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Category Archives: Business
Better in Bourbon Boutique Will Open In a New Building In The Near Future
A downtown boutique will be moving in the near future to a bigger location one street over, with more parking availability.
Better in Bourbon is owned by Rachel Pruitt is currently located on North Main Street but will be moving to a location on National Avenue.
“Better in Bourbon, the independently owned boutique known for its curated items (selected best styles for the season) AND personalized shopping experience, is expanding,” Pruitt said.
The newly renovated space at 2 Old Fort Blvd., in the former H&H building, offers customers more room to shop and a major upgrade in convenience with dedicated parking.
Pruitt says the move marks an exciting new chapter for the business, which began as a small pop-up and quickly became a staple in the Fort Scott retail scene.
“This expansion is about creating a better experience for our customers,” Pruitt said. “We’ve outgrown our current space, and this new location allows us to offer more of what people love—more inventory, more styling options, and an easier, more comfortable way to shop.”
The new location will feature increased floor space for apparel, accessories, and the boutique’s popular permanent jewelry offerings. The additional room will also allow for more curated, head-to-toe outfit displays—an approach that has set Better in Bourbon apart with its “solution-based shopping” model, according to a press release from Pruitt.
The expansion is part of a larger renovation effort aimed at breathing new life into a prominent Fort Scott property, while also supporting small business growth in the community, according to the press release.
Pruitt will be offering other businesses places to lease.
As part of the renovation, three unique spaces will also be available for lease. These turn-key spaces are suitable for a variety of business types and include all amenities. For more information, contact Nancy Pruitt at 620-224-9480.
Better in Bourbon plans to continue operating during the transition, with new arrivals and customer-favorite services still available as the move progresses.
An official opening date for the new space is expected to be announced soon. In the meantime, Pruitt encourages the community to stay tuned and stop in to see what’s new.
Pruitt also expressed gratitude to the loyal customer base that made the expansion possible. “We are so thankful for our customers—near and far—who have supported us every step of the way,” she said. “This growth wouldn’t be possible without you.”
“We’re excited to grow right here in Fort Scott and continue bringing something unique to local shopping,” she added.
Employer Insight Collaborative Highlights Workforce Priorities in Bourbon County
Employer Insight Collaborative Highlights Workforce Priorities in Bourbon County
Press Release Employer Insight Collaborative 2026
FORT SCOTT, KANSAS — The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team recently held two Employer Insight Collaborative sessions on February 17 and February 19 to address workforce challenges in Bourbon County. The events brought together 44 employers and partners across healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, banking, and more.
Supported by the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas initiative, the collaborative provided a dedicated space for community partners to identify practical strategies for strengthening the local workforce.
Key Workforce Insights
While industries varied, the challenges reported were remarkably consistent. Employers identified the following as the most difficult positions to fill:
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Leadership and management roles
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Information technology (IT)
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Skilled trades
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Healthcare and helping professions
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Technical occupations
Addressing the “Soft Skills” Gap
A significant portion of the discussion focused on foundational workplace behaviors. While technical skills can often be taught on the job, employers noted critical gaps in:
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Reliability and attendance
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Professionalism and workplace expectations
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Communication skills, including customer interaction and writing
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Initiative and problem-solving
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Teamwork and critical thinking
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Leadership capacity
“While industries may differ, the workforce challenges employers are experiencing are remarkably similar. By bringing employers and community partners together, we can focus on practical solutions that support both our businesses and our workforce.” — Jody Love, President and CEO of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team
Strategic Opportunities for Improvement
The collaborative identified specific areas where different sectors can coordinate to improve workforce readiness:
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For Employers: A focus on stronger onboarding, mentorship, and internal leadership development.
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For Educators: Strengthening connections between students and employers while expanding real-world learning.
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For Community Organizations: Improving awareness of resources and connecting education to support services.
Next Steps & Action Plan
To build on the momentum of these sessions, partners have committed to several immediate actions:
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Weekly Social Media Series: Increasing the visibility of workforce resources.
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Lunch & Learn Sessions: Strengthening collaboration with Fort Scott Community College.
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Training Coordination: Working with Pittsburg State University’s Kelce Center for Business & Talent Development.
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Strategic Initiatives: Exploring the “Work Ready Communities” initiative and pursuing pilot program funding.
About the Partners
Pathways to a Healthy Kansas The largest community grant initiative funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, providing tools to improve active living, healthy eating, and economic opportunity. Visit bcbsks.com/pathways.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas An independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and the state’s largest insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. Visit bcbsks.com.
Media Contact: Jody Love, MBA President & CEO, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team [email protected] | Ruralcommunitypartners.org
Special Event at Hedgehog Bookstore This Saturday
Hedgehog Bookstore is preparing to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day this Saturday, April 25th and would love for you to join us! We’ll have special activities and promotions from 10 am to 5 pm.
Golden Ticket Hunt – Find the golden ticket hidden somewhere in the store and win 12 FREE audiobooks from Libro.fm!
Giveaways – Every $10 you spend gets you a ticket for a chance to win book bundles and gift certificates!
Mystery Book Bundles – We’ll be offering wrapped bundles of books in specific genres. These are great if you love a surprise or want to broaden your horizons!
Make Your Own Bookmark – Kids & those who are young at heart will have a chance to create their own bookmark!
Golden Ticket Hunt – Find the golden ticket hidden somewhere in the store and win 12 FREE audiobooks from Libro.fm! Giveaways – Every $10 you spend gets you a ticket for a chance to win book bundles and gift certificates!Mystery Book Bundles – We’ll be offering wrapped bundles of books in specific genres. These are great if you love a surprise or want to broaden your horizons!Make Your Own Bookmark – Kids & those who are young at heart will have a chance to create their own bookmark!If you aren’t able to come in but still want to support the store, you can:
* Make a purchase at the Hedgehog Books shop on Bookshop.org. A portion of each purchase supports Hedgehog Books, and Bookshop is offering free shipping all weekend!
* Purchase an audiobook on Libro.fm. A portion of your purchase supports Hedgehog Books. From April 20th thru the 26th, Libro is offering customers who start a new one credit per month membership two free audiobooks with code BOOKSTOREDAY. And, they’ll have bestselling audiobooks on sale all week long!
“Thanks for your continued support of Hedgehog Books! We appreciate you and value your continued input on ways we can serve you better. Hope to see you soon,” said Janet Miller, co-owner of the store.
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The Dillons Open The Market at 23 Main
Rob and Lisa Dillon purchased Main Street Gallery on April 9 and reopened the store on April 14 as The Market at 23 Main.
“We bought the inventory and historic building, the Von Fossen Building, at 23 S. Main,” Rob said. “We have always enjoyed flea market shopping, and we were looking to start a business with another downtown merchant, and that didn’t work out. This came available, and we jumped on it.”
The products they sell are consignment items, antiques, home decor, clothes, collectables, and knick-knacks on the multi-level booth areas.
Along with Lisa and Rob and their children, they have hired an employee, Madi Collins, who worked for the previous owners, the McClellans.
The current hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
The store’s phone number is 620.223.2210.
They currently have over 30 consignors and 28 vendors who sell items at the store. “Each booth is based on square footage,” he said. “We are looking for more vendors.”
Lisa is the Housing and Urban Development coordinator for the City of Fort Scott, which includes the Land Bank and the Certified Local Government designation.
Rob has been a locksmith for 15 years and can make duplicate keys for the public. He is hoping for the future of the business to add leather works to the store and an engraving business (on wood, slate, and leather).
Kansas Business Award Is Accepting Nominations
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Kingfisher Inn: Boutique Vacation Accommodations in Historic Mansion Reopens
The two historic mansions on South National Avenue are back to business.
Following a couple of changes of ownership since they were known as The Lyons Mansions, the north mansion is ready for travelers once again, and the south mansion is currently rented for office spaces.
Daniel Kerr is the owner of Kingfisher Properties LLC and owns the two mansions, plus a small house on the property that faces Judson Street.
“In December, I was hired as the manager,” said Mindy McDonald. “We offer boutique lodging, more upscale. We are just now starting to get the word out that we are open.”
One can rent the entire mansion or a single room.
Single use allows usage of the common areas in the building: living area, billiard room, sun room, she said.
“To rent the entire mansion, prices start at $600 per night,” she said. “It will sleep 16 people.”
There is a full kitchen with various coffee makers, stove, oven, full fridge, and dishwasher available for guest use.
The single room starts at $130 per night, excluding the cleaning fee and taxes.
“There is a family suite on the third floor that starts at $210, with two bedrooms and two baths and a sitting area. It sleeps 8 people, with three beds in one room and one bed in another.”
“The Kingfisher Inn stands out as a piece of history in Fort Scott,” she said. “It’s pretty important to keep these historic buildings alive. It’s unique to stay in an historic building. My husband and I stayed in the Lyons Mansion when visiting Fort Scott, when Miss Pat was the host and owner.”
“We operate like an Airbnb, through me,” she said. “They self-check into their room and contact me with any issues during their stay.”
To rent a room, use the business website: http://thekingfisherinn.com
One can learn more about the business also on its Facebook page.
Blissful Meadows Boutique Open House/Ribbon Cutting is Today
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First Southern Baptist’s SPRING CRAFT SHOW is April 10
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The Jennings Will Relocate One Business, Add Another
Kinede and Damon Jennings will relocate their aesthetics and wellness business to 3 North Main, formerly the Iron Start Antiques and Such business, later this year, and open a new boutique business on April 1.
” Blissful Medical Aesthetics & Wellness will remain the same business but will be relocating into the former Iron Star location in downtown Fort Scott, with an estimated move date of early fall.
This move allows us to expand services, space, and overall client experience,” Family Nurse Practitioner Kinede Jennings, said.
Blissful Medical Aesthetics & Wellness can be reached by phone: 620-489-5124 or email: [email protected]
Currently, their address is 4 South Main.
Jennings noted Blissful Medical Aesthetics & Wellness is a full-service medical aesthetics and wellness clinic offering:
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Trt/bhrt- testosterone replacement therapy, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy
- Medical weight loss (GLP-1 programs)
- Botox, Daxxify, Xeomin
- Dermal fillers and biostimulators
- IV therapy and NAD
- Peptide therapy
- Laser treatments (Intense Pulsed Light therapy, hair removal, skin tightening)
- Advanced facials and skincare treatments
- Hair restoration (DE|RIVE system)
- Functional Medicine
Blissful Meadows Boutique
Blissful Meadows Boutique, 1 North Main, is a curated retail shopping experience featuring:
- Accessories and jewelry
- Home décor
- Gifts and seasonal items
- Loaded energy tea “Kickstart Energy”
Blissful Meadows Boutique is having a grand opening on April 1 from 2-6 p.m. at the store located at the corner of Main and Wall Streets in Fort Scott’s Historic District.
A ribbon cutting will be hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 5:30 p.m.
The grand opening will feature refreshments, opening-day deals, and a first look at its curated collection of home décor and unique finds that blend modern and western charm, according to a Chamber press release.
The Chamber will host brief remarks and an official ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m., and community members are encouraged to attend and help welcome this new business to downtown Fort Scott.
Kinede Jennings, a Chamber Board Member, continues to invest in the growth and vitality of Fort Scott’s downtown through multiple business ventures and property improvements. The boutique will be managed by her mother-in-law, KerryJennings, according to the press release.
Jennings is part of a multi-generational Fort Scott family with deep roots in downtown business, including Sunshine Boutique, established by her grandparents, Georgia and Donnie in 1981, with additional family members continuing that tradition today, according to the press release.
“The Chamber appreciates Jennings’ continued investment in the community and looks forward to celebrating this exciting addition with the owners, staff, and community,” according to the press release. For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620)223-3566.
“We are incredibly excited to continue growing in Fort Scott—bringing both elevated wellness services and a unique boutique shopping experience to our community,” Jennings said. “Our goal is to create spaces that empower confidence, style, and overall well-being.”
Bids & Dibs Hosts Chamber Coffee on March 26
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Bids & Dibs Recognized as Family-Friendly Workplace in Fort Scott
Bids & Dibs, the largest resale boutique in Kansas, will be recognized as a Family-Friendly Workplace during a special event on Thursday, March 26 at 8:00 a.m.
“Dana Book from the Kansas Children’s Service League will be at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee in the morning,” said Angela Simon, owner Bids & Dibs. “I believe he is also going to present information on some grant funding opportunities for local businesses. This might be something of public interest.”
The Family-Friendly Workplace recognition is presented through the Kansas Power of the Positive (KPOP) coalition and Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL), honoring employers who are committed to creating supportive environments for employees and families across Kansas, according to a press release from Simon.
Founded in 2012, Bids & Dibs has grown into a thriving community-centered business offering consignment, retail, and online sales while fostering a welcoming and supportive workplace culture.
“Family-friendly workplaces are essential to building strong businesses and strong communities,” said Simon. “Bids & Dibs exemplifies what it means to value employees not just as workers, but as people with families, responsibilities, and lives beyond the workplace.”
Through participation in the Family-Friendly Workplace initiative, Bids & Dibs has demonstrated a commitment to listening to employees and implementing practices that support work-life balance, employee well-being, and a positive organizational culture.
The Kansas Power of the Positive, supported by KCSL and partners across the state, promotes strategies that help organizations build safe, stable, and nurturing environments—both at home and in the workplace.
Community members, partners, and local leaders are invited to attend the recognition event and celebrate this milestone with the Bids & Dibs team.
About Bids & Dibs
Bids & Dibs is a Fort Scott-based consignment boutique offering clothing, accessories, home goods, and more for the whole family. Known for its strong community focus and customer-centered approach, the business has become a leader in retail resale across Kansas.
About Kansas Power of the Positive
Kansas Power of the Positive is a statewide coalition focused on strengthening communities by promoting positive experiences, supportive environments, and prevention-based strategies that improve outcomes for children and families.
About Kansas Children’s Service League
Kansas Children’s Service League is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the well-being of children and families through education, prevention, and community-based services.