Fort Scott

Gathering Square Pavilion Will Be Painted July 24-26

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ATTENTION: Sprouls Construction will be at the Gathering Square Pavilion starting tomorrow afternoon to paint the steel beams. They will be blocking off the parking lot under the pavilion on Wednesday afternoon, Thursday, and Friday. If you are going to enjoy the Splash Pad on these days please use the parking to the north and south of the Splash Pad.

 

It will be available for the Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning.

 

Thank you for your patience.

 

Brad Matkin

City Manager

City of Fort Scott

Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

620-223-0550 ext. 210

 

Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Sales Tax Holiday August 2-4

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SAVE THE DATE FOR Sales Tax Holiday Weekend Downtown & Around Fort Scott!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces an opportunity for shoppers to save money this weekend, August 2nd-4th!

With no “official” Sales Tax Holiday weekend in the State of Kansas, we have our own holiday here where these local retailers pay the tax for you!

Save 9.4% this weekend at participating businesses around Fort Scott!

Participating businesses will be announced on the Chamber Facebook or fortscott.com.

These stores offer a variety of merchandise including apparel, home furnishings and décor – both new and repurposed, school supplies and much more!

There is no need to cross the border during this

No Sales Tax Holiday Weekend.

Save money, shop local, shop Fort Scott!

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

Chamber Coffee Hosted By KRI and REDI

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Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, July 25th, 8am
Hosted by Kansas Renewal Institute and Bourbon County REDI

401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
Kansas Renewal Institute and Bourbon County REDI are located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.

* Kansas Renewal Institute has over 6 programs that they offer including; Addiction Treatment, Outpatient, Residential Treatment, Substance Abuse Treatment, Mental Health Treatment, and Therapy Programs.

*KRI serves the entire state of Kansas and aims to be a beacon of hope, providing accessible and specialized care to adults and adolescents facing mental health challenges.

*Bourbon County REDI is committed to fueling the region’s economic prowess.

*REDI drive progress by uniting community voices, forging strategic partnerships, and securing pivotal grants.

Thank you Kansas Renewal Institute for being a Chamber Champion Silver Member!

Thank you Bourbon County REDI for being a member of the Chamber!

Join us for coffee, juice, and light refreshments this Thursday at Kansas Renewal Institute and Bourbon County REDI!

Click here to check out Bourbon County REDI’s Facebook!

Click here to check out KRI’s Facebook!

Click here for their Bourbon County REDI’s website!

Click here for KRI’s website!

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members

shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Sports

Care to Share Golf Tournament: Golf, Auction, Raffle, Live Music on July 27

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Care to Share “The Sharing Bucket”…

Join Care to Share for a fun filled day while supporting your favorite golfer and Care to Share THIS Saturday, July 27th starting at 7am!

*A Community Smashburger lunch & Brickstreet BBQ Dinner, both requesting a freewill donation!

*Silent and Live Auction Items

*50/50 Raffle

*Live music featuring Vic Vaughan & Souled Out, 6-9pm.

If you like to golf, eat, drink, dance or just want to support Care to Share–this event is FOR YOU!

First round of the tournament starts at 7am, with the second round starting at 1pm!

If you can’t make it and want to donate–click here!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Art, Gordon Parks Museum, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Kansas Arts Commission Funds Creative Projects Across State: Two Fort Scott Recipients

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Editor’s note: the following from Fort Scott have been awarded:

TOPEKA — Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $1,295,450 has been awarded to 108 recipients in the latest round of Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) grant funding. The funds will support museums, arts education, music, dance, visual arts, professional and community theater, creative writing, murals, poetry and other creative projects.

Grants were awarded in 42 counties, with funding going to counties in rural locations such as Graham, Sheridan and Chase, as well as urban areas including Johnson, Sedgwick and Shawnee counties.

“It is important for the state to engage, connect and support the abundant creativity that can be found throughout Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Kelly-Toland Administration knows strategic investments in the arts enrich our communities, strengthen our economy, and enhance our quality of life — all which make our state the best in the nation to live, work and play.”

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported in 2022 that arts and cultural production accounted for 2.2% of the Kansas economy (as a share of state GDP), contributing more than 41,000 jobs.

KAC awarded four types of grants:

  • The Arts Everywhere grant provides funding for programs, exhibition, series or other arts and culture projects
  • The General Operating Support grant funds the general operations of an arts organization
  • The Visiting Artists grant brings professional artists to audiences for performances and community interaction
  • The Public Art and Murals grant supports art that highlights community pride and local history

“We are grateful for the 57 volunteer panelists who help this process run effectively and efficiently,” Kansas Arts Commission Director Curtis Young said. “Because of their time and dedication, we are able to fund a wide array of community projects across Kansas.”

Funding for Kansas Arts Commission grants comes from the Kansas Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

To view the full list of recipients, click here. To learn more about the Kansas Arts Commission or funding opportunities, click here or contact Ben Stanton at [email protected] or (785) 213-5959.

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.

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Obituary

Obituary of Donald “Butch” Hutchison

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Donald “Butch” Keith Hutchison age 81, a resident of Fort Scott Kansas, passed away at his home Sunday July 21, 2024.  He was born in Nevada, Mo on September 15, 1942, to Fred and Leota (Withrow) Hutchison.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Frederick Hutchison.  Butch graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1960 and then served in the US Navy for 3 years.

He returned to Fort Scott and worked at John Deere for many years, then worked at P&M Coal company in Lacygne Ks, then Kemmerer Wyoming.  He retired, returning to his farm in Fort Scott, Ks, where he loved to farm, hunt and fish, while assisting his community as a mechanic.

Butch married his wife, Karen (Dunsworth) on June 10th, 1962, in Hammond, Kansas.

Don is survived by his wife Karen of the home, daughter Donna (Hutchison) Hughes, husband Wade of Neosho, Mo, Cindy (Hutchison) Turner, husband Bill of Millington, Tennessee, and son, Brian Hutchison and Natasha of Fort Scott, Ks.  Sister Kay Arnold of Fort Scott, Ks and brother Denny Hutchison of Wyoming.  Grandchildren Michael Hutchison (Amy), Amanda Steffen (Sam), Brent Cagle, Brandy Hutchison, Elijah Lindo, Braydon Hutchison, and Andrew Hutchison.  9 Great grandchildren, along with multiple nieces and nephews.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private family burial will take place at the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel

. Memorial are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS. 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

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AD: Joshua Jones for Kansas House of Representative District 4

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Former Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones and  Fort Scott Water Distribution Supervisor Bill Lemke discuss the splash pad project in this April 19, 2023 photo at the site on North National Ave.

Joshua Jones Candidate for Kansas House of Representative District 4 

As election time approaches, I want to emphasize the need for candidates to remain active even after the election is over.

Too often, elected officials only engage with the community during election periods. As an eighth-generation resident of Bourbon County, I have a deep connection to this area and believe that community service and consistent involvement are key to our success.

Over the past few years, I have had the pleasure of working on projects such as refurbishing the high school tennis courts, helping acquire and donate a historic property to the Gordon Parks Museum, organizing events to raise awareness for Memorial Hall, and assisting in the development of a community splash pad.

.Josh Jones helped the Gordon Parks Museum receive the AME Church property in June 2023.
Photo Courtesy of and Copyright by The Gordon Parks Foundation
(left to right) Josh Jones, Kirk Sharp, Gordon Parks Museum and Sarah Smith, Fort Scott Community College Foundation.

As your representative, I understand that we are all in this together and recognize the dedication required to be a positive and active elected official year-round. 

John Crain and Josh Jones paint the bathroom at Third Street Park in this October 2022 photo. Submitted photo.
Josh Jones was part of a committee that helped bring the splash pad to Fort Scott. This is opening day in 2023 from the Fort Scott Splash Pad Facebook page.

My Promises to You

 

  1. **Give Back My Salary** 

   My belief is simple: if the people I serve benefit, then I benefit. We are all in this together. I am giving back my salary because your tax dollars should work for you. 

 

  1. **Year-Round Accessibility and Transparency** 

   How often do you only hear from politicians during the election? During my time as Mayor/City Commissioner, I was the first to hold public forums to get citizens’ input. 

This ad paid for by Joshua Jones Candidate/Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Amended Agenda Of The Bo Co Commission For Today’s Meeting

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Bourbon County Courthouse

210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800

Fax: 620-223-5832

 

2nd Quarter Treasurer Report

Jun 2024 Financial Reports

Budget Hearing Date Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Kansas

Brandon Whisenhunt

1st District Commissioner

Jim Harris, Chairman

2nd District Commissioner

Clifton Beth

3rd District Commissioner

 

 

Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

 

July 22, 2024 5:30 p.m.

 

 

  1. Call Meeting to Order
  2. Flag Salute
  • Approval of Consent Agenda
    1. Approval of Minutes from 7/15/2024
    2. Approval of June Financials
  1. Public Comments
  2. Commission Comments
  3. Adjourn Meeting

 

 

Executive Session Justifications:

 

KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the

attorney-client relationship.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the

representative(s) of               the body or agency.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual     proprietorships

KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.

KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting

would jeopardize such security measures.

 

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes July Newsletter

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July 2024                                                                              Vol. 4

Triple Excitement: Competition Results, LMC Fellows, and Fresh Exhibits

Pictured are Suzy Turner, Kadence Huck, Madison Glidden, and Megan Helberg.

On June 26, 2024, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes unveiled exhibit panels featuring two new Unsung Heroes. The ceremony was held inside the Center’s Hall of Heroes, with one newly revealed exhibit honoring Dr. Christine Grant, the University of Iowa’s first director of women’s intercollegiate athletics. She was a national pioneer and voice in the fight for gender equity in athletics, significantly impacting the implementation of Title IX. The second honoree was Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, the first Native American doctor in the United States, a champion for her people’s well-being, and a powerful role model for Native Americans and women in medicine.

Featured VIPs included nationally recognized teachers and their students, whose award-winning projects shared the stories of these heroes. Suzy Turner, teacher and 2022 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow from Iowa, and Kadence Huck, one of the three students whose research uncovered the story of Unsung Hero Dr. Christine Grant, were present to reveal their project. Madison Glidden, who researched and discovered Unsung Hero Dr. Susan LaFlesche Picotte, attended with her teacher, 2021 National Lowell Milken Center Fellow Megan Helberg from Nebraska.

Additional VIP guests were Susan Picotte, the great-granddaughter of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, and Susan’s niece, Holly. Honored VIPs representing Dr. Christine Grant were her niece, Andrea Weiss, and Dr. Grant’s best friend and former colleague from the University of Iowa, Peg Burke. Other honored guests included the new 2024 Lowell Milken Center National Fellowship members, former National Lowell Milken Center Fellows Carly Bowden and Jennifer Farr, as well as family members and guests of the award-winning students and teachers.

Many guests joined us to celebrate the extraordinary lives of our two new unsung heroes, who have profoundly impacted history.

These new exhibits were made possible through a 2024 Attraction Development Grant awarded to the Lowell Milken Center from Kansas Tourism. The Lowell Milken Center is a non-profit 501 © (3) that works with students and educators within diverse academic disciplines to develop projects focused on unsung heroes.

The 2024 ARTEFFECT Competition received a record-breaking number of entries!

We extend our gratitude to all participating students and their teachers.

Fellows News

The 2024 National LMC Fellow from week 1 are: (sitting) Erica Quale, ND; Aaron Kruger, WY; and Michael Sandstrom, NE; (standing) John Rosenbaum, RI; and Kelly Hamilton, ID.

The LMC Fellowship unites top educators for a prestigious, merit-based professional development opportunity with high standards of excellence, output, and benefits. Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources, and ongoing support to enhance their classrooms and help students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change.

The LMC Fellowship provides educators with an opportunity to reflect, reenergize, and strategize. Fellows receive personal attention from our dedicated team of educational experts and time to network and collaborate with their exemplary peers. The program strengthens educators’ abilities to facilitate student ownership over projects and to help their students develop skills in critical thinking, research, analysis, and application. Fellows emerge prepared to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students as they apply and evaluate the stories of role models who have changed the world.

The 2024 National LMC Fellow from week 2 are: Bibba Kahn, VT; Sarah Espinal, NY; Ann Marie Vanneste, Canada; Matthew Mayeske, KS; Ashley Libben, IN, and Leah Lawrence, MO.

2024 Lowell Milken Center Fellows Receive Keys to the City

As part of their week-long experience in Fort Scott, the five fellows for June 16 – 21 were given the key to the city on Tuesday, June 18th, by Jackson Tough, Tourism Director.

Pictured are (seated) Aaron Kruger, WY; Michael Sandstrom, NE; John Rosenbaum, RI; (standing) Erica Quale, ND; Kelly Hamilton, ID.

Six fellows for June 23 – 28 were given the key to the city on Tuesday, June 25th, by Jackson Tough, Tourism Director. During the presentation of the keys, Tourism Director Jackson Tough told both groups, “From Gordon Parks to the history of the Fort and the National Cemetery, along with this amazing place, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, we realize that Fort Scott is the home of heroes. Now we add you, the Lowell Milken Fellows to that list of heroes. You influence so many young people. You mold them, inspire them, and give them direction. We truly welcome you to our community and as a small token of our appreciation, we present each of you with a key to the city of Fort Scott.”

Pictured are (seated) Ann Marie Vanneste, Canada; Matthew Mayeske, KS; Sarah Espinal, NY; Leah Lawrence, MO; (standing) Lindsay Madison, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce; Ashley Libben, IN; Bibba Kahn, VT; Jackson Tough, City of Fort Scott Public Relations and Tourism Director.

Every summer, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes awards its Fellowship to national and international award-winning educators from America and around the world. As National LMC Fellows, they deepen their understanding of Unsung Heroes and project-based learning in preparation for developing Unsung Heroes projects with their students. They also learn the stories of powerful role models who have helped to change the world and can be life-changing examples for students today. Along with the time spent deepening their professional skills at the LMC, the Fellows enjoy visiting the Fort Scott area.

LMC News

Experience the June 26 Exhibit Unveiling!

We are thrilled to share the highlights from our June 26 exhibit unveiling, featuring the inspiring stories of Dr. Christine Grant and Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte. Our YouTube video captures the essence of this special event, showcasing the beautiful exhibit panels and the heartfelt moments shared by VIP guests, including nationally recognized teachers, students, and family members of the honorees.

Watch the video now to experience the excitement and honor these remarkable Unsung Heroes!
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AD: Rick James For Kansas State Representative District 4

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Rick James is a Republican candidate for the 4th district House of Representative, a position currently held by Trevor Jacobs. Trevor announced that he is not seeking another term.

Rick is passionate about protecting the conservative values of fellow Kansans. He understands that freedom is not merely a privilege but a birthright. He was raised in La Cygne, Kansas where he attended La Cygne elementary school and graduated from Prairie View High School in 1981. He entered the Marine Corps a few short days later serving a 30-year career. This career included serving in Desert Storm, Haiti, Iraqi Freedom, serving on embassy duty and as a Marine Drill instructor. He achieved the rank of Sergeant Major and was awarded the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. He also obtained a bachelor’s and a master’s Degree from the American Military University.

There was never a doubt, that he would return to Eastern Kansas. He moved his family to a small farm near highway 69 in 2008 and completed his Marine Corps career at Richard Gebauer Base in Belton. He retired a decorated Marine in 2011.

Since retiring from the Marine Corps he opened two local businesses, Semper Fi Auction Services and Bravo Realty. The Marine Corps instilled a dedication to serving his community. In 2014 he ran for the district 1 Linn County Commissioner. He served 2 full terms from 2014-2022. He did not seek reelection for a third term because, he believes there should be term limits in government at all levels.

He has a personal interest in Kansas, he was a military leader and a small Business owner.  He has conservative views!! He believes in the right to bear arms, he is pro-life, he believes in a smaller government and reduced taxes.

Politicians represent the people they serve, and he takes that very seriously! He would appreciate your vote on August 6. Click here to follow him on Facebook.  Semper Fi and God Bless!

Paid for by Rick James for KS State Representative.

Bourbon County

Gene Todd: New Stewart Realty Group Sales Representative

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Gene Todd, a local real estate agent who has been involved in land sales in the area for many years, has joined Stewart Realty Company as a sales representative.  With him he brings expertise and knowledge of the land markets and buyer contacts throughout the area.  Gene was an original sales agents at Stewart Realty Company when it was established under the brokerage direction of Don Stewart.  Gene later obtained a broker’s license and started his own real estate company specializing in ag properties.  We are pleased to have him come “back home” as part of the real estate team at Stewart Realty.

 

Gene grew up in the Moran area and has a master’s degree from Pittsburg State University.  He married Joyce Goodsell in 1964.  Together they raised 5 children.  Gene and Joyce have been active in the Methodist Church and local 4-H.

 

If you want to buy or sell ag property, give Gene a call at 620-224-1086 or 620-223-6700.

Bourbon County Local News