Fort Scott, KS — Congratulations to our iPod winner, Jenni Elder! Over the last couple of days, fortscott.biz was running a contest to give away an iPod. We have selected a winner at random and presented a new iPod to Jenni.
Jenni has lived in Fort Scott, nearly all her life – moving here when she was two. She works locally here in Fort Scott and was very excited about winner the iPod and hopes to keep away from her kids.
Thank you all who signed up to win. We hope you continue to enjoy the articles at Fort Scott.biz — if you do, please encourage your friends to sign up.
If you have events you think we might be interested in writing about, please contact us at: [email protected].
Bronson, KS – Have you ever had the conversation with your kids about where your beef comes from? It’s can be quite an interesting conversation explaining where are food comes from and how it’s processed. There are some really great documentaries on food processing and production, but if you are looking for a local beef, pork, venison processing business, you don’t even have to leave the county.
Bronson Locker has been in operation for a long, long time. The current owners, Chubb and Helen Bolling, have been slicing and dicing since 1966. When they bought the locker they had about 700 square feet to work with. Now, they have expanded into 3 storefronts and have custom made their entire processing facility.
From start to finish, the Bolling family has processing down. Click on the gallery to see a pictorial tour of the facility.
Here the livestock are loading (back of the store)
Final holding pen
Initial processing (removal of all unnecessary parts). Notice big door on the right, that is the hanging locker
This is the initial USDA inspection station where overall health of the animal is verfied
Hoisted on pulley system to weigh and move into the locker
Depending on the animal, they will hang here for 7-14 days
More hanging
More hanging
This is the other side of the locker. When hanging is complete, the pulley system is connected to this room where specific cuts are made.
Processing room
Wrapping maching
Once processing is complete, it goes into the deep freeze. This is the beef freezer.
Beef Freezer
Final USDA report office
Pork Freezer
Pork Freezer
This is for curing hams, kind of like a cement mixer, but food grade
For quick drying pork, deer anything you want to jerky
And onto the cart to load out to the customers (front office area)
The Bolling family was great to visit with while they gave the tour. The whole facility was very clean and remarkably free from smells you might associate with a processing business.
If you are looking for a local place to handle your processing needs, the Bronson Locker can take care of your needs. Being in the middle of deer season, there are lots of ways you can process that venison and Bronson Locker has mastered probably all of them from jerky to summer sausage, they can do it.
Make sure to call ahead if you are planning on dropping off an animal for processing and for any other questions you might have. For contact info and questions:
Bronson Locker
620.939.4575
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Fort Scott, KS – Have you been looking for a way to make a real impact on your community on multiple levels? If so, you might want to do learn more about Project 17. Project 17 was born out of a large community meeting to address socio-economic, health care and industry in 17 counties in South East Kansas.
The mission statement is to improve the economic opportunities and qualities of life of those who live, work, and play in the 17 counties of South East Kansas. One of the key indicators of low performance is the lack of high impact civic leadership. Towards this goal of increasing networking and leadership, Project 17 has joined with Kansas Leadership Center and is putting together one day (FREE) leadership conferences in area counties to address these issues.
During the conferences, there will be actions points where leaders can get involved as well as discussion topics such as: Diagnosis Situation, Intervene Skillfully, Energize Others and Manage Self. These conferences are focused on developing leadership skill in the civic leaders in the area. Registration deadline is October 15, click here to register. Here are the dates of conferences in the area:
October 28:
Fort Scott Community College, Ellis Family Fine Arts Center (2108 S. Horton, Fort Scott, KS 66701)
October 29:
Neosho County Community College, Ottawa Campus(900 East Logan St., Ottawa, KS 66067)
October 30:
Independence Community College West, Woods Family Community Center (2615 West Main St., Independence, KS 67301)
Another conference in conjunction with Project 17 is the “UnConference” that will be hosted at Pittsburg State University, Thursday, October 16th, 9-4pm. “Topics will include things like how to support existing business and entrepreneurship, economic development, health education and how to improve the regions workforce,” Project 17’s Executive Director, Heather Morgan commented. Ken Brock and Joe Bisogno will be speaking and will further the discussion of how we can make Project 17 counties more economically productive. Click here for more information and to register (deadline today).
For more information about Project 17
Heather Morgan
Project 17
Executive Director
785-323-7001 [email protected]
If you have ever owned a pet, you know the benefit those furry (or sometimes not) little critters can bring to your home. Of course, we’ve also had those days that turn out to be more of an adventure you bargained for!
Courtesy Lee’s Paws and Claws
We also know how fast un-cared for pets can get into trouble and become malnourished. The good people over at Lee’s Paw & Claws (no-kill) Animal Shelter, help take care of those homeless critters, providing food and shelter. This Saturday, starting at 10am, they have planned a full afternoon of activities that will bring you face to face with some of those who are in their care. It is taking place at the Fort Scott Community College walking trail area from 10am – 3pm.
Courtesy Lee’s Paws and Claws
If you are looking to stretch your legs with your favorite four-legged animal, there will be plenty to do for everyone. Paws and Claws will have an agility run for dogs, photo ops, bake sale and live auction at 2pm to raise funds for continued care and facility improvements.
If you need some basic care for you animal, they will also be offering rabies shots for $7.50, Parvo shots for $10 and if you have been wanting to microchip your animal, you can do that also for $25. There will also be a drawing and the winner will get two pets microchipped!
And if you are looking to provide a great home to one of the animals, they will be adopting out during this event. There will be concessions and pet costumes, seriously, this will be a blast. You can check out more info by clicking here for their Facebook page or their website here.
Contact:
721 240th Street
PO Box 343
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701 620-223-2888 email: [email protected]
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Fort Scott – On Saturday, September 13th, Mercy Hospital partnered with local area agencies to remember our fallen soldiers who have given their lives for the ‘war on terror.’ Mercy hosted a 5K fun run and 1 mile walk for those interested in joining in the activities of the day. The race course started near the Fort and concluded on Main Street, where participants could hear the names of those being remembered being read aloud.
A total of 71 participated in the Symbols of Sacrifice Memorial 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk on Saturday, Sept. 13. The event was co-hosted by Mercy Hospital and the Friends of the Fort. “We want to thank our corporate sponsors and Mercy volunteers for their support in making the event successful and safe for our participants,” said Reta Baker, President of Mercy Hospital Fort Scott.
Proceeds from the event will assist the Symbols of Sacrifice committee with the purchase of a track chair for a local veteran as well as a health care project funded by the Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott.
Race sponsors included: All Hit 103.9, Cancer Center of Kansas, Cheney Witt Chapel, City of Fort Scott, Colbalt MedPlans, Fort Scott Community College, Mercy Clinic, Medicalodges of Fort Scott, Nitro Promo and Pepsi.
For more information on Mercy Foundation and keep up on the latest events, check out their Facebook by clicking here!
Media Contact:
Tina Rockhold [email protected] Phone: 620-223-8094
Cell: 620-224-8842
Fax: 620-223-5327
Fort Scott, KS Love fresh, home-grown vegetables? Have you come out to Fort Scott’s Farmer’s Market? The FS Famer’s Market ramped up for the first time this year in May, according to their Facebook page. Farmer’s Markets are becoming increasingly popular across the country, for many reasons. Locally grown products and supporting local farmers and business tops the list.
The FS Farmer’s Market is farmer organized and run and designed for a place local famer’s can come together to create a marketplace for local foods. For the first year, the operation is going well. I would love to see more vendors filling up the whole Skubitz Plaza every Saturday morning and Tuesday evening.
Last Saturday, there were even free muffins being given away. Of course, I cannot promise they will be there every time the market is open, but I will say you missed out if you weren’t able to try them! The mission of the Farmer’s Market is to provide a safe friendly venue for the sale of the freshest local produce possible for the citizens of Fort Scott Kansas, with an emphasis on building a strong community.
I would say they are well on their way, but they can’t do it alone! I hope you are able to come out and support the hard working folks who are making this possible. If you want the latest information on what is going on with the market, you can check out their Facebook page by clicking here. I’m sure they are always looking for more vendors.
Skubitz Plaza ( In Front Of The Historic Fort)
Saturday Mornings 8:00am to Noon
Tuesday Evenings 4:00 to 6:00 pm
From The First Weekend in May to The Last Weekend in October
Mail:
Fort Scott Farmers’ Market Association
P.O. Box 1011, Fort Scott KS, 66701
Email: [email protected] Phone: (620) 857-4190 (ask for Mary Corpstein)
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I like coffee just as much as the next guy, maybe a little more, so it was a real treat to connect with Common Ground Coffee Company on Main Street. I was able to spend a little time with Dav Mohler, store manager, and here about all that is going on. If you haven’t been, it’s high time you stop in for a coffee or the Sandwich of the Day.
Store Manager, Dav Mohler
Common Ground Coffee Company has been on Main Street for a year and a half. The java joint was an idea brewed up by the leadership at Church of the Nazarene, Fort Scott. “It was designed as a way to give back to the community,” Mr Mohler said. “Not only do we have great coffee and a place for high school and college students to hang out, but we are creating jobs and skills students can take with them.” Currently, two former baristas who have moved away to further their education, continue to work in coffee shops.
Common Ground also hosts a number of different events. Just a few events coming up include a FSCC Video Game Tournament FINALS, September 12th @ 6pm. September 13th, Matt Harper will be performing live music starting at 7pm. Throughout the year, they will host a number of different performing artists and open mic. If you are a performer or know any musicians who are looking for an outlet, Dav would love to talk with you. (Call him at the number below).
The vibrant, warm atmosphere is a great place to work, study or socialize. Of course, there is free wi-fi and ample room for lunch meetings or classes. There is a calendar of events that offer various classes on occasions, such as knitting or learning essential oils.
Dav also said many volunteers really help keep the shop in great working order. From baking pies to making grocery runs, he is always on the lookout for folks who can come and spend some time working to keep the vision alive.
Hopefully, you will be downtown this weekend with all the events going on at the Fort. Make sure you stop in, grab a coffee and say hello to Dav and meet the other baristas. Keep up with currents events on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fortjava OR you can text “commonground” to 41411 for specials, coupons and event announcements.
Common Ground Coffee Company
116 S Main Street, Fort Scott
620.223.2499 [email protected]
Wednesday April 4th, Bourbon County will have a new newspaper. H & H Publishing is launching the Bourbon County Review to report on local news, sports and other “reader-driven” topics. Jerrod Handly said that plans for the paper were started due to the overwhelming community desire for a locally owned newspaper in the county.
Mr. Handly said that he recently negotiated a deal that will let him keep the printing in Kansas. He said he is going to try to keep as much of his business within the state as possible.
The paper will be printed once each week and readers can subscribe to the print or online editions.
You can get more details from the press release. To subscribe to the paper check with H&H Publishing downtown or call them at 620-223-6200.
Jake “Jukebox” Johnson was born in Fort Scott, but raised in Iola. He was attending FSCC when he decided to stop by Boone’s Barber Shop to ask about careers as a barber. Encouraged by what he learned, Mr. Johnson enrolled in Wichita’s Old Town Barber College. After graduating 11 1/2 months later he took a job at Boone’s Barber Shop.
Now he is starting his own business with the Jukebox Barber Shop at 15 E. Wall Street where he offers $10 haircuts and $10 shaves. On a recent visit a record player in the corner was playing Johnny Cash and there were a number of guitars on display on the wall.
Mr. Johnson said the guitars are for sale. He also has strings, picks and other supplies that he said are hard to find in Fort Scott. He also offers guitar lessons. His goal with the guitar, lessons and supplies isn’t to make a large profit–he just wants to get more people interested in music.
The Jukebox Barber Shop is open from 8 to 7 Tuesday through Friday and 8 to 1 on Saturday. The telephone number for voice and text is 620-224-7798. The shops website is: http://jukeboxsbarbershop.com/
Boeing has announced plans to close their Wichita plant which will cut over 2,000 jobs. According to Senator Moran, less than a year ago Boeing had pledged to add 7,500 jobs to the Kansas location as part of the tanker contract they were awarded.
City officials from Wichita helped Boeing in their efforts to win the tanker contract based on the new jobs it would create, so they feel a bit betrayed that the aviation/defense company chose to not only move the tanker jobs to Oklahoma City and San Antonio, but also shutdown the rest of their Kansas operations.
Officials were also disappointed that Boeing didn’t talk to them about the changes before making the announcement so they weren’t able to offer any incentive for the corporation to stay.
Expressly For You is a coffee shop located 19th street and 69 across from Shepherd’s car dealership. It is owned by Judy and Phil Friedrick and opened for business about 5 1/2 years ago.
Jackie Webster looks out the drive through window.
Expressly For You serves breakfast and lunch with specialty drinks, soups, waffles, cookies, sandwiches and much more.
When I visited I spoke with Jackie Webster who was working the front. She said that most everything they serve is homemade. She said it can take a few minutes to make the drinks or cook a waffle. If customers are in a hurry they can call ahead so it will be ready when they arrive.
The inside of the store is nice decorated, clean and friendly. Having never been in the store, it was quite a bit bigger than I expected.
Expressly For You is open 7 – 2 on Monday through Friday for drive up and in store service. If you want to call ahead, their number is 620-223-1333.
