Category Archives: Business

The Artificers April Calendar

The Artificers In April!

Check out the calendar below for all events happening this month!

Art Opening and Reception!

April 5th, 2024 @ 6pm, Artist Talk @ 7pm

Mary Martin

Mary is best known for her mixed media collages with organic deckled edges that incorporate painted tissue papers, sheet music and hand written scriptures. Her work is influence by her love of nature and nearly 40 years of being a church choir singer and cantor, which has imprinted the words of the Psalms on her heart and mind. The words of scripture and sacred music are so deeply rooted in her being that they naturally express themselves in her art. Working with themes of peace and joy expressed through scenes in nature, Martin begins each work of art by choosing a scripture that matches the theme of the collage. She incorporates the scripture into the artwork by writing it on the base layer of paper, and by mixing scripture blessed water into her paints. She layers sheet music with lyrics about peace or joy under painted tissue papers, creating tranquil landscapes, seascapes and floral images. Her intent is to create a space with the art where viewers can experience a moment of peace and joy within themselves.

Learn More

Marys Master Artist Classes!

The Joy of Gel Printing with Botanicals

Gel Printing is a printmaking process that uses a gel plate to transfer paint or ink to

paper instead of a printing press. Learn how to create stunningly beautiful botanical prints using a gel. Master Artist Mary Martin will guide students through this amazing and playful process!!

Adult age 14+ • April 6th •10am-12pm &1-3pm

Find Out More Here!

April Classes

Come into the studio from 12pm-4pm April 27th, and Glaze all of your pre-made pieces!

Click Here to Join in the Fun!

Don’t Forget us For your Parties!

Call Here to Set Up a Time!

Chamber Coffee at Briggs Auto on March 14

Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, March 14th, 8am

Hosted by Briggs Auto of Fort Scott

1819 S. Main

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to the weekly Chamber Coffee on Thursday, March 14th at 8am hosted by Briggs of Fort Scott, 1819 S. Main St. in the Ford Showroom. Briggs will be celebrating their 8th anniversary in the community and 41st anniversary corporate-wide with additional locations in Manhattan and Topeka.  Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to door prize drawings.

The primary focus of Briggs is on building relationships with their customers and to make the car buying experience fast, easy, and hassle-free. Brands sold out of the Fort Scott dealership include Toyota, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Wagoneer. In addition, they offer Fiat, KIA, Nissan, and Subaru at the other locations. Briggs also offers a variety of automotive maintenance and repair services on all the brands they sell and more.

 

Chamber Coffees are held each Thursday at 8am for members to network, make announcements, and learn about the host business or organization. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information or to inquire about available dates for hosting a Coffee.

 

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members

shown below…

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

Facebook

Find The Golden Egg Shopping Event Is March 22-23

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Spring Open House, Find the Golden Egg shopping event which will take place on Friday and Saturday March 22nd and 23rd. Most stores in the Downtown Historic District and several additional locations will be participating in the hunt.

 

Customers are invited to shop local retailers to search for the hidden gold eggs. The golden eggs will contain coupons, promotions, Chamber Bucks, and more.

Participating Retailers/Businesses:

110 South Main Mercantile, 110 S. Main

Angie Dawn’s Boutique, 108 Scott Ave.

Barbed Wire & Roses Vintage Market, 18 N. Main

Be the Light Boutique, 12 N. Main

Bids & Dibs, 108 Scott Ave.

Brickstreet BBQ, 3 W. Oak

Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore & More, 16 S. Main

Flint + Fray, 9 E. Wall

Iron Star Antiques & Such, 3 N. Main

Laree & Co., 3 S. National Ave.

Ruddick’s Furniture and Flooring, 117 S. National

Sunshine Boutique, 18 E. Wall

Shirt Shack, 11 E. 18th St.

In addition to the shopping fun that weekend, there will be plastic multi-colored eggs hidden around Downtown on Saturday the 24th after 10 a.m. suitable for young children to find.

 

The Chamber encourages the community to join the hunt on March 23rd-24th. Get ‘egg-cited’ to shop local. Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Facebook  Twitter
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Bids and Dibs on March 7

Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, March 7th, 8am

Hosted by Bids & Dibs

108 S. Scott Ave.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee event this Thursday, March 7th at 8 a.m. hosted by Bids and Dibs, 108 Scott Ave.

Join us for Chamber Coffee this Thursday at 8am with coffee, juice, light refreshments, and door prize drawings!

 

Any member business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2024 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].

 

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members

shown below…

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

Facebook

Regional Economic Development Inc. Welcomes New Board Member Matt Ida

The Board of Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. recently added a new member: Matt Ida, president of Extrusions, Inc. in Fort Scott.

According to a press release from REDI, the mission of the organization is as follows:  They ” are committed to uniting community voices, forging strategic partnerships, and securing pivotal grants. From fostering business growth and tourism to championing development initiatives, we are the nexus of vibrant community transformation. Here, you’ll find the resources, leadership, and opportunities essential for a prosperous and resilient future.”

Ida joins the following members of the board:

  • Mark McCoy – chairman of the board
  • Misty Adams – secretary – Fulton
  • Payton Coyan -vice president
  • Bryan Holt – treasurer
  • Tim Van Hoecke – City of Fort Scott Commission
  • Clifton Beth – Bourbon County Commission
  • David Stewart – USD 234
  • Vance Eden – USD 235

“Since our inception, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones,” according to the press release, including:

  • “Partnered with Legacy Health Care to present $34,000 to Bourbon County Emergency Medical Service for the purchase of a Lucas device and a new ventilator.
  • Awarded funds for community projects, such as Kansas Rocks, Bourbon County Fair, Gunn Park bike trails, and ball field renovations in Bronson.
  • Secured grants for Bourbon County EMS for equipment, the Fort Scott Fire Department for a new All Terrain Vehicle, and the City of Fort Scott for automated external defibrillators and storm sirens.
  • Announced $800 Million in solar development.
  • Secured funding for the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Mural
  • Successfully recruited Kansas Renewal Institute.
  • Announced Project Fort Scott with the potential to bring in $114.3 Million in development.
  • Facilitated the creation of studies that included retail, housing, labor, health care, business environment, and many others. These studies create the bedrock of data that is essential in recruiting and attracting new business and development.
Hosted events for community and business development such as:
  • Wichita State University Center for Economic Development and Bureau of Research for a community outlook and economic forecast event.
  •  Held the inaugural rural workforce summit in Fort Scott, which brought professionals from all across the state to hear from seven industry-leading and nationally known economic experts.
  •  Co-hosted the Bourbon County Job Fair to assist the displaced workers from both Valu Merchandisers Company and the Timken Company as well as anyone looking for career opportunities.
  • County-wide strategic planning and community visioning session
  • Held ongoing meetings with both housing and childcare representatives along with professionals who specialize in those fields.”

According to the press release, looking ahead, the group is  focused on:

  • “Developing business community data.
  • Conducting annual business retention and expansion surveys.
  • Providing technical assistance to existing businesses.
  • Collaborating with Fort Scott Community College on technical training.
  • Organizing seminars and training for local businesses.
  • Exploring opportunities with the Department of Commerce.
  • Recommending training and education for start-ups.
  • Providing resources to entrepreneurs.
  • Facilitating attraction of new healthcare, housing, and business development projects.”

The REDI office is now located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., downstairs, just south of the stairwell and elevators.

Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. has a new office in the lower level at 401 Woodland Hills Bvld. The old Mercy Building.

To reach the REDI  team call the following numbers:

  • Rob Harrington – Executive Director: 620-215-0144
  • Tayton Majors – Business Retention and Community Initiatives Manager: 620-215-0821
  • Lauren Engstrom – Executive Assistant and Marketing Coordinator: 620-215-3546
Rob Harrington. Submitted photo.

For more information

bourboncountyredi.com

https://www.facebook.com/BourbonCountyREDI/

Landmark Bancorp Announces New CEO in Leadership Transition

Abigail Wendel joins from UMB Bank to lead growing institution;

Michael Scheopner announces planned retirement

 

MANHATTAN, Kan., March 4, 2024 – Landmark Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) announced that it has appointed Abigail (Abby) Wendel to serve as president and chief executive officer of the Company and Landmark National Bank, its wholly-owned bank subsidiary (the “Bank”), effective March 29, 2024. Wendel also will join the respective boards of directors of the company and bank. She succeeds current President and CEO, Michael Scheopner, who will serve in a non-executive role until his retirement at the end of the year.

 

Wendel comes to the Company from UMB Bank, N.A., a regional bank headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, with more than $44.0 billion in assets. Wendel most recently served as president of the consumer division. In that role, she oversaw more than 800 associates and was responsible for the retail, mortgage and private banking functions as well as corresponding consumer banking initiatives, focused on customer acquisition and experience. She brings to the role extensive experience in the banking industry and has proven performance for delivering positive results for teams and customers. While at UMB, she also previously served as senior vice president and director of corporate strategy, government & investor relations and as executive vice president, chief strategy officer. Prior to UMB, Wendel spent more than a decade at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. She is also involved in numerous charitable causes and civic initiatives in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

 

“During my time at Landmark National Bank, we have grown a diverse platform of banking services that meets the unique deposit and credit needs of clients in the communities we serve,” said Michael Scheopner, outgoing chief executive officer. “From small business loans to industrial product offerings and numerous solutions in between, we have listened and responded to our customers’ needs. I am extremely proud of what our team has achieved in partnership with our customers and look forward to Landmark’s continued growth and success under Abby’s leadership.”

 

Scheopner joined one of Landmark National’s predecessor banks, Security National Bank in 1996, and in 2001 was named executive vice president and credit risk manager. In May 2013, Scheopner was named president of Landmark National Bank and chief executive officer in January 2014.

 

Wendel’s appointment reflects the completion of a search process led by Patrick Alexander, chair of the board of directors. A special committee of the board, consisting of independent directors assisted by a nationally recognized executive recruiting firm, conducted the search.

 

“We are grateful for Michael’s leadership and strategic direction that has brought Landmark National Bank to this pivotal moment in our organization’s history,” said Patrick Alexander, board chairman. “We are extremely excited to welcome Abby to the bank. Her selection was a unanimous decision by our board and for good reason. Abby’s unique skill set blends results and experience, positioning Landmark National Bank for new growth and depth of relationships with our valued current and future customers.”

 

Wendel will be based in the Kansas City metro, with frequent site visits across Kansas to Landmark National Bank locations.

 

###

 

 

About Landmark Bancorp, Inc.
Landmark Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and is engaged in the banking business through its wholly owned subsidiary, Landmark National Bank. Landmark Bancorp is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “LARK.”

 

Landmark National Bank is a Kansas community banking organization dedicated to providing quality financial and banking services to its local communities. Landmark National Bank is headquartered in Manhattan, Kansas and has 31 community banking locations in 24 communities across the state of Kansas

 

Evergy: Upgrading to Enhance Electric Service Reliability

  Work on the new Evergy substation as seen from  North National Avenue on Feb. 26

U

Evergy provides electrical service connection and repair to most of Bourbon County.

The company has acquired the property needed for the new Fort Scott substation which has frontage on North National Avenue.

Dirt work has begun at the new site, adjacent to the former equipment site.

“We have relocated conflicting utilities and are preparing the site for construction,” said Kaley Bohlen, Evergy Communications Manager.

The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.

“The upgrades will enhance electric reliability and support growth in the area, as well as strengthen the regional power grid,” Bohlen said. “The new equipment will be stronger, more efficient and incorporate technology that can help reduce power outages, both in frequency and length.”

Because the project will benefit Evergy customers, costs will be reflected in customer rates,” Bohlen said.

The Kansas Corporation Commission has been sending out press releases to explain the process of the rate increase to upgrade electric services. To learn more, see the end of this story for the links to the press releases. The public was requested to comment during the process.

“The average monthly impact to residential customers will be an increase of $4.64 per month for Evergy Kansas Central customers and a decrease of $6.07 per month for Evergy Metro customers. The new rates will take effect based on the customer billing cycle date beginning December 21, 2023,” according to a press release in November 2023 : Evergy/KCC Settlement Announced

Bourbon County is in the Evergy Kansas Central service area.

Evergy Kansas Central serves 736,000 customers in Topeka, Lawrence, Olathe, Leavenworth, Atchison, Manhattan, Salina, Hutchinson, Emporia, Parsons, Wichita, Arkansas City, El Dorado, Newton, Fort Scott, Pittsburg and Independence, among other towns and rural areas, according to a KCC press release. Evergy Kansas Metro serves approximately 273,000 customers in Lenexa, Overland Park and other communities near the Kansas City metro area.

The contractor for the Fort Scott project is Wolf Construction, Bohlen said.

The new Infantry Substation will be about 1.75 acres and will replace the former Fort Scott Substation that was damaged by fire in August 2022., according to Bohlen in a prior interview.

Looking to the left of the current Evergy Fort Scott Service Center Office on Old Fort Boulevard on February 26, one can see the current substation that is being replaced. This substation was damaged by fire in August 2022.

“The new substation will provide additional capacity to enhance electric reliability for the Fort Scott area, as well as strengthen the regional power grid,” she said in a prior interview. “Automated switching capabilities and grid automation will help improve outage response times.”

“Construction has begun and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024,” she said in the prior interview. “Once the new substation is operational, we will decommission the current Fort Scott Substation and remove all structures and equipment that are no longer in use. The existing Fort Scott Service Center utilized for personnel and offices will remain. Once the new Infantry Substation is built and operational, the existing Fort Scott Substation equipment and poles will be removed.”

Evergy Fort Scott Service Center is currently located on Old Fort Blvd.  The new Infantry Substation is located north and west of this building.
The Evergy building is seen from North National Avenue at Stanton Street.

To view the prior story:

Evergy Will Move Substation Equipment and Poles

To view prior press releases on Evergy within the last six months:

Proposed Evergy Settlement Agreement If Approved: Approximately $5 More Per Month for Kansas Central Customers

1.66 Percent Increase Justified to Provide Electricity to Evergy Central Customers. 

Evergy Rate Increase Request July 27

 

 

The Artificers in March

The Artificers In March!

Check out the calendar below for all events happening this month!

Returning Master Artist!

March Classes

Click Here to Join in the Fun!

Don’t forget our First Fridays event! Come, socialize, explore and enjoy March 1st!

Think of us for your Parties!!

Give us a call and schedule yours today!!

Restoration of Historic Building at 6th and Main Is In The Works

The historic building facade at 6th and Main is having its masonry restored by Mid-Continental Restoration, Fort Scott in this February 26, 2024 photo.

The historic building at 6th and Main Streets in Fort Scott is in the process of being restored.

The building is owned by Al and Luanna Niece and was purchased in June 2023, according to a prior interview.

Nieces Are Working to Renovate the Payne Building At 6th and Main

“It’s a total restoration of the building,” said Chase Halsey, Co-Vice President of Mid-Continental Restoration, Fort Scott.

Koehn Construction, Fredonia, is the general contractor of the project and Mid-Continental is a sub-contractor doing the masonry restoration, which includes the brick replacement, stone replacement, tuckpointing, and stripping of the building, and in addition, will be doing the new window installations, Halsey said.

Koehn Construction did the demolition of the interior and are “pouring concrete in the basement. Getting more of the fittings in. We are pouring the slab this week,” said Brandon Koehn, a manager at Koehn Construction.

Luanna Neice said she thought they were right on schedule “probably next week steele will go up on the inside.”

The building is two stories with a walk-out basement, Koehn said, and the inside had been destroyed by a fire.

Koehn said the building should be mostly complete by mid-summer.

A Mid-Continental Restoration worker is stripping the facade of the building in this February 26, 2024 photo at 6th and Main in Fort Scott.

The building will house two apartments on the second floor, an ice cream shop on the first floor, which is street level and the basement is slated to be a gentleman’s bar, according to Niece.

 

Mi Ranchito Mexican Restaurant Will Open in May at 17 S. Main

17 S. Main is being remodeled into Mi Ranchita Mexican Restaurant.

The Historic Downtown Fort Scott building at 17 S. Main has seen many different businesses but is known by the residents as the Kress Building.

A new restaurant is slated for opening there whose most recent business was the Pizza Republic, which closed in January 2024.

Mi Ranchito Mexican Restaurant is anticipating an opening  in May, said Robert Coon, who along with his wife, Kim, are the Coon Rentals LLC owners of the building,

Robert and Kimberly Coon. Submitted photo.

There is 5,000 square feet of restaurant, 4,000 square feet of seating space, and a 1,000 square feet kitchen.

“They are remodeling to suit themselves,” Coon said. “They are adding a bathroom and  redoing the kitchen.”

“I want to see the business succeed,” Coon said. “I would say Mr. De La Torre ‘s (the restaurant owner) restaurant background is superior.”

The owner of Mi Ranchito is Rulber De La Torre, from the Kansas City area. He has two restaurants in Olathe, two in Overland Park, one in Lenexa, one in Mound City, and one in Gladstone, MO. according to the business’s Facebook page.

 

Rulber and wife,  Ana Lilian De La Torre. Submitted photo.
Rulber and his children: Teresa, Yareli, Rulber Jr., Nicolas, Rulber, Samantha, and Nereyda De La Torre. Submitted photo.

“We will employ 20-30 people,” De La Torre said. “We are a full-service restaurant. I will hire all of them from Fort Scott and bring trainers to train for 2-3 months to our standard.”

“There will be a full-service bar,” De La Torre said. “My margaritas are exclusive to Mi Ranchito, a flavor you won’t find anywhere.”

His most sought-after dish is his cream cheese chicken enchilada, he said. But he will also serve American fare: hamburgers and a Kansas City Strip Steak Plate.

To view the menu from Mound City’s Mi Ranchita:

Mi Ranchito Mound City Menu 2023

De La Torre will be celebrating 20 years in the business this year in August.

Hours of operation will be Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. (depending on the business flow he said). Friday and Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 10 or 11 p.m., depending on the business.

De La Torre said he chose Fort Scott because it’s close to Mound City where he opened a restaurant two years ago.

“I have people come from Fort Scott to that restaurant and wished they had one here,” he said.

Robert Coon contacted him about opening his restaurant here in Fort Scott, he said.

Some of the equipment left from the last restaurant will be utilized by De La Torre,  “but he has an astronomical amount of equipment he is bringing,” Coon said.

 

Looking through the kitchen to the southwest door of 17 S. Main on February 26. Remodel work was going in the kitchen and bathrooms.

The second floor of 17 S. Main has been renovated for professional space, Coon said. “It has 2,500 square feet in space.  With two offices, a board room, and a huge foyer.”

Blue Collar Awards Event March 9 Will Benefit Local Trades Scholarships

The 2023 Blue Collar Awards, 2023. Submitted photo.
Advance Bourbon County is sponsoring a Blue Collar Awards event on March 9 at Memorial Hall, located at Third Street and National Avenue.
“The purpose is to raise money for scholarships for local students going to college in the blue-collar trades field,” said Josh Jones one of the organizers of the event. The scholarships will be awarded to Fort Scott and Uniontown students who apply and are eligible
For students wishing to be considered for a scholarship in the trades field see the application below:
According to the scholarship requirements, students must be high school seniors and will attend a college/trade school within 180 miles of Bourbon County. All scholarship monies will be paid directly to the school. Qualified trade programs re: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, construction, welding, fabrication, automotive and diesel mechanics. commercdriver’svers license, auto CAD/drafting, manufacturing technology, machining, masonry, robotics/drones, lineman, railroad training, carpentry, and major appliance technology.
The student must also write a paragraph describing their plans upon completing the program.
The awardee must present proof of enrollment to Josh Jones to claim their scholarship award.
Some of lyear’sears recipients. Submitted photo.
Local tradesmen are on a ballot for a community vote with winners recognized during the March 9 event.
“We are in the voting process now and on March 1st we will tally the votes and give out awards based on each category to local businesses,” Jones said.
The event will also feature a comedian this year, the Copenhagen Bandit.
The Copenhagen Bandit from his Facebook page.

To view a prior feature on Advance Bourbon County’s beginnings:

Advance Bourbon County: New Non-Profit

Chamber Announces Spring Open House, Find the Golden Egg Shopping Event

 

 

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Spring Open House, Find the Golden Egg shopping event which will take place on Friday and Saturday March 23rd and 24th.  Most stores in the Downtown Historic District and several additional locations will be participating in the hunt.

 

Customers are invited to shop local retailers to search for the hidden gold eggs. The golden eggs will contain coupons, promotions, Chamber Bucks, and more.

In addition to the shopping fun that weekend, there will be plastic multi-colored eggs hidden around Downtown on Saturday the 24th after 10 a.m. suitable for young children to find.

 

The Chamber encourages the community to join the hunt on March 23rd-24th. Get ‘egg-cited’ to shop local.  Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.