Fort Scott, Sports

Fort Scott Dragoons Baseball Team Opens Season on May 21: Leadership Announced

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Fort Scott Dragoons Announce Leadership Team

Albin, Miles, Larson Join Dragoons

 

The Fort Scott Dragoons are excited to announce their leadership team for their inaugural 2026 season at LaRoche Baseball Complex. The 2026 slate will feature a 32-game home schedule with the Dragoons opening the season with the rival Joplin Outlaws May 21-24. They then open their home schedule on Memorial Day May 25th at LaRoche Baseball Complex.

 

“I couldn’t be more excited about this new leadership team in Fort Scott.” said Nick Weisenborn, Commissioner of the Mid America League. With Bill’s Independent Baseball experience, Coach Albin’s coaching experience in the region, and Justin’s business development experience, I believe we have assembled a great team for the first season of Dragoons baseball!”

 

Bill Larsen, Owner of the Fort Scott Dragoons

 

Bill Larsen of Larsen Sports Group will be taking over as Owner of The Fort Scott Dragoons. Bill has had ownership of multiple clubs, most recently the Kane County Cougars of the American Association. Bill is excited to relocate to the SEK area and enjoy many summer nights at LaRoche Baseball Complex

 

 

Mike Albin, Manager of the Fort Scott Dragoons

 

Coach Albin comes to the Dragoons with a wealth of experience in collegiate summer wood-bat baseball. He was the Head Coach of the Nevada Griffons in the Summer of 2022, as well as the Midwest Moo in 2024. He also was a pitching coach for the Hoptown Hoppers in 2023. Coach Albin is currently the pitching coach at the University of Saint Mary’s in Leavenworth, Kanas. The Southeast Kansas Native is excited to bring an exciting level of baseball to Laroche Baseball Complex this summer.

 

Justin Miles, Sales Coordinator of The Fort Scott Dragoons

 

Justin Miles, born and raised in Fort Scott, has been involved in several impactful teams and community projects throughout the region. He is completing his final semester at Pittsburg State University, earning a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, where he also founded the Pitt State Entrepreneurs Society. With a strong entrepreneurial drive, Justin has led multiple initiatives across business and athletics. On the side, he currently serves as the Special Teams Coordinator and Assistant Football Coach for wide receivers and defensive backs at Uniontown High School. Justin is excited to step into office with the Dragoons and get to work!

About the Mid-America League:
Founded in 2024, the Mid-America League is a collegiate summer baseball league committed to delivering high-quality, community-focused baseball. Featuring top-tier college talent from across the country, the league offers players the opportunity to compete in a professional-style environment while staying connected to the communities they represent.

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Fort Scott, Government

Repairs on U.S. 69 bridge in Fort Scott are complete

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FORT SCOTT — Repairs on the U.S. 69 bridge over Wall Street in Fort Scott have been completed, and the north and southbound lanes are now fully open, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Repairs on the Wall Street bridge began the week of June 9.

The project included patching and resurfacing the bridge deck. PCI Roads LLC, of St. Michael, Minnesota, had the $1.5 million construction contract.

For current road conditions, visit kandrive.gov or call 5-1-1. For updates on construction projects in Southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/projects/southeast-kansas-projects.

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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, Business, Fair, Fort Scott

Christmas Fair Tomorrow at The Fairground

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The Bourbon County Fair Association is having a Christmas Fair tomorrow December 13th from 10 am to 3 pm at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, across from Fort Scott Community College on South Horton.
Fifth Annual Jingle Bell Mart featuring local vendors:
Kos Kreations
Tracy Smith – handmade jewelry
Carell Collective
Locust Hill Lamanchas Goat Milk Products
Sally Kraft – hand-sewn items
Flying P Ranch
WriteOn!
Happy Little Candle Factory
Donna Jo Beerbower – homemade fudge
Kitty’s Kreations
Gran’s Denim Recyclables
Mmm Flavor Shop
Blessed B Creations
Uppa Creek Ranch – local, raw, honey
Christmas Display Competition – Come vote for your favorite Christmas Display.  Votes are $1 each, with a portion of the sales going to the winners and the Cloverleaf Event Center.
A Hot Beverage Bar will also be available for a Free Will Donation with all donations going to the Cloverleaf Event Center.
Fort Scott Community College, Government

Agenda Packet of the FSCC Trustees Meeting on Dec. 15

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To view the entire packet:

12.15.25 Consent Agenda

December 15, 2025
Board of Trustees
Fort Scott Community College
2108 S. Horton
Fort Scott, KS 66701
The Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College will meet in regular session on Monday,
December 15, 2025. The meeting will be held in Cleaver-Boileau-Burris Hall at Fort Scott
Community College.
5:30 p.m. Regular monthly Board meeting
THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
BOARD PRAYER
MISSION STATEMENT
Fort Scott Community College is an institution of higher learning with a long history of culture and diversity that
provides affordable academic, technical and occupational programs to meet student needs while fostering a
mutually supportive relationship between the college and its communities.
CALL TO ORDER, 4
A. Comments from the Chair, 4
B. Comments from the Public, 4
C. Recognitions and Retirements, 4
PROGRAM REVIEW AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES, 4
CONSENT AGENDA, 8
A. Approval of Agenda, 8
Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on November 17, 2025 and
Special Meeting conducted November 14, 2025, 9
B. Approval Treasurer’s Report, 12
C. Approval of Personnel Actions, 8
DISCUSSION ITEMS, 18
A. Inservice Agenda
B. Academic Advising Days on Calendar
C. Five-Year Enrollment Comparison
ACTION ITEMS, 21
CORRESPONDENCE AND TRUSTEE COMMENTS, 22
EXECUTIVE SESSION, 24
ADJOURNMENT, 25
UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:
December 12, 2025 Board Workshop
December 15, 2025 Board Meeting
January 23, 2026 Board Workshop
January 26, 2026 (Changed from January 19 due to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) Board Meeting
February 13, 2026 Board Workshop
February 16, 2026 Board Meeting
March 13, 2026* adjusted for spring break Board Workshop
March 23, 2026 (Changed from March 16 due to spring break) Board Meeting
April 17, 2026 Board Workshop
April 20, 2026 Board Meeting
May 14, 2026* adjusted for graduation Board Workshop
May 18, 2026 Board Meeting
June 11, 2026* adjusted for summer schedule Board Workshop
June 15, 2026 Board Meeting
Sincerely,
Bryan Holt, Chair
Dr. Jack Welch, President
FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a
central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and
departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective
processes; and developing the region’s workforce.
ROLL CALL
_____ Ronda Bailey
_____ John Bartelsmeyer
_____ Jim Fewins
_____ Bryan Holt
_____ Chad McKinnis
_____ Doug Ropp
CALL TO ORDER
A. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
B. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
C. RECOGNITIONS AND RETIREMENTS
Outgoing Board Members
John Bartelsmeyer
Jim Fewins
Bryan Holt
PROGRAM REVIEW AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES
A. JOHN DEERE PROGRAM
Gordon Parks Museum
Monthly Report Update/Events Sept 2025
Please Note: This report does not include all-current job duties, projects. meetings, and events.
• Work on Archives and Collections.
• Work on Planning for Gordon Parks Celebration, Oct 2-4, 2025. The honorees are Michael Cheers, Carol
Friedman and Jason Miccolo Johnson. The Learning Tree Award recipient is Robert Nelson.
• Gordon Parks Museum Board met on Sept 9, 2025.
• Worked on Kansas Arts Commission Mural Grant Project. Provided Presentation at the Design and
Review Board and City Commission
• Worked on the Commemorative Park at the Wayman AME Church property location and Kansas Grant.
The Park has had over 20 people visit this month.
• Worked on Gordon Parks Mural and Dedication Event
• Worked on Fort Scott Stories Project for a Book and full feature film documentary project with Prof.
Michael Cheers. Filming continues on Sept 28 – Oct 4, 2025.
• Working with Photographers for Photo Auction Fundraiser Event and Online Photo Sales.
• Provided a presentation with an updated of the Gordon Parks Museum Projects and the 2025 Annual
Celebration to Lady Kiwanis on Sept 4.
• Provided a presentation with an updated of the Gordon Parks Museum Projects and the 2025 Annual
Celebration to FSCC Board on Sept 22
• Completed new Museum Rack Card
*We had 54 visitors walk in and with a combination of tours, presentations, Wayman Chapel AME Commemorative Park
and any other events, we had 85 visitors from all over the nation and the world in September.
City and State where some of the Sept visitors come from
Fort Scott, KS
New York City, NY
Los Angeles, CA
Seneca, KS
Pittsburg, KS
Frontenac, KS
Milwaukee, WI
Olathe, KS
Monitoba, Canada `
Phillipines
Cattors, France
Nepaul
Harare. Zimbabwe
Perros Guinec, France
Hishiro, Japan
Lee Summit, MO
Saginaw, MI
Flora, IL
Altamont, KS
Conroe, TX
Phoenix, AZ
Wichita, KS
Others did not list where they were from.
Gordon Parks Museum

CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Attached are the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting conducted on November 17, 2025 and Special
Meeting conducted November 14, 2025
C. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT AND CHECKS
Attached are the Treasurer’s Report, Financial Report, and Checks Written, Cleared, or Voided
D. APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS
Additions
1) Tayler Yackle, Nursing Instructor, effective January 5, 2026
Separations
1) Carolyn Smith, Foundation Administrative Assistant, effective November 20, 2025
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Consent Agenda items be approved as presented.
BOARD ACTION: MOTION _____ SECOND _____ VOTE _____
DISCUSSION:
VOTE: Bailey Bartelsmeyer Fewins
Holt McKinnis Ropp

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for the Fort Scott City Commission on Dec. 16

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

December 16, 2025  –  6:00 P.M.

 

                                      

  1.     Call to Order/Roll Call
  2. Pledge of Allegiance

III.       Invocation

  1. Approval of Agenda
  2. Consent Agenda
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1398-A – Expense Approval Report –

      Payment Dates of November 26, 2025 – December 9, 2025 – $366,627.57

  1. Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of December 2, 2025
  2. November Financials

 

  1. Public Comment

VII.      Appearances

  1. Rachel Carpenter/Community Relations Director – ‘Kansas Experience’ Bus Tours
  2. Lindsay Madison/ Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce – Resolution for the City of Fort Scott

     Endorsing Participation in the Kansas Main Street Program

  1. Patty Ann Sanborn – SEK Services, Inc. – Overview of available services

 

VIII.   Unfinished Business

  1. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3789 – An Ordinance Setting New Water Rates and

Repealing Ordinance No. 3777 for the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas,    

Pursuant to the Fort Scott Municipal Code, Chapter 13.04.030

  1. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3790 – An Ordinance Amending the Fort Scott

       Stormwater User Charge and Repealing Ordinance No. 3776 for the City of Fort    

Scott, Bourbon County, Kansas, Pursuant to the Fort Scott Municipal Code, Chapter      

13.24.121

  1. Continued Discussion of Ordinance for Limit on Number of Dogs

 

  1. New Business

            Public Hearing:

  1. Budget Hearing for Amending the 2025 Budget – B. Hart

 

Action Items:

  1. Consideration of Ordinance No. 3792 – Dialysis Center Project – An Ordinance Authorizing the City of Fort Scott, Kansas to Issue Its Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2025 (MOKA RENTALS LLC PROJECT) for the Purpose of the Acquiring, Renovating, Furnishing, and Equipping of a Commercial Facility; and Authorizing Other Related Documents and Actions – M. Wyatt
  2. Consideration of Small Business Incentive Grant recipients for Q4 2025 – M. Wyatt
  3. Consideration of Davis Lift Station Inspection – J. Dickman

 

  1. Reports and Comments

 

  1. Adjourn

 

Government, Kansas

KS Dept. of Commerce: Rural Champions Application Opened

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Commerce Opens Applications for
Rural Champions Program

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the Office of Rural Prosperity has opened applications for the third cohort of the Rural Champions program.

A total of $549,600 will be distributed across 12 rural Kansas communities with population of 40,000 or less to support the new cohort’s initiatives.

“Through the Rural Champions program, we’re empowering local leaders with a specific vision to create transformational change within their communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These grant opportunities provide the tools and resources these change agents need to remove barriers and enhance the quality of life in the place they call home.”

The Rural Champions program was designed to provide dedicated development support to cities, counties, community foundations, tribal nations and community organizations that have experienced difficulty making progress on critical local issues that hinder economic and community growth.

Offered in collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation and the USDA Rural Community Development Initiative Grant Program, the Rural Champions program funds dedicated development assistance for rural communities that lack capital, expertise and other important resources to complete local projects.

“Rural Champions cohort communities have a deep understanding of their local challenges and opportunities and are committed to creating a positive future,” said Jessica Hunt, vice president of programs and strategy for the Patterson Family Foundation. “As our Foundation works toward thriving rural communities, we recognize that efforts like this can help launch new strategies toward complex rural issues.”

Since the Rural Champions program began in 2022, 26 communities have received funding to develop and create solutions for an array of different rural challenges. From establishing 24/7 mental health telehealth resources in Morton County to creating a collaborative homelessness service network in Emporia — or rebuilding a grocery store after a devastating fire in Dighton — this program is empowering rural communities across the state. Other project summaries can be found in the most recent Rural Champions Guidebook here.

The grants will provide cohort members with $20,800 as a stipend to compensate the Rural Champions as they work through locally identified key challenges. Awardees also receive an additional $25,000 grant at the end of the year to move communities into the implementation phase of their projects.

“The Rural Champions program has been impactful across the state — and has created a roadmap for other communities that face similar challenges,” Office of Rural Prosperity Director Trisha Purdon said. “By providing resources and financial support, we’re able to uplift rural communities in all parts of the state regardless of zip code.”

To apply, a community must identify a Rural Champion and document a focus area that has been identified as a significant need. Additionally, applicants must provide matching support that includes a dedicated mentor, office space, equipment and a cash match to cover travel expenses for quarterly training. Applicants that provide an additional cash match to increase hours or pay for the Champion will receive added consideration in the review process.

Award announcements will be made in March.

Applications are being accepted until 5:00 p.m. February 20, 2026. Organizations that submit before January 5 can request a pre-review of their application.

An informational webinar will be presented at 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 17. To register, click here.

For additional information and to read more about the projects from the previous cohorts, visit here or contact Kelli Hansen at (785) 230-9857 or [email protected].

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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Business, Fort Scott

Meet & Photos with Santa on December 14

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Ohhsnap Photography

by Leslie Godden

This Sunday, OhhSnap Photography has teamed up once again with Be The Light Boutique along with Clark Street Lights to bring you a magical opportunity:

Meet & Photos with Santa

in a setting filled with holiday charm! 🎅📸

Guests can look forward to a cozy, festive

atmosphere. Think seasonal décor, warm boutique charm, and all the cheerful vibes of the holidays.

Sunday, December 14th

12-4pm

(with scheduled 15 min session slots for meeting Santa — possibly accompanied by one of his elves!)

📍 Be The Light Boutique

12 N. Main St., Downtown Fort Scott

Sign up and you’ll automatically be entered into a drawing for a special gift. 🎁

$45/ session

$20 non-refundable deposit due at sign-up.

Deposits do not transfer to future sessions.

Payment may be made via:

Venmo (@Leslie-Godden)

CashApp ($LeslieGodden)

Cash/Check.

Spots are limited, so early sign-up is encouraged.

For time-slot sign-ups:

Click HERE

For questions: call or text 620-644-8050

Little ones will get a sweet holiday treat from Santa!

Click HERE for

Ohhsnap Photography

Facebook page!

Click HERE for

‘Meet & Photos with Santa ~ Ohhsnap Photography’

Facebook Event Page!

Click HERE for

Be The Light Boutique’s

Facebook Page!

Click HERE for

Clark Street Lights

Facebook Page!

Enjoy some photos taken by Ohhsnap Photography:
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
Government, Kansas

KS September Labor Report

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Labor Report

September 2025

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) has released the September 2025 Kansas Labor Report. The full report can be accessed here: September 2025 Kansas Labor Report.

Due to the lapse in federal funding during the federal government shutdown, all Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) operations were suspended from Oct. 1, 2025, through Nov. 12, 2025. As a result, KDOL will not publish a separate report for the October 2025 Kansas Labor Report. Establishment survey data from the Current Employment Statistics program for October 2025 will be published with the November 2025 data. Household survey data from the Current Population Survey, which serve as the primary input to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics models, were not collected for the October 2025 reference period due to a lapse in appropriations and will not be collected retroactively.

The November 2025 Kansas Labor Report will be released January 7, 2026. The release schedule for December 2025 has not yet been finalized. We will communicate the date when it becomes available.

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Bourbon County Local News