Category Archives: Business

Amy Sawyer: New Small Business Advisor

Amy Sawyer from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Facebook page.

Amy Sawyer is the new  Small Business Advisor at Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center

The services she will be providing to the Fort Scott community:

  • Start Up – LLC & EIN registration
  • Loan & Grant Prep – Business Plan & Cash flow
  • Accounting – Quickbooks, Wave Accounting, Etc.
  • Sales Tax – Registering & Paying
  • Marketing & Sales
  • HR/Employees
  • Strategic Planning
  • Business Protection
  • Government Contracting
  • Exit Planning

“I started with the Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University in October,” Sawyer said. “I have spent the last three months alongside Dacia Clark learning my job duties, as well as learning about Fort Scott and what is important to Fort Scott. There are a lot of exciting things going on here, and I am so happy to be a part of it!”

“The best part of my new job at SBDC is that I get to help people all day long!” she said. ” I get to help people make their dreams come true. There are many services that we offer at the SBDC, and most of them are at no charge to the client. So, please reach out and see if we can help you, in any way. I am happy to visit with you at your business, as well! I look forward to meeting you!”

Her contact info: [email protected] 620-235-4921 or call the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is located at 104 N. National Avenue, Fort Scott.

Hours available in Fort Scott are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 am-4 pm.

Originally from Winfield, which has the same namesake as Ft. Scott, she noted, Pittsburg has been her home for over 20 years.

“I developed a love for downtown and community service while in high school,” she said in a press release. “Winfield was a Main Street town, and I had the opportunity to work on a project for the organization. My Mother has always been involved in the chamber and business community, so it was natural for me to make those things an important part of my professional career.”

She attended Pittsburg State University and majored in Communications and minored in Business Administration.

After college, she started a career with Names and Numbers telephone directories and worked there for 13 years.

“I had the opportunity to gain experience and grow as a leader,” she said. “I started as a Graphic Designer (I was not the best), but I quickly developed an interest in operations. I was blessed with leaders who saw my fire and intrigue, and they were gracious enough to invest in me. Ultimately, I was named Director of Production at Names and Numbers, and I really enjoyed the big picture and strategic side of the business, as well as the opportunity to grow other leaders.”

“For the last two years, I worked for the United States Senate. In that role, I did community outreach for an 11-county area in Southeast Kansas. This role allowed me to work with business and community leaders across the SEK region.”

She has been an active member of the Pittsburg Area Young Professionals for 10 years and was a past president; served on the Salvation Army Board of Advisors, Pittsburg Downtown Advisory Board (Past Chair), as well as Pittsburg Sunrise Rotary.

In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and spending time at Table Rock Lake.

 

 

110 South Main Cafe and Store Will Reopen February 6: New Distillery on the Horizon

 

Terry and Kathy Dancer. Stock photo.

The owners of Cohn’s Cafe and 110 South  Main Mercantile & Market closed for January 2024 to work on the south half of the building.

The former Scottish Rite Temple at 110 S. Main was repurposed by Tracy and Kathy Dancer. August 2023 photo. The south half of the building is on the left in this photo.
“We painted the old banquet hall, removed the old carpet, and we will also replace the ceiling tiles and update the light fixtures,” said Kathy Dancer, owner.
Submitted photo. This is the former Scottish Rite Banquet Hall.

The banquet hall, which was used by the Scottish Rite, is just on the other side of the cafe and is an area that has been closed off to customers in the past.

“The carpet has been removed, the walls have been repainted, and the ceiling has been removed and will be replaced this week,” she said. “The space will not be complete for the February 6th reopening, but it should be complete in early spring once we finish adding heating and air conditioning and complete some plumbing work in that portion of the building. Once HVAC is done, the retail store will move to that area.”

Submitted photo. This photo is of the upstairs theater lobby which is slated to open up to the public in the spring. It will be available for private events once complete.
Cohn’s Cafe and the retail store will reopen on Feb 6, with new hours and days.
The businesses will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with the kitchen closing at 2 p.m. each day. They have 11 employees
“We have added about a dozen new product lines to the retail store including Zum, Mountain Goat Soap Company, and Miners + Monroe Grooming,” Dancer said.  “These are all Kansas-produced items.  We are also restocking and expanding customer favorites such as Rural Pearl Art, Simply Delightful Popcorns, Frontier Soups, Two Southern Ladies, and Bath House Trading.”
Kansas products are offered in the mercantile. Submitted photo.
Submitted photo.
“In the cafe, we have added several breakfast items including a breakfast sandwich, a breakfast croissant, and French toast, ” she said. “We will also be serving a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich, a specialty burger with a Bourbon maple glaze, and several new desserts including a skillet cookie and chess pies, made from Kress Tea Room recipes.  We will still have quiche, crepes, and sandwiches from last year’s menu.”
The menu. Submitted photo.
The Kress Tea Room was a downtown Fort Scott staple for several years.
They are working on a third business in the building.
“We will continue working on the southern half of the building in the evenings and hope to have the micro-distillery licensed and operating by summer,” Dancer said.
Her husband, Tracy will operate the distillery. Tracy Dancer was newly elected to the Fort Scott City Commission.
Two of their children help out with the businesses.
“They work wherever needed in the kitchen, cafe, and store,” she said. “Katelyn, who is a senior at Fort Scott High School, does most of the baking. Her specialty is a scratch-made cheesecake. Andrew helps process new inventory.”
Contact info: phone number: 620-418-6209 or
Facebook: Cohn’s Cafe on Main

Bowman Purchases Geneva and Son Monument

The Bowman family. Submitted. Left to right: Miles Bowman, Dan Bowman Leah Bowman holding Blair Selvey, Emily Selvey and Colten Selvey.

Dan Bowman purchased the Geneva and Son Monument business in August 2023, from Kenny and RoAnn Blake, who owned the business for 24 years.

The new business is now called Bowman Monument Co. and Bowman has two employees, Emily Selvey, his daughter, and Colten Selvey, his son-in-law.

These monuments are just a small selection that the business offers. Submitted photo.

The products provided by this business are urns (for funeral cremation) memorials (headstones), grave markers,  monuments, and benches. The services offered are installation, resetting, and cleaning of headstones.

They recently created a bronze plaque that will be placed on the First Colored Infantry  Memorial Mural in downtown Fort Scott.

The bronze plaque will be placed on the historic mural in downtown Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

The location remains the same at 111 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott.  The phone number is 620.223.3350, the email address is [email protected].

Business hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday by appointment.

The business site of Bowman Monuments and also D and J Glass Company at 111 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

 

They are currently putting the final touches on a website, Bowman Monuments.com.

 

D and J Glass Company

These windows are custom to needs for housing, the door is a commercial storefront door. Submitted photo.

In addition, Bowman has housed his other business, D and J Glass at the 111 Scott Avenue site. Formerly the business was on State Street. He has been in the glass business for about eight years, he said.

“I sell new windows and do glass replacement for home and auto, and commercial,” Bowman said.

D and J Glass Company’s phone number is 620.223.1220.

 

Local Author Tanya Glessner Completes Second Book

Tanya Glessner. Submitted photo.
Local author, Tanya Glessner, has written her second book Stand Up Eight.
“The book has personal testimonies of everyday people who have experienced a personal relationship with God through trials of adversity,” she said. “Their stories offer hope, encouragement, and inspiration to all believers.”
The book title was taken from a Bible verse:  Proverbs 24:16 “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,” she said.
“No matter how many times we fall, we always get back up again.”
One may purchase Stand Up Eight on Amazon:
in paperback for $10 and on Kindle for $7.99.
Here is the link to purchase the book:
To view a prior story on Glessner:
*I plan on taking some books to Hedgehog Ink bookstore … mmid-February” she said. “I  also want to mention that Stephen Toal did the cover art.”
The book cover of Stand Up Eight by Tanya Glessner. Submitted graphic.
About the author:
Tanya Glessner was born in Kansas City.
She operates  Crooked Cactus Coffee Roasting Company with her husband from their home in Fort Scott.
She volunteers her time mentoring recovering addicts and men and women imprisoned.
Tanya says she finds joy in serving the Lord and also spending time with her grandchildren.

KS Department of Children and Families Office Building is Being Built at Wall and National Avenue

 

The Wall Street and National Avenue southwest lot is the new building site that will house the local Kansas Department Of Children and Families office.

A new building is being built at the corner of Wall Street and National Avenue for a local Kansas Department of Children and Families office, with a completion date in mid-summer 2024, according to the developer.

The building will be 13,649 square feet and will have the capacity for 40 employees, said the real estate developer Kendall Schoenrock. Schoenrock purchased the building in the summer of 2023.

The State of Kansas released a Request for Proposal for the project and “I answered that request and proposed the downtown site,” he said.” I proposed the site during the RFP process. That location was part of my bid and was selected by the state. We won the bid after proposing the site.”

“This project is very important for the State of Kansas, to retain jobs in Fort Scott,” Schoenrock said. “They could have moved the DCF to another community.”

This is a multi-million dollar investment into downtown Fort Scott, he said.

In addition, it will spur money for retail and restaurants in the downtown area.

“This project will get many people for downtown businesses,” he said. “They will eat downtown, shop downtown, etc.”

The demolition is being done by Skitch’s Hauling and Excavating, Inc.

After demolition, Schoenrock’s team will get to work,  putting the building on the south side of the lot, with parking on the north.

“I have rented a house in Fort Scott and will live there for a year,” he said. “I am bringing in my team.”

“Many (local) people helped make this happen,” he said. “Bailey Lyons with Lyons Realty Group, Rob Harrington with Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, and Brad Matkin and Matthew Wells, with the city.  And Arnold Scholfield with the Fort Scott Design Review Board provided good, solid feedback for the project.”

“They should be praised,” he said. “Fort Scott has been very supportive. I couldn’t have asked for more support from the city. That’s what is needed to spur development.”

“I have been impressed working with all these people- it’s a team effort,” he said. “They are appreciative of outside money coming to town. I always tried to be a good partner.”

Silverrock Venture is his family business and is based in Junction City. He is a commercial real estate developer.

Recently, he developed and now owns the Flint Hills Medical Home,  a 12,375-square-foot medical facility located in Junction City,  for the Department of Defense, according to his website.

More can be learned about the owner at his website: kendallschoenrock.com.

 

The old Downtowner Restaurant is currently being demolished to build a building that will house the local Kansas Department of Children and Families.

 

Jeff Armstrong: New Realtor in Fort Scott

 

Jeff Armstrong. Submitted photo.

Jeff Armstrong obtained his real estate license in the fall of 2021. and he joined  Front Door Real Estate in August of 2022.

“I look forward to assisting sellers/buyers through the quagmire of home real estate,” he said.  “Besides children, home ownership is one of the largest and possibly most stressful financial responsibilities for adults.  My purpose as a real estate agent is to work alongside the client to facilitate transactions, clarify areas of uncertainty, listen and identify the client’s needs/wants, and create an atmosphere of trust.”

“There are many high-quality realtors in Fort Scott, so I am constantly reading, listening, and learning to provide the exceptional service clients deserve,” he said.

My original purpose of getting my license revolved around owning and managing a piece of commercial real estate in town, however, like many short-term goals, I pivoted,” he said.
 “I run and operate a pressure washing business (Armstrong Pressure Washing) out of Fort Scott and did some work for Jared (Leek) back in early 2022,” he said.  “We were just talking and I mentioned I recently earned my real estate license and he graciously asked if I would have interest in joining Front Door.”
 “The wealth of knowledge and expertise at Front Door Real Estate made the decision simple,” he said.  “I am spoiled to be a part of such an amazing group of professionals.  Real estate transactions do demand a certain level of knowledge and problem-solving, but can be wasted without trust, integrity, and communication.  Much like any service profession, real estate is fueled by relationships.”
“Housing markets go up and down, but how we work for our clients supersedes those events and smooths out the rough times and enhances the joyous moments.”
When asked what his community involvement/hobbies/interests are:
As each day passes, I find that my faith in Jesus Christ becomes more and more important to me and all that I do should be done to glorify His holy name.  With kids in middle school and high school, most of my extra time revolves around them and their engagements.  I also own and operate my pressure washing business during the spring/summer/fall months.”
“I am supported and encouraged by my gorgeous wife Jamie and blessed with my two children, Kendal and Jax,” he said.  “My parents, Steve and Janet, provide me wisdom and encouragement even as an adult.”
Contact Info: 620-224-3036, [email protected], Facebook @jeffarmstrong-realtor, 113 S. Main Street

Bourbon County Community Outlook Conference Is January 31

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Bourbon County Regional

Economic Development…..

Bourbon County Community Outlook Conference!

Join Bourbon Area Business Professionals for an Economic Outlook Event!

Business and community leaders will talk about relevant economic issues that will impact local businesses and communities, including economic conditions, economic drivers for the state and regional economies, and general expectations over the coming months. Topics will include labor demand, costs, wages, manufacturing, and real estate. A local presenter will provide an in-depth analysis of the local economy.

Speakers:

State Outlook: Jeremy Hill, Director, Wichita State University CEDBR

Manufacturing Update:Craig Compton, Research Economist, Wichita State University CEDBR

Local Indicators: Jonathan Norris, Research Economist, Wichita State University, CEDBR

Local Update: Robert Harrington, Bourbon County REDI

Registration: $65.00/per person

Included in the price of the conference is a subscription to the CEDBR forecast booklets ($100 value), which are in-depth publications and reference guides on industry, regional, and state-wide economic conditions in Kansas:

Kansas Economic Trends (mailed in October), Kansas Economic Review (available at event), and Kansas Industry Drivers (mailed in May).

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

8am-10am

401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Contact 316.978.3225 for more information!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery New Offerings 2024

In 2020, Teri and Michael Hamilton moved from the Kansas City area to Fort Scott.

They had friends in the Fort Scott area and fell in love with Fort Scott, she said.

In 2022, Teri opened a new business, Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery.

To view  a prior story:New Bakery in Town: Hamilton’s Bakery

Last year, Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery opened preview subscriptions to a small group of people to test recipes, practice new techniques, and develop a menu, she said.
“We tested a new recipe each week, and our subscribers were able to give invaluable feedback to help us dial in our menu,” said Hamilton.
This year will be a few adjustments.
“Beginning in February, we’ll be testing new recipes each week, and offering a few different subscription choices. You can choose Sweet or Savory, or both!  They’ll still be available at weekly porch pick-ups, and we’d still love to get your feedback!” Hamilton said.
“We will be offering our Spring Sweet and Savory Subscriptions, with the first pick-up beginning February 3rd. Find all the details here. Be sure to browse around our new website and pre-order online to secure your spot!”
“Our Sweet Subscription will be a new treat every week. This is a subscription for those with a sweet tooth! Chocolate, berries, cream, and a decadent treat called ‘Bread is Gold’. We’ll be offering some treats that can’t be sold at the Farmer’s Market, so many of these will only be available here.”
“Our Savory Subscription will be a little more hearty and a little more health conscious. We’re excited to try new flours like rye and whole wheat as well as inclusions such as grains and seeds.”
You can also subscribe for both.
“Double Subscriptions are just that and will include both the sweet and savory offerings. So both dinner and dessert are covered!”
“Mini Subscriptions will have the same great taste in a more manageable size. We will offer mini versions of each of our weekly savory loaves, and just one or two servings of our sweet treats. You can choose Mini versions of each of our subscriptions: Mini Sweet, Mini Savory, or Mini Double.”
This year she will be offering baking parties for groups of 4-6 people, available February through April.
“These will be offered on a date that works for you and your group, here at our home/bakery OR at your home. Bread takes time, so plan on 3-4 hours here with your friends. You’ll get hands-on practice with making a loaf of your choice, we’ll bake a loaf to munch on, and you’ll leave with your own loaf to bake at home. These will be $35 per person, and will fill up fast, so contact us at [email protected] to get on the calendar!”
Teri Hamilton can be contacted at (816) 491-7884

Valentine’s Day Event at Blissful Aesthetics and The Beauty Lounge!

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

The Beauty Lounge and Blissful Aesthetics…..

Valentine’s Day Event at Blissful Aesthetics and The Beauty Lounge!

Join Blissful Aesthetics and The Beauty Lounge for their Botox & Brows special Brow and Botox

pricing event!

Place: Blissful Aesthetics & Wellness

4 South Main

Time: 12pm-3pm

Deposit is REQUIRED for this event, text or call 620.215.0305 to make reservations!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

All-Inclusive Valentines Day Evening! at the Artificers

All-Inclusive Valentines Day Evening!

Here at the studio we are offering everything you need this Valentines Day! Come in for our all inclusive night with our  “GHOST” class, and give your partner a silver screen experience!

WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF

WHEN SOMEONE SAYS WHEEL THROWING?

THAT STEAMY MOVIE SCENE WITH PATRICK & DEMI, RIGHT?!?

NOW’S YOUR CHANCE!  GRAB YOUR FAVORITE PATRICK OR DEMI

AND HAVE A VALENTINE’S EVENT THAT WILL GO DOWN IN THE BOOKS!

Bring your group of friends and enjoy a fun and romantic evening just for you guys! Your night will include heavy appetizers and desserts catered in by our local favorite crooners! Then enjoy a two hour wheel throwing class sitting across from your special someone! Do something extra special this year and take the worry out of planning this Valentine’s Day!

Call us at 913-574-7741 to reserve your evening!

Thanks for LOVING Local!

New Business: Country Club Kids Daycare

Jessie Combs. Submitted photo.
Jessie Combs, 27, opened her business, Country Club Kids Daycare in Fontana, KS in 2020. Then re-opened her business in Fort Scott when she moved here in October 2023.
She provides child daycare services for children ages six weeks to five years old, for Fort Scott families and the surrounding areas.

The business hours of operation are from 7 a.m . to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The daycare is located on South Broadway  Street in Fort Scott.

In her care currently are her three children and three daycare children (2 full-time, 1 part-time).

“I have 1 full-time and 1 part-time opening for toddlers (18 mos-5 yr),” she said.

She is the only employee and is licensed for up to 10 children.

To contact the business, email  [email protected]

Combs began the business initially to stay home with her own three children. “I enjoy being able to serve the community and working with children,” she said.

She graduated from K-State in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.
Following graduation she worked in scientific research, helping to characterize pharmaceuticals to prepare them for U.S. Food and Drug Administration clinical trials, she said.
“I’m also a Certified Nurse Assistant,” she said.
“I got my daycare license in April 2020 in Miami County and in October 2023 in Bourbon County,” she said.
To earn a daycare license in Kansas contact your local Kansas Department of Health and Environment office to get started.
“There’s an online application, fingerprints, background check, health and wellness checks, a small fee, and licensing will come to inspect your daycare for compliance,” she said. “There are also classes you must take to become licensed including being Pediatric CPR and First Aid certified and child development and daycare specific classes required.”
Submitted graphic.

Witts Take Ownership of Hedgehog INK on February 1

Hedgehog INk bookstore,16 S. Main, is pictured in this October 2022 photo.

With support from her husband, Jordan, and three kids, Randi Witt, Ivan, Ava, and Lydia will take ownership of the Hedgehog.INK! bookstore at 16 S. Main on February 1.

From left to right, Jordan, Ivan, Ava, Lydia, Randi Witt. Submitted photo.

The phone number will remain the same  (620) 670-2752 but the email: [email protected] is new. Both the website and Facebook page will remain the same.

“We will take over running those on Feb. 1,” Randi said.

The store was opened by Jan and  Dick Hedges in 2018, and Dick died in 2022. Jan announced in December 2023 that she was selling the bookstore.

“I heard about Jan planning to sell the store, and I knew this was the opportunity I had been waiting for,” Randi said. “Jan and Dick created a magical space that makes you feel good when you walk inside. The store has something for everyone, from books to unique items and gifts.”

The whole family enjoys bookstores.

“In college, Jordan and I would frequently visit a used bookstore in downtown Lawrence,” she said. “Now we enjoy taking our kids to bookstores. Hopefully, our bookstore can give others the same memorable experience and be a place they want to frequently visit.”

The name of the bookstore will remain the same.

“Even though I will be the new owner, I see this as a continuation of the amazing bookstore Jan and Dick brought to our community,” she said. ” I plan to put my own spin on the space and expand our offerings over time. I will continue to accept books for credit or donation. In addition to books, you can purchase journals, art supplies, candy, handmade purses, goat milk soaps, and lavender products. We definitely want to continue supporting local authors. Please follow us on social media for updates as we grow!”

“I am going to explore expanding hours of operation and will announce that on social media,” she said.

The current hours of operation will be  Monday 10 am – 2 pm and Tuesday through Saturday 10 am – 5 pm.

“I will be running the store day to day, and I will rely on help from my kids,” Randi said. “This is definitely a family venture.”