2nd Saturday Storytime
January 11, 2020
10:30 a.m.
Join the Hedgehog for a “snowy”
storytime.
Hedgehog.INK! Gently Used Books and So Much More… 16 S. Main Fort Scott, KS 66701
Category Archives: Business
New Bakery in Town: Moe’s Breads
Melissa McCurrey, Fort Scott, worked at 5-Corners Mini Mart before opening her new business, Moe’s Breads.
A random request from a customer started a new career for her.
“I was eating zucchini bread, from my Grandma Baguss’ recipe, at 5-Corners and a random customer asked if I could make a loaf of it,” McCurrey said. “It got bigger from there. I started baking two years ago. A year ago we were selling muffins at 5-Corners. On Dec. 18th I opened at the new storefront at 20 W. Wall Street.”
“Darcy Smith (5-Corners owner) encouraged me to start,” McCurrey said.
David, her husband is the co-owner.
Every morning she makes homemade biscuits and homemade gravy and starts selling it and other breads, cookies, muffins along with hot and cold drinks at 5 a.m.
There is a lounge area in the bakery with a couch, table, and chairs in an adjacent room.
“This is where customers and relax and enjoy,” she said.
When one steps into the store, a display of Melissa’s food for sale is in full view.
The fruit loaves include banana, pumpkin, blueberry, and zucchini. They sell for $6. Apple cinnamon and caramel pecan swirl loaves are $7.
Cookies include banana chocolate chip, peanut butter, chocolate cream for $4 a dozen, no-bake cookies sell for $6.
Yeast bread orders must be placed 24-hours prior and start at $5: white, wheat, French, challah, jalapeno cheese, ciabatta, cinnamon rolls, and sourdough.
Coffee can be purchased for $1.25 and tea for75 cents. Soda, milk, orange juice, and energy drinks are also sold.
Hours are from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To place an order, call 620-768-8009.
Want To Host A Chamber Coffee?
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Controversy Rises on Wind Farm Possibility In Bourbon County
The proposed wind turbine project in southwest Bourbon County has long term consequences for the economy of the area.
Jayhawk Wind, the wind energy company proposing the project, is looking to use 28,000 acres of land in the county to produce electricity in the region, including Bourbon and Crawford counties.
The Jayhawk Wind project is being developed by Apex Clean Energy.
Apex Clean Energy develops, constructs, and operates utility-scale wind and solar power facilities across North America. Their team of more than 200 renewable energy experts uses a data-focused approach, according to its website. Apex Clean Energy, Inc. is located at 310 4th St. NE, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22902
To see the Bourbon and Crawford County’s project analysis and a Jayhawk Wind press release which was published recently on FortScott.Biz, click below:
Jayhawk Wind – Economic Development Report Final November 2019(2)
Jayhawk Eco impact report 12 2019(1)
Wind farm production in Kansas has helped to lower CO2 emissions, according to a National Public Radio (NPR) article.
Kansas’ lower emissions is largely due to the rapid adoption of wind energy and a slow move away from coal-powered electricity.
“With the fast growth of cheap wind-generated electricity in Kansas, it’s become less profitable to run coal plants,” according to the article.
Click below to view:
Controversy
There is a local controversy building about the proposed wind energy project.
A meeting of opponents to Jayhawk Wind project is planned for Bourbon and Crawford county residents, according to a press release.
The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, January 9, at Rodeway Inn, Ft. Scott, Ks.
On the agenda will be the organization of a formal opposition group, assistance from successful opponents of previous wind farms, and a discussion of potential and political avenues to stop the Jayhawk development.
Dane Hicks and Kim Simons will be speaking, according to Anne Dare, one of the concerned citizens who will be attending.
The meeting is open to the public.
Anyone concerned about the impact on home values and damage to the community’s natural rural vista by the project is asked to attend.
Contact: Kim Simons, 620-224-1215, [email protected]
Noise level and other issues have been questions the public has asked about the project.
Noise level is 50 dBa
Apex Clean Energy, says the noise is minimal.
“The majority of the sound produced from modern dynamic windmills will be limited to 50 decibels, quieter than a refrigerator as measured at a nearby house,” according to Helen Humphries, Public Engagement Manager for Apex Clean Energy, Inc.
Other issues
To see community opinions on noise levels and other related issues at another wind farm site, view this Youtube from an Arkwright, NY wind turbine project controversy:
There are benefits
Some of the financial benefits go to landowners, schools and government entities, which are facing a decline in population and finances. The project will also provide some jobs: construction, operation, supply chain, and induced jobs.
Jobs
“Construction jobs only last during the construction of the wind farm,” Dr. David Loomis, professor of economics at Illinois State University and co-founder of Center for Renewable Energy said in an interview with FortScott.Biz. Loomis is the author of the analysis. “Construction jobs last six months to a year, 318 jobs for the year (estimated). All estimates are full-time equivalency.”,
“Operational jobs…They last the life of the project,” Loomis said. “On-site wind turbine technicians, a site supervisor, some administrative support.”
“There will be supply chain jobs due to expenditures in the local economy…truck fuel, gravel, supplies, and other items.”
“The final category is induced jobs…spending, shopping, eating out, entertainment because of all other jobs created because people have more money to spend for that,” Loomis said.
“Induced long term jobs include landowners leasing their land, tax revenue going into the local economy, schools, county, so forth,” Loomis said.
Rural areas are hard hit economically.
“The agriculture sector has been hit hard over the last two cycles,” he said. “2005 was a great time to be on a corn or soybean farm, but they’ve gotten squeezed because of the rising costs of equipment and fertilization. Oversupply caused a downturn.”
“Rural economies are hurting, individual farms are feeling this punch. This lease payment will take little land out of production but can help stabilize family farms. It’s a fixed payment to them.”
Currently, Jayhawk Wind is leasing land from landowners in the area of southwest Bourbon County and northwest Crawford County, Humphries said.
School District Benefits
“There is no revenue until 2032 due to the property tax exemption.,” Loomis notes in the analysis reports. “Starting in 2032, USD 235 will receive over $161 thousand annually for the general fund, over $225 thousand for the ‘Other’ Fund which totals to over $2.4 million and over $3.3 million respectively.”
Renewable energy facilities are exempt from property taxes for 10-12 years.
“Kansas recently changed the way that it taxes wind energy projects,” according to Humphries.” Before 2016, renewable energy generating facilities such as wind farms were exempt from property taxes according to K.S.A. 79-201. Since 2016, renewable energy generators are exempt from property taxes for only twelve years if owned by an independent power producer and ten years if constructed by a regulated public utility per K.S.A. 79-259. After this exemption period, the wind energy project will pay property taxes to all the taxing jurisdictions.”
Bourbon County Government Benefits
“Typically, wind developers in Kansas enter into a contribution agreement to voluntarily support the county during the 10 or 12 year exemption period, as we expect Jayhawk Wind to do,” Humphries said. “Once the initial 10 or 12 year period as defined by state law concludes, the wind power project will increase the property tax base and create a new revenue source for education and other local government services, such as road maintenance, libraries, and cemeteries.”
To see other views on the school and local government issues, click below:
https://www.flatlandkc.org/farm-field/winded/
Bourbon County Progress Report
A and P Mechanic Needed At WardKraft
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For Sale: Captured Images
Gary Palmer, who has been in the photography business for several decades in Bourbon County, is selling his business and taking a new career path.
“Over the last 25 years I had the pleasure to serve the community of Fort Scott and the surrounding area with professional photography, portraiture, graphic design, printing and host of other services at Captured Images,” Palmer said in a press release.
Captured Images has defined Palmer for many years, he said.
“However, it is time for another to take the reign of the studio,” he said. “It is my hope that someone will acquire Captured Images and continue its tradition of outstanding service to the community.”
“Rest assured, regardless of what the future holds for Captured Images, I and my wife Kylene are fully prepared to fulfill every and all obligation previously committed by the studio,” he said.
All school pictures and yearbooks that Captured Images completes will still be completed by the Palmers at the studio.
All weddings and ‘Watch-Me-Grow’ baby programs will still have Palmer taking the portraits until the completion of the programs. Whether it be a school dance, the school yearbook, sports photography, etc., for all commitments, Captured Images will fulfill every obligation through the 2019-2020 school year, according to the press release.
The new decade has brought a new opportunity for Palmer.
He has formal education in business administration and marketing. He also has exercised leadership in many civic and private roles in various capacities during his time at Captured Images. He has completed leadership training at the Kansas Leadership Center and has been allowed to utilize his skills in marketing, human resource management, and leadership in another industry, according to the press release.
But now he will be working for Dirk’s Dozing and Excavation Company, Butler, MO.
“I will continue to live in Fort Scott,” Palmer said. ” I have always been a strong advocate for Fort Scott and the great people here. I plan to continue to be involved in our great community in various capacities. I will be commuting to my new job.”
“Our farm, Freedom Farms, is growing and we are hopeful to use the sale of the studio and the coffee shop building to grow our farm operation,” he said.
Palmer will be the chief administrative and marketing officer for Dirk’s Dozing and Excavation Company.
Dirk’s currently services are heavy equipment site work and construction preparation.
“The Dirk’s business services much of the Kansas City Metro area with site preparation and construction,” Palmer said. They also specialize in pond building, municipality water and sanitary sewer systems, and site preparation for major construction projects.”
“I’m excited to be a part of a thriving industry,” Palmer said. “The Dirk’s business is growing exponentially and I’m honored to utilize my skill’s in business administration to create a team of highly skilled operators to perform tasks that will impact the growth of local communities.”
Marketing the Dirk’s business is also a primary role for Palmer.
Thanks To Customers
“I would like to take an opportunity to thank every one of my customers over the years,” Palmer said. ” Each of you has trusted Captured Images to record your engagements, weddings, the birth of a newborn baby, your family groups, senior portraits, special occasions, and memorable events. Each event you have allowed me to memorialize precious moments-in-time, forever, in print form. This is not a task I have taken lightly. Getting to know my customers through all of life’s amazing moments is an honor. Often I have laughed, cried, and shared in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Moments that make customers, family. I am honored to have provided professional experience along with high-quality printed portraits to my clients for many years. I hope I have created a lasting impact on those we served. I’m excited about the next phase of my career. On behalf of my family, I am extremely grateful for your patronage over the years.”
Coffee Shop Building For Sale Also
The Palmer’s will also be selling the building where the current Common Grounds Coffee Shop is located in downtown Fort Scott, next to his studio.
“It has 7,000 square feet with a full basement,” he said. “When the coffee shop moves location, it will be available for tenants.”
“It is a turn-key operation and up to code,” he said. “There are rental properties on the second floor. This is an excellent opportunity for owner-operators or investors.”
The Common Grounds Coffee Shop is owned by the Fort Scott Nazarene Church and will move to 12 E. Wall as soon as the building renovation is complete, possibly in January, according to the building owner, Jennifer LaRoche.
Contact Palmer at 620.223.5375 for more information.
LaRoche Buildings: A New Beginning
Editors note: Due to technical difficulties the feature did not include part of the written story. Here is the complete story.
Business owner Jennifer LaRoche opened her buildings that are in the process of renovation, to the public for what was called a “Sneak Peek” on Dec. 18.
The buildings are located at 10 and 12 E. Wall St.
This was in celebration of Fort Scott’s downtown district’s historic designation 10th anniversary. Kate Sweetser, one of the original workers on the designation spoke to the attendees of the history of the designation.
12 E. Wall: Coffee Shop
The building which most recently housed the Fort Scott Tribune newspaper office, has been empty for a few years.
In January, the easternmost, one-story building at 12 E. Wall is slated to become the new location of Common Ground Coffee Company. The dimensions of the building are approximately 30 foot by 100 feet, LaRoche said
The coffee shop has two restrooms and a conference room along with an open space for drinking coffee and having a meal.
In addition, there is an outdoor seating area with a stage that is in the back of the adjacent building that will be a part of the coffee shop. The outdoor seating will be accessed through an opening in the coffee shop.
Vicki Waldron will remain the manager of Common Ground.
10 E. Wall
At 10 E. Wall which is next on the list for completion, there will be an office on the first floor for LaRoche, upstairs there will be two apartments and E 3 Ranch Offices. On the National Avenue side of the building will be three storefronts, she said.
“I don’t know what is going in there yet,” LaRoche said.
Casper Enterprise, Stoughton Inc., Allen Electric, Extrusions Inc. and Mid-Continental Restoration Co. have all done work for LaRoche on the project.
LaRoche: Not Done Renovating
LaRoche said she will take a break following the completion of the renovation project.
But she is not done renovating.
“I really love uncovering all the things people have covered up,” LaRoche said. “I love making it look like it did in the pictures 100 years ago.
Luther’s BBQ Opens
David Lipe and Luther Salisberry are the owners of Luther’s BBQ, which opened at the corner of Oak Street and National Avenue on Fort Scott’s northside this week.
The restaurant crew is working on a few “kinks” in the process of opening, according to its’ Facebook page, but had a “soft opening” on Dec. 16.
Hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, except Sunday when the restaurant will close at 7 p.m.
The phone number of the business is 620-644-9880.
Approximately 30 employees have been hired, both full and part-time, according to Tina Lipe, David’s wife.
Lipe and Salisberry have signed a five-year lease from building owner Al Niece which includes the River Room Event Center on the second floor of the historic building.
To rent the River Room contact David Lipe at 816-392-2825.
The new restaurant will seat about 150 people, while the River Room Event Center about 500, Lipe said in an earlier interview.
The restaurant’s specialty will be burnt ends and additional food specials during the week, Lipe said.
Also available will be pork chops, ribs, steaks, smoked brisket, and pulled pork, he said.
Mirrored after Q39 and Stack Jack Restaurants in the Kansas City area, they hope to make it a gourmet, upper-end style barbeque, Lipe said.
To see the previous interview, click below
Chamber Coffee at City Hall Dec. 19
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Sneak Peak at LaRoche Building Reno Dec.18
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Police Arrest Two People for Walmart Fort Scott Robbery
On Dec. 16, 2019, at 11:30 p.m. Fort Scott Police Department Officers responded to a theft incident at the Fort Scott Walmart, 2500 S. Main Street.
A Walmart employee sustained minor injuries in the robbery.
During the initial investigation, a description of the suspects, the vehicle they were driving and the direction of travel were obtained and relayed to the Pittsburg Police Department.
At 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 17, the suspects were arrested by the PPD.
Dominick S. Gomes was booked into the Bourbon County Jail on one count of aggravated robbery. Belenda S. Camren was booked into jail on one count of aggravated robbery and one count of aggravated battery.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.