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Hospital equipment testing to move forward (10/18/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County Commissioners on Tuesday approved agreements for testing of medical equipment to be used at the new health care facility to be operated by Freeman Health Systems. See Saturday's print or online edition for full story.
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City, college, school district report during Community Connection luncheon (10/18/24)By Jason E. SilversCommunity members heard updates from repre-sentatives of three taxing entities during a Community Connection Panelist Luncheon Wednesday afternoon at the Empress Event Center. See Saturday's print or online edition for full story.
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Historic military vehicle convoy rolls through Fort Scott (10/15/24)By Marti Wells-SmithA unique convoy sponsored by the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) made its way to Fort Scott on Saturday, Oct. 12, arriving at the Gathering Square Pavilion. See Wednesday's print or online edition for full story.
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City commission approves agreements with Freeman for ER, hospital (10/15/24)By Jason E. SilversFreeman Health System’s plans to bring health care services to Fort Scott and Bourbon County moved a step forward after action Tuesday night by the Fort Scott City Commission.
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Burn ban issued for Bourbon County (10/15/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County Commissioners voted to put a burn ban in place during their Tuesday morning meeting. See Wednesday's print or online edition for full story.
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Roller, Schofield receive Learning Tree award (10/11/24)By Tammy HelmTwo people who have played key roles for the Gordon Parks Museum and the Gordon Parks Celebration were honored during the 21st annual Gordon Parks Celebration Tribute Dinner held Saturday, Oct. 5. The 2024 Learning Tree Award was presented to Arnold Schofield and posthumously to Daryl Roller. ...
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County prepared for FEMA flood recovery assessment (10/11/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County is preparing for an assessment by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on countywide damages from storms and flooding in late April. See Saturday's print or online edition for full story.
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Plans being finalized for emergency room/hospital in Fort Scott (10/8/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County officials reported Monday that efforts to secure Freeman Health System’s plans to bring health care to the county are being finalized. Bourbon County Commissioners Jim Harris and Brandon Whisenhunt amended the meeting agenda to allow County Counselor Justin Meeks to speak on the topic of health care in the county. Commissioner Clifton Beth was not present for the commission’s second straight meeting within a week...
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And the Gordon Parks Weapons of Choice Award winners are ... (10/8/24)By Marti Wells-SmithGuests gathered from near and far to enjoy the annual Gordon Parks Celebration held at Fort Scott Community College and other local destinations on Oct. 3-6 The event was sponsored by the Gordon Parks Museum and a host of local, area and national supporters...
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Harris becomes county's health care liaison; working to finalize deal with Freeman (10/4/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County Commissioners on Friday morning took action to address concerns with equipment needed to finalize plans to bring health care to the county. During a special meeting, Commissioners Jim Harris and Brandon Whisenhunt took action following a 5-minute executive session to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, and Harris answered citizen questions. Commissioner Clifton Beth was not present...
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Disaster averted as students evacuated before bus burns (10/4/24)By Jason E. SilversUSD 234 staff and students were able to avert disaster during an incident in which a bus caught fire north of Fort Scott Thursday afternoon. See Saturday's print or online edition for full story.
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County commissioners agree on setbacks for solar developments (10/1/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County Commissioners on Monday agreed on a recommendation for setback requirements for solar developments the commission signed agreements with in late 2023. Commissioners approved a motion by Commissioner Clifton Beth to allow Chairman Jim Harris to meet with a representative of NextEra Energy Resources to renegotiate setbacks for existing contracts for solar developments in the southwest part of the county. ...
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Downtown building owners working toward repairs (10/1/24)By Jason E. SilversFort Scott City Commissioners on Tuesday extended the timeline for the owners of a building at 118 E. Wall St., and requested additional documentation before proceeding with condemnation. Commissioners unanimously approved Commissioner Matthew Wells’ motion to extend the timeline to Oct. 15, but also request the building owners provide two pieces of documentation – a timeline for the work and a structural engineer’s report...
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City commission condemns building, but owners have time to make repairs (9/27/24)By Jason E. SilversPrior to voting to proceed with condemnation and repair of a building at 118 E. Wall St., and setting a timeline for the building owners to commence repairs, Fort Scott City Commissioners on Tuesday discussed their options. Commissioner Tim VanHoecke asked City Attorney Bob Farmer how the city can proceed if the building owners have hired a contractor, and the city moves forward with the condemnation process but does not own the building...
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FSCC community forum continues under new leadership (9/27/24)By Jason E. SilversDuring a community forum Wednesday evening, Fort Scott Community College officials discussed new leadership and other changes at the college as it makes plans for the future. During the first forum of the fall semester, FSCC administrators provided updates on topics that included an upcoming reaffirmation visit and the Students Services department. Interim FSCC President Sara Sutton gave other updates and fielded some questions from community members...
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Commission puts timeline on building repairs (9/24/24)By Jason E. SilversFort Scott City Commissioners have put a timeline in place for the owners of a downtown building to provide requested information to the commission before the city proceeds with condemnation of the building. During a special meeting and public hearing Tuesday, commissioners unanimously approved a motion by Commissioner Dyllon Olson to proceed with condemnation and order repair of a building at 118 E. ...
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FSCC trustees approve agreement for faculty (9/24/24)By Jason E. SilversThe Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees has approved terms for the 2024-25 negotiated agreement between FSCC and members of the Fort Scott College Association of Professional Employees (FS-CAPE.) FS-CAPE, the negotiating group on behalf of college faculty, had previously ratified the terms of an agreement between the group and FSCC administration, leaving approval by the board of trustees Monday as the last step in implementing the terms for the current academic year...
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Becoming a U.S. citizen (9/24/24)By Marti Wells-SmithOn Friday, Sept. 20, immigrants from around the world assembled at the Fort Scott Historic Site to become naturalized citizens of the United States of America. There were 195 men and women present, which is the largest number in the local ceremony’s history. The new citizens originated from 55 countries, with each of them residing in Kansas as legal immigrants prior to making the decision to gain citizenship...
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POW/MIA Recognition Day (9/20/24)By Tammy HelmThe flags that were set out Friday at the U.S. National Cemetery in recognition of National POW/MIA Recognition Day included the addition of POW/MIA flags. See Saturday's print or online edition for full story.
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Wall Street closed as fate of building teeters (9/20/24)By Jason E. SilversA portion of Wall Street has been closed to traffic as city officials prepare for a public hearing Tuesday regarding the future of a building at 118 E. Wall St. On Tuesday, Fort Scott City Commissioners directed City Manager Brad Matkin to close Wall Street from Scott Avenue to Main Street due to concerns with the safety of the Fort Scott Barber Shop building...
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Senator questions need for county to exceed revenue neutral rate for budget (9/17/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County Commissioners on Monday heard thoughts from the state level before voting to approve a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate and formally adopt the 2025 budget. During public hearings, commissioners heard from Kansas District 12 Sen. ...
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Fort Scott police investigating Wednesday altercation (9/13/24)Tribune Staff ReportThe Fort Scott Police Department is investigating an altercation involving a knife at a Fort Scott residence early Wednesday morning. See Saturday's print or online edition for full story.
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KDWP drawing down water level at Bourbon State Fishing Lake (9/13/24)The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is in the middle of a process that could provide a benefit for anglers. KDWP District Fisheries Biologist Don George said Thursday the annual “fall water level draw down” began Tuesday at Bourbon State Fishing Lake, a 103-acre state fishing lake located four miles east of Elsmore near the Bourbon-Allen county line. George said the lake is sometimes referred to as “Bourbon Allen Lake” or “Elsmore Lake.”...
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City commissioners, downtown building owners discuss status of building (9/13/24)Fort Scott City Commissioners have requested documentation from the owners of a building at 118 E. Wall St., prior to making any decision regarding the building, which officials said has structural issues and has become hazardous. During a special meeting Monday evening, commissioners discussed a timeline of work done on the building, as well as its issues and work needed to be completed, with the building owners, Jose and Mayra Montanez. ...
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Author, librarian tell their stories during Aging Forward program (9/10/24)By Marti Wells-SmithTwo compelling women presented their personal and professional stories to the Aging Forward gathering held Aug. 23 at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott. See Wednesday's print or online edition for full story.
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Meeks to resign to be Linn County Attorney (9/10/24)By Jason E. SilversAlthough it is not yet official, Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks plans to resign after 10 years in the position. Meeks, whose 10-year anniversary with the county is coming up Oct. 14, told the Tribune Tuesday he plans to give his official resignation letter to the Bourbon County Commission in late October...
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Vote to publish county budget not unanimous (9/3/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County Commissioners on Aug. 26 were not in total agreement on the county’s published budget, which includes a proposed estimated tax rate of 59.9 mills. Commissioners passed by a 2-1 vote a motion by Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt to publish the budget in The Fort Scott Tribune and conduct a public hearing on the budget at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, when the commission will consider final approval of the budget...
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City sets special meeting on downtown building (9/3/24)By Jason E. SilversThe Fort Scott City Commission plans to conduct a special meeting Monday to address the future of a deteriorating building which city officials have said has become a safety hazard. The commission agreed to meet at 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall to continue discussion on the building which houses the Fort Scott Barber Shop at 118 E. ...
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Crux appointed new county attorney, pending governor approval (8/30/24)Jason E. SilversThe Bourbon County Republican Central Committee chose a new county attorney during a meeting Thursday evening at the Fort Scott Livestock Market. Members of the committee unanimously picked James Crux, former Assistant Bourbon County Attorney who has served as Bourbon County attorney since Aug. 1, to fill the position after the recent resignation of former county attorney Tiana McElroy...
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Commission denies zoning request to accomodate mechanic’s shop (8/30/24)Jason E. SilversFort Scott City Commissioners on Aug. 20 denied a local resident’s request for a change in zoning that would have allowed construction of a mechanic’s shop. During a public hearing, commissioners discussed the request from Garrett Knight for a zoning change from residential to commercial at 223 N. Franklin St. The request was not recommended by the Fort Scott Planning Commission during that board’s July 24 meeting...
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County commission holds closed sessions regarding contract, internal investigation (8/30/24)By Jason E. SilversDuring a special meeting Friday morning, Bourbon County Commissioners took action following two separate executive sessions involving potential litigation. See the print or online edition of the Tribune for complete story.
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Fire department to host Stair Climb, 5K Walk Challenge (8/30/24)Jason E. SilversFort Scott Fire Chief Dave Bruner spoke to city commissioners on Aug. 20 about the first Memorial Stair Climb and 5K/Walk Challenge to take place Saturday, Sept. 7 at Fort Scott High School Frary Field. See the print or online edition of the Tribune for complete story...
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FSCC trustees approve budget that exceeds revenue neutral rate (8/27/24)By Jason E. SilversThe Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees on Monday signed off on the college’s 2024-25 budget, which will exceed the revenue neutral rate of 27.726 mills. The board approved a final budget that includes a mill levy of 29.950 mills for all funds, as well as a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate. There were no comments from the public during public hearings on the RNR and budget, and no discussion by the board on the budget...
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USD 234 in waiting mode on preschool project (8/27/24)By Jason E. SilversUSD 234 officials are waiting for plans to be developed by the architect and contractor for a new preschool center in a building located at 902 S. Horton St. USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown told the Tribune Aug. 7 officials are also waiting to determine funding available for the project, which would expand the district’s preschool services. ...
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Stop signs placed, removed on National intersections (8/27/24)By Jason E. SilversMotorists traveling on National Avenue in the downtown area Tuesday morning may have noticed a change in their route. On a social media post, Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin said the decision was made internally to lower the speed limit on a portion of National Avenue due to traffic concerns. He said there was also discussion about once again placing a stop sign at Second and National. The stop signs were removed later Tuesday...