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Category Archives: Business
Express Employment Professionals: Help With Recruiting Employees
All across America, unemployment is low.
Nationally, total nonfarm payroll employment went up in May 2019 with approximately 75,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdfon June 9. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services and in health care.
In Bourbon County, the unemployment rate is 4.1 percent, according to the website https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Map%20April%202019%20LAUS.jpg
A recent business opened an office in Fort Scott to help other businesses find suitable employees in this era where job seekers have diminished.
In April 2019, Express Employment Professionals opened an office in Fort Scott at 119 S. Main. The franchise is based out of Independence, since 2004.
“The staff and company provide businesses with their workforce needs,” Kai Rannells, business developer with EEP and the local representative, said. Rannells can be reached at 620-644-5050.
“There is a small fee for businesses,” she said. “This covers payroll burden liability. (The fee) varies on types of jobs.”
Because of the low employment rate, candidates without jobs need more coaching, Rannells said.
“Businesses are afraid of what it could cost to train and then retain employees,” she said. “That cost will fall on us. When a company brings in a new employee it costs a fair amount of money and if the employee doesn’t end up lasting, they are out that amount.”
EEP provides temporary or contract staff and do temporary to hire staffing.
“That’s where they start out temporary, and after probation is met, the company is able to hire them as a permanent employee,” Rannells said. “A lot of companies do that to make sure it’s a good fit for their team. We also do direct hires and professional searches.”
“We like to focus on helping people find the right candidate and job seekers find good careers,” she said.
“If someone is looking for a job, we do interviews to see what company would be a good fit of those hiring and we try to place them,” Rannells said. “It is a free service for job seekers.”
For more information about the services and EEP: https://www.expresspros.com/
What’s Happening In Fort Scott June 21
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2019 Chamber Golf Classic 4-Person Scramble – Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, July 26th, Registration: 11am, Tee-Off 12pm
For more information or to register, click HERE
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Kids Eat Free Lunch At The Keyhole, noon to 1pm, Mon.-Fri., now through July 26th!! 10th & Main St., across from the Fort Scott High School
Sack lunches will be provided to those under 18. Children check in, no need to give names, and then pick up a lunch of shelf-stable meals. Open to all kids, regardless of income; no need to reside in Fort Scott
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Hedgehog.INK is now open on Sundays from 1:00-5:00pm! Make sure to check out the gardening books on the sale rack in the front of the store – These books are FREE, for a donation to Fort Scott High School Thespians. Funds raised will help send students to the international competition in late June
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Benefit Bass Fishing Tournaments & Raffles for Class of ’91 Grad Chad Elmer – Entry fees will go toward’s Chad’s upcoming expenses and prize money. Raffles include fishing and outdoor gear, ammo, an AR15 gun, and more! (See flyer below for complete details)
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Horticulture Services in Fort Scott – Krista Harding, Horticulture Agent for the Southwind Extension District, has office hours at the Extension office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday. In an effort to better serve residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding communities, Krista is there weekly to answer questions and offer advice on lawn and gardens, trees and shrubs, flowers and insect. Bring your spotted leaves, strange looking insects or wilted flowers and let her help you! This a free service and is available to all community members. Questions? Call
620-223-3720.
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| 21-22 |
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays: Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays: Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
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| 21-23 | Midwest Nationals Baseball Tournament – LaRoche Complex, Dave Regan Stadium
For complete details, visit: https://www.tourneymachine.com/Public/Results/Tournament.aspx?IDTournament=h201811050447401285d27edd5b27742 |
| 21 |
Red Cross Blood Drive hosted by Community Christian Church – 1919
S. Horton, 9am-1pm
Please call 620-223-5946 to schedule an appointment (see flyer below)
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| 21 | Art Walk hosted by the Bourbon County Arts Council – Liberty Theatre Patio, 113 S. Main St., 5-8pm Join us for an Art Walk hosted by the Bourbon County Arts Council! If interested in being a vendor contact Debbie Anderson Visit the BCAC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Bourbon-County-Arts-Council-501555123229545/ |
| 21 | Friday Night Concert in the Park – This week’s concert will be moved to the First Southern Baptist Church at 1818 S. Main St.
The International Music Day 2019 is a day celebrating music all over the world. Celebrated yearly on this day, it is a time to enjoy music of all kinds and a chance for community to come together with a common love for music. This is our 1st annual International Music Day Concert event. Featured musicians are: The Hemphill Family Band, The Prairie Sunflower Strings, and Ryan & Amber Goodbody The concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson. If you or someone you know is interested in performing, contact Ralph at [email protected] Bring your lawn chair as seating is limited |
| 21 |
Flicks on the Bricks – sponsored by FS Fire Department & FS Police Department – Skubitz Plaza, 100 Old Fort Blvd., movie starts at sundown
This month’s flick: Planes: Fire & Rescue
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| 22 |
Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)
Saturday Mornings, 8:00am – 12:00pm
Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds
We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
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| 22 | Children’s Miracle Network Kids Carnival – Walmart parking lot, 10am-2pm (See flyer below for more info) |
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22
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Fresh peaches coming to Tractor Supply Company – 2420 S. Main St., 11:30am-1pm
Peaches are $27 for a 1/4 bushel box (approx. 12.5 lb.) or $45 for a 1/2 bushel box (approx. 25 lb.).
Reserve your fruit at https://freshfarmsusa.com/ or purchase at the truck! (There is a $4 fee to purchase at the truck)
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| 22 | Fort Games at Smallville CrossFit – 13 S. National Ave., 1-4 pm
2019 Fort Games is back for the 3rd year! Fort Games is a same-sex partner fitness competition For full details, visit Smallville’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/330767534234517/ |
| 22 |
Cinema Saturdays at the Gordon Parks Museum – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, 12-2pm
The Gordon Parks Museum will show the films of Gordon Parks on Saturdays this summer starting on June 8 at 12:00 p.m. in the museum on the FSCC campus. This free event will feature Mr. Parks’ films and one of Kevin Willmott’s films
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| 22 | Wade Brown performs live at Boiler Room Brewhaus – 2 S. National Ave., 7-9pm
Tickets are $10, available at the Brewery, 10 S. National, or the Visitors Center/Chamber, 231 E. Wall St. (See flyer below) Visit Boiler Room’s website: http://www.boilerroombrewhaus.com |
| 22 | BCAC Concert on the Patio: Whiskey Raccoons – Liberty Theatre Patio, 113 S. Main St., 8-10pm Bourbon County Arts Council presents WHISKEY RACCOONS; part of the BCAC Concert Series on the Patio (See flyer below) Tickets $10 BCAC members, $15 non-members. Contact Teri Floyd at Watch a Whiskey Raccoons video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=12&v=F7cQtDXYoeo |
| 23 | Team Trivia at the Boiler Room Brewhaus – 10 S. National, 3-5pm
Exciting, fun and challenging team trivia. Put your team together (maximum of 8 teams, maximum of 5 members on a team) $5 per person. Cash prizes for winning team. Pre-register at the tap room |
| 24 | Summer Reading Alien Parties – FS Public Library, 201 S. National, 2:30-4pm |
| 25-26 |
Summer Reading Program: Space Travel & Engineering – FS Public Library,
201 S. National, 10am-12pm
With guest Professor Heather Davis
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| 25 | T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center, 3-4pm |
| 25 | Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm |
| 25 | Trinity Lutheran Church VBS – 2824 S. Horton, 1-3:30pm
Join us at Trinity Lutheran for a 2 day VBS!!! June 25 & 27, 1:00-3:30. Snack provided. VBS Fellowship June 30 following 9:00am service; VBS offerering goes to Care To Share. Please call 620-223-3596 to register. Limited to 50 kids |
| 25 | Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)
Tuesday evenings, 8:00am – 12:00pm Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products |
| 25 |
Author Talk and Book-Signing at Hedgehog.INK!
Meet and greet author Ronda Hassig. She will be discussing her book titled “The Greatest Test of Courage”, which follows Edward Mack during World War II. Stationed in the Philippines, his life changed forever on December 7, 1941. Learn about Edward Mack’s story and how his ring found in California in 2007, prompted the writing of his story There will be an author talk, Q & A and book-signing in her home at 512
S. Judson (former home of Ken and Charlotte Lunt) (See flyer below)
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| 26 | Breakfast Bingo at Buck Run Community Center, 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month – 735 Scott Ave.
Come drink some coffee and play some bingo at Buck Run. Staff will provide the bingo cards, the caller, and coffee. Prizes provided by the Fort Scott Recreation Commission. (Free) |
| 26 | Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm |
| 26 |
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave.,
2-4pm
Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
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| 26 |
Summer Reading Program for Middle & High School Students – FS Public Library, 201 S. National, 4-6pm – Book Club
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| 27 |
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Integrity Home Health & Hospice, co-hosted by Integrity’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s Team
For more on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event, click HERE
There will be a bake sale during the Chamber Coffee
Location: 902 S. Horton
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| 27 |
Krista Harding provides horticulture services at the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday – 210 S. National, 9am-3:30pm
Krista Harding, Horticulture Agent for the Southwind Extension District, has office hours at the Extension office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday. In an effort to better serve residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding communities, Krista is there weekly to answer questions and offer advice on lawn and gardens, trees and shrubs, flowers and insect. Bring your spotted leaves, strange looking insects or wilted flowers and let her help you! This a free service and is available to all community members. Questions? Call 620-223-3720 (See flyer below)
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| 27 | Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm-1pm |
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Trinity Lutheran Church VBS – 2824 S. Horton, 1-3:30pm
Join us at Trinity Lutheran for a 2 day VBS!!! June 25 & 27, 1:00-3:30. Snack provided.
VBS Fellowship June 30 following 9:00am service; VBS offerering goes to Care To Share. Please call 620-223-3596 to register. Limited to 50 kids
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| 27 | Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize |
| 27 | A Star is Born, or Died – Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave., 7-9pm
Join Boiler Room Brewhaus on Thursday evenings from |
| 27 |
Fort Scott Chamber Music Series, sponsored by BB County Arts Council and Key Charitable Trust – Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main St., 7-9pm
This concert will showcase the restoration of the Steinway Grand Piano, played by competition winning pianist, Baolong Zhang
Featured Musicians: |
| 28-29 |
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays: Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays: Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
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| 28-30 | Midwest Nationals Baseball Tournament – La Roche Complex, 4805 Campbell Dr. |
| 28 | Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavillion, 1st & Main St., 7-8pm The concerts are organized by Ralph Carlson. If you or someone you know is interested in performing, contact Ralph at [email protected] Bring your lawn chair as seating is limited |
| 29 |
Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)
Saturday Mornings, 8:00am – 12:00pm
Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds
We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products
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| 29 |
Cinema Saturdays at the Gordon Parks Museum – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, 12-2pm
The Gordon Parks Museum will show the films of Gordon Parks on Saturdays this summer starting on June 8 at 12:00 p.m. in the museum on the FSCC campus. This free event will feature Mr. Parks’ films and one of Kevin Willmott’s films
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| 29 | Paint and Sip at Boiler Room Brewhaus – 2 S. National Ave., 2-4pm
Class size is limited to 30 painters – Reserve your seat by going to the Brewhaus and paying Barbara $25, or go to Brewhaus’ Facebook page, post your RSVP, and a PayPal request will be sent to you for $25 |
| 29 | 80’s Party at Holmtown Pub – 206 N. National Ave., 8-11pm
DJ RAY RAY will be on the Patio playing your favorite 80’s music. Dress to impress, there will be a prize for the most authentic outfit. Ladies get your hairspray, men find your parachute pants and “Miami Vice” jackets. Some of your 80’s favorite cocktails; B-52’s, Slippery Nipples, Alabama Slammer’s and Blue Lagoons will be served all night long. The party starts at 8pm, June 29th , on the Holmtown Pub Patio! |
| 30 | Team Trivia at the Boiler Room Brewhaus – 10 S. National, 3-5pm
Exciting, fun and challenging team trivia. Put your team together (maximum of 8 teams, maximum of 5 members on a team) $5 per person. Cash prizes for winning team. Pre-register at the tap room |
| 30 | Bronson Independence Day Celebration – Bronson Baseball Park, 7:30-10:00pm Starting at 7:30 pm there will be free ice cream & cake, with the fireworks starting at dark. Bring your lawn chairs! Donations appreciated but not required |
| July 2 | Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet, hosted by the Chamber – La Hacienda Restaurant, 24 N. Main St.
The Chamber of Commerce hosts Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greets at a different location for Downtown business owners or representatives, or anyone in the community with an interest in Downtown to attend and share thoughts and ideas related to Downtown, and to stay current on new happenings |
| 2 | T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center, 3-4pm |
| 2 | Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 S. Horton, 12-1pm |
| 2 | Farmer’s Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort)
Tuesday evenings, 8:00am – 12:00pm Fort Scott Farmers’ Market is a farmer driven and run market. The farmers work hard to produce the very finest produce available. We also provide a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds We are focused on fresh locally produce farm products |
| 2 | City Commission Meeting – City Hall, 123 S. Main, 6-7pm |
| 3 | Summer Reading Performer: Juggler Brian Wendling – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton, 10-11am |
| 3 | Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm |
| 3 | Monthly Grief Support Luncheon hosted by Cheney Witt Chapel – at The Carriage House, 301 S. Main, 12-1pm
Anyone dealing with a loss is encouraged to come and bring a friend.Cheney Witt Chapel will provide lunch at the Carriage House, |
| 3 | Bourbon County Coalition Monthly Meeting (public welcome) – located in the basement of the First Baptist Church, 123 Scott Ave., 12-1pm |
| 3 |
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave.,
2-4pm
Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
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| 3 | Summer Reading Program for Middle & High School Students – FS Public Library, 201 S. National, 4-6pm – Community Service |
| 3 | Uniontown’s 14th Annual Independence Day Celebration – Union State Bank in Uniontown, 204 Sherman St., 6-9:30pm
Union State Bank is hosting the 14th Annual Independence Day Celebration at Uniontown City Park on the 3rd of July! Hot dogs, chips, and water will be served, starting at 7:00. Jump houses, selfie bar, and entertainment will make for an enjoyable evening with friends and family. Fireworks will start at dark. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the evening! |
| 4 | No Chamber Coffee in observance of the 4th of July holiday |
| 4 | Horticultural services at the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday – 210 S. National, 9am-3:30pm
Krista Harding, Horticulture Agent for the Southwind Extension District, has office hours at the Extension office inside the Bourbon County Courthouse every Thursday. In an effort to better serve residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding communities, Krista is there weekly to answer questions and offer advice on lawn and gardens, trees and shrubs, flowers and insect. Bring your spotted leaves, strange looking insects or wilted flowers and let her help you! This a free service and is available to all community members. Questions? Call 620-223-3720 |
| 4 | 37th Annual Burke Street Parade – Starts at 10th & Burke St., 10-11am |
| 4 | Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm-1pm |
| 4 | Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize |
| 4 | A Star is Born, or Died – Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave., 7-9pm
Join Boiler Room Brewhaus on Thursday evenings from |
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Save the Date:
– July 5 – Patriots Classic Baseball Tournament hosted by FSHS
– July 5 – YPL First Friday Luncheon (Young Professional’s League
– July 5 – Friday Night Concert in the Park
– July 6 – Farmers’ Market
– July 6 – Cinema Saturdays at Gordon Parks Museum
– July 7 – Team Trivia at Boiler Room Brewhaus
– July 7 – Fort Scott Chamber Music Series Concert
Click here for full events listing on our website.
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Stout Building-Going, Union Block Building-New Apartments
There will be lots of activity at the corner of First and Main Streets in the next few weeks, according to Paul Wagner, Co-Founder of Flexbuild, Merriam. Flexbuild is the general contractor for the demolition of the Stout Building and the renewing of the Union Block Building in downtown historic Fort Scott.
The Union Block building, three storefronts at 18, 20 and 22 South Main are in the “build-back” phase, now, following demolition phase, Wagner said. The project is slated for completion for the end of 2019, he said.
“The buildings have been gutted by Skitch’s Hauling, Excavation, and Demolition,” Wagner said. “He has done a great job.”
These buildings will be transformed into 25 market-rate apartments ranging from 750 to 1,100 square feet in size. In addition, there will be a community room, exercise room, and an office area.
“The community rooms will be in the front, where the glass is,” Wagner said. “Everything else will be apartments. These are nice accommodations. In the back of the north building, there will be a courtyard for residents.”
“Just recently we got the building permit (from the city),” Wagner said. “Westar (Energy) is moving the electrical lines out of the way, to keep us safe. And we got the state fire marshall approval, which is a big step.”
Flexbuild is moving from demolition to reconstructing on the Union Block Building and is currently working with a local quarry to fill the crawlspace under the buildings, he said.
Tony Kresnich, Flint Hills Holdings, holds the contract for the project, Wagner said. Neil Sommers, Louisburg, is the architect.
“We are trying to do as many local subs as possible,” he said. “Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, masonry, painting and carpentry. Between subs and my workers, there will be 15-20 workers.”
The Stout Building, at National Avenue and First Street, will be completely demolished and a parking lot/park rebuilt on the spot, Wagner said.
The Union Block buildings were built in the 1880-90s, Wagner was told.
Congressman Holds Roundtable At FSCC
On June 14, U.S. Congressman Roger Marshall held a business roundtable at Fort Scott Community College with leaders of the Bourbon and Allen county communities to hear about the concerns, issues and opportunities of both counties.
Many of those in attendance cited a lack of skilled workforce and people qualified to fill the jobs available but praised both Fort Scott and Allen County Community Colleges for working together and striving to offer programs that provide training to fill jobs in the region.
The closure of the century-old Fort Scott hospital in 2018 sparked conversation of healthcare in Bourbon County and access to care for residents in the community.
Following the roundtable, the Congressman participated in a tour of ReproLogix and learned about the company’s industry-leading work in livestock reproduction.
Walmart Starts Curbside Pickup of Groceries
Walmart Fort Scott started grocery curbside service June 19.
Here is a simple how-to on the process of using the service:
One can order at walmart.com, after creating an account and setting up payment by credit card. The pickup service costs nothing.
After the order is complete, pickup time is scheduled, then when the customer arrives, there is a designated area on the south of the store with 10 orange parking spaces.
On the sign in the designated parking spaces is a phone number to call when arriving. Workers come out with a cart and will put the groceries in the customer’s vehicle.
Being the first day, there were a few glitches to work out, but this reporter had groceries in the trunk in 10 minutes.
Counting approximately 15 minutes to order online, the service is a time saver and is free.
Fort Scott Special Events June 21-23
Clubs, Organizations Invited to Fundraise at Uniontown Independence Day Celebration
Union State Bank, Uniontown, has its’ annual customer appreciation event each July 3rd and sponsors an Independence Day Celebration in the small town’s central park.
“This is the 14th year that Union State Bank has sponsored the Independence Day Celebration in Uniontown,” Amy Holt, spokesperson for the bank, said. “This is a customer appreciation event, but we encourage the whole community, surrounding area, and friends and family to bring a lawn chair and gather and enjoy the evening and fireworks display.”
This year live music will be provided by Kyle Sexton, who will be performing at 6:30 p.m.
” He is a singer, songwriter, and guitar player who will provide a variety of music for all to enjoy,” Holt said.
“As in years past, we will serve FREE hotdogs, chips and water beginning at 7 pm until all gone,” Holt said.
“A bounce house and inflatable obstacle course will help keep the little kids entertained beginning at 7 pm,” she said. “Charlie Schubert will also be there providing train rides around the park.”
New this year is The Selfie Bar for older kids and adults, she said.
“This will allow you to take pictures, GIFs or videos, with props, of you and your friends or family and send them straight to your phone,” Holt said.
“And of course, we will have the fantastic fireworks display at dark,” she said. “Please note that we are discouraging any personal fireworks in the downtown area of Uniontown.”
Local clubs and organizations are encouraged to come as a vendor to the event, Holt said.
“So far, the Uniontown Cheer girls will be having a bake sale and the Uniontown Ball Association will be holding a raffle for a YETI cooler,” she said. “In years past we have also had organizations selling pop, ice cream, glow in the dark necklaces, popsicles, and face painting.”
Please contact Amy Holt at Union State Bank 620-756-4305 if interested in becoming a vendor at the event.
Chamber Coffee Downtown June 20
Join us for Chamber Coffee
Hosted by:
Bourbon County Garden Club
Location:
Heritage Park Pavillion, 1st & Main
(in the event of inclement weather, the Coffee will be moved to Crooner’s Lounge, 117 S. Main)
Thursday, June 20, 2019 at 8:00 a.m.
Visit the Garden Club’s Facebook page by clicking HERE.
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:
June 27 – Integrity Home Health/Walk to End Alzheimer’s Team
July 4 – No Coffee Program due to holiday
July 11 – Open – Call to schedule
July 18 – Bourbon County Fair
Fort Scott Special Events June 14-16
Lavender Patch Fest II June 15
This year, Lavender Fest II is this Saturday, June 15 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $5, with children five-years-old and under free.
Activities include live music from Bob Pavey Lovett and Red Letter Edition, a bluegrass/gospel band that has played at Silver Dollar City.
They are back by popular demand, Betsy said.
There will be a demonstration from Martha Scott on making lavender wands/bottles and little lavender baskets.
“You also have the opportunity to make your own or buy one from her,” Betsy said.
Betsy Reichard will be giving demonstrations on making lavender wreaths and present “I have lavender, now what do I do?” she said.
Tours of the lavender fields, as well as info on how to plant lavender, will also be given.
“In addition, we will have lavender plants available to plant,” Reichard said. “For those who would like to take a bundle home, we will once again have you-pick lavender bundles for $5.”
There will be outdoor games, picture taking opportunities, and the chance to sit, relax, and enjoy time with friends and family. she said.
What is the Lavender Patch?
“The Lavender Patch is a small family owned lavender farm located just east of Ft. Scott city limits on Locust Rd,” Reichard said. ” We have over a thousand lavender plants and 20 varieties. Our farm is a Kansas agritourism farm and we welcome visitors to walk through the fields, take pictures, pick a lavender bundle and visit our gift shop our hours of operation which is 9 a.m.to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday in June and in July it will change to 9 to noon. Thursday through Saturday, people may also call and an appointment can be made for other days and times.”
When did it start?
“We decided to start our lavender farm in 2009 and spent the year researching, connecting with other lavender farms, and making plans. In 2010 we planted our first few plants to see if this is what we wanted to do. In 2011 we moved so did not do anything addition with the lavender but in 2012 we started planting in mass with lots of help from family and friends. Through the years we have had our struggles and just to get plants to live was our goal! However, in 2016 we switched to a new area on our farm and are having much more success!”
Why a lavender farm?
“We bought this property in 2008 since we had always wanted to live in the country. In 2009 we went to California to see Davin’s brother Daryl, his wife Erlinda and their family. Erlinda had visited a lavender farm in California and thought it would be a neat thing to do. Knowing that we had bought this property and that they (Daryl and Erlinda) planned to move back to Kansas, Erlinda had the idea this was something we could do together as a family. While in California, we all visited the same lavender farm Erlinda had gone to previously. We talked to the owners, toured their farm, and then started our research. While on that trip, we decided on the name The Lavender Patch although Erlinda was the one who originally came up with it. “
New this season?
“We have added more plants and replaced many that died this winter from winter kill. Lavender doesn’t like to have ‘wet feet’ so this rain we have had has been a challenge. We have had some of our plants that have struggled and others didn’t make it. We do have some new products in our gift shop, including some lavender scone, bread, and cookie mixes.”
Betsy Reichard can be reached at620-223-1364
USDA Research Agency Relocating to K.C. Region From D.C.
Governor applauds USDA relocation announcement
Gov. Laura Kelly applauded today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to relocate major research agencies from Washington, D.C., to the Kansas City region, along with nearly 600 high-paying federal jobs.
“This is a significant win for Kansas and Missouri,” Kelly said.
The USDA’s Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced its plan to relocate to the Kansas City region after a competitive bidding process. The USDA received 136 proposals from 35 different states.
Kansas and Missouri submitted a joint proposal to the USDA. A decision on whether to locate on the Kansas or Missouri side of the Kansas City area is expected to be made in July.
“The decision today to move the USDA agencies to the Kansas City area is proof of the value of collaboration between our two states and our congressional delegation. When we all work together, we can accomplish a lot,” Kelly said. “While we’ll work hard to make sure the final location is on our side of the river, we know the new location on either side will meet the needs of the USDA and benefit Kansas and Missouri.”
The move will put USDA employees closer to farmers and other agricultural interests such as the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, the single largest concentration of animal health ventures in the world. The move from Washington to a lower-cost site also would save taxpayer dollars.
Kelly praised the USDA decision.
“We offered an ideal location for the USDA operations,” she said. “The new facilities will be strategically located close to a top agricultural research institution in Kansas State University. The quality of life we offer also was a strong consideration and selling point.
“The move will meet the needs of the USDA and benefit Kansas and Missouri. I thank Secretary Perdue, our team at the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas City Area Development Council for its hard in work in making this possible.”
Secretary of Commerce David Toland agreed.
“We’re thrilled that USDA has selected the Kansas City region, and we’re confident that our state’s numerous advantages will put Kansas over the top when USDA makes its final selection,” Toland said. “Kansas is on the cutting edge in the bioscience and agriculture industries with a cluster of prominent industry leaders located within our state. When it comes to research, technology and innovation, Kansas is the clear choice.”
“The size, scale and diversity of agriculture in this region makes Kansas City a perfect fit for these USDA agencies,” Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam said. “In addition, the quality of life here in the heart of the country will be a perfect fit for the employees of these agencies and their families. We look forward to welcoming them.”
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture conducts research into food conservation, nutrition, and ways to enhance to the nation’s food supply. The Economic Research Service analyzes the farm economy, food safety and global trade, among other topics.
The ERS jobs pay an average of $120,000 per year, and NIFA jobs between $110,000 and $190,000.
Proposals from Indiana and North Carolina were among the other finalists seeking the USDA research agencies.