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City commission talks options for engineering services (4/10/20)The Fort Scott City Commission on Tuesday discussed the need for a city engineering firm, as well as a separate charter ordinance dealing with filling vacancies in elected public offices. Director of Finance Susan Bancroft informed commissioners there are several grant opportunities the city can apply for, and city staff would like to accept requests for qualifications for a city engineering firm. ...
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Updated COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday, March 24 (3/24/20)The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Services has released the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Kansas.
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Finance director plans to resign (9/5/19)The Fort Scott City Commission learned Tuesday night that Rhonda Dunn, director of finance for the city since September 2018, plans to resign to pursue another opportunity. During his report to the commission, City Manager Dave Martin said Dunn is leaving her position and plans to work in a financial position for the E3 Ranch in Fort Scott...
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City recognizes Veterans Day effort (11/21/18)cognized individuals and groups involved with coordination of a Veterans Day weekend celebration in Fort Scott. During the Fort Scott City Commission meeting, Tourism Director Larry Gazaway presented certificates of recognition to several people for their efforts in planning and carrying out activities for the event, the first of its kind in Fort Scott...
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Smoke alarms installed in Red Cross campaign (6/8/18)The recent nationwide American Red Cross “Sound the Alarm, Save a Life” campaign included a successful volunteer effort in Fort Scott. Fort Scott Deputy Fire Chief Dave Bruner informed the Fort Scott City Commission Tuesday the Fort Scott campaign resulted in 314 smoke alarms being installed in 130 homes. The five-hour local campaign took place May 6 at Buck Run Community Center...
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Four to vie for First District seat in primary election (6/5/18)Four people will vie for the Bourbon County Commission First District seat in the August primary election. According to information from County Clerk Kendell Mason, the following candidates filed for the seat by the June 1 filing deadline: Lynne Oharah, a Republican from Uniontown; Clinton Walker, a Democrat from Mapleton; Matthew Crystal, a Republican from Fort Scott; and Robert Query, a Republican from Fort Scott...
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Priority bike, ped projects revealed (11/21/17)A group working with the local Healthy Bourbon County Action Team unveiled a list of priority projects in a bike and pedestrian plan for Fort Scott during a presentation Nov. 14 at City Hall. Abby St. George, a representative of the PedNet Coalition, a nonprofit based in Columbia, Mo., and Jody Hoener with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, spoke to a small group of people about a proposed plan to create improvement projects geared toward a healthier community. ...
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Special city commission meeting set (9/20/17)There will be a special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission at noon Thursday in the commission meeting room at City Hall, 123 S. Main St. The purpose of the meeting is to consider approval of a development and sale tax agreement with Briggs Auto. The meeting is open to the public...
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Commission approves rezoning (1/4/17)Concerns about the possible location of a dirt race track in Fort Scott were voiced during a Tuesday evening meeting of the Fort Scott Planning Commission. Several local residents filled the commission meeting room at City Hall to hear details on a proposal by a local company to locate a dirt race track on land south of Jayhawk and Liberty Bell Roads. ...
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City commission approves trial for UTVs on city streets (12/17/16)Fort Scott City Commissioners signed off Tuesday on a plan to allow UTVs, or utility task vehicles, on city streets for a trial basis. Fort Scott Police Chief Travis Shelton came before commissioners with a completed draft of an ordinance that will allow operation of UTVs on city streets. Commissioners approved the ordinance, which will take effect Jan. 1, for a 6-month trial and will review the ordinance again after that time period...
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Tech improvements on the horizon (7/8/16)The Fort Scott City Commission approved various information technology projects Tuesday that city officials said are designed to move the city forward, save money and provide other benefits. Director of Finance Jon Garrison presented information on four projects to commissioners -- one involving the city's phone system, another involving a fiber cable project and two dealing with city websites...
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Pool will close Aug. 17 as scheduled (7/8/16)Fort Scott City Commissioners on Tuesday discussed and approved a closing date for the Fort Scott Aquatic Center. At the request of commissioners during their June 21 meeting, Chasity Ware, manager of the pool, appeared before commissioners Tuesday to discuss the pool and a possible closing date...
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Commissioners hear students' proposals (2/5/16)Fort Scott High School students have some ideas for improvements in Fort Scott and they shared some proposals Tuesday with the Fort Scott City Commission. During the commission's regular meeting, two groups of FSHS students presented the results of projects students worked on throughout the semester. Amber Toth, debate and forensics teacher at FSHS, appeared with students who made the presentations...
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Western renovation to resume in coming weeks (6/5/15)The Fort Scott City Commission discussed topics ranging from downtown development to codes enforcement during their Tuesday meeting. Director of Economic Development Heather Griffith updated commissioners on various ongoing downtown projects, including renovation of the former Western building and expansion of the Lowell Milken Center. Griffith also provided commissioners with information on various financial incentive and assistance programs available to downtown property and business owners...
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Fort Scott City Commission meets, votes (6/2/15)The Fort Scott City Commission approved various items during their regular Tuesday meeting. Among things commissioners approved were a wrecker rotation policy for the city; an agreement with Professional Engineering Consultants for design and construction engineering services on the Safe Routes to School project; and a supplemental agreement No. 2 concerning preliminary engineering design services for the proposed U.S. Highway 69 expansion and widening project...
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Dogs will have a spot at Gunn Park (4/10/15)A proposed dog park in Fort Scott now has a home. The Fort Scott City Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved location of a three-acre fenced dog park on a piece of land inside Gunn Park. Commissioners discussed the dog park and also heard from project coordinator Martha Scott, who requested approval for the location and to explain the reasons she believes the dog park would be an asset to the community, "just like a skatepark or a ballpark."...
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Crays resigns; codes duties shifted (12/5/14)Brent Crays, the city's longtime codes manager, has announced his resignation from his post. Crays, who was served two stints as codes manager, said Thursday he has officially resigned and plans to pursue other endeavors where his skills may be used. He said he has "no animosity" with the city and the decision to resign was a difficult one to make...
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Martin gets extension, raise for 'superb job' (10/10/14)The Fort Scott City Commission voted Tuesday to extend the contract for its city administration and give him a raise. Before approving a new contract for Dave Martin, commissioners held a brief executive session to discuss non-elected personnel to protect their privacy...
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Students share ideas (5/7/14)A group of Fort Scott High School students shared their ideas for improving Fort Scott with the Fort Scott City Commission Tuesday evening. Six FSHS students -- Kristian Engle, Tim Higgins, Zach Wheeler, Akasha Boles, Emily Martin and Kim Ruhl -- presented ideas ranging from construction of a band shell at Gunn Park to repair of roads and sidewalks in certain areas in town. ...
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17 candidates to appear at forum (2/26/13)Candidates gunning for open seats on local school boards and the Fort Scott City Commission in April will share their views with the public during a candidate forum Tuesday, March 5, in the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center auditorium, 2108 S. Horton...
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Obsolete airport equipment removed from service (2/20/13)The Fort Scott City Commission approved moving forward with the decommissioning of an obsolete device at the Fort Scott Municipal Airport during their Tuesday night meeting. Commissioners approved a request from Airport Manager Kenny Howard to take the facility's non-directional beacon, or NDB, out of service since it is becoming obsolete due to global positioning system, or GPS, technology...
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Uniontown looks at accepting USDA grant/loan (2/12/13)UNIONTOWN -- Planning for water needs for the future of the town is on the agenda for tonight's Uniontown City Council meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. at Uniontown City Hall. The city council will consider accepting the U.S. Department of Agriculture grant and loan for the water improvement project they have been working on for the last year...
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GPT meets goal; service will continue (2/8/13)Through much assistance from the community, the General Public Transportation program has met its goal to keep the service running for the 2013-14 year. Members of the program's board of directors and other citizens have been working in recent weeks to raise about $9,000 for the GPT service, which is operated by Bourbon County Senior Citizens, Inc., a nonprofit organization...
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City approves CASA funding (2/6/13)Allocation of funds to the Bourbon County Court Appointed Special Advocate program was among a handful of items Fort Scott City Commissioners discussed during a brief meeting Tuesday evening. Bourbon County CASA Program Director Christa Horn thanked commissioners for the city's past support of the agency, which provides trained volunteers who advocate for children who have become involved in juvenile court proceedings as a result of abuse, neglect or divorce...
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West 18th first street to be 'rejuvinated' (11/2/12)The city of Fort Scott and PROSEAL will be preserving several of the streets that were recently asphalted in the city. Reclamite rejuvenator, a surface sealer that extends the life of the pavement for several years, will be applied to the streets. All affected property owners in the area will be notified with a door hanger on their front door...
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Brown feels time is right for career change (10/31/12)For Susan Brown, the time was right to make a career change, and she'll be returning to familiar territory. Brown, the current assistant city manager and director of finance for the city of Fort Scott, recently accepted a job as the new business manager and board clerk for USD 234. She will replace Tiffany Forester, who is leaving her post at the end of the semester...
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City officials happy with '13 budget (7/17/12)City officials said they are pleased with the proposed 2013 city budget, which includes a $6.4 million general fund and a plan to keep the mill levy flat. The Fort Scott City Commission and city staff got a glimpse of next year's budget during a recent work session at City Hall. Assistant City Manager Susan Brown said the work session was held so everyone "understands our priorities for next year" and are working toward the same goals...
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Economic Update (3/8/12)Greetings from Fort Scott City Hall. Each month I'm going to update you on the economic state of Fort Scott. I would like to begin my first column with a broad overview of the economic assets and challenges that Fort Scott faces. Among our assets, citizens of Fort Scott can count many strong local companies that are committed to doing business here. ...
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Commission discusses open government (10/1/10)With the help of the League of Kansas Municipalities, the Fort Scott City Commission got a lesson in the workings of city governments. Nathan Eberline, Intergovernmental Relations Associate with the League of Kansas Municipalities, met with the commission Thursday along with Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin, Assistant City Manager Susan Brown, and City Attorney Bob Farmer to discuss the benefits of having an open government...
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Commission gets updated on two community projects (9/21/10)The Fort Scott City Commissioners were updated on two local projects which are sure to improve the community. Nate Lyons, co-convener of the Fort Scott Skatepark Committee, was in attended Tuesday evening's meeting to discuss the future of the skatepark...
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City may opt for second opinion on shelter house repairs (9/20/10)A local landmark shelter's future will be discussed by the Fort Scott City Commission Tuesday evening. The repairs to Shelter House No. 1 at Gunn Park will be a topic of discussion at the meeting, more importantly the commission will decide what the next step should be in making improvements and reopening the popular shelter...
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New procedure to help City Commissioners: 'Timeline' to inform commissioners, public prior to final decisions (9/10/10)A new procedure will be used by the City of Fort Scott which is designed to help the Fort Scott City Commissions with their decision making. During Tuesday's commission meeting, Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin presented a timeline of events and history of research regarding the purchase and renovation of the new City Hall location. ...
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Airport expansion moving forward (9/7/10)With the next steps of the expansion of the Fort Scott Municipal Airport in the works, a new business may be coming as a result. Mike Waller, with Bucher, Willis & Ratliff, addressed the Fort Scott City Commission Tuesday evening and presented the next steps in the master plan development for the expansion of the Fort Scott Municipal Airport. ...
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Did the city buy a money pit? (9/3/10)Commissioners have mixed views on cost of City Hall renovations
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Community Improvement District could bring retailers to Fort Scott (4/23/10)Things could be looking up for the retail industry in Fort Scott if the city commission approves. The Fort Scott City Commission will be holding a public hearing on May 18 followed by a vote to create a Community Improvement District where the old Walmart -- currently Tractor Supply Company -- is located...
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Hedges to serve as mayor for 3rd time (4/22/10)Fort Scott City Commissioner Dick Hedges is once again the Mayor of Fort Scott. Following the annual election at Tuesday's meeting of the Fort Scott City Commissioners, Hedges has been elected by the commissioners to serve his final year on the commission as Mayor...
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City ready to close on new City Hall (4/13/10)The City of Fort Scott is one step closer to moving City Hall into its new location. According to Fort Scott City Manager Joe Turner, the city will be closing on the building located at 123 S. Main Street at 1 p.m. today to make the purchase official...
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Commissioners approve relocation of City Hall (4/1/10)By a unanimous decision, the Fort Scott City Commission approved the city's offer to purchase the building at 123 S. Main St. for the relocation of City Hall. "We've been talking about this for three or four years now and nothing has presented itself is as nice as this building ... we haven't seen anything close," Commissioner Jim Adams said during Tuesday evening's special meeting to discuss the purchase...
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City offices closed for Good Friday (3/31/10)Offices of the City of Fort Scott will be closed Friday in observance of Good Friday. Offices will reopen Monday.
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City Hall hopes it's found new home (3/29/10)After years of searching, the City of Fort Scott may have found a suitable location for a new City Hall. During a special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, at City Hall, 1 E. Third St., the commission will discuss the possibility of moving City Hall from it's current location in the basement of Memorial Hall to the former Social Rehabilitation Services building located at 123 S. Main St...
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Bonds approved for street, storm sewer improvements (3/18/10)During Tuesday evening's meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission, the approval was given to accept the low bid from Country Club Bank of Kansas City, Mo., for the purchase of the General Obligation Bonds which will fund several projects including the milling and overlaying of National Avenue from Wall Street to 6th Street, and Country Club Lane as well as improvements to the storm sewer near the intersection of 7th Street and National Avenue...
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Commission approves purchase of dispatch server (3/16/10)With the server that runs the county-wide dispatch computer being out of service five separate times within four days last week, Fort Scott Police Chief Ron Puterbaugh approached the Fort Scott City Commission Tuesday evening with a request to purchase a new server...
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Neighborhood residents polled on armory use (3/11/10)A request by Fort Scott City Commissioner Sam Mason has lead the Fort Scott Police Department and Fort Scott Community College to information gathering mode. Fort Scott Police Chief Ron Puterbaugh and FSCC President Clayton Tatro took different approaches in getting feedback from the residents neighboring the armory. The goal of the information gathering was to get the resident's opinion on what they would like to see as a new addition to their neighborhood...
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Armory not likely location for City Hall (3/9/10)Multiple factors have put the possibility of moving Fort Scott City Hall to the armory on hold. Fort Scott City Manager Joe Turner said during Tuesday's work session of the Fort Scott City Commission that the discussions of moving both the Fort Scott Police Department and city hall to the armory have been put on hold...
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Armory becomes city property (3/2/10)The opening of Tuesday evening's meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission began with a closing. Kansas Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Todd Bunting, other members of the Kansas Army National Guard, city commissioners and staff, and several local residents turned out to witness the official closing of the National Guard Armory in Fort Scott. ...
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Shelter House No. 1 closed (2/25/10)Recent findings at Gunn Park have left Shelter House No. 1 closed until further notice. Professional Engineering Consultants, P.A., recently released a letter to the City of Fort Scott reporting findings of structural cracking along with horizontal and vertical displacement in the shelter house which is believed to have been built in the 1930s...
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City, county have different views of Kansas Senate Bill 405 (2/23/10)Fort Scott and Bourbon County officials have opposing views on Kansas Senate Bill No. 405 which would change the way governing bodies publish legal notices. Introduced into the Committee on Ways and Means on Jan. 21, the bill was created to help relieve some of the financial burden some cities and counties face across the state concerning the publishing of legal notices in the newspaper by offering the alternative to post notices on the city's, county's, or school district's Web site...
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Refill (2/17/10)
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$400K housing rehab grant discussed (2/17/10)The future of the former Kansas National Guard Armory building was not the only item on the agenda Tuesday night for the Fort Scott City Commission. Laura Moore, of the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission, was at the meeting to get the city's approval of the agreement with the Kansas Department of Commerce regarding a grant which would provide $400,000 for housing rehabilitation in Fort Scott...
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FSPD, FSCC ... who will get the armory? (2/16/10)The Fort Scott City Commission has a tough decision to make as two local agencies express their interest in the former Kansas National Guard Armory building. Fort Scott Community College President Clayton Tatro and Fort Scott Police Chief Ron Puterbaugh each made their case in front of the commission Tuesday evening as to why they would be the best fit for the armory, which is now vacant and will be under the city's ownership by the end of the month...
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FSCC expresses interest in armory (2/16/10)As the Fort Scott City Commission prepares for the first public meeting on the future of the Kansas National Guard Armory, another interested organization has entered the picture. Fort Scott Community College President Clayton Tatro will be presenting the college's proposal to turn the vacant building into the Fort Scott Community College Occupational Center, a consolidation of three occupational programs in one building...
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Water line project to begin Tuesday (2/11/10)The final step in completing a loop of 12-inch water lines in downtown Fort Scott will begin Tuesday. The existing water line running from Wall Street to Second Street on National Avenue as well as the water main running from Main Street to National Avenue on First Street will be replaced with work beginning Tuesday with the work being done by city crews...
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Armory could solve FSPD space issue (2/5/10)The Fort Scott Police Department publicly announced Thursday it's interested in moving into the Kansas National Guard Armory. According to Fort Scott Chief of Police Ron Puterbaugh, the Kansas National Guard Armory, which now sits vacant at 2301 S. Horton St., is a natural fit for the Fort Scott Police Department...
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City work crews to install new water mains (2/3/10)City Crews will be getting their hands dirty as the Fort Scott City Commission decided to use in-house labor for infrastructure improvements. Fort Scott Public Works Director addressed the commission Tuesday night about the consideration of bids to purchase materials and install a 12-inch water main on National Avenue from Wall Street to Second Street and on First Street from National Avenue to Main Street. ...
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Future of former Armory still up in air (1/26/10)As the Kansas National Guard Armory sits empty after a statewide consolidation effort, many are left wondering what will happen to the building. In a letter to Fort Scott Mayor Gary Bukowski, the Kansas Adjutant General's Department stated that the property, located at 2301 S. Horton St., will return to the City of Fort Scott...
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Grant money available for sewer system at Lake Fort Scott (1/26/10)A sewer system at Lake Fort Scott is one step closer to becoming a reality. After three years of trying the Bourbon County Commission and the Bourbon County Sewer District No. 1 has been informed that the Kansas Department of Commerce will be funding a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $500,000 for the construction of a sanitary sewer system at Lake Fort Scott...
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2009 ends better than expected for City's budget (1/21/10)The City of Fort Scott has some positive financial momentum as they enter 2010. Fort Scott City Manager Joe Turner announced during Tuesday's meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission that the amount of cash carryover into the 2010 budget was more than double what was expected. According to Fort Scott Director of Finance Susan Brown, the city estimated a carryover of $250,000, however through department cutbacks, the city was able to carryover nearly $565,000 into 2010...
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Surplus sale makes impact (1/21/10)Many items sell for more than city's estimate in online auction
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City tables parking request (1/20/10)A downtown parking issue was tabled at the Fort Scott City Commission meeting. Justin Meeks was present at Tuesday's meeting on behalf of Jim Smith, owner of the Smoker Building located on Main Street. He presented a proposal to the commission which requested that two of the 27 parking spaces in the parking lot located at the corner of Main and First streets be reserved for the employees of Edward Jones who is currently leasing the building...
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Damage uncovered as snow melts (1/19/10)As the snow continues to melt away and the amount of damage increases, funding assistance is being made available. The Kansas Department of Emergency Management and Federal Emergency Management Agency will have representatives in Bourbon County Wednesday to meet with public agencies regarding damages sustained during the recent winter storms. ...
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Top 10 stories of 2009 (1/8/10)Throughout 2009, the Fort Scott Tribune covered a wide range of events. From the passing of local icons to the community coming together for a common cause, The Tribune was there to tell the story. The staff of The Tribune has put together these summaries of the top 10 stories of 2009 in Fort Scott and Bourbon County....
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Fort Scott awarded $400,000 housing rehabilitation grant (1/8/10)Homes in the northeast portion of Fort Scott could be getting some needed improvements. Fort Scott was one of three Kansas communities to be awarded funding for housing rehabilitation projects through the Kansas Department of Commerce. In his letter to Mayor Bukowski, Governor Mark Parkinson said, "Congratulations! I am pleased to award the City of Fort Scott a grant for $400,000 through the Kansas Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program for its Housing Rehabilitation project."...
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Commission discusses 2010 street, sidewalk improvements (1/6/10)The 2010 Street and Sidewalk Improvement Program has not yet begun but is already seeing changes. Fort Scott City Manager Joe Turner addressed the Fort Scott City Commission Tuesday night to discuss a change of plans for the program which began in 2009 and will run through 2013 to make improvements to the streets and sidewalk in Fort Scott...
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FSPD receives two grants (12/17/09)With the finishing of some final paperwork, the Fort Scott Police Department will receive nearly $75,000 in grant money. During Tuesday evening's Fort Scott City Commission meeting, commissioners accepted a grant from the Kansas Wireless Enhanced 911 Advisory Board in the amount of $50,709. According to FSPD Chief Ron Puterbaugh, the money will be used to upgrade the department's current computers and telephone equipment that are used to help determine the origin of emergency calls...
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City to sell surplus through online auction (12/16/09)The Fort Scott City Commission approved a contract with Purple Wave Auction, Inc. for the sale of about $94,000 worth of surplus equipment during Tuesday evening meeting at City Hall. Equipment up for auction will include the asphalt plant, lawn mowers, seven cars and trucks, as well as several larger tractors and other equipment with a total estimated value of $93,685. ...
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Water, sewer rates to increase by 10 percent (12/1/09)The Fort Scott City Commission unanimously approved to increase the water and sewer rates by 10 percent each. The ordinances which were approved Tuesday evening came as a result of a work session held by the commission last month. Water and sewer rates were not the only items on the agenda as the commission also discussed the recent deterioration of the street and storm drainage near the intersection of Eighth and Main streets. ...
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Thanks for serving (11/27/09)
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Finance Director answers questions concerning sewer rate increases (11/24/09)Editor's Note: The following was submitted by the Fort Scott Director of Finance Susan Brown to explain the reason for a potential 10 percent increase in water and sewer rates. On Dec. 1, 2009, the Fort Scott City Commission will vote on whether or not to increase water and sewer rates by 10 percent. ...
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Area Holiday Closings (11/24/09)USD 234 and USD 235 schools, as well as the Fort Scott Community College campus, will be closed Wednesday-Friday for Thanksgiving vacation. Classes will resume on Monday, Nov. 30. City of Fort Scott offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday in observance of Thanksgiving. The offices will be open again on Monday, Nov. 30. The city's brush dump site will also be closed on Thursday but will be open Saturday...
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HR position eliminated; Turner says he's staying (11/20/09)The decision has been made: The City of Fort Scott will no longer operate with a director of human resources. Fort Scott City Manager Joe Turner announced Friday that everything was finalized in the process of eliminating the director of human resources position from the city staff...
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Johnson says he's out as HR director (11/18/09)Turner states decision has not been made; e-mail from Johnson gives Nov. 27 as final day on job
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Easement approved for wall repairs at National Cemetery (11/18/09)The Fort Scott City Commission gave the okay to work on the wall surrounding the Fort Scott National Cemetery. Dan Montana of Decatur Construction approached the commission Tuesday evening to obtain a 15-foot easement on a parcel of land owned by the city which neighbors the Fort Scott National Cemetery...
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Water, sewer rates to increase (11/13/09)After a 14 years without increasing water and sewer rates, the City of Fort Scott is now feeling the burden. As a result of a work session held by the Fort Scott City Commission Thursday night residents can anticipate an 10 percent increase in both their water and sewer rates...
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City, County offices closed Veterans Day (11/10/09)The City of Fort Scott offices will be closed on Wednesday in observance of Veterans Day as will the Bourbon County Courthouse and transfer station. All will reopen Thursday for normal business.
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City seeks to control utilities budget (11/3/09)The Fort Scott City Commission has started the process of controlling the utilities budget. Fort Scott Director of Finance Susan Brown approached the commission during Tuesday evening's meeting to present an ordinance which would put a cap on Volumetric Rebates as well as set a date in which requests must be submitted. The ordinance was submitted for it's first reading...
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Wall Street work finally underway (10/30/09)Four months after it's original starting date, the Wall Street resurfacing project has finally begun. The project, which will include a two-inch milling of the asphalt on Wall Street from Scott Avenue to Steen Street and subsequent overlay of fresh asphalt, was originally scheduled to begin at the beginning of July but was delayed because of funding issues and weather delays...
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No decision made on HR issue (10/30/09)On Sept. 15, Fort Scott Human Resources Director Bob Johnson's job was put in jeopardy when the Fort Scott City Commission voted 3-2 to instruct Fort Scott City Manager Joe Turner to eliminate the Human Resources Director position. For the time being, however, Johnson is still employed by they city while Turner continues to evaluate the situation and make a decision which Turner said could come as early as two weeks or as late as 30 days...
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2010 Transient Guest Tax applications available (10/22/09)Transient Guest Tax Investment applications for 2010 are now available. According to Becky Tourtillott, Chair of the Transient Guest Tax Committee, said the five-percent tax is money paid by visitors who spent the night at a local hotel or bed and breakfast...
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Local hotels, motels don't want guest tax increase (10/20/09)Though short and sweet, Tuesday's Fort Scott City Commission meeting was not unproductive. With only three of the five commissioners in attendance, the commission took on two agenda items with the first being the Transient Guest Tax and the other a waiver of the fireworks ordinance for Friday's Fort Scott High School football game...
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Guest tax comes under review (10/20/09)The Fort Scott City Commission will discuss a possible increase of the Transient Guest Tax at Tuesday's regular meeting. According to a letter from the Transient Guest Tax Committee to the commission, their recommendation to not increase the tax from its current rate of five percent was based on an understanding that the city's budget has been cut...
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Water causes damage to Gunn Park, E. First Street (10/14/09)The Fort Scott Public Works Department has closed a section of Gunn Park Wednesday by shelter houses No. 6 and No. 7 and by the old golf course. According to Public Works Director Eric Bailey, the closure is a result of recent damage caused by water tunneling under the ground causing a large hole in the ground with the danger of more collapsing. ...
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City asked to reconsider equipment sale (10/6/09)The Fort Scott City Commissioners heard the comments of two citizens during Tuesday evening meeting at City Hall. The first citizen to appear before the commission was former city commissioner John Keating who spoke on the issue of selling the asphalt equipment. Keating said he was speaking on behalf of the people who are doing the asphalt work for the city and who want to continue to do the work...
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City Commission holds 45-minute executive session; nothing announced (9/29/09)
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Skatepark another step closer to reaility (9/23/09)With the City of Fort Scott and USD 234 coming to an agreement, the Fort Scott Skatepark Committee is one major step closer to their goal. Earlier this month an agreement was reached between the City of Fort Scott and USD 234 for the trade of two parcels of land on Scott Avenue to be the future location of the Fort Scott Skatepark. USD 234 will trade it's bus lot property with the city's neighboring lot which is currently empty...
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Johnson, Turner decline comment on HR position cut (9/18/09)Both Fort Scott City Manager Joe Turner and Human Resources Director Robert Johnson remain tight-lipped regarding the Fort Scott City Commission's request to eliminate the position which Johnson has held for more than 15 years. "I don't have any comments," Turner said...
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Commission asks to eliminate Human Resources Director (9/15/09)On the same night that Fort Scott City Commissioners recognized seven employees for their service to the city, one employee's future is now in limbo. The mood in the room during Tuesday evening's meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission quickly turned somber when Commissioner Jean Parker made a motion to instruct Fort Scott City Manager Joe Turner to eliminate the Fort Scott Human Resources Director position currently held by Robert Johnson...
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Access, parking restrictions for Rockin' and Ropin' event (9/15/09)With the Ropin' & Rockin' for Pennies for the Park event getting closer, the Fort Scott City Commission approved a host of street closures and parking restrictions during Tuesday's meeting. Youth Activities Team Co-convener Clayton Tatro approached the commission for permission to close streets surrounding the Bourbon County Fairgrounds and regulate the parking in the area as well...
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Seven honored at City Commission meeting (9/15/09)Each year the City of Fort Scott honors the dedication of its long serving employees. This year Tom Coffman, Fort Scott Public Works Fleet Maintenance Supervisor, was honored for his 10 years of service. In addition, Fort Scott Fire Department Lt. Dave Bruner and Johnny Keating were honored for their 15 years of service. ...
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City Commission work session Tuesday night (9/2/09)There will be a work session of the Fort Scott City Commission at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the City Commission meeting room. This work session will be held to meet with the AquaVision Committee.
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Commission reviews ordinances to clean up city (9/2/09)Garbage was on the agenda at Tuesday evening's Fort Scott City Commission meeting as two ordinance amendments were up for discussion. The first of the amendments was in regards to those who haul garbage. Fort Scott Codes Administrator Amanda Proffitt said the amendment spells out more specific requirements in which a vehicle must meet during an inspection to receive a license to haul garbage...
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Review of trash collection ordinances on city agenda (9/1/09)Fort Scott City Commission looks to revise two ordinances during Tuesday evening's meeting at 6 p.m. in the Commission Room at City Hall, 1 E. 3rd St. The commissioners will have the first reading of an amendment to the ordinance providing for regulation of private garbage collection service in which they will look at the following changes:...
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City, county have concerns about sewer system at Lake Fort Scott (8/28/09)Discussions are underway as Bourbon County Commissioners and Fort Scott City Commissioners talk about concerns with a sewer system at Lake Fort Scott. Both commissions agreed that a sewer system is needed at the lake, however the city commissioners had some concerns. ...
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Past decisions factor into city budget cuts (8/20/09)In 2007, according to Fort Scott Director of Finance Susan Brown, the city reduced the mill levy by 1.6 mills. That year, the city was the only tax levying entity to cut its mill levy. Brown said they decided to cut to give the citizens a tax break as valuations had increased. Because of this decision, Brown said they city is now having to spend its cash reserves at a rapid rate...
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Commission passes 2010 budget by just one vote (8/18/09)The City of Fort Scott's 2010 budget was passed Tuesday night, but it was not a unanimous decision. The budget passed by a 3-2 vote with a 2.5 mill levy increase bringing the total levy to 47.502 mills. Property taxes for a home valued at $50,000 will increase $14.28 and a house valued at $100,000 will increase by $28.57...
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City Commissioner quorum could be present at Riverfront Authority meeting (8/13/09)Diane Clay, Fort Scott City Clerk, released an announcement earlier this week that more than a majority of a quorum of the Fort Scott City Commission may attend the Fort Scott/Bourbon County Riverfront Authority meeting scheduled for Monday on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton...
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Trolley to stay in budget ... for now (8/12/09)After a lengthy discussion Monday night, Dolly the Trolley should be remaining in the City of Fort Scott's 2010 Budget. The Fort Scott Commissioners met Monday evening to make a few last minute crunches to prevent a tax increase. The big topic of discussion was whether to cut Dolly the Trolley from the city's budget...
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City Commission to have work session Monday (8/6/09)The Fort Scott City Commission will hold a work session at 6 p.m. Monday in the City Commission meeting room. The session will be held to discuss the 2010 budget.
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City reapplies for development grant (8/6/09)After being declined for having too much dilapidation, the City of Fort Scott is reapplying for which could improve a local neighborhood. The city will be reapplying for a Community Development Block Grant for housing rehabilitation and demolition in an area bounded on the north by the south side of Pine Street, on the south by the north side of Wall Street, on the east by the west side of Caldwell Street, and on the west by the east side of Barbee Street...
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Commission moves closer to finalizing budget (8/5/09)As the deadline draws near, the Fort Scott City Commissioners discussed the budget Tuesday night. The issue on the agenda for Tuesday night's commission meeting was to publish the budget and schedule a public hearing for its approval however the discussion quickly moved toward making more cuts...
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FSPD applies for enhanced 911 grant (7/31/09)The Fort Scott Police Department could receive a much needed technology boost in the near future. FSPD officials recently applied for a $50,710 Kansas Wireless Enhanced 911 grant in order to complete needed upgrades to the department's computers and telephone equipment that are used to help FSPD staff determine the origin of emergency calls...