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.”

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.

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.

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.

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

BBQ Is Coming to Old Buffalo Grill Restaurant