Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Government

Eco Devo Director Gives Update

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Bourbon County Economic Development August 2019 Report

by Jody Hoenor, Economic Director

Performance Tracking

In light of Bourbon County’s economic trends, County leadership took an active approach to seek solutions in order to boost economic development. The county is taking a more proactive role in efforts to revitalize the economy, county-wide, and is placing more emphasis on outcomes. County officials believe tracking performance allows community members to see results of ongoing efforts, increases accountability, and ultimately trust in county leadership.

A National Association of Counties (NACo) survey found 84% of respondents mentioned that their county tracks performance. Despite the many differences between counties, all have the same goals: improve outcomes and increase efficiency.

Performance tracking involves both metrics and measures to help an organization evaluate and report outcomes and effectiveness. Essential to this process is evaluating against a baseline, determined as part of a strategic planning process. The strategic plan is tailored to meet the needs of county government and its residents.

Three Phases of Strategic Planning

In order to better allocate resources and plan for future growth, Bourbon County has adopted a community-informed approach to the strategic planning process. The three phases consist of:

  1. Gathering Data to Identify Needs and Priorities

Successfully complete!

2. Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan with Performance Metrics and Measures

Next Steps!

3. Ongoing Evaluation and Reporting

The top identified priorities are:

1. Business Retention and Expansion

2. Housing

3. Quality of Life

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Special Events Aug. 16-18

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FRI & SAT – Livestock Sale – Fort Scott Livestock Market, weekly Fridays & Saturdays at 10:00 am. You don’t have to be a buyer, just come watch the sale and visit the café!
2131 Maple Rd. FRI & SAT – Trolley Tours – Friday 11am-3pm, Saturday 10am-3pm on the hour, leaving from the CVB/Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.
Friday, August 16
7:00pm-8:00pm – Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main –
This week’s show features Mike Lundeen on keyboard; eclectic style music, gospel and light classics. The concerts are sponsored by the Chamber, and organized by Ralph Carlson. If you are interested in performing a Friday Night Concert, contact Ralph Carlson at
[email protected]. Bring lawn chairs, seating is limited. In the event of bad weather, the show will move to Common Ground Coffee Shop.
Sundown – Flicks on the Bricks – Beauty and the Beast: Live Action (Sponsored by the City of Fort Scott – Movie starts at sundown at Skubitz Plaza, 100 Old Fort Blvd. Free
admission, no tickets needed.
Saturday, August 17
8:00am-12:00am – Farmers’ Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort) – The market features the very finest produce; also a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds. Focused on fresh locally produced farm products.
8:00am-2:00pm – Woodland Hills Golf Course 1-Person Scramble – 2414 S. Horton –
1-Person Scramble, where players may play a second ball on any shot; however, once played the second shot must be used. The tournament will be flighted based on final score. $35 per Woodland Hills member, $50 per non-member. Contact Shannon O’Neil at 620-223-5060 for info & registration.
7:00pm-9:00pm – Begin the Begin (sounds of R.E.M.) concert at Boiler Room Brewhaus – 2 S. National Ave. – $10 tickets on sale now at the Brewery, the Visitors Center and the Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St. Visit boileroombrewhaus.com.
Sunday, August 18
12:00pm – Heartland Showcase Boer Goat Sale at Bourbon Co. Fairgrounds, Fort Scott – 2102 S. Huntington, 12pm. Viewing on Saturday from 4-6pm, Sunday starting at 10am, with free lunch from 11am-12pm. Contact Lisa Stripe: 402-759-5497 or Jill Lanham: 620-984-8344.
5:00pm-7:00pm – Team Trivia at Boiler Room Brewhaus – 2 S. National Ave.
SAVE THE DATE: 2019 Fall Town-Wide Garage Sale is coming Friday and
Saturday, September 13th & 14!! Register your sale or advertise your business now by calling the Chamber, 620-223-3566!
Schedule of Special Events in Fort Scott, Kansas August 16-18, 2019
Visit the Chamber & CVB/Tourism Center for more attractions & activities!
231 E. Wall Street ~ M-F 8am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm ~ (620) 223-3566
Tell your friends you’re here!
Check in on Facebook! @ FortScottChamber & @VisitFortScottKS (620) 223-3566 Chamber: www.fortscott.com CVB/Tourism: www.visitfortscott.com
Come take a ride on Dolly the Trolley!
50 minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott
@ The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under
Friday, 11AM—4PM
Saturday, 10AM—4PM
231 E. Wall Street Fort Scott, KS 2 Pages on Facebook: Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce & Visit Fort Scott KS 800-245-FORT (3678) * www.fortscott.com * www.visitfortscott.com
Special thanks to the businesses below for their Chamber membership & support of the community!
RESTAURANTS:
Downtown Historic District Holmtown Pub 206 N. National 620-223-1477
Nu-Grille 24 N. National 620-223-9949
Sharky’s Pub & Grub 16 N. National 620-223-4777
La Hacienda 24 N. Main St. 620-223-4400
Papa Don’s Pizza 10 N. Main St. 620-223-4171
Crooner’s Lounge (5-9pm) 117 S. Main St. 620-224-9787
Common Ground Coffee Co. 116 S. Main St. 620-223-2499
Midtown
Nate’s Place (Lyons Twin Mansions) 750 S. National 620-223-3644
Hours: Tues-Sun 8am-2pm – breakfast all day & lunch begins at 11am, NOW SERVING DINNER! Thurs-Sat 5pm-9pm – Looking for someplace to relax after a long week? Enjoy Happy Hour in our Library Bar every Thursday, Friday and Saturday 5-6 pm, with all well liquor only $5.
Southern Fort Scott
Sonic Drive-In 1700 S. National 620-223-3630
Domino’s Pizza 1709 S. National 620-768-5533
Subway 1715 S. National 620-224-2420
Marsha’s Great Plains Deli 6 W. 18th St. 620-223-6432
McDonald’s 2224 S. Main St. 620-223-6760
Dairy Queen 2328 S. Main St. 620-224-2226
El Charro 2503 S. Main St. 620-223-9944
Penny’s Diner 2505 S. Main St. 620-768-7000
SHOPPING:
Downtown Historic District: Bids & Dibs 108 S. Scott Ave., 620-224-2437: New & consignment home décor, clothing, & accessories
Books & Grannies 11 N. Main, 620-224-2244 : Collection of used book
Country Cupboard 12 N. Main, 620-223-5980: Country accents, Victorian décor, quilting fabrics, Primitives, collectibles and souvenirs. John’s shoe & boot repair located in back of the store
Electronics Store 2 N. National, 620-223-4501: Electronics, toys and games, cell phones and accessories
Fort Scott Munitions 523 E. Wall St., 620-223-1277: Manufacturer of premium ammunition & firearms
Hedgehog.INK 16 S. Main St., 620-670-2752: New and gently used books, children’s area, writer’s area
Iron Star Antiques & Such 3 N. Main, 620-223-2929: Unique gifts, home décor, furniture, ladies apparel
J & W Sports Shop 20 N. Main, 620-223-3690: Athletic clothing and shoes
Main Street Gallery & Gifts, and other Collective Booths 23 S. Main, 620-223-2210
Mayco Ace Hardware 205 Scott, 620-223-2670: Hardware, garden and more
Miller Feed & Farm 15 W. Wall, 620-223-3420: Feed, boots, animal care & accessories
Redbud Farms & Nurseries 1291 240th St., 620-223-1811: Greenhouse & Nurseries
Ruddick’s Furniture and Floorcovering 117 S. National, 620-223-2510: Furniture and home décor
Sunshine Boutique Gifts and Cosmetics 18 E. Wall, , 620-223-6007: Gift items, candles & cosmetics
Trader Dave’s Antiques & More 15 S. Scott, 620-224-0079: Unique items ranging from antiques to gently used items
Treasure Hunt Flea Market 6 S. Main St. 620-223-3522: Antiques, furniture, collectibles & gifts
Additional Shopping Locations:
Bartelsmeyer Jewelry 1519 S. National, 620-223-2070: Fine jewelry
Fort Scott Gun & Pawn 1402 E. Wall, 620-223-0583: Visit their showroom!
HairBow Center 2326 Kansas Rd., 620-223-9898: online & warehouse ribbon & bow accessories
Heidrick‘s True Value & Nancy’s Gift Corner 1508 S. National, 620-223-2660: Hardware and gift corner Pot Pantry 1366 215th St., 620-224-7480: Unique hand-made pottery, call Bobbi to see if open to shop
Sekan’s Occasion Shop 2210 S. Main, 620-223-5190: Furniture, home décor, and party supplies
Shirt Shack 11 E. 18th St., 620-223-4680: T-shirts, jeans and other clothing
Tractor Supply Company 2420 S. Main, 620-223-4900: Farm supplies, clothing, shoes and more
Walgreens 2229 S. Main, 620-223-2402: Cosmetics, health and beauty aids, pharmacy and much more
Wal-Mart 2500 S. Main, 620-223-2867: Discount store plus groceries
TOP ACTIVITIES: Visit the Boiler Room Brewhaus! Located at 10 S. National Ave. First and only micro-brewery in Southeast Kansas!
Fort Scott National Historic Site *Free Admission* (8am-5pm): Self-guided tour, cellphone tour, 20 min. film always available.
11 buildings & exhibits. Gift shop with books, shirts, historical toys, & other souvenirs.
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes *Free Admission* 1 S. Main, 620-223-1312, (Mon.-Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat. 10am-4pm): Informative exhibits on unsung heroes & other award-winning exhibits. Also sells award-winning book, movie, and teaching materials.
Gordon Parks Museum & Photo Exhibit *Free Admission* 2018 S. Horton, Ellis Fine Arts Center, 620-223-2700
(Tues-Fri. 10am-4pm, Sat. 10am-2pm, & by appt.): 1st black photographer for Life magazine, photographer, poet, filmmaker. Gift shop also sells books, t-shirts, mugs, and other gift items.
National Cemetery No. 1 900 E. National Ave.: Numbered 1 of 14 cemeteries declared National cemeteries in 1861 by Pres. Lincoln.
Lyons Twin Mansions *Free Tour* 750 S. National Ave. 620-223-3644: Offers complimentary tours, any-time of day.
Courtland Hotel & Spa 121 E. 1st St. 620-223-5657: Spa/Massage/Salon Retail Outlet
Re:freshed Aesthetics 750 S. National Ave. 620-215-2694: Beauty products, facials, waxings, & more
Woodland Hills Golf Course 2414 S. Horton, 620-223-5060
Gunn Park 1010 Park Ave.: 155 acre Scenic Park, 7 shelter houses, 2 lakes, 6 mi. of trails, 18-hole disc golf course
Kansas Rocks Recreational Park 18 miles NW of Fort Scott, 130th St. Mapleton, KS. (Sat. 8am-5pm, Sun. 9am-4pm): 30 miles of trails for Jeeps & 4-wheel drives, biking, & hiking
Hunting, Fishing, & Watersports: Multiple lakes & fishing/hunting areas at Fort Scott Lake, Rock Creek Lake* Bourbon County
Fort Scott Restaurants, Shopping, & Activities

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Goat Sale Aug.18

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Heartland Showcase
Boer Goat Sale, LLC
at Bourbon County Fairgrounds
Sunday, August 18th at 12pm
Heartland Showcase
Boer Goat Sale,
Sunday, August 18th at 12pm.
There will be viewing times for Saturday, August 17th at 4-6pm and Sunday, August 19th starting at 10am. There will be a complimentary lunch from 11am-12pm.
This event is located at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd.
in Fort Scott.
Consignors:
Tate Farms, Thunder Boer Goats, Road 20 Farms, Criser Ranch, Sunflower Boer Goats, Anderson Boer Goat Acres, StripeBoers, Broken Trigger Boer Goats, Rock’n B Ranch, Quality Boer, Fanning Farms, and 4 Star Ranch.
For more information, contact
Lisa Stripe at 402-759-5497
or Jill Lanham at 402-984-8344.
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government, Kansas

Don’t Drink and Drive

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Kansas Law Enforcement Warns: Don’t Drink and Drive

Impaired drivers to be tested during “No Refusal Weekend”

 

Topeka, KS – As the summer season concludes over the next few weeks, Kansas law enforcement will be doing all they can to keep the roads safe from impaired drivers. Beginning on Aug. 14 and through the Labor Day weekend, more than 150 law enforcement agencies from across the state will join forces in a concentrated effort detecting and removing the impaired driver.

 

This year’s campaign includes a No Refusal Weekend, Aug. 16 – 17, when all suspected impaired drivers who refuse breath testing may be subject to blood testing for alcohol and/or drugs. This No Refusal Weekend, law enforcement officials may work in coordination with prosecutors to obtain blood draw warrants for drivers who refuse breath and/or drug testing. No Refusal programs help ensure that prosecutors obtain the scientific evidence needed to effectively prosecute cases involving impaired driving.

“My hope is there are no impaired driving crashes or fatalities in the state of Kansas,” said Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent Herman Jones.  “Make the right decision, don’t get behind the wheel impaired. The impaired driver makes the choice to endanger themselves and everyone else on the road.”

 

According to the National Safety Council, 40 percent of car fatalities occur in the summer months. The Labor Day holiday brings increased traffic and unfortunately, a higher-than-normal number of deaths related to impaired drivers on the road. On average, impaired drivers cause about one-third of all traffic fatalities in Kansas. Across Kansas, impaired drivers injure or kill more than 2,200 people each year in car crashes.

 

“We want everyone’s summer to end on high note and not in a senseless death that is 100 percent preventable,” said Chris Bortz, Kansas Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Program Manager. “Law enforcement will be vigilant in their efforts to keep everyone safe, but everyone has a personal responsibility in this effort; not just law enforcement.”

 

The 22-day enforcement campaign will be supported with statewide education and on-the-street vigilance by law enforcement.  This year’s campaign reinforces that no excuse is a good excuse for driving impaired. Designate before you celebrate, use a ride sharing service or get a ride from a sober friend are just a few ways to get home safely.

 

Impaired drivers can face jail time, suspension of their driving privileges, fines and other costs of up to $10,000. In addition, the offender will be required to install and pay monthly services fees on an ignition interlock. Beyond the financial and legal penalties, impaired drivers face the risk of losing their own lives or taking someone else’s.

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Government

Greet Congressman Watkins Aug. 22

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Meet and Greet with
Congressman
Steve Watkins
(2nd District of Kansas)
at Boiler Room Brewhaus
Thursday, August 22nd
at 4:00 p.m.
Community members are invited to a
Meet & Greet with
Congressman Steve Watkins.
The event will take place on
Thursday, August 22nd at the
Boiler Room Brewhaus, located at
2 S. National Ave. Doors will open at 4:00pm for the meet & greet.
Steve Watkins is a 6th generation Kansan, growing up down the street from the State Capitol in Topeka. His father served in the Air Force and has been a well-respected physician for nearly 40 years. His mother is
a retired public school teacher.
After graduating from Topeka West high school, Steve went on to get an engineering degree from West Point and master’s degrees from both MIT and Harvard.
Steve Watkins is an Iditarod racer,
a Mt. Everest climber, and a combat veteran who served in Afghanistan in 2004.
Steve Watkins’ life and career have been characterized by integrity, courage, leadership, and selfless service.
While the uniform may be changing, the values and convictions are not.
For more information, contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566.
Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Fort Scott, Schools

Visit With Sheriff’s Office Personnel: Get a Free Snow Cone

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The sheriff’s office will be handing out to the first 100 kids coupons to get a small snow cone from Tropical Snow.

Tropical Snow is in the south parking of the Movie Gallery Store located at 1714 South National in Fort Scott.

This will be a chance to meet/talk with deputies, as a community involvement with the sheriff’s office.

The event will be  Tuesday, August 13, starting at 6 PM and will last until the last coupon is handed out.

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda Aug. 12

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: August 12th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45-Jim Harris

9:45-10:00-Bob Childer-Regarding Gravel/Paving Ironwood Road

10:00-10:30-Brian Comstock-Fence and Railroad Right A Way

10:45-11:00-Robert Uhler-Asphalt Contract and Lake Advisory Committee

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks-Executive Session-Ascension Via Christi-for the whole hour

12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch

1:30-2:00-Nancy Van Etten- Lake Fort Scott Property Owners Discussion

2:00-3:00-Executive Session-Acquisition of Real Property

3:00-3:10-Justin Meeks- Executive Session-Attorney-Client Privilege

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Friday Night Free Concert: Mike Lundeen

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The Friday Night Free Concert at Heritage Park, 1st and Main Street will feature Mike Lundeen at the keyboard.

“Mike has been one of our most popular concerts for several years,” Ralph Carlson, event organizer, said. “His music is a mix of lite classics, ragtime, contemporary pop, southern gospel with some pre- civil war and country. We are really pleased to get Mike back this year.”

The concert starts at 7 p.m. In the event of inclement weather it will move to the Common Grounds Coffee Shop. Come early and bring a lawn chair as seating is limited.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Foundation Accepting Applications

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Fort Scott Area Community Foundation announces their
grant cycle for 2019
Don’t miss your chance to apply – deadline is August 31st, 2019!!
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is pleased to
announce that the grant cycle for 2019 is here.
Applications will be accepted from now
until August 31st.
This year, the Foundation will be awarding over $33,000 to local not-for-profits for projects that benefit our community. A certain dollar amount of the awards is reserved for projects that benefit local youth. The maximum grant to any one project is $5,000.
For a printable application,
click HERE.
Applications can also be obtained by visiting www.fsacf.com, the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 231 E. Wall St., or by emailing [email protected].
Please use the same email address to submit any questions you may have.
Completed applications must be received by 5:00 p.m., August 31st.
For information on grants awarded last year, click HERE.
Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Jobs

Small Businesses Encouraged With New Partnership Offer

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NetWork Kansas Logo

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is initiating a partnership program that aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial environment in the community.

What is an entrepreneur?

An entrepreneur is an individual who, rather than working as an employee, founds and runs a small business, assuming all the risks and rewards of the venture, according to investopedia.com.

“The big-picture vision for this initiative is to move Bourbon County forward as a great place to start and grow a small business and where existing businesses have access to all the resources they need to grow and achieve their potential,” Bill Michaud said.

Michaud is the chairman of the Chamber’s Business Resource and Development Committee.

Bill Michaud is the chairman of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Business Resource and Development Committee. Submitted photo.

 

He and Chamber Executive Director Lindsay Madison are the primary workers to bring this initiative to Fort Scott, Michaud said.

“Lindsay Madison did the work to complete the application which resulted in us being selected,” he said. ” She and I have been the primary ones immersed in the details.”

Lindsay Madison is the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. Submitted photo.

“The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce representing Bourbon County has been selected by Network Kansas as a partner in the E-Community Program,  a partnership program that aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial environment in partner communities throughout the state,” Michaud said. The Chamber was notified in June 2019.

“Bourbon County was awarded this partnership opportunity through a competitive application process in which 14 Kansas communities were vying for selection and only five new e-community partners were selected,” he said.

 “The revolving loan fund and other E-Community resources can be the catalyst to build onto the many great improvements which have occurred in our community in recent years, “Michaud said. “This program is a resource that could help fund additional rehabilitation of downtown buildings which are currently very difficult to finance.”

 E-Community loan funds can be used for building acquisition, renovations, inventory, expansion, relocation, equipment and other purposes.

One of the barriers to starting or growing a business is access to funding.

  “The largest component of the E-Community Partnership is providing a locally controlled loan fund used to enable new business and existing businesses to overcome that barrier,” Michaud said.  “There also additional resources available through Network Kansas to help businesses of all sizes including a variety of programs through StartupKS.”

The E-Community program also provides funding for several approved educational and personal development programs. 

“These programs are geared toward teaching and developing potential and existing entrepreneurs,” he said.

Click below for a link to that inventory of programs:

The E-Community program was created through a Kansas Center for Entrepreneurship Tax Credit Program, according to the Fort Scott Chamber website.

Application Details

Applicants may include startup businesses and existing business purchases and/or expansions.

The minimum loan request is $5,000 with a $45,000 maximum amount available per applicant business, subject to availability. The terms for loans issued in the fiscal year 2019-20 will be 5 percent rate over a 10-year maximum term.

Applicants will be asked if the entrepreneur or business has a tax liability in arrears with the Kansas Department of Revenue or the IRS, or been involved in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings.

Applicants will be asked to provide relevant details such as length of time in business, business name or entity changes, number of jobs to be created or retained, etc.

All business plans will be submitted with the application and should include key elements such as:

  • Executive Summary
  • Business Description
  • Products or Services
  • Short- and Long-Term Goals
  • Project Financing
  • Management
  • Ownership
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Description of Major & Prospective Customers
  • Description of Market & Competition
  • Financial Projections

Contact the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University for assistance in developing a business plan, 620-235-4920.

How the application will be judged

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Financial Review Board will use the following rubric to score all applications in the Bourbon County E-Community Program.

Criteria Strength (1-4) Weight (% of total) Weighted Score
Financial Soundness

25
Owner/Operator Experience

20
Business Plan

25
Owner/3rd Party Funding

25
Community Commitment

5
TOTAL

100

SCALE

4 = Exceeds expectations 3 = Meets expectations

2= Partially meets expectations 1 = Does not meet expectations

Application Checklist

Be sure to include the following with your completed application:

  1. $50 Non-refundable Application Fee
  2. Business Plan including Financial Projections (1-year projection of profit & loss by month and 3 years of annual projections)
  3. Financial Statements (if an existing business)
  • Income statement and balance sheet from within the past 90 days
  • Income statements, balance sheets, and complete business tax returns for the two (2) prior year-ends
  • A current list of business obligations
  1. Applicant Resume
  2. Personal Financial Statement from within the past 90 days
  3. Three Letters of Reference
  4. Other documents relevant to the project
  • Proposed purchase agreement
  • The existing or proposed franchise agreement
  • Existing or proposed lease agreement
  • Real estate contract
  • Contractor bids
  • Appraisals and environmental reports
  • Partnership agreement
  • Articles of incorporation & bylaws

History Of Initiative

The initiative was established as a part of the Kansas Economic Growth Act of 2004 to stimulate entrepreneurship and small business growth as a priority for economic and community development in the State of Kansas.

Click here to learn more about Network Kansas and E-Communities.

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is located at  231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701 and can be reached at  620-223-3566  or email [email protected].

NetWork Kansas Logo

Area News, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Schools

Local Singers Invited to Join Pittsburg Chorale, Directed By FS Music Teacher

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Pittsburg Youth Chorale Fall Enrollment Open

Area singers in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are invited to join Pittsburg Youth Chorale, directed by MJ Harper.

The purpose of this vocal ensemble is to further grow vocal abilities, musical knowledge, and choral repertoire.

Performers will prepare music for community events and music festivals.

Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 5PM-6PM at First United Methodist Church, 415 N. Pine, Pittsburg, KS and begin September 3rd.

There is a fee of $50 per session (Sept-Dec/Jan-May) to cover the cost of music.

Scholarships are available.

To enroll, contact MJ Harper at 620-719-6633 or email [email protected], deadline September 3rd.

Bourbon County, Business, Fair, Fort Scott, Jobs

Peerless Expands Assembly Lines: Needs More Workers

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Peerless Products is hiring.

Peerless Products, 2403 S. Main, is the largest employer in Fort Scott with 420 workers.

And they need more assembly lines to grow their business, according to Dave Elliott, Peerless Products Culture and Morale Manager.

Founded in Fort Scott, Kansas in 1952,  they manufacturer high-performance aluminum architectural and commercial windows for new construction, replacement and historical construction, according to their website.http://www.peerlessproducts.com/Corporate/About-Peerless

“We need to have the capacity to run more products through, to continue to grow,” Elliott said.

“We purchased the old American Standard warehouse in Nevada (MO) on I-49, we will use that as a staging warehouse,” Elliott said. “That frees up space in the Fort Scott facility for another assembly line.”

The employees the company is looking for?

“Somebody that has a good work ethic and a willingness to learn and grow,” Elliott said. In addition, applicants must have a valid driver’s license, and a high school diploma or GED.

The starting-out wage at the plant is $11 per hour, and “they usually work more than 40 hours a week.”

Day shift is from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

“The hours on Friday depends on how much of the product is complete,” Elliott said.

Peerless offers a benefits package that offers health insurance, life insurance, a 401K and an “astounding profit-sharing program,” Elliot said.

Peerless also offers “employee care” activities such as chair massage a couple of times a year and currently are giving employees 20 lb. meat bundles. This processed beef and pork comes from what the company purchases at county fairs of 4-H animals.

Today, Aug. 9, Elliot and Karen Contreras will be at the Ellis Fine Art Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College for a job fair.

Ellis Fine Arts Center

From 2-6 p.m. interested applicants are asked to bring their resume and come for a visit with the two Peerless Products representatives.