Category Archives: Business

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fresh Coffee Online And Other Fort Scott Progressions

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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

Mackenna Robinson, assistant manager of Common Ground Coffee Co., 116 S. Main, speaks to the Downtown Quarterly Meet and Greet April 3.

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.

Common Grounds Manager Vicki Waldron and Mackenna Robinson, assistant manager and also Waldron’s grand-daughter.

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.
Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison speaks to attendees at Tuesday morning’s Downtown Quarterly Meet And Greet, hosted by Common Grounds Coffee Co.
  • 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/
  •  Biking Across Kansas, a 559-mile ride will end in Fort Scott on June 16. Expected are about 850 cyclists.
  • There will be a Veteran’s Weekend Nov. 9-11 in honor of veterans. An 11 am. service at National Cemetery and a parade at 3 p.m. on Nov. 11 are some planned events.
  • Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative’s Fiber Optic Internet is progressing to the downtown area this summer and project construction will ramp up in 2019, according to Zach Adams. He said the response was more than expected in the community.
  •  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.
Attendees listen as each tells their name and the business/organization they represent.
  • 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Liberty Theater Gets A Facelift

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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.

The crew has been working for about a month on the restoration project in downtown Fort Scott.
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Submitted

Chamber of Commerce Job Of The Day

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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

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

New Marketing Plan For Tri-Valley

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Tri Valley’s Executive Director Tim Cunningham shows off the new logo of the organization at Thursday’s Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee.

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.

TVDS Horticulture Therapist Barb McCord speaks to the Chamber coffee attendees. Behind her are the give-away plants offered to each person who came to the coffee, either a tomato or a marigold plant. The plants are from the greenhouse at the facility.

Cunningham said the annual Cruise Nite in Chanute has a goal to raise $25,000 this year, to provide homes for people with disabilities.

Deb Needleman, a Chamber member, leads the announcement segment of the weekly coffee.

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.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Submitted

Happenings In Fort Scott March 30-April 1

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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:

Chamber March 30-April 1

Business, Fort Scott

Chamber Of Commerce Job Of the Day-City Of Fort Scott

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JOB OF THE DAY- SEASONAL LABORER- CITY OF FORT SCOTT
The City of Fort Scott is seeking applicants for Seasonal Laborer’s to work under direct supervision of the Parks & Facilities Manager. This position maintains grounds of public property. Essential Duties include: Cutting grass, trim and edge sidewalks, prune shrubs, cleans drainage ditches and culverts, empty trash and replace liners. Performing duties require walking, lifting 25-50 lbs, and exposure to outside weather. Apply here: http://ow.ly/iZEw30j8ZyL

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. ”