Category Archives: Business

Business, Kansas

Merger Benefits for Westar/KCPL Customers

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Westar-KCP&L merger already producing benefits
for Kansas customers, communities

Rate study: Kansas rates more competitive as merger efficiencies realized

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 14, 2019 – When Great Plains Energy (the parent company of KCP&L) and Westar Energy merged in June 2018 to form Evergy, the new company promised multiple benefits to customers. As the company enters the first full calendar year combined, Kansas customers have already seen significant benefits from the merger.

Customer credits: In December of 2018, Westar’s customers began receiving credits on their electric bill. These credits were the result of merger efficiencies and the reduction in federal income tax rates. KCP&L’s Kansas customers are scheduled to receive credits on their bills in the weeks ahead. The company anticipates future bill credits as additional merger savings are achieved.

Electric rates reduced: KCP&L and Westar both completed rate reviews in 2018. As a result of ongoing merger savings and the reduction in federal income taxes, the base price of electricity was reduced for all KCP&L and Westar customers. Westar prices decreased about $50 million and KCP&L $4 million.

Rate increase moratorium: Lower base rates enacted in 2018 will remain stable, as the company has committed to no base rate changes for five years (until December 2023).

Increased community investment: Both KCP&L and Westar have well-established histories of community involvement and charitable giving, which they pledged to maintain. Since the merger was completed, in addition to maintaining the companies’ historic levels of charitable giving, Evergy has made an additional $4 million in investments to support key community development projects in Topeka, Wichita and Pittsburg.

No involuntary layoffs: The company has adhered to its pledge of no involuntary layoffs due to the merger and maintained staffing levels in Topeka and Wichita.

Electric rates study, Kansas prices competitive: Stabilizing prices and maintaining local control were key reasons KCP&L and Westar sought to merge. The companies also promised to publish a study of their electricity prices and how they compared with other utilities as part of the merger agreement.

KCP&L and Westar Energy’s rate study filed today with the Kansas Corporation Commission concludes that the companies’ electricity prices are in line with the national average, are entering a period of rate stability and are well-positioned to meet customers’ needs.

“Prices going forward are expected to be more stable. Our merger brings economies of scale to ongoing operations and future investments. We are ahead of many peers in adoption of renewables, meeting state and federal environmental regulations and investing in infrastructure to ensure reliability and economic growth,” said Chuck Caisley, senior vice president, marketing and public affairs. “For example, Oklahoma’s largest utility just filed a rate request to recover costs in making environmental upgrades similar to those we’ve already completed.”

The study showed that a long-term electricity price advantage Kansas enjoyed eroded in the past decade. The rate study points to four primary factors: plunging natural gas prices; declining industrial use, despite billions of dollars of economic development in Kansas; mandated environmental upgrades and renewable energy investment; and investment to modernize the state’s transmission grid.

While low-cost coal benefitted Kansas through the 1970s into the early 2000s, the shale gas boom coupled with the disproportionate effect of environmental regulations on coal-fueled generation provided advantages to utilities that were more reliant on natural gas-fueled power plants. The cost advantage reached retail customers and wholesale markets alike.

Required investment in developing renewables markets and to meet environmental regulations aligned with a national economic downturn that flattened electricity sales. In times of growing sales, investment has less impact on prices because it is spread over broader sales. While electricity sales were down about 0.7 percent for other study utilities in 2017 compared with 2007, for KCP&L Kansas, they were down 5.5 percent and for Westar Energy, 4.1 percent. Despite these declines, Kansas continued to attract business.

“Kansas is drawing new investment. Since 2010, we’ve attracted more than $4.3 billion in industrial investments including major brands like Mars Chocolate, Cargill, Geico and Spirit Aerosystems,” Caisley said. “Prices are important, but customers also want access to renewable energy, which we can now provide at a competitive price. And customers expect excellent reliability. Without that, nothing else matters.”

Additional information about the study

The study uses 2017 prices available from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (the most recent full year available). In 2018, KCP&L and Westar decreased prices and agreed that base prices wouldn’t change for five years. For the study, KCP&L and Westar Energy examined how their prices compare with 35 investor-owned, vertically integrated electric providers. These companies serve more than 11 million customers in 10 Midwestern states. Some other utilities studied are just entering cycles of investment to meet federal environmental mandates and to update transmission infrastructure. Investments that are just beginning to affect their prices.

About KCP&L and Westar Energy:

Serving approximately 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCP&L), KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company and Westar Energy are the electric utilities of Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG). Together we generate nearly half the power we provide to homes and businesses with emission-free sources. We support our local communities where we live and work, and strive to meet the needs of customers through energy savings and innovative solutions.

Investor Contact:

Cody VandeVelde

Director, Investor Relations

Phone: 785-575-8227

[email protected]

 Media Contact:

Gina Penzig

Manager, Media Communications

Phone: 785-575-8089

[email protected]

Media line: 888-613-0003

For more information:

515.18.5163 KS Electric Rate Review Handout_single pages

Business, Fort Scott

DISCOVER LOCAL Magazine Coming To Fort Scott

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Discover Local Magazine Publisher Gary Palmer with Editor Rebekah Houser, who is holding a prototype of the magazine.

Inspired by other area magazines, businessman Gary Palmer is launching a magazine called Discover Local.

The target audience will be primarily tourists, he said. “With an emphasis on local services and retailers.”

“The idea came from other magazines like 417 Magazine, which covers all those in the (telephone) area code 417 (in southwest Missouri),” he said. “It talks about the goings-on in the region with a strong emphasis on entertainment and food and what people can enjoy.”

A view of the prototype of Discover Local Magazine.

“It ties those who would be visiting to those locally that are providing services and opportunities to enjoy. It seems there is a void for something like this.”

“The whole idea behind this,” Palmer said. “I want this magazine to be beneficial to all parties involved. I personally feel that our community has an enormous amount of resources and a willingness to help others. This is just a visual way to pair our resources with those seeking to enjoy our community.”

There will be several local authors contributing to the magazine: Larry Gazzaway, Martha Scott, Jody Hoener and others he said.

And why not publish a magazine? Palmer is the owner of Captured Images, a photography business, and owns his own printer that will be publishing the magazine.

“We will be publishing this right here on Main Street,” Palmer said.

The magazine will have no subscription costs for readers but would be paid for by the advertisements that local businesses purchase.

“There may be a small postage charge if people would like us to mail it to them,” he said.

“The subscriptions for advertisers would be billed quarterly and range from $150 up,” Palmer said. “What is very unique about the magazine is we will be asking our advertisers to subscribe annually.

“An annual subscription will include a feature about the advertiser,” Palmer said. “If Capture Images buys one-half page for the year, for example, it would get a full page article at some point, featuring the business.”

There will be four publications annually.

The magazine would be placed in local hotels and the Tourism/Chamber of Commerce Office.

Captured Images Press is located at 118 S. Main and can be contacted at 223-5375.

“Our community needs something positive,” he said. “I hope this builds momentum.”

 

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Front Door Realty: Real Estate Is Moving

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Front Door Real Estate staff: from left Lisa Ward and Crystal Mason, realtors; Jared Leek, broker.

Jared Leek began Front Door Real Estate in 2008 working out of his home, he told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee attendees Thursday morning.

In October 2018 he opened an office business at 14 S. Main.

The real estate business hosted the Chamber Coffee at a new listing, a house located at 500 Sunset Drive.

Lisa Ward and Crystal Mason are agents for Front Door Real Estate, while Leek is the broker.

“A ton of real estate is moving in Fort Scott,” Leek said. “A lot of out- of-town people are moving in. We had a fantastic year, last year.”

The featured house at  500 Sunset Drive,  is a four bedroom, three bath home with 2, 252 square feet, built in 1950, listed at $149,900.

500 Sunset Drive.

“It’s a great, solid house, well taken care of,” Mason said.

The agency sells residential, commercial, lots,  land and lake property.

For more information call 620-224-9787.

Area News, Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

Gordman’s Job Fair-Fort Scott: Feb. 19

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Apparel and home décor retailer Gordmans, a division of Stage Stores, is coming to Fort Scott and surrounding regions this March.

 

Gordmans is currently hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions and encourages interested candidates to apply online at gordmans.com and then attend the job fair at the following new location:

 

Fort Scott Gordmans

Tuesday, Feb. 19
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
2400 S. Main Street
Fort Scott, Kansas         

 

Pittsburg Gordmans
Thursday, Feb. 7
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
202 E. Centennial Drive
Pittsburg, Kansas         

 

Carthage Gordmans

Wednesday, Feb. 20
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.       

2410 S Grand Avenue
Carthage, Missouri     

Business, Fort Scott, Government

Price Chopper: No Taxpayer Dollars

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The marquee at Price Chopper on South Main Street Wednesday afternoon, announcing the closure of the store.

Price Chopper announced January 7 that they would close the Fort Scott store on South Main Street.

In addition to Price Chopper closing, Dunkin’ Donuts store and Fort Scott Pharmacy, both located in the main Price Chopper building are closing.

The closure of Price Chopper effects 85 employees, said Mike Massey, store manager.

A sign on the doors of Price Chopper Jan. 9.

“Forty full-time employees, some of whom will be going to other Price Choppers,” Massey said.

“It’s a beautiful store, Fort Scott will miss it,” Massey said with a glum face.

There was a full parking lot on January 9, the first day of the closeout sale of Price Chopper.

Dunkin’ Donuts last day open is Friday, January 11, said employee Franklin Dorres. He said they had eight full-time and four part-time employees.

Fort Scott Pharmacy is closing no later than Jan. 18, said Pharmacist Julie Pellett. “Three out of the five employees will go to Iola. The Iola group offers to provide much of the services we provided to our Fort Scott customers. Call 620-365-3176 for more information.”

The sign on the door of Fort Scott Pharmacy January 9, announcing the closure of the pharmacy.

Question about how the closure effects taxpayers

Fortscott.biz received a valid question from the public on how much local taxpayers have provided for the development of the Price Chopper grocery store.

The City of Fort Scott was given the question, which mentioned Industrial Revenue Bonds, and responded.

” There is no negative effect to the taxpayers regarding the closure,” said Rachel Pruitt, Fort Scott’s Economic Development Director. “Reimbursement is only on incremental tax revenue.  The incentive should motivate the developer (AWG)to recruit new business.  If there is no tax revenue the developer does not receive reimbursement on their investment.”

“The incentives were explained in several commission meetings prior to construction,” Pruitt said. “I found a few notes to further explain the city’s involvement.”

This image was provided by the City of Fort Scott Economic Development Director, Rachel Pruitt.

Pruitt added the following to clarify:

“Local Incentives for Price Chopper Development:

  • Developer-funded project costs  were $9.4MM
  • Reimbursement of up to $2.65MM
  • $1.9MM via Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
  • Incremental real property tax and city sales taxes
  • $750,000 via Community Improvement District
  • .05% sales tax

“The State incentive:  IRB state sales tax exemption on construction materials and labor.

“IRB (Industrial Revenue Bond) was a state tax exemption on construction materials and labor.

There was no federal government incentive involved in the property development by Price Chopper.

“The County incentive:  participation in TIF – incremental property tax revenue reimbursed to AWG (the developer).

“TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District pays the developer on the ‘incremental’ tax revenue.  There is no bond obligation to the taxpayers.”

“They were performance-based incentives.”

Price Chopper opened Dec. 13, 2017

At the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee this morning, Jan. 10, Pruitt said even though Aldi’s has been mentioned as a replacement for Price Chopper, that decision is in the hand of the developer.

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at 500 Sunset Drive Jan. 10

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WEEKLY CHAMBER COFFEE REMINDER

Join us for Chamber Coffee

Hosted by:
Crystal Mason and Jared Leek of
Front Door Real Estate

Location:
500 Sunset Dr., Fort Scott
Thursday, January 10, 2019

Click here for Front Door Real Estate’s website.

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:
January 17 – USD 234 – Fort Scott High School
January 24 – Sharky’s Pub & Grub
January 31 – Southwind Extension District
February 7 – City State Bank

Business, Fort Scott

Hedgehog Bookstore Presents Artist Al Letner and Author Cathy Werling

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Hedgehog.INK Presents Two Events:
Children’s Storytime and Special Activity With Author Cathy Werling on January 12th at 10:30 a.m.
Meet the Artist, Al Letner of Chicopee Pottery, January 19th at 3:00 p.m.
Join us for two very special events at Hedgehog.INK, located at 16 S. Main St. in Fort Scott! For more information, contact Jan Hedges at 620-670-2752 or email [email protected]. Visit our Facebook page by clicking here.
Business, Fort Scott

Bids and Dibs Moves, Will Reopen This Month

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Bids and Dibs consignment store has outgrown its current space and has moved to 108 Scott Avenue.

Last week the staff shut down the store at 19 S. National Avenue, and put excess merchandise out on the sidewalk to give away.

Bids and Dibs consignment store, 19 S. National Avenue is moving locations.

Bids and Dibs consignment store has been in its present location for six years and has outgrown the facility.

The store will have a larger area at the new address, 108  Scott Avenue, Suite C.

The new location of Bids and Dibs is 108 S. State, Suite C. The main door (white, at left in photo) faces the parking lot south of the facility.

Store owner Angie Simon said the employees have been working to get the shop reopened at its new site.

“We will make the main shop entrance face Second Street across from City State Bank”, Simon said. “Wise Tax and Accounting will remain in Suite A on Scott Ave. Suite B (previously The Bunker) will be available for rent or turned into something fabulous soon. We will gain a wonderful amount of square footage that will allow us to serve you better. We are incredibly excited about 2019!”

“Our hope is that the additional square footage will allow our customers a more satisfying shopping experience by offering a greater variety of merchandise,” she said. “Along with increasing the categories in which we carry resale items we are excited to announce we will be adding to our new boutique lines”.

Bids and Dibs owner, Angie Simon,  purchased the southern part of the building in October from Wise Tax and Accounting, 108 S. Scott Avenue.
A peek inside the new facility from the Scott Avenue door on Jan. 6 shows the cavernous building that Bids and Dibs will be filling with merchandise.

“Construction started on the facility last week. We are hoping to re-open sometime this month,” Simon said.

“We will be prepared to start accepting consignments within the next two weeks. We will post details about our new consignment drop off procedures and opening dates on our Facebook page as soon as they are available”.

“The new store will have a much bigger sales floor allowing us to accept larger furniture pieces and household appliances, there will be a sizable room solely dedicated to online sales and our private consignor intake area will allow consignors to drop off items quickly and easily. The larger building will also give us the freedom to host more after-hours events like private parties and fundraisers.”

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business

Rosie’s Event Center Reopens Near Uniontown

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Rosie’s Cabin and Event Center, 563 Maple Rd. is reopening for business.

Rosie’s Cabin and Event Center, 563 Maple Rd., Uniontown. There is a large lodge, seen on the right, and a small cabin, on the left, middle. Submitted photo.

 

At Christmas time with their extended family, Kelsey and Kaley Blythe decided to reopen Rosie’s Cabin and  Event Center.  The property is owned by Kaley’s parents, Bud and LeeBelle Blythe.

“We live here (on the property), Kelsey said. “And have such a beautiful scene. It would be crazy not to (reopen) it.”

“Kaley and I were married here in April (at the lodge at Rosie’s),” she said. “I changed jobs recently, but something was missing.”

The couple decided to take on the reopening of the event center that been purchased by the Blythe family in 2016. The Blythe’s ran the center briefly before closing it.

Kelsey and Kaley Blythe at the wedding at Rosie’s Event Center Lodge in April 2018. Submitted photo.

Kaley and Kelsey Blythe live on the property in Rosie’s cabin but plan on renting it out as needed.

“We live in Rosie’s Cabin, but we will leave it on the table (to rent), like an Airbnb,” Kelsey said. “It can be rented out for people who are renting for the weekend. We are updating the small cabin so that people can use it as a dressing room and a honeymoon suite, if desired, even for those that are renting just one day. ”

The lodge can be rented for a marriage ceremony and reception of up to 200 people, she said. There is no cutlery provided, but a refrigerator, stove, and microwave.

Rosie’s Event Center Lodge can accommodate up to 200 people. Submitted photo.

Local vendors will provide decorations, food, photography, etc.

“The location is pristine for the community,” Kelsey said. “And will help other people (vendors) make money as well.”

“I will be the manager and coordinating the events, here,” Kelsey said.

June 1 will be the first event at the center for 2019, she said.

The gazebo near the lake, just off the front porch at Rosie’s Event Center. Submitted photo.

To learn more, contact her at 620-644-2874.

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS LOCATOR MAP ADS ON SALE

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FORT SCOTT – The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing to publish a new Business Locator City Map for 2019 and announces advertising space is available.

The map will be printed in full-color, double-sided, and sized 11” x 17”. The front of the map will feature a listing of the advertising businesses with pinpoint locators for those businesses. The back will display 24 business card sized ad spaces. Businesses included on the front should be in the categories of Shop-Dine-Stay-Play and those advertising on the back only may be any type of business or organization. The deadline to reserve an ad is January 25th and artwork is requested by February 1st.

The maps will be printed on pads that may be torn off and taken by locals or visitors. The pads will be distributed by the Chamber, the Visitors Bureau/Tourism Center, in Visitor/Relocation Packets, and will be available digitally on the Chamber’s website. Participating businesses will be given a supply of the maps to distribute as well.

For pricing information or to reserve your ad space, contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or email [email protected].

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

Monica Walden, Administrative Assistant, [email protected]

Phone: (620) 223-3566

 

Business

FORT SCOTT PRICE CHOPPER TO CLOSE DOORS

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FORT SCOTT, Kan. (January 7, 2019)  – Price Chopper will be closing its doors in Fort Scott, KS.

 

“It’s with a heavy heart that we announce our Fort Scott store will be closing”, said Barry Queen, Price Chopper owner.  “We built what we believed the community wanted; a state-of-the-art store with superior quality fresh foods, selection and customer service.  Neither myself, our valued and dedicated employees, the city, nor our loyal customers are to be blamed.  Unfortunately, the business necessary to support store expenses simply wasn’t there.”

We want to thank our Fort Scott customers, employees and the business community for doing their best.  We do not take this decision lightly and will work with our employees by either providing them jobs in our other locations or helping them find new positions in the community.

Additional details, starting January 9:

  • All merchandise will be marked 33% off regular price
  • Store hours will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until merchandise is liquidated

ABOUT PRICE CHOPPER

Price Chopper’s 53 grocery stores are locally owned by the Ball, Cosentino, McKeever, and Queen families, who oversee store operations on a daily basis. For 39 years, the owners and employees of Price Chopper have been committed to providing the highest quality products and top-of-the-line customer service to the thousands of customers they serve every day. For more information, please visit www.mypricechopper.com.

Business, Exercise, Fort Scott

Putting Green and Driving/Slicing Mats added to Momentum Indoor Training

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To welcome 2019, Momentum Indoor Training is expanding the services offered.

” I am really excited that Momentum Indoor Training now has equipment that allows golfers to work on their game even when the weather is not favorable to be on the course,” said owner Emelia S. Whiteaker, MS, PES.

In addition to the softball and baseball pitching machines and sports performance training. Momentum Indoor Training now has a 4 ft. by 18 ft. putting green, and driving/chipping mat with nets. The putting green is made of an aerated foam technology that mimics the roll and spongy feel of a natural putting green, she said.

A variety of breaks can be easily made using the numerous shims. The roll of the green can be sped up or slowed down using a broom.

One can also practice hitting specific shots by filling one or more of the 6 holes in the green and using the side standing mat which allows you to be on the same level as the putting green.

Golfers can work on their drives and chips by using the mat to hit into the 2 different nets in the facility. There are three different sizes of rubber tees for the mat including one that allows for the use of wood/plastic tees.

Pricing for the use of the golf training aids is:

20 minutes – $7.00

40 minutes – $12.00

60 minutes – $16.00

200 minutes – $50.00

600 minutes – $125.00

“All golfers must bring in their own clubs so they can train as they play,” Whiteaker said. “To schedule, your training times call (620) 223-1803 or send them a message on Facebook: @mitrainingfs . Training times can be any time during the day but times before 3 pm must be scheduled. Momentum Indoor Training is located at 2420 S. Main St., Suite 900 (drive around to the parking area behind Tractor Supply).”