Liberty Worth is an artist, poet, teacher and traveler. Gathering inspiration from the natural world and stories of healing, she uses life and memories to guide her artmaking and writing. An avid journal keeper and sketchbook filler, Liberty lives in Los Angeles, CA where she practices as a commissioned visual artist, public speaker and part time high school art teacher.
Gentry Warren is an acrylic and mixed media artist, storyteller, and poet currently living in Pittsburg, KS. His work is full of color, emotion, and most importantly, pieces of himself and his lived experiences. As someone who has always felt the peaks and valleys of life deeply, finding a way to create from those feelings has been and continues to be transformational for him. As with life, his process and style are ever changing. His work is full of stories and depictions of interactions and observations from every corner of the country. He deeply enjoys combining his paintings with stories for the viewer to enjoy in tandem. Through his words and work, Gentry hopes to evoke understanding and compassion, while offering new perspective and vantage points.
Master Artist Class
Work with textile artist Liberty Worth to give new life and artistic outcomes to old fabric scraps. We will be “painting” (no paint involved) with fabric to create new objects d’art.
Nominations Now Open for 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The popular annual awards program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make to their communities and to the Kansas economy.
This year’s banquet and award ceremony will be held October 12th at the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center in Wichita.
“It is important to celebrate the successes of Kansas companies and businesspeople who not only are driving the state economy but uplifting their local communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “To The Stars recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit and achievement that are on display daily throughout our great state. I would encourage everyone to nominate a company or individual for this notable honor.”
Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following categories:
AgriBusiness – companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
Business Innovation – companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
Healthcare/Nonprofit – noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
Manufacturing/Distribution – outstanding achievement for companies large and small involved in manufacturing and distribution
Non-Traditional Talent Pools – companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
Retail/Service – exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
Under 30 Entrepreneurs – young entrepreneurs achieving business success under the age of 30
Welcome Back – entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State
The Department of Commerce also will announce both the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence winner and the 2023 Exporter of the Year during the banquet and awards ceremony.
“There is no shortage of success stories in Kansas communities large and small,” Commerce Assistant Secretary of Business Development Nadira Hazim-Patrick said. “Spotlighting the best of the best is what To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards is all about.”
To learn more about To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards award categories, view past winners and to nominate a busiNominations Now Open for 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The popular annual awards program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make to their communities and to the Kansas economy.
This year’s banquet and award ceremony will be held October 12th at the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center in Wichita.
“It is important to celebrate the successes of Kansas companies and businesspeople who not only are driving the state economy but uplifting their local communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “To The Stars recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit and achievement that are on display daily throughout our great state. I would encourage everyone to nominate a company or individual for this notable honor.”
Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following categories:
AgriBusiness – companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
Apprenticeship Champions and Partners – companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
Business Innovation – companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
Healthcare/Nonprofit – noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
Manufacturing/Distribution – outstanding achievement for companies large and small involved in manufacturing and distribution
Non-Traditional Talent Pools – companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
Retail/Service – exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
Under 30 Entrepreneurs – young entrepreneurs achieving business success under the age of 30
Welcome Back – entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State
The Department of Commerce also will announce both the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence winner and the 2023 Exporter of the Year during the banquet and awards ceremony.
“There is no shortage of success stories in Kansas communities large and small,” Commerce Assistant Secretary of Business Development Nadira Hazim-Patrick said. “Spotlighting the best of the best is what To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards is all about.”
To learn more about To The Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards award categories, view past winners and to nominate a business or businessperson, including your own, click here. The nominations portal will accept nominations through July 20.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
###ness or businessperson, including your own, click here. The nominations portal will accept nominations through July 20.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting hosted by California Nails, Thursday, June 22nd at 8 a.m. at 300 E. 23rd St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.
California Nails is under new management as of May 15th, 2022. With 30+ years of experience California Nails offers many services such as; Acrylics, Dips, Pedicures, Reflexology, Pedicure Soaks, Nail Clippings, Chair Massages, Hot Rock Massages, and Men Pedicures. California Nails wants everyone to join them in celebrating their 1-year anniversary!
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.
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.
Mack and Michele Houser have been growing and selling vegetables at the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market for several years now! They find great self accomplishment in producing fresh, homegrown vegetables for spring, summer, and fall. You can find them at the Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings and Tuesday afternoons. They are also available to make deliveries in and around Fort Scott. For more info, stop and visit their booth, or give them a call!
The Bourbon County Fair has two options for vendors the year.
The first is in the Merchants Building on Tuesday, July 18, Wednesday, July 19, and Thursday, July 20. All three night are from 5 pm to 8 pm and the cost is $25.
The second option is new this year and it is the Makers’ Outdoor Market. The outdoor market will be in setup between the main fairgrounds and the rodeo arena on Thursday, July 20th from 5 pm to 8 pm with a cost of $5.
There is limited spaces available in the Merchants Building.
Both options are open to any business, organization, maker, producer, creator, or non-profit.
Sweet Country Farm is a three generation family living and working the land just south of Fort Scott. They specialize in farm fresh produce, berries, herbs and eggs. They also provide handmade soaps, felted wool art, specialty cards and a variety of paper products. For special occasions and parties, you can contact them on their Facebook page Sweet Country Farms to place a special order for eggs, cookies and pies. Come out to the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market and meet them this Saturday morning!
Fort Scott’s newest park is slated to open Summer 2023 – and there is still time to etch your name on the permanent signage (see below) recognizing the generosity of all donors who made it possible!! The all-inclusive, fully accessible Splashpad & Sensory Park will offer children and their families a fun, safe, barrier-free space to play, laugh, interact, and feel like they belong – regardless of their abilities. The support of this project has been a monumental community effort thus far, and the committee sends a sincere THANK YOU to everyone who has donated their time, talent, and treasure.
Donations are still being accepted, but to ensure a spot on the signage, they MUST be made by Friday, June 23rd! You can give on behalf of businesses, organizations, and individuals, or make a gift in memory/honor of someone special. To arrange your tax-deductible donation, call Bailey Lyons at (620) 224-7795. Make a lasting impact and be forever remembered!
Ann Tebbets and Ruth Hawkins have been long-time craft vendors at the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market. These ladies make beautiful bird feeders and wind chimes that are sure to dress up any front porch. Come out and visit with one of our favorite vendors this week!
Mrs. Yoder has been a long-time part of the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market. She is well known for her beautiful hand-made baskets and delicious baked goods. Mrs. Yoder can be found on Saturday mornings in her usual spot in the shade. Come find her this weekend!
A Farmers Market customer gets help from from left: Malachi, Asher, Maria and Judah Whitson.
This is part of a series featuring young entrepreneurs in our community.
To recommend a young entrepreneur, send contact information to [email protected]
The Whitson brothers, sons of Maria and Clayton Whitson, are entrepreneurs. The family lives on a farm in rural Garland.
Malachi, age 10, Asher, age 7 and Judah, age 5, all create items to sell, but each has a different product.
The boys, along with their parents, had a booth at the Fort Scott Farmers Market on June 3.
“The boys had… sold at my parents festival (Shead Family Festival, an annual event) the year before but they really enjoyed the opportunity to sell with other kids and actually learn a little more about how businesses work,” said Maria.
The Whitsons launched a family business called The Journey Home which is an umbrella for their whole family’s creations, including their three young sons, according to their mother, Maria. They have two younger daughters.
Book publishing, art, jewelry, cast iron accessories, homeschooling, foraging, homesteading, disaster prep, herbal remedies, are some of the interests of the family business.
Malachi and Asher went to the Acton Children’s Business Fair in April 2022 and developed a business plan and selected a name for their respective businesses.
Malachi Whitson sells his jewelry at the June 3 Fort Scott Farmers Market with his other brothers.
Malachi, owner of Made by Malachi, creates jewelry.
“I can sell personalized bacelets, keychains, but mostly make earrings,” he said. “I like creating. I think up ideas then try them out. If they don’t work out, it’s fine, I can use my mistakes to create something else. ”
Business has been good, he said. He has been selling his jewelry at markets, fairs, festivals and at Root Coffee Shop in Pittsburg.
“I started selling three years ago at the Shead Farm Festival, and now sell at different events, he said. ” Larry and Vickie Shead, who open their farm annually in May to visitors, are the brothers’ grandparents.
Asher Whitson shows his framed art for sale at the Fort Scott Farmers Market on June 3.
Asher is an artist.
“I started my business when I was five,” he said. “I get ideas on Facebook, and use an Apple Pencil I Pad (to create on).”
“Mom asked me if I wanted to do a business and I just started drawing,” Asher said.
He also has sold his artwork at the Shead Farm Festival, the Acton Business Fair, Fort Scott Farmers Market and Root Coffee Shop.
He likes what he’s doing.
“It’s easy and fun to draw and I get money,” he said.
Judah Whitson gets help with selling his mini-donut product at the Farmers Market from his mother, Maria Whitson.
Judah received a mini-donut maker for Christmas.
His first selling of his product was at his grandparents Shead Farm Festival last month
At the June 3, 2023 Fort Scott Farmers Market, he was manning his family’s booth at the cash register, with help, and was all smiles.
Judah Whitson mans the cash register at his family’s booth at the Fort Scott Farmers Market.
Second Children’s Business Workshop Coming In September
The boys attended the children’s business workshop in April 2022.
Dacia Clark, with the Small Business Development Center, taught the children about developing a business plan, and other marketing basics, Rachel Carpenter with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team said. The SBDC is housed in the HBCAT office at 104 N. National Avenue.
“Acton Children’s Business Fair provided the curriculum, and HBCAT helped coordinate the efforts,” Carpenter said.
Acton Children’s Business Fair is a culmination of ideas and hard work from great young minds. Kids develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at a one-day marketplace, according to its Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/childrensbusinessfairfortscottks?mibextid=LQQJ4d
The kids will have 3-4 meetings discussing the above ideas, culminating in a business fair. In 2022, the group of children totaled 13, and the hope is that will grown for the fall 2023 workshop, according to the Facebook page.
Cathy Ramirez has been hand crafting her knitted treasures nearly her entire life! She offers delicious baked goods and you can see her in action as she knits in all her spare time. Cathy has been part of the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market for many years and is always happy to share a smile!
Emma Stone Is the owner of Cutecrochtecritters and one of our new vendors this year! She hand crochets all her cute and cuddly stuffies and toys and has made several special order commission pieces for very satisfied customers. Emma is booked for the next year at local craft fairs as well as having a full time spot at the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market. Find her here on FB as well as Instagram and TickTock. Don’t forget to visit her online store on Etsy. This girl has it going on!
