Fort Scott, Housing

GNAT Ready To Help Their Community Maintain Properties

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A before shot of a sidewalk that had bushes crowding in. From the group’s Facebook page.
After GNAT work. From the group’s Facebook page.

The Good Neighbor Action Team (GNAT) helps the Fort Scott community in hands-on projects and is gearing up for this year’s projects.

They are planning for 2026, and are asking the community to let them know of potential projects.

They cannot do roofs, but can clear yard debris and help with light carpentry needs, with curb appeal as the goal.

If you have a larger project, they can assist with grant applications. Please send requests or ideas to Craig Campbell at 620.224.0167.

“We help people where they are overwhelmed, financially or physically,” said Campbell, a member of GNAT. “Our main mission focuses on helping people who are having trouble maintaining their properties. We do things like you would help a neighbor with.”

Craig Campbell coordinates projects on the Good Neighbor Action Team.

“We focus on the elderly and financially distressed, like single parents or veterans, or those with a physical disability, to do the work themselves,” he said.

“We do it whether someone has the ability to pay or not,” he said.

“We bring the people and the materials to get the job done.”

The group receives grants and donations to help with the materials, and recently received a Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant. “We have a person who helps with the grants, Jara Martin.”

“We have been successful in getting grants to help with roofs and heating/cooling. We coordinate house painting,” he said.

The GNAT examines the project for need and scopes it to determine how many volunteers are needed.

Then the team asks for volunteers to help with the projects through local organizations and churches.

Last year, the Fort Scott Community College softball women helped paint a house and got the job done in one afternoon, he said.

In recent years they have been building many wheelchair ramps.

“We were building a wheelchair ramp about once a week, but that has gotten slower,” he said.

“As soon as the weather is better, we will paint some houses. We do yard clean-up, life after a storm. Winter can knock branches down.”

Current GNAT members are Ed Allen, Campbell, Bailey Lyons, Lindsay Madison, Martin, Jake Province, C.J. Robison, Gayle Teter, and Don Tucker.

 

Fort Scott, Youth

Fort Scott High School FFA Students Fundraiser: Flowers For Valentines Day

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Fort Scott High School

Fort Scott FFA Program

The Fort Scott FFA Floriculture students are excited to offer this Valentine’s Day flower arrangements for $35 as a student fundraiser.

📅 Order Deadline: February 6

⚠️ Important: A minimum number of orders must be reached by Monday, February 2 or the sale will be canceled.

💐Because FFA is not a full-time flower shop, all flowers are ordered specifically for this project. Reaching the order goal helps minimize costs and prevent waste.

💐 The photo shows students with their floral creations and is for example only. Because these are handmade in a learning setting, your arrangement may differ slightly in style and colors.

Payment Options:

• Cash or check (payable to Fort Scott FFA)

• Drop off at FSHS office or mail to

1005 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS

• Venmo: @Sydney-Cullison

🚚 Delivery:

• FREE to USD 234 school buildings

• $5 delivery fee within Fort Scott city limits

📧 Questions:

[email protected]

Thank you for supporting

Fort Scott FFA!

Click HERE for the

Fort Scott FFA 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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Area News

Mt. Carmel Foundation Grants Application Period Starts

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CFSEK Launches Annual Mt. Carmel Foundation Legacy Grant Cycle

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is excited to announce the opening of the 2026 Mount Carmel Foundation Grant Cycle, with an application period from February 1-28, 2026.

On April 14, 1903, the Mount Carmel Hospital in Pittsburg opened its doors. For over 100 years, the hospital was a cornerstone of healthcare in the Southeast Kansas community. The Mount Carmel Foundation (MCF) was formed in 1983 to ensure everyone in Southeast Kansas had access to quality healthcare. That mission continues today through the Mount Carmel Foundation Legacy grants through CFSEK.

“The success of our inaugural cycle last year proved that the spirit of the Mount Carmel Foundation is still very much alive in Southeast Kansas,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “Being able to facilitate the largest grant cycle in CFSEK’s history was a proud moment for all of us. We are eager to keep that momentum going in 2026, partnering with nonprofit providers to strengthen healthcare throughout our region.”

The Mount Carmel Foundation Legacy Grant Cycle through CFSEK is open to nonprofit healthcare providers in Southeast Kansas that share the vision of the Mount Carmel Foundation: to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare for SEK residents.

Applications are available at SoutheastKansas.org/Grant-App, and more information about the granting fund is available at SoutheastKansas.org/MtCarmel.

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Ad: What FSCC Offers

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Looking for a college that gives you options? At Fort Scott Community College, students can choose from associate degrees in Arts, Science, Applied Science, and General Studies, along with a variety of certificates that lead straight to rewarding careers. Whether you’re interested in healthcare fields like Certified Medication Aide, Nurse Aide, EMT, Home Health Aide, Manicuring, or Phlebotomy, or want to take on a technical challenge with certificates in Ag Technology (John Deere), Construction, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Environmental Water Tech, Farm & Ranch Management, Harley-Davidson Technology, Heavy Equipment Operation, HVAC, Masonry, or Welding we’ve got you covered!

But college isn’t just about the classroom. FSCC offers plenty of ways to get involved through music and performance opportunities (band, choir, theater), student clubs and organizations (like Collegiate Farm Bureau, Phi Theta Kappa, SkillsUSA, STEAM Club, FSCC Media Team, and more), and even competitive judging teams in livestock and meat.

If athletics is more your thing, FSCC is home to intercollegiate sports for both men and women. Compete in basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, rodeo, track & field, or cross country, all while building friendships and representing the Greyhounds.

And the best part? We’re still growing. New programs, degrees, certifications, and athletic opportunities are on the horizon! There’s never been a better time to join FSCC!

Fort Scott Community College; where opportunity meets possibility.

Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

Bridge on Bourbon County road to be replaced

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Post Date:01/29/2026 9:00 AM From the KDOT Facebook page

Starting the week of Feb. 2, a portion of 60th Street in western Bourbon County will be closed for a bridge replacement project, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

The project to replace the bridge 5.9 miles south of Uniontown and 1 mile west of K-3 will start Monday, Feb. 2, conditions permitting. This section of the gravel road will be closed throughout the project, which is expected to be completed by fall, conditions permitting.

The new bridge over the tributary of Hinton Creek will be 80 feet long and 24 feet wide. B&B Bridge Company LLC, of St. Paul, is the contractor for the $701,404.10 project.

Governor Laura Kelly and KDOT Secretary Calvin Reed announced $42.3 million in funding for this and 34 other bridge projects through the KDOT Off-System Bridge and the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement programs. The programs target improvements to city and county bridges not on the state highway system and in need of replacement and repair.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/southeastnews.

Government, Kansas

Kansas 165th Birthday is Today

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Kansas Tourism Shares Video Campaign Celebrating Kansas’ 165th Birthday

TOPEKA – Today, January 29, Kansas is celebrating its 165th birthday. To mark this milestone, Kansas Tourism has released a new video showcasing all things Kansas — from iconic scenes to unexpected adventures. The video continues the annual tradition of bringing Kansas Day celebrations out of the classroom and onto social media — and beyond.

“At the ripe old age of 165, Kansas is a state full of unique experiences, beautiful scenery, incredible growth and tremendous charm,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This video isn’t just highlighting the many amazing things in Kansas — this is a way of honoring and sharing our state’s uniqueness with Kansans and others across the country and around the world. I encourage everyone to watch and share this special tribute to our state.”

On January 29, 1861, Kansas officially entered the Union as the 34th state, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Kansas Day, celebrated on January 29, provides an opportunity for Kansans to come together and honor the history and heritage that has shaped the Sunflower State. This celebration is an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Kansans throughout generations — from pioneers who settled the prairies to modern-day innovators driving the state’s incredible progress.

To watch the video, visit here.

“Kansas Day is the perfect day to celebrate our Sunflower State — and everything it represents,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Kansas is an incredible home, filled with world-class arts, unique history, authentic experiences, amazing attractions, and so much more. And this video celebrates all the things — big or small — that make this place so special.”

Kansans and non-Kansans are encouraged to join the movement by sharing videos on social media and making plans to vacation in Kansas, through the official Tourism webpage here. Kansas Tourism provides valuable resources to help plan a Kansas trip — including a free travel guide.

In addition to the video, Kansas Tourism is hosting a social media giveaway of 34 exclusive boxes filled with items from Kansas makers across the state. To learn more, visit the TravelKS Facebook page here.

Stay connected by following Kansas Tourism on Facebook and Instagram.

About Kansas Tourism:

The mission of Kansas Tourism is to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities. Kansas Tourism works hand in hand with other Commerce community programs to elevate and promote Kansas as a tourist destination. Kansas Tourism oversees all tourism marketing and PR for the state, produces travel publications and advertising, manages state Travel Information Centers, manages both the Kansas By-ways program and the Kansas Agritourism program, approves tourist signage applications, produces the KANSAS! Magazine, and provides financial and educational support to the tourism industry in Kansas through grants, education and support. 

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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Bourbon County

Bo.Co. Coalition Meets Feb. 4

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

February 4, 2026 1:00 PM

Scottview Conference Room

315 S. Scott Ave

 

 

  1.  Welcome: 

 

 

  1.  Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1.  Program:  Teresa Davenport, Care to Share

 

 

  1.  Open Forum:

 

 

  1.  Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be March 4, 2026.

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Weekly Chamber Coffee Hosted by Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Group

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Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Friends of The Fort Scott National Historic Site
Thursday, January 29th

8am

Fort Scott

National Historic Site

(in the upstairs of the Infantry Barracks/Museum just west of the Visitor Center. Elevator available if needed)

1 Old Fort Blvd.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee on Thursday, January 29th at 8am, hosted by The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc.

The event will be held at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, located at 1 Old Fort Blvd., in the upstairs of the Infantry Barracks/Museum just west of the Visitor Center. An elevator is available if needed. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc. is a nonprofit organization established in

partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of the site through fundraising, volunteerism, education, and advocacy.

In 2026, in addition to supporting the park’s regular operations and annual events, Friends will help host one of the largest naturalization events in the country in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary on the grounds of Fort. Another key focus will be increasing volunteer staffing to help support essential park operations. Fundraising efforts will include a drawing for a Replica 1847 Walker Colt Revolver, along with the continued Fly the Flag subscription program.

Join us on January 29th to learn more about supporting the Friends and help celebrate Kansas Day with birthday cake and coffee.

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

Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Friends of Fort Scott

National Historic Site website!
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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Government, Kansas

City of Mapleton Receives Community Block Development Grant for $202,600

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Commerce Awards Over $4 Million in CDBG Grants to Kansas Communities

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that more than $4.1 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding has been awarded for 12 projects across Kansas. The investments will strengthen infrastructure, housing and economic opportunities in rural and low- to moderate-income communities.

“Our small and rural communities are rich with talent, aspirations and opportunity,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Investing in these projects through the CDBG program gives these communities the tools, resources, support and funding they need to address specific challenges and increase their ability to attract more visitors and residents.”

The 12 awardees will receive a total of $4,125,316 in federal funds, which was matched by $9,158,623 in local investments. The result was a combined total of $12,283,939 to be used for public improvements in communities across the state.

Projects awarded in this round:

  • City of Arkansas, $628,728 – Adding new playground equipment at Wilson Park
  • City of Burden, $300,000 – Rehabilitating nine homes and demolishing four dilapidated structures to address unsafe housing conditions
  • City of Centralia, $650,000 – Improving the sanitary sewer system, including manhole rehabilitation and lift station upgrades
  • City of Clifton, $160,000 – Installing a new playground surfacing and equipment
  • City of Holyrood, $300,000 – Rehabilitating eight homes and demolishing three dilapidated structures through a citywide housing program
  • City of Lyons, $650,000 – Upgrading the wastewater treatment plant, including monitoring system, lift stations, headworks, grit system, process basin improvements, motor center, press system, and electrical and site upgrades
  • City of Mapleton, $202,600 – Adding a 1,200-foot ADA walking path, parking area, ballfield lighting, fencing, bleachers, dugouts, bathroom improvements and new park amenities at Mapleton Park
  • City of Moscow, $51,525 – Installing an above-ground storm shelter in City Park that serves up to 50 people
  • City of Mulvane, $181,205 – Resolving ADA barriers in downtown business districts along Main Street and East Mulvane Street
  • City of Paola, $300,000 – Renovating a downtown building at 110 E. Peoria St., converting a former church into a wedding venue with exterior improvements and roof replacement
  • Dickinson County (Abilene), $298,000 – Improving exterior façade to the historic “post office block” at 109 NW 3rd Street, supporting new commercial rental space
  • Doniphan County, $403,258 – Improving courthouse accessibility, including new ADA-compliant ramp

“Through programs and funding opportunities like CDBG, we’re able to grow our support for small communities, creating sustainable solutions and growth in rural parts of Kansas,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “These awards are more than just providing financial resources to communities — it’s about making these places attractive, appealing and places where people are excited to live, work and play.”

The funded projects are tangible results of how CDBG dollars help communities support economic development and develop spaces that improve the lives of Kansans.

To learn more about the Community Development Block Grant program and view awardees, visit here.

About the Kansas CDBG Program:

The Kansas Community Development Block Grant program provides funding to cities and counties to improve the lives of low- and moderate-income Kansans. Administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, the program supports projects in housing, community facilities, and economic development.

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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Bourbon County Local News