Category Archives: Business

Laundry Mat With a Twist Opens In August

The Fort Scott  Washateria will open soon at 501 S. National.

Fort Scott Washateria is a full-service laundry mat that is slated to open in August at 501 S. National. In addition, a community clothing distribution system will be located on the property.

Lori Lovelace is the manager, her mother Carol Oakleaf, is the investor/owner.

The business venture came about when Lovelace was doing research for an investment her mother would be interested in.

“I found that Leroy (Walker, her husband) was paying $100 a month to have his rags cleaned. And I did research on laundry mats. Being part of the community, I think the community needed something like  this.”

They bought the former gas station on National Avenue in December 2018.

Darren Crays, local signmaker, made the new sign that hangs atop a pole of the former gas station to let the community know the business is coming.

In what is reminiscent of decades past, the laundry will offer to pick up and deliver or one can drop off their laundry.

“We will come to your home, pick up your stuff, wash it and dry it and take it back to you,” Lovelace said.

“If you have sensitive skin, we will provide what is needed,” she said.

Alteration of clothing and ironing services will also be offered.

The machines will all be “state of the art,” Lovelace said, and include heavy-duty washers and dryers.  Thirteen washers and 16 dryers.

There will be a children’s section with a blackboard wall, TVs and bean bags, she said.

A hospitality section will have free coffee and tea and have vending machines.

“There will be free WiFi in the folding area and charging stations,” she said.

The hours will be seven days a week from 8 a.m to 8 p.m.

“At least three employees will be needed, with more later,” Lovelace said.

There will be loyalty cards, and the business will take debit and credit cards, she said.

“If you buy $20, you get $22 worth of washing and drying,” Lovelace said.

An investment in Fort Scott

Lovelace’s other job is real estate appraiser, with Phoenix Inspection and Appraisals Inc. The laundry facility will be under the umbrella of Hawkeye Investments LLC, with her mother.

Walker is owner of Carhelp Mobile Mechanic.

“We believe with marketing, the venture has potential to be successful,” she said.

“You can make a quality investment in Fort Scott that people will accept and use,” Walker said. “Everybody I’ve told is 100 percent excited.”

Fort Scott Community Closet

A project Lovelace and her mom are initiating is a clothes pantry that will be in a small building, 12 by 20 foot, adjacent to the laundry mat.

Lovelace said she heard about the Beacon, a local helping ministry, recently closing the clothing segment of the ministry, so she is providing a place for donated clothes to be taken.

The Fort Scott Community Closet, the title of the clothes pantry,  will be sponsored by the area churches, she said. “The churches will decide how to operate.”

“Donated clothes will be sorted and cleaned and put in a separate building on the property,” Lovelace said. “We can give away clothes and that’s my intention.”

“I am figuring the 501 3c right now,” she said.” I need people that will be on the (Fort Scott Community Closet) board. We purchased the shed that will be there, a spot on our property. We will provide the initial sorting then wash them.”

“Anyone interested in being on that board that is civic-minded, let me know,” Lovelace said.

She can be reached at 620-215-1314.

 

 

 

Ribbon Cutting For Express Employment Professionals July 9

REMINDER:
Join the Chamber of Commerce for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at
Express Employment Professionals
on Tuesday, July 9th
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
celebrating the opening of
Express Employment Professionals’
new Fort Scott location at 119 S. Main St.
The event will take place Tuesday, July 9th
at 5:15 p.m., with remarks and ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
In April 2019, Express opened an office in Fort Scott at 119 S. Main St. The franchise has been based out of Independence since 2004. The company provides businesses with their workforce needs by acquiring and supplying temporary or contract staff and also does temp-to-hire staffing. Express also provides a free service to job seekers by interviewing them and matching their skills with the appropriate employer.
Kai Rannells is the business developer and local representative, and can be reached at 620-644-5050. Visit Express’ website
by clicking HERE.
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566
or visit fortscott.com.

Fort Scott Business Closing Its Doors

Ron Palmer, president of Fort Scott Lumber LLC.

Fort Scott Lumber, 1905 S. Judson, is closing its doors.

The business venture started with 14 men, in 1991.

They formed a corporation called Fort Scott Lumber LLC following the closure of Comstock Lumber.

The corporation was comprised of Palmer, Gary Bukowski, Bob Carillo, Brent Cosens, Charles Johnston, Jack Karleskint, Craig McKenney, Larry Rogers, Ronald Rogers, Doug Ropp, Bob Tuchscherer, Bob West, Lloyd Wiley and Darrell Winter.

“Several of the men were contractors, they weren’t happy with just one lumber yard in town,” Ronald Palmer, president of the corporation of Fort Scott Lumber, said.

Comstock Lumber closed following the catastrophic flood of 1986 when much of the inventory was lost, Palmer said.

Fast forward from 1991 to 2019.

“We had the chance to sell it and all the owners are getting older, all retiring, two have died, so it’s just time,”  Palmer said.

“It’s been great serving the Fort Scott area with our business,” Palmer said.

Starting July 8, all the inventory of the business will be on sale, including lumber, doors, windows, hardware, siding, soffit materials and more, he said.

The building was sold to Ruster and Duster LLC, a corporation owned by Aaron and Lindsey Watts.

“With the progression of Smallville we have been in the market for a new location to expand for the last year,” Lindsay Watts said. “It is unfortunate to see such a great asset to our community closing, but the board’s decision to sell was a great opportunity for us to continue to expand and increase programs that we can provide. We are excited for the opportunity to both continue to grow and continue to serve this community for years to come.  We are working closely with the owners on their timeline however Ruster and Duster LLC will be purchasing the property and looking to close in September 2019.”

 

 

What’s Happening In Fort Scott July 5

2019 Chamber Golf Classic 4-Person Scramble – Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, July 26th, Registration: 11am, Tee-Off 12pm  (See flyer below)

For more information or to register, click HERE

Google Livestream: Get Productive with Google’s Digital Tools – hosted by the Chamber of Commerce- Lowell Milken Center, 1 S. Main, Tuesday, July 17th from
11am-12pm   TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE
This workshop will be good information for literally anyone – from teachers, to business owners, to a DIY’er who likes to stay organized!
What’s to be expected:
– How Google’s office productivity tools-including Gmail, Calendar, Drive and other apps-can boost productivity
– Tips and tricks for getting more out of the tools, and how to use them most efficiently.
– Creative ways to accomplish a variety of tasks for your professional and personal projects in your everyday life
Kids Eat Free Lunch At The Keyhole, noon to 1pm,
Mon.-Fri., now through July 26th!! 10th & Main St., across from the Fort Scott High School

Sack lunches will be provided to those under 18. Children check in, no need to give names, and then pick up a lunch of shelf-stable meals. Open to all kids, regardless of income; no need to reside in Fort Scott

Hedgehog.INK will be open on Sundays and Mondays from 1:00-5:00pm starting Sunday, July 7th. The bookstore will also be open on the 4th of July holiday from 10am-4pm. During the month of July, children’s gently used books are buy 2 get 1 free. During the month of August, adult fiction gently used books will be buy 2 get 1 free

Benefit Bass Fishing Tournaments & Raffles for Class of ’91 Grad Chad Elmer – Entry fees will go toward’s Chad’s upcoming expenses and prize money. Raffles include fishing and outdoor gear, ammo, an AR15 gun, and more! (See flyer below for complete details)

Horticulture Services in Fort Scott – Krista Harding, Horticulture Agent for the Southwind Extension District, has office hours at the Extension office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday.
In an effort to better serve residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding communities, Krista is there weekly to answer questions and offer advice on lawn and gardens, trees and shrubs, flowers and insect. Bring your spotted leaves, strange looking insects or wilted flowers and let her help you! This a free service and is available to all community members. Questions? Call 620-223-3720
5-6
NO SALE THIS WEEKEND DUE TO HOLIDAY
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at
10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
5-7 Patriots Classic Baseball Tournament, hosted by FSHS

For more info, contact Josh Regan at: [email protected]

5 Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavillion, 1st & Main St., 7-8pm

This week’s concert features three of the regular contributors to the Friday Night Concert Series. First, Marilyn Adcock (on vocal, guitar and autoharp), who does a mix of classic folk, gospel and traditional music. Second, David Pricket (vocal and guitar), doing classic country, gospel hymns and traditional music. Third, The Sekanaires Gospel Quartet with Ray Mauck (singing & bass), Curtis Ramsey (singing/lead tenor), Steve Bell (singing lead, harmony, occasional guitar), and Ralph Carlson (singing baritone, guitar). The Sekanaires have existed since the 1960’s and have a mixed repertoire of gospel, hymns and folk gospel

The concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson. If you or someone you know is interested in performing, contact Ralph at [email protected]

Bring your lawn chair as seating is limited. In the event of bad weather, the concert will move to Common Ground Coffee Co., 116 S. Main St.

6-7
Sights & Sounds of 1840’s Military Fireworks! – Fort Scott National Historic Site
The Independence Day celebration continues on July 6 and 7 as you discover the rich history and significance of the fort.  Experience frontier cooking demonstrations, play period games, see mock artillery and weapons drills, and explore the prairie grass as the fort comes to life before your eyes
Saturday, July 6
10:00 am – Prairie Walk
12:00 pm – An Arm and a Leg: 1840s Medical Program
1:00-3:00 pm – Let the Games Begin-Historic Games station
3:00-4:30 pm – Going Green: Historic Gardens station
4:00 – Flag Retreat

Sunday July 7
11:00 am – Guided Tour of the Fort
12:00 pm – A Hearty Grip
1:00 pm – Guided Tour
2:00 pm – Democracy Run Wild
3:00 pm – The Price of War
4:00 pm – Flag Retreat

6
Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Saturday Mornings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds

We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
6
Cinema Saturdays at the Gordon Parks Museum – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, 12-2pm

The Gordon Parks Museum will show the films of Gordon Parks on Saturdays this summer starting on June 8 at 12:00 p.m. in the museum on the FSCC campus.  This free event will feature Mr. Parks’ films and one of Kevin Willmott’s films
7 Team Trivia at the Boiler Room Brewhaus –
10 S. National, 3-5pm

Exciting, fun and challenging team trivia. Put your team together (maximum of
8 teams, maximum of 5 members on a team)

$5 per person. Cash prizes for winning team. Pre-register at the tap room

7 Fort Scott Chamber Music Series, sponsored by
BB County Arts Council and Key Charitable Trust

This concert will include flute, harp, cello, bass and voice. Soprano Vanessa Thomas (who will appear in this concert) was featured by The Kansas City Symphony last December during their series of holiday concerts

Featured Musicians: Rebecca Dunnell – Flute; Jim Palmer – Harp; Vanessa Thomas – Soprano; Ben Clinesmith – Cello; Kathleen Clinesmith – Bass

8 2019 Youth Theater Camp starts (4 weeks) – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center,
2018 S. Horton, 9am-12pm

The camp is free to all area youth ages 6 to 17 and runs from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday beginning with introductions and auditions July 8. Speaking roles are available for 26 young actors, but everyone attending the camp will be utilized. Enrollment is open by attending the first day of camp July 8. Late enrollees also will be accepted the first week of camp only

A 40-minute play, “To Be A Star”, will be presented August 1st & 2nd at the Ellis Fine Arts Center. In addition to rehearsing the play, camp participants will receive instruction in theater basics and the chance to engage in theater exercises

Contact Allen Twitchell at 620-218-2147 or [email protected]

8 Forget Me Not Fellowship at Integrity Home Care
& Hospice- 902 S. Horton, 2-pm

Forget Me Not Fellowship – Hope and Healing One Day at a Time:
Join us on the 2nd Monday of each month. At Integrity, we know the passage through grief is tough and can lead to a time of intense soul searching. That’s why we’re here for you when it matters most. You don’t have to bear the burden of doing it all alone. We provide care that never stops – for our clients, and for their families. As you continue your journey, join us for fellowship and support

For more info, contact 620-223-1191 ext. 17805 (See flyer below)

8 USD-234 Board of Education Meeting – 424 S. Main St., 5:30-6:30pm
9-10 Summer Reading Program – FS Public Library,
201 S. National, 10-11am

“Animal Tales” with guest Jan Hedges

9 T.O.P.S Meetings held weekly on Tuesdays at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 10:30am
9 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room,
2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
9 Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Tuesday evenings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds

We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products

9 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Express Employment Professionals, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce – 119 S. Main St., 5:15pm (See flyer below)

Ceremony begins at 5:15pm, with remarks and ribbon cutting at 5:30pm. Light refreshments will be served

9 Historic Preservation Association of BB County Meeting – Old Congregational Church, 502 S. National Ave., 7-8pm

Great fellowship, refreshments, and a door prize – hope you can attend!

10 Breakfast Bingo at Buck Run Community Center (2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month) – 735 Scott Ave., 9-10am

Come drink some coffee and play some bingo at Buck Run.  Staff will provide the bingo cards, the caller, and coffee.  Prizes provided by the Fort Scott Recreation Commission

10 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,  308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
10
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library,
201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm
Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
10 Summer Reading Program for Middle & High School Students – FS Public Library, 201 S. National, 4-6pm – “Crafts & Creative Writing”
11-14 2019 FSCC Summer Showcase Baseball Tournament

For more info, CLICK HERE  or contact John Hill: [email protected]

11
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Hedgehog.INK
Location: 16 S. Main St.
11 Horticultural services at the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday – 210 S. National, 9am-3:30pm

Krista Harding, Horticulture Agent for the Southwind Extension District, has office hours at the Extension office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday. In an effort to better serve residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding communities, Krista is there weekly to answer questions and offer advice on lawn and gardens, trees and shrubs, flowers and insect. Bring your spotted leaves, strange looking insects or wilted flowers and let her help you! This a free service and is available to all community members. Questions?
Call 620-223-3720

11 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room,
12pm-1pm
11 Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm

Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize

11
Rotary Social – Trivia Night at Boiler Room Brewhaus – 2 S. National Ave., 6-8pm

Rotarians, Guests, and Potential Rotarians:

Join us for a Rotary Social and Trivia!
Come whether you want to play trivia or not! Boiler Room Brewhaus offers a variety of both alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages. They also sell light snacks, or you may order from a nearby restaurant and bring in food, including Papa Don’s which delivers to the Brewhaus. Cost is $5 per person

11 A Star is Born, or Died – Boiler Room Brewhaus,
2 S. National Ave., 7-9pm

Join Boiler Room Brewhaus on Thursday evenings from 7-9pm for karaoke fun. Cheer on your favorite local star!

12-13
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays:  Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays:  Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
12-13 2019 Bourbon County Fair ACRA/IPRA Rodeo

For a full schedule of Fair and Rodeo events, click https://www.southwind.k-state.edu/fairs/bourbon-county/Bourbon%20County%20Fair%20Schedule.pdf

To visit the rodeo website, click http://acrarodeo.com/events.aspx

To visit Bourbon County Fair’s website, click http://www.bourboncountyfair.com/

12 YPL First Friday Luncheon (Young Professional’s League of Bourbon County) – Papa Don’s, 10 N. Main St., 12-1pm

Join us for the YPL First Friday Luncheon, open to YPL members or anyone interested in the organization

12 Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavillion, 1st & Main St., 7-8pm

The concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson. If you or someone you know is interested in performing, contact Ralph at [email protected]

Bring your lawn chair as seating is limited. In the event of bad weather, the concert will be moved to Common Ground Coffee at 116 S. Main St.

13-14 Marmaton Massacre Festival – Gunn Park Trails, Fort Scott

Saturday: 12pm-10pm, Sunday: 9am-3pm

This is a great weekend of riding, racing, free camping, food, live entertainment, etc. Once again, our event sponsor, Erik’s Bike & Board, will be onsite for tune-ups and demo bikes available

Online registration is open at https://www.usacycling.org/events?type=MTN&state=KS

Visit: https://legacy.usacycling.org/events/getflyer.php?permit=2019-881

13 Woodland Hills Golf Course 2-Person Scramble – 2414
S. Horton, 8am-2pm

2-Person 18 hole flighted scramble, 8am shotgun start

For more information, contact Shannon O’Neil:
620-223-5060 or visit:
http://www.fscity.org/160/Golf-Course

13
Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Saturday Mornings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds

We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
13 Storytime at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main, 10:30am

Storytime and special activity with an author. “The Wonky Donky”
Contact Jan Hedges: 620-670-2752

13
Cinema Saturdays at the Gordon Parks Museum – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, 12-2pm

The Gordon Parks Museum will show the films of Gordon Parks on Saturdays this summer starting on June 8 at 12:00 p.m. in the museum on the FSCC campus.  This free event will feature Mr. Parks’ films and one of Kevin Willmott’s films
13 Book Signing Event, co-hosted by Books & Grannies and Hedgehog.INK – 11 N. Main St., 1pm

Join Books & Grannies and Hedgehog.Ink for a book signing with Eric T. Reynolds. Eric is Editor/Publisher with Hadley Rille Books (hrbpress.com). He was born in the Flint Hills town Eureka, Kansas, has lived elsewhere in Kansas and on the U.S. East Coast. His fiction has appeared in the magazines: Mythic Circle, Galaxy’s Edge, and Sci Phi Journal, and in several indie press publications. He is a member of the Historical Novel Society. “The Artifacts” is his first novel

Contact him at [email protected] and on Facebook as Eric T. Reynolds or his occasional blogging at ericreynolds.livejournal.com

14 Team Trivia at the Boiler Room Brewhaus –
10 S. National, 3-5pm

Exciting, fun and challenging team trivia. Put your team together (maximum of 8 teams, maximum of 5 members on a team)

$5 per person. Cash prizes for winning team. Pre-register at the tap room

15 Chamber Board Meeting – Papa Don’s, 10 N. Main,
12-1pm
15 Community Book Club – 7-8pm

July’s Book: The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir, by Jennifer Ryan

Contact Sara Coon: [email protected] for location

16 Summer Reading Performer: Rare Jewels of the Rainforest Bird Show – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108
S. Horton, 10am
16 T.O.P.S Meetings held weekly on Tuesdays at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 10:30am
16 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room,
2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm
16 Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living, 3rd Tuesday of Each Month – 820 S. Horton St., 2-4pm

Residents and the public are invited the 3rd Tuesday of each month for Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living, 820 S. Horton St.

16 Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)

Tuesday evenings, 8:00am – 12:00pm

Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds. We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products

16 City Commission Meeting – City Hall, 123 S. Main, 6-7pm
16 Bourbon County Fair Draft Horse Pull – Fairgrounds, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd., 7:30pm
17 Google Livestream: Get Productive With Google’s Digital Tools – Lowell Milken Center, 1 S. Main St., 11am-12pm

This FREE workshop will be good information for literally anyone – from teachers, to business owners, to a DIY’er who likes to stay organized!

What’s to be expected:
– How Google’s office productivity tools-including Gmail, Calendar, Drive and other apps-can boost productivity.
– Tips and tricks for getting more out of the tools, and how to use them most efficiently.
– Creative ways to accomplish a variety of tasks for your professional and personal projects in your everyday life
17 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,  308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
17
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library,
201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm
Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
18
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Bourbon County Fair
Location: Bourbon County Fairgrounds,
2102 S. Huntington Blvd.
18 Horticultural services at the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday – 210 S. National, 9am-3:30pm

Krista Harding, Horticulture Agent for the Southwind Extension District, has office hours at the Extension office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday. In an effort to better serve residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding communities, Krista is there weekly to answer questions and offer advice on lawn and gardens, trees and shrubs, flowers and insect. Bring your spotted leaves, strange looking insects or wilted flowers and let her help you! This a free service and is available to all community members. Questions? Call 620-223-3720

18 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room,
12pm-1pm
18 Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm

Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize

18 Bourbon County Republicans Meeting – FSCC, 2108 S. Horton, 6-8pm (room to be announced later)
18 A Star is Born, or Died – Boiler Room Brewhaus,
2 S. National Ave., 7-9pm

Join Boiler Room Brewhaus on Thursday evenings from 7-9pm for karaoke fun. Cheer on your favorite local star!

Save the Date:
– July 19-21 – Midwest Nationals Baseball Tournament
– July 19 – Flicks on the Bricks (Sgt. Stubby)
– July 19 – Blackwood Brothers in Concert
– July 19 – Friday Night Concert in the Park
– July 19 – BB County Fair Junior Livestock Sale
– July 20 – Farmers’ Market
– July 20 – LibraryCon Community Event
– July 20 – Cinema Saturdays
– July 20 – BB County Fair EKTEC Rodeo
– July 20 – Sally Stuckey in Concert
Click here for full events listing on our website.

Meet and Greet: Lots of Activity in Fort Scott

Community members interested in downtown Fort Scott meet  throughout the year to talk about downtown issues at the Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet.

On July 2, the meet and greet was hosted by La Hacienda Restaurant and sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, with the City of Fort personnel and attendees giving updates on happenings.

Mirna and Jose Santana, owners of La Hacienda, thanked the attendees for supporting the restaurant for the nine years they have been in Fort Scott.

“We try to do our best,” Mirna said.

Chamber Executive Director Lindsay Madison led the meeting.

Madison talked about the First Impressions program that Kansas State Research and Extension provides to improve a community’s image and quality of life for its’ citizens.

Fort Scott was visited this last winter by a K-State First Impressions visitation team and presented the public with a “snapshot of what they observed,” Madison said, which she had copies of and handed out to attendees.

She highlighted some of the findings.

“Go out and look at the front of your business,” Madison said. “Are the windows clean? What types of things are in the window? Make sure they are welcoming and inviting.”

“Offer something to make you stand out,” she encouraged the business owners.

The findings discouraged using detering signs such as “no public restroom'”  “don’t touch”, etc., she said.

Cross marketing each other was encouraged.
“When they ask if you have something, say ‘no, but so and so down the street has it,'” Madison said.

Another issue is vacant buildings noticed by the K-State group.

“We’ve made huge progress in the last few years, but we still have some vacant buildings,” Madison said and invited sharing of ideas for potential businesses be given to her.

Lindsay Madison leads the downtown meeting on July 2.

Market assistance is offered by the Chamber, one on one, Madison said. She encouraged a web presence, Google business listings ,a  free Google website, and a good business profile on fortscott.com.

Other happenings:

  • Marmaton Massacre Mountain Bike Championship is July 13-14 at Gunn Park and businesses are encourage to get their items  by July 9 to the Chamber of Commerce for the 100 swag bags that will be distributed to participants. Volunteers are needed with no race experience necessary. There will be a public concert in a “beautiful setting,” Madison said.
  • August 2-4 there will be a sales tax holiday by some of the local businesses.
  • July 17 a workshop “Get Productive with Google’s Digital Tools” from 11 a.m. to noon at the Lowell Milken Center. Sign up on fortscott.com.
  • Grants are available for painting facades of downtown businesses, for up to $500 from Steve Buerge.
  • July 19 will be a downtown movie night on Skubitz Plaza, featuring Sgt. Stubby, August 16 the movie featured will be Beauty and the Beast.
  • Hedgehog INK, a local bookstore, is hosting a writing festival on October 19.
  • The second Art in the Yard Festival will be Sept. 14 with more vendors and is free. Contact Bobbie Kemna at 224-7480.
  • Fort Scott Paws and Claws Animal Shelter sells pet food and pet supplies and is located downtown. There will be fundraiserfor Paws and Claws at the Boiler Room Brewhaus July 27 at 7 p.m. featuring the Wayward Bettys, with $10 tickets available at the Chamber office, the animal shelter and Kate Sweetser.
  • Bid and Dibs owner, Angie Simon, asked for ideas for increasing sales for retailers in June. “June is terrible for retailers,” Simon said.
  • The Union Block renovation is underway and will produce 25 market value apartments when complete.
  • The Stout Building demolition started on July 1.
  • Mid-Continental Restoration is restoring the storefront at Wall Street and National Avenue.
  • Lori Lovelace is opening a laundry mat business on National Avenue which will include clothes alterations and a clothing pantry.
  • Peerless Products is opening a warehouse space in Nevada, MO, “But it won’t impact Fort Scott at all,” Fort Scott Economic Director Rachel Pruitt,  told attendees.
  • Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas will build a health care facility on six acres on Horton, west of the present Mercy Building, Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin said.
  • Via Christi is looking at the land on the east side of the property of the former Mercy Hospital for a future emergency department option, Martin said.
  • The city and Bourbon County’s public works departments are beginning to “work with each other,” Martin said.
  • July 26 at Crooner’s Lounge, Flagship Romance will be performing.
  • July 4 at the Fort Scott National Historic Site there will be a full day of activities including an ice cream social by the Friends of the Fort at noon.
  • The annual naturalizaiton ceremony will be Sept. 20 at the Fort.
  • Riverfront Park Authority has purchased and will be installing lighting for the trail soon.
  • July 4, there will be a Burke Street Parade with refreshments following at Nate and Bailey Lyons home on Burke Street and Shane Walker providing hot dogs.
  • Fort Scott Street Department employee Chad Brown is working on a plan to repair brick streets in the city, Martin said.
  • The city has a group working on National Avenue renovation, Martin said.
  • Westar Energy is completing a merger with Kansas City Power and Light and will become Evergy in October 2019.
  • Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative will begin fiber optic installation on Fort Scott’s east side next year.
  • The tiny houses project north of Hwy. 54, has all the monthly rentals rented and are currently working on the Airbnb segment.
  • Mark Calvin, a new New York Life Insurance Company agent, introduced himself to attendees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Craw-Kan Taking Orders for Fiber Optic Internet Services

Hey Fort Scott –
are you in the zone?
CRAW-KAN is now taking business and residential orders for fiber optic internet, high definition TV and phone service in the GREEN shaded area on the map above.
Call 620-724-8235 to sign up,
or check out www.ruralfiber.org
for packages and pricing;
then click “I WANT FIBER” and enter your info to have us
contact you!
If you aren’t in the GREEN *yet* please be patient…
We are coming to the east side of town next year!!

Minnis Buys Brown’s Dental Practice

Dr. Daniel Minnis’s new location, 204 S. State Street.
Dr. Daniel Minnis is no stranger to Fort Scott.
Dr. Minnis managed Dr. Gary Brown’s dental practice for the last 14 years and when Brown wanted to retire, a buyer was sought.
” We diligently looked for a buyer without success and rather than close down the practice I decided to purchase … so patients would have access to care,” Minnis said.
Accent Dental LLC now has a new office at 204 State Street and is dedicated to providing high-quality dental care for the residents of Bourbon County, Minnis said.
The hours of operation are  Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and the office can be reached at 620-223-0130.
Dr. Daniel Minnis and Jennifer Doherty, dental assistant prepare for the next patient at Accent Dental LLC.
The following questions were part of an interview with Minnis:
Education: University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry
Experience: 30 Years, since 1988
Community involvement:
“Founded the Community Health Center of SEK Dental Clinic and serves as Chairman of the Board of the Community Health Center of SEK.  I have worked as a volunteer for CHC/SEK for the last 14 years to help bring affordable Medical, Dental, and Mental Health Care to Southeast Kansas.”
 What services do you provide to our community?
“All aspects of General Dentistry.”
Why did you pursue your career?
“I have desired to be a healthcare professional since the age of 14.”
Minnis employees from left: Alison Leach, receptionist; Dr. Minnis, Jennifer Doherty, dental assistant; Ashley Doyle, hygenist; Baylea White, assistant; Destiny Allen, assistant; Angie Smith, assistant. Not pictured: Katy Kanes, hygenist; Roger Nolte, DDS, and Latasha Vick, DDS.