Category Archives: Business

Business, Fort Scott

Duncans Host Public Meeting To Answer Questions

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Beaux Arts Centre, 102 S. National Avenue.

Denise and Bobby Duncan are opening their residence located at 102 S. National Ave., to the public this evening at 6 p.m. to answer questions and concerns about their recent closure of the Beaux Art Center.

“We are hoping to have documents ready….there has been a lot of misinformation,” Denise Duncan said.

The event is “especially for people in the historic district,” Duncan said. “And people that rent historic buildings.”

Both she and husband, Bobby will be there, she said.

The Duncan’s have had several discussions about the building with city officials that have been unsatisfactory, she said.

Denise Duncan contends that because their residence is a historic building, a code footprint is not needed. Additionally, they contend that the code footprint provided to the city is incorrect, she said.

“The code footprint regulation, K.A.R. 22-1-7, defines minimum features… for an objective evaluation by uniform application of state law using minimum resources. It also makes the code footprint available to assist local fire and building officials (to) view new construction and changes in use,” according to  http://firemarshal.ks.gov/division/prevention/plans-review-code-footprint.

“The  State Fire Marshall verified that it (their building) is on the state historic register,” she said. “Since it is on the historic register they are giving the city power to make waivers, exceptions, and variances on such matters.”

The City of Fort Scott hired Zingre and Associates P.A. to make the code footprint.

“Zingre’s code footprint is full of errors,” Duncan said.

Among Zingre’s biggest concerns is lack of proper egress width for stairways and doors based on the calculated occupant load of the building and how this load would spread out among the building’s two exits, according to his letter to the city, which was provided by Duncan.

Egress is an exit, according to the dictionary.

The Duncan’s will explain these contentions and others this evening at the meeting they are hosting.

Denise Duncan shows how the Zingre calculation was incorrect in the measurement of the front door to the Beaux Arts Centre. Zingre did not measure the door, merely assumed it was the standard 32 inches, she said. This measurement error cuts the number of people allowed at one time in the building, which drastically affects their business, she said.
The measurement of the front door is 42 inches, which would allow more people to be in the building at the same time. Duncan contends Zingre did not measure the door while at her residence to design the code footprint.
Denise Duncan looks at the code footprint document designed by Zingre and Associates P.A. This stairway on the south side of the building is not listed as an exit in the footprint.
This is the west staircase which leads down to the main level from the upper level and is not shown as an exit on the code footprint.
This window is the exit that the code footprint shows as the only exit on this floor which has three staircases that lead down, Duncan said. It is a window on the main level of the building.
This is the first page of a three-page letter that accompanied the code footprint design sent to the city in January 2018 by Zingre and Associates, P.A, provided by Duncan. The fourth paragraph states the biggest concern of the architects.
The second page of the letter from Zingre and Associates P.A. to the City of Fort Scott. Listed are other points that need to be addressed by the Duncan’s in regard to their building.
The third page from Zingre to the city.
Following is the code footprint produced by Zingre and Associates P.A. for the city, dated Jan. 17, 2018.
This is the lower level of the Beaux Art Center as shown in the code footprint.
The main level of the Beaux Arts Centre.
The upper level of the Beaux Arts Centre. This level has three stairway exits that are not designated as exits on the code footprint, a point of contention with the Duncans. The small triangle at the bottom of the design, notes the only exit listed on this floor, a window.
The code footprint legend of the Beaux Arts Centres.
A letter from Fort Scott Community Development Director Rhonda Dunn, which stated that a copy of the completed plan was sent to the state fire marshal. Denise Duncan said they should have had the report to look over and discuss with the city before it was sent.
This is Duncan’s response to Dunn’s letter, saying there were many error and omissions in the code footprint. The letter tells the city of Duncan’s intent to close the business, the Beaux Arts Centre.
Page 2 of the Duncan letter to the city.
Denise Duncan highlighted the parts of this Kansas Municipality and Code Officials Brochure, which lists groups of buildings that must provide a code footprint. She contends that none of these apply to the Duncan building.

 

Business, Fort Scott

Hoener’s Will Renovate 124 E. Wall: New Liquor Store And Apartments Are Planned

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The “Old Spoiled Brat building” on East Wall will be getting a new purpose.

The Hole in the Wall Liquor Store is moving.

The store, currently at 13 W. Oak will be moving to 124 E. Wall soon.

“Hopefully we will be able to start work in the next month,” Jody Hoener who along with husband Roy own the liquor store. ” We meet with our contractor this week to get our timeline nailed down.”

They have hired Hofer and Hofer of Humboldt to do the work of renovating what is known locally as the “Old Spoiled Brat Building” at the corner of Wall and Scott streets.

“Mike Hofer is a great contractor and an upstanding individual,” Hoener said. “I look forward to working with him and his crew.’

On March 6 Hoener was on the Fort Scott City Commission Agenda for consideration of bids and Community Development Block Grant approval for renovation of the property at 124 E. Wall.

Susan Galemore, a grant administrator for Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission, informed the Commission that this project was recently rebid a second time, according to the city minutes.

The second round of bids produced three bids, with the low bid from Hofer and Hofer in the amount of $150,084. This amount is still about $50,000 over the projected budget for the project as the grant amount is $95,000, according to the city minutes.

City Finance Director Jon Garrison prepared a spreadsheet reflecting the grant in the amount of $95,000, the City of Fort Scott contribution of $30,000, and the Economic Development Grant in the amount of $3,000. The Hoener’s contribution is $49,759. The total project is $177,759, according to the minutes.

” (City Manager) Dave Martin and Jon Garrison at the City have made this project smooth and have been involved since inception,” Hoener said. “We all have the same goal to move our city and it’s economic growth forward. It’s amazing what can happen when everyone is working towards that same vision.”

The Hoener’s will also be adding housing opportunities to the community.

“Our plan is to move Hole in the Wall Liquor to the new building with apartments in the upstairs,” she said. ” In the back, the empty lot is ours too, we will create a patio space for tasting events.”

“We do not own the building at the location we are at now and wanted to make an investment in our community,” Hoener said. “This building (on Wall Street) is an eyesore to the gateway of our downtown and has been for half a decade. It needed to be fixed and what better way than to use our resources and business to work towards our downtown revitalization. (It’s a)Great location. ”

 

Business, Fort Scott

Glimpses Of Chamber Dinner

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Dinner was served on individually decorated tables, that were sponsored by the Bourbon County Conservation District, Briggs Auto Group, Citizens Bank, City of Fort Scott, City State Bank, Craw-Kan, Diehl, Banwart, Bolton CPA’s,Emerson/Scott, Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott Vet Center, H & H Agency, HairBow Center, Landmark National Bank, Mercy Hospital, Peerless Products, Smallville Crossfit, Timken, Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Union State Bank, Ward/Kraft Inc. and, Westar Energy.

The 2018 Annual Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Dinner and Awards Celebration was held at the Liberty Theater, March 15.

On the agenda were the social hour, silent auction, dinner, a live auction,  and award presentations.

Guest speakers were Marci Penner and WenDee Rowe of the Kansas Sampler Foundation.

WenDee Rowe and Marci Penner, share a moment with Lindsay Madison, director of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.
Jeff Simpson, Cherokee, played the harmonica to entertain guests at the Chamber Annual Dinner.

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Farmers Market Plans For Season, And Is Looking For Honey Vendors

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The Fort Scott Farmers Market group met at Presbyterian Village Thursday evening to plan for the 2018 season which starts the first weekend in May.

The Fort Scott Farmers Market group met Thursday evening to review 2017 and look to this season possibilities.

The market sets up stalls in front of the Fort Scott National Historic Site at the north end of Main Street starting in May on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until noon and Tuesday evenings from 4-6 p.m.

It continues until October.

Market stall fees are $5 per day and there is a $5 application fee to reserve a vendor space. Or there is a discounted fee of $4 per day if pre-paid in the amount of $108 for the 27-week market space.

A new president of the market was elected, Stacey Atkins.

Beverly Brown was re-elected as treasurer.

Stacy Atkins, left, was elected the new president of Fort Scott Farmers Market. Beverly Brown was re-elected treasurer.

Atkins was the secretary in 2017 and that position is still open.

Linda Bower, the president of Fort Scott Farmers Market for two years, leads her last meeting March 15. New officers were elected and plans were made for the 2018 season.

In 2017 the group facilitated:

  • Breakfast on the Bricks, where customers can purchase a breakfast on Saturday mornings while attending the market.
  • Several demonstrations of interest to the community, such as CPR and rain barrels.
  • Tuesday evening strawberry shortcakes social.
  • Once a month raffle drawing, starting in June, with market vendors contributing goods for the prize.
  • The Third Saturday Marketplace, working in collaboration with the City of Fort Scott, the market moved to historic downtown on Main Street once a month.
  • Special music that entertains while customers stroll through the market.
  • Children’s activities.

The group is looking for honey producers, at the request of community members.

Group member Vickie Shead said she has some honey but production has been difficult with the drift of herbicides that have helped to decimate her bee population.

Traditional offerings of this market are veggies, fruit, eggs, crafts, jellies/jams, baked goods, herbs, live plants, nuts,  and pottery.

This year Fort Scott Kiwanis has offered to do Breakfast on the Bricks the first Saturday in May, according to Mickie Kraft, a group member.

Group member Ronnie Brown told about the Bourbon County Food Alliance that he is a part of.

“They were talking about how they could help us, possibly furnishing entertainment, breakfast, public relations, and help with the business part,” Brown said. “They want to see this farmers market extended.”

Brown also mentioned Project 17, which is a regional economic development and community engagement initiative in the southeast region of the state, according to a K-State website.

“Bob Marshall helped initiate it,” Brown said. Marshall was a Kansas Senator from 2009 to 2013.

“Local food is a by-word now,” Brown said. “There is a lot to look forward to, a lot of enthusiasm.”

Newly elected President Stacey Atkins told the group about a program through a Pathways Grant that is seeking input from local food producers.

“On May 3, a Buy and Sell-Meet and Greet will be at 5:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall,” Atkins said. “This meeting will be to bridge the divide between local gardeners and retail food sellers.”

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott, Submitted

Shamrock Saturday

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This Saturday, March 17, is St. Patrick’s Day. The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to get out and shop participating retailers for a “Shamrock Saturday” shopping promotion.

Participating retailers will have a Shamrock flyer posted on their window or door, and IF you are wearing green you will qualify for any drawings, deals, or discounts they may be offering. Those participating will have a drawing for $50 in Chamber Bucks gift certificates that may be used at over 50 local stores and restaurants.

May your day be filled with luck as you shop and celebrate this Saturday; shop local, shop the Fort for St. Patrick’s Day this weekend.

Contact the Chamber with any questions or for more information at 620-223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

Business, Fort Scott, Submitted

Chamber Coffee at Briggs March 15

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Chamber Coffee
Thursday, March 15th
8:00 am
Hosted by:
1901 S. Main St.
Click HERE for the Briggs Automotive Facebook Page
Click HERE for the Briggs Automotive Website
Bring your “Chamber Dollars” to make an announcement
about your business or organization; see you there!
Upcoming Coffees:
March 22 – Hosted by Friends of the Fort, location TBA
March 29 – Tri-Valley Developmental Services
Business, Fort Scott, Submitted

Chamber Live Auction Packages Preview

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce would like to share a few of the Live Auction packages that will be available for purchase at the 2018 Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration tomorrow night March 15 at Liberty Theatre.

1). The Downtown Party – Value $600

Make your way to Downtown Fort Scott and celebrate any occasion at Sharky’s Pub and Grub with 25 of your closest friends! This package includes the entire 3rd floor, food, beer, and wine! A catered affair of wings, chips & salsa, meatballs, spin dip, a half keg of either Blue Moon or Boulevard Wheat donated by Hole in the Wall Liquor, and Wine donated by Libation Station.  This will give you a chance to host a party without all the worries that go with hosting! **Reservations are based on availability** Sponsored by Hole in the Wall, Libation Station and Sharky’s Pub & Grub

2). Let’s Par-Tee! – Value $595

If the words PAR-TEE sounds like music to your hears, then this package is perfect for you. You can spend time with your Family or Par-Tee alone. Either way, you can perfect your swing with this One Year Family Golf Course Membership to Woodland Hills Golf Course! Courtesy of Dave Martin & the City of Fort Scott.

3). This Is How I Roll- Value $425

If you have NEVER said “My other car is…” or If you can roll everywhere BUT the Golf Course, you will want this One Year Golf Cart Rental at Woodland Hills Golf Course. Courtesy of Dave Martin & the City of Fort Scott Woodland Hills Golf Course.

4). Brew & ‘Cue – Value $550 –

You and 9 of your friends can Join Jim and Martha Scott on their patio to enjoy some of Jim’s Famous ‘Cue while Sippin on some Ice Cold Brew. Includes appetizers, a Selection of Smoked Meats (Kansas City Style) and Traditional Sides of Smokestack baked beans, and the BEST Macaroni Salad and Coleslaw around. And be sure to save some room because it comes with one of Martha’s Fabulous Desserts as well.

5). Tumbleweed Country Music & Camping Festival held June 14-16 – Value $2600

Enjoy a weekend of Real Country Music with Friends and Family OR Host Employees and/or Customers at the

3rd Annual Tumbleweed Country Music & Camping Festival held for the 1st time in LaCygne KS. Enjoy music from artist Cody Johnson, Marty Stuart and many more, Camping, Canoe Trips, Hot Air Balloon Rides, Helicopter Rides (just $20), Zip Line, Rock Wall, Archery, Hiking, Fishing, Showers, Cabins, Food Trucks KC Style, Petting Zoo, Craft Vendors and Horse-Drawn Carriages. There is something for everyone.

6.) Get Fit! Value $1000

This package includes a one-year family membership to Mercy Health for Life, 3 sessions in the Hydroworx 300, 6 personal trainer sessions with Mr. Flex himself – Rich Wallace, 4 nutritional coaching sessions with Sherise Beckham, Resistance Tubes – short and long. A Jump rope, Weights, Hand Grips, Waist pack, Sun Visor, Dry-Tex Shirt, Protein bars & energy chews. Sponsored by Mercy, Mercy Health for life & the Chamber Work Force Development Team.

7). Hometown Pride Fan Package – Value $432

This package is brought to you by USD 234 Fort Scott schools and Fort Scott Community College.  You can never have too much fan gear.  This package includes t-shirts, a windbreaker, decals for your car, John Deere towels, and much more.  Play a little tune on your guitar with custom tiger guitar picks made by students at Fort Scott Middle School.  Dress in your new gear and then head to Fort Scott’s own Papa Don’s Restaurant for pizza, bread-sticks or maybe a hot sub.  Come cheer on your favorite Tigers and Greyhounds with a sports pass giving you entry into every game. Sponsored by USD 234, FSCC and the Chamber Downtown Division.

8). Girls Night Out – 5 Course Dinner – Priceless

You and 7 guests, will enjoy a private dining experience in the Iron Star Loft above the Downtown storefront. This 5-course meal is hosted by Barbara Trimbur and includes Soup or Appetizer, Salad, Individual Beef Wellington, Roasted Vegetables, and Dessert. Guest are invited to bring their favorite beverage. Get the girls together and bid on this wonderful evening sponsored by Iron Star Antiques & Such.

9). Chiefs Kingdom $360

This package includes 4 tickets to a 2018 Kansas City Chiefs Pre-Season game with seats on the Front Row behind the visitor’s bench Donated by David Shepherd and Bourbon County Cars. Gas Cards from Pets and a Certificate from Price Chopper.

 

And More.

Area News, Business

Craw-Kan Expanding Service In Bourbon County

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Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative, Girard, is extending its’  “Fiber to the Home” network into the city limits of Fort Scott.

“We will be offering ultra-fast fiber optic internet up to 1 gigabit, high definition cable TV services, and phone service to residences and businesses,” said Zach Adams, Manager of Marketing and Customer Service of Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative.

“We will be providing better, faster, more reliable services using the latest technology at extremely competitive prices,” Adams said. “We will not require residential contracts and do not charge equipment rental fees or installation fees on new customers.”

Internet pricing starts at $50 per month and cable TV packages as low as $39 per month, Adams said.
For current pricing and packages see the business website www.ckt.net

“We are already hooking up customers in select areas and taking orders in Country Club Hills and along Indian Road and West 23rd Street,” Adam said. “Keep an eye on your mailbox for notification of availability in your area!”

Craw-Kan is hoping to expand its customer base and the size of its network footprint, he said.

The current plan is to finish the main trunk line loop through the city and begin building in some neighborhoods along the way.

“Later this year we plan to begin building in the historic downtown district and industrial parks,” Adams said. “Next year we plan to announce a larger scale expansion that will reach a large number of residents.”

  ” We have served a large portion of rural Bourbon county for a long time,” Adams said. ” This is an extension into the city limits.”

The fiber is 100 percent buried, so there is no weather interference, Adams said. ” It is optic (light) rather than electrical so there is no electrical interference. It is a dedicated link, so no sharing with other users.  It provides the most bandwidth available into the home – no speed restrictions based on distance.  It is low maintenance and highly reliable – nearly 99.95% uptime. “
For more information, contact Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative at 620-724-8235

 

Business, Fort Scott

Old Tribune Building Being Gutted

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Michael Barnard, working for Walker Construction and Demolition, points to the brick sections on the building at Wall Street and National Avenue, that will be converted back to the original storefronts, he said.

Workers were doing demolition on the building located at 9 S. National Avenue Wednesday, known as the old Tribune building.

Michael Barnard and members of the Yoder family were”gutting”  down to the floor and wall, Barnard said.

The crew was hired by Walker Construction and Demolition, Barnard said.

Jennifer LaRoche is the owner of the building, since early 2017.

In a later interview, LaRoche said the demolition is part of the “cleaning up” of the historic building at Wall Street and National Avenue, “so we can see what we got”.

“We still have lots of ideas,” for the building, she said.

A member of the Yoder family works on the demolition of the building at 9 S. National Avenue that most recently housed the Fort Scott Community College Cosmetology School. The school was a section of the Tribune building.

 

Business, Fort Scott, Submitted

Fort Scott Chamber Of Commerce Job Of The Day

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The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce’s JOB OF THE DAY:

FULL TIME- O’REILLY AUTOMOTIVE
O’Reilly’s is seeking applications for a Store Counter Sales position. Must have excellent customer service skills. Automotive parts, equipment or systems knowledge. Available for flexible work schedule. ASE certification preferred. 2207 S Main St., Fort Scott

Business, Fort Scott

Grand Opening For Quality Mechanics & Sound March 1

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The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall.

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Quality Mechanics & Sound, LLC. – Opening at 501 S. National.

Quality Mechanics & Sound, owned by Lisa Thurston, Alan Ornstein, and Erin Thurston will offer a variety of services such as vehicle repair and maintenance, installation of car audio systems, keyless entry, remote start, and auto detailing.

Their business also includes Midwest Interlock, ignition interlock, and home monitoring services.

All Chamber members and their guests are encouraged to attend.

The event will take place on Thursday, March 1 from 12 pm to 2 pm with the ribbon cutting starting at 12:15 pm.

Attendees will be invited to stay following the ceremony for a cookout and drawings and to learn more about the business and the services they to offer.