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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports November 6
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes Newsletter November 5
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Entries due July 1, 2026!
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Inspiration in Action!
Inspiration truly multiplies when stories of courage and compassion are shared.
Staff Spotlight: Kayla Cannon
Local Community Foundation Match Week is November 10-14
FSACF’s Match Week 2025 is Almost Here!
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) is expanding its annual Match Day event into Match Week, taking place from Monday, November 10 through Friday, November 14, 2025!
Match Week is an exciting fundraising campaign to help provide matching funds for community contributions to participating charitable funds. Match Week is a way your generosity can have an even greater impact in supporting our community by amplifying your donations. FSACF is offering $25,000 in matching funds this year!
“Match Week is one of my favorite times of the year because it really shows what our community can do when we come together,” said Becky Tourtillott, FSACF Board Chair. “Thanks to the generous support of the Patterson Family Foundation, every gift made adds up to something even bigger. We’re so grateful for their commitment to helping rural communities in Kansas grow and thrive. It’s a great reminder that when we all pitch in, good things happen right here at home.”
CACF charitable funds participating in Match Week this year:
- Anna Faye Steele Memorial Fund
- Care to Share Cancer Support Group
- Pratt and Pauline Irby Endowment Fund
- DuVall Family Memorial Endowment Fund
- First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Fort Scott Endowment
- Fort Lincoln School House Endowment Fund
- Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation
- Fort Scott Area Community Foundation General Endowment Fund
- Fort Scott Area Public Parks Endowment Fund
- John Valentine and Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund
- Robert Gordon Steele Memorial Fund
- Shepherd Family Endowment Fund
- Shirley Yeager’s Animal Friends Foundation Endowment
Donations are accepted online, in-person, or via mail during Match Week. Please visit FortScottGives.org to see a full list of funds and how to donate.
Kaylee Lunsford Receives $10,000 Scholarship
The American Hereford Association (AHA) hosted their annual meeting in Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 24. This year 27 National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members were awarded $165,500 in scholarships.
A junior member from our community, Kaylee Lunsford, received the $10,000 Vanier Family Scholarship at the event, provided by the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA).
Kaylee Lunsford, Fort Scott, Kan., is an animal science major in her last year at Oklahoma State University.
She has broad future goals that include agricultural law and business. “My ambition is to use this foundation to address the critical challenges of global food security by bridging the gap
between producers and the consumers who depend on them,” she says. “I want to be part of the conversations that will later shape agricultural policy and trade, ensuring that the producer’s voice is
represented in decisions that impact the future of our industry.”.
Ten National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members each received a $10,000 Vanier Family Scholarship, totaling $100,000 of financial support, from the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA). The scholarships were presented as part of the 2025 World Hereford Conference coinciding with the American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting in Kansas City,
Mo., on Oct. 24. During the Shaping the Breed’s Future: Young Breeders Competition and HYFA Scholarship Awards Luncheon presented by VitaFerm®
HYFA and its donors awarded $165,500 in scholarships to 27 NJHA members to help support their higher education goals.
“This year marks a truly special milestone for the Hereford Youth Foundation of America’s scholarship program,” says Amy Cowan, AHA director of youth activities and foundation. “Throughout
the past decade, thanks to the generosity of the Vanier family, we’ve awarded $1 million in scholarships to 100 young people who represent the bright future of the Hereford community. It’s truly an honor to continue Jack and Donna Vanier’s legacy. Their deep belief in education, youth and the Hereford family
continues to inspire us all.”
The Vanier family believes the work ethic young people learn growing up in the Hereford breed
sets them apart in today’s workforce.
Peerless Products Rebrands
Peerless Products Unveils Rebrand In Bold Step Forward for Company Growth and Innovation
New website, brand design reflect leading manufacturer’s commitment to excellence
FORT SCOTT, Kan. (November 5, 2025) – Peerless Products, a leading manufacturer of high-performance curtain walls, windows and doors, announced a comprehensive brand refresh to reflect its continued growth and the exceptional quality of its products and services. The rebrand includes a new logo, color palette, brand voice, website, anthem video and storybook—each showcasing Peerless’s drive to deliver state-of-the-art manufacturing, engineering and innovation.
“At Peerless, we’re constantly striving upward, and our new brand look reflects our ongoing evolution,” said president Coby Jones. “As we continue to build on our 70-year legacy of quality, innovation and strong customer relationships, this new direction is a testament to our continuous drive for improvement and our dedication to engineering solutions that truly matter.”
Peerless has continued to experience strong growth across its national footprint, with several large-scale Talon Wall®, commercial and multifamily projects underway in markets such as Kansas City, Seattle, Chicago and Dallas. To keep pace with demand, the company has increased its workforce at all three of its locations in Fort Scott, Kan., Nevada, Mo. and Iola, Kan.
Since 1952, Peerless has built a reputation for excellence, true to its namesake, in everything from materials to process, engineering to testing, packaging to partnerships, and on-time delivery to on-demand solutions. Specializing in aluminum and hybrid fiber resin windows and doors, the company offers a variety of capabilities across a project’s lifespan, including customized design, engineering, sustainable and long-lasting powder coating, in-house testing, 3D prototyping and aluminum extrusion. Peerless also offers a patented curtain wall system, Talon Wall®, which is lab-tested and certified to the industry’s most demanding air, water, thermal, seismic, fire and acoustic standards.
Peerless services a versatile range of building types within the multifamily, hospitality, historic, government and military, school and university, office and medical sectors. Peerless manufactures, services and distributes from the heart of the U.S., but its portfolio extends far beyond the Midwest, including several projects from coast to coast. Peerless has produced windows for some of the most demanding applications in the country, including projects like the Hudson Exchange residential buildings in Jersey City, N.J., Universal’s Stella Nova Resort in Orlando, Fla., the Lees-McRae College’s Historical Commons in Banner Elk, N.C., the Texas Tech University Honors Hall in Lubbock, Texas and more.
About Peerless Products
Peerless Products is a leading U.S. manufacturer of high-performance curtain walls, windows and doors. With a legacy dating back to 1952, Peerless is dedicated to delivering superior quality, innovative engineering and unparalleled customer service. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement and enduring partnerships makes it the best choice for complex architectural applications. Learn more at peerlessproducts.com.
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Unapproved Minutes of The Fort Scott City Commission on November 3
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 of Constantina Vasilasi
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.
FFAll Extravaganza Friday, November 14th 5:00-8:00 pm
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports November 5
Fort Scott Sales Tax Question Preliminary Results
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.
Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Rural Health Transformation Plan Priorities
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.
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