All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Government, Housing

Upgraded Bathrooms in the Future For Cottonwood Estates, Uniontown

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Cottonwood Estates in the 200 block of Fifth Street in Uniontown.

Uniontown’s Rural Renting Housing, Inc. has received a $40,000 grant to update bathrooms for the residents of Cottonwood Estates, located in the 200 block of Fifth Street.

The funds will be used to continue phase two of the rehabilitation process of the 12-unit housing complex.

“The first round of grant money we received was $25k,”  Jennie McKee, site manager, said. “The funds received were to make ADA accessibility improvements to the bathrooms. This would include the zero threshold showers, adding grab bars, ADA height toilets, etc.. It was originally estimated that we could get 6 bathrooms completed for that amount but with the increase in materials we hope to get 5 bathrooms completed for the $25k. With the additional $40k in grant money we will be able to complete the remaining 7 bathrooms.”

 

“These walk-in showers will be very helpful for many of the tenants,” said McKee.

This is a zero threshold shower that is being completed in Cottonwood Estates.

Tenants must be 62 years old or receiving disability, SSI, from the government. Currently there is a waiting list for the units.

“We began the process one and a half years ago with a $25,000 grant through USDA,” she said. “We were hoping that would do the cost of the walk-in showers, but it didn’t. SEKRPC applied for a second round of grants.”

“The first round was tiled with zero threshold, the rest will be pre-made,” she said.

SEKRPC helps individuals, companies, and government agencies with finance packaging, advice, and procedures, according to its website. It’s resources are available for community improvement, economic development, and other urgent needs.

Three shower updates that were started with the first round of grants are nearing completion. They were empty units, waiting for new tenants

“They should be done before the end of the year,” McKee said.

“It took a long time for Rural Development to distribute the funds,” McKee said. “Contractor issues led to the project starting in September 2022.”

SG2, Uniontown, was the contractor following the bidding process.

When work begins in the second round of the shower project, the tenant will be displaced for about five days per apartment while the bathroom is remodeled.

A hospitality room in a nearby church will be utilized for that tenant while the remodel is underway.

Funds won’t be available until late winter or early spring 2023, she said.

“Rehabs of older properties are not usually given grants,” McKee said. “It’s usually new builds.”

This grant required no match from the grantee.

The Uniontown Rural Rental Inc. board is comprised of Ron Eldridge-president, Larry Jurgensen-vice president, Lucille Ward-secretary and treasurer and other members: Matt Noll, Dan Ramsey, Susan Karleskint and Brenda Gleason.

In normal years, the board meets twice yearly and more if needed.

McKee can be contacted at 620.756.1000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business

Sixty-four Years as Partners in Life, Business and Ministry

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Helen and Chub Bolling. Submitted photo.

Sixty-four years as husband and wife. And 64 years as business and ministry partners, that’s Helen and Raymond (Chub) Bolling’s story.

Last week they celebrated their anniversary.

Chub and Helen met in high school at Bronson, KS and were attracted to each other at age 15 and 17.

Chub said he felt the Lord pointed her out to him.

They married December 14, 1958,and “she’s been taking care of me since,” Chub said.

Chub and Helen Bolling on their wedding day, December 14, 1958. Submitted photo.

They purchased the Bronson Locker in 1966.

“My husband’s father had a slaughter house,” Helen said. “We bought the town’s (meat)locker from Oscar Burris.”

In their business journey they sold the locker and were completely out of the business for 10 years, Helen said, then bought it back.

Helen and Chub Bolling stand in front of some meat in their business, the Bronson Locker. Submitted photo.

For 40 years of marriage they worked at both the locker and as pastors at Fulton United Methodist Church and Elsmore United Methodist, then 26 years at Paint Creek Church of the Brethren, south of Uniontown. Today their grandson, Seth Bolling, pastors that church.

Together they raised three children, Amber Ericson,  Micheal and Mitchel Bolling; and now have six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

What advice does this seasoned couple give couples starting out in marriage?

“I know one thing, you have a lot of ups and downs and you just have to work through them,” Helen said. “Remember your wedding vows and stay with them.”

Couples must be mindful of the words they say to each other, Chub said.

“When tough times come, you’ve got to see them through.” he said. “Plan on that. That’s our marriage.”

They have a little farm with livestock that Chub takes care of everyday, but he and Helen help out at the locker to “keep things moving” in the busy times, he said.

The Bronson Locker. Submitted photo.

The Bronson Locker has several family members working together.

From left: Tom Bradbury, who worked at the locker for over 30 years but is not family, then Chub Bolling, Tyler Ericson (Ethan’s wife), Helen Bolling, then Amber Ericson with Ethan’s two children, Julian and Jamison, Mike Bolling, Ethan Ericson, Garrett and Mandie Ericson.

Their grandson, Garrett Ericson and wife, Mandie, are going to purchase the locker when Helen and Chub decide to fully retire, possibly in a year, Helen said. Garrett and Mandie manage the business now.

The business has expanded from 4 to 14 employees through the years, and many of them are family members.

Beside Garrett and Mandie, Amber and her other son, Ethan, and his wife, Tyler, work there. Micheal Bolling is the butcher. Then there is nephew Jim Kuns and  Randall, Robert and Jessie Kuns and Mandie’s mom, Mary Ridge who all work there.

Son, Mitch and family have businesses in Allen county.

Mitch and Sharon Bolling  own the Bollings Meat Market with co-owner Cara Thomas.
Mitch owns the Moran Locker.
Mitch, Seth and Austin Bolling manage the Moran Locker.

 

In addition, Amber and some of the women of the family opened a furniture/antique store just down the street in downtown Bronson, called THRAMS.

THRAMS Antiques, 504 Clay Street, Bronson. March 2022.

THRAMS Antiques, A Picker Family

“Bourbon County has been very good to us,” Chub said.

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Aunt Toadies Restaurant Changed Ownership

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From left: Larry and Mary Jane McHenry,  Alisha Jamison and Kevin Allen. Submitted photo.
Larry and Mary Jane McHenry started  transferring ownership of Aunt Toadies Restaurant in October, 2022.
The restaurant is located on Fort Scott’s east side at 1411 E. Wall.

Aunt Toadies has been in business almost 20 years.

 “Our original plan was to get the restaurant to this point and step back a bit and let our children run it, with our help,” Mary Jane said.  “We are ready to step back and slow down.”
Their children weren’t interested in taking over the business, she said.
But their niece, Alisha Jamison was.
“Alisha was one of the first we hired as a waitress, when she was in high school,” Mary Jane said.
For Mary Jane, the best part of the restaurant was working with family, she said. And since they opened in 2003 they have hired nieces and nephews on both sides of the family to work for them.
Her sister-in-law, Debbie Ballou and her daughter Kelly McHenry, along with son Matthew McHenry still work at the restaurant.
“I will miss a lot of the customers that we’ve become acquainted with over the years,” she said.
But after working 80 hours a week at the restaurant, Larry and Mary Jane will be looking for “jobs that don’t require so many hours and being on our feet.”
They sold the restaurant to Kevin “Skitch” Allen and Alisha will be managing it.
Kevin Allen is working on the new parking lot on the west side of Aunt Toadies on Dec. 13.

New owner Kevin Allen was doing outside work on the restaurant property this week.

He said they will be expanding the restaurant and parking lot.

There will be feature on the new owner’s plans in the near future on fortscott.biz.

Mary Jane wants the public to know that they have stayed, since the new owner purchased the business, to train the cooks the way they prepared food.

“The menu won’t change,” she said.

The most popular meal sold is their country-fried stead dinner and also their desserts, she said.

On Dec. 13, five different pies were being offered, which is an everyday occurrence. In addition, in the winter, bread pudding and cobblers are the specialties; in summer it’s their strawberry shortcake.

Restaurant hours are:
Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fridays from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and
Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
History of Aunt Toadies Restaurant
The restaurant was started in 1952 and called Bright’s Grill, she said.
“The restaurant had been empty for two years before we bought it in 2003,” Mary Jane said.
They named the restaurant after Larry’s mother, Virginia McHenry.
“She was a tow-head, and her father called her Toad, which was eventually changed to Toadie.”
Mary Jane said Virginia would announce to nurses, as she was in and out of the hospital in her later years, that she was the Toadie of Aunt Toadie’s.
“She loved eating here,” she said. Virginia died in 2011.
When they purchased the restaurant, her dad gave her a (art) frog to display. Through the years, customers have donated their frogs to where they currently can’t display all of them, Mary Jane said.
Larry and Mary Jane will work at the restaurant until the end of 2022.
Bourbon County, Government, Housing

Uniontown Receives USDA Grant To Rehabilitate Multi-Unit Housing

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USDA Invests $255,662 to Rehabilitate Residential and Community Buildings in Rural Kansas 

TOPEKA, Dec. 16, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Kansas Christy Davis announced today that USDA is investing $255,662 to improve lives and strengthen communities in southeast Kansas.

 

“USDA Rural Development knows a strong community is rooted in its people,” Davis said. “Improving the living space of rural homes and community facilities can strengthen our towns and support our rural Kansas character.”

 

The details of the four Kansas investments are:

 

  • A $59,200 grant will help rehabilitate the exterior of the Independence Historical Museum. Located in the historic post office building, the museum celebrates the community’s culture through history, arts, and activities.
  • A $73,230 grant will be used to continue phase two of the rehabilitation process of two multi-unit housing complexes located in the cities of Uniontown and McCune.
  • A $50,000 grant will help rehabilitate approximately 20 owner-occupied homes (10 percent low income and 90 percent very-low income) in Coffey County. The projects consist of new roofs, electrical and plumbing upgrades, foundation repairs, heating systems and other general home rehabilitation needs.
  • A $73,232 grant will help homeowners and landlords make necessary repairs to properties that house low and very low-income rural residents in Allen County.

Background:

These USDA awards are part of a larger national announcement which include projects in 47 states and American Samoa. The four Kansas investments are being made through two programs specifically designed to help people and communities in rural areas. These programs are Housing Preservation Grants, and Community Facilities Disaster Grant Program.

 

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page. Please follow us on Twitter @RurDev_Kansas

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

 

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Church news, Fort Scott

Nathan Bryant: New Pastor at Parkway Church of God

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Nathan Bryant is the new pastor of Parkway Church Of God (Holiness) at 1111 State St.

He received a Bachelor of Theology degree from Union Bible College and in 2009 he also became a LPN (nurse).

He has pastored in May, OK; Olathe, KS, and started a church in Delta, CO.

In 2019 he pastored a church on the Navajo Reservation for two years.

“I filled in once or twice a month for Parkway Church Of God Holiness (Fort Scott) from October 2021 until I became full time pastor in April of 2022,” Bryant said.

He and wife Amy and  were married in December 1989 and have four children- one daughter and three sons, all married.

“All our children love God,” he said.  “Our daughter lives in Ft. Scott and works at a doctors office .  Our two middle sons live in Colorado and are both plumbers and our oldest son is a pastor in Missouri. We have eight amazing grandchildren.”

“I grew up in a pastors home and have always loved people and felt it was a calling from God,” Bryant said.

Some of the challenges for Bryant in pastoring:  “Trying to navigate through the consistent changing issues of our country.  Trying to meet the needs of people that are struggling from their circumstances of life.”

The best part of being a pastor for him:  “Seeing lives changed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Being able to help people in their time of need. Loving people.”

New on the horizon for the pastor is trying to incorporate more community involvement with the church.  His desire is to see the church grow.

 

Service time for Parkway Church of God:

Sunday School 10:00 am

Morning Worship 10:45 am

Sunday Evening: 6:00 pm

Wednesday Prayer Meeting: 7:00 pm

December18th AM – Children’s program

PM – Drama – Martin the Clobber

December 25th 5:00 pm Christmas candle light service

 

Bourbon County, Schools, Youth

Bourbon County Schools Face Illnesses as The Semester Winds Down

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Bourbon County schools are experiencing school and staff illness in the last few weeks before school is out for Christmas break.

USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

Fort Scott

“We have had a large number of students and staff out the last several weeks with the flu, RSV and COVID 19; mostly the Influenza A,” USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown said.

Destry Brown. Submitted photo.

On Monday, the district had 204 students out sick, which is down from last week by around 100, he said. There were seven teachers out Monday  with illness themselves or they have sick children.

The district has 1,856 students enrolled.

The district has had to postpone a music concert because of illness.

“The choir concert… has been rescheduled to January 11th at the Ellis Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m.,” Brown said.

“On Friday, the choir spent the day singing at different schools and other venues around town,” he said.  “I suspect that they shared the bug with each other that day. Whatever the case, their concert is postponed because of illness.”

U234 will dismiss school on Dec. 15 with a teacher workday on Dec. 16 and  school will resume on January 3.

Staff Positions

The district currently has openings that will be posted from retirements in the following areas:
Elementary Physical Education
Occupational Therapist
One teaching position
“I anticipate additional openings after the first of the year due to retirements,” Brown said.

 

Uniontown

Uniontown High School.

Uniontown School District had 63 students gone on Monday,  with a “handful of staff,” Vance Eden, USD 235 Superintendent said. There  are no postponements of school events at this time.

Vance Eden and family. Submitted photo.

“We have been able to cover all classes needing substitutes,” Eden said.

There are 479 students in this district.

The last day of school for this district is Friday, Dec. 16 for Christmas break. Staff will return on January 3 for professional development and students will return on January 4.

U235 Openings For Next Year

There are several openings being posted for U235 for the 2023-24 school year.

So far a junior/senior high school principal position, a jr./sr. English teacher and a high school science teacher.

 

 
Bourbon County, Business

December 13: Boost Your Business

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Rachel Carpenter is the director of  the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Center for Economic Growth. Submitted photo. 

The Healthy Bourbon County Team center is hosting an event, Boost Local Business, that will be held at Healthy Bourbon County Action Teams’ office at 104 National Avenue on December 13 at 6 p.m.

The event is to help local business owners learn of the resources available to them.

An additional event with the same information will be offered on December 20th at noon, for those unable to attend tomorrow’s meeting.

The event’s purpose is to showcase different ways to support employees and employers, according to Rachel Carpenter, the director of Healthy Bourbon County Team’ s Center for Economic Growth program.

“Southeast Kansasworks is a hidden gem for businesses and community members,” Carpenter said.  “At this event they will share about their services and the different ways they can support employees and employers. They strive to help individuals be in the careers they want to be in by supporting them in getting education and certifications.”

“Business owners and community members are welcome to attend this event,” Carpenter said. “They register through an Eventbrite link found on the Facebook event or at HBCAT.org. The event is free and there is a for $40 gas voucher for each participant, food will be provided, and free childcare.”

“HBCAT contracted with Kansas University Medical Center… for their grant funded program COPE (Communities Organizing to Promote Equity) in Bourbon County,” Carpenter said. “This helped establish the LHEAT (Local Health Equity Action Team) in Bourbon County. The LHEAT is comprised of community organizations, Community Health Workers, and community members.”

“The LHEAT has started off with $40,000 to help support the initiatives that the LHEAT strategizes,” Carpenter said. “One event that the LHEAT has done in the past is distribute produce boxes through out Bourbon County back in May.”

This event is also being sponsored by the Local Health Equity Action Team and Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and Kansasworks.

The event will include a  HBCAT overview, a KANSASWORKS overview, an explanation of business services offered and info on  a registered apprenticeship.

Brandi Galbreath. Submitted photo.

Speakers are Brandi Galbreath – Outreach Manager (Presenting 12/13/22) on KANSASWORKS Services

 

Jim Jenkins. Submitted photo.

Jim Jenkins – Business Services Director (Presenting 12/13/22 & 12/20/22) on KANSASWORKS Business Services

 

Dustin Troth. Submitted photo.

Dustin Troth – Business Services Representative (Presenting 12/13/22 & 12/20/22) on KANSASWORKS Business Services)

 

Nadia Qureshi. Submitted photo.

Nadia Qureshi – Outreach Coordinator (Presenting 12/20/22) on KANSASWORKS Services

 

Chastity Troxel. Submitted photo.

Chastity Troxel – Registered Apprenticeship Program Manager (Presenting on 12/13/22) on Kansas Registered Apprenticeship.

 

 

Carpenter graduates this semester with a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Fort Hays State University. She previously received certification in Community Development and Grant Writing also through Fort Hays State University.

Fort Scott, Government

New FS City Commissioner: Edwin Woellhof

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Edwin D. Woellhof, 40, is the new Fort Scott City Commissioner.

Fort Scott City Hall.

By profession, is currently employed as a Manufacturing Controls Engineer at Sugar Creek Packing Company in Frontenac Kansas.

He earned a AAS in Electrical Technology from Pittsburg State University and is  still pursuing a BAS in Engineering Technology from PSU. He is an ICC Certified Master Electrician.

“I have been a Master/ Industrial Electrician for over 17 years and have been a Controls Engineer about 6 years now,” he said.” I am new to city government but look forward to learning all I can.”

“My interest in the city commission position is solely based on one thing, my desire to see Fort Scott continue to strive to be a great place for individuals and families to grow and live,” he said. “I believe my collective experiences in my career path and personal life would help me to be able to make sound wise decisions in the guidance of Fort Scott and continue to help make community-first decisions geared towards the goal of keeping Fort Scott as a thriving community.”

He is married with four children.

“I serve on a couple of PSU ET and EET advisory boards and sub-committees,” he said.” I help to lead a building committee at the private school where my wife teaches and children attend. I look forward to being able to serve on the city commission and get involved with community programs.”

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Dec. 8 Newsletter

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!

December 8th Weekly Newsletter
christmas_eve_decoration.jpg

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

TROLLEY TOURS,

ON THE HOUR FROM THE CHAMBER!

Friday 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

Saturday 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm

$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under

50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott!

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Tours: 10am & 1pm

12/7-15 ~ Annual Christmas Lights Contest, get in the spirit before December 15th for your chance to win a cash prize sponsored by Niece Products.

Click here for more information!

12/8 ~ 3rd Street Park & Downtown Arch Unveiling Party, 104 National Ave,

click here for more information!

12/9 ~ Cocoa & Caroling in downtown Fort Scott, 5-8pm, click here for more information.

12/10 ~ Christmas in the Park, Gunn Park,

click here for more information!

12/10 ~ Breakfast with Santa at FSCC, 9-11am,

click here for more information!

12/10 ~ 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Holiday Mart, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 9am-3pm,

click here for more information!

12/9-23 ~ Christmas Light Trolley Tours, booking now! Tours each night at 5:45pm, 7pm, and 8:15pm! $8 adults, $5 kids, or book the whole trolley for $125 to tour with only your friends, family or co-workers!

Click here for more information!

_____________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Annual Christmas Lights Contest!

Dolly Hollyday Christmas Light Trolley Tours

Clark Street Lights Presents: A Visit with Santa and Friends!

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
231 E. Wall Street
Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Business

Young Couple Produces/Sells Locally Produced Beef and Pork: Still Waters Farm

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Ethan, Rinley, Stetson, and Katie Holly on opening day of their Farm Store last weekend. Submitted photo.
Still Waters Farm is a new business started by Ethan and Katie Holly, who have been involved in agriculture their entire lives.

The Holly’s  began their a new business in 2020 when they  started selling home raised chickens directly to friends.

“We value knowing where the meat we  are eating comes from and how the animals have been taken care of from birth to finishing stages,” Katie said. “It is rewarding to us to feed our friends and family with meat that has been directly raised on our farm.”

“In the past two years we have grown more in the beef and pork side of selling farm raised meats,” Katie said. “Poultry processing fees continued to increase and we were looking to stay more local with our processing. We have processed chickens on our farm the past couple of years for customers, but offer a very limited supply, once a year, of chicken.”

In late 2020, the Holly’s started selling whole and half beef shares to some friends in the area.

In the Spring of 2021  they started offering individual beef cuts at The Fort Scott Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.

“It was a goal for 2022 to open a space where customers could shop our meats year round, not just during the Farmers Market Season,” she said. “We are grateful for all the help of family, friends, and our loyal customers who have supported our small farm business to help make this possible for us.”

“This past year we have raised pigs and offered a limited supply of pork weekly at the farmers market to customers in our mobile meat trailer,” she said. “Having the mobile meat trailer at the farmers market helped us keep the meats frozen and offered a space for customers to shop from the cuts of meat we offer.”

This month, the Holly’s added a farm store on their property to sell their beef and pork products.

“This October we started renovating a small farm shed into a store front to sell our beef and pork from… a small building located right on our family farm just west of Fort Scott at 2014 Locust Rd.,” she said. “Currently parking is limited at the farm store as we finish up a few ongoing projects on the farm.”

The building is a way to retain customers through the winter months and offer space for customers to shop their meats year round.

“Another service we offer is porch delivery weekly to the Fort Scott area,  which is simple and hassle free,” she said. “Our order form link is listed on our Facebook page and orders can be placed online, invoices are sent to customers, reminder texts are sent for customers to simply leave a cooler by their door, then orders are delivered directly to customers. The porch delivery service has been a favorite by many of our customers. We plan to continue this service throughout the year.”

Still Waters Farm Store is located on the Holly property at 2014 Locust Road, rural Fort Scott. Featured in the shop is locally raised beef and pork.Submitted photo.

The Farm Store will be open on Saturday mornings 9 a.m. to noon.

If there are questions about the business,  contact  via email [email protected] or find Still Waters Farm on Facebook  for more information.

“We are humbled by the support we have had from this community and excited for the plans we have for 2023,” she said.

The Family’s Background

The young couple grew up in agriculture and have a passion for helping the next generation understand where their food comes from and the hard work that goes into farming, according to Katie.

Ethan has a Bachelors Degree in Ag Business and works as a Fort Scott bank loan officer, and Katie has a Bachelors in Elementary Education, and cares for their children  while managing the daily farm chores.

Their two young children help with the farm chores of feeding and caring for the animals they raise.

The family is involved in the local 4-H program, their local church, and a few other committees within the community.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Bids and Dibs: Largest Resale Boutique In Kansas

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December 2022. Bids and Dibs, a  resale boutique. Submitted photo.
A local consignment store is celebrating 10 years serving the community, and has acquired some recognition.
In conjunction with the anniversary, they are hosting the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8.
To learn more about the special deals/discounts:
Angela Simon. Submitted photo.

Angela Simon opened Bids and Dibs on December 3, 2012 inside 19 S. National Ave.

Opening day of Bids and Dibs in December 2012 at 19 S. National Avenue. Submitted photo.
On Halloween day 2018, Jason and  Angela Simon purchased 108 S. Scott Ave.
Bids and Dibs opened its doors at the Scott Avenue building in January 2019.
“Bids and Dibs started as a local online auction platform,” Simon said. “That original business model evolved into full-service resale. Our services include: transparent consignment- where every consignor has access to their account online and their account balances never expire. Balances can be used as cash or credit at anytime.”
Bids and Dibs offers full consignment services, outright buys, and estate liquidation services to the community.
“Outright buys are where people can bring items in for sale and receive a cash offer based on brand, condition and current needs of the store. “
“Customized Estate liquidation… (is another) service,” she said. “No two situations are the same. People will contract with us to help them downsize the family home, moving out of town, or cleaning out the personal effects of a loved one that has passed. This service is especially popular with families that live outside the Bourbon county area who need to downsize or clear out things for a loved one who can no longer do it for themselves.”
Bids & Dibs, Inc. employs on average 10-14 people at any given time.
“We have plans to add an additional two full-time employees during 2023 to handle the expansion of our online sales,” Simon said.
Employees of Bids and Dibs. Submitted photo.

Upgrading Technology in January 2023

“When we started 10 years ago we purchased the best consignment software in the industry,” she said.  “Unfortunately that company did not keep pace with available technologies and we have now outgrown that point-of-sale service. In January 2023, we will be upgrading our systems to a cloud based service that will allow our consignors 24-hour access to their accounts that update instantaneously.”
“We have always offered online access to consignors, but our current system needs to be backed up and restarted before it shows current reliable data to the consignor. It is not always possible for us to do that as frequently as some users would like.”
“Our new system will allow them to watch in live time as we process and sell their items. It will also grant us the ability to add inventory offsite. That feature will make processing estates much faster. It will also allow multiple family members to follow along in the process. This is very valuable tool to families who live outside the local area. “
“Even in the most tight knit of families, contentions can arise when you’re dealing with estate items. Our service helps families work through these issues by being a neutral and transparent third party.”
Distinction in Business
Bids and Dibs received the small business of the year award from the Fort Scott area Chamber of Commerce in 2019.
“Besides the local Chamber, we are members of the National Association of Resale and Thrift Stores (NARTS) and NextLevel Resale. Due in large part to the resources and mentorship these groups provide, Bids & Dibs has become the largest resale boutique in Kansas that offers consignment, outright buys and estate liquidation.”
“Bids & Dibs will start leaning into this distinction in our marketing efforts for 2023 and beyond. Resale has became one of the largest growing industries in the world. The popularity of buying sustainably in North America has made destinations out of resale stores. Our marketing goal is to bring more outside dollars into the Bourbon County community, thus putting more money directly into the pockets of our consignors.”
Fort Scott

Third Street Park and Downtown Arch Prospective Plans Can be Viewed Dec. 8

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A previous community input meeting. Submitted photos.

The Fort Scott community is invited to be a part of the improving of a park and a downtown arch coming in the near future.

The Third Street Park and Downtown Arch Unveiling Party is Thursday, December 8 at 6 p.m.

The Third Street Park is located on the east side of Fort Scott.

The event will be held at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s  office at 104 N. National and there will be a virtual option.

“If you are unable to attend, please consider voting online,”Rachel Carpenter, Director of The Center for Economic Growth,  a part of The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), said.

Twigs and Berries will be catering the event and there will be four $25 Walmart Giftcard giveaways. 

  For more information please contact  Rachel Carpenter at [email protected]

This is a  third public forum hosted by HBCAT to give community members and residents a voice in the decision making process for the plans for the Third Street Park and a downtown arch-way.

A prior community input event. Submitted photos.

“We feel strongly about connecting our neighborhoods, creating a sense of place, and empowering each of our community members to contribute to positive change,” Carpenter said.

Several plans will be unveiled that incorporate input from previous meetings.

“After a year of formal public events and meetings, and hearing from individuals who are passionate about the project and location, we have options to vote on,” Carpenter said.  “All of these plans have been derived from community input. The steering committee, made up of individuals in Fort Scott who live, or have lived, near the project, carefully considered all feedback and created a draft to present to the community.”

At the Dec. 8 meeting, more community input is sought.

A prior community input event. Submitted photos. From left: Juliane Walker, Wichita State University Community Engagement Specialist who facilitated the conversations at the public forums, Rachel Carpenter, Director for Center for Economic Growth and Jody Hoener, President and CEO of HBCAT.

” At this unveiling party we will have the community vote on key elements related to these projects,” she said. “We will ask the participants to vote on which downtown arch design they prefer and ask participants to submit and vote on a name for 3rd Street Park.  The name of the park doesn’t have to change, and it shouldn’t if the name has an emotional tie to residents who grew up near there.”

” We want to give people who haven’t had a say so in the past a chance to be part of the decision-making process—a place to voice how they would like to see things in their neighborhood playgrounds and parks,” she said.

“So, this unveiling party will kick off a voting campaign on the name of the park,” Carpenter said. “There will be an option to the leave the name the same. Here is your chance to contribute to projects and try to capture the deep history and culture of Fort Scott.  There will be opportunity to provide open feedback on the projects as well.”

 

“From the City of Fort Scott, City of Uniontown, and countywide trails master plan, PedNet Plan, to our annual community perception surveys, we make hearing directly from the community a priority in shaping and implementing our plans,” Carpenter said. “As a result, we have so much to show for it and continue to expand our projects and services.”

 

Funding for this event is being provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as a part of Bourbon County’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant and also the Patterson Family Foundation. The event will be conducted in collaboration with the Wichita State Engagement Institute.

Carpenter can also be reached at 620.215.2562.

A previous community input meeting. Submitted photos.