Rachel Pruitt started her business venture, a women and girls clothing shop, last month as a pop-up shop in the lobby of the Liberty Theatre at 113 S. Main.
The name of her business is Better in Bourbon.
On December 15 she moved the store to a permanent space at 13 N. Main.
“I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Jared Leek for the temporary use of the Liberty Theatre which was critical to a successful start,” Pruitt said
Better in Bourbon is now located at 13 N. Main. Submitted photo.
The store’s hours of operation are from 10 am until 6 pm weekdays, 9 am until 4 pm on Saturday, and on Sunday, from 1 pm until 5 pm, through Christmas.
In addition to women and tween-sized girl clothing, she sells accessories and gift items, with a price range of accessories under $15 and clothing under $50.
Evergy Seeks to Offer Energy Efficiency Programs for Kansas Customers
Evergy also Prepares to Ask MPSC to Extend Missouri Energy Efficiency Offerings.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Dec. 20, 2021 – On Friday, Dec. 17, Evergy proposed a suite of energy efficiency programs to the Kansas Corporation Commission. Evergy’s proposed programs would provide Kansas residential and business customers with $42 million in anticipated net bill savings, offer $13 million in enhanced assistance for low-income and rural customers, and would unlock community benefits through job creation, energy education and agency partnerships.
Evergy also is preparing to ask the Missouri Public Service Commission to extend the current package of energy efficiency programs being offered to Evergy’s Missouri customers.
“As energy efficiency products and technologies continue to evolve, Evergy wants to provide energy solutions to help Kansas customers with their energy efficiency needs,” said Chuck Caisley, Evergy senior vice president and chief customer officer. “We’ve been able to offer similar successful programs in Missouri and believe Kansas customers will embrace having choices that help them manage their energy costs.”
A 2021 Wichita State University study showed that Evergy’s Kansas customers want their utility to offer energy efficiency programs. Evergy has a long history of delivering successful cost-effective programs in Missouri, making it the ideal partner to help customers save energy and money. As the first utility in Missouri to make a strong commitment to energy efficiency, Evergy has helped more than 370,000 residents and 8,000 businesses save energy.
In Missouri, Evergy plans to ask to extend its 11 current programs with enhancements for one additional year through 2023. Through a set of programs that include measures like home energy audits, programmable thermostats, rebates for efficient lighting and other efficiency upgrades, Evergy has helped save customers more than 1 billion kilowatt hours of electricity since 2013. Missouri customers have seen more than $2 of benefit for each dollar spent toward energy efficiency programs. Extension of these programs is expected to bring another $23 million of net benefits to Evergy’s Missouri customers.
“The Evergy incentives that we are able to offer in Missouri help alleviate some of the cost concerns our customers have when wanting to purchase higher-end, more efficient equipment. These rebates provide even more value to the customer,” said Anthony Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, which participates as a trade-ally for residential energy efficiency programs. “Any additional rebates offered to customers will help them justify being able to spend more.”
“Customers want more ways to manage their energy and save money. The goal for our energy efficiency programs is to offer more innovative and personalized solutions that give customers more choices,” Caisley said. “We’re excited for the opportunity to provide our customers the latest in energy efficiency products and programs while continuing our role as a leader in customer programs within the utility industry.”
The programs proposed in Kansas are subject to review and approval by the Kansas Corporation Commission and an order would be anticipated in summer 2022. Programs are proposed to start in January 2023. The extension requested in Missouri is subject to approval by the Missouri Public Service Commission, and Evergy has requested a decision by spring 2022.
The programs are proposed under the Kansas Energy Efficiency Investment Act (KEEIA), which was passed by the Kansas Legislature and became effective on July 1, 2014. KEEIA was established to support the state’s goal of promoting the implementation of cost-effective demand-side programs in Kansas and the state policy to value demand -side program investments equal to traditional investments in supply and delivery infrastructure. A similar law in Missouri has helped customers save millions of dollars in energy costs since programs began in 2013.
of Historic Fort Scott. Every hour on the hour. Departs from the Fort Scott
Chamber at 231 E. Wall St.
Friday hours: 11 am until 3 pm
Saturday hours: 10 am until 3 pm
$6 adults & $4 for 12 yrs. & under
THE FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OFFERS DAILY GUIDED TOURS AT 10 AM & 1 PM, 7 DAYS/WEEK – FREE!
12/17-23 ~ CHRISTMAS LIGHT TROLLEY TOURS, run nightly at 5:45 and 7pm through the 23rd, limited tickets remaining, $8 adults/$5 kids 12 and under.
12/17 ~ BLYTHE FAMILY BENEFIT AT LIBERTY THEATRE, chili feed tickets available at the Chamber for $5, evening will include a raffle, auction and DJ. Click here for info.
12/17 ~ HOLIDAY PARTY-IN-A-BAG PICKUP FOR KIDS, come meet Miss Val & Choose Your Holiday Party-in-a-Bag! 12-5pm, Fort Scott Public Library. Click here for more information.
12/18 ~ THE LAVENDER PATCH EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS, 9am to 12pm, 620-223-1364, 2376 Locust Rd. See flyer below for more info.
12/18 ~ JINGLE BELL HOLIDAY MART, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 9am to 3:30pm, click here for info.
12/18 ~ WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA LAYING OF THE WREATHS, 11am, National Cemetery No. 1 in Fort Scott.
12/18 ~ PAINT & PIZZA ART PARTY, 11am, by Happy Snappy Art, to be held at Papa Don’s, click here for info.
12/18 ~ MURDER AND MAYHEM II book signing, 1-3pm, Hedghog.INK! 16 S. Main St. See flyer below for more information.
12/18 ~ CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK, Gunn Park, click here for more info, 5-9pm.
12/21 ~ VIRTUAL STORYTIME: STAR BRIGHT & WINTER LIGHTS, 10-11AM. click here for more information
12/21 ~ BEER & BROWSE GUY’S NIGHT AT ANGIE DAWN’S BOUTIQUE, 4-7pm, click here for more information.
12/22 ~ BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT DRY WOOD CREEK CAFE, 9am-1pm, click here for details.
12/23 ~ 2ND ANNUAL LIGHTS, COCOA & COOKIES OF BARBEE ST. 5-8pm, 806 S. Barbee St. click here for more details.
12/27-31 ~ KID’S WINTER ART CAMP BY HAPPY SNAPPY ART, 1-4pm each day, $125 per person, click here for details.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
FROM THE CHAMBER!
SAVE THE DATE:
1/5 ~ Dare to Dream Women’s Entrepreneurship Series Event, 5 to 7pm, dinner & childcare provided., click here for more info. & to RSVP.
1/9 ~ Bouquet making class at Sunshine Boutique, $10 per person – reserve your spot today! 620-223-6007
1/13-14-17 ~ Alvin Ailey’s Kansas City Dance Group Ballet Performance, and other Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Events, click here.
Products of Desert Bloom’s booth. Submitted photo.
When Leanne Leatherman heard that the Bourbon County Historical Preservation Association was not having its annual Stocking Stuffer Christmas event, she asked a fellow Bourbon County Fair Association member, Sue Reineke, about hosting a craft show and sale.
“She thought it would be a good idea, so the Jingle Bell Holiday Mart came to be,” Leatherman said. “This is our first year, but I hope it is the first of many. We may try to schedule it a little earlier in the month for next year.”
The two are also having conversations about having a swap meet or show once a month to allow local merchants a place to meet and sell their wares.
Leatherman and Reinecke are both vendors. Leatherman sells hand-crafted items, Reinecke sells goat milk soap and lotions from her farm.
Products of the vendor, Auntie Em’s. Submitted photo.
The sale will be Saturday, Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds 4-H Building on South Horton Street.
“It is a heated facility, with plenty of parking,” she said.
The Bourbon County 4-H Building on South Horton, across from Fort Scott Community College. Submitted photo.
“We are full this year with vendors,” Leatherman said.
Some of Lori Craig’s products. Submitted photo.
The following are the vendors who will be selling their wares on Dec. 18:
Locust Hill Lamancha’s Goat milk products
Sue Reinecke’s goat milk skin products. Submitted photo.
Paula’s This and That: hand made quilts, Young Living products
Products from Paula’s This and That booth. Submitted photo.
Auntie Em’s Closet: key chains, car freshies, hand warmers
Quill Fire Farm: crochet, mouse repellent bags, homemade play dough
A rural Hiattville youth, Mayla Foster, will have her first show, featuring ‘sensory handmade playdough. Look for her at the Quill Fire Farm booth. Submitted photo.
Flying P Ranch: jewelry
Happy little Candle Factory
Hunter’s Fashion: Paparazzi Jewelry
Desert Bloom Boutique: apparel, candles, car freshies
Tessie Tucker: Color Street Nails
CBF Candles
Blue Dog Winery
Miki Kraft: lots of hand-sewn items
Bathhouse Trading: soaps, bath bombs, etc.
Maid in Marmaton: jams
AKA Crafts and Design: apparel
Some of AKA’s products. Submitted photo.Courtney Lanham: tumblers
Courtney Lanham: tumblers
Michelle Lisica: laser-cut ornaments and items
Elk Creek Outpost: soaps, air fresheners, bath bombs, etc.
Some of Elk Creek’s products. Submitted photo.
For more information contact Leatherman at 620.224.6423.
Evergy line men replace a rotted pole in Uniontown last year.
Power restored to more than 90% of Evergy customers affected by windstorm
Neighboring line crews arrive as around the clock restoration continues
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Dec. 16, 2021 – By Thursday evening, Evergy crews had restored power to more than 90 percent of customers impacted by extreme winds on Wednesday. Evergy crews were joined by more than 250 personnel from regional neighboring utilities to help restore power to Evergy customers in Kansas and Missouri.
Wednesday’s windstorm brought sustained high winds to the entirety of Evergy’s service area, with gusts up to 100 mph in some locations. Strong winds brought down power lines, broke poles and caused other damage to the power grid, interrupting service to 258,000 Evergy customers. Evergy crews made steady progress restoring power, and 62 percent of impacted customers were back on by Thursday morning. By about 8 p.m. Thursday, outage numbers had been reduced to about 20,000 customers. Evergy expects power to be restored to nearly all affected customers by Friday evening, but some outages will extend into the weekend.
Chuck Caisley talked about some challenges that made power restoration challenging in a Thursday afternoon news conference. Much of the initial damage assessment and restoration work was at night, and damage from the storm was spread across the Evergy service area. In many areas, the nature of the damage meant that each repair restores power to a small number of customers.
Crews from Ameren, Liberty Utilities and City of Springfield have joined Evergy crews and contractors to make repairs and restore power. Work continues in communities across Kansas and Missouri, as the damage from the storm was widespread. Crews will continue to work around the clock until power to all customers is restored.
As weather is cooler, customers are encouraged to assess personal safety of staying at home during extended power outages. Family members who are very young, elderly or have compromised health may need to seek alternative shelter. If you have family, friends or neighbors who are without power, please check on them.
Evergy crews may use road or sidewalk barricades and traffic cones to make work areas safe. Please do not bypass these safety measures, putting crews, yourself or others potentially in harm’s way.
The Rusty Spur Energy & Nutrition opened at 9 E. Wall on Dec. 14.
The owners are Kelly Perry and Chris Ames who is also the operator.
“We offer one-on-one health assessments for weight loss or muscle gain with our products,” Perry said. “Our products include vitamin-packed energy and calorie-burning teas that taste more like fruit drinks! We also provide complete meal replacement shakes full of protein and vitamins and minerals in over 60 flavors!
“We have had a team of other entrepreneurs; Haven, Ashtyn, and Greg, in Ft. Scott (at a different location) since August 2020 helping customers with healthy shakes and teas,” Kelly said. “Previous health coaches have moved from the area and we felt passionate about keeping such a niche business alive and well in Fort Scott! We hated to see it close when the others moved.”
Their passion stems from losing weight using the drinks they sell.
Both women have followed a number of fad diets and even resorted to surgical weight loss methods such as gastric bypass. Short term, they had a tremendous amount of success but eventually, the weight came back, Perry said.
Kelly Perry. Submitted photos.
During the 2020 pandemic, Perry had gained over 80 pounds of her surgical weight loss back when she walked into the Fort Scott nutrition shop desperate to lose the 80 pounds, she said.
She started the meal replacement shakes and within five months from December 2020 to May 2021, Perry lost all 80 pound swith shakes alone, she said.
Perry has maintained her weight loss and coached others to do the same, she said.
Chris Ames has had a very similar story.
Chris Ames. Submitted photo.
“After (weight-loss) surgery, her weight loss was not significant and she continued to be stagnant in weight loss,” Perry said. “She started on the protein meal replacement shakes and the rest is history. She is now a size smaller than she was in high school. She too is working to help others to be the best that they can be and fully embrace health and nutrition rather than think of it as yet another diet.”
“We’re passionate about helping people and we really like this job,” Perry said.
“Each of our energy drinks is all custom-made for exactly what you need as an individual, no two drinks are alike,” she said. “You won’t find one main price because all teas have customization to them.”
“We hope that by being downtown in such a beautiful area we will be able to reach more people and help them with their health goals,” Perry said.
They have products for children as well, she said.
“We also provide probiotics and added hydration for all ages, so if you have a child that is dehydrated or has bloating, cramping or even backed up in the bathroom, we have items that we can add to their drink to help their tummy,” she said.
The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM and Saturday, 9 AM to 2 PM, Sunday after church from noon to 3 p.m.
The Rusty Spur, 9 E. Wall. The former dental office of Dr. Brown. Submitted photo.
The business can be contacted via Facebook Messenger, or Instagram or email [email protected]
Boiler Room Brewhaus will be having a closing sale at the brewery,2 S. National Avenue, on Friday, December 10th, 4:00-7:00 and Saturday, December 11th, 2:00-5:00
Furniture, antiques, Christmas decorations, brewing equipment and Boiler Room memorabilia(t-shirts, glasses, beer mats, posters) are for sale.
Students working on decorations for the Christmas In Gunn Park event. Submitted by FSHS Building Trades Teacher Michael Casner.
A local group of people who love the community gathered in Gunn Park in April 2021 and together envisioned a Christmas event that they hope will grow each year.
The event has new leadership this year with many family activities.
Gunn Park is the largest public park in Fort Scott and is located on the west side of the city, off of Park Avenue.
This year Christmas in Gunn Park is Saturday, Dec. 11, and Saturday, Dec. 18 from 5-8 p.m.
A living nativity, Santa Claus, a toy drive for local children, a chili feed, hot cocoa and coffee, kids crafts, a hayrack ride, trolley rides, music from local Fort Scott High School students, and some local vendors for shopping will provide a little something for everyone.
The event is free, Guns said.
“Goodwill donations are always welcome and will go towards expanding Christmas in Gunn Park next year,” she said. “We will be collecting new unwrapped toys for our “Fill the Truck Toy Drive” with donations going to Bourbon County Angels, Angel Gifts to fulfill Christmas wishes for kids in Bourbon County.”
“Everyone on the planning committee has a variety of reasons why they chose to join,” Melissa Guns, one of the organizers, said. “We want good things for Fort Scottians. We want to spread Christmas cheer and enrich the place we call home… Most of all, we want a place for both those who love Christmas …while offering a place for those who may struggle around the holiday season, a place to find a little peace and joy.”
Parking
Gunn Park will be closed for regular traffic during the event. Vehicles with handicap parking tags or window hangers will be allowed to drive into the park near the event.
Public parking is available on Burke Street in the Fort Scott Community College Nursing Building parking lot, north of the tall Fort Scott water tower, and also in the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas parking lot at Ninth and Horton Street.
Busses to and from the event will bring guests in and out of the park from the parking lots.
Those who have helped:
The planning committee consists of Craig Campbell, Doug Guns, Melissa Guns, Bailey Lyons, Shannon Johnson, Josh Jones, Tom Robertson, and Devin Tally.
Shelter houses are being decorated by Niece of Kansas, Inc. (Shelter 1), Kiwanis (Shelter 2), Shannon Johnson/Clark Street Lights (Shelter 3), Shaunn Pytlowany (Shelter 5), and Bourbon County Cars (Shelter 4).
Allison Leach, Danyell Miles, and Susan Carrillo are decorating a grand entrance to the park.
Fort Scott Community College Welding Program and Fort Scott High School Carpentry, Welding, and Art Programs have each created festive displays.
“Mike Miles’ display is sure to please, and Robert Coon, with A1 Towing, is also providing us with a display anyone who grew up in the ’80s is sure to get a kick out of,” Guns said.
Buck Run Community Center is providing activities for kids.
USD 234 and FSCC volunteers are helping with shuttling people to and from the park, and the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce is providing the town trolley for moving people through the park on event nights.
Matt Harvey with Fort Scott Auto is running a hayride with his trailer.
Additionally, USD 234 is allowing the Fort Scott Police and Fire Departments to use their kitchen to cook up over 200 pounds of high-quality ground beef purchased by the committee at a special rate made possible by The Butcher Block.
Ward Kraft Inc. has donated the rest of the chili ingredients for a meal that is sure to give us all some extra warmth, she said.
Dollar General has donated bowls and spoons.
Ward Kraft Inc. is also helping folks to stay warm with coffee and Kathy Reed has donated hot chocolate.
Angel Gifts will be the recipient of the “Fill the Truck Toy Drive” and they have volunteered to help along with FSCC Cheer Team.
Skitch Allen is donating additional port-a-potties for the events.
“Finally, the guys from Fort Scott’s Parks Department are in full swing to help us get the grounds ready and the electrical properly connected,” she said. “Jeff Allen also helped consult on the electrical.”
“These groups, along with the City of Fort Scott and a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation have helped to make this year’s Christmas in Gunn Park possible,” she said.
Melissa Guns, center, representing the Christmas in the Park organization, received the grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation on November 12, 2021. At left is FSACF presenter Gregg Motley, and Carla Farmer, right.
The vendors for Dec. 11 are Blessed B Creations and Hope Designs by Neen. On Dec. 18, Sparkle R Jewelry, Paparazzi Jewelry will be a vendor.
5 – 8:30 p.m: Angel Gifts Toy Drive, chili feed, hot cocoa and coffee, a vendor shop, kids crafts, hayrack ride, trolley rides, a live Nativity scene by Bethel Community Church, vendors selling items.
The chili feed will be provided until all the chili is gone.
All other events run throughout the evening.
5:30-6 p.m. Music by the Fort Scott High School Orchestra
6- 6:15 pm Santa and a special guest arrive, tree lighting, and sponsor acknowledgments.
6:30 – 8:30 pm Pictures with Santa
6:15-6:45 pm Music by FSHS Jazz Band
7- 7:30 pm Music by FSHS Choir Ensemble
7:45 – 8:15 pm Combined music performance by FSHS Jazz Band and Choir
8:30- 8:45pm Event activities wrap-up
8:45 – 9 pm Final hayrack and trolley rides to busses
9 pm All bus runs to parking completed and park gates lock for the night.
Schedule for Dec. 18
5 – 8:30 pm Angel Gifts Toy Drive, hot cocoa and coffee, vendor shop, kids crafts, hayrack and trolley rides, and live Nativity scene by Bethel Community Church, vendors selling items.
5 pm – Until? Food Vendors – Butcher Block & Tres Polito Food Truck
5:30 – 8:30 pm Christmas music performance by Bourbon County Revival
6- 6:15 pm Santa and special guest arrive, tree lighting, sponsor acknowledgments.
6:30- 8:30 pm Pictures with Santa
8:30- 8:45 pm Event activities close
8:45 – 9 pm Final hayrack and trolley rides to busses
9 pm All bus runs to parking completed and park gates lock for the night.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces Cocoa & Caroling Late Night Shopping Event in Downtown Fort Scott. It will be held this Friday evening, December 10th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Retailers in the Downtown Historic District will be decked for the holidays with great gift ideas
The event will feature several groups of carolers strolling the sidewalks of Downtown from store to store with complimentary cocoa being served by the Museum of Creativity in front of the Sunshine Boutique. This will offer locals and visitors another opportunity to shop small and support local, while enjoying some holiday cheer.
Participating stores include: Angela Dawn’s Boutique, Bartelsmeyer Jewelry, Bids & Dibs, Hedgehog.INK!, Laree + Co., Main Street Gallery & Gifts, The Rainbow Unicorn Boutique, Sunshine Boutique, and Treasure Hunt Flea Market.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information on this event at
Matt Glades, a Fort Scott Community College Alumni, encourages attendance for interested parties at the next board of trustees meeting, which is at 5 p.m. next Monday, December 13 at Cleaver-Burris-Boileau Hall.
He will be there to ask the trustees some questions about the discontinuance of the college’s football program last month.
“I have talked to at least one Greyhound football player from every decade going back to the 1960s and numerous community members,” Glades said. “There’s a lot of people sad and disappointed that the program is shut down and how it was done.”
“FSCC football has been around for almost 100 years and has impacted thousands of lives from the players to the community,” he said. “A lot of us were confused and frustrated that we didn’t even have an opportunity to speak on behalf of the program or donate to save it.”
“The alumni are asking for more transparency on concerns from the FSCC administration and the board of trustees, Glades said.
“Here are a few but not all of those concerns, he said:
How does the college plan to account for losing that many student-athletes who were living in the dorms, credit hours, etc?
Do they understand that this also affects local businesses and severs connections for a lot of people ranging from parts of the community to the alumni including four current NFL football players?
Why were the FSCC football alumni and community never made aware of the financial struggles of the program and were not allowed the opportunity to save it?
Why did the board feel compelled to add shutting down the program to the tail end of the board meeting instead of putting it on the original agenda?”
