Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

SPRING TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALE IN FORT SCOTT – LAST CHANCE TO GET YOUR SALE ON THE MAP

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Spring Town-wide Garage Sale on May 1st and 2nd. The community is encouraged to register their garage sales listed on the official map for a fee of $12. Businesses and organizations can also purchase display ads on the map for $35 for a business card size ad, with limited space available.

The deadline for registration is 1pm on Tuesday, April 28th. Copies of the official garage sale map will be available at the Chamber office and local stores starting on Thursday, April 30th  at 12pm. The map can also be found on the Chamber website and Facebook page.

For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566.

Area News

CFSEK 25th Anniversary Story Series: “What Have We Got to Lose?”

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The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026. This is the third part of CFSEK’s new story series honoring the 25-year history of the organization, while also looking ahead to the next 25 years of positive impact in Southeast Kansas.

To learn more about the founding of the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK), you have to hear from the people that were involved in and around the founding. Lynda Wilkinson is one such person. Lynda, previously President of the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce, was among a small group of community leaders contacted by the Kansas Health Foundation with a challenge opportunity.

“In early 2001, we were contacted because we were identified as a city that had a strong community leadership program through our chamber of commerce,” Wilkinson said. “They were looking for communities with strong community leadership to help them establish a community foundation for the benefit of those communities. Our challenge was simple: raise $300,000, and that would be matched by the Kansas Health Foundation to help our new community foundation become self-sustaining within a few years.”

After some initial discussion, a leadership team was convened to discuss options. “That initial group was so important,” Wilkinson said. “We needed a clear vision, and that’s what our team offered.” There was concern about how to raise money and how to maintain momentum. As Lynda put it, “we were caught up in the logistics of it. Then Rita (Bicknell) said, ‘What have we got to lose?’ And the rest was history!”

Later, in 2006, the foundation’s assets were nearing $7 million, and so the idea of the “7 by 7” campaign began! “I walked around with a 7 Up can, talking to everyone about our goal and the foundation’s work,” Wilkinson said. “By the end of the campaign, everyone in the community knew our goal of reaching $7 million in assets, and we accomplished it thanks to community involvement. I think that’s the story of CFSEK, setting a goal, and then having really dedicated people and incredible donors to help get us to that next level. It’s like a game!”

When asked how she feels about 25 years of impact in Southeast Kansas, Wilkinson said, “I can’t believe how fast the foundation has grown, and how quickly time has gone by! I remember worrying about getting $7 million, and now we are over $75 million in assets! I think that is a testament to how this community steps up when a cause is worth supporting. We just make it happen! I hope people understand that this is about leaving a legacy from the community today to benefit our future, because community foundations are forever.”

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2.8 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $28 million in total granting to Southeast Kansas since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with various charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. The Columbus Area, Fort Scott Area, and Girard Area Community Foundations are affiliates of CFSEK. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.

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U.S. Senator Roger Marshall Weekly Press Overview, April 20-24, 2026

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Senator Marshall Joins Major Anti-Fraud Package to Protect Kansans’ Taxpayer Dollars

 

This week, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Senate colleagues in introducing the Protecting American Taxpayers Act, a comprehensive anti-fraud legislation package designed to recover stolen funds, protect taxpayer dollars, and crack down on fraudsters exploiting federal programs. The package is projected to save taxpayers $240 billion.

 

The Protecting American Taxpayers Act includes 17 bipartisan proposals focused on three core goals: recovering wasteful funds, protecting taxpayer dollars, and stopping fraudsters while holding them accountable. This includes Senator Marshall’s WALZ Act, which would help prevent fraud by requiring payments to be made as reimbursements only after services have been provided—closing loopholes that have allowed billions in taxpayer dollars to be stolen. The legislation comes after the widespread fraud in Minnesota and beyond exposed the fact that $1.4 billion is stolen from taxpayers each day.

 

Click here to learn more.

 

Senator Marshall Joins Wichita Small Business Roundtable Highlighting Capital Access & Tax Relief

 

Last Friday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined business and community leaders in Wichita for a small business roundtable hosted in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. The discussion focused on strengthening Kansas small businesses, expanding access to capital, supporting workforce development, and ensuring Main Street businesses have the tools they need to grow.

 

Senator Marshall thanked John Gonzales with the U.S. Chamber, Angie Elliott with the Wichita Chamber, and Michael Monteferrante and the Envision team for organizing and hosting the event. During the roundtable, Senator Marshall also highlighted Senate passage this week of his bipartisan Investing in All of America Act, legislation which will direct more private investment into rural communities, low-income areas, manufacturing, and critical technology sectors. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

 

Participants in the roundtable represented a broad range of Kansas industries, including manufacturing, technology, workforce development, aerospace, environmental services, hospitality, and construction.

 

 

Click here to learn more.

 

Senators Marshall Introduces Legislation to Bring Accuracy to CBO Budget Baselines

 

On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) introduced the No Bias in the Baseline Act, legislation that reforms the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) annual baseline to eliminate built-in fiscal distortions that have long skewed federal budget projections toward higher spending.

 

The CBO’s annual baseline projects federal spending and revenues over a ten-year window and serves as the benchmark against which the cost of all legislative proposals in the House and Senate is measured. Currently, CBO is required to incorporate a series of assumptions that distort the baseline.

 

“Kansas families don’t assume last year’s budget automatically carries over to this year. They make tough choices when the numbers don’t add up,” said Senator Marshall. “Congress should be held to the same standard. With our national debt exceeding $39 trillion, this bill brings accountability and honest budgeting back to Washington.”

 

Click here to learn more.

 

Senators Marshall Introduces Legislation to Expand Health Savings Accounts

On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), introduced the Health Savings Account (HSA) Expansion Act, legislation that would expand access to HSAs and give Americans more freedom and flexibility in how they pay for their healthcare.

“As a physician, I saw firsthand how confusing and expensive our health care system can be,” said Senator Marshall. “This legislation gives Americans more flexibility, more choice, and more control over how they manage their medical expenses. Health care decisions belong to patients and families — not Washington. This bill makes that real.”

The bill will expand HSA eligibility to people on Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP, allow a person to pay for their insurance premiums or health care sharing ministry expenses with HSA funds, and more.

Click here to learn more.

 

Senator Marshall: We Must Treat the Root Cause of Mental Health, Not Just Medicate It

On Monday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined a roundtable hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) focused on mental health and substance abuse care.

With more farmers dying of suicide each year than farm accidents, Senator Marshall emphasized the need to address the mental health crisis in farmers. He advocates for targeted solutions rather than just medication, highlighting the work of Kansas State Extension, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Corn, and farm credit institutions for helping identify individuals in crisis and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health treatment in rural communities. With the increase of behavioral health clinics embedded in primary care clinics, more rural Kansans are able to access mental health services than ever before.

Click here to learn more.

 

Senator Marshall: Trump Admin Has Done More for Rural Healthcare & Rural Economy Than Any Admin

 

Click here to learn more.

 

Senator Marshall: President Trump’s Maximum Pressure on Iran is Working.

 

Click HERE for the press release for Senator Marshall’s full interview.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Unapproved Minutes of April 14

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The Regular Council Meeting on April 14, 2026 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Amber Kelly, Mary Pemberton, Bradley Stewart and Kyle Knight at 7:30PM.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Joe George, Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson and City Clerk Haley Arnold.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Johnson presented the March 2026 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $221,034.39, Receipts $64,673.55, Transfers Out $12,899.25, Expenditures $23,766.67, Checking Account Closing Balance $249,042.02. Bank Statement Balance $249,478.14, including Checking Account Interest of $51.51, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $436.12, Reconciled Balance $249,042.02.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $43,462.65, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $24,422.45, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $50,955.80, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $367,882.92. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $143.98, and Utility CDs $693.91 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $837.89.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of March 2026, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  March Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.25; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, Gas Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $3,750.00; from Sewer Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $375.00; from Water Utility Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $2,000; from General Fund to Capital Improvement-Streets $3,750.00, for Total Transfers of $12,899.25.  Net income for the month of March $28,007.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $48,296.56.  Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $129,374.00 (49.0%), Expenditures $131,830.00 (21.5%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $36,100.00 (26.8%), Expenditures $42,698.00 (19.9%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $124,435.00 (26.1%), Expenditures $142,643.00 (14.0%); General Fund YTD Revenue $147,330.00 (34.8%), Expenditures $234,858.00 (12.9%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $7,290.00 (27.6%), Expenditures $11,191.00 (18%).  The April 2026 payables to date in the amount of $20,546.57.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Kelly, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of March 10, 2026 Regular Meeting
  • March Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & April Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

The Codes Enforcement Officer reported a violation at 202 4th Street for trash, debris, and an inoperable vehicle in the driveway.  A letter will be sent to the property owner.  Mayor Jurgensen reported he had spoken with the property owner at 101 Washington regarding the pool in the front yard; the property owner plans to remove it when weather permits.  The Council discussed an update on the property at 401 Sherman.  Overgrown grass was reported at 405 Hill. A letter will be sent to the property owner.

 

Superintendent Rich was questioned by Councilmember Kelly if the Biomist order had been received so fogging could begin. Superintendent Rich confirmed it had been received.

Clerk Arnold presented the KMGA estimated gas supply schedule to the Council.

Motion by Kelly, seconded by Steward, to approve the KMGA estimated gas supply schedule for May 2026 through April 2027. Motion approved 3–0.

 

The Council discussed placement of trees to be provided by Kiwanis. Possible locations include one tree at the pond near the school and additional trees in the park, depending on availability.  The Council reviewed and discussed the EMC 2026–2027 insurance renewal quote and coverage, including comparisons with the previous two years’ policy quotes and coverage.

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Knight – none

Councilwoman Kelly – none

Councilwoman Pemberton – none

Councilwoman Pritchett – absent

Councilman Stewart – none

Mayor Jurgensen – A request from a local food truck regarding setting up operations at the park.  Discussion included potential approval as well as costs associated with electrical hookup, including scenarios where no hookup would be required.

 

OLD BUSINESS

FEMA Flooding– Mayor Jurgensen was advised that Marbery Concrete Inc. plans to begin work when weather permits but has not yet started.  The City expects work to commence in the near future.

NEW BUSINESS

 

Moved by Kelly, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0, to adjourn at 7:40PM.

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Vetoes House Bill 2412

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed House Bill 2412.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2412:

“I concur with legislators who believe that citizen knowledge of and involvement in our democratic process at the local, state and federal level should be emphasized throughout our children’s educational journey. That knowledge would include an understanding that, in Kansas, the Kansas Board of Education is accorded constitutional authority to determine curricula. So, while I support the concept of Civics Education, its design and implementation should be dictated by state and local boards of education.

“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto House Bill 2412.”

Opinion

God’s Ways, Not Ours by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

My student’s step-mother died this past week. “Jon” had been excited about an experimental medical procedure that would save his mom’s life, but something went wrong. When Jon returned to class, I shared with him how sorry I was. “She was the kindest person I’ve ever known,” he said. “She never had a bad word to say about anyone. It’s hard to understand why she had to die when so many jerks don’t.”

Jon began sharing how much his mom loved Jesus and lived for him. We discussed how much better her life is now compared to when she was suffering with a heart defect, but we both understood the genuine hurt felt when someone so dear dies. Jon recently had back surgery, and his father will soon have a surgery in which his small intestine will become his stomach. Clearly, this family has been asked to endure much.

And then there is Diana, my wheelchair-bound friend who watched her husband choke to death when the restaurant employees apologized because they weren’t allowed to perform any medical procedure, Heimlich included. Her unmarried daughter was diagnosed with cancer and will begin chemotherapy and radiation treatments this week.

This same week, Becky, my longtime friend from Ohio, texted that her younger son had died from complications following surgery in which his pancreas and spleen were removed, even though they had gone to one of the finest hospitals in the country. Her older son passed away three years ago from cancer. Becky cannot make phone calls because she lost her hearing five years ago. I cannot even tell her verbally how I hurt for her and her husband.

Too much. Too much. Sometimes, challenges seem too much to bear.

God knows that. He sees us shake our fists at Him, scream for answers when there appear to be none and watch our faith be shaken. I wonder how many millions of times He has listened to our tantrums and wanted to tell us that His ways are not our ways, that this trial needs to grow us, to bring us closer to Him. Perhaps this is the first time we have been on our knees in years (well, since the last time we were overwhelmed). Perhaps this is so others can watch us endure in order to give them hope. Perhaps we won’t know the “why’s” until we meet God face-to-face.

No one enjoys suffering, yet James tells us to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials. This makes no sense. Why would anyone rejoice in hardship? The answer is found in what trials produce. They develop perseverance. They strengthen faith. They teach dependence on God. Without trials, our faith remains shallow. With them, it grows deep and unshakable.

Becky knows all about that. Her final words in her text were these: “God answered my nightly, ongoing prayers that he doesn’t suffer terribly with a long, painful ending.” She ended by repeating herself: “God answered my prayers.”

He always does, sometimes in ways we find difficult to understand.

Art, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village announces Art is Ageless® winners

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Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, Fort Scott.

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village is excited to announce the winners of its recent Art is Ageless® juried competition and exhibit.

 

“We’re honored that local seniors allowed us to exhibit and judge their wonderful works,” said Angela Carpenter, senior living sales specialist. “Art is Ageless is unique because it only features the works of artists who are 65 and over.”  Our artists prove it’s never too late to create art, in any form.

 

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village hosted a reception for the winning artists listed here:

 

Best of Show amateur: Ann Rawlins, “Forest Fire”

Best of Show professional: Paul Milks, “Kansas State Bird”

People’s Choice amateur: Ann Rawlins, “Forest Fire”

People’s Choice professional: Paul Milks, “Kansas State Bird”

Judge’s Choice amateur: Janet Tucker, Log Cabin Jacket and Purse”

Judge’s Choice professional: Tony Fornelli, “Two Bass and Lunch”

Christmas amateur: Judy Howser, “White Christmas”

Drawing amateur: Letha Johnson, “Peace Offering”

Fiber Arts amateur: Ruth Bahr, “Share and Share Alike”

Mixed Media/Crafts amateur: Bonnie Seifer, “Ugly Flamingo”

Mixed Media/Crafts professional: Mary Eastwood, “Bench Shoe Box”

Needlework amateur: Marie Wiley, “Puppy Towels”

Needlework professional: Charlotte Kite, “Apples on Shelf”

Painting amateur: Judy Howser, “Wake Up Call”

Painting professional: Tony Fornelli, “Home on the Range”

Photography amateur: Donna Lutes, “Country Sunset”

Photography professional: Paul Milks, “Kansas State Bird”

Quilting amateur: Janet Tucker, “Log Cabin Jacket and Purse”

Quilting professional: Carolyn Sadler, “Slices of My Life”

Sculpture/3-D professional: Bobbi Kemna, “Pocket Full of Prayers”

 

Local competition winners will join winners from 14 other PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) senior living communities to be judged at the masterpiece level. Winning entries at the masterpiece level are selected for publication in PMMA’s annual Art is Ageless calendar and note cards.

 

Art is Ageless is a copyrighted program of PMMA®.  For the competition, works must have been completed in the past five years.  Started in 1980, Art is Ageless is an extension of PMMA’s wellness programs, which focus on mental, physical, social, and spiritual health.  The program encourages Fort Scott Presbyterian Village residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition.

 

For more information about Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, contact Angela Carpenter, senior living sales specialist, at 620-223-5550, or [email protected].

 

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Bourbon County Local News