Value Merchandisers Company is located at 4805 Campbell Dr. in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park. This is a 2017 photo of the building.
January 8, 2024
Due to the completion of the state-of-the-art All-In-One (AIO) Distribution Hub in Hernando, Miss., we will be closing operations at our Valu Merchandisers Company (VMC) facility located in Fort Scott, Kan.
We will transition the majority of VMC Fort Scott’s inventory and shipments to the AIO and expect the transition to be
completed by the end of March 2024.
Our employees at this facility have worked hard and done an excellent job providing retailers with the best variety of quality Health & Beauty Care (HBC), General Merchandise (GM) and Specialty Foods (SF) at the lowest cost to drive sales since the facility was built in 1995.
This was not an easy decision, and we sincerely appreciate
the dedication the employees here have shown.
We are committed to helping all impacted employees through their transition to other opportunities, including potential opportunities within AWG.
ABOUT ASSOCIATED WHOLESALE GROCERS, INC.:
Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned
supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and more than 3,400 locations throughout 31 states from 9 wholesale
Divisions.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting Thursday, January 11th at 8 a.m. hosted by Freedom Fitness which will be held at their new business, 15 S. National Street. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.
Lindsay and John Hill, owners and coaches of the new business called Freedom Fitness opened their doors on January 1st, 2024. Freedom Fitness offers fitness classes for all ages and fitness levels, plus the option for a regular gym membership for patrons to come in and lift during certain hours and use equipment/facilities. Lindsay and John look forward to serving Fort Scott with a Faith.Family.Freedom.Fitness environment.
Any member business or organization wanting to host a Chamber Coffee in 2024 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or email [email protected].
Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet RESCHEDULED for January 23rd!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held January 23rd from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Papa Don’s, 10 N. Main St.
These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotion and anything related to downtown.
Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
David Shepherd has turned ownership of Bourbon County Cars over to Josh Jones.
Bourbon County Cars.Submitted photos.
Shepherd started Boubon County Cars, Inc. in 2013 after he sold Shepherd Team Auto Plaza to Briggs Auto Group in 2016. He sold his used car business to Josh Jones, the company’s General Manager for the last seven and a half years on January 3.
Shepherd said “Josh and I have been discussing and working toward this sale for the last 12 months or so. He has done a great job running our company, takes excellent care of customers, and has a very good business mind. I’m confident that he will successfully own and operate Bourbon County Cars and continue to serve the transportation needs of our community.”
In 2008 Josh Jones and his father purchased Fort Scott Sanitation, and in 2010 he bought out his father in the business, then sold the business in 2014 to a national company.
“Then I got into property rentals and started with Bourbon County Cars in 2016,” Jones said. “I sold most of my rentals in 2022.”
“Everything will be run the same,” Jones said. “Since I started David has let me have full control.”
“I knew at a young age I wanted to be a business owner, I had a hard time working a regular job,” he said. “Then I started working for David, he’s the best.”
Shepherd has been in the automobile business in Fort Scott for 52 years. After 44 years, he sold Shepherd Team Auto Plaza to the Briggs Auto Group in 2016. Both Shepherd and Jones are lifelong residents of Fort Scott and graduates of Fort Scott High School.
“I will pop into the store for a bit almost daily; mostly staying out of the way,, to see if I can help in any way,” Shepherd said. ” I will continue to be a part of several organizations like the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, Community Health Center Board, and CORE Community. I’ll stay busy.”
Bourbon County Cars has three other employees: Josh Binford, Dale Gauthier, and Bud Hall and it is located at the intersection of South National and 69 Highway bypass across from Briggs of Fort Scott.
The business phone number is 620-223-1435 and hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
The Artificers are packing up art from Amy Smith, Lorrie Fowler, Liberty Worth, and Brandy Evens this week, so HURRY IN and check them out before they are gone!
Think of The Artificers for your party’s!
Contact The Artificers with questions or for more information:
We are packing up art from Amy Smith, Lorrie Fowler, Isaac Fowler, Liberty Worth, and Brandy Evens this week… SO hurry in and check them out before they’re gone!! Check Socials for Specifics!
Think of us for your party’s!
Call us at 913-574-7741 for reservations!
We have catering connections for stress free party planning!
First Friday’s Is TONIGHT…
Join us tonight for a fun late night looking at art and socializing!
GLAZE DAY is January 27th!
Come in and “paint” your heart away with all the variety of glazes and pieces we have available!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting Thursday, January 11th at 8 a.m. hosted by Freedom Fitness which will be held at their new business, 15 S. National Street. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.
Any member business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2023 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].
John and Lindsey Hill and sons, from Freedom Fitness Facebook page.
Lindsay and John Hill are the owners and coaches of a new business, Freedom Fitness, located at 15 S. National.
“We offer fitness classes for all ages and fitness levels,” Lindsay said. “We also offer regular gym memberships so you can come in and lift during certain hours and use equipment and facilities.”
“This was a need in our community and we are super passionate about helping others become their best self,” she said. “This will allow us to not only help people with physical fitness, but we will also be offering nutritional classes, flexibility, and mobility sessions, and so much more.”
Classes available:
Training – A Cross Training class that offers strength, flexibility, endurance, and much more.
EnduraFit – An endurance class that uses barbells and weights to move with speed and efficiency.
LIFE – A bootcamp style, focusing on body movement and functional fitness.
Masters – A class focused on seasoned individuals who want to move, have flexibility, and functional fitness using minimal weight.
FreeFit -The normal gym membership that allows individuals to focus on their own goals and programs.
KidFit- all things kids, including speed, agility, mobility, strength, plyometrics, etc.
“We will tailor all classes to fit the fitness levels and goals,” she said.
The business phone number is 620-644-2167
Business hours of operation are from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The cost for Freedom Fitness is $79/month for unlimited, and $60/month for 3 days/week.
Freedom Fitness business front at 15 S. National. Submitted photo.
“We look forward to serving Fort Scott with a Faith.Family.Freedom.Fitness environment,” she said. “It will be a positive, uplifting space where people can leave life at the door and focus on themselves. We want to create a space where health and fitness is a way of life – helping Fort Scott become a healthier community.”
Lucia Crellin, 29, will be the new administrator of Medicalodge Fort Scott, following the retirement of Lynette Emerson in December 2023.
“I started with Medicalodges Coffeyville on Midland in May 2023 as an Administrator in Training with KACE (Kansas Adult Care Executives), and I have just accepted the Administrator Role for Fort Scott Medicalodges and will be acquiring my Kansas Licensure as well as my NHA Licensure at the first of the year. “
She has a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies and a focus in health science from Emporia State University and also has her Kansas Certified Nurse Assitant License, through Neosho County Community College.
“I started training under Lynette on December 18th, and as of January 2, I will be taking over the position,” Crellin said.
“I grew up in the halls of long-term care as my…mother put herself through nursing school to become a Registered Nurse and pursue her career goals being a Director of Nursing, Administrator, Nurse Consultant, and now Director of Education. For the last couple of years, I have been learning the ins and outs of the administration role among long-term care nursing homes.”
“I entered this career because there is a great need for quality administrators and nursing staff among long-term care settings/nursing homes,” she said. “I think that sometimes people forget that our older generation of folks are still human beings and they deserve to continue living their best life at whatever stage they may be in,” she said. “I want to make a difference in the lives of residents staying in our nursing homes whether it be for a short-term skilled stay or a long-term stay. I want to make residents feel safe and comfortable in their homes/our nursing homes. I want our residents and our future residents and their families to know that I care, and will always care and advocate for them.”
The greatest challenge?
“I think the greatest challenge is the fact that I am a single mother and a brand new administrator,” she said. “The work-life balance will certainly be a challenge, and dedication and commitment are both important to be successful at both. This can place a challenge when both take such a high priority and both are physically demanding as well as 24/7 jobs. In healthcare and especially healthcare leadership there is no time off. Even when you are ‘off’ you really are not off. When your phone rings regarding your child, you answer. When your phone rings regarding your facility, you take that call. It’s not challenging to do all of that, the challenge will be overcoming the toll that this can take, and knowing everyone and everything depends on you, and knowing you are the one to be held accountable because all will have to be accounted for by you, and answered for and fixed with my oversight. But with all that being said, I have a great support system within my company and my family, and I am looking forward to overcoming any challenge that comes my way.”
Crellin lives in Yates Center and commutes.
She has a four-year-old daughter, Elayna, and a significant other, Taylor.
The Fort Scott Downtown Pavilion is located between Old Fort Blvd. and Stanton Street on North National Avenue and construction is slated for completion in mid-January.
A new 70-foot by 150-foot pavilion is in the works for downtown Fort Scott between Old Fort Blvd. and Stanton Street on North National Avenue.
The Fort Scott Farmers Market Pavilion, or Fort Scott Downtown Pavilion is part of many additions in “The Gathering Square” in Fort Scott’s vibrant downtown district, according to Fort Scott Mayor Matthew Wells.
Matthew Wells. Submitted photo.
‘The farmers market pavilion would aim to be a dynamic community hub,” according to a press release from Wells. “This outdoor pavilion stands in the original location of the first farmer’s market in the community’s history and champions access to fresh produce by hosting the Farmers Market every Tuesday and Saturday from May to October. Beyond the market, the pavilion transforms into a cultural stage.”
“The current plan is to make it available to rent , like Riverfront Park, or the (Gunn Park) shelter houses,” Wells said. “The city has first right-of-refusal on any use other than the set times guaranteed to the farmers market.”
This gathering space offers Bourbon County’s farmers a direct link to the community, fostering healthier lifestyles with the offering of fresh produce and enhancing local commerce, he said.
The pavilion is constructed with sustainability and adaptability in mind, and the design aligns with the International Building Code of 2015, according to the press release.
The pavilion committee also envisions music, theater, and community gatherings coming alive in the space.
It is adjacent to the newly constructed splash pad and sensory park that was constructed last summer.
Also on the horizon is a much-needed public restroom near the site.
“The site (for the new restrooms) has been chosen, plumbing ran underground, and funding secured,” Wells said.
About The Pavilion Construction
The pavilion project is backed by the City of Fort Scott, a grant from T-Mobile, a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, private donations, and other grants that have been applied for and will be awarded soon, Wells said.
“As the price of steel was set to go up by a combined 35%, the Fort Scott City Commission had the forethought to order steel before the skyrocket in price,” Wells said. “As the grants come in, money will be replaced. The city was requested to match at least 1/2 the project cost according to grants.”
Sprouls Construction Inc., Lamar, MO is the general contractor for the pavilion construction project, which began in mid-November and is slated to be finished by mid-January
“We bid the project a long time ago,” Kevin Rooks, Sproul spokesman said. “But we didn’t start working until mid-November 2023.”
“(The project) went through several committees that I was not on, and went through many design and location changes,” Wells said. “When we reformed the committee we focused on a site, a site plan, and design. Partnering with the sensory park and splash pad committee we developed the idea for the ‘gathering square’ .”
A final site had to be chosen, and the commission as a whole had to decide on how best to move forward.
“The commission chose progress and what was best, and most cost-effective for our citizens,” Wells said.
The building is constructed of pre-engineered metal and Sprouls Constructin is currently trying to get the roof panels on.
“We hope the wind will quit,” he said. “All the conditions have to be right (for safely installing the roof panels).”
“We anticipate the completion is mid-January,” Rook said. “If the weather cooperates, it will be sooner.”
The structure will be painted black when the weather is warmer and dryer, Rook said. “Hopefully, by June.”
There are more phases to the project.
“We would like to put electricity and lighting, and then we would like to wrap the columns in stone,” he said. “And when the blockhouse has the new siding put on, incorporate a matching wood, possibly around the top as a skirt.”
The pavilion committee consists of:
Lindsay Madison
Bailey Lyons
Rachel French
Angie Simons
Bill Michaud
Brad Matkin
Mary Wyatt
Josh Jones
Tayton Majors
Rob Harrington
Matthew Wells
The KDOT building is located on Hwy. 69. Part of the proposed STAR Bond project is south of the KDOT property.
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI), the City of Fort Scott Commission, and the Bourbon County Commission announced a Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bond initiative.
REDI presented the STAR Bond project at the last Fort Scott City Commission meeting.
The Fort Scott Project, taken from the Memorandum of Understanding. Submitted document. The district runs from Heidrick’s True Value store at 1508 S. National, south on National Avenue to Highway 69 then south to the property south of the KDOT building south of the industrial park. Harrington said this map is only of the northern part of the STAR bond district. To view the rest of the district, see the attachment.
“The (Fort Scott)Commission was presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the multi-million dollar ‘Event Center’ project which would include an 8,000 seat event center focusing on rodeo type events, stockyard, two hotels, travel center type convenient store, restaurants, multi-use turf field, and luxury recreational vehicle (RV) park,” said Brad Matkin, Fort Scott’s City Manager.
The MOU was signed by the city and a signatory, Robb Heineman, for 635 Holdings LLC.
This MOU begins preliminary negotiations on a development agreement.
“As of right now there is no obligation from the City of Fort Scott,” Matkin said. “The signing of the MOU shows the City of Fort Scott supports the project and wishes to proceed.”
The proposed Fort Scott project will be approximately 77 acres located just south of the KDOT building and in the lot south of LaRoche Stadium, all along U.S. Hwy. 69 on Fort Scott’s south side. There will also be 20 acres of the development located in front of the former Mercy Hospital that will house a hotel, ret,ail and restaurants, according to Robert Harrington, REDI’s Executive Director.
“STAR Bonds empower municipalities to issue bonds for the development of major commercial, entertainment, and tourism projects,” according to the REDI Facebook page. “Repayment is secured by the additional sales tax revenue generated by the project itself! This isn’t just about construction; it’s about sparking economic growth, creating jobs, and boosting tourism. These large-scale projects contribute positively to our local economy, creating a ripple effect of benefits.”
“This project is a unique opportunity for Fort Scott to harness its potential for growth and development, ” said Harrington. “It is a momentous chance for the community to embrace change and shape a prosperous future.”
Rob Harrington. Submitted photo.
“The South Sports Project represents a transformative $116 million development aimed at bolstering tourism and increasing sales tax revenues in the region,” said Harrington.
“At the heart…. is the construction of an 80,000-square-foot, 8,000-seat professional rodeo arena,” Harrington said. “This versatile facility, designed in collaboration with leading rodeo companies, is set to become one of the nation’s premier rodeo venues. Beyond rodeo events, the arena will host conferences, trade shows, sporting events, and concerts, positioning Fort Scott and Bourbon County as a prominent destination.”
In addition to the arena, there are plans for new hotels and retail spaces, including restaurants.
“These additions are projected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in sales and property taxes over the next two decades,” Harrington said.
One part of the project is a “super field” for local soccer teams and a multi-purpose facility with four baseball and softball fields.
“This will not only bring in sports tournaments but also facilitate an upgrade to LaRoche Stadium, saving significant tax dollars for the school district and city,” Harrington said.
Also included is the establishment of a luxury recreational vehicle park, which will accommodate tourists, sports enthusiasts, and concertgoers, further enhancing the area’s appeal, according to Harrington.
A new truck plaza along Highway 69 is included and will increase sales tax revenue from non-local traffic. This strategic location fills a crucial service gap for truck drivers traveling between U.S. Interstate Hwy. 44 and Kansas City, Harrington said.
Overall, Harrington said the South Sports Project promises to create approximately 300 new jobs and generate nearly a billion dollars in sales and property tax revenues over 25 years. “This growth, driven by external investment, offers the prospect of reducing the tax burden for local residents.”
