Category Archives: Business

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

SALSA CONTEST AS PART OF FORKS & CORKS

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As part of the 16th Annual Forks & Corks, A Taste of Fort Scott, the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces there will be a Salsa Contest. Restaurants, caterers and individuals are welcome to enter. Entry in the contest only takes 2 quarts of your homemade salsa. One quart will be used for the tasting, and the other quart will be included in the auction. Event attendees will vote on their favorite and an award will be presented at the end of the evening, although it is not required to attend the event to enter salsa in the contest. To enter, bring 2 quarts of salsa to the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce (include name and contact info.), 231 E. Wall St., by Friday, November 1st.


The Forks & Corks event will take place Saturday, November 2, 2019 with the food & beverage tasting from 6:30 to 9pm, and a DJ/Dance by The Hull Experience following until 11pm. The theme this year is “Viva Fort Scott”, Las Vegas style. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door including a souvenir wine glass and all the tasting attendees can endure. Fourteen local restaurants and caterers are registered as food vendors. Standard Beverage will provide tasting of the latest in beers, wines and liqueurs and non-alcoholic beverages will be available as well. There will also be silent and live auctions, special raffles, a 50/50 drawing, and The Selfie Bar photo booth to capture memories of the evening. Donations are also welcome for the auctions to promote your business or organization.

Food vendors registered to have a booth for tasting include Bronson Locker, Butcher Block, Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, For Goodness Cakes, G & W Foods, Holmtown Pub, Kinede’s Cakes, La Hacienda, Luther’s BBQ, Mason’s Belltown BBQ, Nate’s Place, Papa Don’s Pizza, Perry’s Pork Rinds, and Sharky’s Pub & Grub. Attendees will also vote on the People’s Choice award to be included in the awards presenation’s that evening along with the Best Presentation award, and the Taster’s Choice award which is the committee favorite.

Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce with any questions or to purchase tickets. Tickets may also be purchased online at fortscott.com.

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Forks and Corks Event Nov. 2

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You are Invited
To an evening you won’t want to miss!
16th Annual
Forks & Corks ~ A Taste of Fort Scott
THIS SATURDAY, November 2nd
River Room Event Venue
Only $25 for all the tasting you can endure
from over 12 local restaurants & caterers,
beverage tasting hosted by Standard Beverage
live & silent auctions, special raffles, 50/50!
New this year ~ Added entertainment!
The food & beverage tasting will be from 6:30 to 9pm and all included with your $25 ticket plus a souvenir wine glass just as it always has been!
——–
Then, from 9 to 11pm you may enjoy the popular
Hull Experience DJ for fun & dancing
and a full cash bar will be available
during this time!
See information below for purchasing tickets!
Purchase your tickets today!
Tickets available at the
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce,
231 E. Wall St.,
credit/debit by phone @ 620-223-3566.
Any Chamber Board Member also has tickets for sale.
Or, purchase your tickets online here!
We are seeking silent & live auction items, baskets or packages!
We would love to promote your business or organization!
Click here to email us if you have a donation and we would be happy to pick it up, you can drop it off, or we can make a certificate for you!
This is one of the Chamber’s primary
annual fundraising events to support the
work we do to serve the Fort Scott,
Bourbon County community! We thank you in advance for your support!
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Landmark Bank Oct. 31

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The Chamber Coffee for Thursday, October 31, 2019 will be hosted by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grants. The Chamber Coffee will be held at the Landmark National Bank, 200 S. Main St. Fort Scott, KS.

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation’s mission is to help our donors establish long-term charitable funds, using the most tax-advanced methods, to benefit their causes and our community.

The Chamber opens the floor and encourages members to make an announcement about their business, organization, or the community of upcoming events by donating $1.00.

If you are not a member but would like to explore and experience the community support that is developed at the weekly Chamber Coffee, you are welcome to come and talk to our Executive Director Lindsay Madison for more information. We offer member pricing from just Community supporters to Executive Business Owners and Organizations!

Business, Government, Kansas

Contact Utility Companies If Past-Due On Bills

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The Cold Weather Rule takes effect November 1

TOPEKA – The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, will begin on November 1 and remain in effect through March 31.

The Kansas Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates public utilities in the state, encourages Kansans who are past-due on their utility bills and at risk for disconnection to prepare for the colder weather by contacting their utility company to make the necessary payment arrangements.

The Cold Weather Rule was first enacted by the Commission in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer’s natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold. Utility companies are prohibited from disconnecting a customer’s service when temperatures are forecast to be at or below 35 degrees within the following 48 hour period.

The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements; however, it is the customer’s responsibility to contact their gas or electric company to make those arrangements.

Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.

The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of electric and natural gas utility companies under the KCC’s jurisdiction. More information about the Cold Weather Rule is available on the Commission’s website (http://www.kcc.ks.gov/consumer-information/cold-weather-rule). Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, K-State Extension

Grant Writing Workshop Deadline Nov. 1

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Deadline November 1st to register!
Join us for a
Grant Writing Workshop
co-hosted by
Southwind Extension District & the
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce!
Friday, November 8, 2019
9:30am to 3pm
Only $10 including lunch
Click here to email Carla Nemecek to
reserve a spot & pay by check
(payable to Southwind Extension District).
Click here to register online by credit card.
Grants are a vital piece in your community’s
funding puzzle, and YOU can do it!
What you will learn:
-Sources of data for community needs.
-Where to find grants
-Elements of a significant grant proposal
-Practicing the grant elements
Presented by:
Nancy Daniels
Community Vitality Specialist
K-State Research & Extension
Location:
River Room Event Center
3 West Oak Street
Fort Scott, KS
To register or for more information:
Name: Carla Nemecek
Phone: 620.365.2242
There is a registration fee of $10 (includes lunch).
Make checks payable to
Southwind Extension District.
Registration Deadline: November 1, 2019
Click here for the Facebook event.
Art, Business, Fort Scott

Taylor Qualls, Decor Creator: Young Entrepreneur

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Taylor Schilling Qualls. Submitted photos.

This is part of a series that highlights young entrepreneurs, under 30 years of age, in Bourbon County. If you would like to nominate a young entrepreneur, submit to [email protected] the name and email/phone number of the person, along with why you are nominating them and your name.

Taylor Qualls, 22, is the owner of her own business, Hazel Bee Ink.
” I create customized gifts and hand-lettered products,” Qualls said.  “I have also created wedding invitations, signs, and decor. I have made a little bit of everything. I mostly do calligraphy, but I also make custom dip mugs and coasters, pet portraits, home illustrations, and wall signs. I have also made wedding invitations and I address envelopes! “
Qualls is currently attending Pittsburg State University and will complete her bachelor of music education with an emphasis in vocal music in December 2020. She and her husband are living in Pittsburg. She is from Fort Scott and graduated with an associate of arts from Fort Scott Community College in 2016.
“I have always been one of those people who doodled in their notebooks,” Qualls said. ” During the summer, I would change my handwriting, and then practice it over and over again until it became muscle memory just because I thought it was fun.”
Some of Qualls creations. Submitted photos.
Her first job using her penchant for drawing was for a friend.
“My first hand-lettering job was for a friend, Kristian Brennon’s, wedding,” she said. “After that, I got married and ended up making all of the signs, wedding party gifts, bouquets, programs, and centerpieces for my own wedding.”
“I honestly didn’t plan on pursuing it until my husband, family, and friends began encouraging me to,” Qualls said.
In January 2019, another young entrepreneur, Delynn Abati. asked her to make a cake topper for a customer of hers. She is a local Fort Scott baker.
“Then she asked me to make a couple more,” she said. ” One day, she asked me if I had a business name so that she could tag my page in it. That’s when I finally decided to go for it.”
Eight months later, the business has grown “beyond my wildest expectations,” she said.
Some of Qualls creations. Submitted photos.
“I used to dream about having my own business one day, and now it’s a reality. I am so thankful for all of the support and encouragement I have received from my people on this wild journey of mine. I would list them out, but there really are so many important people that helped me create Hazel Bee Ink.”
Qualls has no employees, “but my husband, friends, and family have helped me out tremendously!”
Qualls is expanding her business to retail.
“I recently started selling products at a store in Pittsburg named Sonder & Co. and it has been such a blast,” she said. ” If you haven’t heard of them, I would highly recommend looking them up. I have started looking into opening an Etsy store and I will hopefully be setting up booths at some craft shows and festivals in 2020!”
Her family consists of her husband, Levi Qualls and their pup, Hazel.
Her extended family include her parents-Travis and Tina Schilling,
 grandparents-Dale and Donna Schilling, Ed and Ladonna Cox and her in-laws, Rex and Michelle Qualls.
A portrait of her dog, Hazel. Submitted.

Qualls was recommended by  Kasey Eaton.

 

“She did a cake topper for my daughters graduation cake,”  said  Eaton.  “She is very talented and artistic.”

 

Contact info: [email protected]
Check out Qualls Facebook page to see more of her creations.
Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Halloween Parade Tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 26

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Join us this Saturday!
Halloween Parade
Parade Starts 11am
Special Activities 10:30am
Spooktacular Photo Backdrop
Facepainting by FSHS Thespians
Fun Music by Hull Experience
Free Hot Dog Lunch to Kids in Costume
Following the Parade
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
announces this year’s Halloween Parade will be held Saturday, October 26th, 2019 at
11:00 a.m. in Downtown Fort Scott.
Prior to the parade, starting at 10:30 a.m., there will be special activities including pictures with a spooktacular backdrop at the City Scales building on North Main, facepainting by Fort Scott High School thespians, and fun music by local DJ,
The Hull Experience.
The parade trick-or-treats merchants along Main Street, starting at La Hacienda, south to 2nd Street, crossing the street then heading north back to Skubitz Plaza.
Any businesses or organizations in the community, not located along Main Street, are welcome to set up a table on the sidewalk also providing treats, coupons, or other handouts for kids.
Children are encouraged to bring a sack or bag to collect treats along the parade route.
Following the parade, a free hot dog lunch will be served to kids in costumes.
Special thanks to donors 5 Corners Mini Mart, Bids & Dibs, The Hull Experience, FSHS PRIDE & Thespians, Walgreens, and all participating organizations and merchants offering treats.
The Chamber would also like to recognize the parade committee Darcy Smith, Chair, Crystal Mason, Vonnie Rickerson, and Angela Simon.
For more information contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566.
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee At Sleep Inn Oct. 24

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WEEKLY CHAMBER COFFEE REMINDER
Join us for Chamber Coffee
Thursday, October 24, 2019  at 8:00 a.m.
Hosted by:
Sleep Inn & Suites
Location:
302 East Wall Street * Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bill Michaud will be celebrating with the Chamber Members of Sleep Inn & Suites 5th Anniversary!
In addition, we will be enjoying an Anniversary cake, Breakfast items and a drawing for a FREE ROOM CERTIFICATE!
Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about the hosting business or organization.
***Members may pay $1 to make an announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
Upcoming Coffees:
October 31 – Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (Landmark Bank)
November 7th – VFW @   1745 S. National Ave.
November 14th – Integrity Home Care & Hospice
November 21st – TBA
November 28th – No Chamber Coffee this day.
Business, Fort Scott

Main Street Gallery Expands Flea Market

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Main Street Gallery and Gifts owners, from left Julie McClellan, Josh McClellan and Rechelle McClellan. Submitted photo.

The owners of Main Street Gallery & Gifts, 23 South Main, have taken the for sale sign out of the window.

Main Street Gallery and Gifts.

Although there has been a for sale sign in the business window for several months, the McClellan’s changed their minds.

“We took the building off the market,” Josh McClellan, one of the owners said. “I had it brought up to me that ‘Why would any more vendors come rent space if I was not investing my time into them?’ We decided to not sell it. We decided to have my wife come full time to assist with the store to help manage everything.”

Home decorations are sold at Main Street Gallery.

Owners of the business are Josh, and his wife, Rechelle,  and Josh’s mother, Julie McClellan. They sell home décor, flea market items,  custom picture framing, and brew supplies. They have been in business since October 1st, 2000.

“We are wanting to expand the flea market with more booth spaces,” Josh said. “In order to do so, my wife, Rechelle McClellan, will be there to help vendors and buyers, so my mother, Julie, can focus on her upholstery business. Rechelle started full time on October 19.

Booth spaces have been in the lower level of the building and now they are extending the flea market booths to the first level.

The homebrew supplies section of the shop in on the first level.
Booth rentals fill the lower level of the shop.

Booth Rental

The McClellan’s are taking names and phone numbers for a  booth rental waiting list.

Booth space prices are as follows:

 

Lower Level 4X4 feet=$20.00

Lower Level 4X8 feet=$35.00

(Expanding on the main level)

Main Level 4X4 feet=$40.00

Main Level 4X8 feet=$70.00

 

“We take a 10% consignment fee. This fee pays for loading items, bags, credit card fees, etc.” Josh said.

 

Penny Vote Contest

“Main Street Gallery and Gifts will be doing a penny vote contest with our three (Main Street) windows,” Rechelle said. ” I have four vendors decorating the north and south windows. The money we raise will be donated to The Sharing Bucket. Please feel free to spread the news. Penny votes start the first Christmas open house downtown.”

“We will have mason jars that people can put pennies, dollars, etc. in, and whoever that has the most money wins,” she said.

 

“We are very excited about what the future holds for our business,” Josh said.  “We are here to help the people and visitors of Fort Scott. We have something for everyone through all of our vendors. We couldn’t do it without all of them. We appreciate all the past, present, and future vendors of Main Street Gallery and Gifts.”

The phone number of the shop is 620.223.2210.

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Halloween Parade Oct. 26 Downtown Fort Scott

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces this year’s Halloween Parade will be held Saturday, October 26th, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in Downtown Fort Scott.

Prior to the parade, starting at 10:30 a.m., there will be special activities including pictures with a spooktacular backdrop at the City Scales building on North Main, face painting by Fort Scott High School thespians, and fun music by local DJ, The Hull Experience.

The parade trick-or-treats merchants along Main Street, starting at La Hacienda, south to 2nd Street, crossing the street then heading north back to Skubitz Plaza. Any businesses or organizations in the community, not located along Main Street, are welcome to set up a table on the sidewalk also providing treats, coupons, or other handouts for kids. Children are encouraged to bring a sack or bag to collect treats along the parade route.

Following the parade, a free hot dog lunch will be served to kids in costumes.

Special thanks to donors 5 Corners Mini Mart, Bids & Dibs, The Hull Experience, FSHS PRIDE & Thespians, Walgreens, and all participating organizations and merchants offering treats. The Chamber would also like to recognize the parade committee Darcy Smith, Chair; Crystal Mason; Vonnie Rickerson; and Angela Simon.

For more information contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566.

***

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Turvey Promoted to Tourism Manager

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Allyson Turvey,  30, is the new Fort Scott Tourism Manager at the Fort Scott Visitors Center, 231 E. Wall.

“Most of my past experience has been in customer service, but because I worked in the tourism department for two years before the promotion, I have gotten lots of on-the-job training,” she said. ” I am a certified Kansas Destination Specialist, a credential I received last year from the Tourism Industry Association of Kansas. I’m also a Certified Professional Travel Counselor, a credential I received from the State of Kansas Tourism Department.”

Turvey graduated from Sail High School,  Tallahassee, FL  and attended Fort Scott Community College for an associate’s degree before attending Missouri Southern State University for a bachelor’s degree in business.

Turvey’s duties include managing the visitors center,  and social media marketing.

“I also attend various conventions and trade shows throughout the year in an effort to secure group tours and conferences, for which I help plan itineraries and agendas,” she said.  “I work closely with the city and  county tourism assets in order to get more visitors to them, and assist in planning and marketing events.”

In addition, she handles the marketing program of the LaRoche Baseball Complex.

” The best part of my job is the people,” Turvey said. ” I not only get a chance to work closely with locals, but I also get to meet people from all over the world who have come to visit this little community. At the visitors center, I’ve met people from Mexico, Canada, Australia, Great Britain, Germany, France, and so many others.”

Many in the community often take for granted Fort Scott and its’ attractions,  but “Our visitors are always beyond impressed,” she said.

Her work is enjoyable in other ways as well.

“It’s also pretty awesome to work so closely with locals as well,” she said.  “This community is absolutely filled with great people who love this city and want it to continue to succeed. This makes my job a lot easier because someone always has a new idea, or event, or business they want to bring here. I love that I can use my job position to help out with some of the fun endeavors people come up with. ”

Turvey grew up near Tulsa, OK, and still has family there.

 

Fort Scott Convention & Visitors Bureau can be reached at

620.670.2750  or  [email protected]

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

American Legion Auxiliary Hosts Pampered Chef Fundraiser

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Pampered Chef Party
Hosted By: Auxiliary President Sylvia Norris 
 

I would like to thank everyone for taking the time for supporting a great cause. 

The money we raise will be used to help support varies programs for our disabled veterans. Patriotism and veterans advocacy are so important to the American Legion Auxiliary that for more than nine decades, we’ve been serving, educating and giving to America’s finest—our servicemen and women. 

The American Legion Auxiliary answers the call of Service Not Self. 20 percent of the proceeds from this fundraiser will go to the various programs the Auxiliary supports, and for every party that is booked, 5 dollars will be donated to our Unit. So please help us to reach our goal. 

Here is the link to the pampered chef party     

American Legion Unit 25 President Sylvia Norris