The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and the UMB Bank hosted the weekly Chamber Coffee Thursday morning, inviting business leaders from around the community to interact with each other and give updates on upcoming events.

Cindy Bowman, president of the UMB Bank and employee there for 37 years, introduced employees and leadership of the bank, which is one of 108 branches of its kind now located in eight separate states.

“I want to personally thank each and every one of you for your contributions that you make every day to our community to make it stronger and the great place that it is to live,” Bowman told those in attendance.

The local branch has a combined 112 years of experience in banking, which they use to serve the community of Fort Scott.

“We have a vast variety of products and services,” Bowman said of UMB Bank, but added that is provided by most banks. “What I believe makes us special is our people and our commitment to our customers.”

With a $1 donation toward Dolly the Trolley, representatives from area businesses were able to make announcements which included fundraising opportunities as well as upcoming events:

• The fall, Townwide Garage Sale has been rescheduled to Sept. 11-12, after several members of the community said they could not participate this weekend.
• Friday night, the fort will hold an event sharing the story of how the fort became part of the National Park Service. The fort will also have the Symbols of Sacrifice event beginning Sept. 11, displaying flags around the historic site.
• Frank Halsey gave an update on how the Marmaton Massacre Race went earlier this month, expressing his gratitude to the businesses who sponsored the event.
• Common Grounds will be hosting a band performance Saturday as well as two authors for book-signings starting, the latter starting at 1 p.m.
• The 3^rd Annual Wreath Ride will start at the Buck Run Community Center Saturday morning to raise funds for wreaths to be placed at the National Cemetery later this year.
• St. Mary’s Catholic School is currently selling trash bags as a fundraiser
•  The Taste of Fort Scott: Corks and Forks fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce will be held Nov. 7.
•  The Carson and Barnes Circus will be returning to the fairgrounds of Fort Scott, Sept. 21.
• Mercy Hospital is hosting a 12-week program called Circles out of Poverty to educate and give tips against poverty in Fort Scott, after a study ranked Fort Scott at 104 out of 105 areas for children living in poverty.