National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union’s 152nd Convention

L to R: Dr. Sheela Lall (India), World WCTU Pres., Loreta Jent, National Ed. Dir., Larry Jent, Honorary Member
Frances E. Willard “Rest Cottage” Home

Larry and Loreta Jent of rural Fort Scott have recently returned from the National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union’s 152nd Convention on August 18, and the World 42nd Convention August 19-23, 2025. National WCTU followed their convention by hosting the World WCTU Convention at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Conference Center in Chicago-North Shore, Skokie, Illinois.

National WCTU President Merry Lee Powell challenged USA members to be “Mountain Movers” as she referred to Matthew 17:20. “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” Everyone was given a mustard seed on a mountain necklace as a reminder that we are capable of moving mountains and a force to be reckoned with as long as we have faith. WCTU continues to work to make known the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, along with other social concerns.

Fourteen countries entered the World WCTU Convention carrying their nation’s flag. More countries wanted to attend but were denied visas because of the current lack of world peace concern. The theme for the 42nd World Convention was “Fulfilling our Mission”. A special event during the convention was a trip to nearby Evanston, IL, to tour the NWCTU campus, including “Rest Cottage”, the beloved home of Frances E. Willard, a long-time president of National WCTU, founder of World WCTU, an American educator, women’s suffragist, and the first woman who’s statue was erected in Statuary Hall, Washington D.C.

The keynote speaker for World Convention was Professor of Psychobiology Bertha K. Madras of Harvard Medical School. The address included “What are the most effective ways of promoting prevention?” Strengthening families must be a priority! Resolutions, special awards, and elections closed out the week. Elected as the new World WCTU President was Dr. Sheela Lall of India.

What’s Happening in Fort Scott August 28 Edition

What’s Happening in Fort Scott! August 28th Weekly Newsletter

Fort Scott Town-Wide Garage Sale

Click HERE to register your sale!

Want to advertise your business on the map?! For ONLY $35!!

Contact us at 620-223-3566 or [email protected]

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

** Guided tours Saturday & Sunday 10am & 1pm! **

Click HERE to visit the website.

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

Fort Scott Farmers Market

Saturdays | 8am-noon & Tuesdays | 4-6pm

Gathering Square Pavilion, 111 N. National

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.

Kansas Small Business Development Center

at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 9am-4pm.

Dolly Trolley Historic 50-min narrated tours!

Adults $6 | Children 12&under $4

Call 620-223-3566 or stop in the Chamber at

231 E. Wall St. to book your ride!

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

UPCOMING EVENTS

8/22 ~ 7-8pm | Friday Night Concerts

In The Park

NO CONCERT THIS WEEK

8/29 ~ | 120th Annual Old Settlers Picnic

Uniontown, Kansas

Visit their Facebook Page HERE for details!

8/29 ~ 7-9pm | FSHS Tiger Football

Pre-Season Jamboree

@ Louisburg, KS

8/30~ | Labors & Leisure on the Frontier at Fort Scott National Historic Site

8/30 ~ 8am | WHGC Men’s League

Golf Scramble

@ Woodland Hills Golf Course

8/30 ~ 8am | Co-Ed Softball Tournament

for Care To Share

@ Ellis Park Ball Fields

1105 E. 12th St.

Click HERE for the Facebook Event Page!

8/30 ~ 8am-4pm | Craft-O-Rama

by Museum Of Creativity

@ Skubitz Plaza

Craft tent, mini carnival, game booths, activities, food, drinks, & bake sale items!

All proceeds will go towards their Wheelchair Access Ramp Fundraiser.

Click HERE for the Facebook Event Page!

8/30 ~ 10am-3pm | Glaze Day at The Artificers

8/30 ~ 11am-2pm | Paint & Pizza @ Papa Don’s

Paint a sunbeam puppy!

$30

Click HERE for the Facebook Event Page!

8/30 ~ 2-7pm | 3rd Annual Sons of American Legion Post 25 Car Show

@ The Gathering Square Pavilion

Food trucks | Live Music | Cash Prizes

Music: Nathan Ast Band

$10 entry fee

Questions:

L.W. Beebower 620-215-1599

Tom Metcalf Jr. 620-224-7951

9/1 ~ Happy Labor Day!

9/2 ~ 6:30-7:30pm | Hope into Action BBCO – Resilience Summit by Core Community.

@ Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene

1728 S. Horton St.

Click HERE to register!

9/2-3 ~ 6:30-9pm | Between the Lines FSHS Thespians Auditions

@ FSHS 1005 S. Main St.

9/3 ~ 4-7pm | Fort Scott Pop Up Sale

by Pizza Hut

@ Fort Scott G&W parking lot

911 E. 6th St.

Click HERE for custom orders!

9/4 ~ 8am | Chamber Coffee hosted by TBD

9/5 ~ 11:30am-1pm | Memorial Hall

100-Year Celebration

1 E. 3rd St.

9/5 ~ Artist Opening Reception show with Debra Hart & Jim Simpson at The Artificers

9/6 ~ | Masterclasses with Debra Hart

at The Artificers

Two classes:

10am-12:30pm | “Abstract Florals”

1:30-4pm | “Abstract Landscapes”

RSVP HERE!

9/6 ~ 5pm | 2nd Annual Agri-Med Crisis Fundraising Event

@ Memorial Auditorium, 1 E. 3rd St.

5pm Cocktails

6-7pm Food

8-11pm Live Music

Auction & Raffle!

*aiding farmers/ranchers encountering a medical crisis

agrimedcrisis.org

9/6 ~ 7:30am-12pm | FSHS Flight of Honor Breakfast

@ FSHS Cafeteria

9/6 ~ 8am-12pm | 2nd Annual

9/11 Stair Climb by Fort Scott Fire Dept.

@ FSHS Frary Field (football stadium)

Click HERE to register!

To help sponsor the event reach out to Deputy Chief Mike Miles

620-223-2140 or [email protected]

9/6 ~ 8:30am-4pm | Hope into Action BBCO – Resilience Summit by Core Community.

@ Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene

1728 S. Horton St.

Click HERE to register!

9/6 ~ 5-8pm | PEO Sisterhood Trivia Fundraiser

@ Liberty Theatre

Raffle items | Taco Bar | Cash Bar

6 people/ $40/ person or $230/team

Register by Aug 30th HERE!

9/6/ ~ 5-11pm | 2nd Annual Jim Meech Agri-Med Crisis Fundraiser

@ Memorial Hall

Raffle | Chicken Diner | Auction | Music & Dance

Register:

Chicken Dinner HERE!

Donations HERE!

9/6 ~ 8-Midnight | Sharky’s DJ Karaoke

Dress as your favorite album cover!

@ Sharky’s Patio

Prizes for best costumes

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
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!

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.

Bourbon County Special Meeting is August 29

BOURBON COUNTY,
KANSAS
Bourbon County Special Meeting Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
August 29, 2025, 4:00 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
• Roll Call
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Prayer
II. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect
their privacy
III. Budget Discussion-Publication date will be September 3rd for a Budget Hearing Date on 9/15/25
IV. Freeman Agreement
V. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect
their privacy
VI. Technology Discussion
VII. Payment Invoice
VIII. Adjournment
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which would be deemed
privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in
consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations,
partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at
an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.

Revised Bourbon County Commission Meeting, August 28

BOURBON COUNTY,
KANSAS
Bourbon County Special Meeting Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
August 29, 2025, 4:00 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
• Roll Call
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Prayer
II. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect
their privacy
III. Payment Invoice
IV. Freeman Agreement
V. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect
their privacy
VI. Technology Discussion
VII. Budget Discussion-Publication date will be September 3rd for a Budget Hearing Date on 9/15/25
VIII. Adjournment
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which would be deemed
privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in
consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations,
partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at
an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.

KS Dept. of Commerce Awarded Economic Development Award

Commerce Receives IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Department of Commerce has been awarded the 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Commerce received the award for the agency’s work in the Special Event category that impacts the entire state population.

IEDC singled out the five-day, 26-stop, 2,100+ mile Community Impact Tour Commerce’s Quality Places Division took to highlight transformative projects across the state, engage with local stakeholders, and celebrate community progress during National Community Development Week.

“Our Community Impact Tour was more than a road trip. It was a chance to connect face-to-face with the people and organizations making positive change happen throughout Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The state’s strategic investments are helping spark new economic opportunities in small towns and larger cities alike, and we are honored that IEDC recognized this important work.”

The Quality Places Division within the agency will be honored at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit on September 14-17.

“The Kansas Department of Commerce is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Community Impact Tour initiative,” IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle said. “This award shines a spotlight on the state’s commitment to its communities and showcases the significant impact of economic development. And IEDC is honored to present this award to Commerce to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field.”

Each year, IEDC honors an array of entities, initiatives and programs that are consistently demonstrating excellence in the realm of economic development. Those honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our work recognized on a national stage, and this is actually the second award this initiative has received,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “Earlier this year, the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) also honored the Community Impact Tour. These recognitions reinforce the importance of investing in community connections and quality-of-life improvements across the state.”

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.

About the Quality Places Division:

Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.

About the International Economic Development Council:

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in a full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at https://www.iedconline.org/.

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U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt’s Newsletter

Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

I spent another productive week at home, crisscrossing the district and meeting with small business owners, local officials, farmers, and everyday Kansans. It is truly a blessing to be able to represent the Second District.

Supporting Main Street

As a proud Representative of a state where over 99% of businesses are small businesses – and as a member of the House Committee on Small Business – advocating for main street is one of my top priorities in Washington. This past week, I headed to Topeka to meet with the Greater Topeka Partnership.

Since 2018, the Greater Topeka Partnership has brought the Topeka Chamber, Downtown Topeka, Inc, GO Topeka, and Visit Topeka together under one roof, with the shared goal of improving the economic climate in Shawnee County and beyond. The Partnership does wonderful work for the businesses and people of our community. I provided them with an update from Washington and shared the work I’ve been doing on the federal level to ensure our main street businesses can continue to thrive in the Second District.

 

I also hosted a small business roundtable with the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) last week, where I discussed the positive impact the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” will continue to have on our state. As the largest small business trade association in the country, NFIB works every day to be a voice for our Kansas entrepreneurs.

The bill contains major wins for our small businesses, including making the Section 199A Qualified Business Income Deduction permanent. If Congress failed to extend this key piece of the 2017 Trump tax cuts, more than 45,000 small businesses in our district would have their tax rate raised significantly at the start of next year. The bill also permanently extends Death Tax relief, which is particularly important to our family-owned farms in Kansas, and supports growth by providing immediate expensing of capital investment.

 

Thank you to everyone who attended our meetings last week for taking the time to speak with me. Providing Kansans with a strong economy is incredibly important to me; I’m confident we’re well on our way to doing so.

Peace Through Strength

Tom Brenner for The Washington Post via Getty Images file

President Trump promised the American people he would restore peace through strength, and he’s doing just that. Kansans I talk to every day are very clear about two things: they want the endless bloodshed in Ukraine to end, and they don’t want our military to be involved.  I couldn’t agree more with both of these points, and I’m hopeful President Trump is making substantial progress toward ending the war and finally delivering peace in Eastern Europe.

 

On Friday, I joined KVOE in Emporia to discuss my thoughts on the negotiations.

ABC News map

Congress also has a major role to play in restoring America’s strength. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I work on legislation that directly affects our military every day. Prior to leaving for our extended district work period, our committee advanced the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annual bill which authorizes funding for our entire military. This year’s NDAA will make our military more lethal, improve our servicemembers’ quality of life, and ensure the Department of Defense is always ready to respond to any threat.

I’ll be back in Washington next week, where my colleagues and I will support commonsense legislation the American people expect.

Labors and Leisure on the Frontier: Labor Day Weekend at Fort Scott

Saturday, August 30, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the labors and leisure on an 1840s frontier post. Throughout Saturday, enjoy historic yard games, a variety of living history demonstrations, and interpretive programs as you explore the labors and leisure on the fort.

 

Visit with an officer’s wife doing needlepoint, a laundress making soap and doing laundry,  a cooking demonstration, a contracted teamster discussing the best way to assemble his freight wagon and learn about caring for your horse from a Dragoon soldier. Guided Fort Tours will be offered daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. All programs are free and open to the public.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open Friday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

-NPS-

 

NPS Photos

Southern Baptist CRAFT FAIR! September 12

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

First Southern Baptist Church

invites you to join their

CRAFT FAIR!

September 12th

8am-5pm

September 13th

8am-3pm

at 1818 South Main St.

Multiple Vendors!

We are currently opening crafts

to outside vendors.

Entries must be submitted by September 1st.

To sign up, please call Debi at 620-418-3746.

Church sponsored meals:

Sausage rolls

$3/ea or $33 for 12

Homemade Chicken Noodle Dinner – $10

(includes mashed potatoes, homemade chicken noodles, green beans, homemade roll, and 2 cookies)

Pulled Pork Sandwich – $10

(includes baked beans and 2 cookies)

** DINE IN, CARRY OUT, OR CALL FOR DELIVERY (2 OR MORE MEALS)

PREORDER SAUSAGE ROLLS AVAILABLE.

Friday 10:30am-5pm | Saturday 10:30am -3pm

CONTACT:

417-262-3948 or 620-215-3202

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 

Bourbon County Local News