All posts by Loretta George

Area News, Business, Jobs

New Pig Farm Being Located Near Bourbon County Line: Help Needed

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All photos submitted.

A swine farm is being constructed along the county line next to Bourbon County

The company, Monarch Sow Farm, is owned by Perdue Premium Meat Company, headquartered in Salisbury, MD, and is located in Neosho County.  Their harvest facility is in Sioux Center, Iowa.

“The property is on the county lines of Neosho, Allen, and Bourbon; but in Neosho County,” said Jim Magolski, PHD, Perdue’s Senior Director of Hog Quality and Protocols. “The property is south of Alabama/250th Road, west of York/10th Road, and north of 39.”

The 240 acres of land was purchased in March 2021, and construction began February 2022.  The site will be completed in August of 2022, according to Magolski.

“We birth (farrow) and raise baby pigs until they are old enough to be weaned from their mothers,” said Magolski.

“The farm, when fully populated, will house 1600 sows across five barns, three barns comprised of large pens bedded with straw for gestation and two barns of individual birthing pens for the moms and piglets that is also bedded with straw and wood shavings; all raised in accordance to production protocols that exceed industry standards,” he said.  “Our program is part of a farming system that helps support new and young farmers, independent family farmers and generational farmers that are looking to grow sustainably, humanely raised pigs.”

“This farm is on the Bourbon County line, but is actually in Neosho County,” he said.  “As an antibiotic free production system, biosecurity and the distance to other swine is a key component of this type of production model’s success.  The combination of low pig density, an ideal climate for our open air barns, quality work force, ample access to bedding (straw), and close proximity to our network of independent family farms made this area an ideal location to expand our business while investing in a community we look forward to being a valued member of.”

“The piglets from this farm will be sold to farmers in the region to raise on their land as part of our weaned pig program,” he said. “This program has helped farmers find a way to make a living in agriculture, particularly young farmers who do not have the time to dedicate to farrowing.  Today we have over 600 producers in our network across the Midwest, including over 30 producers in eastern Kansas.”

Employees are needed for the farm.

“We’re hiring!” he said.  “We pay well above minimum wage and have many growth opportunities within a larger company. Ultimately we will have 12 employees at the location.”

For more information go to www.perduecareers.com and search “Kansas”.

 

 

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

New Labconco Manager: Brandon Smith

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Brandon Smith. Submitted photo.

Brandon Smith, 44, is the new plant manager at Labconco, in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park.

Labconco, 2500 Liberty Bell Road, Fort Scott.

Smith started on May 9, 2022, replacing Mike Lakeman.

He oversees the daily operations of the plant, with 72 employees.

Smith served in the U.S. Navy for eight years, and has been at the Labconco headquarters in Kansas City, MO for 16.5 years, before coming to Fort Scott.

Labconco is celebrating its 97th year in Kansas City, MO and 34th year in Fort Scott, Smith said “Labconco designs and builds high-quality laboratory equipment.”

“Continuous product innovation keeps researchers safe and meets their exacting and ever-evolving needs for efficiency and performance in chemical and biological ventilation, particulate enclosures, sample preparation, forensics, washers, and water purification,” Smith said. “Labconco’s employees are dedicated to the safety of people and the scientific process, and to the prospect of a world made safer through science.”

Labconco: A Part of the COVID-19 Pandemic Vaccine Research

Labconco has played a big part in the pandemic, Smith said.

“Our biological safety cabinets, which are manufactured in the Kansas City location, and fume hoods, which are manufactured here in Fort Scott, were used in the research and development of the various vaccines currently being used now,” he said.  “A large part of our customer base is medical and pharmaceutical research.  We are an international company, so our products serviced not just nationally, but globally as well.”

The business has also dealt with the supply disruptions of the pandemic.

“We are constantly dealing with supply chain disruptions to this day since the pandemic started,” he said.  “Most of our suppliers have increased their lead times, for various reasons, which in turn has produced new challenges and obstacles on our end with keeping up to the customer demand.”

For more information, visit labconco.com

Fort Scott

As You Are Ministry Moves Forward, Step by Step

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As You Are Ministry is located above the Fort Scott Barber Shop, the tallest building in this photo.

Mayra Montanez has a heart for the disadvantaged, because at one time she was one.

She is the daughter of an Assembly of God pastor in Puerto Rico.

And life happened.

“I was a single parent on my own, and needed help,” she said. “I know how it feels to  have limited resources and have pride…to be employed and not have enough money to go to work.”

To this day her heart is touched by the issues of others.

“In the winter, I wake my husband up, it’s snowing, and we will go look for people on the streets,” she said. “It breaks my heart.”

Montanez started the process of of non-profit 501 3c designation last fall, called As You Are Ministry. She has received calls from the community for people in need.

The second floor of the family owned business, Fort Scott Barber Shop, is being transformed to help meet the needs of the community, little by little.

Last month, the family installed a heating and air conditioning system with a separate power line to the second floor of their business building. They recently got a website going.

They have been working on the second floor of the building, for ministering to the community. It has a gathering place, a kitchenette, her office and the future bathroom/shower room.

The third floor is another step down the road, with the idea of providing temporary housing for those who need it.

Mayra Montanez tells about the community gathering place for those who need a place to cool off in summer or get warm in winter.

“You can warm up, or cool down,” in the gathering place they have prepared, she said. There is also a kitchenette to provide some refreshments to those who gather.

“The next step is a bathroom,” Montanez said. “We have no plumbing up here.”

A kitchenette is provided in the community gathering place.

Then, if someone got their water cut off or is homeless, the ministry could provide a bathroom service.

“Sometimes when things happen in life, where their money didn’t go as far the month, we can help,” she said.

“We want to meet people where they are,” Montanez said.

Some of the products/services they can currently provide, besides the community gathering place:

  • school supplies including backpacks
  • hygienic supplies: tooth brush, toothpaste, shampoo
  • translation from English to Spanish for legal documents
  • notary public service
  • currently in place of a shower: body cleansing wipes, clean clothes and dirty clothes washed
  • providing hotel lodging for a few nights if needed, because of the weather.

Her husband, Jose, and their children are highly involved in her ministry and helping people, she said.

The goal is to “help people who sometimes need a little push to  move forward, no judgement,” she said. “From there they can do it. We want to be able to help those who need a little or a lot of help. If we can, we will.”

As You Are Ministry is located above the family’s barber shop at 118 E. Wall.

Mayra Montanez shows the third floor that she hopes will eventually be temporary housing for those in need.

They have someone who is willing to do the labor for free for the bath/shower room, if the Montanez’s will provide the materials, she said.

They have applied for a grant through the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team for the toilet and sinks.

If they aren’t approved for that, they will have to wait a little longer, but she is  hoping to have it done by winter, she said.

Hours are by appointment.

For more information: 913.708.5234.

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by FLAG Church and Fort Cinema

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Chamber Coffee hosted by FLAG Church and Fort Cinema.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the Chamber Coffee this Thursday, July 14th at 8am. This week’s coffee will be hosted by FLAG Church and Fort Cinema, located at 224 W 18th St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.

FLAG Church and Fort Cinema will be doing this week’s Chamber Coffee together. Fort Cinema is happy to extend their vision as a community gathering point beyond showing movies. FLAG Church stands for Family Life Assembly of God, and they exist to help people love God and love others. They are based out of Pittsburg, KS and are planting a campus in Fort Scott on September 11, 2022! No matter where life finds you, you are welcomed home at FLAG. They are excited to share heart and vision as a new church in our community.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

 

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Elections, Kansas

All Registered Kansas Voters Will Be Allowed to Vote on Abortion Regulation

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Today, July 12,  is the last day to register to vote or change party affiliation.

This year a constitutional amendment known as “Value Them Both” will be on the ballot during the Kansas primary election on August 2, 2022.

This year, the constitutional amendment will be on ALL ballots.

“There is a nonpartisan ballot that will be for everyone other than Democrat of Republican voters, with only the amendment question, so that everyone that is registered will have the opportunity to vote in the 2022 Primary election,” Bourbon County Clerk Ashley Shelton said.

Below is the proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that will be voted on in the August primary election, according to https://sos.ks.gov/elections/constitutional-amendment.html

Ballot iconValue Them Both Amendment will be on the
State of Kansas Official Primary Election Ballot.
On August 2, 2022  the following question will be on the ballot for all registered voters.
Regulation of abortion.
Because Kansans value both women
and children, the constitution of the
state of Kansas does not require
government funding of abortion
and does not create or secure a
right to abortion. To the extent
permitted by the constitution of the
United States, the people, through
their elected state representatives
and state senators, may pass laws
regarding abortion, including, but
not limited to, laws that account
for circumstances of pregnancy
resulting from rape or incest, or
circumstances of necessity to save
the life of the mother.
Vote:
O Yes
O
Explanatory statement.
The  Value Them Both Amendment
would affirm there is no Kansas
constitutional right to abortion or
to require the government funding
of abortion, and would reserve
to the people of Kansas, through
their elected state legislators,
the right to pass laws to regulate
abortion, including, but not limited
to, in circumstances of pregnancy
resulting from rape or incest, or
when necessary to save the life of
the mother.A vote for the Value Them Both
Amendment would affirm there
is no Kansas constitutional right
to abortion or to require the
government funding of abortion,
and would reserve to the people of
Kansas, through their elected state
legislators, the right to pass laws to
regulate abortion.

A vote against the Value Them
Both Amendment would make no
changes to the constitution of the
state of Kansas, and could restrict
the people, through their elected
state legislators, from regulating
abortion by leaving in place
the recently recognized right to
abortion.

Kansas residents can check their voter registration status or register to vote through: https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Brian Lancaster Assumes Ownership of Marsha’s Deli

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Marsha Lancaster. Submitted photo.
Marsha’s Deli, a sandwich shop, is located at 6 W. 18th Street in Fort Scott.
Brian Lancaster is the new owner of Marsha’s Deli.

Marsha Lancaster can’t be replaced.

But her nephew, Brian Lancaster, purchased her business, Marsha’s Deli, and with the help of long-time employees Carla Hambric and  Lisa Bradley, will continue her legacy.

“Marsha can’t be replaced,” Lancaster said. “Marsha had established a truly wonderful business and we were lucky enough to be a part of it. My wife, Amanda, and I were interested in continuing the legacy.”

Marsha died in September 2021, and Brian and Amanda became the owners on July 1, 2022. Brian is the full-time manager and his wife maintains her job as a partner at Diehl, Banwart and Bolton, CPA.

“It will be the same food,” Lancaster said. “Carla and Lisa have helped with the recipes.”

Carla Hambric worked with Marsha for over 30 years and Lisa Bradley, over 20.

“The recipes weren’t written down,” he said. But he is working with the two long-time employees to learn them and write them down for future reference.

“Having good help is part of it,” Brian said. “It couldn’t have happened without their help.”

There are eight employees currently, including high school and college student employees who work on the weekends .

The hours of operation for Marsha’s Deli is 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The delivery service is 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Marsha’s Deli menu, taken from its Facebook page.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Food

Soft Opening for Perry’s Country Store in Bronson This Weekend

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The Perry’s Pork Rinds Country Store will have a soft opening following the Bronson Day event on Saturday and Sunday. The store is in the background, left and sits on Hwy. 54 that runs through Bronson.
Kelly and Thaddeus Perry have been pursuing a building purchase to manufacture their food products for several years.
Yesterday, they received final state approval for a manufacture license to make fudge and a retail license for the new building store front in Bronson. They will be having a soft opening of the business this weekend, following Bronson Day, a community event in this small town in western Bourbon County.
“We received our manufacture license for our fudge and our retail license for the front portion of the country store…(and) we will have a open house on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. We are planning for a grand opening on July 30.”
The store open house will have limited items this Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m. and  Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.  and Monday 5-9 p.m.
History of the Business
The Perry’s started making pork rinds at the Hume Fair in 2017 and discovered the demand and profit, Kelly said. “So it made sense to push forward. However, because pork rinds are technically a meat product we cannot wholesale or go on any store shelf until we physically built a USDA inspected meat processing facility. Although we do not slaughter any animals, we still have to follow all safety and federal rules regarding meat so we decided to put every penny into building a facility.”
During the COVID 19 Pandemic, the Perry’s discovered something.
“As we came closer to that reality, we realized, through the pandemic, what a food desert we really have on the western side of the county and felt we could change this! We decided to not only build a pork rind meat production plant but a retail store front for our biggest supporters, our community!”
Perry’s Pork Rinds Country Store on Hwy. 54 in Bronson has a soft opening on July 9 and 10
The store will be open following the  vendors leaving town on Saturday.
“Once the Bronson Day vendors close at 3 p.m., we will then open our store,” Kelly said. “We will not be fully stocked, but we will have bags of ice, coffee, tea, lemonade, fountain soda, canned soda, ready-to-eat foods and snacks foods.”
“We should have all of our items available for sale for our grand opening celebration on July 30,” she said.
Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store on Hwy. 54 which is also known as792 Pine Street in Bronson.
Contact info: the store phone 620.224-2052 or email [email protected]
Financing Their New Business
The Perry’s saved money for the down payment for their business and borrowed the rest from Iola Community National Bank.
“They worked with us and believed in our business plan from the beginning,” she said.” We also used another loan through the Ft. Scott Chamber of Commerce E-Community loan to help us finish the project and have enough capital to fill the store front upon opening. Out of the second loan we were granted $9,000 in loan forgiveness through the Patterson Family Foundation (through the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team).
They currently have six employees and anticipate substantial growth, she said. They will soon go from two production days to five and offer wholesale pork rinds and fudge nationwide.
On the Horizon
“We will not be stopping with just the store front,” she said.  “We are already working on phase two for our property, which is a full hook up RV park for travelers.  This will utilize the large property we have as well as bring revenue to the city with utilities.”
Bourbon County

Fans and Other Necessary Items Available Through FS Compassionate Ministries

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Allen Schellack stands in front of a wall of fans to give those who need them.

Allen Schellack has a problem.

He has a wall of fans to give away and needs to get the word out that they are free to those who need them.

Evergy Inc. and the Salvation Army funnel items through this ministry to those in need.

Schellack is the director of Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries and fans are just one of the outreaches of the ministry.

“We have given out 21 so far this year,” he said.

These fans are intended for the elderly, disabled and those who do not have a fan or air conditioning in their home, and can’t afford to buy one. To help the most people, each household is eligible for one fan. Applicants can contact  Schellack at 620.223.212 to set up an appointment to get the fan. An identification card and proof of address are required.

The ministry is located at 26 N. Main, on the second floor of the Senior Citizens Center.

Some of the hygienic products offered through the ministry: adult diapers.

In addition to the fans, the ministry has teamed up with CarePortal, an online connection tool that provides needs that local child welfare workers see for foster families and families in crisis; helps with  a homeless outreach service; provides soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste along with other hygienic products; provides durable medical supplies and diabetic supplies.

Walkers are available for free through the ministry.

In partnership with the Fort Scott Ministerial Alliance, the ministry provides physical assistance to transients who need help to reach their destination. This fund is distributed by the Fort Scott Police Department under the FSMA guidelines.

In addition to fans in the summer, the ministry can provide heaters and blankets in the winter, along with bedding and towels.

At the beginning of school, free school supplies are available for middle and high school students, through the ministry.

Additional services are through partnerships with job search  assistance needs, and help groups such as Celebrate Recovery, Financial Peace University, Pathways and Next Steps.

FSCM is a designated disaster relief and services extension unit for the Salvation Army which includes rental and utility assistance, prescriptions (no narcotics), temporary lodging, gasoline for work and doctor visits, help buying eyeglasses and other unspecified needs on a case by case basis.

Baby diapers are also available.

Volunteers are welcome.

Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. Main. That organization allows the Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries to house their office on the second floor.
Bourbon County, Church news, Food, Fort Scott

Weekly Food Distribution Offered Through Assembly of God Church Plant

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Fort Cinema,224 W 18th St, Fort Scott is the distribution site for free food for children under 18 years old, until August 18.

A new Assembly of God Church plant is receiving food to distribute to Fort Scott children under 18 years of age, until school starts in August. The food will be distributed at the Fort Scott Cinema.

Family Life Assembly of God volunteers will be distributing the food, with Grady Proffitt the facilitator here in Fort Scott.

“We have started a distribution that partners with Life 360 Church out of Springfield, MO,” said  Proffitt, who is planting a new church called Family Life Assembly of God in Fort Scott. “They have received government funding that is able to feed kids in communities that are ages 18 and under. They are serving the Southeast Kansas area places like: Baxter Springs, Galena, Girard, Garnett, Ottawa, Humboldt, Pittsburg, and Fort Scott. There might be more, but I know those cities for sure!”

“This partnership is not FLAG Church this is Life360 Church reaching out to our churches in our different communities,” he said.

“For us here in Fort Scott, they serve us every Thursday from 11am-12:30pm in the Fort Cinema parking lot. This will go until school starts with the last Thursday, August 18,” Proffitt said.

“This is for students and children ages 18 under,” he reiterated. “Supplies include lunches and dinners for each child. Milk, dry foods, canned foods, and some frozen meals. The only criteria is that each child must be in the vehicle to receive meal packages while supplies last.”

“This is not FLAG Church, this is Life360 Church out of Springfield, MO that is partnering with local churches to bless communities in the Southeast Kansas area. We are grateful for this opportunity to add to the needs of so many here in Fort Scott!”

Grady Proffit, is the Fort Scott Campus Pastor of Family Life Assembly of God.

To learn more about the church:

New Church Plant Starting in Fort Scott In September

For more information:

www.flagchurch.com

(620) 232-FLAG

Grady Proffitt is the Fort Scott Campus Pastor for Family Life Assembly of God. Pictured is his wife, Jacque and son. Submitted photo.
Business, Fort Scott

Common Ground: New Manager, Revamped Drive Through Window Service

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Kalyn Turner, taken from her Facebook page.

Since May, Kalyn Turner has been the new manager of Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall.

Turner is from a small town around Burlington, KS.

She graduated from South Coffey County High School, then got a graphic communication degree from Pittsburg State University.

“I have worked at a lot of random stuff..but every single experience has led me to this one,” she said.

Her duties, she said, include “being a light to the community to help them find their purpose and tell people about Jesus, while selling coffee.”

“I have a heart for worship, leading to Jesus,” she said. “I love Him, and He is letting me serve Him through coffee.”

There are approximately 15 employees at Common Ground, which is a popular community meeting place in downtown Fort Scott. The coffee house is a ministry of Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

Starting Today

Common Ground Coffee Co. is improving its drive through experience.

Beginning today, July 5, the drive through window will be an online and call-in pick up lane ONLY.

In order to improve its drive through experience, all drive through orders must be placed IN ADVANCE by:
Calling 620-223-2499 or visiting their website fscommonground.com

Or ordering on their new app https://apps.apple.com/…/common-ground-coffee/id1616511138

“The goal is to get people through the pick up area quickly,” Turner said. “There were safety issues, when orders take time…sometimes people don’t have time to wait, so we are trying to speed it up for everyone.”

For the vast majority of Fort Scottians, sitting down with a “cuppa” coffee is still the preferred way to get a drink and meet with friends.

“You can still come in and get coffee,” she said. “We’d love for people to come in.”

Photo courtesy of Kenny Felt Photography and Common Ground Coffee Company.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Friday Night Free Concert: The Hemphills

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians .

This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by local family musicians, The Hemphills. Jack Hemphill plays keys, wife Sandy plays violin, mandolin, guitar, saxophone, and keys. Son Brad joins in with lead, rhythm, and bass guitars, and daughter Kristen Weeks ties the band together on the drums. All the members are vocalists and will perform a variety of music including classic country and 70s pop classics.

 

“The Hemphills are a great family to work with and have a tight sound,“ concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “We are pleased to welcome these talented, fun, and heartwarming musicians back to the park pavilion. Floyd Feezell, Fort Scott, will also sing some familiar tunes.  Come out and join your friends for an enjoyable evening.”

 

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

 

In the event of inclement weather or extreme heat, the concert will be moved to the Loading Dock at Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.

Obituary

Obituary of Leona Garrett

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Leona Maxine Garrett, 91, of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away early Thursday morning June 30, 2022, at the Oak Pointe Nursing Home in Carthage, Missouri. She was born March 2, 1931, in Cato, Kansas, the daughter of Wesley Curtis and Leona Florence (Coonrod) James. She married Jack Herbert Garrett August 26, 1950, in Arcadia, Kansas, and he preceded her in death January 7, 2001.

 

Maxine was a Red Hat Lady, and she loved to spend time with her family, particularly her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed fixing big family dinners, and all of her grandchildren think she makes the best macaroni and cheese, chicken and noodles, and spaghetti and meatballs.

 

Survivors include her children, Jack Garrett and wife Deborah, of Carthage, Missouri, Sandra Moore, of Monterey, California; six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Jack, she was also preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Tracy Coe; and a great-grandson.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 1:30 p.m. at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with a visitation prior to services at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 7, 2022. Burial will follow at Large / Pleasant View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Cradling Memories, Milo James Coe Foundation at cradlingmemories.org, or may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.