Julie Thurston stands in front of the family’s new venture, Grit and Grace Mercantile.
Julie and Brian Thurston had a shirt-making home business, and were asked to come to rodeos to sell their wares.
This, along with living in a rural community and having a local college with a rodeo program, prompted their newest venture, Grit & Grace Mercantile at 323 E. Wall.
They thought that with the many local rural communities, and rodeos ( a big fashion/decor trend, she said) they would step out in this venture. Julie previously had designed decor for weddings.
Julie Thurston showing the lines of jeans the mercantile carries
Their boutique sells Western clothing for men, women and children, along with decor and furniture.
Some of the women’s clothing that is sold at the boutique.
“A little something for everyone,” Julie said.
Julie said her husband’s brother has a funnel cake truck and they are hoping to have him at the business site during the upcoming Christmas on the Bricks festival, Dec. 4-7.
The Rest of the Building
They closed on the purchase of the two-story building, circa 1911, on October 24. Thurston said she heard that at one time there was a candy factory in the building and, most recently, a rural real estate agent’s office.
Their storefront neighbor, Dr. Erin Crank, will continue her chiropractic business in the building.
Upstairs, they have been readying two living spaces for use as short-term vacation rentals.
One of the bedrooms of a short-term rental unit on the second floor at 323 E. Wall that the Thurstons now own.
There are two apartments: a two-bedroom, one-bathroom living space and a one-bedroom, one-bathroom living space.
One of the bathrooms of a rental on the second floor of the building that the Thurstons own.
She said they hope to have the rentals available by the holidays.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, November 13th at 8am hosted by Sunshine Boutique, 18 E. Wall St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.
On October 18, 2025, Sunshine Boutique marked 45 years of service in the heart of historic downtown Fort Scott. The boutique is proud and grateful to have served the community for nearly half a century.
Sunshine Boutique has become a versatile destination for the entire region, offering new and trendy gift ideas for all occasions. Along with over 40 flavors of whole-bean coffees, the store boasts the largest selection of Skinny Syrups around, boutique clothing for children and adults, year-round fresh and “forever” flowers, and a perfectly curated lineup of tuxedos available for rent or purchase.
Sunshine Boutique has been privileged to serve the community for so many years, and they look forward to serving the community for another generation.
For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar on fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.
Match Week is around the corner! If you are willing and able, we are asking for your support of our work to build financial security, a key driver of long-term health and well-being. Healthier local economies create healthier people and stronger communities. Every dollar donated through SEK Gives is matched by the Patterson Family Foundation, meaning your dollar goes further.
Please see attached flyer we are sharing for the Match Week campaign. We have seeded a small business support endowment at the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas with $10,000. And YES! non-profits, for profits, food business, artists, farmers…they’re all businesses!
If you would like to help us spread the word, we would love that support too. We will be posting on our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn throughout the week as well…if you could comment like and share that will help us get the word out: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1APm6pkB7d/.
We have a goal to raise $25,000 for our local endowment that will support businesses in communities that have an LHEAT coalition (we would love to add more counties to this list!!): Bourbon, Crawford, Labette, and Montgomery Counties). This way, we’re giving the decision-making authority and money to community and residents with lived experience while also building individual self-sustainability.
We’ve found our business support services to be highly cost-effective: increasing access to technical support and expertise, partnering with local, regional and state institutions like cities, economic development, KU School of Business and WorkforceONE, and filling crucial gaps in capital so entrepreneurs can start earning revenue.
We hope to raise enough money in 3-5 years to start giving micro grants to businesses in our catchment.
Goal: Raise $25,000 this year, growing to $250,000 within 3–5 years.
Funds go directly back into small businesses, no administrative or payroll costs.
Peerless Products Unveils Rebrand In Bold Step Forward for Company Growth and Innovation
New website, brand design reflect leading manufacturer’s commitment to excellence
FORT SCOTT, Kan. (November 5, 2025) – Peerless Products, a leading manufacturer of high-performance curtain walls, windows and doors, announced a comprehensive brand refresh to reflect its continued growth and the exceptional quality of its products and services. The rebrand includes a new logo, color palette, brand voice, website, anthem video and storybook—each showcasing Peerless’s drive to deliver state-of-the-art manufacturing, engineering and innovation.
“At Peerless, we’re constantly striving upward, and our new brand look reflects our ongoing evolution,” said president Coby Jones. “As we continue to build on our 70-year legacy of quality, innovation and strong customer relationships, this new direction is a testament to our continuous drive for improvement and our dedication to engineering solutions that truly matter.”
Peerless has continued to experience strong growth across its national footprint, with several large-scale Talon Wall®, commercial and multifamily projects underway in markets such as Kansas City, Seattle, Chicago and Dallas. To keep pace with demand, the company has increased its workforce at all three of its locations in Fort Scott, Kan., Nevada, Mo. and Iola, Kan.
Since 1952, Peerless has built a reputation for excellence, true to its namesake, in everything from materials to process, engineering to testing, packaging to partnerships, and on-time delivery to on-demand solutions. Specializing in aluminum and hybrid fiber resin windows and doors, the company offers a variety of capabilities across a project’s lifespan, including customized design, engineering, sustainable and long-lasting powder coating, in-house testing, 3D prototyping and aluminum extrusion. Peerless also offers a patented curtain wall system, Talon Wall®, which is lab-tested and certified to the industry’s most demanding air, water, thermal, seismic, fire and acoustic standards.
Peerless services a versatile range of building types within the multifamily, hospitality, historic, government and military, school and university, office and medical sectors. Peerless manufactures, services and distributes from the heart of the U.S., but its portfolio extends far beyond the Midwest, including several projects from coast to coast. Peerless has produced windows for some of the most demanding applications in the country, including projects like the Hudson Exchange residential buildings in Jersey City, N.J., Universal’s Stella Nova Resort in Orlando, Fla., the Lees-McRae College’s Historical Commons in Banner Elk, N.C., the Texas Tech University Honors Hall in Lubbock, Texas and more.
A video for their rebrand can be viewed here. Assets can be found here.
About Peerless Products
Peerless Products is a leading U.S. manufacturer of high-performance curtain walls, windows and doors. With a legacy dating back to 1952, Peerless is dedicated to delivering superior quality, innovative engineering and unparalleled customer service. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement and enduring partnerships makes it the best choice for complex architectural applications. Learn more at peerlessproducts.com.
Fort Scott Washateria also houses Fort Scott Community Closet.
Submitted by Linda Lovelace, owner
As we go into the colder time of the year, I want to take the time to remind Fort Scott of the Fort Scott Community Closet.
This is Lori Lovelace, owner of Fort Scott Washateria and Fort Scott Community Closet, located at 501 S National.
We have been providing clothing, coats and other items to those in need of them with the help of the generous folks of this community for six years now.
I want to say a special thanks to St. Mary’s school and Mary Queen of Angels Church who have supported us year after year with coat and clothing drives. We have coats right now along with clothing for any who are in need.
We don’t ask what your circumstances are, we have no income or other requirements, we take in the clothing and other items and give them out, no questions asked.
We can do this because of YOU, Fort Scott.
We are currently bringing out coats and they are hanging on a rack in the Washateria, if you need a coat, come in and check out what we have. We are putting out coats as they are given away so if you don’t find one that fits, stop by again.
The Closet is open Mon-Fri 10-6 if you would like to go through our tubs of clothes as well. To those who are sorting through clothes looking to donate, our most requested items are children’s clothing of all sizes, adult t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, sweat pants, jeans, coats,
Stacy Racy, facing, left, Lindsay Madison, and Wayne Racy at the Downtown Quarterly Meet and Greet at Common Ground Coffee Shop on Oct. 17.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Downtown Quarterly Meet and Greet is a meeting to share events and opportunities that are coming.
Stacy and Wayne Racy, owners of Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall, were introduced by Lindsey Madison, Chamber CEO.
The Racy’s took over ownership in May 2025, from the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene, where they are members. Since then, they have been revamping the menu to some healthier options and featuring evening entertainment periodically. They are having a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the Honor Flights program for military veterans on Oct. 25 starting at 4 p.m. To learn more:
The City of Fort Scott Housing and Community Development Coordinator Lisa Dillon spoke about work done on a possible Main Street Program designation. Main Street assists in developing strategies to revitalize or strengthen downtown areas.
The Main Street Program will give technical assistance, training, access to design services, available state and national grant funds and membership to the Main Street America Network, according to info provided by Dillon.
Dillon said it has proven to be successful for communities enhancing the downtown area, but there must be community engagement in the process.
“After meeting four times over the past six months to plan and discuss this effort, we’re now at the point of collecting letters of support for our application,” Dillon said later.
Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent Jill Jaworski told the group that the annual Christmas Candlelight Tour will proceed, but because of the government shut down during the planning season for the event, ” it may not be what it was in the past.” Tickets will go on sale on Nov. 1.
The City of Fort is sponsoring a live music concert by Almost Kiss on Oct. 25 at 9 p.m. at the pavilion on North National Avenue, with costumes encouraged, said Rachel Carpenter, Special Project Coordinator.
Carpenter also told of a new app that she is using that can tell how many visitors visited the city, for example: Fortfest 2025 had 2,500 visitors. Additionally, it can tell spots the visitors went to while here.
The city is sponsoring Haunted Trails at Riverside Park on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Actors are still needed, those “who like to scare people.”
Contact Carpenter at 620-223-0550 Ext. 205.
The annual children’s downtown Halloween Parade will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday Oct. 25, with preliminary fun activities and pizza and drink to end the event. Drink donations are appreciated. Call the Chamber of Commerce at 620.223.3566.
Small business Saturday is November 29.
The Christmas Parade is Thursday, December 4 with a theme of Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.
During Christmas on the Bricks festival event, stores will stay open late and entertainment will abound in the downtown. Diane Striler is the facilitator of this annual event. There will be a cookie making site, a wreath making site, a skating rink, carriage rides, a new event at the splash pad area for children, various alcoholic tasting spots around the downtown, a scavenger hunt and tree decorating contest among many others. See their Facebook page for more info: https://www.facebook.com/fortscottchristmasonthebricks
The Chamber downtown map that has been in the making is nearing completion, Madison said.
The Chamber Guide and Directory deadline is Oct. 31 for reviewing all info.
There is a Chamber sponsored candidate forum on Oct. 22 at the Ellis Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College, doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Upcoming Chamber Coffees: 10/23 is First United Methodist Church, 10/30 is Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant Awards at Landmark Bank.
There are E-community grants and Grow KS grants available: contact the Chamber for more details.
CFSEK Hosts New Rural Community Partners Fund to Support Local Businesses
At a time when funding is growing increasingly uncertain and hard to obtain, the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is stepping up in a big way! Jody Love, President and CEO of HBCAT, is a small business owner herself, and after renovating a downtown building in Fort Scott, she saw first-hand the limited support for small businesses in Southeast Kansas.
Jody Love, president and CEO of Healthy Bourbon County Action Team. Submitted photo
“I saw the need for economic development and growth across the region, and I knew that we just needed access to opportunities,” Love said. “People believe in where they live and want it to improve, so what can we do to help?”
Rural Community Partners (RCP), a subsidiary of HBCAT, is creating a new fund at the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) called the SEK Entrepreneur and Small Business Support Fund, which will help empower small businesses across Southeast Kansas.
The grants will be managed by Small Business and Entrepreneurs (SBE) Council of RCP, which is composed of local business owners from five counties in Southeast Kansas, representing a diverse range of geographical locations, racial backgrounds, and includes low-income and women entrepreneurs. The grants will also serve as an opportunity for networking and mentorship with similar organizations facing similar challenges.
One local business that has already utilized these services is Bushel and a Peck in Girard. With Southeast Kansas connections and experience in Philadelphia restaurants, owners Michael and Kelley Gringas were equipped for success. HBCAT has started to build systems to connect restaurants like Bushel and a Peck to locally produced food.
“One of the recipients of our food producer grant was Freedom Farms, based out of Bourbon County, with the concept of creating a food co-op model,” Love said. “That has now come full circle, and we have been able to connect Bushel and a Peck with Freedom Farms to source local chicken and lamb!”
“Commerce is at the heart of every community,” Love said, “and this project from HBCAT is supporting our SEK communities, continuing their economic development for years to come! We are serious about it being a regional fund, which is why we are housing it at the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.”
“We are excited to work with Jody and Rural Community Partners to create this endowment that will support our friends and neighbors who operate small businesses,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “Small businesses are crucial to rural economies, and Southeast Kansas has some incredible small businesses. We are delighted to try and help bring them more resources.”
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office is located at 104 N. National. Phone: 620.224.2563
Applications for the Entrepreneur and Small Business Support Fund are accepted via email to Jody Love at HBCAT. She can be contacted at [email protected].
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2024 and has facilitated over $25 million in total granting to Southeast Kansas since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with various charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. The Columbus Area, Fort Scott Area, and Girard Area Community Foundations are affiliates of CFSEK. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org
The Sept. 13 Concert listed on this flyer is cancelled due to the illness of the performers.
Fall Music at Common Ground Coffee Shop, 12 E. Wall, is back.
“Bring a friend, grab your favorite latte, and enjoy the sound of fall at Common Ground,” said shop owner Stacy Racy. “We decided a couple of months ago to bring back the Fall Concert Series. We’ve done it in the past and it’s been well received, so we’re excited to do it again.”
Stacy and Wayne Racy, owners of the Common Ground Coffee Shop. Submitted photo.
“Join us this fall for evenings filled with live music, cozy drinks, and community vibes,” she said.
The live music shows are from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday evenings, and all ages are welcome.
The large group private area at Common Ground, from its Facebook page.
Upcoming Shows: The September 13 – Jesse Jack & The Electric String Band was cancelled due to illness. September 27 – Vinyl Revival October 11-Jerico Jones
October 25- Serenade
“We’ll have drinks, cookies, and food available for people to enjoy while they listen,’ she said. “We have some amazing local and regional musicians we love listening to, and we thought this would be a great way to give the community something to do on Saturday evenings through the fall.”
Music lovers might want to try some of the new menu items offered by the coffee shop staff as they listen to the music in the large stage area in a room adjacent to the public seating area.
“Our new menu items are going really well – that’s the biggest new thing right now, and we’re excited about the community response.”
One of the new menu items: pannini. From the shop’s Facebook page.
For the live music nights, they will have their flatbreads, paninis, and chicken salad sandwiches along with cookies and drinks available for purchase, she said.
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