Category Archives: Business

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Happenings Feb. 8 by the Chamber of Commerce

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RADIO AUCTION – KOMB All Hit 103.9 FM – Starts Jan. 16 through first week of March, every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Listen for details!
4th Annual KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair – March 7th, Memorial Hall Civic Center, 410 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, 2pm-6pm (See flyer below)
Care to Share (“The Sharing Bucket”) will be hosting the 5th Annual “TaTa” Ride on June 15th, 2019 and an “AR-15 Gun Raffle”. Raffle tickets are $5 each and on sale now! ATF Regulations apply. Contact Stacey Wright for tickets or more info. (See flyer below)
8-9
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!
8-9 IF: Gathering in Fort Scott – Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton, Friday 6-9pm/Saturday 10am-5pm

Inter-denominational women’s event, live streamed. Millions of women in local gatherings will be inspired by speakers, worship and conversation

IF: Gathering exists to equip women with gospel-centered resources, events and community so they may learn more about who God is and disciple other women right where they are

$20 registration includes lunch on Saturday Click here to register
9 Storytime at Hedgehog.INK – 16 S. Main St., 10:30 am

The Three Little Pigs, retold by Joyce Love, author, and Julie-Anne Harlan, illustrator

Make Valentines with Jean Solomonson, card designer, after the story

(See flyer below)
9 Winter Biker Meet & Greet Expo – Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Ave., 2-5 pm

All bikers welcome. Come out and meet new people, feel free to promote your club, promote upcoming rides, promote your biker business, network with other bikers, enjoy some good tunes and ice cold micro brewed local beer

We will hold a meet and greet on the 2nd Saturday each month through March. No attitudes! We are all Brothers and sisters at the meet and greet. Come by bike, come by car, anyway you can get here. See you all there!
9 Rotary’s 2019 Dancing With Our Stars – FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2018 S. Horton St., 7pm

Save the Date for Rotary’s 2019 Dancing With Our Stars ~ TOTALLY 80’S EDITION!

This will be the 9th Annual Event where dancing entries of 2-9 participants each (couples, trios, teams, etc.) select a song of their choice to reflect the theme, select a charity they wish to dance for, and compete by raising the most dollars for their charity prior to the event and during intermission of the event when attendees vote for their favorite dance entry by voting with their dollars. The winning team will take home a trophy and a cash prize for their charity of choice. Additional awards include most entertaining and best technical performance

Tickets can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St. (VIP seats: $15/Regular seats: $10)

Contact Janet Braun: 620-223-2274 for more info
10 3rd Annual Farm Toy Show & Sales – Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Kennedy Gym Building, 705 S. Holbrook, 9am-3pm

Door prize raffles, big noon door prize. Lunch available. $2 admission, children under 10 free

Dealer tables: 1st table $15, 2nd & after $10 per table

Contact Will Wallis 620-215-6327, [email protected] or Dave Garrett
620-724-4888 / 620-724-2743, [email protected] for more info
12-13 Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library,                        201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
12 T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
12 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12-1pm (Hedges Administrative Building)
12
ABC Regional Commission Meeting & Trail Plan Unveiling – Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave., 1pm-2pm

Please join us as at a meeting with Allen, Bourbon, and Crawford County commissioners to nourish new partnerships, unveil the first ever regional trail plan, and find out who will be appointed to the committee charged with implementing the regional plan
12
Heart The ArtEffect Wine & Cheese Reception – Crooner’s Lounge, 117 S. Main St., 4p,-5pm

View the newly displayed ArtEffect Projects – On display at both the Lowell Milken Center Hall of Heroes and Crooner’s Lounge are high quality creative visual art projects celebrating Unsung Heroes
These works of art created by students were entered in The ArtEffect Project, an international competition administered by the Lowell Milken Center
12 Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class

Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
12 USD 234 Board of Education Meeting – Board of Education, 424 S. Main St., 5:30-6:30pm
13 Breakfast Bingo at BRCC – 735 Scott Ave., 9-10am (2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month

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
13 Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) Enrollment at Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St.

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce will be partnering with Westar Energy to provide assistance in filling out LIEAP applications. This application assistance outreach is to assist all Kansas customers who may be eligible for these federal funds. You do not need to be a Westar Energy customer to attend and receive assistance in completing your application. Clients are required to have at least $80 in payments within the last 90 days

Please bring the following items: Copies of all proof of income for all permanent individuals living in the home who are 18 years old or over; copies of utility bills (gas, electric, propane, wood, etc.)

Call Lindsay Madison 620-223-3566 for more info
13 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,                   308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
13 Dementia-friendly Neighborhoods: a discussion about how all of us can improve the lives of families going through the dementia experience – Mercy Hospital, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., 12:30-1:30pm

This Remote Learning Series is bringing education to the community and providing the opportunity to attend a session close to home

Call 800-272-3900 to register for any session
13
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)
13
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm

Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month
Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
14
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 Visage Skin Care

Location: 117 E. National
14 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm
14 Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class

Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
14 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
15-16
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!
15 Gordon Parks Museum Presents: Buffalo Soldier History Presentation “Slave to Soldier” at the Ellis Fine Arts Center (Lunch & Learn) – 2108 S. Horton, 11am-12pm

Guest Speakers: The Alexander/Madison Chapter-Greater Kansas City/Leavonworth Area 9th & 10th Horse Cavalry Association will be in full authenic Buffalo Soldier uniforms

The troopers will provide a moving presentation on the great legacy and rich background of the historic Buffalo Soldiers from the years 1866 to 1944. View orginal Buffalo Soldiers artifacts that will be on display during the presentation

“Lunch & Learn” Feel free to bring your lunch & drinks if desired. Desserts will be provided (See flyer below)
15
Chili and Cinnamon Roll Lunch Fundraiser to Benefit Alzheimer’s Association – Country Place Senior Living, 820 S. Horton St., 11am-1pm

Chili and Cinnamon Roll Lunch Fundraiser to Benefit Alzheimer’s Association. Meal includes: Chili, cinnamon rolls and crackers. Dine-in or pick-up Recommended donation: $5

(See flyer below)
15 Friendship Soup Lunch hosted by First United Methodist Church – Fellowship Hall, 301 S. National, lower level, 11:30am-1pm

The February Friendship Soup Lunch will be held February 15, 2019 at First United Methodist Church, 301 S. National. Chili, a variety of soups, desserts, and a drink will be served for a free will donation. Everyone is welcome!
16 Elton Dan & GDD at Liberty Theatre – 113 S. Main, 8:30pm-11pm

Elton Dan & the Rocket Band, with special guests GDD. Elton Dan is an Elton John impersonator and GDD is a Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band

Tickets are $30. Contact Liberty Theatre Box Office: 620-224-9787
19-20 Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library,  201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
19 T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
19 Manufacturers’ Forum hosted by SEK Inc. at Kendall Packaging Corp. – 1901 East 27th Terrace, Pittsburg, KS, 11:30am-1:30pm

Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members, and include a catered lunch and a tour of the location. For tickets, click here.
19 Fort Scott Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12-1pm (Hedges Administrative Building)
19 Chamber Board Meeting – Papa Don’s Pizza, 12pm-1pm
19 Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living – 820 S. Horton St., 2pm-4pm

Residents and the public are invited the 3rd Tuesday of each month for Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living, 820 S. Horton St.
19 Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class

Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
19 City Commission Meeting – City Hall, 123 S. Main St., 6-7pm
20 Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church,                   308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
20
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)
20
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas – Clinic Benefits & Services Explained at Presbyterian Village – 2401 S. Horton St., 3:30pm

President and CEO of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Krista Postai, will be at the Presbyterian Village, located at 2401 S. Horton, Fort Scott, KS to present information about what CHC can do for the Presbyterian Village seniors, staff, family members, volunteers and the Fort Scott community, as a whole

(See flyer below)
20
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm

Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month
Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
21
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 Fort Scott Lofts

Location: 8 E. 1st St.
21 Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm
21 Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton

Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class

Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
21 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
Save the Date:
– February 22-23 – 4th Annual Prairie Troubadour
– March 7 – 4th Annual KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair
Click here for full events listing on our website.
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Meet and Greet: Good Things Are Happening

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Bryan Ritter, brewmaster for the Boiler Room Brewhaus, speaks to the Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet attendees on Tuesday morning. Bryan and Barbara Ritter, owners of the business, hosted the event.

The Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet meets several times a year to allow people interested in downtown Fort Scott to share ideas/events.

Bryan Ritter, who along with wife, Barbara, own the Boiler Room Brewhaus, hosted the Meet and Greet on Tuesday on Feb. 5.

The business sold 2,000 gallons of beer last year, he said.

“We do specialty beers, named after our animals on the farm,” Ritter told the group. “We ended the year in the black!”

Besides making and selling beer, they host events.

“We do birthday parties, music events, hosted charitable events,” he said. “Any civic organization that raises funds, we’d  be happy to help.”

Their contact information: 913-636-4892 or 620-644-5032 or [email protected].

Others who spoke at the meet and greet:

Dick Horton, Southeast Kansas Community Action Program Director of Community Engagement, invited the attendees to give input to its regional assessment. To complete the community assessment:   http://www.sek-cap.com/index.php/about.us/community-assessment

To complete its online survey link:http://www.sek-cap.com/

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison said Project 17 has a user-friendly Wix platform available to businesses who have under $1 million in revenue.

Madison also said the Chamber is finalizing its Business Locator Map Pinpoints and Ads, with a focus on shop, dine, play and stay businesses.

She said there is ad space on the Skubitz Plaza Downtown Directory Sign, for $100 a year.

Madison said the KOMB 103.9 Home, Sport, Farm and Garden Show is April 5-6.

Ally Turvey, from the Fort Scott Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the bureau is continuing to sponsor the downtown family movie nights. This year the entertainment evenings will move to Skubitz Plaza and one of the four films featured is about Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero.

The City State Bank Ribbon Cutting begins at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7.

Hedgehog.INK will have a book signing featuring author Gerri Hilger. (Editors note: the book signing will be rescheduled from Feb.7, due to weather.)There will also be a story time Saturday featuring author Joyce Love, reading her rendition of “The Three Little Pigs.” In addition, local artist Jean Solomonson will lead the children in card making.

Madison informed the attendees of the Google live stream”Give Your Website a Refresh” on Wednesday, March 6 from 11 a.m to noon at the Lowell Milken Center. Attendees will learn about search engine optimization and best practices for creating a search-friendly site.

Also, there will be a Bill Drury Seminar, May 7 from 8 a.m. to noon, with a focus on “Effective Leadership For First Line Managers and Supervisors,” Madison said.

There are grants available for downtown businesses to refresh a facade, see Rachel Pruitt with the City of Fort Scott for more information.

Carl Brenner, Fort Scott National Historic Site, said there are student position openings at the fort this summer.

Martha Scott, Friends of the Fort, said subscriptions are continuing for installing flags at residences/businesses in celebration of national holidays. The group charges $35 a year and will install and take down the flags.

Business owner, Jared Leek, said Valentines Day has been sold out at Crooner’s Lounge, but days before and after are available for reservations. He said on Feb. 16 Elton Dan, an Elton John impersonator will perform at the Liberty Theater. Leek also said that the Bourbon County Arts Council has six events coming this year downtown, the first one is March 9.

Pat Lyons, Lyons Twin Mansions, said they and the Courtland Hotel are part of a “Most Romantic Weekend In Kansas” promotion on Valentine weekend.

Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin gave updates on healthcare, the Craw-Kan Cooperative broadband project, Mark McCoy’s group to unify the city/county governments, and parking issues downtown.

Fort Scott Economic Development Director Rachel Pruitt said Fort Scott Lofts, formerly  Western Senior Living, now only require 20 percent of residents to be 55 years old and older.

Pruitt also said the Warrior Convoy parade through town, in connection with Adam LaRoche’s Wounded Warrior Hunt, will be May 1 this year.

Fort Scott Codes Director Rhonda Dunn said a possible U.S. Cellular cell phone tower downtown is in the design phase and stated it is a process that the public will be allowed input on.

Lee’s Paws and Claws Animal Shelter is having an online Facebook auction that includes several large appliances: computer, refrigerator, freezer. The auction closes today, Feb. 7 at 8 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

City State Bank Re-Opening Is ON For 5 p.m. Today

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The CHAMBER COFFEE
for this morning
is CANCELED due to
inclement weather.
However, the
GRAND RE-OPENING & RIBBON CUTTING is still ON for tonight.
Please join us at 5pm,
the remarks & ribbon cutting will begin at 5:30pm.
THANK YOU & BE SAFE!
City State Bank’s Downtown location:
202 Scott Avenue, starting at 5 p.m.
After several months of construction, the downtown branch of the City State Bank is complete!
The remodel included an outside face-lift with new stone and stucco, a drive-thru canopy, a new island ATM, sidewalks and lighting.
The interior has been completely remodeled with a new layout; new flooring, furniture, lighting, decor and a teller desk have also been added.
The building, located at 202 Scott Avenue in Fort Scott, was originally built in 1957, and this remodel shows City State Bank’s commitment to their customers, downtown, and the local community. The bank has another full-service location at 1012 Highway 69, Fort Scott, KS
To visit City State Bank’s website,
please click here.
Business

CHC/SEK CEO Postai Will Speak at Presbyterian Village Feb. 20

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Seniors, Family Members, Employees, Volunteers of the Presbyterian Village and the General Public,

On Tuesday, February 20th at 3:30 pm President and CEO of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Krista Postai, will be at the Presbyterian Village, located at 2401 S. Horton, Fort Scott, KS to present information about what CHC can do for the Presbyterian Village seniors, staff, family members, volunteers and the Fort Scott community, as a whole.

Below was taken from their website:

What sets Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas apart is its mission to provide quality, affordable care regardless of an individual’s ability to pay. We provide a vital service to our patients, as well as the communities in which we have established clinic sites. Our focus is removing barriers to access and our “can do” philosophy has brought care to children and adults who otherwise would have gone without. Our commitment to the “whole person” also is unique and we strive to be a “health care home” through our provision of medical, dental and mental health services.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

City State Bank Re-Opening Feb. 7

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REMINDER:
The Chamber Coffee, All-Day Open House, Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for
City State Bank is TOMORROW!
Join us on Thursday, February 7th at City State Bank’s Downtown location:
202 Scott Avenue, starting at 8 a.m.
Please join City State Bank TOMORROW, February 7th, 2019 for the Chamber of Commerce Coffee at 8 a.m., an all-day open-house, and the Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, which begins at 5pm; remarks and ribbon cutting will be at 5:30 pm.
After several months of construction, the downtown branch of the City State Bank is complete!
The remodel included an outside face-lift with new stone and stucco, a drive-thru canopy, a new island ATM, sidewalks and lighting.
The interior has been completely remodeled with a new layout; new flooring, furniture, lighting, decor and a teller desk have also been added.
The building, located at 202 Scott Avenue in Fort Scott, was originally built in 1957, and this remodel shows City State Bank’s commitment to their customers, downtown, and the local community. The bank has another full-service location at 1012 Highway 69, Fort Scott, KS
To visit City State Bank’s website, please click here.
Art, Business, Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes

Art Competition Celebrating Unsung Heroes Feb. 12

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Heart The ArtEffect Wine & Cheese Reception
Sponsored by
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
and Crooner’s Lounge
Join us Tuesday, February 12th from 4-5pm for a Wine & Cheese Reception at Crooner’s Lounge!
High quality creative visual art projects celebrating Unsung Heroes are on display at both The Lowell Milken Center Hall of Heroes
(1 S. Main St.) and
Crooner’s Lounge
(117 S. Main St.).
These works of art created by students were entered in “The ArtEffect Project”, an international competition administered by the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes.
For more information call:
620-223-1312
Business, Fort Scott

Trimbur Updates Iron Star

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Owner/operator Barbara Trimbur is slowly catching up and restocking after the recent renovation of her shop, she said.

New flooring and a new ceiling exposing the original tin tiles of the building await those who enter the Iron Star Antiques and Such, 3 N. Main.

New ceiling and flooring have been added to the Iron Star, 3 N. Main.

A recent renovation makes the shop appear more spacious.

“It looks huge now,” said ownerBarbara Trimbur. “We took out the acoustical ceiling, a dropped ceiling with fluorescent lights. (And)The flooring was coming apart.”

“I’ ve taken out two partitions, I’m using doors now for walls,” she said.”  “It’s opened it up more.”

Ron Query was the contractor for the update.

The High Country look: cowboy with a modern flair.

Trimbur waited until the update was finished, last Friday, and is in the process of filling it back up again.

The Iron Star Antiques and Such was closed for the update Jan. 29-30.

“I’ve just been to market in Dallas,” she said. “Mostly spring stuff and ordered Christmas things for the following Christmas.”

Most of the furnishings in the shop are repurposed, or renovated, she said.

A renovated dining room set Trimbur recently purchased to sell.

She purchased the business 14 years ago from Yvonne Beck, and eight years ago purchased the building with the two storefronts from Steve McGinnis.

Unique handbags for sale.

Trimbur has five merchandise consignees, with three of them: Yvonne, Karen and Kathy, working with her in the store.

“The three of them work to offset their rent and commission,” she said.

Trimbur said she sells a large amount of iron shelving, brackets and pulls.
One of her favorite tasks is to decorate themed tables. Pictured is Trimbur telling about the Valentine-themed tablescape she has finished.
An up-close view of the table setting with a Valentine theme.

The store is open seven days a week, barring heavy snow or icy weather events. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Business, Government, Kansas

KCC approves settlement agreement in Kansas Gas Service rate case

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Topeka- This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved a partial unanimous settlement agreement negotiated between KCC staff, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB), Kansas Gas Service (KGS) and other intervenors pertaining to the utility’s application to increase rates.

 

Under the settlement agreement, residential customers will see an increase of $2.40 per month (4.23 percent) on average. That includes an increase in the customer charge from $16.70 to $18.70 per month. The new rates take effect February 6, 2019. The company’s original proposal called for a monthly residential increase of $5.67 or 10 percent. In its application, KGS requested to increase base rates by $45.6 million. The settlement approved today will result in an annual increase of $21.5 million.

 

One issue yet to be decided is whether KGS will be allowed to keep the tax savings it has accrued since the Federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act took effect. In December 2017, the KCC issued an order requiring investor owned utilities to accrue those savings in an interest bearing regulatory account allowing time to study the economic impacts of the new lower tax rates and where appropriate, pass cost savings on to consumers. KGS asked to retain the accrued savings of $17.9 million to offset its cost of service. Both KCC staff and CURB voiced opposition to the request at an evidentiary hearing in December. The Commission will issue a decision on the tax savings issue on or before February 25.

Today’s order can be viewed on the Commission’s website at: http://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx?Id=296a4df7-658b-4d87-b9a6-fde3a18331ff

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet Feb. 5

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Join us for the
Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet
Tuesday, February 5th, 2019
8:30 to 9:30am
Hosted by:
Boiler Room Brewhaus
Bryan & Barbara Ritter
10 S. National Ave.
Click here for their Facebook page.
Click here for their website.
‌
The Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greets are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives and any community members to attend to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown!
All are welcome!
Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott Community College

Kirk Sharp: New Gordon Parks Museum Director

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Kirk Sharp was recently selected to be the new Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director. He is pictured just outside the museum against a wall depicting some life moments of Gordon Parks. The museum is located in the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

Kirk Sharp started his duties as the new Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director on Jan. 7.

But Sharp is no stranger to the museum. He has been serving behind the scenes since 2004.

“I always had an interest and encouraged the activities and helped with activities and special events when I could,” Sharp said. He also served on the Gordon Parks Museum Foundation Board for four years.

Sharp is a 1985 graduate of Fort Scott High School, and has worked at FSCC before.

“I worked here in FSCC admissions from 2007 to 2010,” Sharp said. “Then Mercy Hospital where I managed Health For Life, occupational and sports medicine until the hospital closed (In 2018).”

“I feel blessed for this exciting opportunity to be with the Gordon Parks Museum and also being back with FSCC,” Sharp said.

“Kirk was the best choice,” said Kassie Feugate-Cate, FSCC’s Director of Strategic Communication. “He is a great asset to the program. We are grateful  and look forward to seeing what he can do with the museum, moving forward.”

The mission of the Gordon Parks Museum is to honor the life and work of Gordon Parks, internationally-known photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician; and to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness, and the role of diversity in our lives.

Gordon Parks Museum on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.

“I want to continue the mission of the Gordon Parks Museum towards cultural diversity, through special events and programs, not just here in the community, but nationwide,” Sharp said. “Trying to look to the future by becoming more interactive, maybe kiosks or tablets for our digital generation.”

February is designated Black History Month and there will be several learning experiences offered at the museum.

On Feb. 15, there will be a presentation of “Slave to Soldier” during a “Lunch and Learn” at the museum, from 11 a.m. to noon. The public is invited to bring a lunch and hear the history lesson.

This is a Buffalo Soldier history presentation, featuring the Alexander/Madison Chapter-Greater Kansas City/Leavenworth Area, 9th and 10th Cavalry Association. These many generations of negro soldiers served their county from 1866 to 1944 in the military.

“We are also going to show a Kevin Willmott film, “The Jayhawkers” in the month of February. Kansas University Professor Willmott is a past recipient of  a Gordon Parks Award and this year is in the running for an Oscar for his film “BlacKkKlansMan.”

History of the museum:

“After Gordon Parks attended the first ever Gordon Parks Celebration in 2004, he gifted the Gordon Parks Center with 30 of his photographs. This spectacular group includes many of his iconic works such as American Gothic, Tuskegee Airmen, Flavio, Ali Sweating, Ingrid Bergman on Stromboli and many others,” according  to the Visit Fort Scott website: https://visitfortscott.com/see-and-do/gordon-parks-museum/

Kirk Sharp stands in front of a giant photo of Gordon Parks in the museum.

 

“In 2006, after his death, his personal effects and other memorabilia, per Gordon’s wishes, were given to the Museum. This valuable collection included many of his awards and medals, personal photos, paintings and drawings of Gordon, plaques, certificates, diplomas and honorary doctorates, selected books and articles, clothing, record player, tennis racquet, magazine articles, his collection of Life magazines and much more,” according to the  Vist Fort Scott website.

The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information see The Gordon Parks Museum Facebook page.

Sharp is married to Sis Sharp and has two children, Jolee, 26 and Trey, 24.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet

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 The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites any community members interested in Downtown Fort Scott to Boiler Room Brewhaus, 10 S. National Avenue, on February 5th, 2019, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. The Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet is hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives and any community members to attend to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown!

Please join us on Tuesday, February 5th for the Downtown Meet & Greet. Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 with questions.

Submitted by:
Lindsay Madison, Executive Director, [email protected]

Monica Walden, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]

Phone: (620) 223-3566