local leaders, healthcare partners, and residents as we move forward, and we will share updates as plans are finalized.
Our commitment is clear: to invest in this community, strengthen rural healthcare, and follow through on the vision we have set forth.
— Shanda D. Stewart, Community Resource Coordinator, Kansas Renewal Institute
The Elks Lodge has presented a grant of $3,500 to the Fort Scott Hurricanes Swim Team and coach Wes DeHaven. The funds will allow the team to purchase swim caps and much-needed timing equipment.
The Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition will hold its next General Membership meeting on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Conference Room at Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott Ave.
Agenda
Welcome
Member introductions and announcements
Program: Henrique Gebara, MBA, BSN, RN, EMT — Clinical Nursing Director, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital
Open forum
Adjournment
See the full meeting agenda for details. The next General Membership meeting will be November 4, 2026.
The Cato Historical Preservation Association will present the annual Cato Day on Saturday, October 3rd, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities for all ages. Admission is free.
Cato, Kansas — The annual Cato Day will be held on Saturday, October 3rd, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in historic Cato, Kansas. This free event, organized by the Cato Historical Preservation Association to celebrate Cato’s pioneer heritage, features activities for all ages. These include music and history at the historic Cato Christian Church, a Cavalry drill and historic reenactment led by Matt Feild, a visit to the “Old Stone School,” and a hayrack ride to local historical sites. The Southeast Kansas Antique Tractor Club will have train rides for kids and tractor displays. During lunch, Jim Harris and the Players Circle will perform, and pulled pork sandwiches, prepared by Shawn Pryer and the Mighty MO Chuck Wagon Crew, will be available for purchase. There will also be a raffle for a quilt donated by Sue James. All proceeds will go toward preserving Cato’s historic buildings and sponsoring Cato Kids’ Day, held every year for local fourth- and fifth-graders.
Cato is located in northern Crawford County off Hwy 69. From Hwy 69, take 720th Avenue West and follow the signs to Cato. Directions can be found at catoschool.com. Cato is an open-air museum whose buildings are only open to the public a few times a year, so don’t miss this rare opportunity.
The Cato Historical Preservation Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the buildings and history of Cato and the surrounding area.
Contact
Katharine Spigarelli, President
Cato Historical Preservation Association
417-825-2127
kspigarelli@gmail.com http://catoschool.com/
The Cato Historical Preservation Association will host its annual Cato Kids’ Day on Friday, Oct. 2, from approximately 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in historic Cato, Kansas.
More than 500 fourth- and fifth-graders from area schools will be bused to Cato to see presentations on life in the late 1800s and the community’s history. Students will rotate through stations covering one-room schoolhouses, blacksmithing, covered wagon travel, cattle drives, 1800s weaponry, farming, and Native American history. The event will close with a reading of the Gettysburg Address and a sing-along.
Participating schools include Uniontown, Bronaugh, Girard, Lakeside, Liberal, Westside, Frontenac, Fort Scott, Northeast, St. Mary’s Fort Scott, and Meadowlark.
Cato is located in northern Crawford County off Highway 69. From Highway 69, take 720th Avenue west and follow the signs to Cato. Directions are available at catoschool.com.
A separate event for the general public, Cato Day, will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with activities for all ages and free admission. Saturday’s schedule includes registration at 9 a.m., music and history in the church at 9:30 a.m., cavalry saber drills at 10:30 a.m., a one-room schoolhouse presentation at 10:45 a.m., cowboy stew and a quilt drawing at noon, music by The Players Circle, and a wagon ride around the area at 1 p.m. The Cato Store will be open for cash-or-check purchases of historical booklets, T-shirts, caps and other items.
The Cato Historical Preservation Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the buildings and history of Cato, the oldest town in Crawford County, and the surrounding area.
FORT SCOTT, KS (September 16, 2026) — The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, has named the winners of its 2026 Discovery Award competition, awarding $24,500 in student prizes along with additional educator and district recognitions. The national competition inspires elementary, middle and high school students to develop research projects that share the stories of unsung heroes whose actions made a powerful impact on history, yet remain largely unknown.
“This year’s National Discovery Award competition drew a record-breaking number of entries, and the exceptional quality of so many projects made judging more difficult than ever,” said LMC CEO Norm Conard. “These students brought curiosity, care and insight to the stories they uncovered. Their work helps us understand the lasting impact of unsung heroes and reminds us that each of us has the potential to make a difference.”
Noah Make, a student at Central High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming, is the $6,000 Grand Prize winner for his documentary, Armin T. Wegner Against the Silence. His project tells the story of Armin T. Wegner, who risked his safety to document the Armenian Genocide. Through photographs and eyewitness testimony, Wegner preserved evidence of atrocities that the world might otherwise have forgotten.
Noah’s documentary explores the responsibility of bearing witness and the courage required to speak out when others remain silent. By bringing Wegner’s story to a new generation, the project demonstrates how one person’s determination to expose injustice can preserve the experiences of victims and leave a lasting historical record. It is a powerful reflection of the Discovery Award’s purpose: to uncover overlooked individuals whose actions continue to matter today. Noah was guided by supervising teacher, 2024 LMC Fellow and 2021 Wyoming Milken Educator, Aaron Kruger.
The $3,000 First Place prize has been awarded to Ajuni Dahm of St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, for Virginia Hall: The Limping Lady. Her documentary tells the story of an American spy who overcame discrimination and disability to aid the French Resistance during World War II. The project explores Hall’s courage and resourcefulness in the fight against Nazi occupation, bringing attention to an extraordinary woman whose contributions helped advance the Allied cause. Ajuni was guided by supervising teacher, 2025 LMC Fellow and 2023 ARTEFFECT Ambassador Sandra Hutton.
The $2,500 Outstanding High School Project award goes to Eunhyeok (Joseph) Lee, Minseo (Leon) Chung, Grace Na, Hosan (Harvard) Kim and Ethan Yo of Santa Ana, California. Two of the students, Joseph Lee and Ethan Yo, attend Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA). Project member Harvard Kim attends Crean Lutheran High School, Leon Chung attends Northwood High School, and Grace Na attends Beckman High School. Their documentary, Miné Okubo: The Unsung Hero Who Drew What America Tried to Hide, explores how Okubo used her art to document the injustice of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. Through her illustrations and firsthand experiences, Okubo preserved the stories of those who were incarcerated and ensured that this chapter of American history would not be forgotten. Nancy Alcala of OCSA served as the supervising teacher for this award-winning project.
Anwita Sajja of Jericho Middle School in Jericho, New York, has received the $2,000 Outstanding Middle School Project award for her documentary, Fighting Silent Poison: The Unsung Story of Dr. Herbert Needleman’s Crusade to Expose Childhood Lead Poisoning. The project relates how Needleman’s research exposed the dangers of lead exposure to children. Anwita explores his determination to challenge powerful interests and advance reforms that helped protect children’s health. Anwita was guided by supervising teacher and 2025 ARTEFFECT Ambassador Michelle Vevante.
The $1,500 Outstanding Elementary Project award has been presented to Jaycie Lockmiller and Brianna Garcia of Texico Elementary School in Texico, New Mexico. Their documentary, Olive Ann Beech: The First Lady of Aviation, shares the story of a pioneering businesswoman who helped shape the aviation industry. The students explore how Beech broke barriers for women and helped build Beech Aircraft into a major force in American aviation. Silvia Miranda, a 2019 LMC Fellow and 2018 New Mexico Milken Educator, served as the supervising teacher for this award-winning project.
The $1,500 Founder’s Award goes to Thanvi Voruganti and Dorothy Zhou, representing Arizona College Preparatory High School and Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona. Their documentary, The Woman Who Would Not Be Silenced: Judith Heumann, the Unsung Hero of the Disability Rights Revolution, tells the story of a leader whose advocacy helped transform opportunities for people with disabilities. The students explore Heumann’s efforts to challenge discrimination and advance equality, accessibility and civil rights. They were led by a sixth grade teacher at New Vistas Center for Education, Stacey Trepanier.
In addition to these top awards, eight projects have received $500 Certificate of Excellence Awards:
Elina Lin, Kimberly Chen and Abbie Cheng, Jericho High School, Jericho, New York, for Breaking Barriers: The Life of Leonora O’Reilly. (Teacher Justina Zendrian)
Kaitlyn Chun and Isabelle Deon, Jericho High School, Jericho, New York, for Tony Mazzocchi: An Unsung Hero Who Pioneered Workplace Safety Reform. (Teacher Justina Zendrian)
Shaeyllan Beardmore, Danrich Botha and Serafim Spekhalskiy, Kelowna Secondary School, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, for Iris Chang: Remembering the Forgotten Holocaust of WWII. (Teacher Graeme Stacey)
Ara Woo and Chloe Hu, Jericho High School, Jericho, New York, for An Unsung Hero in Cross-Racial Solidarity: Grace Lee Boggs’ Role in Civil Rights Activism. (Teacher Justina Zendrian)
Bella Antone, Charlee Wells and Hadley Wells, Christian Learning Center, Fort Scott, Kansas, for Bridging Two Cultures: A Crusader that Revolutionized Navajo Health Care with Lasting Reform, about Annie Dodge Wauneka. (Teacher Rachel Wells)
Emma Chan, Jericho Middle School, Jericho, New York, for The Invisible Hand of Justice: Frances Perkins, The Unsung Architect of Modern America. (Teachers Theresa Cantwell and Valerie Conklin)
Saketh Chatrathi, Viraj Devgun and Shruti Sundar, Charles B. Pearson Middle School, Frisco, Texas, for The Uncelebrated Miracle Medicines Alien, about Dr. Yellapragada Subbarow. (Teacher Christopher Barker)
Angel Shah, Jericho High School, Jericho, New York, for a performance about Judy Heumann and the Section 504 Sit-In, A Revolution for Access. (Teacher Justina Zendrian)
LMC also recognizes the educators and schools that support students in discovering and sharing these important stories. Aaron Kruger of Central High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming, receives the $1,000 Outstanding Educator Award, and Jericho Middle and High School in Jericho, New York, receives the Outstanding School Award. There was a tie this year for Outstanding School Award Second Place between Newton High School in Newton, Kansas, and Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Four $500 Outstanding Teacher Awards recognize Brian Skinner and Kynda Faythe of Newton High School in Newton, Kansas; Justina Zendrian of Jericho High School in Jericho, New York; Chris Dier of Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans, Louisiana; and Rachel Wells of Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott, Kansas.
Through the Discovery Award, students use research and creative storytelling to explore the lasting impact of an individual’s actions. By bringing overlooked stories to new audiences, their projects demonstrate how courage, compassion and determination can inspire positive change across generations.
“Real heroes tower and guide,” said LMC Founder Lowell Milken. “But their stories need to be discovered and heard. And when we do, we have the opportunity to motivate new generations to aspire to values that are essential during the challenging times we face individually, as a nation and as a world community.”
About LMC Established in 2007, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes discovers, develops and communicates the stories of unsung heroes who have made a profound and positive impact on history, yet are largely unrecognized by contemporary generations. Through student projects and the sharing of these stories, LMC helps new generations recognize their own potential to make a difference. Learn more about LMC and the Discovery Award.
The Regular Council Meeting on September 8, 2026, at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Mary Pemberton, Kyle Knight, Bradley Stewart, and newly appointed council member Jess Ervin. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Joe George, Betty Dennis, Loretta George, Casie Herrmann, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, and City Clerk Haley Arnold.
Special Considerations/Projects
Mayor Jurgensen suggested that Jess Ervin be appointed to fill the vacant council position.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Knight, Approved 3-0, to approve Jess Ervin to fill the vacant spot on the Council.
Jess Ervin was sworn in and administered the Oath of Office as a member of the City Council.
Citizens Request
(None noted.)
Financial Report
Treasurer Johnson presented the August 2026 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $228,979.05; Receipts $26,173.94; Transfers Out $6,774.25; Expenditures $45,108.12; Checking Account Closing Balance $203,270.62. Bank Statement Balance $203,330.65, including Checking Account Interest of $47.82; Outstanding Deposits $0; Outstanding Checks $60.03; Reconciled Balance $203,270.62. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $43,929.74; Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $24,783.10; Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $51,506.03; Total All Funds including Certificates of Deposit $323,489.49. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Account $407.38 and Utility CDs $2,071.88 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $2,479.26.
Projects Checking Account for August 2026: Beginning Balance $0; Receipts $0; Expenditures $0; Ending Balance $0.
August Transfers: Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.25; Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; Capital Improvement-Streets from General Fund $3,750.00; Total Transfers $6,774.25.
Net loss for August $25,708.43; Year-to-Date Net Income $2,525.16.
Budget vs. Actual: Gas Fund YTD Revenue $94,980.18 (73.4%), Expenditures $66,817.53 (50.7%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $27,926.20 (77.4%), Expenditures $21,134.15 (49.5%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $80,511.35 (64.7%), Expenditures $70,700.98 (49.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $96,304.66 (65.4%), Expenditures $116,874.89 (49.8%); Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,054.18 (83.0%), Expenditures $5,524.08 (49.4%).
Payables for the period August 12, 2026, through September 8, 2026, totaled $31,581.04. The invoice from KMGA had not been received by noon on meeting day.
Consent Agenda
Motion by Pemberton, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve the Consent Agenda:
Minutes of August 11, 2026, 2027 Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting
August Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & September Accounts Payables
Department Reports
Codes Officer Doug Coyan was absent from the meeting but had previously submitted an email regarding code enforcement matters. Clerk Arnold reviewed the email with the Council. One concern discussed was the overgrown vegetation at 101 Washington. Following discussion of previous encounters with the property owner, the Council decided to send a letter advising the property owner to weed-eat the overgrown vegetation around the property. Another property of concern was 202 4th Street, where little improvement had been made. Council Member Knight volunteered, as a private individual, to assist with the cleanup of the property if the property owners agreed. Clerk Arnold stated she would contact the property owners to determine their interest. The Council decided no further action would be taken regarding that property until court proceedings were completed.
Mayor Jurgensen thanked Superintendent Rich for his hard work preparing the City for the Labor Day weekend celebration and asked how the citywide cleanup went. Superintendent Rich stated the dumpsters were not utilized as much this time as in the past.
Clerk Arnold presented the 2025 audit prepared by DBB Inc. to the Council for review.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve the 2025 audit prepared by DBB Inc.
Clerk Arnold presented the Council with a donation request letter from the Uniontown Booster Club. The Council declined to make a donation at this time.
Arnold informed the Council that, due to an issue with QuickBooks, Council checks would not be distributed at the meeting. The checks will be distributed once the issue has been resolved.
Council Reports
Councilman Knight – None
Councilwoman Kelly – Absent
Councilwoman Pemberton – None
Councilman Stewart – None
Councilman Ervin – None
Mayor Jurgensen thanked the Old Settlers Committee and all volunteers for their hard work organizing the Labor Day weekend celebration, with special thanks extended to Mary Pillion, Mike Ramsey, Rhonda DeWitt, Marty DeWitt, and all other volunteers. Appreciation was also extended to those who organized the Dale Jackson Car Show and the rodeos. Council Member Knight thanked Mayor Jurgensen for handing out bicycles during the bike raffle.
Mayor Jurgensen reported he has been in communication with the City’s technology representative, Mark Warren, regarding establishing Wi-Fi in the park. Clerk Arnold has ordered the necessary equipment, which has been received. Discussion has also taken place with Kelly Electric regarding adding additional electrical outlets in the park to accommodate Christmas in the Park decorations and Wi-Fi/camera equipment.
Clerk Arnold informed the Council of a dog ordinance violation at 401 2nd Street due to the number of dogs at the property. The property owner submitted a letter outlining her plans to come into compliance and requested an exception to keep four dogs rather than the maximum of three allowed by ordinance.
Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0, to allow the property owner 45 days to reduce the number of dogs on the property to four and allow the owner to keep the fourth dog. Once the number is reduced to three, no additional dogs may be added that would cause the property to exceed the three-dog limit.
Old Business
Dog Ordinance Review and Discussion: The Council discussed suggestions and proposed amendments to the draft presented at the previous meeting. The Council agreed that Clerk Arnold would prepare the final draft and submit it to the City Attorney for review. The final draft will be presented to the Council for approval at a later date.
Waterway Project: Mayor Jurgensen stated he had spoken with Mitch Crystal, who had forwarded the information to another surveyor. No response had been received at this time.
New Business
Motion by Stewart, Second by Knight, Approved 4-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss applicants and conduct interviews for a non-elected personnel position; open meeting to resume at 8:35 PM.
Meeting resumed at 8:35 PM. No action taken from executive session.
Moved by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:35 PM.
P.E.O. Chapter CA of Fort Scott is teaming up with What the Trivia? for a community Trivia Night benefiting educational and scholarship opportunities for women locally and around the world.
Trivia Night Fundraiser
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Liberty Theater | 113 S. Main, Fort Scott
Doors & Taco Bar Open at 5:00 p.m. Trivia begins at 6:00 p.m. $40 per person — dinner included!
No pre-registration needed! Gather your friends and put together a team of six, then simply show up ready to play. Coming solo or don’t have a full team? That’s okay—we’ll help you find a team!
Along with a great night of trivia, there will be raffle items, a 50/50 raffle, a cash bar, and a cash prize for the first-place team.
Best of all, your night out helps P.E.O. continue its mission of creating educational opportunities for women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and support of Cottey College.
Grab your smartest friends—or at least your most fun ones—and join us for a great evening for an even better cause!
