News

The Fort Scott City Commission on Tuesday got a glimpse of what a new redevelopment project will look like and what it could mean for economic development. Several individuals involved with the proposed $9.4 million project to redevelop the 39,500-square-foot building at 2322 S. Main St., the former Woods Supermarket, and other nearby property, were on hand to present details on the project to commissioners. The project encompasses about five acres of property...

Jo Ho, a storyteller from Overland Park, performs for youth during a story time event Friday at the Beaux Arts Centre. Ho, who has a theatre background, said she designs stories for children in the 2-11 age group. She is touring libraries in the Southeast Kansas library system throughout the summer. ...

The future of a dilapidated structure on Main Street was debated at Tuesday’s meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission. Codes Manager Rhonda Dunn informed commissioners that a piece of property at 417 S. Main St., a two-story house, was up for discussion as two individuals present at the meeting are interested in saving the structure...

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission, two stores were announced as being part of a proposed upcoming redevelopment project in Fort Scott – Dunkin’ Donuts and Price Chopper. Joel Riggs, director of real estate for Super Market Developers, Inc., which is under Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc., and Barry Queen, principal with Queen Enterprises LLC, spoke to commissioners and city staff about the proposed $9.5 million redevelopment project at 2322 S. ...

People of all ages were able to show their artistic sides at a new event Saturday at the Fort Scott National Historic Site. The fort hosted a four-hour event called Art Day at the Fort, which featured area artists showcasing their talents in a variety of different art forms. The event is part of the year-long celebration of the site’s 175th anniversary and was presented in partnership with the Bourbon County Arts Council...

Area youth who participated in a camp of instruction Thursday and Friday were able to learn first-hand how soldiers lived life on a fort in the 1840s. Youth dressed in soldiers’ attire took part in marching, drills, weapons demonstrations and other activities during the 28-hour camp...

As construction continues at the new Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, officials are making plans to host the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Coffee on July 6. By that time, contractors are hoping to have some of the finish work completed. Commissioners attended a monthly progress meeting at the construction site Tuesday...

Jayden Witt and his new friend, Bingo, a 2-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, are in the process of creating a bond while the 6-year-old Jayden and his family deal with the child’s autism. Jayden’s parents, Matt and Cherie Witt of Fort Scott, got the service dog a few months ago as they searched for help for Jayden, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at 2 years of age. Jayden and Bingo have spent that time getting to know each other...

Today is Flag Day, the 240th anniversary of the adoption of the Stars and Stripes by the Continental Congress in 1777. Flag Day was official established by a proclamation from President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916, but it did not become a national holiday until President Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress on Aug. 3, 1949. The idea of celebrating the flag is credited to school teacher BJ Cigrand in Fredonia, Wisc., in 1885, according to usflag.org...

USD 234 officials discussed student data and growth, as well as educational opportunities available through Fort Scott Community College, with the USD 234 Board of Education on Monday. Curriculum Director Nicki Traul, who continues to work with teachers and instructional coaches across the district to develop and align curriculum districtwide, shared some math and reading test data from the fall and spring semesters of the 2016-17 school year...

The Monday night meeting of Uniontown USD 235 Board of Education signified a change in administration and the board. Board Member Lynne Oharah announced he would vacate his position on the board effective Tuesday. “The reason is, I have two letters in my possession issued by the attorney general in prior years that basically states that if you hold two positions that have taxing authority, that means that you are in a conflict of interest,” Oharah said...

Daylilies in bloom are scattered along an area near the west lake at Gunn Park.

Fort Scott Fire Department firefighter Travis Mewhinney, left, and FSFD Lt. Clint Roberts test a fire hydrant on North Main Street Wednesday afternoon. Roberts said there are about 500 hydrants within the city tested annually by the fire department. The test includes checking the hydrant’s water flow and pressure...

Tourism Manager Larry Gazaway appeared before Fort Scott City Commissioners Tuesday with requests for approval to form a new city tourism advisory board. Commissioners approved separate motions for an ordinance establishing a tourism advisory board and listing the members of the panel...

With another year of the annual Good Ol’ Days street festival in the books, organizers are taking a last look at last weekend’s event before looking to the future. “I thought it was a great weekend,” Good Ol’ Days board member Rhonda Dunn said. “I think it was one of the best in a long time. I saw a lot of smiling faces and that’s a good indicator.”...

Representatives of the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office and Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center once again approached the Bourbon County Commission regarding a need for more staff and pay. Sheriff Bill Martin, Undersheriff Ben Cole and SEKRCC Major Bobby Reed appeared before commissioners Tuesday to voice some concerns...

Youngsters on a float for 4-State Sanitation spray bubbles from plastic toys during the 36th annual Good Ol’ Days parade Friday evening in downtown Fort Scott. It was announced that it was the largest parade in the history of the Good Ol’ Days street festival. There were about 70 entries in the parade, which had a theme of “The Great Outdoors.” The parade and other activities kicked off the Good Ol’ Days, which continues through today...

The filings are in for the November election and according to Bourbon County Clerk Kendell Mason, there will not be a need for a primary election Aug. 1. The deadline to file as a candidate for the fall city and school election was June 1. Mason said the election includes all of the cities in Bourbon County, Fort Scott Community College, the Southwind Extension District, USD 234 and USD 235 school districts...

Bourbon County Commissioners have made some decisions moving forward following the recent resignation of Environmental Services Coordinator Eric Bailey. At the commission’s May 23 meeting, Bailey, who has served in his position about four years, offered his resignation. ...

Boy Scout Cody Dean, Troop 114, leads attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance at a Memorial Day service Monday at the Fort Scott National Cemetery. The ceremony, which was organized by the American Legion, included music, speeches, placing the wreath by the Gold Star Mothers and a volley from the VFW...

This is the first – and could be the last – year the Bourbon County Treasurer’s Office has collected an additional fee to those renewing their vehicle tags in person. Beginning with the 2017 budget, following an idea Treasurer Rhonda Dunn presented to commissioners in 2016, people who renew their tags at the treasurer’s office are charged an additional $3 fee. Those who mail their renewals or renew online are not charged the fee...

Birthday cake and iced tea were served as part of events commemorating the 175th anniversary of the establishment of Fort Scott by the U.S. Army. May 30 is the official date for the founding of the fort post.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Saturday rescinded a boil water advisory for the city of Fort Scott.

A small group of local veterans helps out in big ways and recently recieved recognition for their service. On March 22, five members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1165 honor guard performed their duties at an unscheduled military service at the Fort Scott National Cemetery...

About 12 members of the Fort Scott High School National Honor Society at the high school helped cemetery staff and other volunteers plant about 5,800 flags near each grave site in preparation for Memorial Day services Monday.

Early Friday morning, city workers fixed a water line that broke Thursday afternoon near Eighth and Burke streets. Also on Friday, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a boil water advisory for the public water supply in Fort Scott.

Fort Scott High School senior Emily Adams shares a laugh with retiring counselor Patty Smilie, left, and retiring teacher Lisa Ward as the FSHS commencement ceremony begins. As is tradition, teachers lined the track at Frary Field to greet and say goodbye to the seniors as they made their way to their seats...

The Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees had to reconsider options Monday night when bids it sought for financing the relocation of the John Deere Program to Fort Scott and refinancing the current energy lease didn’t produce expected results...

A former employee of the Community Christian Church in Fort Scott has been charged with alleged sex crimes that took place in 2009. On Friday, May 12, the Norman Police Department in Cleveland County, Oklahoma, arrested 35-year-old Joseph Wayne Banker on a Bourbon County arrest warrant charging Banker with one count each of electronic solicitation and sexual battery, and two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, according to a news release from the Fort Scott Police Department...

Fort Scott High School teacher Lisa Ward received a last-day-of-school surprise. Ward, who is retiring this year, is a longtime business and finance instructor at the high school. During a faculty meeting Tuesday afternoon in the school’s commons area, Ward was honored as a 2017 Kansas Distinguished Financial Educator. Several FSHS faculty members and administrators were present for the recognition...

Area emergency personnel spoke to students Friday at the Fort Scott Middle School as part of a safety program.

Bourbon County Commissioners on Tuesday discussed emergency preparedness following storms and flooding throughout the county April 29-30. Following a 10-minute executive session for non-elected personnel that included Emergency Manager William Wallis, Commission Chairman Lynne Oharah said commissioners have recently been discussing declarations of disaster for Bourbon County after storm and flood damages...

Plans are shaping up to revitalize a dilapidated downtown building. Following a public hearing at Tuesday’s meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission, commissioners approved resolutions regarding a project to rehabilitate a building at 124 E. Wall St., that formerly housed the Spoiled Brat salon. The building has been braced with precautionary supports on the east wall since 2013...

The 36 members of the Uniontown High School Class of 2017 received their diplomas Saturday at the West Bourbon Elementary gym. The afternoon began with a baccalaureate service held at 1 p.m. The message was given by Uniontown First Baptist Church Pastor Marty Dewitt...

Bourbon County Commissioners on Tuesday learned of a proposal for a new home for the Mercy EMS department. Fort Scott Deputy Fire Chief Dave Bruner and Mercy EMS Manager Danny Hall spoke to commissioners regarding a proposal to move the Mercy EMS department from the emergency room at the hospital to the Fort Scott Fire Department station one at 1604 S. National Ave...

Fort Scott City Commissioners on Tuesday approved several measures to make water and sewer improvements. Director of Public Utilities Michael Mix reported the booster pump station located at Fort Scott Community College is in need of an update. Mix said the station is a “crucial installation” which serves the city’s south water tower and the entire high-pressure side of the city’s potable water distribution system...

Larry Mewhinney of Fort Scott checks out an antique Friday at the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Swap Meet at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds. Mewhinney said he searches for items and collectibles to determine what the piece is for resale at auction. The 10th annual Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Swap Meet, which takes place today as well, features a flea market and garage sale items, antique gas engines and related parts, antique auto parts, farm tractors, equipment and related parts and accessories, as well as literature, books and manuals.. ...

The USD 235 Board of Education approved an insurance bid and bids for equipment and other district needs at the board’s May 8 meeting. After discussion and information from Tim Travis representing Billiard, Hammer and Hartman Insurance in Fort Scott, the board later in the meeting unanimously approved a motion to approve the quote of $77,910 from the company for property, casualty and workers compensation insurance for the 2017-18 school year...

At a special meeting Tuesday, the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees discussed options with refinancing the college’s lease with Chevron Energy Management. Trustees approved allowing competitive bidding on May 22 of securities to refinance the college’s 2006 lease with the company for the college’s environmental system, FSCC President Alysia Johnston said...

COLBY — Fort Scott Community College’s baseball team defeated Colby in 11 innings here Sunday to win a first-round Region VI Tournament first-round series 2-1 and advance to bracket play this weekend at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in Wichita. Fort Scott (37-22), which finished fifth in the Jayhawk Conference-Eastern Division, was the only road team to win a first-round series, although a few others were also taken to a third game...

Morgan Carr and her grandpa, who served as her escort, smile for a photo at the walk-in for the 2017 Fort Scott High School Prom Saturday night at Fort Scott Middle School.

Attendees socialize Saturday during opening day of the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market in Skubitz Plaza. The opening day also featured a Bourbon County Garden Club plant sale. The market is open from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through October...

USD 234 officials plan to sell some surplus district items at auction next month. At Monday’s USD 234 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Bob Beckham discussed auctions planned for June 13 and June 27. “The goal is what staff doesn’t claim or is sold, it will be disposed,” he said...

The Bourbon County Commissioners on Tuesday held off on making a decision on two requests from Public Works Director Jim Harris. For several weeks, Harris has spoken to the commissioners about updating the county’s longevity policy and on May 2, he asked about creating permanent barricades – similar to railroad crossing arms – on roads that are prone to flooding...

Winfield Scott School were treated Friday to a trip to the Fort Scott Community College Arnold Arena to learn about rodeo. FSCC Assistant Rodeo Coach Cali Griffin talked to students about the rodeo program. Students were treated to rodeo demonstrations by several FSCC rodeo team members. The trip was a reward for first graders in Linda Minor’s class who completed the Ready, Set Read challenge this school year. Students had to read 30 books on their own at home during a 10-week period...

Watershed structures located throughout the region likely helped reduce the effects of flooding following constant and sometimes heavy rainfall across Bourbon County the weekend of April 29-30. Frank Young, an engineer who works with two area watershed districts, explained the purpose of the Marmaton Watershed District No. 102 and the Mill Creek Watershed District No. 98, as well as structures, more commonly known as dams, that were built to help alleviate flooding concerns...

Area farmers and producers could see some effects of flooding that resulted from a deluge that hit Bourbon County last weekend. Not only did parks and roadways become flooded due to rising rivers and streams, but fields received their share of rainfall on April 29 that caused flooding concerns on April 30...

Heavy rains that fell over Bourbon County Saturday caused rivers and streams to leave their banks, flooding fields, parks and roadways on Sunday. Some portions of the county received 6 or more inches of rain, while other areas received less, according to Bourbon County Emergency Manager William Wallis...

For some, Sunday’s flooding along the Marmaton River brought back memories of the 100-year flood of 1986. The 1986 flood was documented in a special Oct. 3-4 edition of The Tribune, which was a combined Friday-Saturday edition due to the flooding. The Tribune reported the National Weather Service stated the Marmaton River had reached a flood stage of 47 feet, was still rising and expected to crest at 48 feet that evening. ...

The Fort Scott High School debate and forensics team has 13 qualifiers for national competition – the most in the school’s history. Students who have qualified for national competition this summer following a district tournament last weekend include Darby Toth, Zach Humble, Joe Adams, Mark Adams, Alex Gorman, Isabella Provence, Rebekah Sweyko, Brooklyn Lyons, Madi Toth, Emma Faith Humble, Elizabeth Ngatia, Seth Cross and Chloe Studyvin, according to Amber Toth, debate coach at the high school...