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May 20 Fort Scott City Commission Meeting Part 2
Action Items
Consideration of Small Business Grant Incentive Program
Mary Wyatt shared the first draft of the plan with the commission. These grants would be available to new and existing small businesses in Fort Scott. The commission would approve all grants, and funding would come from the city’s economic development fund. Grants will be in the amounts of $10,000 and $15,000.
Commissioner Dyllon Olson suggested including a cost-matching provision for new businesses.
The commission tabled the issue to allow time to adjust the grant requirements.
Phil Jackson spoke to the commission about the new hobby shop he is opening in two weeks. Hercules Hobby, 20 Scott Avenue, will offer autographed helmets, memorabilia, and cards of all types.
Consideration of Recommendation of Award for Fort Scott Runway Safety Area Grading & Lighting Project and Olsson Engineering Contract Approval
Brian Coomes, Olsson lead engineer, said the plan for the project is complete. It involves improving the runway and end identifier lights, and the turf around the runways.
The airport’s current lighting system is 30 years old, requires continual maintenance, and needs improvement.
Low bidder for the project is Strukle Electric Incorporated of Girard, KS. They do airport lighting work all over Kansas and Missouri.
The project will cost $1,410,000. Ninety-five percent of the funds will be covered by a federal grant, 5% by Fort Scott, which has money built up in the airport fund.
The commission approved the contract for the project to be done in 2026.
Consideration to increase Design Review Advisory Board from 5 to 7 members
Lisa Dillon told the commission that two more individuals wish to serve on the board, so the board is asking for an increase in the number of members allowed.
Mayor Timothy VanHoeke said they are trying to streamline all the processes. There is no requirement for the city to have a design review board. Historically, he has received complaints about the difficulties of working with the design advisory board.
Commissioner Matthew Wells said that if Fort Scott were to become a CLG (Certified Local Government) city, it would create a smoother operation.
VanHoeke asked them to watch the CLG work session from August 11, 2023 before getting too excited about becoming a CLG government.
The request was approved 3 two 2.
Consideration to Formally Adopt the Guidance Provided by the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for the installation guidelines of murals in both the local and Federal Historic Districts of Fort Scott
Dillon spoke to the commission about including the local historic district in the mural guidelines, which currently only apply to the Federal historic district portion of the city.
There is no current permitting process in Fort Scott for murals.
Commissioners Tracy Dancer and Kathryn Salsbury want to get public feedback before making a decision.
City Manager Brad Matkin asked that the commissioners get opinions from a variety of citizens, not just those who live in the affected area.
VanHoeke suggested putting it on the City of Fort Scott Facebook page and including a map.
The issue was tabled.
Follow Up Discussion – Land Bank Restructuring
Matkin said it would be very beneficial for Lisa Dillon to manage the land bank, because she can work with codes and neighborhood development. This was a land bank action. No vote was needed.
Consideration of Vendor Application for City-Sponsored Events
Matkin submitted a sample application to the commission, saying the purpose is to ensure that food truck vendors have their tax ID numbers and insurance.
Dancer made a motion to require all out-of-town businesses coming to do business in Fort Scott to fill out the application. The commission passed the motion.
Wells then made the motion for all businesses within Fort Scott to register with the city. There will be no charge for this registry. This motion also passed.
Adoption of Ordinance No. 3781 Amending Fireworks Sales Dates With Discussion to Further Amend Regarding Discharge of Fireworks Dates
Salsbury spoke to the commission about the policies of other cities and counties in the area, saying she wants to change the firing off dates to a shorter window within Fort Scott. She said this was to protect pets, people with PTSD, and others negatively affected by the loud noise.
VanHoeke doesn’t want to over-regulate. “I’d hate to see the window restricted,” in light of new businesses in the area that capitalize on fireworks, as well as allowing for the majority of citizens who want to celebrate with fireworks, he said.
The new sales dates for fireworks are expanded to June 20-July 7. Currently, fireworks are allowed to be fired from June 27 to July 5.
Salsbury’s motion to limit discharge dates to July 1-4, until 10 p.m. on July 1 and 2, and midnight on July 3 and 4 failed.
Wells moved to accept the ordinance with a change of dates for firing from June 27 to July 5, from 10a.m. to 10p.m. on the 27th to July 2, on the 3rd and 4th until 11:59p.m., and on the 5th from 10a.m. to 10p.m. to coincide with the city’s fireworks. The motion passed with a “no” from Salsbury.
Consideration for Final Acceptance of Corrective Action with Heck & Wicker – Horton St. & 6th St. Project
Wells, Jason Dickman, and the contractor walked the street and identified nine locations that need re-patched. If the fog seal issue continues to happen in other locations within the year, it’s under warranty and will be patched. Earl’s Engineering will oversee the current patching plan. These are the final corrective actions for the asphalt overlay.
The commission approved the steps, Wells voted no.
Reports and Comments
Dancer said, “I wanted to express my dismay” at getting the notice for the recent emergency meeting less than 3 hours ahead of time. He urged that the commission not hold emergency sessions without a true emergency, as they deprive citizens of the representation they deserve.
Wells, requested that CLG be put on the agenda for the next meeting, June 3.
VanHoeke, asked CLG meeting recording be sent out to the commission for review.
He also reminded citizens that if anyone plans on running for one of the open political offices coming up for election in November, June 2 is the cutoff date for registering with the county clerk.
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
May 23, 2025
Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer and can be a busy weekend, especially with all the cemetery services, decorating graves, picnics, and other events. It is a time to remember and pray for those brave men and women who sacrificed by laying down their lives for our country. They inspire us to live with courage and gratitude, never forgetting the sacrifice they made for our freedom.
One Big Beautiful Bill is working its way through the U.S. legislature. Kansans need the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, not only to keep our federal taxes lower but to also keep us from a massive state income tax increase. Our state income taxes start with the federal adjusted gross income (AGI). It’s not hard to see, a higher AGI means a higher baseline for state income taxes. If this bill doesn’t become law, it will be a drastic tax increase.
There are other items in the One Big Beautiful Bill besides tax policy, including Medicaid work requirements for able bodied individuals without children under 7. Dr. Oz recently reported over $14 billion in Medicaid fraud. The changes in the bill are an attempt to stop fraud and abuse. The bill also has funding to build the wall and increase border security. The legislation is posted at https://www.congress.gov/bill/
K-12 Funding has been a topic discussed for years. With spending increases over the years, the money still doesn’t get to the teachers and classrooms. From 2020 to 2024, it was reported the statewide average spending per pupil increased $3,476, from $14,848 to $18,324. It is the largest expenditure in the state budget and increasing spending isn’t helping. An Education Funding Task Force has been established to do a deep dive on K-12 funding. The task force is made up of legislators and lay people. A post-audit report completed in 2022 by a non-partisan group reported that only about 1/3 of students met state standards in three major subjects. It’s also been reported that school districts have over $1 billion in cash reserves. Hopefully, the task force will consider how the money is being spent and managed.
Property Taxes are too high. The valuation process is broken and subjective. The burden to prove the valuation is not accurate is on the taxpayer. Many say the valuation is based on fair market value. How fair is it that you are paying a tax on unrealized gains? You don’t pay income tax on estimated future earnings or sales tax on what you think the product will sell for, but you pay property taxes based on an estimated value. The Senate passed a Constitutional Amendment to limit taxable valuation increases to a maximum of 3% each year (SCR 1603), but it stalled in the House. This would help stop the bleed on a broken system. It needs to pass next session so we can get it on the ballot for voters to pass it to become law.
Have a good summer.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports May 27
Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae
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U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter
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Obituary of Marjorie Earline (Hildabrand) Wulz Foster
Marjorie Earline (Hildabrand) Wulz Foster, age 93, former resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Arma Health and Rehab in Arma, KS. She was born August 13, 1931, in Hunter, OK, the daughter of Chester Austin and Clara Neil (Blanchard) Hildabrand. Earline graduated from Hunter High School in 1949. She then attended community college in Tonkawa, OK and graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1963 with a degree in dietetics and nutrition.
Earline served as director of food service at FSCC from 1972 to 1975, and as state school food service inspector for Kansas from 1975 to 1980, and as director of food service for Independence, KS schools from 1980 to 1990.
Earline was active in the Presbyterian Church. She also participated in the Airstream club in Kansas and traveled in her Airstream from Hudson Bay to Mexico City to Alaska. She was an avid quilter, won numerous awards in quilting and made over 50 quilts for her family and friends.
She married Charles Wulz in 1956. He preceded her in death. Earline then married Leon foster in 1976. He also preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lois Hatfield, her brothers Clifton and Homer Hildabrand, and her twin brother Marvin Earl Hildabrand.
Survivors include her three children, LuAnn Baker (Robert), Steven Wulz (Lauren), and Curtis Wulz; two stepchildren, Stephen Foster and Joan Foster; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Thursday, May 29th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Wednesday, May 28th at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Arbor Day Foundation 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.
Ultimate Patriotism by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
Memorial Day is a day set apart to honor the sacrifice and loss of any man or woman who died while serving in the U.S. military, whether during deployment overseas or in training and service in the United States. Military organizations and bases nationwide honor all fallen military warriors on Memorial Day. The best way for us to pay respects to our military freedom fighters is to attend a Memorial Day ceremony at a veterans’ cemetery, or visit the grave of a loved one who gave the ultimate sacrifice of patriotism.
Patriotism means you love, respect, and are willing to serve your Country and, if need be, sacrifice your life to protect a fellow American. The American flag stirs a very proud patriotism when we see its stars and stripes waving majestically in the blue skies of liberty. Many of the best have bravely died for this flag. Military warriors have guts — and they’ve proven it by spilling them.
After viewing the 1998 film, “Saving Private Ryan” for the first time years ago, I emphatically said, “Everyone living in the United States of America needs to see this movie.” It’s a hard watch, but a necessary one if you want to get a true pulse of American heroism and patriotism. Politics and patriotism are not two peas in a pod. Although Saving Private Ryan was fictional, it was inspired by the true story of Frederick Niland, who was sent home after two of his brothers were killed in action during World War II. And if you want to read or watch a true September 11, 2012 account, I recommend “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.” Heroes don’t wear capes, they wear dog tags.
Saving Private Ryan’s historical accuracy in the opening sequence was praised by both WWII historians and actual survivors of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. Charlie Company’s horrific experiences in the early scenes of the film, including those seasick in the landing crafts, the catastrophic number of casualties as they exited the crafts, and the struggle in linking up with the nearby units on the shore are all true to history. Many minor details, including the sound of the bullets and the unique “ping” of the U.S. soldiers’ M1 rifles ejecting their clips, are accurately recreated. Even the correct code names for the different sectors of Omaha Beach were used in the film.
Never, ever shall we disregard the words of Jesus which perfectly describes all the brave hearts of our military men and women who have given their ultimate patriotism. “No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13 CSB). I also appreciate the same scripture from The Passion Translation: “For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends.”
I was taught not to argue with God or His Word and, honestly, it would be ridiculous to try to do so. With the meaning of Memorial Day weighing heavily on my heart, the following scripture clearly illuminates an appropriate response to what Peter writes: “Show proper respect to everyone. Love the community of believers. Have respect for God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17 NIRV). We should obey God’s Word and give proper regard to those who sacrificed all.
The Key: Believers have an ethical obligation to honor and properly respect our U.S. fallen heroes.
May 25 Parent Empowerment Circle Speaker: navigating systems for those with special needs.
Angel Brazeal will be speaking at the Parent Empowerment Circle on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at First Southern Baptist Church , 1818 S. Main, Fort Scott, where she’ll share her experiences and insights on navigating systems for individuals with disabilities and special needs.
Angel Brazeal, LMSW, is an outpatient therapist, foster parent of 10 years, and lifelong advocate for children and families. With a background in early childhood education and mental health services, Angel brings a wealth of experience to her work. She holds a Master’s in Social Work from Kentucky University with certifications in clinical practice and substance use disorders. As a mother to four children ranging in age from 5 to 21—including two with special needs—Angel draws from over two decades of hands-on parenting experience, both biological and adoptive. Her life and work have also included supporting loved ones with complex mental health conditions, further shaping her compassionate and trauma-informed approach. She has served in roles from preschool director to manager of children’s services at Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center. Born and raised in Fort Scott, Kansas, Angel is passionate about helping families and individuals with autism and other needs access care and support. She brings valuable personal and professional insight into navigating the complex systems that serve individuals with disabilities and special needs.
Wet Conditions Affect Soybean Plants
Soybean planting is well underway in Kansas with 43% planted, based on the USDA-NASS Crop Progress and Condition Report from May 19, 2024. However, heavy rainfall has occurred in many locations across the eastern half of Kansas, with some fields underwater and others with completely saturated soil. If you have been fortunate to get some early soybeans planted here are things to remember.
Wet soil conditions will slow emergence, make the soil more susceptible to compaction (limiting root growth), and cause poor plant-to-plant uniformity after emergence.
Sidewall compaction occurs when soybeans are planted when the soil is too wet, immediately followed by dry weather.
Soil surface crusting is another potential challenge for soybean emergence.
If soybean plants are submerged for less than 48 hours, there is a good chance they will survive. Plants can survive underwater longer in cool temperatures than in warm temperatures. Submerged soybean plants can survive for up to 7 days when temperatures are less than 80 degrees F.
To determine whether the soybeans are damaged after the water recedes, split the stem at the tip and examine the growing point. A healthy growing point will be firm and white or cream-colored. A soft, dark growing point indicates injury. In some cases, the silt coating the plant after short-term flooding can cause more injury than the water itself, possibly even plant death.
Even if the fields do not have standing water, and plants are not totally submerged, waterlogged soils can cause problems if the waterlogging lasts too long.
When soils are saturated for a prolonged period, a lack of oxygen in the roots can lead to the accumulation of lactic acid and other products of anaerobic respiration. This is the underlying cause of damage to plants in waterlogged soils where only the roots are flooded.
Injury can depend on variety, growth stage, duration of waterlogging, soil texture, fertility levels, and diseases present.
Interactions of these factors make it hard to predict how a given soybean field will react to waterlogged soils. Variety differences have been reported, and researchers have identified possible genes associated with tolerance to waterlogged conditions.
Scientists in Missouri have screened a number of soybean varieties, subjecting them to two periods of flooding, each two weeks in duration. The average yield reduction for all varieties was 61%. Yields were reduced by 39% for the most tolerant varieties and 77% for the least tolerant. Producers should check with their seed supplier regarding information about a particular variety.
As always if you are noticing issues in your fields feel free to contact me through your local K-State Extension Office to set up a consultation and field visit to asses and try and alleviate the problem.
If needed, I will work with you to send photos of the problem (close-up, seedling, field shot) and plant samples to the K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab.
Lonnie Mengarelli is a K-State Research and Extension Agriculture agent assigned to Southwind District. He may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720
Tina Sullivan, Northeast Area Agronomist
[email protected]
Rodrigo Onofre, Plant Pathology
[email protected]
Chandler Day, Associate Diagnostician, Plant Pathology
[email protected]
Cut the Clutter and Get Organized
[email protected], 620-244-3826Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.
Do you have to clear a spot just to sit down? Always searching for lost items? Tired of being the family’s go-to picker-upper? You’re not alone. Clutter creeps in from every corner of the home—but the good news is, you can take control.
Getting Started
Set aside a few days for big cleanups. In each room, start in one spot and move clockwise. Use boxes to sort items into: Keep, Store, Give Away/Sell, and Throw Away.
- Keep Box
Put items back where they belong. Group similar things and create ‘centers’ for tasks like cooking, cleaning, or hobbies. - Storage Box
Label items clearly, including names and seasons (e.g., “Sarah’s Winter Clothes”). Use vacuum bags to save space. - Give Away/Sell Box
Donate gently used items to charities (call first). Sell items online or at consignment shops. - Throw Away Box
Toss anything broken, worn, or stained. Use a trash bag or can, and consider a trip to the landfill or recycling center if needed. - Remember the One Touch Rule
Touch things once—like mail. Sort immediately into pay, file, or trash to avoid clutter buildup.
Closet Organization Tips
- Declutter: Turn hangers backward. Flip them after wearing an item. After a few months, donate or store what you haven’t worn. Things to toss now: Anything with a stain, hole, or tear; worn-out purses and shoes; outdated clothing or accessories; ratty weekend clothes; clothing that does not fit.
- Space Matters: Leave 2–3 inches between clothes to prevent odor, mold, and pests.
- Smart Choices: Pick mix-and-match clothing in a consistent color scheme. Dark, solid bottoms and classic pieces save space and money.
- Hang It Up: Use hooks, shelves, baskets, and hangers to keep everything visible and off the floor.
- Creative Storage: Try clear bins, vertical folding, and DIY solutions like shower curtain rings for accessories.
- Use All Space: Store out-of-season clothes under beds, in other closets, or above doors. Measure your space before buying storage systems.
Tips to Maintain a Clutter Free Home
- Everyone needs to do a little bit every day.
- It is everyone’s job to keep items picked up and put away.
- Tasks need to be appropriate for age and abilities.
- Share your ideas and expectations of what is expected and acceptable.
This article was adapted from the fact sheet Cut the Clutter and Get Organized. For more information contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], 620-244-3826.
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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
What’s Happening In Fort Scott May 23 Newsletter
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