Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of The Fort Scott City Commission on November 3

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

Unaproved 

Minutes of November 3, 2025                                                                                                    Regular Meeting

 

A meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Kathryn Salsbury, Dyllon Olson, Tracy Dancer, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.

 

              In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Lt. Jason Eastwood/FSPD, Lisa Dillon/Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, and Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering & Inspection.

 

VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and OLSON said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve the amended agenda. Amendments were requested prior to motion: Removal of Item A. Consideration of Change Order #1 – Gunn Park – Shelter #3 and the addition of $529,112.95 to Consent Agenda Item A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1395-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of October 15, 2025 – October 31, 2025. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consent Agenda

–  Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1395-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of October 15, 2025 – October 31, 2025

–  Approval of Minutes:  Regular Meeting of October 21, 2025

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve the Consent Agenda. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Public Comment – No comments

 

Appearances

Patty Ann Sanborn/SEK Service Inc. – Did not appear

 

Unfinished Business – No unfinished business

 

New Business /Action Items:

Discussion of City Connecting Link Agreement

MATKIN explained Wall Street’s condition, especially east of the CCLIP project, is deteriorating. KDOT pays Fort Scott $12,340 annually under a 1999 agreement to maintain 2.468 miles, which the city seeks to update. A study found the road sits atop brick without a proper base, requiring ongoing resurfacing. If the city declines repairs, the state could bill up to $200,000 annually for ten years. Only essential safety work is planned until more CCLIP funding becomes available.

 

ACTION:  MATKIN will pursue an updated KDOT resolution.

 

Consideration of Bids for Davis Lift Station Extraneous Flow Pump and Force Main – EEI No. 21-303

DICKMAN explained that Jeff Asbel Excavating and Trucking was the low bidder for the Davis Lift Station extraneous flow pump and force main project (Earle’s Engineering Project No. 21-303), though their bid was 33.84% above estimate due to increased costs. The specified Vaughan chopper pump may be overpriced as a sole source; switching to a Hayward pump could save $100,000. The Hayward pump meets specs, has a six-month lead time, and is used by nearby municipalities. Asbel plans to begin work around March 1. Further information regarding the pump choice was requested before a decision was made.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to table the decision to November 18, 2025. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

ACTION:  Bill Lemke and Scott Flater to appear at the November 18th meeting for discussion on pump choice.

 

ACTION:  City Clerk will email to FLATER the information provided by DICKMAN regarding the Hayward Gordon pump.

 

Reports and Comments

            City Engineer: 

–  E. National update

–  CCLIP Phase 3 update

 

City Manager:

–  Request to discuss dog limits in City – November 18, 2025

–  Crescent Drive and Archer update

–  Eddy Street update

–  FEMA projects on hold due to government shutdown

 

City Attorney:

–  Request for (10) minute Executive Session

 

City Clerk: No comment

 

Commissioner Wells:

–  6th and Little

–  Overpass plan at Jayhawk Road

 

Commissioner Olson:

–  Railroad crossing

Commissioner Dancer:

–  Special meeting on Saturday

–  Remember to vote

 

Commissioner Salsbury:

–  Downtown alley

 

Commissioner Van Hoecke

–  Remember to vote

–  Sales tax                  

 

Executive Session

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved that the City Commission recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion pursuant to the attorney-client privilege exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(2). In the Executive Session will be the (5) City Commissioners, the City Attorney and the City Manager in the City Manager’s office. The open meeting will resume at 6:59PM in the Commission Room. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to come out of Executive Session with no action. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Adjourn

 

            MOTION:  DANCER moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:00PM. OLSON seconded.

 

NOVEMBER 3, 2025, CITY COMMISSION MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:00PM.

 

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

 

 

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Constantina Vasilasi

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 Constantina Vasilasi, age 85, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Freeman Hospital, Fort Scott.  She was born on June 10, 1940, in Romania, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bresler.  She graduated in Romania from Veterinary  College.  She then worked in the veterinary field until taking employment at the High School Chemistry Department.  She married Marin Vasilasi on August 24, 1958.  Constantina then began working as the bookkeeper and accountant for the family metal foundry business.  The family moved to the United States in June of 1984 and continued the family business.  They both enjoyed traveling together, especially to Colorado where the mountains reminded them of home.  Marin passed away February 16, 2014.

Survivors include her son Michael Vasilasi and wife Livia of Kansas City, MO.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, November 7th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the Constantina Vasilasi Memorial Fund 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.

Fort Scott, Schools

FFAll Extravaganza Friday, November 14th 5:00-8:00 pm

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott High School

(Fort Scott FFA)

FSHS Fort Scott FFA invites you to their

FFAll Extravaganza

Friday, November 14th

5:00-8:00 pm

Fort Scott High School Gym

1005 S. Main St.

Hosted by the Fort Scott FFA, this exciting community event invites everyone to enjoy an evening full of food, shopping, and treats—featuring baked goods, clothing, jewelry, crafts, and more!

It’s the perfect opportunity to support local vendors and connect with friends and neighbors in a warm, festive setting.

Be sure to spread the word and bring along family, classmates, coworkers—

everyone’s welcome!

For more information, contact Sydney Cullison at [email protected].
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Elections, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Sales Tax Question Preliminary Results

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Yesterday, Fort Scott citizens voted on the following ballot question:

Shall the following be adopted?
Shall the City of Fort Scott, Kansas be authorized to impose a one-half percent (0.5%) City-wide retailers’ sales tax (the “Sales Tax”), the proceeds of which shall be used for the purpose of financing the following costs and related expenditures:
(a) 80% of the proceeds for street improvements, sidewalks, bike lanes, and curb and gutter, and (b) 10% of the proceeds for Parks and community facilities, and (c) 10% of the proceeds for Public Safety With the collection of the Sales Tax to commence on 7/1/2026; and to expire Ten (10) years after its commencement; all pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 12-187 et seq.,as amended?,

Preliminary election results show 604 votes in favor of adopting the sales tax and 457 against it.

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Rural Health Transformation Plan Priorities

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced priorities for the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Plan, which has been submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as part of the state’s application for the $50 billion federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Through this program, Kansas could receive significant federal funding to improve the health and sustainability of rural communities statewide.

“Our Kansas Rural Health Transformation Plan will fundamentally change the delivery of health care in rural communities across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m confident that Kansas’ plan, crafted by leading experts, will lay the groundwork to build a more collaborative, more efficient health care system that provides the right care, at the right time, in the right place.”

The plan’s goals are to:

  • Improve rural Kansans’ health outcomes and transform the delivery system by implementing and sustaining initiatives that promote preventive health care and address root causes of diseases,
  • Enhance rural health care providers’ efficiency and sustainability,
  • Attract and retain a high-skilled health care workforce,
  • Spark growth of innovative care models in rural communities that improve quality of care while reducing costs, and,
  • Foster the use of innovative technologies to increase access to care for rural Kansans.

The plan development was led by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), in partnership with the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance (KRHIA) and the University of Kansas Care Collaborative. Public KRHIA meetings were held to discuss and refine the initiatives to be included in the plan.

If awarded, KDHE will serve as the lead agency implementing Kansas’ Rural Health Transformation Plan. The KRHIA will continue to serve as the primary vehicle for stakeholder engagement throughout the implementation of these initiatives.

The KRHIA worked with the state application team to identify key initiatives to achieve the plan’s goals. The following initiatives are included in Kansas’ application:

  • Expand Primary and Secondary Prevention Programs to reduce chronic disease rates by increasing access to preventive screenings, behavioral health services, and nutrition counseling.
  • Secure Local Access to Primary Care for rural Kansans to receive care earlier on in the appropriate setting and within their communities – thereby strengthening the fiscal sustainability for rural Kansas hospitals.
  • Build a Sustainable Rural Health Workforce to ensure more rural Kansans have access to primary care, dental, and behavioral health providers and ease nursing and allied health shortages in rural Kansas.
  • Enable Value-Based Care to have 100% of rural Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries in accountable care relationships by 2031 that focus on improving patient health outcomes while lowering the total cost of care.
  • Harness Data and Technology to enable rural Kansas providers to expand the use of telehealth and remote monitoring, utilization of consumer-facing technologies, and meaningfully engage in data sharing and analysis of aggregated patient and outcome data.

CMS is expected to announce funding awards by Dec. 31, 2025. The project narrative, which contains additional details about the contents of Kansas’ application, can be found here.

###

Bourbon County, Food

Bourbon County Food Drive to Support Local Families in Need

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Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office is located at 104 N. National. Phone: 620.224.2563

 

The annual Bourbon County Food Drive is underway, running through November 17th, to collect non-perishable food and hygiene items for families in need across the county.

 

This year’s effort is championed by Fort Scott Middle School teacher Lori Nelsen and supported by Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s (HBCAT) Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT), led by Aura Brillhart. The project brings together students, schools, and community partners to ensure that no one in Bourbon County goes hungry this holiday season.

 

Community Collection Sites

 

Donation boxes are available at:

Union State Bank, Fort Scott Branch • City State Bank • Citizens Bank • Kansas Teachers Credit Union • CHCSEK • Fort Scott City Hall • Buck Run Community Center • Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center • Community Christian Church • United Methodist Church • Christian Heights

 

Participating businesses and organizations are asked to deliver their collection boxes to the Fort Scott Middle School front office on the morning of Monday, November 17th. If needed, donations can also be dropped off the morning of Tuesday, November 18th at the Fort Scott Middle School.

 

All food donations will be collected at Fort Scott Middle School. Members of the Fort Scott Middle School Student Council and the Kansas Association for Family and Community Education (FCE) will assist with sorting, checking expiration dates, and organizing the donations.

 

On November 19th and 20th, the FCE group will deliver the items from the middle school to food pantries and blessing boxes across Bourbon County — including The Beacon, Fort Scott High School and Middle School food closets, the Fort Scott Community College Food Pantry, Uniontown Schools, and community blessing boxes.

 

Middle School Contest

 

To inspire participation, Fort Scott Middle School will hold a friendly contest among classes to see which group can collect the most food donations. This initiative teaches students the value of service, teamwork, and giving back to their community.

 

Suggested Donation Items

 

Dry beans (2 lb Pinto, Navy, or Great Northern), soup, tuna, ramen noodles, granola bars, instant potatoes, pasta and sauce, pancake mix and syrup, canned fruits and vegetables, mac & cheese, peanut butter and jelly, Spaghetti O’s, chili with beans, cereal, pasta noodles, hygiene products, and cash or check donations.

 

All donations will be distributed to local food pantries and blessing boxes throughout Bourbon County to support families during the holiday season.

 

About Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT)

 

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Community, dedicated to improving health, economic vitality, and overall quality of life across the region. Through partnerships, education, and local action, HBCAT continues to connect resources and mobilize efforts that create a healthier, more equitable community for all.

 

Together, we can make sure every family in Bourbon County has access to the food and care they deserve.

 

Contact:

Aura Brillhart – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT)

[email protected]

| 620-224-2563 ext. 5

 

Lori Nelsen – Fort Scott Middle School

[email protected]

 

Jody Love – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

[email protected]

Bourbon County, Elections

Unofficial Results of the Bourbon County Election on November 4 And Statement From County Clerk

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A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse in Nov. 2021.

Official Statement from the Bourbon County Election Office – November 5, 2025

2025 City/School General Election

The following was taken from the Bourbon County website, this morning.

“Although the release of election results was not as immediate as in previous years, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Amber Page, Deputy Election Clerk, for her tireless commitment to accuracy and integrity of our election process. We worked diligently to ensure that all ballots were counted, and all audits completed prior to the publication of the unofficial results.

This election cycle included an unusually high number of write-in votes. Each write-in ballot was meticulously hand-counted and verified within our election software to uphold the highest standards of election accuracy.

The Bourbon County Election Office remains committed to maintaining transparent communication with our residents regarding election procedures and the importance of ensuring reliable and verifiable outcomes. Please note that advance ballots postmarked by Election Day, November 4, 2025, will be accepted through November 7, 2025. The official canvassing of votes is scheduled for Monday, November 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at 210 S. National Avenue.

I would also like to extend endless appreciation to Jennifer Hawkins, previous County Clerk and Current County Treasurer for continually guiding Amber and I through our first election. Furthermore, I wish to express my deep appreciation to the citizens of Bourbon County for their patience and understanding, as well as to the many volunteers who serve selflessly during each election cycle.

About the Bourbon County Election Office
The Bourbon County Election Office is committed to upholding public trust through integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement in all election processes.

Susan E. Walker

Bourbon County Clerk & Chief Election Officer”

To view original document submitted by Walker at 5:19 a.m. this morning:

Unofficial General Election Results

or view here:

Contest Choice Votes
Bronson City Council (Vote for 2)
Kelly Perry 30
Sherri Tibble 13
Lysa Long 8
Linda Sprague 2
[Write-in] Britney Minor 11
[Write-in] Brittany Minor 1
[Write-in] Doug Tribble 1
[Write-in] Mike Stewart 1
Bronson Mayor (Vote for 1)
Josh Marlow 36
[Write-in] Bill Marlow 1
County Commissioner District 4 (Vote for 1)
Gregg Motley 450
[Write-in] Invalid 15
County Commissioner District 5 (Vote for 1)
Mika Milburn-Kee 264
[Write-in] Joe Smith 87
[Write-in] Invalid 8
Fort Scott City Commission (Vote for 3)
Tim Van Hoecke 552
Julie Buchta 473
Kathryn Salsbury 438
Dyllon Olson 409
Garrett Knight 335
[Write-in] Invalid 83
Fort Scott Question Submitted (Vote for 1)
Yes 604
No 457
FSCC Board of Trustees (Vote for 3)
Destry Brown 1,404
Chad Cosens 1,404
Marilyn J. Hoyt, DVM, PHD 844
Vince Loffredo 705
Joshua Baseley 390
[Write-in] Aaron Judy 2
[Write-in] Chad McKinnes 2
[Write-in] Abel Davis 1
[Write-in] Adam Clements 1
[Write-in] Anna Graham 1
[Write-in] Bailey Lyons 1
[Write-in] Barry McCockiner 1
[Write-in] Blank 1
[Write-in] Bugs Bunny 1
[Write-in] Chad Holt 1
[Write-in] Debbie Buckley 1
[Write-in] Dillon Duffy 1
[Write-in] Doug Hurd 1
[Write-in] Doug Ropp 1
[Write-in] Emily Diebolt 1
[Write-in] Fred Larson 1
[Write-in] Gary Floyd 1
[Write-in] Igao Guffin 1
[Write-in] Jacky Martin 1
[Write-in] Joe Smith 1
[Write-in] John Bartelsmeyer 1
[Write-in] John Townsend 1
[Write-in] Larry Shead 1
[Write-in] Michael Hoyt 1
[Write-in] Nick Barrows 1
[Write-in] Rhet Reed 1
[Write-in] Shane Walker 1
[Write-in] Smith 1
[Write-in] Sonia Gugnani 1
[Write-in] These are all corrupt 1
[Write-in] Tom Gorman 1
[Write-in] Vance Eden 1
[Write-in] William R. Dean 1
Fulton City Council (Vote for 5)
Janet Schill 30
Caleb Jackson 28
Ronald Marsh 27
Lawrence Paddock 26
[Write-in] Misty Adams 7
[Write-in] Steve Doucet 7
[Write-in] Carmen 1
[Write-in] Dakota Hall 1
[Write-in] Jessica Walters 1
[Write-in] John M Marsh 1
[Write-in] John Smith 1
[Write-in] Randy Beckford 1
Fulton Mayor (Vote for 1)
Jessica Walters 16
Kathy Hurteau 11
[Write-in] Misty Adams 7
Mapleton City Council (Vote for 2)
Homer Wisdom 18
[Write-in] Clifford Squier 3
[Write-in] Clifford Squire 2
[Write-in] Alice Myric 1
[Write-in] Clifford Squeeir 1
[Write-in] Clifford Squier (additional listing) 1
[Write-in] Clifford W. 1
Mapleton Mayor (Vote for 1)
Mike Hueston 11
Ronald “Buck” Burton 10
Redfield City Council (Vote for 2)
Kirby Martin 17
Jon Brown 13
Michael Beerbower 9
[Write-in] Jeff Reed 4
Redfield Mayor (Vote for 1)
Clarence Ed Guss 16
[Write-in] Jeff Reed 6
[Write-in] David Duffey 2
Southwind Extension District (Vote for 2)
Gary Palmer 1,481
Dennis Fry 973
Elli Milburn 576
[Write-in] Joe Smith 5
[Write-in] Beth Graham 1
[Write-in] Better off with no one 1
[Write-in] Bugs Bunny 1
[Write-in] Curtis E. O’Dell 1
[Write-in] Dean West 1
[Write-in] Debbie Buckley 1
[Write-in] Emily Diebolt 1
[Write-in] Fred Larson 1
[Write-in] Blank 1
[Write-in] Jacky Martin 1
[Write-in] Jamie Holeman 1
[Write-in] Jared Pollock 1
[Write-in] Jason Gorman 1
[Write-in] Martin Ashwell 1
[Write-in] Mert Barrows 1
[Write-in] Michael Donahue III 1
[Write-in] Michael Houston 1
[Write-in] Sam Tran 1
[Write-in] Smith 1
[Write-in] Wes Warren 1
Uniontown City Council (Vote for 2)
Kyle Knight 44
[Write-in] Stewart Troutman 3
[Write-in] Tyler Walker 3
[Write-in] Josh Hartman 2
[Write-in] Mary Pillion 2
[Write-in] Shelby Miller 2
[Write-in] Amber Kelly 1
[Write-in] Christal Martin 1
[Write-in] Cindy Mumbower 1
[Write-in] Dana Esslinger 1
[Write-in] Jess Ervin 1
[Write-in] Jesse Ervin 1
[Write-in] Judy Jurgensen 1
[Write-in] Mark Hartman 1
[Write-in] Nicholas Graham 1
[Write-in] Sally Johnson 1
[Write-in] Savannah Pritchett 1
Uniontown Mayor (Vote for 1)
[Write-in] Kyle Knight 5
[Write-in] Larry Jurgensen 5
[Write-in] Brad Stewart 3
[Write-in] Bradley Stewart 3
[Write-in] Jess Ervin 3
[Write-in] Richard Allen 3
[Write-in] Larry Jergensen 2
[Write-in] Doug Workman 1
[Write-in] Douglas Workman 1
[Write-in] Joe Warren 1
[Write-in] Josh Hartman 1
[Write-in] Larry Jergoson 1
[Write-in] Sally Johnson 1
USD 234 Board Member At-Large (Vote for 5)
Nick Barrows 1,153
David J. Stewart 1,091
Mike Miles 853
Rory Chaplin 851
Phil Jackson 797
Robert Harrington 422
[Write-in] Aaron Judy 2
[Write-in] Danny Brown 2
[Write-in] Doug Hurd 2
[Write-in] Alissa Ramsey 1
[Write-in] Alyssa Glades 1
[Write-in] Amy Boyd 1
[Write-in] Angie Dela Torre 1
[Write-in] Anyone besides Miles 1
[Write-in] Bo Graham 1
[Write-in] Bob McElwee 1
[Write-in] Brian Wade 1
[Write-in] Bugs Bunny 1
[Write-in] Carol McAurther 1
[Write-in] Cathy Bishop 1
[Write-in] Chastity Pickert 1
[Write-in] Cody J. Dean 1
[Write-in] Curtis E. O’Dell 1
[Write-in] Dallas Smith 1
[Write-in] Dan RenFrow 1
[Write-in] David Bruner 1
[Write-in] Debbie Buckley 1
[Write-in] Emily Deibolt 1
[Write-in] Fire them all 1
[Write-in] Frank Miller 1
[Write-in] Gary Cook 1
[Write-in] Harold Martin 1
[Write-in] Jacky Martin 1
[Write-in] Jacob Dela Torre 1
[Write-in] Jeff Armstrong 1
[Write-in] Jeff Dela Torre 1
[Write-in] Jim Barrows 1
[Write-in] John Hill III 1
[Write-in] John Horn 1
[Write-in] Johnathon Ramsey 1
[Write-in] Jonathan Vann 1
[Write-in] Judy Earp 1
[Write-in] Kevin Allen 1
[Write-in] Kevin Davidson 1
[Write-in] Lewis Dunkeson 1
[Write-in] Lisa Shank 1
[Write-in] Lynette Jackson 1
[Write-in] Martin Ashwill 1
[Write-in] Matt Harris 1
[Write-in] Not Mike Miles 1
[Write-in] Not Robert Harrington 1
[Write-in] P.K. Gugnani 1
[Write-in] Pat Harry 1
[Write-in] Ryan Bolten 1
[Write-in] Ryan Keating 1
[Write-in] Shane Walker 1
[Write-in] Smith 1
[Write-in] Stuart Troutman 1
[Write-in] Superman 1
[Write-in] Ted Bundy 1
[Write-in] Tim McKenney 1
[Write-in] Troy Mccloen 1
[Write-in] William K. Martin 1
[Write-in] William R. Dean 1
USD 235 Position 4 (Vote for 1)
Brian Ray Stewart 267
[Write-in] Jeff Reed 8
[Write-in] Wes Warren 8
[Write-in] Brock Shelton 3
[Write-in] Clint Johnson 2
[Write-in] Doug Coyan 2
[Write-in] Chad McKinnis 1
[Write-in] Dale Griffiths 1
[Write-in] Blank 1
[Write-in] Johnny K. Speer Sr 1
[Write-in] Megan Stewart 1
[Write-in] Mickey Mouse 1
[Write-in] Pamela K. Speer 1
[Write-in] Pamela Speer 1
[Write-in] Schotze Griffiths 1
[Write-in] Terry Nading 1
[Write-in] Tony Bradbury 1
[Write-in] Wess Warren 1
USD 235 Position 5 (Vote for 1)
Mike Mason 184
Edward Ramsey 51
[Write-in] Wes Warren 91
[Write-in] Wess Warren 2
[Write-in] Anyone but Mike 1
[Write-in] Brent Smith 1
[Write-in] Bugs George 1
[Write-in] Blank 1
[Write-in] Jamie Holeman 1
[Write-in] West Warren 1
USD 235 Position 6 (Vote for 1)
Kolby Stock 200
Kyle Knight 77
Brent M. Smith 58
[Write-in] Wes Warren 6
USD 248 Position 6 (Vote for 1)
Kelly Peak 0
USD 346 Position 6 (Vote for 1)
Ketturah “Kitty” Rhynerson 14
Business, Clothing, Fort Scott

FS Washateria Provides Donated Clothing To Those In Need

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Fort Scott Washateria also houses Fort Scott Community Closet.

Submitted by Linda Lovelace, owner

 

As we go into the colder time of the year, I want to take the time to remind Fort Scott of the Fort Scott Community Closet.

This is Lori Lovelace, owner of  Fort Scott Washateria and Fort Scott Community Closet,  located at 501 S National.

We have been providing clothing, coats and other items to those in need of them with the help of the generous folks of this community for six years now.

I want to say a special thanks to St. Mary’s school and Mary Queen of Angels Church who have supported us year after year with coat and clothing drives.  We have coats right now along with clothing for any who are in need.

We don’t ask what your circumstances are, we have no income or other requirements, we take in the clothing and other items and give them out, no questions asked.

We can do this because of YOU, Fort Scott.

We are currently bringing out coats and they are hanging on a rack in the Washateria, if you need a coat, come in and check out what we have.  We are putting out coats as they are given away so if you don’t find one that fits, stop by again.

The Closet is open Mon-Fri 10-6 if you would like to go through our tubs of clothes as well.  To those who are sorting through clothes looking to donate, our most requested items are children’s clothing of all sizes, adult t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, sweat pants, jeans, coats,

Fort Scott, Youth

Come support FSHS Zero Reasons Why at Papa Don’s Pizza Wednesday, November 5th

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott High School

Zero Reasons Why Club
pepperoni_pizza.jpg

Come support FSHS Zero Reasons Why

at Papa Don’s Pizza

Wednesday, November 5th

Papa Don’s Pizza

10 N Main St. Fort Scott

A portion of all sales will go to help with mental health awareness activities at FSHS.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by VFW on November 6

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

FORT SCOTT

VFW POST 1165
Thursday, November 6th

8am

@ VFW Post 1165

1745 S. National Ave.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, November 6th at 8am hosted by the VFW Post 1165, 1745 S. National Ave. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.

The VFW is a nonprofit veteran’s service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard, and reserve forces. VFW is the largest and oldest war Veteran’s service organization, and they have a long and proven history of providing vital assistance and support to America’s service men and women worldwide.

Special events the VFW has planned for Veterans Day include:

·        Kicking off at 7am will be posting of the Avenue of Flags along East National Avenue and through the National Cemetery.

Volunteers are welcome. Flags are recovered at 4pm and stored for the winter.

·        The Veterans Day Service is held at the Rostrum at the National Cemetery beginning at 11am. The featured speaker is veteran and

Fort Scott’s own Arnold Schofield.

·        Following the service the VFW Auxiliary will host a free-will donation ham and bean feed at the Post Home from

11:30 -2:00am. All are welcome.

For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar on fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.

Click HERE to visit

Fort Scott VFW Post 1165

Facebook Page!
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
 
Obituary

Obituary of Terry Koester

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Terry Koester, age 73, passed away at his home in Fort Scott on Sunday, November 2, 2025. He was born on October 24,1952 in Iola, Kansas to Archie and Arlene Koester. Terry graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1971 and received his Masters of Microbiology from Pittsburg State University. He married Marla Stanbrough on May 24, 1975 and they recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary. He was a member of Rinehart Christian Church.

His love of the outdoors led him to establish Redbud Farms and Nurseries, and is reflected in his landscape paintings displayed at the nursery.

Terry cherished his time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Marla, Fort Scott; two daughters: Tara (Jeff) Allen of Fort Scott and Kristen (Drew) Williams of Springfield, Missouri; five grandchildren: Alaina (Colten) Slinker, Parker Allen, Paxton Allen, Silas Williams and Jude Williams; and three sisters: Mendy (Mike) Engstrom, Laura George, and Julie Koester. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Kevin Moyers will conduct services at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 7, at Rinehart Christian Church, near Richards, Missouri. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Scott. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 on Thursday evening at Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Rinehart Christian Church Missions 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 to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County Local News