Category Archives: Business

Business, Fort Scott, Government

Niece Products of Kansas, Inc. Awarded Energy Efficient Improvement Grant from U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

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Niece of Ks. Inc., 3904 Liberty Bell Road.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis today announced $1,809,677 in investments in renewable energy and efficiency projects to lower costs, generate new income and create jobs for Kansas farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses.

“USDA is committed to ensuring rural Kansas is benefitting from the clean energy economy,” Davis said. “These investments will expand access to renewable energy while creating good-paying jobs and saving Kansas communities and businesses money.”

The details of the Kansas projects are:

  • A $189,554 grant will help purchase and install 45.6 kW and 107.5 kW solar arrays for Concrete Service Co. Inc. in Barton and Ellis counties. This project will generate 225,623 kWh per year, enough to power 20 homes and save $19,628 per year.
  • A $39,532 grant will help purchase and install energy efficient improvements including new HVAC systems, resized ducting, heaters, and a waste oil heater for Niece Products of Kansas Inc in Fort Scott. The project is expected to save 1,943,100 cubic feet of natural gas, 1,160 gallons of diesel, and 85,293 kWh of electricity, the energy equivalent of powering 65 homes. The project is expected to save the company $41,037 per year in fuel, gas, and electricity costs.
  • A $62,027 grant will help purchase and install a 34 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Route 66 Hardware of Baxter Springs. The project is expected to generate 45,594 kWh per year, enough to power four homes and save the company $6,233 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $181,925 grant will help purchase and install three rooftop solar photovoltaic renewable energy systems, an 83 kW and two 17 kW systems, for American Bank at their Baxter Springs and Galena locations. The project is expected to replace 174,829 kWh per year, enough to power 16 homes and save the company $28,369 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $219,284 grant will help purchase and install two solar photovoltaic renewable energy systems, a 72.80 kW system and an 84.24 kW system, for US Assets Recovery LLC of Galena. The project is expected to generate 216,915 kWh per year, enough to power 20 homes. The project is expected to save the company $35,220 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $9,360 grant will help purchase and install a 6.24 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Brian Jordan’s commercial property management business in Galena. The project is expected to replace 8,395 kWh per year and save the company $1,352 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $16,380 grant will help purchase and install a 10.92 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Liberty Hall LLC of Galena. The project is expected to replace 17,009 kWh per year and save the company $2,450 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $20,659 grant will help purchase and install a 14.08 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Clark Repair of Baldwin City. The project is expected to replace 20,697 kWh per year, enough to power two homes and save the company $2,621 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $51,250 grant will help purchase and install a 41 kW solar array for Hi-Plain Farm Equipment Inc. of Dodge City. This project will generate 55,068 kWh per year, enough to power five homes and save $3,870 per year.
  • A $156,183 grant will help purchase and install a 137.16 kW solar array for Blake Koehn, an ag producer in Grant County. This project will produce 250,279 kWh per year, enough electricity to power 23 homes.
  • A $21,734 grant will help purchase and install a 15.96 kW solar array for Rick’s Auto Repair LLC in Gray County. This project will generate 27,415 kWh per year, enough electricity to power two homes.
  • A $22,028 grant will help purchase and install a 114.72 kW solar array for Country Feeds Co. in Gray County. This project will produce 184,860 kWh per year, enough electricity to power 17 homes.
  • A $70,565 grant will help purchase and install a 60.48 kW solar array for Nichols Ironworks LLC in Haskell County. This project will produce 89,498 kWh per year, enough electricity to power eight homes.
  • A $46,966 grant will help purchase and install three solar photovoltaic renewable energy system rated at 6.32 kW, 10.66 kW, and 15.40 kW for RVH Properties LLC of Dennis. The project is expected to replace 71,585 kWh per year, enough to power seven homes and save the company $5,599 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $60,494 grant will help purchase and install a 34.1 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Summit Center LLC of Emporia. The project is expected to replace 54,287 kWh per year, enough to power five homes and save the company $7,744 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $68,957 grant will help purchase and install a 59.2 kW solar array for Rusty Feather LLC of Canton. The project is estimated to replace 74,896 kWh per year, enough energy to power seven homes.
  • A $12,187 grant will help purchase and install a 7.5 kW solar photovoltaic renewable energy system for Ports Farms LLC of Chanute. The project is expected to replace 10,030 kWh per year, enough to power one home. The project is expected to save the company $1,522 per year in electrical costs.
  • A $106,850 grant will help purchase and install an 81 kW and 40 kW solar arrays for Fusion Bank of Pratt and Larned. The project is estimated to replace 180,047 kWh per year, enough energy to power 16 homes.
  • A $110,625 grant help purchase and install an 80 kW and 31 kW solar arrays for Mix-America Redi-Mix Inc. of Hutchinson and Lyons. The project is estimated to replace 65,060 kWh per year, enough energy to power six homes.
  • A $61,745 grant will help purchase and install a 40 kW solar array for Hutchinson Transportation Company Inc. of Hutchinson. The project is estimated to replace 65,060 kWh per year, enough energy to power six homes.
  • A $56,540 grant will help purchase and install a 47 kW solar array for Custer County Concrete Inc. of Great Bend. The project is estimated to replace 54,199 kWh per year, enough energy to power five homes.
  • A $67,717 grant will help purchase and install a 75 kW solar array for Doug Bradley Trucking Inc. of Salina. The project is estimated to replace 97,201 kWh per year, enough energy to power nine homes.
  • A $78,250 grant will help purchase and install a 25 kW wind turbine for St. Francis Feed Yard LLC in Sherman County. This project will generate 123,965 kWh per year, enough electricity to power 11 homes and save $8,895 per year.
  • A $34,750 grant will help purchase and install a 21.4 kW solar array for Ricky Totten, an agricultural producer in Oxford. The project is estimated to replace 29,494 kWh per year, enough energy to power two homes.
Business, Fort Scott, Government, Kansas

New DCF Building Exterior Framework Is Going Up

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Piles of dirt lay in the new parking spaces of the Kansas Dept. of Children and Families building that is being created at Wall  Street and National Avenue. This view is looking southwest from Wall Street.

The exterior framework began on March 22, on the new Kansas Department of Children and Families building project at Wall Street and National Avenue.

If all goes well, the completion date is July 2024, said Mike Anders, job supervisor of Silverrock Ventures.

The 13,000-square-foot building will house offices, several conference rooms, interview rooms, a large central file room,  reception/waiting areas, break rooms, and storage spaces. There is a storm shelter built into the plan.

Kendall Schoenrock, owner, and developer of Silverrock Ventures who is building the new office space for the KDCF, spent time in making the facade of the building fit in with downtown Fort Scott, Anders said.

The east side of the building is on National Avenue.

“It will have a red brick face and a limestone three-foot starter around the bottom of the east and north side,” Anders said. “It will have a different roof to fit in with downtown. It will have outside lighting like that of E3 Ranch, right across the street.”

There will be parking on the north side of the building, on Wall Street,  which the building will face. They are also leasing parking spaces from the City of Fort Scott for some parking west of the building, on the south side of that lot.

There is a whole slate of tradesmen lined up for the work ahead: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, framing, masonry, and painting, Anders said.

Skitches Hauling and Excavation, Inc., Fort Scott, was the demolition contractor for the building site.

“He supplied all of our backfill and got our job site ready to build on,” Anders said. “A great guy.”

“We tried to use local contractors,” he said. “A  lot are from a 30-mile radius approximately.”

Silverrock Ventures will do the interior finishing he said.

Wall and National Avenue is the sight of the new building for housing the Kansas Department of Children and Families. The building is currently in the exterior framework stage of the project.

About DCF

The Kansas Department for Children and Families is available to assist​ with child care and child support, employment education and training, food and cash assistance, support for youth who have experienced foster care, and more.

For further information about services to the community:

https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/Pages/default.aspx

 

If you suspect a child or vulnerable adult is being harmed emotionally, physically, or sexually, report it to the Kansas Protection Report Center 24/7 at 1-800-922- 5330 ​or online.
Business, Fort Scott

New Service Offered at Bartelsmeyer Jewelry: Laser Engraving

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Wyatt and Krysta Hulbert in their store. Submitted photo.

Bartelsmeyer Jewelry,  22 North Main in historic, downtown Fort Scott recently purchased a new laser tool for the store.

Wyatt and Krysta Hulbert are the owners of the store since July 2023, when they purchased it from John and Cindy Bartelsmeyer.

The  xTool P2, 55 Watt, CO2 laser engraver can cut through wood, multi-colored acrylics, leather and more, Krysta said.

Submitted photo.

“We can also engrave pictures and designs on a diverse variety of materials such as paper, fabric, leather, acrylics, glass, slate coasters, phone cases, and wooden cutting boards,” she said. “With the addition of a special metal marking spray, we can create permanent etchings on the surface of several different types of metal as well.”

Submitted photo.

They purchased the new laser engraver in December of 2023 and spent a few months getting accustomed to the uses and creating displays to showcase what can be done.

Submitted photo. Earrings made with the new laser.

“So far, I have used our laser engraver to cut out and engrave acrylic and leather earrings, engrave a coated metal tumbler, engrave a wine glass, create a wooden photograph on basswood, and engrave a personalized wooden cutting board,” she said. “We have also engraved a stainless steel dog tag, and the back of a watch case using Cermark laser marking spray. As we continue working with this new equipment, I am sure we will find many more applications and uses.”

Submitted photo. A computer case engraved by Krysta Hulbert.

“The minimum charge to have an item that is laser engraved will be around $25, however, each project is different and will be quoted on a per-item basis,” she said.

Submitted photo.

About the store
The Hulberts provide other services/products to the community.

Jewelry repair, ring sizing, watch battery replacements and watch repair, stylus and laser engraving, buying and selling of gold and silver jewelry and coins, and custom jewelry design.

“We offer many products such as silver fashion jewelry, estate jewelry, diamond engagement rings, and many colored stone rings, necklaces, and bracelets,” she said. “We can special order a variety of gift items such as pen sets, jewelry chests, baby silverware, frames and piggy banks, and other specialty giftware items.”

“We have an amazing team working with us at Bartelsmeyer Jewelry,” she said. “You are sure to be met with a familiar, smiling face when you walk in our door!”

The team members include the  Hulberts, John Bartelsmeyer, Julie Kibble, Kerragan Davis, Sammie Ragan, Yvonne Holloway, and Anna Laubenstein.

Hours of operation are Tuesdays-Fridays from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

The store phone number: 620-223-2070
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.bartelsmeyerjewelry.com

Art, Business, Fort Scott

The Artificers April Calendar

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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!
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Briggs Auto on March 14

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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
Business, Fort Scott

Find The Golden Egg Shopping Event Is March 22-23

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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
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Bids and Dibs on March 7

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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
Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Regional Economic Development Inc. Welcomes New Board Member Matt Ida

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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/

Business, Fort Scott

Landmark Bancorp Announces New CEO in Leadership Transition

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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

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Evergy: Upgrading to Enhance Electric Service Reliability

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  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

 

 

Art, Business, Fort Scott

The Artificers in March

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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!!
Business, Fort Scott, Housing

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

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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.