The Fort Scott Tribune: 7 Shocking Ways This 159-Year-Old Paper Stays Relevant In 2025
The Fort Scott Tribune, a cornerstone of journalism in Southeast Kansas, continues to serve as the definitive source of local news, public notices, and community updates as of December 22, 2025. This venerable publication, with a history stretching back over a century and a half, remains vital by focusing intensely on the micro-level issues that truly impact the residents of Fort Scott and the wider Bourbon County area. Its current bi-weekly print schedule, supplemented by a dynamic online presence, ensures that critical information—from city commission meetings to the latest developments at Fort Scott Community College—reaches its dedicated readership.
The newspaper’s longevity is a testament to its commitment to transparency and local accountability, navigating the dramatic shifts in media consumption better than many of its peers. Recent coverage, including the complex litigation with solar developers and crucial budget hearings for 2025, highlights its essential role in documenting the civic life of the region. For anyone seeking a deep dive into the pulse of this historic Kansas city, the Tribune is an indispensable resource.
The Fort Scott Tribune: A Biographical Profile of Fort Scott's Media Pillar
The history of The Fort Scott Tribune is interwoven with the growth of Fort Scott, Kansas, itself, representing one of the oldest continuous journalistic enterprises in the state. The paper has evolved through several iterations and names, solidifying its status as the primary voice for Bourbon County.
- Founding Year: The paper traces its lineage back to 1866, a time of intense post-Civil War development in Kansas.
- Original Founder: The original publication was established by local entrepreneur and journalist John H. McGinnis. McGinnis’s vision was to provide a robust news source for the burgeoning community.
- Key Historical Date: The title *Daily Fort Scott Tribune* is often formally dated to 1884, published by the Banner Pub. Co., marking a significant milestone in its daily operation.
- Current Ownership: Since 2004, the newspaper has been owned by Rust Communications MOKS LLC, a media group known for its focus on community newspapers across the Midwest.
- Publication Schedule: The paper is currently published bi-weekly, specifically on Wednesday and Saturdays.
- Physical Address: The main office is located at 22 N. Main, Fort Scott, KS, 66701.
- Notable Figures: Dick Hedges, a beloved local figure, has contributed a weekly column to the *Tribune* for over 50 years, providing a continuous thread of community connection and historical perspective. Lorie Harter is another key name associated with the publication in recent public notices.
- Circulation: The reported circulation is approximately 1,457.
The Latest 2025 Updates: Bourbon County Politics, FSCC, and Local Law
The *Tribune*'s editorial focus remains squarely on the hyper-local issues that define daily life in Fort Scott and the surrounding Bourbon County area. The most recent reporting illustrates the paper’s commitment to covering government transparency and community development.
One of the most significant ongoing stories in 2025 involves the Bourbon County Commissioners. The paper has been the primary source of information detailing the approved resolutions and new agreements designed to end litigation with solar developers. This complex legal and environmental issue has been a major point of contention and public interest, requiring the *Tribune* to provide clear, consistent updates on the commission’s actions and budgetary implications.
Furthermore, the newspaper actively covers developments at Fort Scott Community College (FSCC), often referred to as "The People's College." Recent articles have highlighted the successful launch and new location of the college’s program dedicated to training John Deere technicians. This focus on workforce development and educational initiatives underscores the paper’s role in promoting local economic growth and opportunity.
In terms of public safety, the *Tribune* maintains a vigilant watch over Law Enforcement activities. Recent coverage includes reports on arrests following domestic incidents involving a handgun and ongoing investigations by Fort Scott Fire Chief Dave Bruner into the cause of local blazes. The continuous publication of public notices, including details on tax sales and budget hearings scheduled for late 2024 and 2025, ensures that citizens are fully informed about government processes and financial decisions.
7 Ways The Tribune Maintains Topical Authority in a Digital Age
For a small-town newspaper to survive and thrive for over 150 years, it must evolve. *The Fort Scott Tribune* has successfully leveraged its deep community roots to maintain its authority, even against the backdrop of national news cycles and digital distractions. Its strategy is built on a handful of core principles that resonate deeply with the Bourbon County readership.
- Unrivaled Public Notice Coverage: The paper is the official and most reliable source for Kansas Public Notices, including tax sales, budget hearings, and legal announcements. This function is non-negotiable for civic life.
- Deep Dive into Commission Meetings: Unlike national outlets, the *Tribune* provides granular detail on the actions of the Bourbon County Commissioners and the City of Fort Scott City Commission, covering everything from zoning to infrastructure projects.
- Focus on Education and Workforce: By spotlighting programs like the John Deere technician training at FSCC, the paper connects directly with the future economic health of the region.
- Historical Continuity: Long-standing features, such as the column by Dick Hedges, provide a crucial sense of continuity and historical context, connecting current events to the past of Fort Scott.
- Comprehensive Local Records: The paper publishes extensive obituaries and records, making it an essential resource for families and genealogists in the area.
- Integration of Local Entities: The *Tribune* consistently mentions and reports on essential local entities like the Y.M.C.A., the Fort Scott Monitor (a historical competitor), and the local operations of companies like Rust Communications.
- Documenting Infrastructure and Development: The paper has historically covered major infrastructure projects, from the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis Railroad to modern-day solar development, solidifying its role as the region's historical chronicler.
The Fort Scott Tribune’s Enduring Legacy in Southeast Kansas
The story of *The Fort Scott Tribune* is more than just a newspaper’s history; it is the documented history of Fort Scott and Bourbon County itself. From its founding in the turbulent post-Civil War era by John H. McGinnis to its current role as a publication under Rust Communications, the paper has provided a vital service.
The bi-weekly publication schedule—every Wednesday and Saturday—ensures that the print edition remains a highly-anticipated event for many locals, while the online platform offers continuous updates on breaking news, weather conditions, and law enforcement reports. Its dedication to covering local government, including the ongoing solar developer negotiations and the 2025 Budget Hearing schedules, proves that the need for trusted, local journalism is as strong as ever. The *Tribune* remains an essential civic anchor, upholding the tradition of community-focused reporting in Southeast Kansas.
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