Category Archives: Business
Walmart Grants $3,500 to Bourbon County EMS
Walmart Provides $3,500 Grant to Bourbon County EMS to address the need for workout equipment for employees.
Grant Presented to Bourbon County EMS During a Check Presentation Ceremony at 405 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, KS October 18, 2022– Walmart announced today a $3,500 grant to Bourbon County Emergency Medical Services to address the need for workout equipment for employees. The grant was presented to Paramedic Supervisor Jon Lowery and EMS Director Teri Hulsey at a check presentation ceremony at Bourbon County EMS, 405 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS 66701. The grant was facilitated by Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc.
Each year, Walmart U.S. stores and clubs award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5,000. These local grants are designed to address the unique needs of the communities where they operate. For Walmart of Fort Scott, it’s about making sure our local EMS has access to the tools and equipment needed to keep our community members safe, including Walmart employees and shoppers. The mission of Bourbon County EMS is to provide a 24-hour operation to reduce the loss of life and property and to protect the environment. The highest priority is to protect Bourbon County residents from all hazards by providing and coordinating resources, expertise, leadership and advocacy through a comprehensive, risk-based emergency preparedness program of mitigation, management, response and recovery.
Through the grant, EMS will purchase a weight bench, barbells and plates, a dumbbell set, a squat cage, a bike and a treadmill. Having this grant allows equipment to be purchased without using funds from Bourbon County or Fort Scott.
Supervisor Jon Lowery states that EMS is a physically demanding job, and it is imperative that employees have access to equipment that allows them to be in top physical shape. Staying in top physical condition reduces injuries that could be sustained by crew or patients while moving or lifting patients, stretchers, equipment or other activities that could present in crisis situations such as fire or car accidents.
Bourbon County EMS has responded to 1,927 calls so far this year. These calls range from 911, transfers and dry runs.
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About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts that draw on the strengths of Walmart in the arenas of sustainability, economic opportunity, and community. As part of our commitment to creating a more sustainable food system worldwide, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States. They recently exceeded a $2 billion goal to fight hunger one year ahead of schedule and have donated more than 1.5 billion pounds of food to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit www.foundation.walmart.com.
Glessner: Oct. 17-22 Earnings go to Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
Tanya Glessner, owner and stylist of Upper Cut Salon, 408 Jefferson St. has a passion to help those with mental illness.
“This subject is close to my heart,” she said. “I believe many people struggle with this in silence. It takes a great deal of courage to ask for help. It’s important for people to share their experiences so others know they’re not alone and we need to do our part in letting our community know what their resources are so they feel comfortable in reaching out. I also believe many addictions stem from mental health issues due to people attempting to self medicate. So it’s important to take prevention measures before things cycle out of control.”
She has chosen to donate 100 percent of what she earns this week for haircuts to benefit the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center.
“This is in honor of mental health awareness month benefiting SEKMHC and the services they provide,” she said. “The fundraiser is October 17th-23rd. 100% of money made from haircuts this week will be donated. I will be taking all donations to Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center on the 24th.”
Glessner’s haircuts are $12 regularly.
“I always run a haircut special on Tuesdays for $10,” she said. “And all veterans and first responders, including police, firefighters, always get $10 haircuts.”
Glessner can be contacted at 620.224.6704.
The shop is open Monday through Saturday by appointment with flexible hours.
“People may also donate NEW shoes, clothing and food items,” Glessner said. “Families that receive services there (SEKMHC) are always in need of shoes, clothing and food. Many of them are low income or special needs.”
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Newsletter Sept. 2022
Shop Local Tomorrow: Downtown Fall Fest
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Want to Be A Book Writer? There’s a Seminar For That Oct. 15
The event is sponsored by the Bourbon County Arts Council,
the Wednesday Writers Group, and Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore.
Location for the morning event is at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office at 104 N. National, Fort Scott, KS.
The office is located north of Luther’s restaurant, with public parking available on the east side of National Avenue. Lunch is on your own, with several restaurants within walking distance.
Registration is $40, and junior high, high school and college students are free, but registration is required.
Registration forms are available at:
Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore
16 S Main, Fort Scott, KS
620–670–2752
[email protected]
Author Book Signing
Local authors will sign and make available their books for sale, which might be a great idea for your Christmas list, according to information from the press release.
In the afternoon there will be multi–author
book signing at the Hedgehog.INK bookstore at 16 S. Main from 1:30 to 3 p.m. with featured authors:
Brian Allen, Rhonda Hassig, Sally Jadlow, Joyce Love,
Rogene McPherson, R.J. Thesman, Jane Tucker and
Marti Wells–Smith.
New Life For The Former Scottish Rite Temple
Kathy and Tracy Dancer are working to restore the former Scottish Rite Temple building in historic downtown Fort Scott.
“We bought it at the Bourbon County Tax sale in January 2022 for $20,000,” Kathy said. “That’s when we saw the opportunity to purchase it at the sale. We had been trying for years to contact the former owner, who purchased it from the Mason’s.”
The 12,000 square foot building that has been vacant for about 10 years is getting a electric update, Kathy said.
“Kudos to the Masons,” she said. “They took took good care of the building…the water and most of the electric were taken care of.”
The Dancers have plans for a cafe in the area that people might remember as where the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs prepared and served their meals they sold the public as fundraisers.
Even before that recent use, there was a cafe there.
“The Cohen Cafe, before 1948, had a cafe in the space,” she said.
The Dancers plan to have the cafe open for breakfast and lunch service in that same space, possibly in spring 2023. “We are waiting for state approval for construction to begin.”
“We want to focus on locally produced in the region fruits, veggies and meat as much as possible,” she said.
They are also planning on having a retail incubator.
“We also hope to put a micro-retail space for 6 to 8 businesses in one large section,” she said. “Handcrafted goods: jewelry, popcorn, custom home decor, furniture (for example). With a central check-out. People won’t have to man their space.”
“I need more approvals for this project,” she said. “It will focus on locally produced goods as much as possible.”
She said her husband is working through the process of getting a distillers license. “To have bourbon crafted and aged in Bourbon County,” she said.
“We are starting with the ground floor first, it will take time,” Kathy said. “I’m guestimating five years to complete.”
The beautiful theater in the building is a question mark.
“We don’t know what we are going to do with the theater,” she said.
Growing Pains: Downtown Fort Scott Improvements
Downtown Fort Scott has experienced much improvements in the last few years.
Historic buildings have been and are being brought back to life, some for business storefronts and some for residences. There has hardly been a month where there wasn’t a dumpster in front of buildings downtown where construction going on.
All the new businesses and residences create problems that local city, businesses and organizations are working to solve.
At the quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet on Oct. 4, hosted by City State Bank, there was discussion of the downtown parking situation.
The need is real: more available and easily accessed parking for downtown businesses and residents.
The two recently renovated buildings, Union Lofts at 20 S. Main and Fort Scott Lofts at 8 E. First, need approximately 120 parking spaces for residents. In addition there are a growing number of other downtown apartments.
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Division has been having conversations to come up with solutions, Lindsay Madison, executive director of the Chamber said.
“No solution will make everyone happy,” Bailey Lyons, chair of the the division told the attendees. We are looking at the most cost effective ways.”
There is a small unpaved parking lot in back of the Union Lofts, at First and National Avenue that has not been developed, “but funding is not available, is my understanding,” Madison said.
There are currently public parking lots behind Moe’s Breads on National Avenue, south of Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, 201 S. Main and on Skubitz Plaza at the north end of downtown.
Some solutions for the parking situation on Main Street, from information provided by Madison are:
- Enforcement of the 2-hour parking that is already in place. The ticket amount is being discussed by the city.
- Reinstall parking meters. This is not a popular choice, based on feedback.
- Have no parking allowed between the hours of midnight to 6 a.m.
- Give designated spots, with car stickers, in downtown area public parking lots for the downtown residents.
- Build parking garages large enough to hold all the apartment resident’s cars, business employees cars and overflow parking.
“No solution will make everyone happy,” Bailey Lyons, chair of the the division told the attendees. We are looking at the most cost effective ways.”
For Lyons, the possible solutions are “Divert and assign spots for residents and business employees, and have better signage to identify public parking lots.”
Also on the Downtown Meet and Greet Agenda:
- The Fort Scott National Historic Site annual candlelight tour is the first weekend in December, with tickets set to go on sale on November 1.
- The annual Downtown Halloween Parade is Oct. 29, with festivities starting at 10 a.m. and the parade at 11 a.m. Hot dogs will be provided after the parade for participants.
- Downtown Holiday Open House is Nov. 10-12, with the kick-off event from 5-8 p.m. on Nov. 10.
- Small Business Saturday Bonanza in November 26.
- Cocoa and Caroling Night Shopping is Friday, December 9 from 5-8 p.m.
Madison listed several business resources available in Fort Scott:
- The Dare to Dream Women’s Entrepreneurship Event, today from 5-7 p.m. at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Office, north of Luther’s BBQ on North National. There will be tips to affording health insurance.
- Also at this location is the Small Business Development Center, with Dacia Clark as the contact.
- Bourbon County Regional Economic Development offers business entrepreneurship mentoring with Mark McCoy, by appointment.
- E-Community Loans are available at 4% for 10 years, minimum loan is $5,000 maximum is $45,000. Contact the Chamber.
- Governor Laura Kelly announced that small businesses can now apply to receive COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief. In June, Governor Kelly signed bipartisan House Bill 2136, investing $50 million to help small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two downtown building construction updates
Lyons gave an update on the building on the west side of downtown Main Street that she and her husband are renovating.
She said they are working with the state on the historic building which is a slow process, and have addressed structural issues.
“We are going to tackle the first floor first,” she said. “It is a possible build-to-suit for interested businesses.”
Kathy Dancer gave an update on the Scottish Temple that she and her husband have purchased.
She envisions a cafe and retail spaces in the building.
“I am guesstimating 18 months until we get the cafe going,” she said.
There will be a future story on this project on fortscott.biz.
About the host
City State Bank President John Hill told attendees that the bank was chartered in 1920, and in 2018 the downtown branch location was remodeled. They have two locations: 1012 Highway 69 or 202 Scott Avenue Fort Scott. and can be reached at 620-223-1600.
“We are a $55 million dollar institution, with 97% in Bourbon County,” he told the attendees.
Writer’s Seminar Oct. 15
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Possible free pizza for properly functioning smoke alarms: Domino’s Oct. 12
Local Domino’s® Stores to Partner with Fire Departments to Promote Fire Safety
Residents may receive free pizza for properly functioning smoke alarms
JOPLIN, Mo., Oct. 4, 2022 – Domino’s stores in Independence, Fort Scott, and Pittsburg are joining forces with Independence Fire/EMS, Fort Scott Fire Department, Pittsburg Fire Department, and Frontenac Fire Department to promote fire safety. On the days and times below at the mentioned stores, anyone who orders a Domino’s pizza may be randomly selected and surprised at the door when their pizza arrives accompanied by a fire engine. If the smoke alarms in the home are working, the pizza is free. If the smoke alarms are not working, the firefighters will install fully functioning alarms or replace the batteries.
- Oct. 11 from 5-7 p.m.
o Domino’s in Independence, located at 100 N. 25th
- Oct. 12 from 5-7 p.m.
o Domino’s in Fort Scott, located at 2 Jersey St.
- Oct. 19 and 20 from 7-9 p.m.
o Domino’s in Pittsburg, located at 716 S. Broadway
“Fire safety is extremely important,” said Emily Elwell, owner of Domino’s in Fort Scott, Independence and Pittsburg. “We’re very excited to partner with NFPA and our local fire departments for a program that not only promotes the safety of our friends and neighbors, but rewards those who make fire safety a priority.”
Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 9-15. This year’s theme is “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape™.”
“In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds,” said Dave Bruner, fire chief with Fort Scott Fire Department. “Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out. These steps can make all the difference and we hope to raise awareness about them through our partnership with Domino’s.”
Customers can call their participating Domino’s location at the numbers below to place their order and be eligible for the fire engine delivery:
- Independence: 620-577-6060
- Fort Scott: 620-768-5533
- Pittsburg: 620-231-5555
About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Founded in 1896, NFPA is a global, nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information, visit www.nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.
About Fire Prevention Week
NFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week since 1922. According to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925. Visit www.firepreventionweek.org for more safety information.
About Domino’s Pizza®
Founded in 1960, Domino’s Pizza is the largest pizza company in the world, with a significant business in both delivery and carryout pizza. It ranks among the world’s top public restaurant brands with a global enterprise of more than 19,200 stores in over 90 markets. Domino’s had global retail sales of nearly $17.8 billion in 2021, with over $8.6 billion in the U.S. and over $9.1 billion internationally. In the second quarter of 2022, Domino’s had global retail sales of over $4.0 billion, with over $2.0 billion in the U.S. and nearly $2.0 billion internationally. Its system is comprised of independent franchise owners who accounted for 98% of Domino’s stores as of the end of the second quarter of 2022. Emphasis on technology innovation helped Domino’s achieve more than half of all global retail sales in 2021 from digital channels. In the U.S., Domino’s generated more than 75% of U.S. retail sales in 2021 via digital channels and has developed several innovative ordering platforms, including those for Google Home, Facebook Messenger, Apple Watch, Amazon Echo, Twitter and more. In 2019, Domino’s announced a partnership with Nuro to further its exploration and testing of autonomous pizza delivery. In mid-2020, Domino’s launched a new way to order contactless carryout nationwide – via Domino’s Carside Delivery®, which customers can choose when placing a prepaid online order.
Order – dominos.com
Company Info – biz.dominos.com
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Recycle This Saturday at Advantage Metals
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COUNTRY PLACE® SENIOR LIVING REBRANDING TO CREDO SENIOR LIVING
Fort Scott, KS – Tuesday, September 27, 2022 – Country Place Senior Living and Country Place Memory Care are set
to rebrand to Credo Senior Living and Credo Memory Care on October 1, 2022. The company, which will maintain
the same corporate and local teams, has worked hard over the past two years to make significant changes to the
management team, support services, and deliverable services to local residences. One of the major changes was
adding a Director of Nurse Managers to increase the attention and support to local Lead Residence Nurses. The
adoption of a new resident care software program, Point Click Care, has enabled all locations to address all resident
care in a more efficient and timely manner. A new partnership with PayChex, a nationally recognized Human
Resources partner, has allowed the company to better serve their employees and continue the standard of service
that residents have come to expect over the past 20 years. Moving forward, a new emphasis is being placed on
activities and food service. Activity programs will be expanded, and work has begun with national food vendors to
create fresh new menu items. The company is thankful to its many Kansas communities for supporting Country Place
Senior Living and Country Place Memory Care for the past 20 years and look forward to the next 20 as Credo Senior
Living and Credo Memory Care.
While Credo Senior Living and Credo Memory Care will continue to improve care and services for existing residences,
expansion is also on the horizon. The first project, which is scheduled to begin at the end of September, is to add
Memory Care services to the Basehor, Kansas location. Two newly constructed 16-suite buildings with luxuries
sometimes not available in other Memory Care facilities will include a private bath in each suite, an oversized patio
and walking paths for residents. Several other Credo Senior Living locations may also add Memory Care services in
the near future.
Credo Senior Living has seven Senior Living campuses across the state. All residences including those in Basehor,
Belleville, Chanute, Fort Scott, Hoisington, Independence, and Seneca provide Independent Living and three levels
of Assisted Living care. Credo Memory Care is also available in Chanute, Fort Scott, Hoisington and, as mentioned,
coming very soon to Basehor.
To learn more, please call Assistant Director, Betty Allen at 620-223-1822 or Marie Jensen, Marketing Coordinator at
913-638-0377, visit us at www.countryplaceliving.com or on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/countryplacefortscott
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