The Artificers, a local art gallery at 8 N. National Avenue, will have a grand opening and ribbon cutting gala on January 28. At 5:30 p.m. will be the ribbon cutting. The gala is from 6 to 9 p.m.
An artificer is a skilled or artistic worker or craftsman, according to Webster’s Dictionary.
Cocktail attire is recommended for the gala event.
The owners, Kate and Trent Freeman, have been renovating the storefront for several years and still have some work to do, but the first floor is ready for the classes the Freeman’s will offer.
The classes start February 1 as part of the The Artificers Teaching Studio, and offer a wide range of classes for any age or ability.
“We will start off with clay sculpture and pottery wheel throwing classes, but soon will add a variety of classes from our extensive list of master artists, that includes painting, watercolor, airbrush, graphite drawing, mixed media collage and more,” Kate said.
Trent Freeman. Submitted photo.
“We are so excited to host a variety of artists throughout the coming year and display their superior craftsmanship that has taken them thousands of hours to develop,” she said.
A clay sculpture. Submitted photo.
The hours of operation for the art studio/gallery business are Tuesday- Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are extended hours during classes and special events.
About The Artists
Trent works to create art in mixed media: clay, glass, wood, metal; Kate works in clay and acrylic painting.
“We had our studio in Kansas City for 22 years,” Trent said. “I’ve been a professional for 28 years. We’ve done everything from gallery to commission to art festivals all over the country. Most of our work is commission now.”
Trent said when Kansas City shut down businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic, they began coming to their farm, west of Fort Scott.
Trent’s parents, Ed and Jackie Freeman built a house near Bronson and retired there, and so Trent and Kate have been coming here for 20 years, he said. “And we loved the town.”
Eventually the Freeman’s purchased the building at 8 North National Avenue, on October 2, 2020, and have been working on the renovation since.
In 2022, the Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. group held visioning meetings to find the perceived needs of the community.
These meetings were in August, October and November and focused on specific areas: labor, housing, retail, and an in-depth sales tax revenue study.
“These sessions brought community and business leaders together to work through important issues that we face today,” said Rob Harrington, director of REDI. “On average, we had 40 participants at each event and the dialogue was very thought provoking.”
“In the final session the hard work and dedication of all who attended these visioning sessions came to three very specific projects which the group felt were the most important,” he said.
Bailey Lyons, CEO of Lyons Realty Group, was chosen by the housing group to lead a group that will encourage more housing developments in the county.
“A separate committee decided that having a quality place to live was just as important, and would help with growing our housing possibilities as well,” Harrington said. This group is being lead by Brad Matkin, Interim Fort Scott City Manager, and will be working on the planning and construction of a tennis court complex in Fort Scott.
Training the youth in the county was another issue the visioning group thought was important.
“This group decided to work with the three different education boards (USD 234-Fort Scott, USD 235-Uniontown and Fort Scott Community College) to develop more technical training for our youth,” he said. “This group is being led by Susan Bancroft Chief Financial Officer of Bourbon County.
The groups have been asked to meet throughout 2023 to work on each of these goals.
“At the end of next year the same group of people will be asked to reconvene and discuss with the group all of their progress on each goal,” Harrington said. “At which time, if goals have been reached others can be developed.”
“This was the first time a group of leaders across the entire county had been brought together to target and address concerns and opportunities for our communities as a whole,” Harrington said. “Bourbon County REDI was honored to be the host organization, and look forward to the continued work by this and other groups.”
The Bourbon County REDI mission is to build a vibrant county through business, economic and tourism development, and ongoing community development throughout the county, according to its website.
The Bourbon County REDI is housed on the second floor of Landmark Bank, 200 S Main St Suite 200, Fort Scott, KS 66701 and can be contacted at (620) 644-7966.
Landmark Bank Fort Scott houses the office of Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.
Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet scheduled for January 10th!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held Tuesday, January 10th from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Papa Don’s,
10 N. Main St.
These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotion and anything related to downtown.
Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
A Fort Scott woman, who cooks at a local restaurant for a living, has paid for a movie for the community at Fort Cinema, 224 W. 18th.
On January 7 at 2 p.m. there will be a free showing of Puss in Boots The Last Wish hosted by this woman, who wishes to remain anonymous.
“This is Christmas present to the community,” Terri Belcher Turner, her cousin, said. “The first 95 people will get to enjoy the movie, free of charge. The concessions stand will be open. There was a scheduling issue before Christmas, so now it is the Saturday after the holidays.”
Turner sent an email to fortscott.biz with the story.
“I know the donor and want everyone to know she is a life-long Fort Scott resident with a love for her town and the families in it,” Turner said. “She works regular jobs and struggles like the rest of us but wanted to give families a chance for an afternoon out that they normally couldn’t afford. I hate I am 500 miles away and can’t be there to help promote this generous act.” Turner lives in St. Paul, MN.
“She is someone that cares and really doesn’t have the extra but wants to make a difference,” Turner said. “I’m just wishing I could be there and could help get other people or companies involved because this could help the community and be an ongoing thing on spring break, summer break anytime through out the year.”
“I’m wondering if anyone would like to step forward and pay for the concessions,” Turner said.
The donor paid close to $200 for renting the theater for this free event to the community.
“This is something for a family to do together, but because of the cost, can’t go to a theater anymore,” Turner said.
120 E. Wall was purchased this week by Robert and Kim Coon. Submitted photo.
Continuing the restoration of Fort Scott’s downtown, Robert and Kim Coon have purchased 120 E. Wall this week. They own Coon Rentals LLC.
Robert and Kim Coon own Coon Rentals LLC. Submitted photo.
“After I bought the Kress Building, I fell in love with the downtown area,” Robert Coon said. “There is lots of energy, lots of events, music on Friday nights at Heritage Park. That little strip of Main Street was dead, now it’s thriving.”
The Kress Building he purchased last year was renovated into Pizza Republic Restaurant this year.
“It’s the support of the community that put downtown Fort Scott on the map and it’s exploding,” he said. “Developers, business people have contributed-the Bartlesmeyers, the Lyons, the Freemans, the LaRoches, the Lipes, the Dancers and others.”
“Developers are taking money from their other ventures to fund this,” he said. “These people are building downtown, are working downtown and still choosing to build downtown.”
“My wife and I have always been involved in rentals,” Coon said. “The residential rental market is easy. The commercial market is fun.”
Going back in time, the shoe store, the appliance store, the Kress Tea Room were closing, now investors are revitalizing the downtown, he said.
Instrumental economic development people in this revitalization have been Jody Hoener and Rob Harrington, Coon said.
Plans For the Building
Coon Rentals LLC will be renovating the upstairs of 120 E. Wall into a 1,900 square feet “high end, classy Airbnb.”
“The view is spectacular from the second floor,” he said.
The lower 1900 square feet, which was renovated by the Gettler’s and most recently Patrick Wood, is an office space that is currently rented out to Stutesman Action Realty.
A view inside 120 E. Wall on the main floor. Submitted photo.
History of the Building
“In the 1800’s the original building burnt down,” Coon said. “In 1920, the current structure was built. Brian Allen and Shane Walker are a wealth of knowledge of downtown history.”
“There was a complete renovation under the previous ownership of Patrick J. Wood-the street level, 1900 square feet of a stunning, professional area, is currently occupied by Stutesman Action Reality. The 1,900 square feet, high end loft apartment space upstairs is set to be Airbnb in early April, 2023”.
Teresa Cummings, 53, moved with her family from California to Fort Scott in May 2020, when her husband retired. “It was the best thing I’ve ever done,” she said. “We have more conservative values than the San Francisco Bay area.”
In October 2022, she started her business Helpful Hands Errands and Delivery Service.
She is hoping to fill a need for senior citizens who might need a little help shopping and running errands.
“I will deliver to anyone, but what got me started is I wanted to help older people,” Cummings said. “They are walking history and have done a lot for their families. Some people don’t have a lot of family to help them out.”
Cummings delivers from any restaurant and will shop at any store in town.
“I do additional errands, such as prescription pick-up, pick-up or drop-off of items to friends and family, in-home meal prep, party and holiday decorating, and more,” she said. “
Whatever the errand or personal service need, she will accommodate.
Her hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday and Monday by appointment only.
The business contact is 620.224.7604.
The service area for the business is the Fort Scott area.
All other errands (example party prep, holiday decorating, in-home meal prep, etc.): $11/hour
15% discount for Veterans
This fall, Cummings was helped by the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team with the start up of her business.
“Rachel Carpenter and Dacia Clark helped me to go through each step to set up the business,” she said. “They were absolutely wonderful. I would recommend to anybody trying to start a new business.”
NEVADA, MO December 28, 2022–Nevada Regional Medical Center has been surveyed by the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) and has successfully met the requirements to be accredited for a HospitalSwing Bed Program.
In meeting the requirements, NRMC demonstrated compliance with allCIHQ Standards and the Conditions of Participation by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This recognition reflects NRMC’s continuous commitment to safety and quality patient care.
Nevada Regional Medical Center was subjected to a rigorous,unannounced assessment on December 13, 2022. The CIHQ team toured the hospital, reviewed medical records, observed care practices, and interviewed staff.
“CIHQ’s goal is to partner with hospitals to improve the care provided in our communities,” states Richard Curtis, Chief Executive Officer of CIHQ. “CIHQ is proud to recognize Nevada Regional Medical Center for achieving swing bed accreditation.”
Jason Anglin, NRMC’s CEO stated: “We are so excited to add this service to NRMC. This will help us better serve our community as patients will no longer have to travel to other facilities for skilled care. Our doctors, nurses and rehabilitationstaffwill help patients stay close to home and move forward in their recoveryprocess.To prepare for this survey, our leadership team prepared policies and educated our clinical staff on how to care for and rehabilitate patients after their acute care stay. We are so proud of this accomplishment.”
For more information about our Swing Bed program, please visit www.nrmchealth.com/swingbedor call 417–448–3682. Reyna Blakely Community Relations & Foundation Manager 417.448.3801
CHC originally projected the Price Chopper building would be completed by the end of 2022, it is currently now March 2023..
“There is a Santa Claus,” Krista Postai, CEO of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas said.
U.S. Senator Moran called Postai last Friday to let her know some good news for CHC/SEK.
Krista Postai. Submitted.
“Senator Jerry Moran contacted CHC/SEK on December 23 to notify us that our request for $5 million to offset the cost of renovating and equipping a comprehensive full-service medical facility (the former Price Chopper building) in Ft. Scott, was approved,” Postai said. “Total cost of the project has been estimated at approximately $10 million including the installation of a CT Scanner.”
CHC’s request was included in Moran’s Congressionally Directed Spending appropriations approved in the Fiscal 2023 Omnibus spending package, Postai said.
“The $1.7 trillion bill to fund the U.S. Government was signed by President Joe Biden shortly after it was approved by the Senate (on Thursday) and the House on December 23,” she said. “Also contributing to the cost of our new facility is the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, through the Community Care Network of Kansas’ Capital Investment Grant which awarded us $40,000 to help equip the wellness section of the facility; funding for diagnostics is coming through the American Rescue Plan approved by Congress in 2021. The balance of the cost will be covered directly by CHC/SEK offset partially by the sale of its buildings at 902 Horton Street and 1624 S. National Ave.”
Completion of the new clinic is now expected in March due to supply chain delays and unanticipated construction issues.
“The primary supply chain issues were the heating/cooling system and doors and flooring. They were delayed,” she said. “We also had to fill in the underground tunnels we found throughout the building with concrete. Apparently they were there to support the utilities necessary for the store’s refrigeration system…. renovation always bring surprises.”
Common Ground employees are from left to right: Dawson Korinke, Barista; Brightin Eads, Barista;, Lauren Ogran, Barista; Chandler Endicott, Barista; Michelle Keyes, Cook; Heidi Dixon, Manager, Samantha Racy, Asst Manager and Hannah Dunn, Bookkeeper. Submitted photo. Not in the picture: Payton Atwood, Barista; Ella Maher, Barista; Skylar Mohler, Barista and Hannah Keyes, Barista.
New Staff
Heidi Dixon, 52, started as the new manager of Common Ground Coffee Shop on Dec. 19.
Dixon grew up in Fort Scott, moved away and moved back.
She has been a general manager for Fort Scott Taco Tico, operations manager for Dave and Buster’s Restaurant in Kansas City and worked at several other restaurants through the years.
The Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene board oversees the coffee shop and selected Dixon as the new manager.
Hired as assistant manager is Samantha Racy, 22.
“I volunteered for about a week,” Samantha said. “There was a period the coffee shop was struggling. Others from the church helped. My whole family volunteered.”
Samantha Racy is an esthetician at Healing Hands Therapeutic Massage and Salon and also works at the coffee shop.
In addition, several high school students work there.
The business is searching for an additional cook.
“There is an assistant manager and a manager to take a load off of one person,” said Stacy Racy.
Racy has taken on the scheduling of the Loading Dock, the big rental room, in the rear of the shop.
The Loading Dock
Stacy Racy is hoping to have an event in the Loading Dock at least once a month, she said. Stacy is Samantha’s mother.
In December they had two events: a 1940s Christmas Concert on Dec. 16 and a Photo With The Grinch event on Dec. 17.
The Loading Dock has a stage area and an outside patio area.
To rent the event center costs $60 for four hours during business hours, eight hours will cost $100. To rent the space during in off- business hours is $150 for six hours, she said.
For small groups there is a conference room with a large table in a private area, and it is free, she said.
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sunday.
To contact the Common Ground Coffee Shop, call 620.223.2499.
Visit the shop’s Facebook page and webpage to see the shop’s latest news.
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. hired a consulting company to do local studies on retail, housing and labor in the county. That study was completed this fall.
“Last year, REDI was able to work with both Goldstone Consulting and O’Brian and Associates on the Retail, Housing, and Labor studies,” Rob Harrington, REDI CEO said. “These studies were able to provide us with the necessary data to move forward on several initiatives in 2023.”
“One of those initiatives is a Small Business Retention and Expansion Program for our local businesses,” he said. “We will be working throughout this next year to visit and create ways to help these companies continue to grow within Bourbon County. “
“We will also begin working with a group of citizens throughout Bourbon County on housing development initiatives,’ he said. “This housing committee will be instrumental in creating ways for us to not only attract developers but also new residents and marketing our communities to outside markets”.
REDI will continue to work to bring new developments in commercial and industrial business to Bourbon County by using the data from these reports as well as building on the partnerships that have grown over the last two years, Harrington said.
“All of the reports were paid for by Bourbon County REDI and we will continue to use our funds to help grow our county and ultimately work towards lowering taxes for everyone who lives and owns businesses in Bourbon County,” he said.
Alisha Jamison is the new manager and Kevin “Skitch” Allen is the new owner of Aunt Toadie’s Restaurant. Submitted photo.
Kevin “Skitch” Allen purchased Aunt Toadie’s Restaurant in October but officially took over the business on Dec. 12, 2022.
Aunt Toadies Restaurant.
“My heart is on the east side of town,” he said.
Allen started his construction business and car wash on the east side of Fort Scott. Nineteen years ago he demolished a house on the west side of the Aunt Toadie’s restaurant property for the former owners Larry and Mary Jane McHenry.
That started a relationship with the McHenrys. Then two years ago he started dating their niece Alisha Jamison.
“One evening we were talking to Mary Jane and Larry and discovered they wanted to work less hours,” Allen said. “Alisha and I talked about it. She was interested in running the eating business and I am interested in eating.”
“I’ve never owned a restaurant before,” he said. But the McHenry’s have stayed on to help the transition until the end of December.
“Thankfully, Larry and Mary Jane made it a success,” he said. “It’s one more way to help out on my side of town.”
Allen has been doing work on the outside of the restaurant on East Wall since purchasing it.
Kevin Allen works on the new parking lot on the west side of Aunt Toadies on Dec. 13.
The west side of the building will have an addition, which will double the size of the eating area.
“It will be called the Lily Pad,” he said. “That will be for people who enjoy watching (sport) games on TV. Possibly with beer, in the future with dining.”
Possible futuristic plans are a pickle ball court to the north of this new addition, he said.
“You’ll be able to walk out to a pickle ball court,” he said. “Playing off the idea of chicken and pickle ball.”
On the east side of the restaurant there will be table and chairs for an outdoor eating area in warmer weather.
Inside, he has purchased a new soft-serve ice cream machine and discovered an old milk shake machine which will be put to use once again.
“We plugged it in and it went,” Allen said.
Alisha Jamison is the new manager and they are keeping the current wait staff. Matt McHenry, Larry and Mary Jane’s son, has decided to stay as cook.
“That’s a blessing,” he said. “He has worked there since he was a child.”
“I’m the taste tester,” Allen said.
The hours and menu will remain the same, but there might be additional hours on Monday and Saturday in the future.
There may be some additions to the menu because “we’ve got some good cooks thinking up ideas,” he said.
Larry and Mary Jane McHenry, left, Alisha Jamison and Kevin Allen. Submitted photo.
“I want to thank the McHenry’s for allowing us to take over their family business,” Allen said. “We are going to work hard to keep the family food atmosphere.”
“And thanks also to Fort Scott customers for the years of patronage, we know they won’t be disappointed,” he said.
The city will be opening Buck Run Community Center, 735 S. Scott as a warming shelter today. The phone number is223.0386.
Please do not go out unless necessary and if you do, take extreme caution in driving and make sure you have warmer than usual clothing on in case of a breakdown or accident.
Power is still an issue south of town to the Garland area but crews are working as fast as possible to get it restored.
