The north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse has been reconfigured to house the county clerk, treasurer and commission offices.
The Bourbon County Commission’s Economic Development Director has launched a survey to gather information from business owners to develop a strategic plan.
The survey began March 1 and will end April 19, 2019.
“Our goal at the county is to make Bourbon County the place people want to live, work, and play,” said Jody Hoenor, the county’s economic director. “By increasing our population we can lessen the weight of taxes on the individual with more citizens sharing these costs. By being strategic in our planning and involving the community in the process, we believe we will be able to lower taxes.”
The survey is sponsored by the Bourbon County Commission, the Kansas Department of Commerce, with assistance from the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, Live Local Bourbon County and the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
Survey results will inform the county on how to develop an economic development strategic plan and process.
” We will develop measurable goals with actionable items and report progress to the community through several communication channels,” she said.
“Like any other community, there will be many opportunities that will be identified in the survey,” Hoenor said. ” We do not have the capacity or resources to address every single issue. Through a transparent process of gathering community input through both a community perception and business retention and expansion survey, soliciting feedback from focus groups all over the county, and analyzing primary and secondary data we will be able to articulate how the priorities in the strategic plan were identified and determined by Bourbon County citizens years from now.”
The target people for the Business Retention and Expansion Survey, is Bourbon County business owners, CEO’s, and upper management, she said.
“That is everything from at home, e-commerce, farmers, ranchers, long term businesses, to our new healthcare providers,” Hoenor said.
She listed the objectives of the survey as:
“Obtain a source of primary data to develop a measurable county-wide economic development plan.
Aggregated regional survey results will be used to inform regional strategic planning with the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission.
Voices of business owners will be used to participate in the process of improving the business climate, validate local needs, and advocate for regional, state, and federal resources.
Build and maintain strong relationships with businesses.
Develop a better understanding of the concerns, problems and opportunities of businesses in the area and leverage perceived strengths with perceived barriers within the community.
Confidentiality: Information will be protected closely so no one will be able to connect responses and any other information that identifies businesses. Responses will be combined with those of other firms to form an overall aggregate result in percentages, sums, or averages at the county and regional levels.
Final Report: A copy of the summary of findings will be available to all firms that participate in the survey.”
Jody Hoenor, Bourbon County Economic Director.
Interested survey respondents should contact Hoenor at [email protected] for a link to complete the survey.
Hoener’s office is located at 210 S National Ave., Fort Scott, KS 66701 and she can be reached at 620-223-3800 or 620-215-5725 Mobile or www.bourboncountyks.org
Save $3,000 and get your choice of a FREE 46″ HD TV or a cafe table with chairs!
Call or stop by today to receive
$1,000 OFF YOUR FIRST THREE MONTHS
(Total Savings: $3,000)
AND
your choice of a free 46″ high definition TV or a charming cafe table with dining chairs. This offer is only good through March, so call today for a tour and to lock in this limited-time promotion.
Since opening in March 2016, Country Place Senior Living has earned a reputation for providing exceptional care to those residing in both our Assisted Living and Memory Care residences.
Our certified team strives to enhance the lives of our residents through engaging social activities, outstanding dining and professional care. Our elegant yet comfortable residences provide a
home-like setting with private suites and luxurious amenities in an intimate setting.
Get ready to rock with Gordmans during our 2019 Grand Opening Tour!
Our new location at 2400 S. Main St. in Fort Scott, KS is having an epic celebration on March 20th and you’re invited.
No tickets necessary. Just stop by!
Don’t miss our ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:30 pm. Then get to know Gordmans and find out why this is where frugal meets fierce. Our deals on home decor galore will be music to your ears.
The first 100 guests will get a scratch-off card and one lucky person will reveal a $50 shopping card!
RADIO AUCTION – KOMB All Hit 103.9 FM – through the first week of March, every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Listen for details!
ABE/GED Orientation Classes at FSCC will begin Tuesday, March 5th.
There are 3 class times to choose from: 9am-12pm, 1pm-4pm, or 4pm-7pm. (See flyer below for more info)
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)
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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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4th Annual Prairie Troubadour – Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main St., Friday: 7-10pm; Saturday: 8:30am-8:30pm
The Prairie Troubadour is a group of friends inspired by stalwarts of the Faith to live and share the Joy of Christ. This year’s topic: REASON FOR FAITH – Reflections on Particles and Paraclete. Join Dale Ahlquist, David Whalen, Stacy Trasancos, Kevin O’Brien and William Fahey to discuss the good life
Sweet Listings Open House Event by Stutesman’s Action Realty – Tour homes and be entered to win a $25 Casey’s gas card!
Tour these 5 homes: 117 Crescent Dr., 1703 Westbury Ln., 901 Barbee, 722 S. Hill, 519 Holbrook
See flyer below for details
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Hedgehog.INK presents their February Featured Artist, weaver Barbara Ritter, 16 S. Main St., 3pm
Barbara’s artwork is on display at Hedgehog.INK during the month of February. She will give a presentation about her artwork and the techniques she uses (See flyer below)
26-27
Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
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Kiwanis Pancake Feed at Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott Ave., 11am-6:30pm
T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
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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
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Breakfast Bingo at BRCC – 735 Scott Ave., 9-10am
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
Call Buck Run at 620-223-0386 for more info
27
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
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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)
27
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
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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 Adventures in Mission (at Hole In The Wall Liquor)
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
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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
Kale Nelson and staff of the State Farm Insurance Agency. From left Chalia Swank, licensed representative; Nelson, agent, and Rebecca Ballou, receptionist. Not pictured is Sharon Campbell who works part-time as a customer service representative.
State Farm Insurance Agent Kale Nelson has moved to a more easily accessed location.
“It’s one of the best locations in Fort Scott, being at the intersection of 69 Hwy. and South National Avenue,” Nelson said.
“There is a tremendous amount of traffic, he said.
The new address is 1805 S. National, in a building that is still in the process of being totally renovated.
Today, the parking lot of the property was being graveled for customers, and they are still in the process of settling in the building, Nelson said.
Demolition of the interior of the building started last summer and Nelson and his staff moved on February 19, he said.
“I’m thrilled with the way it turned out,” Nelson said. “There is a little more work to do.”
Besides purchasing his own business property, investing in the community was a goal Nelson had in the renovation.
“It was important to make an investment in a historical building,” Nelson said.
“We’ve had a lot of people share stories about the property (and its many transformations),” he said.
Nelson has been a State Farm Agent since 2005.
Working with people drives him, he said.
“I really enjoy helping people put their protection plans in place….life, some health, home, auto, business, bank… a large range of offerings. Help them overcome what deficiencies they have with the best value for their dollar,” he said.
Hours of operation for the business is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday and evenings by appointment.
“The Saturday morning hours are for people who can’t get in during the week,” Nelson said
Attorney Justin Meeks will also have an office on the property when his section of the building is completed.
The new State Farm Insurance office is located at 1805 S. National, this photo was taken a few weeks ago. The building is located at the intersection of 69 Hwy. and South National Avenue.
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce has three business card ad openings for the March-April table tent ad distribution.
“If you are not familiar with the Chamber Table Tent, this is a list of events and advertisements that we distribute throughout the community every two months,” said Monica Walden, administrative assistant at the Chamber. “The ads for the table tent can be anything that you see fit to advertise for your business. The ad is $50 and it will be on a first come first serve basis. If you are interested, please email me back by Monday, Feb. 25th by 3:00 pm.”
We ask that your nominations are primarily, if not all,Chamber members.
Thank you for your careful consideration. The Chamber feels it is important to recognize individuals and businesses in our community to make the Fort Scott area a better place to live, work and play.
