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Three-generation agency sold to another long-standing agency (7/26/24)By Marti Wells-SmithA well-known family owned and operated business in Fort Scott that has successfully operated for decades recently announced its decision to sell the agency, effective Aug. 1. Crain Insurance Agency will become a part of Atkins Insurance, transferring its assets and solid reputation to the agency that was personally chosen by owner John C. Crain...
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Voting information (7/26/24)By Jason E. SilversEarly voting for the Aug. 6 primary election begins Monday, July 29, according to information from Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins. The last day to register to vote was Wednesday, July 17. Early voting will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 2, from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 3, and from 8:30 a.m. to noon Monday, Aug. 5 in the Bourbon County Commission meeting room...
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County commission candidates quizzed during forum (7/26/24)By Jason E. SilversIncumbent Bourbon County Commissioners each face opposition as the Aug. 6 primary election nears ahead of the Nov. 5 general election. The three current commissioners and their opponents were given chances to voice their stances on local issues such as solar panel developments and taxes, and also weighed in on the responsibilities of commissioners and other matters during a Primary Election Forum Thursday evening at Fort Scott High School...
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Citizen asks for limited zoning in county (7/23/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County Commissioners on Monday learned more about a topic that has cropped up during discussions on solar panel developments – limited zoning. Commissioners have discussed zoning in recent months and have also been asked by citizens to consider adopting limited zoning as it relates to certain land uses. Commissioners have discussed both sides of the debate on solar panels, and heard from landowners who oppose the developments for various reasons...
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Voting machine issues, election budget addressed during commission meeting (7/23/24)By Jason E. SilversThe Bourbon County Clerk’s Office is working to address issues with voting machines as the Aug. 6 primary election draws near. During the July 15 Bourbon County Commission meeting, County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins discussed funding for elections and errors discovered with ballots not feeding properly into the machines. Hawkins responded to citizen questions regarding the election budget and problems with voting machines...
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Funding Memorial Hall repairs (7/19/24)By Jason E. SilversThe Fort Scott City Commission plans to revisit a discussion on the future of Memorial Hall, and how to fund repairs the nearly 100-year-old building. On Tuesday, commissioners discussed two proposals for repairs to stones on the facade of the building – each for a different scope of work – eventually voting to re-bid the work...
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County commissioners to begin trimming 2025 budget (7/19/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County Commissioners will look to trim some expenditures as they prepare to conduct work sessions on the 2025 budget. See Saturday's print or online edition for full story.
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City commission votes to re-bid repairs to Memorial Hall facade (7/16/24)By Jason E. SilversFort Scott City Commissioners considered two motions before eventually voting to re-bid proposals for repairs to the facade of Memorial Hall. Commissioners and city staff discussed two bids the city received from local companies for stone work on the front of the nearly 100-year-old building. Crumbling stones on the building’s facade have become a safety concern in recent months...
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Federal money expected to help pay for county's storm damage repairs (7/16/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County officials received news Monday the county should get federal assistance to mitigate damage from late April storms and flooding. On Monday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster assistance is available to Kansas to supplement recovery efforts in areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that occurred April 25-30 in 12 Kansas counties. President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Kansas...
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Elizabeth Schafer (7/16/24)Elizabeth Schafer, 82, of Fort Scott, passed away Tuesday morning, July 16, 2024, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City. Arrangements will be announced by the Konantz Cheney funeral home.
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Southwind District 4-H Livestock Judging Team earns international title (7/12/24)Submitted to the TribuneIn August 2023, the Southwind Extension District 4-H Livestock Judging Team was the state champion. Fast forward to January, and the team clinched the national championship. Now, the Southwind District announces these remarkable kids have earned the title of International Champions...
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FSCC board approves intent to exceed revenue neutral rate for 2025 (7/12/24)By Jason E. SilversThe Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees voted unanimously during a brief special meeting Thursday to exceed the revenue neutral rate for the 2024-25 budget. The revenue neutral rate is the mill levy rate that would generate the exact same amount of property tax revenue as the previous year using the current tax year’s total assessed valuation...
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USD 234 board hears operations update (7/12/24)By Jason E. SilversThe USD 234 Board of Education Monday heard an update on business and district operations as preparations are made for a new school year. Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield updated the board on cross training and job descriptions within the district office. Mayfield also explained the processes for his position and how he plans to bring information to the board in the future...
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Long awaited Horton Street repairs now underway (7/9/24)Jason E. SilversWork began Monday on an approximately $2 million project to make improvements on Horton Street between Sixth and 18th streets, one of three large infrastructure improvement projects on the city’s slate in the coming years. On Monday, Heck & Wicker, Inc. of Parsons, the contractor for the project, began placing barricades in areas where work is to be completed. Water and sewer work will take place from Eighth to 18th street, according to Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin...
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City to ask county for more money for dispatch service (7/3/24)Jason E. SilversCity of Fort Scott officials on Tuesday discussed budgeting for the county’s dispatch center. During the Fort Scott City Commission meeting, City Manager Brad Matkin said he provided commissioners with paperwork and as the city and county are moving into budget season, he wanted to plan a discussion for financing dispatch, including a possible request for an increase in funding from the county...
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Commission continues to hear solar panel opposition, committee to review setbacks (7/2/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County Commissioners on June 24 heard from two residents on the topic of solar panels; retired longtime educator Kyle Parks, and county resident Sage Hall, who said there are plans for solar panels to be placed near his property. See Wednesday's print or online edition for full story...
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County agrees to commit funds to USD 235 ag building remodel (7/2/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County Commissioners have approved contributing funds to USD 235 in Uniontown for help with remodeling an aging agriculture building in the school district. On June 24, commissioners unanimously approved a motion by Commission Chairman Jim Harris to commit $50,000 each year for four years, starting in 2025, using funds from a contribution agreement the county adopted in late 2023 with Hinton Creek Solar LLC, to help with the building project...
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Care to Share organization receives $70K grant to purchase stage (7/2/24)By Jason E. SilversThe Care to Share cancer support organization wants to give back for all the sup- port it has received over the years. During Tuesday’ s Fort Scott City Commission meeting, Teresa Davenport, president of the organization’ s board and founder, and Cory Bryars, board member, spoke to commissioners about the organization...
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Commission talks tax incentives for downtown buildings (6/28/24)By Jason E. SilversFort Scott City Commissioners on June 18 discussed Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts. Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Director Robert Harrington said a RHID for the downtown area would fund “any upper-story living,” while the lower level must be commercial. The RHID would not pay for such items as appliances and furniture...
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Function of appraiser's office, process for valuations focus of Lunch and Learn (6/28/24)By Jason E. SilversResidents interested in knowing how properties are appraised and taxed got a chance to hear from the experts on Wednesday. The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a Lunch and Learn focusing on appraised values and property tax Wednesday afternoon at the Empress Event Center. ...
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Committee chosen to review seetbacks on solar panels (6/25/24)Jason E. SilversBourbon County Commissioners on Monday selected members of a committee designed to help the commission review setbacks for solar panel developments. As the commission works to find a compromise with citizens who have voiced several concerns with solar panel projects, seven people were chosen for the committee, which is expected to make recommendations to the commission regarding setback requirements for current and future solar developments. ...
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City commission approves properties for tax incentives (6/25/24)Jason E. SilversThe Fort Scott City Commission on June 18 discussed Reinvestment Housing Incentive Districts and approved creation of a RHID for three downtown buildings and one tract of private land in Fort Scott. “It’s a TIF (tax increment financing) for housing,” Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Director Robert Harrington said, adding a RHID will pay for streets, sewer, water and other infrastructure, as well as upper-story living in the downtown area. ...
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FSCC board talk financial goals (6/21/24)By Jason E. SilversThe Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees on Monday was updated on financial work underway with new administration in place. The board heard from the college’s new head finance administrator and Interim President Sara Sutton, discussed a financial committee and other goals...
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Farmers' Market vendors voice concerns to city commission (6/21/24)By Jason E. SilversDuring a discussion Tuesday on a proposed policy concerning the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market, Teri Hamilton, president of the organization, said she wanted to address the impact of the market being displaced for one weekend. Fort Scott City Commissioners and city staff discussed an ordinance allowing the market to have the “first rights of refusal” for any event using the Gathering Square Pavilion from 7 a.m. ...
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Students flourish with help from multiple groups (6/14/24)By Marti Wells-SmithThere is a special area at the Fort Scott Community Garden that is growing with the same care and attention that its student participants are experiencing. Several groups and organizations have banded together with the help of USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown to provide needed resources for Bourbon County schools, families and students in need...
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Local leaders provide updates (6/14/24)By Marti Wells-SmithThe Community Connection Panelist Luncheon took place Wednesday at the Empress Event Center in downtown Fort Scott. See Saturday's print or online edition for full story.
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Freeman to bring ER, hospital back to community (6/14/24)By Jason E. SilversAbout five years after losing its hospital, Fort Scott took a positive step in the realm of healthcare Thursday. During a news conference Thursday morning outside the former emergency department previously operated by Ascension Via Christi in the Legacy Health Foundation Building, Paula Baker, president and CEO of Freeman Health System, announced that Freeman plans to take over the emergency room and will also operate a 10-bed inpatient hospital in the former Mercy Hospital building. ...
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Freeman to bring ER, hospital to Fort Scott (6/13/24)Tribune Staff ReportDuring a news conference Thursday morning at the former emergency department in Fort Scott, Freeman Health System CEO Paula Baker announced the company plans to take over the emergency room and also add a 10-bed inpatient hospital at the Legacy Health Foundation Building, formerly Mercy Hospital...
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FSCC board approves personnel actions during special meeting (6/11/24)Tribune Staff ReportThe Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees approved personnel items during a special meeting Monday afternoon. See Wednesday's print or online edition for full story.
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Citizen group, commissioners speak on bill for lake project (6/11/24)By Jason E. SilversA citizen group opposed to a lake project in northwest Bourbon County turned out to voice concerns and get opinions from Bourbon County Commissioners during Monday’s commission meeting. Roxy Gregg, spokesperson for the group that opposes the proposed Pike Reservoir Project, presented commissioners with petitions from landowners against the project...
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Announcement on healthcare expected Thursday (6/11/24)By Jason E. SilversBourbon County officials said they anticipate an announcement soon regarding healthcare in the county. During Monday’s Bourbon County Commission meeting, Commissioner Clifton Beth said an announcement is “tentatively” planned for 10 a.m. Thursday at the Legacy Health Foundation Building, the former Mercy Hospital building located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd...
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County estimates damages from April storms to be $9.5 million (6/7/24)By Jason E. SilversThe Bourbon County Public Works Department received approval Monday from the Bourbon County Commission for equipment needed in the continuing process to clean-up following damages caused by late-April storms. Public Works Director Eric Bailey asked commissioners for permission to purchase another mini excavator to help with clean-up efforts. ...
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Planned solar panel project spurs debate on history (6/7/24)By Jason E. SilversCity officials were not in agreement Tuesday on a certificate of appropriateness involving installation of solar panels on a downtown business. During Tuesday’s Fort Scott City Commission meeting, commissioners and City Manager Brad Matkin discussed a certificate of appropriateness for Hole in the Wall Liquor, 124 E. Wall St. Although a motion to approve the certificate passed by a 3-2 vote, opinions differed on how Fort Scott’s history is defined...
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Candidates file for August Primary Election (6/4/24)Tribune Staff ReportEarly voting for the Aug. 6 primary election will begin July 29 at the Bourbon County Courthouse, according to County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins. Hawkins said the list of candidates is unofficial and will remain unofficial until June 17 due to “objections, availability of funds and review of qualifications of candidates” at the state level through the Secretary of State’s Office. The deadline for filing as a candidate was June 1...
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New city commissioner sworn into office (6/4/24)By Jason E. SilversTwo weeks after one Fort Scott City Commissioner served in her final meeting, a new commissioner was seated Tuesday night. Commissioners voted unanimously to select Kathryn Salsbury to replace former commissioner Melissa Guns. See Wednesday's print or online edition for full story...
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Discussion over property rights, solar farms continues (6/4/24)By Jason E. SilversCitizens continue to question Bourbon County Commissioners as county leaders and landowners work to find ways to come to an agreement on the issue of solar panel projects. See Wednesday's print or online edition for full story.
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Theodore "Ted" A. Rohde (6/4/24)Theodore "Ted" A. Rohde, age 94, of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024 at his residence, Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, with his beloved companion, Carla Farmer and his family by his side. Ted was born in Sioux City, Iowa, to Theodore Ludwig and Frieda Harrigfeld Rohde. ...
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School districts to receive funds through new state bill (5/31/24)By Jason E. SilversSchool districts in Fort Scott and Uniontown will receive additional funding through recently-passed state legislation that funds K-12 education. On May 15, Gov. Laura Kelly signed House Substitute for Senate Bill 387, which fully funds K-12 education for the sixth consecutive year and also invests dollars into fully funding special education, according to a news release...
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Fort Scott FFA team captures state championship (5/31/24)Tribune Staff ReportMANHATTAN – Fort Scott FFA chapter received first place for their performance in the Novice Parliamentary Procedure leadership development event during the 96th Kansas FFA Convention, May 29-31 on the campus of Kansas State University. See Saturday's print or online edition for full story...