City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
April 21, 2026 – 6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
III. Invocation
Approval of Agenda
Consent Agenda
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1406-A – Expense Approval Report –
Payment Dates of April 3, 2026 – April 15, 2026 – $244,363.32
Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of April 7, 2026
Request to Pay – Application No. 2 – Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking, Inc. – Davis Lift Station – Mobilization Costs and Materials Stored on Site – $195,145.14
March Financials
Public Comment
VII. Appearances
Casey Brown /Community Engagement Coordinator – SEK-CAP Action Program
VIII. Unfinished Business
Revisit Consideration to Sell City-owned Parcel – 101 S. Clark – Alex Swank – Previously considered April 7, 2026
Consideration of Ordinance No. 3797 – Connex Boxes – L. Dillon
Consideration of 118 E. Wall St. – B. Matkin
New Business
Public Hearing:
Consideration to Vacate Alley – Daugherty Enterprises, LLC – Dennis S. Daugherty
Action Items:
Consideration to Purchase Water Meters & Register for 2026 Annual Changeout Program from Sole Source Vendor – $111,496.16 – B. Lemke
Consideration to Purchase Mower for LaRoche Complex – $23,500.00 – D. Fowler
Discussion of Gunn Park Caretaker’s House – M. Wells
Three Heartland-sponsored teams from Bourbon County combine for four first-place finishes and overall championship title
WICHITA, Kan. — Three teams of Bourbon County high schoolers sponsored by Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative brought home four first-place awards — including the Grand Champion title — at the 2026 SunPowered Student Challenge, held April 8 at Wichita State University.
The WASPS from Christian Learning Center in Fort Scott topped the overall standings with 1,323 points, outpacing eight other teams from Kansas and Oklahoma to claim Grand Champion honors. Two teams from Uniontown High School — the Solar Queens and Solar Eagles — also finished in the top three overall, giving Heartland-sponsored teams a sweep of the event’s top spots.
“As rural electric cooperatives, it’s part of our mission to help educate our communities, and that includes the next generation as well,” said Mark Scheibe, CEO of Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative. “If we can spark curiosity in students, and if we can help them see the future in energy or engineering, or take some of the problem-solving skills that they learn during this competition to apply in their future lives, then that’s a win for them and the communities that we serve.”
The SunPowered Student Challenge is a statewide competition that begins in the classroom — student teams work through a hands-on solar energy curriculum over several months before competing at Wichita State University. Challenges include designing and installing photovoltaic arrays on scaled model buildings, analyzing real-world site conditions, delivering professional presentations and collaborating with teams they’ve never worked with before.
The competition was founded in partnership with Kansas Rural Electric Cooperatives, Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Pitsco Education and Ten80 Education, and is now housed under the nonprofit Future STEAM.
Heartland REC helped create the program in 2024 and continues as both a program and team sponsor. The cooperative has sponsored teams from communities across its southeast Kansas service territory.
Results by Team:
Submitted photos.
WASPS — Christian Learning Center
Team members: Holly Cain, Ryan Cain, Abby Jacobs, Henry Morris
Coach: Scott Cain
1st Place — Team Presentation
1st Place — Solar Site Design Challenge
Grand Champions (Overall)
1st Place — Collaborative Challenge (with Uniontown Solar Eagles and Lincoln Solar Leopards)
Submitted photos.
Solar Queens — Uniontown High School
Team members: Aryonnah Beaton, Camilla Cagle, Paityn Hueston, Jiyah Middleton
Coaches: Carrie Sutcliffe and Christal Martin
1st Place — Creative Curb Appeal
Submitted photos.
Solar Eagles — Uniontown High School
Team members: Ziggy Barbour, Adam Page, Ty Shelton, Ash Sporleder
Coach: Brad Johnson
1st Place — Skills Challenges
1st Place — Collaborative Challenge (with CLC WASPS and Lincoln Solar Leopards)
Overall Scores:
School/Team Name
Score
CLC WASPS
1323
Uniontown Solar Eagles
1218
Uniontown Solar Queens
1107
Beloit Solar Swords
1030
Lincoln Solar Leopards
1011
Woodward Solar Boomers 1
900
Woodward Solar Boomers 2
823
Oxford Ra
811
Woodward Solar Boomers 3 + Rock Creek
796
About Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative
Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility powering rural lifestyles throughout more than 11,000 locations in eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes member-owners in 12 counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.
Spring Into a New Career at KANSASWORKS Virtual Statewide Job Fair
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in this month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, April 23.
“Companies are investing in Kansas — making this the perfect time for you to start investing in a new fulfilling career,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “With an array of industries represented at this month’s job fair, our KANSASWORKS professionals can help you find the perfect fit.”
The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a new job to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.
This month’s Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.
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.
About KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College is excited to remind the community and surrounding region of the upcoming premiere of Fort Scott Stories, a powerful feature-length documentary created in partnership with acclaimed photojournalist and filmmaker D. Michael Cheers, recipient of the 2025 Choice of Weapons Award.
The premiere will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the screening beginning at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets as soon as possible, as availability is limited and the event is nearing capacity. Donations are welcome and will support the ongoing work and programming of the Gordon Parks Museum.
As the premiere date approaches, anticipation continues to grow for Fort Scott Stories, a documentary that captures the spirit, voices, and lived experiences of the Fort Scott community. Through deeply personal interviews and rich storytelling, the film reflects the beauty, complexity, and resilience of everyday life, echoing the legacy of Gordon Parks and his 1950 photographic work in Fort Scott.
“Fort Scott Stories is about honoring the everyday lives that shape a community,” said D. Michael Cheers. “Gordon Parks taught us that there is power, dignity, and beauty in telling people’s stories with honesty and care. This film is my creative way of continuing that conversation, by listening deeply, bearing witness, and allowing Fort Scott to speak for itself.”
Executive Director Kirk Sharp emphasizes the emotional impact of the film: “This documentary will make you smile, cry, and feel inspired. It is an honest and deeply human reflection of our community, bridging the past and present while inviting us to reflect on who we are and where we are going.”
Inspired by Gordon Parks’ unpublished LIFE magazine assignment in Fort Scott in 1950, this film continues his legacy of truth-telling through art, empathy, and vision.
The documentary also features actor Kyle Johnson, who portrayed Gordon Parks in the 1968 film The Learning Tree and is a 2021 Choice of Weapons Award recipient.
Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets by visiting: the Gordon Parks Museum website event page at https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/events or by calling 620-223-2700, ext. 5850.
For more information about the Fort Scott Stories Feature Documentary Premiere in Fort Scott, Kansas, please contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700, ext. 5850, or email [email protected].
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!
Senior Care Coalition
The Senior Care Coalition is an opportunity
to network, gather resource information, and
mingle with other senior care professionals
serving seniors in and around Bourbon
County. Join us!
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location:
Credo Senior Living
820 S. Horton Street, Fort Scott
:
Call or email Cherri Walrod, Credo Senior Living and Memory Care, with questions! 620-223-1822, option 1 or [email protected].
Network • Learn • Share
Senior Care Coalition
The Senior Care Coalition is an opportunity
to network, gather resource information, and
mingle with other senior care professionals
serving seniors in and around Bourbon
County. Join us!
There will be a joint City and County Meeting 4/16/26 at 6:00 PM at the Empress Center. All Bourbon County Commissioners plan to be in attendance but no official business will be conducted.
Organized by the Chamber Board’s Downtown Division, in partnership with the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County Garden Club, and the Good Neighbor Action Team.
Chamber Downtown Division
Cheryl Adamson, Chair, Courtland Hotel & Spa
Cathy Bishop, The River Room Event Center
Carissa Bowman, Brickstreet BBQ
Kate Freeman, The Artificers
Kinede Jennings, Blissful Aesthetics & Wellness
Karen Wilterding, Lowell Milken Center
James Wood, DBB Inc. & Holmtown Pub
Rachel Carpenter, representing City of Fort Scott
Special thanks to Craig Campbell of GNAT and Barb McCord of Bourbon County Garden Club for all of your assistance with this event, and to Bailey Lyons for use of Lyons Realty Group as the check-in location.
A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…
Kansas City-area Lawmakers Introduce Bill Designating Quindaro Townsite as National Historic Landmark
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derek Schmidt (KS-2), Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3), and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5) introduced the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act to designate the Quindaro Townsite in Kansas City, Kansas, as a National Historic Landmark. The site served as a critical entry point for anti-slavery settlers and a sanctuary for those escaping bondage via the Underground Railroad prior to and during the U.S. Civil War.
National Historic Landmarks are designated through the National Park Service System Advisory Board or an official act of Congress. Last May, the National Historic Landmarks Committee unanimously recommended Quindaro Townsite for designation as a National Historic Landmark, however the administrative process has since stalled. This bill would bypass the administrative process and designate the site by congressional action.
“Quindaro holds an important place in the history of our region and nation,” said Congressman Schmidt, whose district includes the site. “Designating the site as a National Historic Landmark would ensure its legacy is properly preserved and recognized for generations to come. I’m honored to lead this bill and join Representatives Davids and Cleaver in supporting Quindaro.”
“Quindaro was a place of courage, hope, and resilience — a sanctuary for those risking everything for freedom. Designating this site as a National Historic Landmark has been long overdue and would ensure future generations can learn from the sacrifices and triumphs of those who came before us. I’m proud to join Representatives Schmidt and Cleaver in this bipartisan effort to protect our Kansas City history and honor Quindaro’s legacy,” said Congresswoman Davids.
“The Quindaro Townsite is an important piece of the regional history in eastern Kansas and western Missouri – and its legacy must be preserved for the generations still to come,” said Congressman Cleaver. “By designating Quindaro as a National Historic Landmark, we can ensure the story of those who resided on these grounds lives on through the locals and tourists who visit every day, spreading the inspiring story of Americans who fought to ensure the United States lives up to its highest ideals. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Reps. Schmidt and Davids, and I look forward to working with them to ensure it is passed into law.”
Founded in 1857, Quindaro emerged as a beacon for Free-State advocates during the turbulent “Bleeding Kansas” era. Strategically located along the Missouri River, it served as a critical entry point for anti-slavery settlers and a sanctuary for those escaping bondage via the Underground Railroad. The town’s establishment was a collaborative effort among the Wyandot Nation, New England abolitionists, and African American settlers, exemplifying a unique and harmonious multicultural alliance during a period marked by division and conflict.
Beyond its pivotal role in the anti-slavery movement, Quindaro became a nucleus for post-Civil War African American advancement. The establishment of the Quindaro Freedman’s School, later known as Western University, marked a significant milestone as the first Black school west of the Mississippi River. Institutions like Douglass Hospital further underscored the town’s commitment to education and healthcare within the African American community.
Archaeological excavations have unveiled a wealth of artifacts, offering invaluable insights into the daily lives of Quindaro’s diverse inhabitants. The site’s preserved foundations and structures provide a tangible connection to this rich history. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 2002, Quindaro’s significance has been further acknowledged through its designation as a National Commemorative Site in 2019.
