During the weekly Chamber Coffee Thursday morning, hosted by the Five Corners Mini Mart, representatives from local businesses and organizations shared a series of events occurring in Fort Scott in upcoming weeks while Five Corners gave an update on their services.

Owner and proprietor Darcy Smith said her family opened the gas station and convenience store located near the corner of Highway 69 and 12^th Street in 2006 and have been developing their business ever since, including opening the Libation Station next door in 2010.

In just recent weeks, Smith said they made improvements to their gas pumps so it flowed better. The store also provides meals throughout the day, such as breakfast made fresh each morning and barbecue such as pulled pork, brisket and ribs prepared for later hours of the day.

“If you haven’t tried our barbecue, you really should,” Smith said, adding that they also have a loyalty program for drinks, which allows the eighth purchased to be free.

Events happening around town in the upcoming weeks include:

• The Fort Scott National Historic Site will host a brown-bag lunch event Friday which will include a presentation from an author.
• The Knights of Columbus will host a fish fry Friday evenings, 5-7 p.m., during Lent at the Kennedy Gym. The fried catfish, side dishes and desserts can be purchased for a freewill offering.
• Friday evening, Nate’s Place will host a fundraiser meal of enchiladas to support two charities, Care to Share and the Neonatal Intensive-Care Unit.
• Gunn Park will host the third annual Disc Golf Ice Bowl Saturday morning, with registration beginning at shelter house #3 at 8 a.m. and tee off at 10 a.m. All proceeds from the $20 registration fees will go towards the Beacon. The first 20 participants or visitors will receive a free disc.
• Mercy Hospital is again partnering with Country Place Senior Living to offer another Virtual Dementia Tour Thursday, Feb. 18. Appointments should be made in advance.
• Fort Scott Community College will host a Red Cross blood drive, Feb. 18-19. The drive will be held from 1-7 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.
• The rotary will host the annual Dancing with our Stars event Feb. 20, at 7 p.m.
• On Thursday, Feb. 25, Mercy Hospital will host a Go Red for Women luncheon, which will include a speaker on the topic of women and heart disease.
• On March 5, Kansas residents will have the opportunity to participate in a caucus for the presidential nominees.
• Tri-Valley Developmental Services continues to sell tickets for their June 24^th drawing for a 2016 Ford F-150 Platinum Edition. About 1,000 tickets have already been purchased with 2,000 remaining. Tickets can be bought for $50 each or $350 for eight. Money raised will go towards homes they construct.
• Those interested in participating in the Bourbon County Fair this summer, Jul 16-23, are encouraged to begin considering what contests they will participate in or what they might exhibit. New and returning contests include making table runners, baling, scarecrows and food items.

Next week, the local movie theater will celebrate 10 years of existence, and throughout the month, the theater will provide specials to their customers to celebrate and thank them for their support.

Fort Cinema owner Amanda Hale said it’s hard to believe the theater has been open that long, while at other times it feels longer as she and her husband handle the theater after they made the decision in the early 2000s to start their own business.

After making that decision, they came to the conclusion that a movie theater was a need in the community, since the nearest ones were in Pittsburg or Kansas City.

“Every town does need a movie theater,” Hale said, saying they thought Fort Scott especially could benefit from one since the local bowling alley and other areas of activity were no longer open or were in disrepair.

Over four years after reaching that conclusion, the Hales prepared for their endeavor by forming a business plan, doing feasibility studies, considering the area demographics, selecting a property and speaking with bankers for financial support. But few thought they could successfully open a theater while others were unable to support the business.

But finally, with the support of a federal grant, property given to them and a parking lot constructed by the city, the Hales moved forward with their plans to replace the two-screen, Liberty box theater that had closed in the 1990s and was in very poor condition.

Since the opening of the theater on Feb. 17, 2006, it has provided stadium seating for each of their three screens and other amenities that Hale said are often not even available at larger theaters. Other upgrades in recent years have added the technology needed to provide 3D viewings with the new digital films.

With only three screens, Hale said they have to carefully schedule what movies they show, trying to show the most popular movies as well as always keeping family-friendly movies showing. When they face a difficult choice in selecting which movies to show, Hale said they take polls on their Facebook page to see which movies Fort Scott residents would be most interested in.

While some movie studios require certain movies be shown for at least two to four weeks, others are shown only on limited screens across the United States, such as certain Christian films Hale tries to get for Fort Scott, including the movie “Risen” releasing Feb. 19.

“When people tell us they appreciate us, than that makes it all worthwhile,” Hale said of their theater, which she referred to as a busy undertaking.

During the month of February, the theater will offer specials to those who come to Fort Cinema, such as offering $1 nachos and $2 pretzels this week. Details on show times and special offers can be found at their Facebook page and their website, www.FortCinema.com.

Downtown businesses in Fort Scott will donate a portion of their sales Friday toward the purchase of a new trolley for the city in honor of Kansas Day, celebrating the 155^th birthday of when Kansas became the 34^th state of the union.

During a recent, quarterly meet-and-greet of local businesses in Fort Scott, certain business owners proposed donating five percent of their sales toward that fund during the annual event, which in the past has provided discounts at certain stores in Fort Scott.

Participating stores include Papa Don’s, Crooner’s Lounge, Shirt Shack, Iron Star Antiques, Sharkey’s Pub & Grub, Main Street Gallery & Gifts, Courtland Hotel & Spa, Common Grounds Coffee Co., Bids & Dibs, J & W Sports and Country Cupboard. Those stores will have a sunflower placed in front of their store.

In recent weeks, the local Chamber of Commerce has also posted facts about Kansas on their Facebook page, sharing information about its history, tourist attractions, economy and physical attributes.

During the weekly Chamber Coffee, G & W Foods informed visitors of the numerous services they provide to their customers.

“We do just about everything,” said Shawn O’Brien of G & W Foods, listing options such as fresh meat daily, organic foods, catering, cake decorating and a full-service deli.

Each day of the week, the grocery store provides specials such as senior discounts or sales on specific food items such as bananas and chicken. For those who follow their Facebook page, further deals are offered weekly. Those with fuel cards can also save 2 cents per gallon at the gas station or 12 cents off per gallon for those who spend $100 in the store.

O’Brien said customer service is especially important to the 40 employees of the store, which was Gene’s Heartlands before being purchased by G & W Foods in August.

“We’re here to help you guys as our customers,” O’Brien said, saying they would not be open without the support of their customers.

G & W Foods also participates in Partners in Education, which allows customers to save receipts and give them to their schools, which will then receive a percentage of the total purchase cost.

Other announcements include:

• Mercy Hospital will be partnering with Country Place Living to provide a Virtual Dementia Tour Monday and Tuesday to help those who may be caring for loved ones with dementia.
• To celebrate Kansas Day on Jan. 29, certain Chamber of Commerce businesses will donate five percent of their sales to the Dolly the Trolley fundraiser.
• The Dancing with our Stars Rotary Club fundraiser will be held Feb. 20, featuring 10 couples. The Lyons couple is currently holding a fundraiser in advance, selling homemade enchiladas through Jan. 29.
• Skitch’s Hauling and Excavation continues to provide services for those in need of ice-melting or snow-plowing.

Weekend temperatures dipped well below the freezing point, even bringing some snow flurries to Fort Scott Sunday morning, having an impact on a local business that cannot provide their services with such cold weather.

The Typhoon Bay car wash on National Avenue has had cones blocking their bays in recent days because the weather has been too cold, someone at the place of business explained Monday, adding some of the equipment only works when temperatures are at least about 27 or 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperatures are forecast to reach above freezing once again this week, but Tuesday and Thursday also hold chances for snow and ice, which could potentially lead to adverse conditions on the roads.

During the most recent Chamber Coffee, Andrea Ramm of the Highlands Apartments provided information about the housing available to Fort Scott residents who meet the income requirements, while also displaying one of the apartments for tours.

The complex has been in the community since 2003 and has 48 units of two- and 3-bedroom apartments with washer and dryer hookups and other amenities. The complex also holds regular community events such as monthly potlucks for the residents.

The complex is income-restricted, with residents required to make no more than 60 percent of the median household income, which for a one-person family is currently under $26,000, increasing for additional family members.

Currently, the apartments are offering move-in specials of $200 off the first month’s rent and no application fee for those wanting to move into the complex.

“It’s a wonderful place and we need to have it filled,” said Lindsay Madison, director of the chamber of commerce.

Heather Smith was also recognized for serving as the president of the Young Professionals League for the past two years. She is now the treasurer of the group that meets monthly.

Other announcements included:

• Fort Scott and the Fort Scott High School booster club will host the annual youth basketball tournament this weekend, with about 29 teams participating in games at different school gyms as well as the Buck Run Community Center.
• On Sunday, the Common Ground Coffee Co. will host a going-away event, 12-2 p.m., for the previous manager Dav Mohler. Visitors are encouraged to bring finger foods to the event.
• Country Place Senior Living, the assisted living facilities being constructed near Horton and 9^th streets, is partnering with Mercy Hospital to host a virtual dementia tour to help those who may have friends or family members with dementia. The hospital will host the event Monday and Tuesday, January 25 and 26.
• After completing recent renovations, Bids & Dibs will hold after hours Thursday, Jan. 28, in order to display recent changes as well as additions to their stock.
• Common Ground Coffee Co. will host a concert by a Fort Scott Middle School teacher Friday evening, Jan. 29.
• Care to Share will hold a pool tournament fundraiser at the Holmtown Pub with a silent auction on January 30. Registration is $20 in advance and $30 at the door.
• Preparations are being made for the Arts Festival to be held in Fort Scott, April 7-9. Businesses and organizations are encouraged to share details with the community to increase the interest and involvement in the event.

During the first Chamber Coffee of the new year, the Chamber of Commerce introduced staff and new and returning board members to local business leaders of the community, also summarizing accomplishments from 2015 and announcing upcoming 2016 events.

“We do have an exciting year coming up,” chamber coffee hostess Rita Baker of Mercy Hospital said, saying the chamber will hold a strategic planning meeting soon to continue planning out the new year.

Baker said the chamber currently has 385 members, whose fees allow the chamber to hold events throughout the year. In 2015, the chamber organized events such as Fort Scott’s first Manufacturing Day, the third year of the high school mentoring program, the first three-species hunt, the opening of the LaRoche Baseball Complex and fundraisers such as the annual Golf Classic and Forks and Corks events.

Baker encouraged members to stay involved in such local events and invite others to join.

Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin said he has spoken with members of other communities who ask why new businesses come to Fort Scott, and said he believes it is because of the cooperation between the businesses and other entities such as the college and school districts with the leadership of the Chamber of Commerce.

“I just want everybody to realize how important the chamber is,” Martin said.

Upcoming events or needs in the community include:

• The LEAD Bourbon County course begins Thursday with the Chamber Coffee and will meet monthly over the next 10 months. Those still interested in joining can sign up and the Young Professionals League has a scholarship available.
• The Fitness Center at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott is currently waiving new membership fees for those interested in joining.
• The Fort Scott National Historic Site will be in need of employees by the summer, accepting applications from high school students and adults.
• First United Methodist Church will be hosting medical screenings next Thursday against the possibility of a stroke.
• The Fort Scott Community College will host a Martin Luther King Day luncheon in honor of the holiday.
• On February 9, at 1 p.m., the Fort Scott National Historic Site will host a class on how to properly burn pastures.
• The Rotary Club will host their Dancing with our Stars fundraiser event on February 26, but are still looking for couples who may be interested in participating.
• Country singer and Kansan Lucas Maddy will perform at the Liberty Theatre, March 6.

After more than a year of preparation and work at the old Western Insurance building, including demolition in recent months, construction will soon begin to prepare the remaining building for independent- living, senior apartments.

In a news conference hosted by the city of Fort Scott Monday morning, leaders of the city and the project gave an update on its process and answered questions.

Flint Hills Holdings Group, under president and CEO Tony Krsnich, purchased the buildings at the block of First Street between Main and National in June of 2014, with the goal of putting in 35 one- and two-bedroom units, a project which could add up to about $6 million of investments.

The group has completed similar projects in cities such as Lawrence, Parsons and Kansas City and found success in that area service. Krsnich said they like to look for projects that would include working on historical buildings in order to help preserve them and their legacy, which attracted them to Fort Scott.

With the sale of the buildings, the city of Fort Scott invested almost $1 million in an environmental cleanup of the building as well as the demolition of the building alongside National Avenue. That area will be used as a parking lot.

“The project wouldn’t have been possible without the city,” Krsnich said of the city’s investment in the building, saying he hopes the new apartments will bring more residents downtown as well as more businesses and employees.

City Manager Dave Martin said not only the city leaders but the residents of the community showed support for that investment that would improve the downtown appearance as well as potentially encourage others to invest in vacant spaces located downtown.

“This project isn’t going to fix our downtown,” director of economic development Heather Smith said. “But what it will do, I think, is bring opportunity for additional developments.”

Krsnich said construction will begin within the historic building in January and will likely be complete by October. Already a list is forming for those interested in becoming residents, which could lead to a waiting list as Krsnich said they expect the apartments to rent out quickly.

On New Year’s Eve, Fort Scott and the Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Soleil Tan, a tanning salon bringing its services to Fort Scott after opening a similar location in Nevada.

“I feel like we’re going to do really well here,” general manager Devin Miller said, saying their presence was requested by some of Nevada’s customers who had been traveling from Fort Scott, so they began working to bring it to the area more than a year ago. “We felt there was a need.”

The business offers a range of tanning levels on different beds manufactured in Kansas City, some sessions lasting about six minutes and going up to 15 minutes. It also provides teeth whitening and tanning lotions and moisturizers that Miller said can help tans last longest. Miller said they hope to add more services in the future.

“Our mission has always been to dispel the myths about sun beds and explain the science behind UV tanning,” Miller said, saying they use a controlled environment of UV exposure in moderation. “Our goal is to earn our customers’ business with a well-trained staff, a clean environment and a relaxing experience that gives great results.”

To go with their grand opening, Miller said they are offering specials including 12 tanning sessions for the price of 10 and 20 percent off lotions. The first tan is also always free.

Soleil Tan will be open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Miller said those hours may change based on demand. Appointments can be made via their text line, sending those messages to 620-215-0176.

“The place looks beautiful,” Chamber of Commerce director Lindsay Madison said of the building they renovated and cleaned up. “And we’re just glad you’re here.”

Other announcements concerned New Year’s Eve events being held at Vinedo del Alamo Winery and the Liberty Theatre at 8:30 p.m., and music and a champagne toast at Sharkey’s.

On Feb. 9, at 1 p.m., the Fort Scott National Historic Site will host a program concerning pasture burning for the cost of $10. The 10-month LEAD Bourbon County program is also still accepting applicants.

During the final Chamber Coffee of 2015 Thursday morning, members of the community were introduced to city employees and leaders as well as given a report on the accomplishments of the city in 2015.

City Manager Dave Martin listed a number of additions and improvements to Fort Scott in 2015, including the completion of the Lowell Milken Center building, the LaRoche Baseball Complex, the Marmaton Riverfront trails, the National Historic Site’s new exhibit, the expansion of a number of businesses as well as the opening of different venues for community events.

Other changes include the addition of the new Fort Scott Community College president and the approval of the school and jail bonds. It was also determined that Mercy Hospital would remain in Fort Scott while the demolition of the Western Insurance building will likely be complete by the end of the year.

Martin expressed gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce and the Historic Preservation Association for their work with the city to continue to improve the community.

In 2016, Martin said residents can look forward to the completion of the National Avenue project and possibly the quiet zone where the railroad tracks intersect with Wall Street. Work will also begin on widening Highway 69 for a turning lane, improving Maple Road, constructing the Western building apartments and creating a new entrance for the Industrial Park.

Kansas Fiber will also arrive in Fort Scott as well as the new assisted living facilities being built on Horton. Grants will be used such as the safe routes to school grant and another grant that will permit the city to put sidewalks in place on Wall Street.

“We just really appreciate our jobs,” Martin said on behalf of the city. “We appreciate serving in the community. And when I say that, we couldn’t do that without everyone in this room—the hospital, the college, the school district, the county and everybody working together. We have to work together to move forward.”

Other announcements concerning upcoming events included:

• The Fort Scott Community College will host a Red Cross Blood Drive Thursday 1-7 p.m., and Friday until noon.
• The Young Professionals League of Bourbon County will hold a Christmas social Friday evening at 6:30. Further details can be found on their Facebook page.
• The Fort Scott Public Library will hold a Christmas party for children Saturday at 11 a.m., with activities and snacks provided. They are also looking for volunteers who might help with the event.
• The Common Ground Coffee Co. will host a Christmas concert by Nine Mile March Saturday evening at 7 p.m., using the event as a fundraiser for a barista who will leave for Uganda in January.
• The Salvation Army Kettle Drive is still looking for volunteers to help with the drive through December 24. The money raised will remain in Bourbon County to be used to assist those in need.
• The Leadership, Exploration and Development program beginning in 2016 continues to look for participants for the 10-month program, which will meet the second Thursday of each month. Deb Needleman and Robert Uhler will facilitate the sessions which will include curriculum from the Kansas Leadership Center.