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Uniontown Council Draft Minutes — Aug. 11, 2026

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City of Uniontown — Draft Minutes: August 11, 2026 Regular Council Meeting

The 2027 Budget Hearing and Regular Council Meeting on August 11, 2026 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Kyle Knight, and Bradley Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Joe George, Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson, and City Clerk Haley Arnold.

Special Considerations/Projects

2027 Budget Hearing — No citizens in attendance.

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adopt the 2027 Budget as presented.

2027 Budget Hearing closed.

Tree removal bids were received from Knights Tree Service in the amount of $2,650.00 and Miller’s Tree Service in the amount of $2,350.00 for the removal of trees at 204 Fulton, 201 3rd St., and 303 Washington. The bids were reviewed, and fence repair was also discussed. It was noted that Knights Tree Service had included fence repair in its previous bid.

Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0 (Knight abstain), to accept tree removal and fence repair bid from Knights Tree Service.

Citizens Request

(None noted.)

Financial Report

Treasurer Johnson presented the July 2026 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $249,800.06; Receipts $29,459.26; Transfers Out $3,025.25; Expenditures $47,256.02; Checking Account Closing Balance $228,979.05. Bank Statement Balance $229,270.86, including Checking Account Interest of $52.56; Outstanding Deposits $0; Outstanding Checks $291.81; Reconciled Balance $228,979.05.

Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $43,707.59; Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $24,599.14; Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $51,241.51; Total All Funds including Certificates of Deposit $348,527.29. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Account $359.56 and Utility CDs $1,401.25 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,760.81.

Projects Checking Account for July 2026: Beginning Balance $0; Receipts $0; Expenditures $0; Ending Balance $0.

July Transfers: from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.25; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; Total Transfers $3,024.25.

Net loss for the month of July: $20,821.01. Year-to-Date Net Income: $28,233.59.

Budget vs. Actual:

  • Gas Fund YTD Revenue $89,501.13 (69.2%), Expenditures $59,915.45 (45.4%)
  • Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $24,467.82 (67.8%), Expenditures $18,515.28 (43.4%)
  • Water Fund YTD Revenue $70,927.73 (57.0%), Expenditures $60,285.32 (42.3%)
  • General Fund YTD Revenue $94,718.21 (64.3%), Expenditures $95,923.68 (40.8%)
  • Special Highway YTD Revenue $6,054.18 (83.0%), Expenditures $4,857.41 (43.4%)

August 2026 payables to date: $30,119.79. The invoice from KMGA had not been received by noon on meeting day.

Consent Agenda

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pemberton, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of July 14, 2026 Regular Meeting
  • July Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class, and August Accounts Payables

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, 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 non-elected personnel position; open meeting to resume at 7:45 PM.

Arnold called in at 7:38 PM. Meeting resumed at 7:44 PM. No action from executive session.

Department Reports

Code Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan informed the Council of an empty lot at 6th and Washington with overgrown vegetation. Treasurer Johnson stated she would contact the property owners and request the lot be mowed by the weekend. Coyan reported that 201 Fulton Street was beginning to become overgrown and stated he would contact the property owner regarding mowing. The lots between 101 and 107 Washington were also reported to have overgrown vegetation; Arnold will attempt to identify and contact the property owner. Coyan stated he will send a special notice regarding unregistered vehicles at 202 4th Street.

Mayor Jurgensen reported receiving a complaint regarding an unregistered vehicle on the west side of 305 Fulton Street. Coyan stated he would investigate the matter further.

Arnold informed the council of the court outcome and update on 202 4th St.

Superintendent Bobby Rich stated that he has completed the cold patch and is in need of help exercising the valves on the meters.

City Clerk Haley Arnold reminded the council of the city-wide cleanup at the end of the month. Arnold presented a client approval letter to the council.

Motion by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to approve the client approval letter.

Arnold informed the Council of an upcoming training session on utility rates and invited Council members to attend if interested.

Council Report

  • Councilman Knight — None
  • Councilwoman Kelly — Reported an increasing number of stray cats around her residence and stated the issue needs to be addressed by Animal Control Officer Betsie Binford.
  • Councilwoman Pemberton — None
  • Councilman Stewart — None
  • Mayor Jurgensen — None

Old Business

Dog Ordinance Review and Discussion — Arnold presented a draft of the revised dog ordinance for the Council’s review. Council members will take the draft home for further review and email Arnold with any proposed changes or revisions. Suggested changes will be discussed at next month’s Council meeting.

Waterway Project — Larry Jurgensen reported that he had met with Mitch Crystal of USDA regarding the waterway project but has not yet made further contact. He also spoke with Jared Polleck about possible grant opportunities and discussed next steps to move the project forward. Amounts available through various funds and potential out-of-pocket expenses were discussed, along with other grant options.

New Business

Moved by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 8:40 PM.

Documents:

Area News

U.S. 69 survey to begin today, Aug. 31, in Crawford County

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Kansas Department of Transportation - Southeast District Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aug. 28, 2026

Contact: Ray Nolting | 620-902-6433

U.S. 69 survey to begin Aug. 31 in Crawford County

Beginning Monday, Aug. 31, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a survey on 11 miles of U.S. 69 in Crawford County to gather information necessary for the design of proposed intersection improvements.

The survey of U.S. 69 will look at multiple intersections on the corridor: East 510th Avenue, East 520th Avenue, East 530th Avenue, Centennial Drive, South Olive Street, K-126/Fourth Street, West 20th Street, Atkinson Road, the Frontenac corridor and East 610th Street.

Survey activities will include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the corridor. A member of the survey crew will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property.

KDOT expects this survey to be completed by early March 2027.

Ernie Cantu, Survey Project Manager for PEC, will oversee this survey. For questions, please contact KDOT Public Information Officer Ray Nolting at (620) 902-6433.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert, follow posted signs and refrain from hand-held mobile device use in all active work zones. For current road conditions, visit kandrive.gov or call 511. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/projects/southeast-kansas-projects.

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Bourbon County

History of the Discussions on County Commission Minutes

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The Bourbon County Commission meets Monday, and one of the first items is a set of minutes it already sent back — the Aug. 17 minutes, tabled on Aug. 24 after Commissioner Mika Milburn-Kee said they needed “extensive revision.”

That is not unusual. The commission has sent minutes back over the past ten months, and not always for the same reason. Members have never agreed among themselves on what the minutes are supposed to be.

The county has used AI software to help produce its minutes since at least the fall of 2025. The current program, HeyGov, was demonstrated to the commission in January 2026 by then-Clerk Susan Walker. It offered three levels of detail, she said then — “a simple level, a medium level and a detailed level.”

Acting County Clerk Michael Hoyt described the current process: after a meeting is uploaded to the county’s YouTube channel, the video is downloaded as a file and run through a program called HeyGov, which transcribes the meeting and matches what was said to each item on the agenda. Hoyt then proofs the draft against his own notes.

“All I have to do is go through and proof to my notes — you know, who made the motion,” he said. “Even sitting there as close as I am, you sometimes don’t hear who seconded, or if two second at once, who wants to take credit for it.”

The draft then goes into the agenda packet for the next meeting. The commission either approves it, or gives corrections and approves it later. Once signed, it is the official record.

Hoyt said he checks requested corrections against the video before making them, because “I’m the keeper of the records. Even though it’s their meeting and it’s their minutes, they still can’t make things up after the fact.”

The method is not new. In October 2025, Walker described nearly the same pipeline with different software. “I take what’s on YouTube and I take that link and push it into this software,” she told the commission. “And then it can produce a full transcript, but it was 145 pages long.”

The alternative is doing it by hand. Walker said a full-length meeting took her office about eight hours, “because you have to sit up there and listen to everything and then try and figure out who the speaker is.”

The commissioners’ requests have not pointed the same direction.

At the Oct. 20, 2025 meeting, with the commission ten sets of minutes behind, then-Chairman David Beerbower read out his view of what belongs in them, and argued against detail.

“They are official, they are permanent, they are legal record,” Beerbower said. “They are distinct from a full transcript, though. Details that should be in there is motions and resolutions, voting outcomes, summary of discussions — but it is not a direct quote.”

A week after Beerbower’s speech, Chairman Samuel Tran asked for more — and what happened to that request is instructive.

The minutes he objected to covered an Oct. 22 special meeting on the county’s decision to move payroll out of the clerk’s office. Walker had read a prepared statement, and the minutes record its sharpest line: “The decision to remove payroll responsibilities from the clerk’s office was portrayed as a cost savings, improved processes. I must say plainly that it was not an operational improvement, it was a political move.”

The minutes give Walker five bullet points, ending with that accusation. They give the commissioners five, all procedural — reach out to the vendor, get everyone to the next meeting, discuss the timeline, review the noise ordinance, “Commissioner Beerbower will contact legal counsel.” Nothing the commissioners said in reply appears.

They said a good deal. Tran answered at length: “In everything I’ve ever done in my life you either help or you hinder — if we have a problem, come to the table with the solution or a possible solution, not hindrance.” And: “We’re sitting here, I’m listening to a speech that does not paint us well in a public forum. We are elected by them. We are their voice. And I apologize for being terse, but I’m very frustrated.”

Tran did not dispute Walker’s cost figures or her account of how the decision was made; his objection was to the speech being delivered in public. The closest thing to an answer on the substance came from Beerbower: “And that’s a decision that we made at the time. And I’m going to stick with that.”

At the Oct. 27 meeting, Tran asked for those replies to be added, but the version the commission went ahead and signed on Dec. 1, 2025 appears to have been unchanged.

By June 2026 the software was producing longer minutes, and Tran objected to how they read. At the June 15 meeting, citing the May 11 minutes, he singled out phrases like “attempted to,” “push back gently” and “echo this point forcefully.”

“Minutes should be very bland. It should not have narratives in it,” Tran said. “I think we need to go back to just reporting what people say and leave it alone and not paint certain commissioners in a bad light.” He said the concern was not about any one commissioner.

The June exchange showed some differing opinions about what the commissioners think they can ask for.

Walker responded to Tran by explaining that the software produces long, medium and short versions, and that she had already changed which one she used.

“Before, I was being ridiculed for not doing enough, and so I went to the long version,” Walker said. “And now I’m being told the long version is [wrong], so now I need to go back to the medium version or the short version?”

Tran declined to say which he wanted.

“I’m not telling you anything, Madam Clerk. I’m not telling you anything. You’re an elected official. You do your job the way you see fit,” he said. “I’m just saying the final product does not meet my expectation of what minutes should be.”

On July 6, Beerbower put the question on the agenda to settle it: pick one of the three versions and move on.

He argued for the shortest, because “it provides just what is necessary by law to have.” Minutes “shouldn’t be about what you say,” he said, “it should be about what was done in the meeting.” Motley agreed: “My vote would be the short version.” Joe Allen said he had no preference, noting school boards “keep a shorter minute.”

Milburn-Kee’s answer was again about accuracy rather than length. “I’m happy with whichever one you want, Mr. Beerbower. I will read and correct whatever I need to do,” she said. “If they don’t send them to me with mistakes, I won’t have to make any corrections.”

County Counselor Bob Johnson gave the legal standard. “You shouldn’t have editorialized minutes,” he said. “It should be a concise description and summary of what was done. And I think that’s the law.” He added that the county’s minutes run “generally three times longer” than those of other boards he works with.

Tran said length had never been his concern. “That’s all I’m asking for, whether we vote on the long, the medium, or the short version,” he said. “To me, it’s always been one adjective in there changes the narrative.”

Then Tran made the motion: “So I move that we approve the short minute version of our minutes.” Motley seconded. The minutes of that meeting record that it carried unanimously.

Six weeks later, Tran asked for something the short version does not produce. At the Aug. 17 meeting, reviewing minutes that condensed Walker’s resignation statement, Tran said the full text should be in the record.

“I think it would be a disservice to the county if we did not include the whole verbiage of that resignation statement,” he said. Asked by Beerbower whether the letter would already be in county records anyway, Tran said the minutes are what people actually go to: “Very few people go back through and look at the actual documents.”

The commission agreed. Walker’s full three-page statement was attached to the Aug. 10 minutes, which were approved Aug. 24.

Running alongside the disagreement over length is a separate one about accuracy, and that request has been the same throughout.

Walker told the commission in June why speakers get mixed up: “It doesn’t pick up your voices because you don’t announce when you’re talking, and so therefore sometimes it might get Beerbower and Allen mixed up.” She added, “Oftentimes it says Mrs. Milburn is a man.”

Milburn-Kee has raised the same point at least three times. In October 2025 she asked that “great attention be paid before they’re sent to us in the first place.” A week later: “It’s important for me not to have extra things that are untrue in there, mainly.” On Aug. 24 she said it again: “Please, please make sure the right speaker is notated in there before sending it out as the minutes. I think I’m the only one bringing back edits for that.”

The commission takes up the Aug. 17 minutes again Monday, with corrections, and will review the Aug. 24 minutes.

Hoyt is doing the work alone. He said he is the only person in the clerk’s office, “replacing three people and doing it all.” He is seeking appointment as county clerk at the Bourbon County Republican convention on Sept. 1.

Schools

USD 234 Board Special Meeting Minutes – Aug. 27, 2026

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USD 234 Board of Education Special Meeting — August 27, 2026

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, for a special meeting at 424 S Main St., Fort Scott, KS.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.

The board approved the official agenda with the following change: FSCC/IT Services discussion to come before Preschool Project Bid discussion.

There was discussion between Board Members and Dr. Welch, FSCC President, about the FSCC/IT Services agreement. The discussion was to make clear the roles and expectations between the District and FSCC. The agreement will continue.

The Board went into executive session for personnel matters.

The Board approved to give Administration permission to enter a contract with Builtwell Consulting, LLC contingent on contact with architect, attorney, and the timeline established.

The Board went into executive session for personnel matters.

President David Stewart adjourned the meeting.

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Opinion

Retorque After 50 Miles by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

Retorque After 50 Miles

After buying new tires and reading the information on the job ticket/invoice, I noticed a statement in caps at the bottom: “HAVE YOUR LUG NUTS RETORQUED AFTER THE FIRST 50 MILES.” The last time I purchased a new set of tires, I didn’t see those instructions.  This was news to me so I made a mental note to come back and have them retorqued.  About a week later, I walked into the shop and asked to have the lug nuts retorqued. Both service technicians went into shock and nearly fainted and fell to the floor! The one guy said, “I’ve worked here for years and never had anyone ask for this service.” I responded, “Well, you guys didn’t mention this to me, but I read it on the paperwork, so here I am.”

I was ignorant because I hadn’t previously read the warning. There was no one to blame but me, myself, and I. Having the lug nuts retorqued after installing new tires is critical. It ensures that your wheels remain securely fastened to the hub assembly. During the first few miles of driving, the wheel and hub components settle, and repeated heating/cooling from braking and road friction can cause slight loosening of the lug nuts. Plus, uneven torque can cause misalignment, leading to uneven tire wear, steering issues, and handling problems. The bottom line: Proper torque prevents future problems. It’s not the technicians’ job to warn the customer. It’s the customer’s responsibility to read the fine print and then return the vehicle to be serviced.

Apostle Paul warns young Timothy of the dangers lurking in life. “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT).

God’s Word is a valuable treasure box, full of instruction, admonition, warning,  blessing, wisdom, etc. Apostle Paul informed Timothy of the importance of reading and obeying the valuable information in the Manual of Life.“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT). For under $20, you can purchase a nice Bible and give it away. If the individual reads it and believes it, his/her life will be changed forever.

Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758), brilliant American theologian and preacher cautioned, “Be assiduous in reading the Holy Scriptures. This is the fountain whence all knowledge in divinity must be derived. Therefore, let not this treasure lie by you neglected.” Have you ever been in a situation where the wheels fell off in your life? It’s never too late to begin faithfully reading the Bible and practicing what it says. God’s Word is a safeguard against driving down the road of life with dangerous philosophies that aren’t biblical.

The Key: Believers, keep the lug nuts of your heart properly torqued with God’s Word.

Fort Scott

City of Fort Scott Commission Agenda Summary for September 1, 2026 Meeting

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Fort Scott City Commission Meeting

9-1-26 Agenda

Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Agenda – September 1, 2026, 6:00 PM

  • I. Call to Order
  • II. Pledge of Allegiance
  • III. Invocation
  • IV. Approval of Agenda
  • V. Consent Agenda
    • A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1415-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of August 13, 2026 – August 25, 2026: $496,968.67
    • B. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of August 18, 2026
    • C. Request to Pay Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC – Invoice #18780 – EEI Project No. 26-08 Topo Wall Street – Phase 3 – Survey Completed 100%: $20,000.00
    • D. Request to Pay Mid-Continental Restoration – Invoice #15415-01 – Wall Street Retaining Wall Repairs at approximately 1402 E. Wall St: $27,122.56
  • VI. Public Comment
  • VII. Appearances
    • Rachel Carpenter, Director of Human Resources & Community Development – Consideration to Accept Transportation Alternative Grant and Approve 20% Required Match
  • VIII. Unfinished Business
    • A. Consideration to Approve Mill Levy and Publication of Public Hearing on September 15, 2026 – B. Hart
    • B. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3801 – An Ordinance to Amend Municipal Code 5.08 – Alcoholic Liquor; 5.12 Cereal Malt Beverages and 5.14 Cereal Malt Beverages – Beer Gardens – First Reading
    • C. Status Update for 118 E. Wall
  • IX. New Business
    • Action Items
    • A. Consideration of Resolution No. 33-2026 – A Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 507 W. 18th Street – L. Kruger
    • B. Consideration of Resolution No. 34-2026 – A Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 611 W. 5th Street – L. Kruger
    • C. Consideration of Resolution No. 35-2026 – A Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 735 S. Little – L. Kruger
    • D. Consideration of Resolution No. 36-2026 – A Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 416 S. Barbee – L. Kruger
    • E. Consideration of Resolution No. 37-2026 – A Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 418 S. Barbee – L. Kruger
    • F. Consideration of Resolution No. 38-2026 – A Resolution and Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure at 108 N. Judson – L. Kruger
    • G. Consideration to Appoint Cindy Bartelsmeyer to Current Vacancy of the Fort Scott Land Bank – M. Wyatt
    • H. Consideration to Accept Recommendation of Bid of Award to Mid-Continental Restorations for Repairs to Memorial Hall – M. Wyatt & J. Dickman
    • I. Discussion of CLG
  • X. Reports and Comments
  • XI. Adjourn
Obituary

Obituary: Lawrence Julius Vann, Age 98

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Lawrence Julius Vann, age 98, a longtime resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Born September 21, 1927, in Harding, Kansas, Lawrence was the youngest son of Johnson Vann and Agnes Willard Vann and one of thirteen children.

Lawrence married Eunice Sullivan on October 11, 1976, in LaCygne, Kansas. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, family, and service.

Lawrence held various jobs throughout his life but spent most of his career as an X-ray technician at Mercy Hospital. A longtime member of Mount Olive Church of God in Christ, he faithfully served as a Deacon. His devotion to God was evident in the way he lived, treated others, and encouraged his family.

Lawrence enjoyed football, especially his Kansas City Chiefs, attending games as far back as the team’s years at Municipal Stadium and even preseason games with family at age 94. He also enjoyed WWE wrestling, sitting on his front porch, reading his Bible, and spending time with family.

That familiar front porch is captured in a timeless black-and-white portrait featured in Fort Scott Stories: A Two-Volume Tribute to Gordon Parks’ 1950—Fort Scott Revisited & Paris Bureau Assignments for LIFE Magazine, where Lawrence was recognized at 97 as Fort Scott’s oldest African American resident.

Known for his kind, agreeable, and godly demeanor, Lawrence’s quiet strength, faith, and wisdom touched family, friends, and members of the local and surrounding communities.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Pam Johnson (James), Cheryl Tucker (Michael), and Gary Floyd (Norma); several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnson and Agnes Vann; his twelve siblings; his son, Terrance Floyd (Donna); and his grandson, Quindale Floyd.

Lawrence’s homegoing marks the end of an era for his family, but his words of wisdom and faith live on. Among his familiar reminders were: “Don’t hang on; you may let go. Hold on!” And simply: “Look up!”

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, September 2nd, at Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ, 424 S. Ransom St., Fort Scott, KS. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 12:00 noon until service time at the Church. Memorials are suggested to Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Entertainment, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott – Aug. 29–30 Weekend

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott – August 28th Weekend Edition

Historic Trolley Tours

Ride Dolly the Trolley and explore Fort Scott’s history with a narrated tour.
Fridays & Saturdays – Now Boarding!

Dolly the Trolley – Historic Narrated Trolley Tours

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.
Visit the website

Classes at The Artificers – classes for ALL ages!
See all fun classes at The Artificers

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.

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!
Follow their Facebook Page for updates!

Kansas Small Business Development Center at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.
Every 2nd Thursday of the month, 9am–3pm

Want more details or updates on Community, Chamber, and Member events? You can find full dates, times, locations, and links on our community calendar on the Chamber’s website at:
fortscott.com/events/calendar/

Recurring Events

Farmers Market
Saturday Markets (May–October): 8am–12pm
Tuesday Markets (June–August): 4–6pm

What’s Happening Fort Scott: Weekend Edition

Saturday, August 29 – Sunday, August 30, 2026

Saturday, August 29

Galloping Through History: Fort Scott Welcomes Army Horsemen
9 AM – 2 PM, Fort Scott National Historic Site
The Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard from Fort Riley quarters horses in the Dragoon Stables as in the 1840s–50s, with cavalry horsemanship displays and wagon/mule team rides. Free, all ages.

Junk Journal Meet Up: Journals & Scrapbooking
10 AM, Buck Run Community Center
Come create, connect, and get inspired! Scrapbooking welcome. Bring your supplies, your ideas, and your love for junk journaling. Sponsored by Journal Junkies. RSVP: jk.Journaljunkies@gmail.com

Coed Softball Tournament: Charity Fundraiser for Care to Share
8:00 AM start, Ellis Fields, Fort Scott
Coed 6/4, double elimination, hosted by Addi & Frank Miller. Come cheer on the teams as they raise funds for Care to Share Cancer Support Group. Info: Addi Miller (620-224-8567) or Frank Miller (620-719-7019).

Community Food Truck Festival
10 AM – 3 PM, KC Mart 2 – Sunoco, 946 Highway 69
Smokey D’s BBQ, Ghetto Tacos, Lil Ruthie’s Desserts, Sweet Roots (dirty sodas/lemonade), plus local vendors with homemade goods.

Italian Pop-Up Weekend @ Brickstreet BBQ (Day 2)
Pallucca’s Italian Meat Market pops up alongside Brickstreet’s regular menu: Chicken Alfredo, Lasagna, Sausage Rigatoni, Spaghetti & Meatballs, appetizers, and a kids’ menu.

Italian Pop-Up Weekend at Brickstreet BBQ

4th Annual Sons of American Legion Post 25 Car Show
2–5 PM Car Show | 6 PM Live Music, Gathering Square Pavilion
Food trucks and karaoke follow the show.

Left of Center presents “Rockstar Karaoke”
Saturday evening, part of the Car Show’s evening lineup at Gathering Square Pavilion. “We are YOUR backup band!” Come sing with them.

Sons of American Legion Car Show

❤️ HOPE GROWS HERE: Agri-Med Crisis Foundation 3rd Annual Fundraiser
Memorial Hall, 1 East Third Street

  • 6:00 PM: Social hour & raffle tables open
  • 7:00 PM: Buffet-style meal ($20/person)
  • 8:00 PM: Meet Agri-Med recipients & live auction
  • All evening: raffle & prize drawings, boot shine station (cash only), Sharky’s cash bar
  • Wear red, white, or blue for free Agri-Med swag while supplies last
  • Free admission, all ages welcome

*Also Saturday: Fort Scott Farmers Market · Trolley Tour of Historic Fort Scott

Car Show / Weekend Event Flyer

Weekend Event

Weekend Event

Weekend Event

Weekend Event

Weekend Event

Weekend Event

Weekend Event

Sunday, August 30

⛪ First United Methodist Church: Worship Service & Fellowship Picnic in the Park
10:30 AM, Shelter House #5, Gunn Park
Morning worship led by Pastor Christopher Eshelman, followed by a carry-in picnic. Bring a casserole, salad, side, or dessert to share. Drinks and table service provided, or bring your own picnic gear/lawn chair.

Italian Pop-Up Weekend @ Brickstreet BBQ (Day 3, final day)
Pallucca’s Italian Meat Market at Brickstreet BBQ & Grill – final day of the three-day Italian pop-up.

Registration open now for September Classes at The Artificers: Supplemental Art Kids Classes, 2026–27
Fridays, 12:00–2:00 PM or 3:30–5:30 PM | The Artificers Teaching Studio, 8 N National Ave, Fort Scott
For grades 1–12, 4 sessions/12 classes total (Drawing starts Sept. 11). $40/class or $480/student (discount for additional student in same household, $420). 15 seats per class, register now. Info: 913-574-7741.

✅ See more events & details: https://fortscott.com/events

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-3566
fortscott.com

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Board of Trustees Special Meeting Aug. 31

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The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Ellis Fine Arts Building.

The meeting will begin with the 2026–2027 Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing, followed by the 2026–2027 Budget Hearing. Upon completion of both hearings, the Board will proceed with the remaining regular agenda items.

Public comment opportunities will be provided during both the Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing and the Budget Hearing for interested taxpayers and members of the public to provide comments related to those respective matters.

Meeting Information

Date: Monday, August 31, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Ellis Fine Arts Building, Fort Scott Community College

Public Agenda

1.0 Call Meeting to Order – Chair Doug Ropp
1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk (Bailey, Brown, Cosens, Hoyt, McKinnis, Ropp)

2.0 Flag Salute & Invocation

3.0 2026–2027 Revenue Neutral Hearing
3.1 Open 2026–2027 Revenue Neutral Hearing (Information)
3.2 Comments From The Public (Information)
3.3 Consideration of Resolution No. 26-08 (Action)
3.4 Close Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing (Information)

4.0 2026–2027 Budget Hearing
4.1 Open FY 2026–2027 Budget Hearing (Information)
4.2 Presentation of Proposed Budget (Information)
4.3 Comments from the Public (Information)
4.4 Close 2026–2027 Budget Hearing (Information)

5.0 Consideration of Resolution 26-09 (Action)

6.0 Old Business
6.1 Contract Termination with USD 234 (Information)
6.2 Consideration of Course Catalog Revisions (Action)

7.0 New Business
7.1 FSCC Capital Improvement Plan (Information)
7.2 Consideration of Merchandise Store RFP (Action)

8.0 Personnel
8.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action)
8.2 Exit Executive Session – Return to Open Session (Action)
8.3 Employment Matters of Non-Elected Personnel (Action)

9.0 Board Workshop on HLC Criterion 2 (Information)

10.0 Adjourn (Action)

The full agenda is available as an attachment: 08_31_2026_Public_Agenda.pdf

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – August 28, 2026

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Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – August 28, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 65 calls for service on August 28, 2026.

Reports and Arrests

Fraud — 9:19 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01395FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Juvenile — 8:12 PM, 1013 E 14th St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01397FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Fire and EMS

Fire / Other — 8:27 AM, 4th Fire. Disposition: FIRE.

EMS — 9:44 AM, 1624 S National Ave. Disposition: AMBU.

Fire / Grass — 1:59 PM, 225th, Fort Scott. Disposition: FIRE.

Fire / Grass — 4:02 PM, 1849 245th, Fort Scott. Disposition: FIRE.

EMS — 3:30 PM, 754 Hill St, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS — 5:03 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

Other Calls for Service

27,28,29 Checks — 12:34 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Check Area — 1:46 AM, Steen. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 8:23 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 9:09 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 9:14 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: RPTS.

Alarm / Burglary — 9:31 AM, 1762 255th, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Public Assist — 9:51 AM, Pine St. Disposition: HBD.

VIN Inspections / County — 10:32 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 10:36 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Fraud — 10:37 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 77.

Traffic Complaint / Livestock — 11:24 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 11:44 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Check Vehicle — 2:56 PM, 516 S Burke. Disposition: HBO.

Public Assist — 3:17 PM, 724 S Clark, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Alarm / Panic — 3:29 PM, 324 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Accident / Non-Injury — 3:54 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 4:06 PM, N National Ave. Disposition: 77.

Check Records / Criminal History — 4:24 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Follow-Up — 4:28 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Traffic Complaint / Driving — 5:21 PM, 235th. Disposition: HBO.

Other Agency Assist — 5:51 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 6:13 PM, 121 N Washington St. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 6:34 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 7:03 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Hang Up — 7:09 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Found Property — 7:45 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Check Vehicle — 8:26 PM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Suspicious Activity — 8:33 PM, 1225 S Main St. Disposition: UNF.

Traffic Complaint / Livestock — 8:41 PM, Indian Rd. Disposition: HBO.

Noise Complaint — 9:47 PM, 718 S Crawford. Disposition: HBO.

Threat — 9:58 PM, 1734 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 9:59 PM, 2420 S Main St. Disposition: * Multiple.

Seeking Advice/Info — 10:16 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Juvenile — 11:30 PM, 1013 E 14th St. Disposition: RPTS.

Traffic Stops

Traffic Stop — 7:40 AM, 5th St, Uniontown. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:14 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 12:49 PM, 12th St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 1:34 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 2:07 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 2:14 PM, 1st St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:55 PM, 1122 Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:42 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:51 PM, 1st St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 7:58 PM, 3rd St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:13 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 8:20 PM, 6th St. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 8:36 PM, Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 8:37 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 9:13 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 9:28 PM, Wall St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 9:35 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:40 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 9:49 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 10:49 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:11 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:47 PM, Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 11:54 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Total Calls for Service: 65

Documents:

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – August 24–27, 2026

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Fort Scott Police Day Sheets

Fort Scott Police Day Sheets – August 24–27, 2026

Fort Scott police, fire and EMS logged 235 calls for service from August 24–27, 2026.

August 24, 2026

Traffic Stop — 1:04 AM, Eddy, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01364FS. Disposition: ARRC.

EMS — 2:34 AM, 2401 S Horton, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

Traffic Complaint / Livestock — 3:00 AM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

EMS — 3:07 AM, 935 215th, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01365FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Check Area — 3:39 AM, 2500 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

EMS — 5:27 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: AMBU.

Other Agency Assist — 5:30 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

EMS / Medical Alarm — 6:26 AM, 1626 S Judson. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 6:38 AM, 519 S Crawford, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Motorist Assist — 6:43 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Alarm / Burglary — 7:01 AM, 101 Old Fort Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

27,28,29 Checks — 7:11 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 7:43 AM, 402 Lee’s Circle Drive. Disposition: HBO.

Building Check — 8:04 AM, 140th Grand Rd. Disposition: HBO.

Alarm / Burglary — 8:06 AM, 2103 Kansas, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Vehicle Unlock — 8:14 AM, 1405 S Broadway. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 8:37 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 8:56 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Found Property — 9:33 AM, 2nd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 9:49 AM, Wagon Rd, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Follow-Up — 10:07 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

EMS — 10:08 AM, 1661 145th, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Traffic Complaint / Dead Animal Pickup/Debris — 10:11 AM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

EMS / Transfer — 10:31 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 10:37 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 10:52 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: RPTS.

Alarm / Panic — 11:00 AM, 2300 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 22.

911 / Hang Up — 11:29 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: 77.

911 / Hang Up — 11:47 AM, 1904 S Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Animal Control — 11:50 AM, 802 S Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Child Custody Dispute — 12:15 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Burglary — 1:06 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01368FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Other Agency Assist — 1:32 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 1:55 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 1:59 PM, 408 Lee’s Circle Drive. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 2:09 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 2:12 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / County — 2:19 PM, 3200 Liberty Bell Rd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 2:20 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Theft — 2:25 PM, 714 Short St. Complaint No. 26-01369FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Seeking Advice/Info / County — 2:37 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / Walk-In — 2:52 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 2:53 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 3:19 PM, Clark. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:31 PM, 1222 S National Ave. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:37 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:44 PM, 69 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-01370FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Check Records / Employment — 3:50 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Animal Control — 3:52 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 4:05 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 4:12 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Accident / Non-Injury — 4:14 PM, 6th St. Complaint No. 26-01371FS. Disposition: RPTA.

Follow-Up — 4:22 PM, 402 Lee’s Circle Drive. Complaint No. 26-01372FS. Disposition: RPTS.

Traffic Stop — 4:25 PM, 12th St. Complaint No. 26-0790BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Seeking Advice/Info — 5:06 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

EMS / Transfer — 5:27 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Warrant Service / Arrest — 5:51 PM, 1496 212th Terrace. Complaint No. 26-0793BB. Disposition: RPTS.

EMS — 6:01 PM, 998 N National Ave. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fire / Vehicle — 6:30 PM, 2322 S Main St, Fort Scott. Disposition: FIRE.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 6:50 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

EMS — 6:54 PM, 802 Shepherd St #4, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Check Subject — 7:14 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-0792BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

911 / Accidental — 7:36 PM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

Traffic Complaint / Livestock — 7:50 PM, 65 Hwy, Mapleton. Disposition: HBO.

Theft — 8:02 PM, 415 College. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 8:20 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 8:29 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Hang Up — 8:29 PM, 1155 240th, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 8:50 PM, 612 Osbun St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 8:58 PM, 2500 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: WW.

Follow-Up — 9:07 PM, 415 College, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01373FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Check Welfare — 9:39 PM, 612 S Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 10:19 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 11:48 PM, 1115 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

August 25, 2026

Motorist Assist — 12:15 AM, 2224 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

EMS — 12:51 AM, 313 Locust Rd. Disposition: 22.

27,28,29 Checks — 1:38 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Check Subject — 1:45 AM, 1235 E Elm, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01374FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Traffic Stop — 2:31 AM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Other Agency Assist — 3:08 AM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Public Assist — 8:10 AM, 1402 Elm St. Disposition: HBD.

Check Welfare — 9:14 AM, 204 5th St, Uniontown. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 9:19 AM, 324 Heylman, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

EMS — 9:32 AM, 614 Lakin Dr, Fort Scott. Disposition: * Multiple.

EMS — 9:34 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Traffic Stop — 9:47 AM, 6th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Extra Patrol — 9:59 AM, 1 E 3rd St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 11:37 AM, 3rd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Vehicle Inspection / UTV — 12:44 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Trespassing — 1:06 PM, 528 Main St. Complaint No. 26-01375FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Lost Property — 1:26 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 1:52 PM, 215th, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Fraud — 1:53 PM, 1508 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01376FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Rape — 1:55 PM, 293 E 20th St. Complaint No. 26-0794BB. Disposition: RPTC.

Traffic Stop — 2:03 PM, Elm. Disposition: WW.

Vehicle Unlock — 2:04 PM, 201 E 23rd St. Disposition: HBO.

EMS — 2:08 PM, 2207 115th. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS / Transfer — 2:15 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Traffic Stop — 2:23 PM, Maple, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Check Vehicle — 2:39 PM, 6th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

EMS — 2:47 PM, 204 N Pine St, Redfield. Complaint No. 26-0795BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Fraud — 2:46 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 2:54 PM, 911 E 6th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 3:06 PM, Oak, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Complaint / Livestock — 3:06 PM, Limestone Rd, Fort Scott. Disposition: 77.

Other Agency Assist — 3:10 PM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: HBD.

Traffic Stop — 3:41 PM, Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 4:14 PM, 753 Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Remove Subject — 4:16 PM, 2011 S Main St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01377FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Juvenile — 4:19 PM, Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Dead Animal Pickup/Debris — 4:43 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

EMS — 5:08 PM, 822 S Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Found Property — 5:57 PM, 2006 S Main St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

EMS / Transfer — 6:10 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, KS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Battery — 6:18 PM, 2224 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01378FS. Disposition: HBD.

EMS — 6:52 PM, 2159 165th, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Check Welfare — 7:15 PM, 727 240th, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 7:22 PM, 3rd St. Complaint No. 26-01379FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Animal Control — 7:49 PM, 721 S Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 8:45 PM, 12th St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 9:02 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Welfare — 9:48 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Disturbance — 9:54 PM, 102 S State, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: UNF.

911 / Hang Up — 10:17 PM, 2436 Wagon Rd. Disposition: HBD.

Traffic Stop — 11:08 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

August 26, 2026

Traffic Stop — 12:11 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 1:10 AM, 401 W 10th St #9, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Welfare — 1:18 AM, 303 W 2nd St, Redfield. Disposition: HBO.

Check Vehicle — 1:22 AM, 1010 Park Ave #7. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 3:18 AM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 5:54 AM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: WW.

Court — 8:12 AM, 210 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

27,28,29 Checks — 9:30 AM, 1604 S National Ave. Disposition: NR.

EMS / Transfer — 10:54 AM, 405 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

Animal Control — 11:15 AM, National Ave. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 11:19 AM, 424 S Main St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 11:31 AM, 3rd St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Fire / Other — 12:13 PM, Main St. Disposition: * Multiple.

Traffic Stop — 1:04 PM, 6th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Theft — 1:48 PM, 644 Kansas, Uniontown. Complaint No. 26-0798BB. Disposition: RPTC.

Traffic Stop — 1:52 PM, 400 Blk, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Animal Control — 2:00 PM, 2500 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Juvenile — 2:02 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd #C, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Driving — 2:08 PM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: HBD.

EMS — 3:02 PM, 1112 State St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01382FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Accident / Non-Injury — 3:21 PM, National Ave. Complaint No. 26-01381FS. Disposition: RPTA.

Seeking Advice/Info — 3:42 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01384FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Accident / Hit and Run — 3:43 PM, Broadway. Complaint No. 26-01383FS. Disposition: RPTA.

Traffic Stop — 3:46 PM, 75th, Uniontown. Disposition: WW.

Seeking Advice/Info — 3:54 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Trespassing — 3:57 PM, 528 S Main St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 4:08 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: * Multiple.

Trespassing — 4:20 PM, 528 S Main St. Disposition: 77.

Seeking Advice/Info — 4:26 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Livestock — 4:28 PM, Grand Rd, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Found Property — 4:54 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Juvenile — 5:18 PM, 1813 159th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Accidental — 5:29 PM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

Seeking Advice/Info — 6:53 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 7:00 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Fire / Other — 7:43 PM, 14th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: FIRE.

Animal Control — 8:37 PM, 320 Cleveland, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 9:01 PM, 523 E Wall St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01385FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Traffic Stop — 9:08 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Traffic Stop — 9:30 PM, Wall St, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01386FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Seeking Advice/Info — 9:40 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 9:43 PM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

EMS — 9:49 PM, 315 Scott St #418, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Traffic Stop — 10:00 PM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Pursuit — 10:10 PM, 54 Hwy. Complaint No. 26-0796BB. Disposition: 77.

Follow-Up — 10:42 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Stop — 11:08 PM, 312 E 23rd St. Complaint No. 26-01387FS. Disposition: ARRC.

Suspicious Activity — 11:28 PM, 609 W 6th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

August 27, 2026

Traffic Stop — 12:43 AM, 6th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

27,28,29 Checks — 1:38 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: NR.

Check Subject — 1:43 AM, College, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Suspicious Activity — 2:10 AM, 2111 Locust Rd, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01388FS. Disposition: * Multiple.

Alarm / Burglary — 6:27 AM, 1238 S Judson. Disposition: 22.

Traffic Complaint / Livestock — 6:54 AM, 235th, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

EMS — 7:00 AM, 820 S Eddy, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 7:31 AM, 802 S Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

EMS — 8:05 AM, 1719 Cameron Dr. Disposition: AMBU.

Alarm / Burglary — 8:08 AM, 3 W Oak St, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 22.

Traffic Complaint / Livestock — 8:15 AM, 69 Hwy. Disposition: 77.

EMS — 8:45 AM, 718 S Burke. Disposition: AMBU.

Seeking Advice/Info — 8:56 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Traffic Complaint / Dead Animal Pickup/Debris — 10:20 AM, 69 Hwy, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Dog Bite — 10:24 AM, 2501 Richards Rd, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-01389FS. Disposition: RPTG.

VIN Inspections / County — 10:38 AM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Theft — 10:42 AM, 2500 S Main, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01390FS. Disposition: RPTC.

Accident / Injury — 10:43 AM, 54 Hwy, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0799BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

Seeking Advice/Info — 10:45 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 10:47 AM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Theft — 10:58 AM, 201 S National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Animal Control — 11:02 AM, 501 E 6th St. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Hang Up — 11:04 AM, 1604 S National Ave, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBD.

EMS / Transfer — 11:41 AM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

Traffic Stop — 12:17 PM, 700, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

EMS — 12:39 PM, 820 S Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: AMBU.

Seeking Advice/Info — 1:07 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 1:16 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: RPTS.

Check Welfare — 1:23 PM, Limestone Rd, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Fire / Grass — 1:59 PM, 843 3Hwy, Uniontown. Disposition: FIRE.

EMS / Transfer — 2:32 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: AMBU.

Burglary — 3:01 PM, 180 Indian Rd. Disposition: HBO.

Accident / Injury Unknown — 3:04 PM, 54 Hwy. Disposition: HBD.

Accident / Injury Unknown — 3:04 PM, 7 Hwy, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0802BB. Disposition: * Multiple.

PFA Violation — 3:13 PM, 293 E 20th St. Complaint No. 26-0804BB. Disposition: RPTG.

Follow-Up — 3:20 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Motorist Assist — 3:25 PM, 1622 Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

SRO — 4:09 PM, 1105 E 12th, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Suspicious Activity — 4:21 PM, 12 N Main, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: 77.

Seeking Advice/Info / City — 4:29 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

911 / Hang Up — 4:57 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBD.

Traffic Stop — 5:01 PM, 2108 S Horton St, Fort Scott. Disposition: WW.

Animal Control — 5:18 PM, 711 S Margrave St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 5:24 PM, Elm. Complaint No. 26-01392FS. Disposition: 77.

Seeking Advice/Info — 5:30 PM, 220 Old Fort Blvd, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Check Subject — 5:40 PM, 1271 Poplar Rd, Fort Scott. Complaint No. 26-0805BB. Disposition: ARRC.

Extra Patrol — 5:56 PM, 1502 S Scott, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Seeking Advice/Info — 6:18 PM, 215th. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 6:50 PM, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 7:06 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Threat — 7:13 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Complaint No. 26-01393FS. Disposition: RPTG.

Seeking Advice/Info / County — 7:34 PM, 293 E 20th St, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Theft — 7:56 PM, 511 Osbun St. Complaint No. 26-01394FS. Disposition: ARRC.

Traffic Stop — 8:02 PM, 9th St. Disposition: 22.

EMS — 8:45 PM, 293 E 20th St. Disposition: AMBU.

Seeking Advice/Info / Walk-In — 8:50 PM, 1604 National, Fort Scott, KS. Disposition: HBO.

Follow-Up — 10:21 PM, 725 S Judson, Fort Scott. Disposition: HBO.

Total Calls for Service: 235

Documents:

Fort Scott

The City Will Not Remove People Camping at 2nd Street Park

1 Comment

The City of Fort Scott told residents Friday afternoon that it will not remove the people living in tents at 2nd Street Park unless they break the law.

In a statement posted to the city’s Facebook page and signed by City Manager Brad Matkin, the city acknowledged “several individuals staying in tents at the park” and said it is aware of “concerns and reports regarding fires in the area.” It asked residents to report illegal activity to law enforcement at 620-223-1700 and emergencies to 911. Short of that, its position is explicit: “we will not remove homeless individuals from staying at 2nd street unless their actions deem necessary.”

The city has already advised people not to camp in the downtown area, Gunn Park or Riverfront Park, the statement said. It also said the city is “working toward creating” a local alliance of organizations, churches, service providers, law enforcement, businesses and residents to look for longer-term answers. Matkin asked anyone willing to take part to email him at bmatkin@fscity.org.

Where 2nd Street Park is

Locator map showing 2nd Street Park, also known as Bridal Veil Park, on West 2nd Street just west of the Marmaton River in Fort Scott, north of Gunn Park and west of downtown.
2nd Street Park sits on West 2nd Street, just west of the Marmaton River. Base map from U.S. Census TIGER/Line 2024.

The park is also known as Bridal Veil Park. The two names refer to the same property, and the city commission has used them interchangeably for at least a decade — its March 2016 minutes say “2nd Street (Bridal Veil) Park,” and its October 2017 minutes say “Bridal Veil Park/2nd Street Park.”

Napp’s Park, the spring and the pools

It began as Napp’s Park in the 1880s. “It had a large artesian water well in the southeast corner of the park,” local historian Fred Campbell told FortScott.biz in 2017. “As the water shot up about 20-30 feet from the spring, it looked like a bridal veil.”

The park later held two community swimming pools, one for girls and one for boys. In 1936 the Works Progress Administration built a new pool at the Main Street site. “At that point, the (Bridal Veil Park) swimming pools were turned over to the African-American community,” historian Don Miller said. “Segregation was the law until 1954.” After desegregation the pools were filled in.

A flood swept the brick shelter house away in 1986. “After that, it was used for a hang-out place,” Miller said. “There was a lot of illegal activities going on.” What remains is three WPA-built concrete picnic tables, a pavilion, a rock wall, tree stumps and a dirt road.

The city spent years weighing a sale

On March 22, 2016, commissioners voted 4-1 to let the city manager investigate whether selling “2nd Street (Bridal Veil) Park” was feasible. City Manager Dave Martin said at the time that he knew “there is a lot of history with this park and emotions tied to it.”

He reported back on Oct. 17, 2017. The park cost the city $5,000 to $10,000 a year in gravel and cleanup, he said, it floods, it was “not well used,” and there was “quite a bit of police activity there.” He was unsure the WPA picnic tables, pavilion and rock wall could be moved without damaging them. The sale, he told commissioners, would not be about the budget but about whether the city has more parks than it needs.

Martin also said he wanted to keep an easement across the property for a long-hoped-for trail connection between Gunn Park and Riverfront Park. By July 2018 the city manager was still telling commissioners the city was “moving forward with the possible sale.” No completed sale appears in the city’s records, and the city’s statement Friday still treats the park as its own.

In between, in December 2015, four Fort Scott High School students — Gabrielle Allen, Olivia Houston, Austin Bolinger and Morgan Stoughton, working under teacher Amber Toth — presented the City Council a renovation proposal for the park: a playground, a quarter-mile walking trail, 14 trees, picnic tables, benches and new lighting, priced at $74,841. It is still online, and it argued the park was worth keeping because it “is the only park around that part of town,” in a low-income neighborhood where children could walk to it.

What has already been tried

In 2017, the renovated Western Insurance building downtown opened as Western Senior Living with 35 apartments, one of them designated for a homeless or transitional individual for a maximum of two years.

In December 2021, a volunteer group called Warming Hearts — Tonya Cliffman, Anne Dare and Sarah Maike — planned two insulated 4-by-6-foot sleeping pods at about $1,000 apiece, and the commission approved placing them on private land north of Community Christian Church on the condition they came out by March 31. It is not clear whether the pods were ever put into use.

This July, FortScott.biz reported on Frankie’s Mission, started by Vickie Crowe of Fort Scott in memory of her son, who was homeless when he died. It hands out food, hygiene items and clothing — but holds its dinners in Pittsburg, Crowe said, because she could not find a place in Fort Scott for one.

Two city decisions this summer

On June 2, Matkin asked commissioners to close a gap in the Gunn Park camping rules. A 14-day permit could be cycled indefinitely by leaving for a day or moving to another site, he said, so someone had “the opportunity to stay at Gunn Park” without limit. The camping areas get “pretty busy down there” in the summer months, he told commissioners. The resulting ordinance requires campers to stay out for 30 days once a permit expires. (Watch that discussion.)

On July 13, commissioners held a special meeting on a Continuum of Care grant of nearly $1.6 million that would have converted the former convent at 810 S. Burke St. into transitional housing, a project called BridgePoint Community. Matkin read a prepared statement opposing it — not transitional housing itself, he said, but the city owning and operating it. Grant money would cover buying and renovating the building, but “those funds are temporary,” he said, and afterward the cost of running, staffing and maintaining it “could ultimately fall on the city and its taxpayers.” (Watch the statement.)

Commissioners voted to decline the grant. Commissioner Tracy Dancer said the proposal “felt rushed” and that he did not have enough information. Mayor Kathryn Salsbury said she lacked information about the building’s title and questioned its condition, and Commissioner Tim Van Hoecke said that as a first step it “would have been more like a gigantic leap.” Commissioners also raised the building’s location near an elementary school and Gunn Park. Salsbury said it was not “the right time, the right place, the right building, the right program, but we need to keep working and we need to keep helping.”

During public comment, Jenni Simhiser of the Path of EASE Association, which runs a recovery house for women and children, said she had no room left. “I’m getting ready to couch a girl. I am overly full and I have a waiting list,” she said.

Afterward, Commissioner Matthew Wells said the first step of his seven-step plan was to form a local coalition of the city, churches, nonprofits, schools and health providers, meeting monthly “at a minimum.” “If we don’t have a plan, then it only gets worse,” he said, and offered to organize it himself if no one at the city would. (Watch those comments.)

The city’s statement, in full

A Message to the Citizens of Fort Scott Regarding 2nd Street Park

Citizens of Fort Scott,

The City of Fort Scott is aware of the current situation at 2nd Street Park, including several individuals staying in tents at the park. We are also aware of concerns and reports regarding fires in the area.

Any active fire or situation that presents an immediate threat to public safety should be reported to local authorities immediately.

We understand the frustration and concern this situation may cause for residents, businesses, and those who use our public spaces. At the same time, this is not as simple as asking individuals to leave one location where there is no appropriate place to direct them.

Moving someone from one park to another does not solve the underlying problem; it simply moves the problem somewhere else. We also do not want to direct individuals into locations where they may create additional problems or place themselves or others in unsafe situations.

The City has advised individuals against “Camping” in the downtown area, Gunn Park, and Riverfront Park. These are among our most heavily traveled and utilized public areas, and allowing long-term “camping” in these locations creates concerns for residents, visitors, businesses, recreational users, and the individuals themselves. Our goal is to protect our public spaces while approaching this difficult issue responsibly.

It is also important to remember that the individuals involved are human beings and have legal rights. Homelessness is an extremely complicated issue, and there is no single solution. Communities throughout the country continue to struggle with this same challenge. Enforcement alone will not solve homelessness, just as compassion without accountability will not solve the concerns being experienced in our community. We must find a responsible balance between helping people in need and maintaining safe, clean, and accessible public spaces for everyone.

The City of Fort Scott is working toward creating a local alliance of community organizations, churches, service providers, law enforcement, businesses, concerned citizens, and others who are willing to work together to identify realistic solutions.

Our goal is not simply to relocate individuals from one location to another. We want to determine what resources are available and what can realistically be done to help individuals move toward stable housing, employment, treatment, family assistance, or other services appropriate to their circumstances. We recognize that this will not be an easy or immediate process.

If you witness illegal activity at 2nd Street Park or any other location, please contact local law enforcement at 620-223-1700. Law enforcement will respond and address the situation appropriately. For emergencies or situations involving an immediate threat to life or property, please call 911. *Please note, we will not remove homeless individuals from staying at 2nd street* unless their actions deem necessary.

If no illegal activity is occurring, we ask for patience as the City and the proposed Alliance Group work to find a responsible path forward. We understand that citizens expect their parks and public spaces to be safe, clean, and available for everyone, and we share that expectation. At the same time, we want to address this issue in a way that is lawful, humane, and focused on finding solutions rather than simply moving the problem from one part of Fort Scott to another.

We need our community’s help. If you would like to participate in this alliance, represent an organization that may be able to provide assistance, or have constructive ideas for addressing homelessness in Fort Scott, please send your ideas and comments to bmatkin@fscity.org.

This is a community issue that will require a community response. We may not have all the answers today, but we are committed to working together to find practical solutions while protecting both the dignity of individuals and the quality of life in Fort Scott.

There is also a positive side to this challenge: Fort Scott has always been a community that steps up when help is needed. We have caring citizens, churches, organizations, businesses, law enforcement officers, and community leaders who want to make Fort Scott a better place. I believe that if we bring those people together, listen to one another, and focus on solutions rather than blame, we can make progress.

We may not solve homelessness overnight, and we may not be able to help every individual immediately, but that does not mean we should stop trying. Sometimes success begins with helping one person find housing, helping another find a job, reconnecting someone with family, or connecting someone with the services they need. Every success matters.

Fort Scott is a community that cares about its people and takes pride in its neighborhoods, parks, businesses, and public spaces. I am confident that we can show compassion while still maintaining accountability and protecting our community.

Working together, I believe we can make a difference—not just by moving a problem somewhere else, but by helping create a path toward a better future for the individuals involved and for Fort Scott as a whole.

Thank you for your patience, your understanding, and most importantly, your willingness to be part of the solution.

Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott

The statement was posted to the City of Fort Scott’s Facebook page at 3:06 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, 2026. The asterisks in the paragraph about not removing individuals are in the city’s original post.

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