Kristin Lewis Gorman is the owner and director of Rock Ballet, a Fort Scott dance instruction studio.
Her dance instruction recital is at 7:30 p.m. on June 24 and 25 at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, on the campus of Pittsburg State University.
From the Rockballet recital in 2021. Submitted photos.
Gorman said the dancers are all getting very excited right about now.
She is as well, but last years recital is giving her confidence that this one too, will be a great performance for the dancers.
“Having one recital under my belt, I’m feeling a tiny bit less frantic at this point,” she said.
“Our dress rehearsal is Wednesday, June 22 and the shows will be Friday and Saturday, June 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m.” she said.
At the Rockballet debut recital,June 2021, at the Bicknell Center.
Rockballet Dancers. Submitted photo.
“I would love to get our online- reserved seating- ticket link out there to everyone in Fort Scott because last year so many people told me after the fact that they hated that they didn’t even know about the show,” she said. “My fault totally, I just ran out of time.”
“It is super easy to purchase tickets using the link, as it is all done online through Tutu Tix,” she said.
David and Addi Foster with their children. Submitted photo.
June is National Dairy Month and fortscott.biz interviewed David and Lynda Foster, whose family operates Foster Dairy Farm southwest of Fort Scott on Hwy. 39 to get their perspective on the current state and the future of the dairy industry.
David and his wife, Addi, are in partnership with his mom and dad, Lynda and Gary Foster.
Lynda and Gary Foster, from her Facebook page.
Lynda’s grandfather, Ed Davis began the farm in the 1940s, she said.
Now the fifth generation, David and Addi’s oldest daughters, Ansley, 15, and Mayla, 13 are helping on the farm.
The following is an interview with David and Lynda.
Tell about the state of dairy farms in Kansas.
“Currently there are 209 dairy farms in Kansas and while we may have lost numbers of dairy farming operations, we are growing in cow numbers with Kansas currently having about 142,000 mature milking cows,” Lynda Foster said. “Kansas is ranked 15th in the nation.”
“There is a new Hillmar Cheese plant in construction expected to come online in about 2.5 years from now, where we also expect to see an additional 100,000 cows to be added to the state,” she said.
The Hillmar Cheese Processing Plant will be a state-of-the-art facility in Dodge City, in western Kansas.
How did the pandemic effect your farm?
“We experienced primarily supply chain disruptions,” David Foster said. “It didn’t change the work that needed to be done daily. We still traveled to get supplies like alfalfa, and feed and mineral. It canceled annual meetings in organizations that we are a part of. Like everyone, there were certain precautions that were to be made if someone got sick.”
What is happening now in the industry?
“Exports are still up, and expected to be higher this year, 1 in 6 semi tanker loads of milk gets exported” Lynda said.
“Milk prices are on the rise and setting records in some areas, so are a lot of our inputs, especially feeds, fertilizers, fuels – all of these input costs are outpacing the increased milk price,” she said. “Some of the most notable current events in the dairy industry was, of course, the baby formula shortage.”
What is on the horizon for the dairy industry from your perspective?
“I believe that we will continue to see consolidation, dairy farms getting larger, smaller farms disappearing,” David said. “I believe that the days of families deriving their sole income from the dairy are gone. Today, a farmer on a smaller dairy, less than 300 cows, needs a spouse off-farm to make it and provide for their families additional income as well as health insurance.”
“Automated Milking Systems will continue to grow in use and will allow farms to alleviate the woes associated with a depleted/barely existent labor market,” he said. “Recent reports showed that for every person that doesn’t have a job, there are 2 jobs available. This means that farming operations struggle to compete in wages against other industries and also struggle to entice labor due to the traditional physical demands and long hours of a farming operation.”
Automatic, or robotic,milking systems usually operate without someone being present to supervise the milking process and have been in use for the past decade on commercial farms, according to sciencedirect.com
The Foster’s have an automated milking system that allows the cows to come in at will when they need milked. Submitted photo.
“I believe that you will see dairy farms continue to diversify operations to include other agricultural ventures that complement milking and farming, such as trucking or custom harvest, and hay operations,” he said.
“Technologies such as methane digestors will allow a value-added return from cow manure and allow dairies to derive additional profits,” David said. “Dairies will utilize solar and wind to reduce peak energy costs.”
“I am always probing and putting efforts into exploring options for emerging technologies that would make our operation more efficient,” David said. “The goal of sustainability is always to do more with less. We are the only dairy left in Bourbon County and one of a few left in all of southeast Kansas. There may be interest in adding on-farm processing in the future to serve the needs of this 4-state area with a local, quality, nutritional product.”
“I believe with food shortages touted and supply disruptions experienced, we will continue to feel an increasing demand for consumers to want to source local,” he said. “We saw this ramp up significantly in the beef industry as consumers wanted to buy direct from the farmer. We see this in farmer’s markets. Other areas have supported their local operations, and we may not be far from considering, but to expand our operations to include processing, or other technologies, we have to expand our team of people that can share our vision and hopes for a better future.”
“Some of the biggest obstacles I see for dairy and maybe shared by all businesses, will be labor, inflation, which is then tied to interest and increased taxes, and supply prices and availability,” David said.
joining forces with CCEKS (Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas),
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, and
37 other Chambers across the state to offer
an association health plan to our members for your business or organization.
Join us for an informational session about
the plan on Wednesday, June 22nd at the
Sleep Inn & Suites Conference Room:
3 time options of 8:30am, 12pm, 3pm
Click here to register to attend one of the sessions so we will know how many to expect.
See brochure below or click here to view more info. on Chamber Blue on our website.
*Businesses or organizations do not have to be a
Chamber member to attend the informational sessions to learn more and get rate quotes, but will need to become a member to enroll in the insurance when the time comes.
Click here for a printable copy of the brochure shown above.
Cristy Mitchell of BCBS of KS and Chamber member
Don Doherty of Northwestern Mutual Life,
RPS Benefits, Inc. will be in attendance at the informational sessions to provide all the details and answer questions.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below!
Chance Gosewisch (pronounced Go-switch), 25, started his auto detailing business in May 2022, called Prestige Auto Spa & Ceramic Coatings.
He offers professional auto detailing, specializing in paint correction, ceramic coatings, interior detailing, waxing, paint sealants, headlight restoration, LED installment according to his Facebook page. And he is willing to tackle marine, RV, SXS’s, quads and motorcycle coatings/corrections
“I started this business because God had placed it on my heart to follow my passion and what fuels my soul,” Gosewisch said. “I love cars and have always had a passion for them. I especially love taking care of them and preserving their beauty and sharing my passion with others.”
“I am professionally licensed, trained and certified as well, through a prestigious school with elite leaders in this industry,” he said.
The business is offering a Father’s Day special on Facebook for the days up to Father’s Day, June 19.
Gosewisch said he can make a dad or husband’s day special by getting rid of scratches, stained seats or carpet or renewing worn out leather seat.
Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bill Providing $50 Million of Financial Relief to Kansas
Small Businesses
TOPEKA –Surrounded by small business leaders in downtown Topeka, Governor Laura Kelly today signed bipartisan House Bill 2136, which will invest $50 million to help small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Providing $50 million of financial assistance for small businesses is just one more way my Administration is working to make Kansas the most pro-business state in the country,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The financial assistance legislation I signed today will support our entrepreneurs by ensuring they can make the investments they need to hire workers, strengthen their product lines, and better serve their communities.”
“Small businesses are what power our economy, and this legislation builds on years of work to ensure they have the resources they need to continue to serve customers and create jobs,” said Senator Tom Holland. “Through bipartisan collaboration, we will be able to continue to make sure that our economy continues to grow a strong base of businesses here in Kansas.”
Governor Kelly was joined at the bill signing by small business owners, the Greater Topeka Partnership, and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce.
“House Bill 2136 is a product of the many people who have shown unwavering commitment to Kansas small businesses,” Eric Stafford, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, said. “On behalf of the Kansas business community, thank you to Governor Kelly and the legislature for supporting this legislation. It will provide relief for the small businesses that make up the backbone of our state.”
Suzanne Griffin had opened her home to feed over 30 high school students on Wednesday evenings before the COVID-19 Pandemic started, which she calls a supper club.
Submitted photos.
The stay-at-home mom of six children had been told she was a good cook and mentioned the idea of a supper club to friends.
In April 2022 Griffin began her business of making homemade, pre-assembled meals to sell.
The name of her business is Twigs & Berries, and the meals are made in her home at 1211 S. Judson. She makes family-style meals ready to pick up, take home, bake and enjoy.
“We are going into our third month and serve between 80-100 orders each Wednesday night,” she said. “Customers place orders ahead of time online through a form, or message me and then pick up curbside.”
Each meal includes a main dish, two side dishes and a dessert.
“We also offer mason jar salads, frozen entrees, full side desserts and once a month a breakfast pickup,” she said. “We have been so blessed to offer meals that are delicious, affordable and family-friendly. It was an answer to prayer to provide for our family at the same time to be a blessing to others.”
Rechelle, Joshua and Julie McClellan. Submitted photo.
Main Street Gallery & Gifts has a new name to rebrand because of additions to the store, located at 23 S. Main in downtown Fort Scott’s historic district.
Since April, it is now called Main Street Vintage and Co.
“We have been wanting to re-brand for sometime now, and we finally made a decision,” said Josh McClellan,one of the owners.
Submitted graphic.
The owners remain the same: Julie McClellan and her son, Josh, and daughter in-law Rechelle.
The family started their store in Oct. 2000.
Since Oct. 2019,Rechelle has been working full time and since then, “We have done a total transformation,” Josh said. “We now have more than 60 vendors.”
“We wanted to reflect our store with a new and improved name.” he said. “We needed something more upscale. We offer several boutique vendors and we have numerous furniture artists. We offer more products also, from DIY chalk paint, to decoupage papers and stencils by Jami Ray Vintage, and transfers, stamps, and molds by Iron Orchid Designs.”
Decoupage papers are now available at the store. Submitted photos.
“We have people that have never been to the store and they come in and say ‘Wow, it’s beautiful here!’ We wanted to show that in our name.”
“We changed our name at the end of April 2022 on all of our social media platforms,” Josh said. “Julie and I have been working on the name change with several vendors for sometime now,” Josh said. “We are proud of all of our accomplishments and wanted to show the public.”
Sports Performance Training – Training designed specifically for an individual to increase general and sport specialized sports performance. It is crucial to improving an athlete’s ability to master the skills of their chosen sport, reduce the risk of injury, and gain a competitive edge. Scheduled individually or in small groups each athlete has training designed specifically to teach proper movement patterns that will improve their speed, power, agility, and more. Athletes from any and all sports benefit from Sports Performance Training.
Sports Performance Training is scheduled on an individual or small group basis Tuesdays to Fridays.
Pricing –
7 to 11 years old – $50 for 12 sessions (2 sessions per week for 6 weeks)
12 years old and older – $75 for 12 sessions (2 sessions per week for 6 weeks)
Monthly pricing is available after the first 12 sessions
Skills Room Access
Volleyball – Utilize the Sports Attack Volleyball Skillz Attack machine. This machine can Serve, Pass, Set, and Hit. It allows any player to train any and all the positions by themselves anytime they want or need to. The Skillz Attack can also be used in small groups. Volleyball will be set-up for scheduling on Wednesdays.
Softball/Baseball – Train like an elite athlete with the Hack Attack Softball and Baseball pitching machine. Both machines can pitch multiple pitches and simulate a live pitcher by throwing balls around the strike zone instead of just straight pitches. 20 minutes against the machine will allow an athlete to see an average of 75 pitches. The Softball/Baseball machines will be set-up for scheduling on Tuesdays and Thursday for individuals and groups of less than 5 players.
All training is by appointment and on a first come first serve basis and will be the following:
Tuesdays – Softball/Baseball
Wednesdays – Volleyball
Thursdays – Softball/Baseball
Sundays, Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays – Skills Room is closed to all scheduling
Skills Room Pricing
30 minutes – $25
1 hour – $40
A loyalty program will be in place for those who qualify
All previously purchased packages will continue to be honored
Emelia Whiteaker, MS, ATC, PES – Owner/Operator/Trainer
A native of Fort Scott, she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training from Washburn University and a Master’s of Science in Health Promotion with an emphasis in Sports Performance and Injury Prevention from California University of Pennsylvania. Emelia holds certifications from the Board of Certification in Athletic Training and the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Performance Enhancement Specialist. Over a 15 year career she has trained athletes ranging in age from 6 years old to the professional levels and sports that include: Football, Distance Running, Softball/Baseball, Volleyball, Track and Field, Basketball, Soccer, Golf, Rodeo, Hockey and more. Many of Emelia’s athletes have gone on to be individual and team state champions and compete as elite athletes. It is her belief that every child that has the heart to be an athletes has the potential to be an athlete and it is her job to help them get there.
Momentum Indoor Training can be reached by Call or Text at (620) 224-8442, e-mail: [email protected] or message the Facebook page: @mitrainingfs.
Labconco is the Business of the Year for 2022. Submitted photos.
On Friday, April 29th , Tri-Valley Developmental Services held their 2022 Award Ceremony to celebrate individual achievements as well as community support in Bourbon county. The ceremony took place at 1 pm at Tri-Valley’s Service Center located in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park. Awards were presented to the following individuals:
Business of the Year – Labconco
Employer of the Year – Wendy’s Ol’ Fashioned Hamburgers of Fort Scott
Achievement Award – Crystal Douglas
Winfred Jent Award – Judge Mark Ward
Mark Ward was selected at the Winfred Jent Award winner for 2022. Submitted photos.
Board of Director’s Award – Ken Anderson
Lifetime Achievement Award – Mertz Tax Service
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Mertz Tax Service with Janice Allen accepting.Submitted photos.
Refreshments were served following the ceremony. Attendees received a Tri-Valley cup as a takeaway.
Submitted by Tricia Campbell, Special Projects Coordinator at
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Step into Summer Sidewalk Sale that will take place Downtown and Around on Saturday, May 21st.
Participating merchants include Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, Bids & Dibs, Hare & Crow barber Shop, Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, Iron Star Antiques & Such, Main Street Vintage & Co., Mayco Ace Hardware, Museum of Creativity Gift Shop, Ruddick’s Furniture & Flooring, Shirt Shack, Sunshine Boutique, and Treasure Hunt Flea Market.
The Step into Summer Sidewalk Sale is a great opportunity to support locally owned retailers while enjoying refreshments and finding good deals.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.
Eddie Townley and his wife, Susan, have purchased two historic buildings in downtown Fort Scott.
Ed and Susan Townley with their daughters from left Cheyanne Griffin, Dani Townley and Ella Townley. Pictured in the store front before the renovation of the building at 11 N. Main began in November 2021.
One, 11 N. Main, is now completed and put to use, the other, 12 N. Main is on the agenda for updating.
11 N. Main seen through the front window. May 2022.
11 N. Main is the former Books and Grannies Book Store which was purchased in January 2021, while 12 N. Main is the former Country Cupboard.
11 N. Main as seen from the back door on Skubitz Plaza. May 2022.
At 11 N. Main, “We emptied it out, rearranged some walls, and made an ADA compliant bathroom on the first floor,” Townley said. “We also did painting, new flooring and painted the ceiling.”
“It turned out really nice,” he said. “It is rented by a Fort Scott Greyhound legacy group, as a gathering place.”
The building has about 1,700 square feet on the first floor. The second floor is a later project, he said.
12 N. Main, the former Country Cupboard
12 N. Main is slated for renovation completion in the summer of 2022, according to new owner Eddie Townley.
12 N. Main was purchased by the Townleys in December 2021.
“We are going to give it a good facelift and bring it up to date,” he said. “Bathrooms, flooring, painting.” The timeline is summer 2022 completion.
“The Country Cupboard was a great building with good bones,” Townley said.
This building use is undetermined as yet, Townley said.
12 N. Main was formerly the Country Cupboard, a decades old business which was an anchor in the historic Fort Scott Downtown.
Townley said he “wants to see the downtown come back to life,” and wants to be active in the revitalization.
“We would, like the Renard’s want to be involved in the community,” he said.
Judy and John Renard owned the Country Cupboard for many decades and was an anchor store in downtown Fort Scott.
