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Category Archives: Business
Chamber After Hours July 12
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Brian Lancaster Assumes Ownership of Marsha’s Deli
Marsha Lancaster can’t be replaced.
But her nephew, Brian Lancaster, purchased her business, Marsha’s Deli, and with the help of long-time employees Carla Hambric and Lisa Bradley, will continue her legacy.
“Marsha can’t be replaced,” Lancaster said. “Marsha had established a truly wonderful business and we were lucky enough to be a part of it. My wife, Amanda, and I were interested in continuing the legacy.”
Marsha died in September 2021, and Brian and Amanda became the owners on July 1, 2022. Brian is the full-time manager and his wife maintains her job as a partner at Diehl, Banwart and Bolton, CPA.
“It will be the same food,” Lancaster said. “Carla and Lisa have helped with the recipes.”
Carla Hambric worked with Marsha for over 30 years and Lisa Bradley, over 20.
“The recipes weren’t written down,” he said. But he is working with the two long-time employees to learn them and write them down for future reference.
“Having good help is part of it,” Brian said. “It couldn’t have happened without their help.”
There are eight employees currently, including high school and college student employees who work on the weekends .
The hours of operation for Marsha’s Deli is 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The delivery service is 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Chamber After Hours is July 12
After Hours Chamber Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Event for Geaux Loco Food Truck.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to an After-Hours Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting event to celebrate Geaux Loco Food Truck at 5:15pm on Tuesday, July 12th, located at 223 N. National Ave. Remarks and cutting of the ribbon will be at 5:30 pm.
Owners Hanna and daughter Curline Melveaux are excited to announce the opening of their food truck and their menu which includes flavors from Bayou to Central America with American favorites. They are now selling The Ice Cream Factory ice cream by the scoop. The After-Hours Chamber Event will feature ice cream and food samples.
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber events to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the business or organization hosting. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.
Soft Opening for Perry’s Country Store in Bronson This Weekend
Kelly and Thaddeus Perry have been pursuing a building purchase to manufacture their food products for several years.
Yesterday, they received final state approval for a manufacture license to make fudge and a retail license for the new building store front in Bronson. They will be having a soft opening of the business this weekend, following Bronson Day, a community event in this small town in western Bourbon County.
“We received our manufacture license for our fudge and our retail license for the front portion of the country store…(and) we will have a open house on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. We are planning for a grand opening on July 30.”
The store open house will have limited items this Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. and Monday 5-9 p.m.
History of the Business
The Perry’s started making pork rinds at the Hume Fair in 2017 and discovered the demand and profit, Kelly said. “So it made sense to push forward. However, because pork rinds are technically a meat product we cannot wholesale or go on any store shelf until we physically built a USDA inspected meat processing facility. Although we do not slaughter any animals, we still have to follow all safety and federal rules regarding meat so we decided to put every penny into building a facility.”
During the COVID 19 Pandemic, the Perry’s discovered something.
“As we came closer to that reality, we realized, through the pandemic, what a food desert we really have on the western side of the county and felt we could change this! We decided to not only build a pork rind meat production plant but a retail store front for our biggest supporters, our community!”
The store will be open following the vendors leaving town on Saturday.
“Once the Bronson Day vendors close at 3 p.m., we will then open our store,” Kelly said. “We will not be fully stocked, but we will have bags of ice, coffee, tea, lemonade, fountain soda, canned soda, ready-to-eat foods and snacks foods.”
“We should have all of our items available for sale for our grand opening celebration on July 30,” she said.
Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store on Hwy. 54 which is also known as792 Pine Street in Bronson.
Contact info: the store phone 620.224-2052 or email [email protected]
Financing Their New Business
The Perry’s saved money for the down payment for their business and borrowed the rest from Iola Community National Bank.
“They worked with us and believed in our business plan from the beginning,” she said.” We also used another loan through the Ft. Scott Chamber of Commerce E-Community loan to help us finish the project and have enough capital to fill the store front upon opening. Out of the second loan we were granted $9,000 in loan forgiveness through the Patterson Family Foundation (through the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team).
They currently have six employees and anticipate substantial growth, she said. They will soon go from two production days to five and offer wholesale pork rinds and fudge nationwide.
On the Horizon
“We will not be stopping with just the store front,” she said. “We are already working on phase two for our property, which is a full hook up RV park for travelers. This will utilize the large property we have as well as bring revenue to the city with utilities.”
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Adds Staff
Left to Right: Emily Diebolt, Tayton Majors, Suzette Torres
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc (BC REDI) staff is growing. The organization has added three new positions in the last few weeks. New employees include the following.
- Emily Diebolt – Grants Manager, has a 20-year background in not-for-profit administration. She researches funding opportunities and writes grants to improve existing local assets and finds funding for new opportunities in Bourbon County on behalf of BC REDI.
- Suzette Torres – Projects and Marketing Assistant, worked in hotel administration in Hawaii, before joining the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce as Communications & Events Coordinator (exchanging her “alohas” for “howdies”). She also has municipal administrative assistance experience with the City of Fort Scott. Suzette will be working on economic development and tourism marketing as well as administrative support.
- Tayton Majors – Special Projects and Marketing Intern, is assisting REDI in building a new website and social media platforms to better communicate the organization’s mission to the public and with potential community investors.
Also on the Bourbon County Regional Economic Development staff is Mark McCoy, Small Business Development Director, who has a lifetime of business building experience and organizational management. Mark will work with new prospective businesses to discover potential opportunities and incentives for local entrepreneurs.
Jackson Tough, who works for the City of Fort Scott as Public Relations and Tourism Director also shares the office space to work closely with the economic development staff. Tough has been in business and organizational management for over 30 years and brings a vast knowledge of marketing as well.
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc Director Robert Harrington said, “Because of growth and the need to expand our efforts in so many areas we welcome these new members to our team. Emily Diebolt is focused on finding more funding for Bourbon County through federal, state, and local grants. Tayton Majors will be with BC REDI through the summer then he will attend Lead for America in Washington, DC before returning to Kansas to work in Economic and Tourism Development. We recently brought Suzette Torres aboard to assist Jackson, Mark, and me in our marketing efforts as well as special projects. We look forward to the contributions these team members will make in our mission to increase economic development and tourism in Bourbon County.”
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to attracting and creating investment, wealth, and economic opportunity in Bourbon County, Kansas.
Common Ground: New Manager, Revamped Drive Through Window Service
Since May, Kalyn Turner has been the new manager of Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall.
Turner is from a small town around Burlington, KS.
She graduated from South Coffey County High School, then got a graphic communication degree from Pittsburg State University.
“I have worked at a lot of random stuff..but every single experience has led me to this one,” she said.
Her duties, she said, include “being a light to the community to help them find their purpose and tell people about Jesus, while selling coffee.”
“I have a heart for worship, leading to Jesus,” she said. “I love Him, and He is letting me serve Him through coffee.”
There are approximately 15 employees at Common Ground, which is a popular community meeting place in downtown Fort Scott. The coffee house is a ministry of Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.
Starting Today
Beginning today, July 5, the drive through window will be an online and call-in pick up lane ONLY.
In order to improve its drive through experience, all drive through orders must be placed IN ADVANCE by:
Calling 620-223-2499 or visiting their website fscommonground.com
Or ordering on their new app https://apps.apple.com/…/common-ground-coffee/id1616511138
“The goal is to get people through the pick up area quickly,” Turner said. “There were safety issues, when orders take time…sometimes people don’t have time to wait, so we are trying to speed it up for everyone.”
For the vast majority of Fort Scottians, sitting down with a “cuppa” coffee is still the preferred way to get a drink and meet with friends.
“You can still come in and get coffee,” she said. “We’d love for people to come in.”
Hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Landmark Bancorp, Inc. to Acquire Freedom Bancshares, Inc.
(Manhattan, KS and Overland Park, KS) Landmark Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: LARK) (“Landmark”), the holding company of Landmark National Bank, and Freedom Bancshares, Inc. (“Freedom”), the holding company of Freedom Bank, jointly announced this week the execution of a definitive agreement under which Landmark will acquire Freedom and Freedom Bank for cash consideration valued at $33.350 million, subject to potential adjustment as more fully described in the agreement.
The agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies and is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2022, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions. Upon closing of the acquisition, Freedom Bank will be merged with and into Landmark National Bank.
Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Landmark. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of our management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should” or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this press release, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and Landmark undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events. A number of factors, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (i) the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its effects on the economic environment, our customers and operations, as well as changes to federal, state or local government laws, regulations or orders in connection with the pandemic; (ii) the strength of the local, national and international economies; (iii) changes in state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning banking, securities, consumer protection, insurance, monetary, trade and tax matters; (iv) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of our assets; (v) increased competition in the financial services sector and the inability to attract new customers; (vi) timely development and acceptance of new products and services; (vii) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (viii) our risk management framework; (ix) interruptions in information technology and telecommunications systems and third-party services; (x) changes and uncertainty in benchmark interest rates, including the elimination of LIBOR and the development of a substitute; (xi) the effects of severe weather, natural disasters, widespread disease or pandemics, or other external events; (xii) the loss of key executives or employees; (xiii) changes in consumer spending; (xiv) integration of acquired businesses; (xv) unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation; (xvi) changes in accounting policies and practices, such as the implementation of the current expected credit losses accounting standard; (xvii) the economic impact of armed conflict or terrorist acts involving the United States; (xviii) the ability to manage credit risk, forecast loan losses and maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses; (xix) declines in the value of our investment portfolio; (xx) the ability to raise additional capital; (xxi) cyber-attacks; (xxii) declines in real estate values; (xxiii) the effects of fraud on the part of our employees, customers, vendors or counterparties; and (xxiv) any other risks described in the “Risk Factors” sections of reports filed by Landmark with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Additional information concerning Landmark and its business, including additional risk factors that could materially affect Landmark’s financial results, is included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Becky Tourtillott
Vice President, Marketing
Landmark National Bank
Office: 620.223.1200 x2321 Fax: 620.223.1336
200 S Main, PO Box 899, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Union State Bank Expands
Union State Bank, the Fort Scott Branch, is in the final stages of an addition of 1,200 square feet to its building.
“We were running into problems with space,” CEO and President Bryan Holt said. “We looked at every way possible to not expand the foot print.”
But the bank administration decided to add a 20 by 60 foot addition for its growing support staff and also to upgrade security.
The lobby was shortened and reconfigured to have more space for employee work stations, and the addition added five new offices and two new bathrooms.
In October 2021 the project was started.
“It will be 99 percent completed in 30 days,” Vice President of Information Technology Dustin McClure said on June 23. McClure was also the project manager of the expansion.
“We’ve got pods, like cubicles, to build,” McClure said. “This will seat a total of eight people.”
“This will improve accessibility and privacy needs of our customers,” Senior Loan Officer Katie Casper said.
“New offerings with debit card capabilities, improved customer experience and improved card experience are on the horizon for the bank,” Holt said.
The bank building, located at 1009 S. Clark, was completed in 1992, when Union State Bank opened the branch in Fort Scott.
The headquarters of the two banks is in Uniontown, where the business started in 1901.
The bank listed the following businesses who have provided services/products for the expansion:
Project General Manager: Bo Casper (owner of Casper Enterprises)
Casper Enterprises LLC
Alpha Roofing
Big Sugar Lumber and Home Center
Craw-Kan Telephone
Davis Drywall
Geiger Plumbing
Greenwood Plaster Company
Jeff Allen Electric
LACO Guttering
Norris Heating & Air
Peerless Products Inc.
Phillips Flooring
Redbud Farms and Nursery
Ruddick’s Furniture
Stoughton Inc
Thomas Concrete & Construction
McGehee Starts Power Washing Business
Cody McGehee started a new power washing business this month in Fort Scott.
“I am the owner and operator,” he said. “The name of my business is called Precision Power Washing. I live and operate in Fort Scott…and will also be providing services for the surrounding areas as well.”
McGehee, 28, works a full-time day job and is available to pressure wash from 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays from 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
“My services will include pressure washing, soft washing, roof cleaning, gutter cleaning, siding cleaning, patio/ deck cleaning, driveway cleaning, sidewalk cleaning, residential and commercial cleaning,” he said. “I will also be doing automotive cleaning as well as boats and RV/ campers.”
“I have multiple years experience power washing concrete surfaces, but am now taking on different types of surfaces while continuing to educate myself in the field,” he said. “I take pride in my work and support and promote local businesses as often as possible.”
McGehee finds the work satisfying.
“I began this journey with the support of my friends and family,” he said. “I am following a dream and a passion. Pressure washing is an art in my eyes. It is very satisfying work and is very rewarding. To be able to restore someone’s property to its glory and see them stunned by the ‘after look’ of a finished product gives my heart joy. I have always been a guy to try and make people happy. To me, this is a great way to see people happy. Restoring the pride people have in their property is an amazing feeling. I am looking forward to serving Fort Scott and the surrounding areas!”
Contact McGehee at
McGehee is a 2012 graduate of Fort Scot High School.
“I am happily married to my wife Allie McGehee and we have three children: Micah, Roman and Olivia.”
He works full time for the City of Fort Scott’s Street Department.
Evergy Will Recover 2021 Winter Storm Costs
KCC approves agreement allowing Evergy to recover 2021 winter storm costs from Central customers and credit Metro customers for sales
TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has approved a non-unanimous settlement agreement allowing Evergy to recover extraordinary costs incurred during the February 2021 winter storm from Kansas Central customers (formerly Westar) and credit Kansas Metro customers (formerly KCP&L) for the sale of excess power back to the Southwest Power Pool during that same time. The Central and Metro divisions are owned by the same parent company, Energy, Inc., but operate separately.
Under the settlement agreement approved today, the average Evergy Central residential customer’s monthly bill is expected to increase by $2.82 for two years beginning in April 2023. The average Evergy Metro residential customer will see a $6.60 monthly credit for one year.
KCC Staff, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB), Evergy and the Kansas Electric Power Cooperative supported the settlement. Kansas Industrial Consumers, the Natural Gas Transportation Customer Coalition, and Coffeyville Resources Refining & Marketing, LLC opposed it, claiming it unjustly shifts costs from residential customers to industrial customers and fails to reward conservation efforts. The Commission rejected those arguments, finding that within each customer class, some customers made efforts to conserve, while other customers did not. Thus, there is no evidence to suggest reallocation on a class-wide basis would only reward customers who curtailed their energy usage.
“The Commission reiterates the unique nature of Winter Storm Uri and the extraordinary costs it produced. As the Opponents of the Non-Unanimous Settlement acknowledge, Winter Storm Uri caused unprecedented financial harm throughout Kansas. Likewise, the evidence demonstrates that some customers in all rate classes conserved electricity and assisted in avoiding a system-wide failure, like Texas experienced.”
“The evidence before the Commission suggests that, under the circumstances, the Non-Unanimous Settlement represents the lowest interest rate and the lowest customer impact of all Kansas utilities for Winter Storm Uri related costs.”
The order also states that any proceeds received by Evergy from ongoing federal or state investigations into market manipulation, price gouging or civil suits will be passed on to customers subject to winter storm recovery charges.
Today’s order can be viewed on the Commission’s website at Document Details (ks.gov)
A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners on this order is available on the KCC YouTube channel.
Fort Scott Software Business Is Recognized Internationally
Spyder, Inc, local software company, led by CEO, Nedra Barr and Chief Technology Officer Mike Upright was recently recognized by Data Magazine, UK, as one of the “Best Cloud Data Services Startups and Companies” in Kansas. “We are thrilled to be recognized by experts monitoring our space. These experts collect data on companies then rank them by categories, states, etc” said CEO Nedra Barr. “For Spyder to be recognized is amazing and showcases the hard work and efforts we have been putting in over the past 15 months.
The Spyder solution uses IBM Watson and Microsoft Azure to serve the insurance and financial services industries.
Spyder has big plans to assist the Fort Scott/Bourbon County community. Providing good paying jobs with great benefits is something desperately needed in the local community. Spyder’s minimum annual salary is higher than Fort Scott’s median wage. “Good paying jobs with benefits goes along way to help restore this wonderful community back to the glory days of the Western Insurance Companies, where good jobs were plentiful. These efforts will assist community efforts to attract a hospital group which is so important to our local community,” Barr said. “We believe the town is on the upswing. The downtown buildings are looking great, small businesses are plentiful, and the pride in this community is amazing. We think this community is ripe for a company like Spyder. It is truly exciting to be a part of such an important effort for this community.”
In July, Spyder will be raising their funding round to launch into growth mode.
“We have built and tested our basic infrastructure storage product and now ready to begin enhancing and adding larger product features and modules into the product,” she said. “In addition, we will be ready to launch our sales team into enterprise opportunities within large insurance and financial services firms in the next few months” said Upright. “Spyder’s products drive efficiencies within these large organizations saving them time and money. It is important for Spyder to raise this round of funding locally. We want to protect Spyder from being funded then pulled out of Fort Scott as our headquarters. We are building Spyder for our community to benefit from, so protecting the Fort Scott location is important to us.”
Spyder will host a luncheon in late July for interested potential investors to learn more about how Spyder will help the local community and their markets. Interested parties may reach out to Nedra Barr or Mike Upright to be added to the invite list. [email protected], [email protected]
Like and follow us on Linkedin
Spyder, Inc: https://www.linkedin.com/company/72467939/admin/
Nedra Barr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nedra-barr-28ab589b/
Mike Upright: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeluprightjr/