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What’s Happening in Fort Scott August 22 Edition
…
Bourbon County Commission Holds Special Meeting Today at 5 p.m.
There will be a special meeting today, 08.22.25, at 5:00 PM at 210 S National Avenue. Below is the agenda.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk
210 S National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
620.644.7927 Direct Line
Posting…
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports August 22
Video Links for Bourbon County Budget Advisory Committee Work Session 8-21-25
Bourbon County Budget Advisory Committee Work Session 8-21-25
These links should take you to the appropriate parts of the video of the meeting.
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00:00–05:00 — Meeting opening and Pledge of Allegiance
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05:00–14:50 — Initial discussion of 911 dispatch funding and city contribution of $350,000
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14:50–33:46 — Discussion of asphalt agreement with city and pricing concerns
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Historical pricing agreements
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Current needs of city (2,300 tons needed)
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Debate over maintaining previous pricing agreements
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33:46–45:00 — Budget reductions and department funding discussion
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Employee benefits cuts
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Cash reserve reductions
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Public safety funding priorities
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45:00–75:00 — Detailed budget analysis
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Department budget cuts
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Mill levy discussions
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Revenue projections
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Cash reserve concerns
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75:00–95:00 — Discussion of employee benefits and salary philosophy
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Current benefit rates vs market rates
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Strategy for future compensation structure
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Impact of Affordable Care Act compliance
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95:00–115:00 — Budget process and financial management
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Role of elected officials in budget management
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Statutory requirements
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Future planning needs
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115:00–122:36 — Closing discussions
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Future budget planning recommendations
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Need for city-county cooperation
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Final comments from committee members
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Freeman’s New Expansion Creates Closer Access/Cancer Care in Pittsburg
Comprehensive Cancer Care
PITTSBURG, Kan. – Freeman Health System officials have greenlit a $14-million expansion to the existing Freeman Physicians Group of Pittsburg facility. Upon completion, it will provide the most comprehensive, high-quality cancer care in Southeast Kansas.
The expansion project – adding 12,000 additional square feet to the existing 4,500-square-foot building located at 1201 Centennial Drive in Pittsburg – is the latest investment Freeman has made to Crawford County and its communities. Dirt is already being moved onsite with heavy equipment.
The nearly 17,000-square-foot facility, utilizing the entire three-acre site, is tentatively scheduled for completion in late 2026.
“It’s so great to see this happening,” said Pittsburg-based Freeman Oncologist Dr. Boban Mathew, adding that the new facility will provide comprehensive cancer care to all cancer patients in the area.
Medical Oncology
The existing medical oncology department in Pittsburg will more than double in size, said Ben Blair, Freeman’s Director of Oncology Service Line.
“We’ll double the number of chemotherapy chairs we have there. We’re also building a pharmacy in-house, and that alone will give us a lot better drug access and the ability to do what we need to do there,” Blair said. “It’s absolutely a huge step forward for us in Pittsburg.”
The pharmacy Blair’s referring to is a state-of-the-art compound pharmacy – one of two major new components centered around medical oncology in the expansion project. Compound pharmacies specialize in creating customized medications – usually by combining, mixing, or altering ingredients – to meet specific patient needs that aren’t readily available from standard pharmacies.
The other major addition consists of a top-of-the-line PET/CT scanner, Blair said. The scanner provides detailed images of the patient’s body and can detect, locate, and even assess the nature of any abnormalities discovered, aiding in more accurate and timely diagnoses.
“We currently have a PET/CT truck onsite – we’ve been using that for a while now – but the new digital scanner is going to be able to give us the ability to do more extensive scans that our current scanner simply can’t do,” Blair said.
Once the building opens to the public, the existing PET/CT mobile scanner and modular compound pharmacy – both housed outdoors and accessible via covered walkway – will be removed from the property, Blair said.
Radiation oncology
Medical oncology isn’t the only key area being addressed. A radiation oncology component, overseen by Freeman Oncologist Dr. Chance Matthiesen, will be added to the new building.
Enclosed within a concrete protective vault inside the building will be one of the newest, state-of-the-art linear accelerators available, complementing the existing TrueBeam accelerator currently in operation at Joplin’s Freeman East Hospital.
The machine uses high-energy x-rays to target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
“Presently, Freeman does not have a radiation ‘treatment center’ in Southeast Kansas. This is going to add that critical missing piece,” said Dr. Matthiesen, who currently operates a radiation oncology clinic in Pittsburg twice a month.
Right now, Freeman’s Southeast Kansas-based patients need to drive to Joplin for their radiation treatments, he said. Data from multiple sources, including the American Cancer Society, shows that the closer to home patients stay for cancer treatment and healing, the better the long-term results and outcomes will be.
“Traveling even an hour each day is hard – financially, emotionally, and physically,” Dr. Matthiesen said. “Our comprehensive Pittsburg cancer center will at least lessen or even eliminate these complicating factors. With few exceptions, they’ll receive their full extent of state-of-the-art, highest-quality cancer care treatment while staying at home in Southeast Kansas. For the most common cancer diagnoses encountered in the Four-State area – including cancers of the lung, breast, prostate, rectum, skin, and others – we will now be able to fully take care of all these patients closer to their homes in the Pittsburg area and Southeast Kansas, just like we’re taking care of them in Joplin.”
Freeman Physicians Group of Pittsburg’s expansion, he continued, “is going to change the landscape for patients in Southeast Kansas when it comes to access to receiving the highest quality of cancer care.
“Once we get started, this is only going to be the beginning,” Dr. Matthiesen said.
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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2025, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
3 Attachments • Scanned by Gmail
Some West Side Streets Will Close To Traffic on August 25
Starting Monday, 8/25/2025, the following streets will be closed to traffic.
8th Street from Holbrook to Crawford
Eddy Street from St. Mary’s Road (between 7th and 8th streets) to 8th Street
Eddy Street from 8th to 10th
9th Street from Crawford to Holbrook
Residents in this area will be able to access their houses during this time. Please use caution. Thank you.
Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott
Obituary of Robert Wayne Stark
Dr. Robert Wayne Stark, known affectionately as Wayne to his friends and family, passed away on August 19, 2025, due to heart complications. Born on April 14, 1937, in Blue Mound, Kansas, the son of Nolan Vern Stark and Mary Maxine Stark.
Wayne’s life was a beacon to all who knew him and to the Lord Jesus Christ. He departed this world in Fort Scott, Kansas, surrounded by the warmth of his family’s love.
Wayne grew up in the rolling plains of Kansas and carried the spirit of his homeland throughout his life. He graduated Fort Scott High School in 1955 and furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he completed a 2-year Farm & Industry Short Course.
At the age of 22, after attending a revival service at Grace Baptist Tabernacle, he knelt down in the milking barn on their dairy farm and asked Jesus to forgive him of his sins and to be his Lord and Savior. Wayne’s faith played a central role in his life, guiding him to the Arlington Baptist Seminary, where he earned his Bachelors of Divinity in 1965. His profound impact on the community and unwavering dedication to his faith were recognized with an Honorary Doctorate of Theology degree from Salt Lake Baptist College in 2015.
Wayne was also deeply patriotic and served his country in the US Army National Guard in Kansas, Wisconsin and Texas from 1955 to 1964.
Wayne was a man of many talents and passions. He found joy in the demanding life of dairy farming and his entrepreneurial spirit shone through as he owned and operated several businesses. Wayne’s calling as a pastor and evangelist was a testament to his faith-centered life, touching the hearts and souls of countless individuals. He pastored churches in both Chapman and LaCrosse, KS. He invested the last years of his life traveling the Western United States as an Evangelist with the Baptist Circuit-Riding Mission. He loved helping small congregations of believers in rural areas, Wayne often said, “There is no small work with God”. He was a faithful member of First Bible Baptist Church in Great Bend, KS.
Beyond his professional and spiritual accomplishments, Wayne was a family man at his core. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Nina Sue Gaunt-Stark, brother, Dick Stark and sister, Nancy Erwin. His legacy continues through his son, James Stark; daughters, Jennifer Ballou and Julie Buchta; step-son, Neal Morgan; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; fifteen step-great grandchildren; and six step-great-great grandchildren, all of whom will miss him deeply.
An avid outdoorsman, Wayne found great joy in hunting and fishing. His skill and passion for training and showing Welsh ponies were renowned.
To know Wayne was to know a man whose life was a reflection of the values he held dear – friendliness, hard work, and an unshakeable faith. His presence was a comforting and steady force, and he approached each day with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit ready to serve others. He would want everyone to know the promise of eternal life though faith in Jesus Christ who sacrificed himself on the cross to offer forgiveness of our sins!
As we bid farewell to Wayne, we do so with heavy hearts, yet we are comforted by the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ knowing that we will see him again!
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, August 25th at the Bethel Community Church west of Ft. Scott.
Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery at Blue Mound, Kansas.
The family will receive friends on Monday at 1:00 P.M. prior to the service.
Memorials are suggested to the Baptist Circuit-Riding Mission 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.
Bourbon County Is Connected to Southwest Power Pool Energy Project
A power delivery project, many years in the making, has started transmitting energy through Bourbon County.
NextEra Energy Transmission (NEET) – Southwest began producing energy over the 92-mile, 345-kV Wolf Creek – Blackberry transmission line on July 16, 2025, according to Lillie Zeng, spokesperson for NEET-Southwest.
The project was within budget and nearly five months ahead of Southwest Power Pool’s (SSP) required in-service date. The project was completed within three years, according to the spokesperson.
This is the second of three competitively awarded transmission projects in SPP that the company is building, she said.
“NextEra Energy Transmission – Southwest is proud to support SPP and its customers in Kansas and Missouri with a transmission line that will help enhance grid reliability and support economic growth in the region.”
The NEET-Southwest field office is at 2522 Richards Road, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
“We are in the process of hiring local office staff. In addition, NEET Southwest has access to approximately 70 affiliate technical staff located in the project area,” according to the spokesperson.
The project included a diagonal power line through the southwest part of Bourbon County as noted in the graphic from NextEra.
The process can be summed up this way:
Electric power is generated by nuclear energy at the Wolf Creek Nuclear Plant near Burlington, Kansas in Coffee County.
The power is moved via transmission power lines to the southwest, to the Blackberry Electrical Substation, just over the state line in Missouri.
There, high voltage power is then stepped down to a lower voltage and distributed over power lines to neighborhoods, businesses, and residences, according to https://www.nexteraenergytransmission.com/subsidiaries/neetsw/projects/wolf-creek-blackberry
This project is a new 94-mile, 345-kilovolt (kV) regulated transmission line that runs from the Wolf Creek substation (Evergy Energy) in Kansas to the Blackberry substation, Associated Electric Cooperative Inc.(AECI) in Missouri.
About Wolf Creek
Wolf Creek Nuclear Generating Station, Kansas’s only nuclear power plant, has been providing energy to Kansans and Missourians since 1985, according to https://www.evergy.com/landing/wolf-creek-nuclear-generating-station
The Wolf Creek site is about 10,500 acres, and 1,500 acres of company land are reserved and managed for wildlife. Wolf Creek employs approximately 750 employees, many of whom have worked at the site since the plant began providing electricity to the nation’s power grid more than three decades ago, according to the Evergy website.
Wolf Creek provides electric generation for Evergy and generates about 1,200 megawatts of electricity, which is enough energy to power more than 800,000 homes, according to the Evergy website.
Wolf Creek generates 20.7 percent of Kansas’ electricity, and 36 percent of its emissions-free electricity, according to the NextEra website.
Evergy is an electric service provider in Bourbon County.
“Evergy and Next Era are both members of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), which helps manage the power grid and energy markets across 14 states in the middle of the country, including Kansas and Missouri,” said Evergy Director of Corporate Communications Gina Penzig. “SPP keeps track of how electricity moves through the system and helps ensure coordination among area utilities.”
“The Wolf Creek–Blackberry Transmission line simply connects to Evergy’s equipment and helps send electricity into the power grid,” Penzig said. “The SPP chose Next Era to build this line through a competitive bid process. Even though the line connects to Evergy’s substation and electricity flows through it, Next Era owns and operates the line.”
NextEra Energy
In October 2021, NextEra Energy Transmission (NEET) Southwest was awarded the construction of a new approximately 92-mile 345 kV transmission line from the Wolf Creek substation to the Blackberry substation in Jasper County, Missouri.
NEET Southwest finances, develops, constructs, owns, operates, and maintains the Wolf Creek-Blackberry 345 kV transmission project. The project received regulatory approvals, and construction began, according to https://www.nexteraenergytransmission.com/subsidiaries/neetsw/projects/wolf-creek-blackberry.html
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The project is part of the 2019 Integrated Transmission Plan approved by SPP in October 2019 to address the need for a more reliable and cost-effective grid. This project will reduce congestion and provide market efficiencies and benefits to ratepayers, according to the NextEra website.
According to NextEra, the project benefits are:
- “Leads to lower electricity costs for customers
- Enhances the reliability and resiliency of the electric grid
- Creates job opportunities in the short and long term
- Spurs investment in the local economy during construction
- Supports public health and safety through access to reliable electricity
“Environmental & Visual Considerations
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Conducted rigorous environmental analyses to limit impacts on wildlife, sensitive habitats, and natural resources
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Coordinated with federal and state agencies to identify protected species found along the route
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Selected monopole structures to minimize tree clearing and agricultural impacts
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Incorporated considerations for visual impacts into the routing study.”
Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission on August 19
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of August 19, 2025 Regular Meeting
A regular 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, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Pete Earles/Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Lisa Dillon/Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Pete Allen, Lindsay Hill/FSCC, Michael Hoyt, Rob Hansen, Rory Chaplin, Alyson Goodwin/InSite Real Estate Group, Nathan Eady/Senior Manager, Economic Development & Policy–Amazon, Kirk Sharp/Gordon Parks Museum, Rachel French/Fort Scott Forward, Lewis Nihiser and Thomas Metcalf Jr/Sons of the American Legion.
VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and DANCER said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve the amended agenda VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1390-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of July 23, 2025 – August 12, 2025 – $662,802.14
– Approval of Minutes: Special Meeting of July 30, 2025; Special Meeting of August 4, 2025; and Regular Meeting of August 5, 2025.
– Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice No. 18159 – 21-303 – Davis Lift Station – Addendum No. 4 ($11,600.00) and Addendum No. 5 ($18,600.00) – Total $30,3200.00
– Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice No. 18141 – EEI No. 25-12 – East National Project Phase I – Survey 100% ($6,400.00) and Preliminary Design 12.5% ($12,937.50) – Total $19,337.50
– Request to Pay – Cardinal Sitework – Application for Payment No. 2 (FINAL) – Charles Street Lift Station EEI No. 24-003B – $3,587.45
– July Financials
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Public Comment
Lindsay Hill/FSCC – Thanked the commission for originally approving the land donation for the FRAME grant, however, the college will have to decline the land because real estate agents advised that they would likely lose money building homes in that location. HILL stated she is now the grant administrator for the college, replacing Sonia Guganani. VAN HOECKE requested that a representative of the university be present to confirm land suitability for future infrastructure assistance requests. HOYT asked if the college had any written specifications for properties that could be shopped for during the upcoming tax sale. HILL responded that they have found a property that will work best for the college and will be coming back to the city to ask for assistance with infrastructure.
MOTION: DANCER moved to revisit the City’s commitment to providing infrastructure development for the FRAME Grant under Item IX, New Business, Item E. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Appearances
Rachel Carpenter delivered a Tourism Report, noting that since May she has focused on promoting Fort Scott through history and culture, outdoor recreation, relaxation, and events. She reported on bus tours, events, and downtown revitalization, along with expanded marketing efforts through social media, the updated Visit Fort Scott website, radio/TV ads, and printed materials. Grants have supported promotional videos and downtown signage improvements. Upcoming goals include hosting influencer groups, expanding social media, and addressing ongoing signage challenges with KDOT. Carpenter has attended tourism conferences, partnered with the Chamber, and is exploring collaboration with Visit KC. Staff commended her leadership, and future plans include applying for a World Cup marketing grant, working with FSCC on a December initiative, and using the Placer data tool to strengthen targeted marketing.
Discussion was had about updating the tourism signs on Hwy 69, connecting with the upcoming African American Tourism Conference and the previous Tourism Advisory Board.
Thomas Metcalf Jr. – 3rd Annual Sons of American Legion Car Show – August 30, 2025 – Request for Temporary Street Closure – National Ave. between Oak St. and Pine St. The event includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, and a kids class, with trophies and cash prizes. MATKIN wanted to make it about drug awareness for kids and recommended closing off the street north of H and H to the alley to prevent traffic near the pavilion.
MOTION: WELLS moved to close the recommended streets, including Fort Scott Boulevard from National to the alleyway. SALSBURY seconded.
ACTION: VAN HOECKE confirmed that the Sons of the American Legion will work with the City for the requested barricades.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Unfinished Business
Public Hearing #1
MOTION: WELLS moved to open the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Planning Commission Case No. 1052 – Conditional Use Permit – 2400 S. Main – Amazon Storage Unit – Recommended by Planning Commission on July 9, 2025 – Tabled from August 5, 2025
Transcript of Public Hearing – Attachment 1 – Amazon representative, Nathan Eady presented Amazon’s proposal for a storage unit (ASU) at 2400 South Main Street by telephone. The project aims to improve customer delivery service in rural areas. The ASU will extend delivery to new zip codes not currently serviced by Amazon. It will rely on additional flex drivers, potentially increasing employment and revenue. Current freight flex drivers will continue to receive packages as before. EADY anticipates one to two box trucks per day, smaller than semi-truck trailers. The ASU will not affect current zip codes, only new areas not currently serviced. The goal is to have a centralized deposit place for packages to expand flex deliveries, not downsize or eliminate jobs. The Planning Commission approved the Conditional Use Permit for the ASU on July 9, 2025.
FRENCH addressed the Commission and commented that examples of areas not currently serviced include Uniontown and Redfield.
MOTION: WELLS moved to close the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit for the Amazon Storage Unit recommended by the Planning Commission. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Public Hearing #2
MOTION: DANCER moved to open the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Vacation of Alley – Lewis Nihiser – Revisit requested by City Commission – Transcript of Public Hearing – Attachment 2 – The proposal to vacate an undeveloped alley in exchange for a lift station easement raised concerns among commissioners about setting a precedent, utility access, and the City’s view on giving up land. WELLS preferred a lease over a trade, others emphasized the need for a consistent process. One speaker urged a site visit and suggested moving the discussion along.
MOTION: DANCER moved to close the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: DANCER moved to vacate or abandon the alley in question as a trade for the easement that we did not give you for the lift station. SALSBURY seconded. VAN HOECKE, DANCER and SALSBURY voted yes. WELLS and OLSON voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Further discussion was had about the City’s position on street and alley vacations.
VAN HOECKE called for Point of Order. The Commission agreed return to the next order of business on the agenda.
Action Items:
Consideration of Appointment of (1) Member for FSHPRC – Tabled from August 5, 2025
DILLON reported that the Historic Preservation Resource Commission’s process is continuing, with two additional resumes submitted for review of appointment. Discussion was had regarding applicant eligibility and documentation, as some confirmed candidates failed to submit resumes or complete applications, one lacked service on the Design Review Board, and one did not live within city limits—a stipulated requirement. Commissioners noted inconsistencies between advertised requirements and state documentation needs, with clarification that either an application or resume suffices, though residency must be established. One applicant’s residency was questioned, but their voting status, tax payments, and home ownership were cited as evidence.
WELLS called the question to select (1) of the (2) applicants presented for the remaining position on the FSHPRC.
MOTION: WELLS moved to accept Kathy Dancer as the final applicant.
OLSON, WELLS, SALSBURY and VAN HOECKE voted yes. DANCER abstained.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
DANCER requested that in the future, the Commission stick to the requirements that are published.
Consideration of Resolution No. 9-2025 RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 121 S. MARGRAVE – Tabled from April 15, 2025
KRUGER confirmed that the work has not been completed as agreed upon with the extension. WELLS owns the property and asked for a further extension until February to get the project going in earnest or he will demolish the structure at his expense. KRUGER stated that the structure has been on the Codes list since July 2024 (prior to WELLS ownership).
MOTION: OLSON moved to table Resolution No. 9-2025 until February of 2026 with the stipulation that the house will be boarded up, the windows, the entry, anything conducive to an outside intruder getting in. If Codes has any further problems that they feel it is an actual imminent threat, they’ll bring it back to the Commission immediately. SALSBURY seconded.
DANCER, SALSBURY and OLSON voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no. WELLS abstained.
MOTION CARRIED 3-1.
ACTION: WELLS will address the safety concerns discussed.
New Business
Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – Gordon Parks Mural at Main & Wall (Wilder House Building) – Approved by Design Review Board – SHARP presented the mural project funded by the Kansas Arts Commission, to be installed on the north side of the Sunshine Boutique featuring Gordon Parks on a horse with a quote about Fort Scott. Created by artist Cbabi Bayoc. FRENCH informed the Commission that the mural was approved by SHPO, it will be installed on panels attached in the mortar and unveiled on October 4th during the Gordon Parks Celebration, with Commissioner Wells and Chase Halsey helping with installation.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the Gordon Parks mural at Main St. and Wall St. on the Wilder House Building that was approved by the Design Review Board. DANCER seconded. DANCER, SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE and OLSON voted yes. WELLS abstained.
MOTION CARRIED 4-0.
Consideration of Fort Scott Developer Partnership Incentive Package 2026
DILLON presented the Developer Partnership Incentive Program, offering up to $7,500 per home for utilities and sidewalks, performance-based payments upon home completion and sale, and a limit of five homes per developer annually. The program includes a $1,000 neighborhood bonus for targeted areas, marketing support, land bank partnerships, a nine-month construction timeline with a three-month extension possible, and a $50,000 annual cap was the proposal. The money for this will come from Economic Development fund.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the 2026 City of Fort Scott Developer Partnership Incentive package as presented. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Sales Tax Ballot Question
MATKIN stated that five options were available for consideration. WELLS presented Option #6 which would be (3) separate ballot questions: 0.45% for streets, 0.1% for parks and 0.1% for public safety. Separating them out would equal .65% if all passed. Further discussion was had on all options.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to accept option one which is the 80/10/10 on the ½ cent sales tax. OLSON seconded. OLSON, DANCER, VAN HOECKE and SALSBURY voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Discussion with Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc.
WELLS requested that Earles Engineering appear before the Commission. Pete Earles addressed the Commission. WELLS praised Earles Engineering for its work on the wastewater projects but raised concerns with street projects, particularly the overlay project where the contractor failed to follow the original two-lift plan, leading to drainage issues and insufficient oversight. Questions were raised about the roles of the firm’s representatives and City staff, with Commissioners noting disappointment that an inexperienced supervisor was assigned to the Horton Street project, the City’s largest road project, which resulted in errors. In response, Earle’s Engineering pledged to assign only highly experienced personnel moving forward, naming inspectors with 30–40 years of experience, and committed to addressing concerns directly.
Consideration to rescind the Frame Grant Infrastructure approval
MOTION: OLSON moved to rescind the FRAME Grant Project at 4th and Arthur and the extended infrastructure projects that were accompanying it. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Reports and Comments
CITY ENGINEER
– E. National Project Update
– Davis Lift Station – Force Main – Bid coming
– CCLIP bid – Advertise in September, open in November to begin early spring
– Discussion of E. National as option for overpass
CITY ATTORNEY – Positive comments by visitors about noticeable progress in Fort Scott
CITY MANAGER
– No comments
COMMISSIONER WELLS
– 3rd Street traffic light
– Lights at skate park
– Chip Seal Project remedies
ACTION: City Clerk will put Chip Seal Project remedies on September 2, 2025, Agenda
– Moody Building status
COMMISSIONER OLSON
– Reminder for school traffic safety
COMMISSIONER DANCER
– ADM update from 4/15/2025 handouts on website
– WELLS requested update numbers for ADM to be posted
COMMISSIONER SALSBURY
– Feral cats update
COMMISSIONER VAN HOECKE
– City events
– Water main break
– Awareness with school in session
– Get involved and support local businesses and activities.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion pursuant to the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4). In the meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners, the City Manager and the City Attorney in the City Manager’s office. The open meeting will resume in Commission Room at 8:40PM. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to come out Executive Session with action. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: OLSON moved that the Commission provides the City Manager permission to negotiate with the County, in good faith, the exchanging of the 9-1-1 services and should an agreement not be reached, the City Manager has permission, by January 1, 2026, to terminate our services provided by the City for 9-1-1. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Adjourn
MOTION: DANCER moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:43PM. OLSON seconded.
AUGUST 19, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:43PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Updated Letter to the Editor with Additional Information: Deb McCoy
OUTSTANDING PROPERTY TAXES VS. TAX ABATEMENTS
AND HOW IT IS AFFECTING OUR COMMUNITY
Submitted by Deb McCoy on 8.21.25
County officials suggested to add the Neighborhood Revitalization Rebates information, which shows the payout for each year of rebates to the property owners, and they were sent to Deb McCoy which she added to this letter to the editor.
Look what is happening in our small community. As of the 2020 Census, the total population of the incorporated cities in Bourbon County was 8,464, and 5,896 live in unincorporated communities and rural regions making our total population of Bourbon County 14,360.
As citizens we need to be held accountable for the actions that we are responsible for. Without taxes our City and County Government cannot provide the essential services and infrastructure in our community. They primarily fund: Public Schools, Public Safety to support police and fire protection, Roads and Infrastructure contribute to the maintenance and construction of roads and public transportation, and Community Services that include local health and social service programs, libraries, parks, recreational facilities and other community amenities. Overall, Property taxes are a crucial source of revenue for local governments, enabling them to provide essential services and to maintain the infrastructure of our community.
“Most Americans do not like doing, or paying their income taxes, but every year about 85% of them will voluntarily pay the full amount of the taxes they owe. Even so, the IRS estimates that the United States loses over $400 billion of revenue each year because people fail to file their taxes, under report their income or underpay the amount of taxes they owe.” (4/11/2024 “The Conversation” by Michele Frank)
The recent Legal Notice printout of Bourbon County 2024 outstanding taxes total of $1,355,870.93. The following figures are outstanding taxes from 2017 through 2023 that were received from our treasurer’s office:
2017 – $70,123.81
2018 –$80,569.78
2019 –$89,831.45
2020 – $94,115.88
2021 – $159,182.00
2022 – $316,810.93
2023 – $600,321.48
Another Program that gives residents tax breaks is The Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Rebate Commercial or Residential Program. This program is a partnership between Bourbon County as well as Bronson, Fort Scott, Fulton, Redfield, Mapleton and Uniontown for promoting revitalization and development. To qualify the property must be located within the contiguous city limits of the City of Fort Scott, Conform to the City of Fort Scott’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan & Zoning Ordinance, Conform to all applicable building codes, rules & regulation in effect at the time the improvement are made and for the length of the term of the rebate., and be up to date on all property tax & special assessment payments. The following list from 2015 through 2025 breaks down the annual rebates on taxes that were given in Bourbon County through the County Appraiser’s Office upon the increase in value for the participating properties.
PROPERTY VALUATIONS NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROGRAM REBATES
2015 – $822,736 2015 – $44,869.14
2016 – $3,328,018 2016 – $189,247.41
2017 – $4,817,118 2017 – $217,325.80
2018 – $108,850 2018 – $492,748.60
2019 – $425,832 2019 – $419,864.72
2020 – $1,985,078 2020 – $433,934.71
2021 – $2,754,027 2021 – $467,728.35
2022 – $1,097,830 2022 – $489,788.37
2023 – $4,816,782 2023 – $475,128.72
2024 – $6,927,358 2024 – $623,486.97
2025 – $5,466,190 2025 – $687,424.27
The total amount of taxes that are unpaid or rebated in our community for 2024/2025 is $2,666,782.17.
The questions on whether cities should have caps on the number of grants awarded is complex and subjective and perhaps, we as a city and a county should consider caps on tax rebate incentives to ensure they are used effectively and equitably and based on community needs. It’s essential to consider the economic impact of these grants on local communities, as well as the need for flexibility in grant allocation. Ultimately the decision of our local government should be based on a thorough assessment of the specific circumstances and needs. The purpose of the Neighborhood Revitalization Program was intended to encourage reinvestment and improvement of areas of decline or areas of architectural or historical significance within the community per K.S.A. 12-17.114. Are we following these requirements and who is monitoring the program to ensure that we are within the purpose and factual findings of this program? These programs are enticing, but have we over extended our means to the point that we cannot meet the basic needs of our essential services and to maintain the infrastructure of our community without imposing additional sales taxes?
Mapleton Cafe Reopens With New Owner
The Mapleton Cafe, located in rural northern Bourbon County, is under a new manager.
“This cafe had been shut down for eight years,” Adam Clay, the new owner/manager,” said. “Joe Bisogno owns the building.”
It opened at the end of July.
“I was given an opportunity to open my own business in the country, where I want to be,” Clay said. “I have always been drawn to the country. I lived in DeSoto. Panasonic moved into the area, and lots of people have moved in.”
“You need to seize an opportunity.”
He moved a fifth-wheel recreation vehicle to the site of the building in Mapleton, population 99, in January and started renovating the building.
“I had to fix it up. I moved here, living in the fifth-wheeler.”
Clay has 35 years in the hospitality business with a focus on kitchen, menu, costing, and trends in the food business.
“I come from the K.C. area, Desoto, and worked as a chef for a corporation in their test kitchen. I left my position with Goodsents in K.C. at the end of June to do this full-time. Up to then, I only worked on weekends.”
The restaurant passed the Kansas Department of Agriculture inspection in mid-July.
“Even though a lot of work needs to be done, with the help of the Mapleton City Council, the local residents, and Joe Bisogno, we’ll make it successful,” he said.
“I’m the only cook; there are two local people as employees, Shawn Mierkey and Zoe Charley, and other local people pitch in to help.”
About the cafe
“It’s a country cafe with a modest breakfast and lunch menu,” he said. “It’s a starter menu. I’m still trying to figure out what works in this marketplace.”
“We are open to suggestions. A new dish for me is chili with a cinnamon roll and a pickle,” he said.
He said he is trying to keep the prices that fit this rural area.
The restaurant is located at 423 N. Bourbon Street in Mapleton. Contact info: 785-813-6051. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.