Category Archives: Business
Ward Kraft Offers Careers, Not Just a Job to Their Employees
Jude Ward and Harold Kraft had a vision in 1972 of opening a company that would allow people a chance to grow financially and career-wise.
Mr. Ward and Mr. Kraft started up a printing company that would not only outperform the competition but would help create more opportunities for people who wanted a career and not just a job. Now over 45 years later, that “legacy” continues as Ward Kraft still stands at the top of the list when it comes to employers in Fort Scott, Kansas.
Ward Kraft employs 340 people.
That thirty-five percent of their current workforce has been employed at the company for ten years or more shows that Ward Kraft is a place that a person can call a career and not just a job.
What started out as a forms company in the early seventies has evolved into a company that specializes in forms, labels, plastics, and specialty products; working out of three divisions at their campus in Fort Scott.
Competitive wages (with wages ranging from $10.40 to $22.00 depending on the work area and skill level), good benefits, stability, advancement opportunities, and a good working environment are a just a few of the reasons the employees at WK have made the company their working home for so many years.
Dee Covey, who has been with the company for over 12 years says, “I have been blessed to have an awesome job. I work with great people who believe in teamwork and a boss who is very understanding and always listens to me”.
When asked about Ward Kraft and the longevity of their members, President of Manufacturing Phil Quick (a 28-year member) said, “I feel we keep good members at WK because of the work environment, and family atmosphere. Our managers and members care about doing the right thing for the customer, and the team. Attitude and effort are the main ingredients for being successful at WK.”
During the company’s annual Christmas dinner, service awards were handed out to members that were celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service.
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/5-year-awards-wardkraft-750x539.jpg)
Celebrating 5 years: JoAnn Dugan, Ashley Farmer, Daniel Gauthier, Bryan Hughes, Brad Matkin, Mike Pyle, Richard Racer, Wayne Racy, Cindy Schroeder, Scott Smith, Chris Thurston, and Jay VanBuskirk.
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/10-year-awards-wardkraft-691x750.jpg)
Celebrating 10 years: Roberta Anderson, Ryan Kraft, Thom McCreedy, and Reva Dent
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/15-year-awards-wardkraft-750x400.jpg)
Celebrating 15 years: Ken Ash, Lisa Hull, Matt McClellan, Ben Morrell, Bob Piotrowski, Dana Ruhl, Jeanette Sisseck, Joshua Smith, Steve Williams, and Teresa Zimmerman.
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/20-year-awards-750x500.jpg)
Celebrating 20 years: David Budd, Sara Griffith, Michelle Heaton, Twila Milburn, Carey Mooney, and Randy Thurston
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/25-year-award-wardkraft-750x483.jpg)
Celebrating 25 years: Billy Cowen, Steve Denton, Billy Hill, Bill Meech, and David Zimmerman
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/30-year-awards-750x500.jpg)
Celebrating 30 years: Mark Christy, Melinda Collins, Jesse Crum, Ray Mauck, and Joy Wiltse
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/35-year-awards-750x500.jpg)
Celebrating 35 years Gary Bosley, Danny Harper, Dennis Harper, and Roger Kraft
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/40-year-awards-500x750.jpg)
Celebrating 40 years: Patty Gauthier and Jerry Parsons
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/wardkraft-Retirees-2017-505x750.jpg)
Celebrating the retirements of Jimmy Tucker (31 years of service), Danny Harper (35 years) and Joy Wiltse (30 years).
Ward Kraft, Inc. is part of the WK Holding Company which also includes local companies FS Munitions, KW Cattle Co., ReproLogix, 4 State Sanitation and Recycling, and Christian Learning Center.
Ward Kraft will hold a job fair on April 10th at the Empress Event Center, located at 7 North Main, from 10 am to 2 pm and will be looking for people who want to be part of their team.
Positions that are available are production members, sales personnel, and office staff to name a few. WK staff will be present to talk to prospective members about these opportunities and to answer any question you may have about the company.
Ward Kraft management believes the employees have made the last 45 plus years possible and successful and are still committed to hiring the “Person Not the Position”.
Reliability project takes flight.
Helicopters will fly low to capture images of selected transmission lines, substations.
Topeka, Kan., April 5, 2018 – Westar Energy is inspecting power lines using specially equipped helicopters to fly along sections of the transmission system. The images captured will help identify areas that may need maintenance and create a more modern record of the
transmission system.
The flights provide a more precise and searchable visual record of the transmission system, which improves power grid efficiency and reliability.
Flights are planned through mid-April. Flights will generally be from two hours after dawn until two hours before sunset and may occur on the weekends. They will take place throughout the eastern Kansas area served by Westar Energy.
Two small helicopters will be used for the project: one yellow and white and one red.
Footings Poured For Bartelsmeyer Downtown Loft
Fresh Coffee Online And Other Fort Scott Progressions
Don’t want to wait in line for your custom coffee?
At the Downtown Quarterly Meet and Greet at Common Ground Coffee Co. Tuesday morning, MacKenna Robinson said the coffee shop is beginning to offer online ordering.
“Online ordering is now at Common Grounds and in April, we are giving five-percent off (each order),” Robinson, assistant manager of the shop said.
To order go to https://squareup.com/store/common-grounds
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DSC_0601-750x399.jpg)
Robinson also told the group that the coffee shop has been approved for a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant, through the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DSC_0605-750x668.jpg)
The grant will allow the coffee shop to purchase more equipment to serve fresh salads, Vicki Waldron, the manager said in a later interview.
Robinson said the coffee shop will also be a part of a meeting to make a directory of food producers and local restaurants. The meeting’s purpose is to form collaborations to get fresh locally produced foods to restaurant tables. The Buy and Eat, Meet and Greet event will start at 5:30 p.m. May 3 at Memorial Hall.
To learn more about the May 3 event see the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Facebook page.
To learn more about the grantor, BCBSKS, click here:
https://www.bcbsks.com/pathways/
Other upcoming local events announced at the meeting:
- The 2nd Story Festival of Arts and Ideas is scheduled for April 27-29 around venues in Fort Scott. It includes workshops, improv comedy performances and a festival finale event and fundraiser Saturday evening. For more information: https://www.2ndstoryartfestival.com Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison asked the group to attend the 2- 3:30 p.m. Saturday event titled “Creative Placemaking: Building the Artist Community in Fort Scott” by Marc Wilson at the Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main in downtown Fort Scott.
- There will be free outdoor movies offered at a location to be announced by Larry Gazaway, the city’s tourism manager. The movies are The Incredibles, May 25; Cars 3, June 22; Star Wars Night, July 20 and The Princess Bride, August 17.
- Art walks by the Bourbon County Arts Council will be from 5-8 p.m. at the Liberty Theater patio, on May 18, June 15, July 27 and Sept. 14.
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DSC_0594-750x389.jpg)
- Smallville Crossfit is having a “Murph Challenge” on Memorial Day and Fort Games on June 23. See their Facebook page for more information.
- The Good Ol Days Festival is May 31 – June 2 this year. The theme is “The Great Outdoors.” The parade is at 6 p.m. June 1 and there will be Friday night shopping again this year downtown.
- There is a new website for tourism: www.visitfortscott.com/
- Free tourism trolley tickets are available, businesses are encouraged to add coupons to the ticket envelope to advertise. Contact Gazaway at the tourism office, 231 E. Wall.
- The Presbyterian Church will have a Sunday Serve Clean Up/Projects Day April 29 at 8:45 a.m.
- The Fort Scott National Historic Site Civil War Encampment is April 21-22.
- KOMB is hosting the 7th Annual Home, Sport, Farm, Garden Show at Arnold Arena at Fort Scott Community College April 13 -14. There will be 56 inside booths and more outside. Call 620-223-4500 for more information. Children’s activities will also be available.
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DSC_0598-750x500.jpg)
- The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is collaborating with Fort Scott National Historic Site to bring “Mother” Mary Bickerdyke to area fifth-grade students.
- There will be a woman’s luncheon April 25 at the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College. Vendor booth rental is $6. For more information contact Juley McDaniel at 620-223-2700 Ext. 5201.
- An interactive story time at the library will start soon, contact K-State Extension Agent Joy Miller for more information.
- Gary Palmer said he will be starting a retail printing business within the next 30 days. He will offer a discount to not-for-profit groups.
- The townwide yard sale will be May 11-12.
- In a recent conversation with Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer, City Manager Dave Martin said Colyer indicated the completion of the Hwy. 69 is a priority project. Martin also mentioned the positive movements in town: the Boiler Room Brewhaus expansion, the Liberty Theater building rehabilitation, the Hole in the Wall Liquor Store project, the Fort Scott Family Dental move to downtown, Bartelsmeyer’s renovating a downtown loft, progress on the old La Hacienda building, Arby’s Restaurant coming to the old Kentucky Fried Chicken facility, and the Fisher Park Project. Martin gave his cell phone number if anyone has questions: 620-644-2498.
- The Third Saturday Marketplace in collaboration with Fort Scott Farmer’s Market needs volunteers to oversee the event once a month, said Lindsay Madison.
- There will be a meeting at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 3 at the Empress Event Center, downtown, for senior citizens interested in senior housing options. Pat Wood will host the event, which includes drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
The meet and greet is hosted by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce the first Tuesday in January, April, July, and October each year.
Liberty Theater Gets A Facelift
MidContinental Restoration Co, Inc. workers on Tuesday morning prep the face of the Liberty Theater, 113 S. Main, for painting.
Foreman Ronnie Coulter, Bronson, is pictured on the ground while Foreman Jonas Greenway, Bronson is on the SkyJack which lifts him to do the work.
Coulter said they have replaced plaster and wood, re-anchored plastered details and then will paint this week if weather permits.
Liberty Theater Owner Jared Leek said he is giving the theater a facelift in preparation for the event season fast approaching.
Weddings and other special events are a part of the services the theater provides.
The Southpaw Preachers will perform next Saturday, April 14 from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Liberty, according to Liberty Theater’s Facebook page.
This band draws their inspiration from hard-hitting funk, soul, R&B, and rock. Southpaw blends both original music and covers.
Contact Jared Leek for more information by calling (620) 224-9787.
Leek also owns Crooner’s Lounge next door at 117 S. Main.
Crooner’s is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday with happy hour from 5-6 p.m.
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/DSC_0407-750x500.jpg)
Chamber of Commerce Job Of The Day
JOB OF THE DAY – FULL-TIME FACILITY MANAGER – ADVANTAGE METALS RECYCLING
Advantage Metals Recycling is seeking applicants for the position of FACILITY MANAGER. Qualifications include bachelor’s degree in a business discipline, along with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a business environment required; OR 5 years’ operations, heavy industrial or manufacturing experience with demonstrated leadership ability and understanding of business. Job requirements include creating a “Safety First” culture in each facility, the ability to lead teams, and the ability to represent the organization in local community and political matters. Apply online today! http://ow.ly/G3Qu30jhcMv
Chamber Job of the Day
JOB OF THE DAY – CORRECTIONAL OFFICER- BOURBON COUNTY JAIL
The Bourbon County Jail has openings for a correctional officer. Must be 18 years or older, with no felony convictions. Applications may be picked up at the Bourbon County Jail, 204 S. National Ave, Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:00. If you have any questions you may call the Jail at 620-223-2380.
Chamber Business Pick of the Week: Phillips Lawn Care
Downtown Quarterly Meet and Greet April 3 At Common Ground
New Marketing Plan For Tri-Valley
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/DSC_0582-531x750.jpg)
Tri-Valley Developmental Services, a local provider of social services to people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, has begun a new marketing plan.
“We don’t tell enough of all the good things we do,” Executive Director Tim Cunningham told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee attendees Thursday morning.
“A lot of people don’t know we are a one-stop shop for services they could need,” he continued. ” A lot of people don’t know we strive to make people as independent as possible. A lot of people move people, we keep them in their hometown.”
Cunningham said TVDS started in 1974 and has been in Fort Scott since 1977.
They currently serve 53 individuals at the facility at 4305 Campbell Drive in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park.
Cunningham introduced Barb McCord who is the horticulture therapist at the facility, which houses a greenhouse.
McCord told the attendees there will be no auction fundraiser this year because it happens every other year and this is an off year, but she will be having a one day sale of plants in May.
Additionally, plants raised in the greenhouse were offered as a gift, one per person, when the attendees departed the coffee social.
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/DSC_0579-750x628.jpg)
Cunningham said the annual Cruise Nite in Chanute has a goal to raise $25,000 this year, to provide homes for people with disabilities.
![](https://fortscott.biz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/DSC_0572-750x330.jpg)
The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are Greg Motley, chairman; Needleman, past chairman; Gina Shelton, finance chair; Geoff Southwell, chairman-elect business, and resource division Chair; Alysia Johnston, workforce development division chair; David Lipe, grassroots division chair.
Happenings In Fort Scott March 30-April 1
Schedule of Special Events in Fort Scott,
March 30 – April 1, 2018
Provided by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Center231 E. Wall
FRI, SAT – 8:30 am – 4:00 pm – Art Project: New Faces New Neighbors Fort Scott National Historic Site – History & Art come together. Kids have created textile works of art that
encompass the change of Fort Scott NHS throughout its history.
FRI & SAT – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Livestock Sales – Fort Scott Livestock Market – 2131 Maple Rd.
You don’t have to be a buyer to watch the sale and visit the café.
FRI & SAT – 10am-last tour leaves at 3 pm – 50 Minute narrated Trolley tours of Fort Scott, at the Chamber
FRIDAY, March 30th Good Friday
8:00 am – Water/Ways Exhibit on display- Fort Scott Regional Tourism Center – 231 E. Wall St
8:00 am – 5:00 pm – FSHS Thespian Rummage Sale – Fort Scott High School 1005 S. Main.
9:00 am – 5:45 pm – Used Book Sale – Library Events Room 201 S. National Ave.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm -FSCC “Escape the Fort” Escape Room – Contact Matt Glades at [email protected]
or call 620.223.2700 ext. 3520 to set up a time. “May the odds be ever in your favor”-Hunger Games.
SATURDAY, March 31st
8:00 – 12:00 pm – FSHS Thespian Rummage Sale – Fort Scott High School 1005 S. Main.
9:00 am – Gun Park Trail Work Sessions. 1010 Park Ave, Fort Scott. Meet at Shelter House No. 7.
9:00 am – Basic Riders Skills Course – Motorcycle Ministry at Twister Trailer, 400 N. National Ave.
This is a Non-Certification course. Everyone is welcome.
9:00 am – 10:30 am – Eggstravaganza Crafts at BRCC- Preschool to 5th grade. Crafts, face painting, snacks, and drinks. Please pre-register $1 registration fee.
10:00 am – Rhythm and Bliss at Shiney Studios – 123 S. National Ave – A fun and invigorating all levels class
10:00 am – Care to Share Bake Sale at Ruddick’s Furniture Sidewalk Sale -Downtown Fort Scott
11:00 am – 2:0 pm – Easter Bunny at Price Chopper 2322 S. Main St. Fort Scott –
Photo Opportunities for Mom & Dad – Candy for the children.
1:00 pm – Free screening of “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”, -The Empress Event Center, 7 N Main St.
1:00 pm – FSCC Hounds Baseball vs Neosho County – Doubleheader Games at 1 pm & 4 pm
6:00 pm – Sir Winston Churchill at Liberty Theatre 113 S. Main St. Watch History come to Life on Stage. Sponsored by Friends of the Fort.
EASTER SUNDAY, April 1st Happy Easter!!!
9:00 am – Near Death Experience Sermon Series begins – Community Christian Church 1919 Horton
10:50 am – Resurrection Sunday – Fort Scott Southern Baptist Church
10:00 am – Easter Brunch Buffet – Crooner’s 117 S. Main St. Reservations Required (620-224-9787)
Menu: Ham & Beef Carving Station, Made to order Crab Cakes, Shrimp Cocktail, Quiche, Scalloped Potatoes Salad Bar, Desserts and more.
11:00am Easter Dinner – Nate’s Place Restaurant & Lounge – 750 S. National. Ave.
Reservations encouraged. 620-223-3644
Click here for original flyer, then click on the image to enlarge: