
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|

Shelly Bradley, owner of The After Affect Salon, said the business will have an “18 and on-our-own party” to celebrate the relocation of her business to a newly constructed building.
“We hope to be open in August (at the new site),” she said. “August will be the salon’s 18th anniversary, and we want to have a party to celebrate.”
“My husband, Zach, had tried to talk me into buying or building a new salon, to invest in our own property, and have our own parking.”
The current salon is located in the Historic Downtown Fort Scott district at 14 E. Wall, and parking can be competitive at times.
The new shop is being built and is located at 1416 E. Wall.

“My Grandma Martha Cook offered to sell a lot next to her house to me. The time was right. God’s timing is perfect, and everything fell into place.”
The new 40-foot-by-40-foot building will have parking for 13 cars.
This will be needed with the additional services she will be offering in the shop: red light therapy, and tanning services, including stand-up, lay-down, and automated. All will have their private work room and additionally, two bathrooms, a utility room/kitchen/storage room, a room for retail products, and a waiting room. In addition, there will be a designated nail technician room.
“I feel so blessed with our amazing clientele that has made this a possibility and can’t wait to offer more for our community,” she said. “I am blessed that my husband has the talent and patience to help me build my dream. And I’m excited to be next door to my Grandma’s house.”
Those working on the build are Gieger Plumbing, KTK Electric, and Thomas Concrete and Construction, all of Fort Scott. She has been working with the City of Fort Scott on an economic development grant.
Bradley started the business in 2007, and Debi Fritter started offering services with her in 2010.
Riley Findley will be the new nail technician, and Debi’s daughter, Dani, will help in the tanning area.
This is part of a series of
2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellows.
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Brian Skinner, a high school special education educator and IEP trainer for the Harvey County Special Education Cooperative in Newton, KS. Brian will arrive in Fort Scott on June 22nd for a week of collaboration with LMC staff and the other members of the Fellowship.
The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.
Brian Skinner, a special education teacher from Newton, Ks, was recognized in 2023 as Kansas Teacher of the Year. He is also a 2024 NEA Foundation Teaching Excellence recipient and an NEA Board Member. He regularly spends his time advocating for special education and the public education profession.
Within his school, some of Skinner’s additional roles have included serving as the Project SEARCH case manager, department chair, scholars’ bowl coach, and co-teaching trainer. Skinner says, “Working with students across such a wide spectrum helps him to understand all students better and have a larger impact in helping to build a positive school culture.”
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Brian is a leader among his peers, a significant catalyst in expanding co-teaching programs that involve all students across a broad spectrum. His insight will provide a valuable tool for our 2025 Fellows in seeking to include students of all abilities in the research and development of unsung heroes’ projects.”
While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.
|
AARP Awards Grant to the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes as Part of Nationwide Program to Strengthen Communities
Cimarron, KS – American Association for Retired People today announced that the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in Ft. Scott, Kansas has received a $9,500 2025 Community Challenge grant, as part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults.
The money will be used to add three new Kansas Unsung Hero panels to the Unsung Heroes Park in Fort Scott, Kansas. These panels will feature stories of William Matthews, Mary Ann Bickerdyke, and Chester Nez, and will include QR codes for translation into any language.
“AARP Kansas is proud to work with communities across the state to help make them more livable for people of all ages,” said Glenda DuBoise, AARP Kansas state president “The Unsung Heroes Park project will bring real improvement by featuring stories of important Kansans. We’re excited to see this come to life.”
Now in its ninth year, the Challenge has awarded 427,00 through 35 grants in Kansas since 2017 to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state. Grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
View the full list of grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable.
# # #
About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.
The Regular Council Meeting on June 10, 2025 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, and City Clerk Danea Esslinger.
None
CITIZENS REQUESTS
None
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Johnson presented the May 2025 financial reports. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds for May was $296,977.13, Receipts $42.798.60, Transfers Out $14,524.00, Expenditures $36,272.79, Checking Account Closing Balance $288,978.94. Bank Statement Balance $295,174.66, including Checking Account Interest of $63.45, Outstanding Deposits $0.00, Outstanding Checks $6,195.72, Reconciled Balance $288,978.94. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $38,257.03, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $22,987.37, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $45,123.12, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $395,346.46. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $314.68, and Utility CDs $1,212.84 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,527.52. Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,622.00, Capital Improvement-Streets from Gas Utility $6,250, Capital Improvement-Streets from General Fund $2,500, Utility Capital Improvement-Streets from Sewer Fund $750.00, and Capital Improvement-Streets from Water Fund $2,000.00, for Total Transfers of $14,524.00. Net Loss for the month of May $7,998.19, Year-to-Date Net Income $25,115.20. Appropriations to date for May 2025 are $31,355.12.
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
405 Hill Street-letter sent to owner with requested repairs needed, some repairs have been completed, he will contact owners about the other repairs needed.
406 Fulton Street-letter sent to owner regarding nuisance vehicles and certified letter not picked up. Code Officer requested citation to be given as the black car has not been taken care as requested by the city. Council requested citation to be sent for the nuisance vehicles.
6th and Washington-needs mowing. Codes officer will contact owner.
4th and Washington-has camper on lot and needs mowing. Codes officer will contact owner.
Superintendent: Bobby Rich will be gone for 5-day Bereavement Leave.
Mowing Assistance asked by Mayor: these volunteered to will help with mowing Larry Jurgensen, Sally Johnson, Matt Kelly, Brad Stewart, Jess Ervin and Doug Coyan-if needed. Council decided to give sympathy card and a large supply of Dr. Pepper in Superintendent warehouse maintenance refrigerator.
Council requests to have 5 additional keys needed for the Shop, the City Administration side door, Electric for the park-3918, North Side and West Side Warehouse.
Clerk Report: Danea Esslinger
City Wide Garage Sales-Council stated not at this time.
Modern Copy Systems–new maintenance agreement.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to accept the new maintenance agreement for Modern Copy Systems.
Jayhawk Software Back Up vs Microsoft Office back up-Council stated since backed up on our server, do not need any additional back up at this time.
Thank You Card- form Kelly Droel
Thank You Cards-Signed by council members for Peerless for the new window and Ruritan for the monetary assistance with Public Restroom.
Councilman Ervin – None.
Councilman Kelly –None.
Councilwoman Pemberton –None.
Councilwoman Pritchett –Absent.
Councilman Stewart–Received 3 stop signs from Fort Scott Public Works.
Mayor Jurgensen – Resident wants tree cut down right next to city sidewalk. Kyle Knight stated will take care of for $250.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to accept Kyle Knight cut down tree by the city sidewalk.
SEED Grant – all supplies, appliances, computer and printer, bookshelves have been ordered for the City Library, Community Center, and City Office. We have received new city office chairs; new tables, new microwave, refrigerator, and stove for Community Center; computer for the City Library, and all shelves have been ordered and the window blind. The window blind will come in around the July 1st.
Mayor donated the stove and the refrigerator to the Ruritan Needy Family. The tables and videos donated to the Old Settler’s committee for their use during the Old Settler’s Labor Day Weekend.
FEMA Flooding– Hydrology study not complete yet by Ag Engineering. Council asked to stop this Hydrology study at this time.
Warehouse Insulation – is completed at this time.
Sidewalk- Ag Engineering sent the completed documentation and bill. Council stated to send the business owner a letter to advise that the
City is proceeding to fix the sidewalk. We will notify the working dates of sidewalk completion.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 in regard to the East Sidewalk of the Square.
Park electric – Kelly Electric will work on this soon without the boring of electrical line. He can separate the Christmas lights and the Shelter House lights with a separate switch.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0 to approve Kelly electric work on the park electric.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:40.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:00.
Sally Johnson called in at 8:45, and out at 9:00
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:20.
Danea Esslinger called in at 9:30, out at 9:45.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 9:50.
Meeting resumed at 9:50. No action from executive session.
ADJOURN Time 9:52 Moved by Pemberton, 2nd Kelly, Approved 4-0

A stamp club for Fort Scott is starting.
It will meet on July 12, 2025, at the library from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
They will be accepting new members, and attendance is free.
They are also giving away free, used postage stamps at the meeting.

Reserved Tickets are now on sale for a show of talent you
do not want to miss! Call 855-222-2849 (the number on the flyer is not correct)
https://www.etix.com/ticket/o/8277/rockballet
Kristin Lewis Gorman will present her Rockballet dancers
in their 5th annual production, “Jet Set to Wonderland” ,
this Friday and Saturday, 7:30 PM at the Ellis Family Fine
Arts center, in Fort Scott.
Kristin was a New York City based career performer and
choreographer for 25 years before coming back to open
Rockballet, sharing her knowledge and love of singing,
dancing and acting with students in her hometown.
Kristin teaches every genre of dance and every class at
Rockballet.
As always, each number in the show is her original
choreography, created exclusively for her students.
The Budget Advisory Committee will meet at 4:30 PM on 06.18.25 in the commission chambers. Also, the Zoning Advisory Committee will meet at 6 PM on 06.18.25 in the commission chambers.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
This is part of a series on
2025 National Lowell Milken Center Fellows.
FORT SCOTT, KS – June 1, 2025 – The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious Fellowship to Meredith Reid, a middle and high school choral music educator at Girard public schools in Girard, KS. Meredith will arrive in Fort Scott on June 22nd for a week of collaboration with LMC staff and the other members of the Fellowship.
The LMC Fellowship is a merit-based award for educators of all disciplines who value the importance of teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning. The Center selects exemplary teachers from the United States and around the world who will collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.
Meredith Reid, a choir teacher from Girard, KS, was recognized in January 2025 as a Kansas Milken Educator. The choir program was nearly non-existent when Meredith was a student at Girard High School. When she returned to her alma mater as an educator, she re-established the choir program, where students now have opportunities to succeed at state-level contests and are accepted into many different honor choirs.
Outside of her classroom, Meredith is an active member of her community, both locally and beyond. She serves as the Kansas Choral Directors Association Secretary and Kansas Music Educators Southeast District President-Elect. She is also an officer in the Girard P.E.O. chapter. In the last three years, she has developed a community choir, “Generations,” which reflects her goals of sustaining music as a lifelong passion for all ages.
LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Meredith has re-established and rebuilt the choral music program at Girard Middle and High Schools, making them both successful and award-winning programs. With her previous experience and knowledge of unsung heroes, she has begun plans for unique ways of developing projects with her students.”
While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and support in helping students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows will be equipped to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students, applying and evaluating the stories of these role models who have changed the world throughout history.