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Spring Open House March 24-25
Category Archives: Business
Retail and Now Cafe at the Former Scottish Rite Temple
Kathy Dancer, 49, and Tracy Dancer, 50, opened 110 South Main as a retail shop in the former Scottish Rite Temple in December and will be opening a cafe in the building this spring.
Retail
110 South Main Mercantile and Market features decor, gifts, and food from Kansas and the Midwest, Kathy said.
“We have great products from Kansas City Canning Company, Kansas City Caramels, Prairie Fire Candles, Bombshell Beauty, Finding Home Farms, Thompson’s Homemade Decor, and about 30 other small business partners,” she said. ” Our market vendors include many local artisans and craft people who produce glass art, textiles, furniture, cutting boards, keepsake boxes, home decor, pens, notebooks, and decorative signs. We recently added a line of chocolates from Andre’s Chocolates and popcorn and fudge from Simply Delightful.”
“The retail store will be expanding this spring and summer to offer additional space for market vendors and artists who have high-quality handcrafted items,” she said. Additional vendors and artists will be added as they expand the space.
Cafe
“We are also opening Cohn’s Cafe,” Kathy said. The restaurant is named after Sidney Cohn and his wife, who had a cafe and coffee shop in this space from 1926-1948, she said. The restaurant space was used by the Freemasons council as a kitchen and dining space for several decades after that.
“The cafe will feature locally sourced ingredients and will have breakfast and lunch for dine-in or carry-out,” she said. “We will source ingredients from local producers and will have a seasonally adjusted menu based on the availability of fresh, local vegetables, meats, and other ingredients. Our menu will include quiches, crepes, soups, salads, sandwiches, and pies and desserts. We plan to have grab-and-go items available as well.”
“The cafe will be the cornerstone for additional planned improvements to the building,” Kathy said. “We felt the cafe was a great way to share the building with the community while also supporting local artists, craftspeople, and food producers. We are excited to showcase some of the great products available in our community in both the retail space and cafe.”
Electrical Issues
The Dancer’s hope to open this spring, but are having a problem with electric service to the building.
“We will have all of our spaces ready and equipment in place by the end of March but we are still waiting for additional electric service so we can proceed with our inspections and licensing,” she said. “Unfortunately, there was extensive damage done to the electric service to the building while it was unoccupied prior to our purchase.”
“We have been working with our electrician to have adequate service reinstalled in the building but we are having to work around other utilities that were added in the alley,” Kathy said. “As soon as we have enough electricity to operate the commercial kitchen equipment and modern HVAC, we will finish licensing and begin training staff. We will announce opening dates on our social media pages, 110SouthMain and Cohn’sCafeonMain.
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT)Grant
The Dancer’s received a restaurant /retail grant in the amount of $7,000 from HBCAT.
“We are very excited to be named as a recipient of the HBCAT grant in the restaurant category,” Kathy said. “The grant will be used to help install the commercial kitchen for the cafe. We have several pieces of used equipment including a sink, ovens, and a commercial refrigerator that need minor repairs and installation. The balance of the funds will be used to acquire additional kitchen equipment including a commercial cook top, a commercial freezer, and a refrigerated table for salads and sandwiches.”
Contact info
Sami Rogers Starts Handmade Baby Clothing Business
Sami Rogers, 21, started her business, The Baby Stitch, at the encouragement of her best friend, Chloe Mohn.
“I started with hairbows for my friend, Chloe, who had a baby,” Rogers said. “She suggested I start making bummies, a baby diaper cover. She said I had an eye for design.”
The only sewing she had been taught was in Fort Scott Middle School, “And it was a pillow,” she said.
She began looking on the internet.
“I got on Etsy and purchased patterns, and started on YouTube to learn the techniques of sewing,” she said.
For her business, she makes baby clothes, which include bummies, hairbows, bell bottom pants, leggings, shirts and joggers.
“I only make baby and toddler clothing, up to size 3-4 Toddler,” she said. “Everything is handmade.”
Go to her website to order: http://the-baby-stitch.myshopify.com
The Baby Stitch is also on Facebook and Instagram.
About Rogers
Rogers is a 2020 graduate of Fort Scott High School and attended Fort Scott Community College.
At age 19, while a freshman at FSCC, she started her business.
She is a recent recipient of the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) grant for women, minorities or low income to start up a business, in the amount of $5,000.
“Dacia Clark was amazing to help you,” Rogers said.
Clark is Assistant Director of the Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University, with an office in the HBCAT office at 104 N National Ave, Fort Scott.
The HBCAT Phone is (620) 215-2892
“They help with a business plan, expense projection,” she said.
Rogers had applied for a grant previously, but wasn’t accepted.
“I felt defeated,” she said. “I do run a business and the grant would help me, so I reached out again. They gave pointers to improve the application.”
She applied again, and received the grant, which she plans to use on a serger sewing machine, fabric and specialty scissors to “help get the product out the door.”
Fresh Produce Pre-Order Sales Began This Month In Bronson
In most small towns, fresh produce nearby is hard to come by, unless you grow your own.
Thaddeus and Kelly Perry have started a service that allows people to order fresh fruits and veggies ahead of time, then pick up at their Bronson store, Perry’s Pork Rinds and General Store.
The store is located on Hwy. 54 that goes through the town, east to west. Bronson is in the rural western part of Bourbon County.
The box of produce will typically cost $15 and have a variety of approximately 15 lbs. of fresh fruits and veggies, with prices subject to change based on the cost of food.
Depending on what fruit and vegetables are in season and what their pricing is, will decide what is in the boxes, Kelly Perry said.
For the next distribution of fresh veggies and fruits, today, March 13,
is the deadline for a March 17 pick-up order.
“This is something that is not only smart for our business to attract more foot traffic into the door, but also valuable for the community to not have to travel to get fresh produce,” Kelly said. “This fits in line exactly with what Thaddeus and I have always said, we will invest back into our community locally.”
Perry’s Produce is a Bourbon County community program designed to make affordable bundles of fresh produce regularly available in their town and the surrounding area.
“This saves residents time and money shopping while helping them eat healthier,” Kelly said.
This Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Initiative works with a program coordinator, in this case, The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), located in Fort Scott.
“(BCBS)Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Initiative works with 24 communities across the state of Kansas,”HBCAT President and CEO Jody Hoener said. The HBCAT and the Perry’s worked together on ways to improve health in the community by awarding the Perry’s a $20,000 grant for a five year commitment to the food program for rural citizens.
“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team has worked since 2016 to build up and support local food systems,” Hoener said. “We are thrilled to have Perry’s Produce as a partner in our efforts to increase access to healthier food options.”
With the funds, they are purchasing grocery shelves that will have a larger capacity to hold even more groceries, pet supplies, home goods, toiletries and more so families do not have to travel into “town” to get something they need, saving them time and money, Perry said.
Shelving for produce distribution and storage, scales, and a printer/date labeler for the fresh grab-and-go salads, sandwiches and deli items, will all be purchased as a direct result of this grant.
The Perry’s, HBCAT and Pathways started researching a program, KSTATE’s Simply Produce program, around eight months ago via zoom calls and emails and in-person meetings.
The first distribution date of the produce was March 3.
“We distributed 61 bundles to members of the community,” Kelly said. “There was a clerical error at the produce company and we ended up having to improvise, so some folks got double on certain items to still fulfill our end of the deal versus them not getting a bundle at all. There will be learning curves and this is new, so we are working hard to combat all of those curves.”
“We’ll try to source locally as much as possible for this program,” Kelly said. “Some models are based on weight, others base off a set number of items in their bundles and we will work with this over the next few months to see what works best and gives shoppers the most bang for their buck. Inside each bundle will also be a recipe card provided by K-State Southwest Extension District Snap Education.”
The bundles are currently being placed in reusable grocery bags provided by K-State Southwest Extension Snap Ed. Division, she said.
The pre-paid bundles can be picked up over the next five years on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during open store hours.
The bundles are $15 each, plus tax.
“ALL bundles are pre-ordered and pre-pay unless you’re an EBT/SNAP user,” Kelly said.
“Due to regulations by the U.S. Department of Agriculture EBT/SNAP users cannot prepay for food. EBT/SNAP users can come in or call in and place their orders and pay on pick up days,” she said.
“Each buyer will get a receipt with their pick up date written at the top and we will print a second copy for the store and have the customer write their name and number on the receipt,” she said
“If you have not picked up your receipt by 2 p.m. we will call or text the number for a reminder,” she said. “When you arrive in the store, you will sign the book showing you came to pick up your order.”
Those that wish to purchase online:
First Time Home Buyer Help
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A Commercial Kitchen/Event Space/Retail Space Coming to Downtown Fort Scott
A community kitchen is on the horizon for downtown Fort Scott.
Rachel French, Angela Simon, and Bailey Lyons are collaborating to open The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative, a not-for-profit business.
The building will have a commercial kitchen, a small event space and a retail area, with specialty kitchen supplies.
The event space will also be available for private rentals.
In addition, cooking classes for children and adults will be offered.
The Kitchen Collection + Collaborative business recently received a $5,000 Women, Minority or Start Up Business grant from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
The Kitchen’s mission statement:
“The Kitchen is to be an innovative collaborative that enhances the local food system, increases access to regionally made and sourced goods, and supports area culinary businesses and entrepreneurs by reducing or removing risk and barriers to success.
Our concept is centered on merging the integral pieces required for a thriving food economy – producers, creators, marketers, and consumers.
We will also foster connections and serve as a community gathering place, a training hub, a meeting spot, an educational center, and a social venue.
In doing all of this, we expect The Kitchen will have a significant, multi-faceted impact on our community.
Afterall, everything happens in The Kitchen.”
Bailey and Nate Lyons own the building, located at 10 and 12 S. Main.
Youth Entrepreneur Challenge Trade Show March 7 at Fort Scott High School
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New BBQ Restaurant Coming to Fort Scott in May
Carissa, 34, and Alex Bowman, 33, have plans to open a bbq restaurant at 3 W. Oak Street, called Brickstreet BBQ.
“We plan to open hopefully in May, 2023,” Carissa said. “We felt that Fort Scott residents and ourselves missed being able to get good barbecue in town and thought since we’ve been able to manage and maintain a local restaurant that we have the know-how and the will power to make it happen!”
Alex is the manager and cook at Nu Grille Restaurant. just across the street from Brickstreet BBQ.
Carissa is the Family and Consumer Science teacher at Fort Scott High School.
They have started some social media to help the public get to see their progress:
Facebook- Brickstreet Barbecuehttps://www.facebook.
The Bowman’s plan on employing about 40 full-time and part-time people. The employment application can be accessed on their Facebook page.
Contact info: One can contact Carissa at her email: [email protected]
Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church Golf Tourney Fundraiser is March 25
Plans are in place for a golf fundraiser for the Catholic church that burned down last summer.
On March 25, 2023 there will be an 8 a.m. registration and 9 a.m. tee off at Woodland Hills Golf Course in Fort Scott.
Mid-Continental Restoration Company is hosting a golf tournament at Woodland Hills Golf Course to help raise funds for replacing the Mary Queen of Angels Church building which burned on the night of August 29, 2022.
“THE TOURNAMENT IS FILLED!” Franks Halsey said. “BUT we are still looking for hole sponsors from businesses as well as silent auction items or donations. In addition, Mid-Continental has purchased and will raffle a golf cart. Raffle tickets are
on sale for the price of $25 for one ticket, or 5 tickets for $100. You do not have to be present to win the golf cart.”
Raffle tickets can be purchased at Woodland Hills or send a check Mid-Continental Restoration, 401 E. Hudson, Fort Scott, KS 66701 made out to Mary Queen of Angels (Building Fund). Any monetary
donations or any silent auction items can be donated and sent to Mid- Continental Restoration as well.
For any questions or any more information please reach out to Chase Halsey at 620-704-2733, or
[email protected].
Marsha Fest: 80s Music on March 4 at the Liberty Theater
Marsha Lancaster died in September 2021 at the age of 54, but those who knew her, want to continue to honor her legacy of supporting community youth sports.
There will be a fundraiser in her honor on Saturday, March 4 at 8 p.m. at the Fort Scott Liberty Theater. Tickets are $35.
“Marsha Lancaster was a Fort Scott native and lived her entire life at 2nd and Hill Street,” said her friend Rhonda Dunn, who is helping with the annual event in remembrance of her. “She was active in many things in school including sports like basketball and volleyball. After attending Fort Scott Community College (FSCC), Marsha bought the Great Plains Deli and her food was legendary in the area.”
To learn more of Lancaster: Obituary of Marsha Lancaster
Marsha’s Deli was known as a local eatery that offered generous portions and a welcoming, down-home atmosphere.
Today her nephew, Brian Lancaster, owns Marsha’s Deli and strives to continue her legacy.
“She supported many organizations and teams through the years,” Dunn said. “She fed many teams that traveled to Fort Scott. It was a tradition for the FSCC Coaches to bring prospective athletes to the Deli for a welcome from Marsha and their first meal at the Deli. Marsha didn’t know a stranger and was amazing at making everyone feel welcomed as soon as they walked through her Deli doors. Marsha was a Fort Scott legend.”
A girl who grew up in 1980s, Marsha Fest will have an 80s Hair Band Rock group to entertain the attendees.
“Baloney Ponyz (a naughty 80s joke) is from the KC area and plays 80s Hair Band Rock music,” Dunn said. “Many of the members of Baloney Ponyz are also members of Disco Dick and the Mirror Balls as well as Legends of Rock.”
The event is sponsored by the Lancaster family. Profits from the event are going to support the Fort Scott High School Sports Booster Club, Dunn said.
“Marsha always enjoyed watching sports and made sure to support the area sports teams by donating or making treats for them to enjoy on game days and we want to keep that legacy alive,” Dunn said. “The proceeds from last year’s Marsha Fest went to Care to Share and the Splash Pad.”
For the latest information, view the Marsha Fest Facebook page.
Chamber Announces Spring Open House, Find the Golden Egg Shopping Event
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Spring Open House, Find the Golden Egg shopping event which will take place on Friday and Saturday March 24th and 25th. Most stores in the Downtown Historic District and several additional locations will be participating in the hunt.
Customers are invited to shop local retailers to search for the hidden gold eggs. The golden eggs will contain coupons, promotions, Chamber Bucks, and more. Participating retailers include 110 South Main, Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire & Roses Vintage Market, Bids & Dibs, Hare & Crow Art Gallery, Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore & More, Iron Star Antiques & Such, Laree + Co., Mayco Ace Hardware Store, Museum of Creativity Gift Shop, Ruddick’s Furniture & Flooring, Sekan’s Occasion Shop, Shirt Shack, Sunshine Boutique, and Varia Quality Resale Clothing.
In addition to the shopping fun that weekend, there will be plastic multi-colored eggs hidden around Downtown on Saturday the 25th after 10 a.m. suitable for young children to find.
The Chamber encourages the community to join the hunt on March 24th-25th. Get ‘egg-cited’ to shop local. Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.
Fort Scott Rides: New Business For Matt Harvey
Matt Harvey started his new business Fort Scott Rides LLC in September 2022 at 1202 E. Wall.
“I have been in the car business for 12 years and set a goal to own my own dealership, and (now) that part of my goal is done,” he said.
“We are just a sales location, no service,” Harvey said.
In addition to cars, his future business plan is to expand to motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and golf carts, he said.
Harvey is a member of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce and also supports and donates to many organizations, he said.
He can be reached at (620) 215-4219 or [email protected]
The business website is www.fortscottrides.com and for the latest information, view their Facebook page: fort scott rides.
Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Born and raised in Bourbon County, he is the son of Gary and Jackie Harvey.
He has three children, Kaitlyn-a beautician at Spoiled Brat, Tyler-who is doing social media/website duties for his dad’s business and also works at Bourbon County Corrections, and Jett-a senior at Uniontown High School.
