The 2023 Blue Collar Awards, 2023. Submitted photo.
Advance Bourbon County is sponsoring a Blue Collar Awards event on March 9 at Memorial Hall, located at Third Street and National Avenue.
“The purpose is to raise money for scholarships for local students going to college in the blue-collar trades field,” said Josh Jones one of the organizers of the event. The scholarships will be awarded to Fort Scott and Uniontown students who apply and are eligible
For students wishing to be considered for a scholarship in the trades field see the application below:
According to the scholarship requirements, students must be high school seniors and will attend a college/trade school within 180 miles of Bourbon County. All scholarship monies will be paid directly to the school. Qualified trade programs re: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, construction, welding, fabrication, automotive and diesel mechanics. commercdriver’svers license, auto CAD/drafting, manufacturing technology, machining, masonry, robotics/drones, lineman, railroad training, carpentry, and major appliance technology.
The student must also write a paragraph describing their plans upon completing the program.
The awardee must present proof of enrollment to Josh Jones to claim their scholarship award.
Some of lyear’sears recipients. Submitted photo.
Local tradesmen are on a ballot for a community vote with winners recognized during the March 9 event.
“We are in the voting process now and on March 1st we will tally the votes and give out awards based on each category to local businesses,” Jones said.
The event will also feature a comedian this year, the Copenhagen Bandit.
The Copenhagen Bandit from his Facebook page.
To view a prior feature on Advance Bourbon County’s beginnings:
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 23rd and 24th. 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.
In addition to the shopping fun that weekend, there will be plastic multi-colored eggs hidden around Downtown on Saturday the 24th after 10 a.m. suitable for young children to find.
The Chamber encourages the community to join the hunt on March 23rd-24th. Get ‘egg-cited’ to shop local. Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.
A business that provides personalized print services opened an office in August 2023 at 201 E. National, Fort Scott.
Global Print Brokers. Submitted photo.Darrin Gauthier. Submitted photo.
Global Print Brokers owner is James Stewart Gulager and there are two other employees: Darrin Gauthier and Paul Studyvin.
Stewart Gulager, from his Facebook page.
“We specialize in a variety of products, including stock products for forms, labels, and more promotional,” Darrin Gauthier said. “Our goal is to offer our clients the best of the best when it comes to print solutions, and we have the expertise to provide the best cost evaluations to ensure that your business operates smoothly. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help your business thrive.”
Paul Studyvin. Submitted photo.
“The business was started to help the end user find a better product and save them money in the process,” Gauthier said.
“We provide all kinds of custom printed forms and labels,” Gauthier said. “Along with supplying stock forms and labels. We also help out on promotional and plastic items.”
Forms they provide with some examples:
Pressure Seal
Integrated Labels
Joined Webs
NCR products
Cutsheets
Multi-Part forms
Medical / Lab / Pharmacy Forms
Letterhead
Envelopes
Business/Appointment Cards
Custom printed
Stock
Many more products
Labels:
Shipping Labels
Roll labels
Static cling label
Decal
Stickers
Tire
Industrial Labels
Window Labels
Water bottle labels
Asset tags
Many other items
Plastics:
Gift Cards
Loyalty cards
Mailers
Key tags / any other combination
Etc
Promotional items:
Pens
Signs
Rugs
Tents
Banners
Posters
Mugs
etc.
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The business phone is 913-285-5774
To reach the staff: Stewart Gulager – 620-215-4464; Darrin Gauthier – 620-215-6298; and Paul Studyvin – 620-215-2523.
Barbed Wire and Rose Vintage Market owner Rosemary Harris. Submitted photo.
Rosemary Harris opened Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market, 18 N. Main Ste. A on January 30, 2021.
The Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market, 18 N. Main, Suite A.. Submitted photo.
“Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market was started because I love vintage, antique, and collectible items and through the store, they can find new life and purpose and can go back out into the world,” Harris said. “I love when someone finds an item in the store that they have been looking for and share their story about it. I also felt that our historic downtown area was the perfect location for opening a vintage/antique store.”
The shop provides Fort Scott and the surrounding areas a place to go for furniture, home décor, collectibles, and fun and unique items. “We also have people coming into the store looking for specific items and we try to help people locate those items whenever we can,” she said. “Our vendors and consignment items bring a variety of products into the store for our customers and friends to choose from.”
A variety of one-of-a-kind articles are found in Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market. Submitted photo.
Conversations are started over some items.
“Toys and home décor bring back lots of fond memories,” she said. “Many customers enjoy reminiscing over items in the store their grandparents or other family members had when they were growing up and visiting their homes. We love when our shoppers share their stories and memories about cherished collections or mementos they have.”
” We hope to keep providing Fort Scott and the surrounding area with a fun place to shop and continue to be a part of our downtown shopping district,” Harris said. “We are excited to be celebrating our third year in business. We are celebrating our 3-year anniversary with sales throughout the store and treats for the month of February.”
Some merchandise in the shop. Submitted photo.
Contact information: the store number is 620-224-7764 and it can be found on Facebook at Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market
Better in Bourbon, a boutique clothing store at 13 N. Main in Historic Downtown Fort Scott, is celebrating its second anniversary this evening.
Rachel Pruitt opened the business in December 2021.
“Better in Bourbon started as a pop-up concept, but thanks to the incredible support received, a permanent location was established in late 2021,” she said.
“We sell women’s and ‘tween girl clothing and accessories. We also offer permanent jewelry,” Pruitt said.
Some of the merchandise is in Better in Bourbon. Submitted photo.
“In the Fall of 2023, I experienced the loss of my father following a determined battle with cancer,” Pruitt said. “Tragically, my mother also fell unexpectedly ill and passed away. Facing the loss of both parents within such a short period, I found myself in desperate need of support.”
She turned to her friend Denise Beaman who helped her in the shop when Pruitt couldn’t be there.
“Without Denise’s timely assistance, Better in Bourbon wouldn’t have reached its current standing,” Pruitt said. “Denise is in charge of merchandising and is my only employee.”
Rachel said she and Denise are grateful for the opportunity to serve the community and are excited about their expansion plans on the horizon.
Rachel Pruitt, left, and Denise Beaman. Submitted photo.
Rachel and Denise bring their wealth of experience from both the retail and wholesale industries to offer expert styling services, according to a press release from Pruitt. Their boutique is renowned for its size-inclusive range, offering everything from wardrobe essentials to one-of-a-kind pieces.
Tonight, February 9, the two will be having a special ladies’ night from 6 to 8 p.m. at the store.
“Enjoy permanent jewelry specials as our way of saying thank you for your support over the years,” Pruitt said. “Sip on delicious drinks and enjoy Crooners Cakery treats while you shop our latest collections.”
Merchandise in the Better in Bourbon Boutique at 13 N. Main. Submitted photo.
The new, upcoming venture at 401 Woodland Hills in Fort Scott, will be known as the Kansas Renewal Institute.
“Our mission is to provide comprehensive Behavioral Health Services for both adults and adolescents,” said T. J. Denning, the chief operating officer of Kansas Renewal Institute. ” We are completing the state licensure process and anticipate offering a detailed list of services to the community shortly.”
Matthew Wells, Fort Scott Commissioner, said the business will benefit the community with new jobs.
” As we progress from our initial opening to full operational capacity, the Kansas Renewal Institute will employ a diverse team of 20 to 100 professionals.,” Denning said. “This team will expand in response to the needs of our patient population and will include a wide range of positions from senior leadership and administrative staff to medical personnel and direct care staff across various levels of pay and licensure.”
“The website will be updated shortly with job listings,” Denning said.
“We are pursuing licensure to operate 68 beds, and an outpatient (service), which will occupy three full wings of the facility, including the restaurant and areas designated for support staff,” he said.
“All of the old patient care areas, OB, ICU, and Medsurge as well as the old admin offices (will be used),” according to Fort Scott Commissioner Wells.
“The ownership and leadership of J.G. Healthcare, the entity behind the Kansas Renewal Institute, comprise a seasoned group of behavioral healthcare professionals with over 70 years of combined experience,” Denning said. “This collective expertise is focused on implementing best practices in behavioral health to address the increasing needs of Americans.”
There are private investors with a history in large growth companies who are investing in this operation, Denning said.
Administration
The top administrator at the Fort Scott site will be Joe Tinervin and plans are to start operations by late March or early April at the site, according to Denning.
Joe Tinervin, from his LinkedIn site.
According to Tnervin’s LinkedIn site here is his experience and education:
Discovery Behavioral HealthMay 2019 – Oct 2023 · 4 yrs 6 mosUnited States
Served as an integral part of Discovery Behavioral Health’s senior leadership team and was responsible for developing, implementing and achieving operational goals through partnering with world-class professionals and shaping a culture that provides safe and successful treatment for those who are struggling with a wide range of complex behavioral health disorders.Served as an integral part of Discovery Behavioral Health’s senior leadership team and was responsible for developing, implementing, and achieving operational goals through partnering with world-class professionals and shaping a culture that provides safe and successful treatment for those who are struggling with a wide range of complex behavioral health disorders.
T. J. Denning is the Chief Operating Officer, Joe Tinervin is the Chief Executive Officer and Jonathan Gross is the owner of the parent company JG Healthcare Solutions, according to Denning.
Contact T.J. Denning at 417-392-7307.
Two addresses for contact
KRI, 4601 E. Douglas Suite 150, Wichita, KS 67218
JG Healthcare Solutions, 619 Garden Street, Golden CO 80403
Strategies Will Be In Place For Patient Discharge
“Addressing community concerns regarding patient discharge, especially for those without local family support, we emphasize a holistic continuum of care,” Denning said. “This includes pre- and post-care strategies encompassing transportation to and from our institute, reinforcing our commitment to the successful reintegration of our patients into the community. Our dedicated team of discharge planners, alumni support staff, and community liaisons will ensure every patient receives a tailored integration plan, providing the necessary support to apply the skills learned during their stay at our institute effectively.”
Wednesday, February 7th, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St.
Chamber members and the community are invited to hear 7-minute updates by the following entities: City of Fort Scott, City Manager Brad Matkin Bourbon County, Commissioner Clifton Beth Bourbon County REDI, Executive Director Rob Harrington Fort Scott Community College, President Jason Kegler USD-234, Superintendent Destry Brown USD-235 (Superintendent Vance Eden is unable to attend)
The event is free to attend but registration is requested. Box lunches are available by pre-order for $10.
Those planning to attend may RSVP here. (lunch orders being accepted online thru 8am Wed. the 7th)
Moderator for the event will be Bailey Lyons of Lyons Realty Group,
2024 Chamber Board Member & Past Board Chair.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 for more information or visit fortscott.com.
Trent and Kate Freeman purchased the building at 8 N. National Ave from Phil Hammons in October of 2020, after a full remodel of the building they hosted the grand opening of their art business on January 28th, 2023.
“In the first year, The Artificers (the name of their art gallery) hosted artists from Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, North Carolina, California, and Georgia,” Kate said. “These Master artists have also taught classes in their medium and brought their talents to share in Fort Scott.”
“The Artificers provide a wide range of fine arts and fine crafts for purchase in our gallery,” she said. “The teaching studio provides a space to learn everything from ceramics, watercolor, weaving, printmaking, fluid art, pen & ink, and more. We also run our studios out of the space and are available for commissioned work.”
“The first year was a year of learning,” she said. “We tried to watch what people loved about our business, doing more of that. We took away things that didn’t seem to be a good fit for the community and listened to our clientele to provide classes and items that they wanted. One of our goals was to fill a gap in art education, as well as give confidence to people who want to experience making art but haven’t had the opportunity to be encouraged in their creativity.”
“We are very excited to expand our offerings in our Bourbon County Clay LLC line,” she said. ” This is a line of limited edition items made from clay that we pull from the ground in Northwest Bourbon County. All items are stamped with our logo and numbered.”
“We are also developing a line of online classes that will be available to purchase through subscription,” she said.
Trent works to create art in mixed media: clay, glass, wood, and metal; Kate works in clay and acrylic painting.
“We had our studio in Kansas City for 22 years,” Trent said in a prior interview. “I’ve been a professional for 28 years. We’ve done everything from gallery to commission to art festivals all over the country. Most of our work is commission now.”
Trent said when Kansas City shut down businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic, they began coming to their farm, west of Fort Scott.
Trent’s parents, Ed and Jackie Freeman built a house near Bronson and retired there, and so Trent and Kate have been coming here for 20 years, he said. “And we loved the town.”
Eventually, the Freeman’s purchased the building at 8 North National Avenue, on October 2, 2020.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team staff is sponsoring a cooking how-to event this Saturday, Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon.
The HBCAT is located at 104 N. National, across from the new Farmers Market Pavilion.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is located at 104 N. National Avenue, Fort Scott.
Suzanne Griffin, owner of Twigs and Berries Catering, is the presenter.
A Twigs and Berries Catering offering. Submitted photo.
” We will learn how to cook on a budget, how to meal plan easily, how to include kids in the kitchen, eliminate food waste, convert leftovers to a new meal, shop our homes first, shop by season and sales, The Bliss point of food taste, which is the combination of certain flavors. ”
She looks forward to the event.
“When I was a young mom and wife I had some great veteran moms, including my own mom, that shared with and I wanted to pass that blessing of help on,” Griffin said. “I… share because cooking is one of my talents, I enjoy it and I have plenty of experience, not because I’ve perfected it. We all have different strengths and by teaching others younger than us, I feel like it builds community. The in-person, face-to-face, heart-to-heart, learning. I hope someone can glean some useful information from Saturday.”
There is no cost for the event.
“There will be a time for learning, worksheets to coach participants through building a monthly meal plan, and handouts to take home,” Griffin said.
“One of the top priorities that our Local Health Equity Action Team coalition, an initiative of HBCAT, has identified in our community there is food insecurity,” said HBCAT Executive Director Rachell Carpenter said. “The educational event taking place on Saturday will help participants learn how to:
*Cook on a budget
*Eliminate food waste and use leftovers made into a new meal.
*Convenience vs Homemade cost and nutrition benefits
*Shop the home freezers first
*Shop by season and sales
*Make meal planning easy
*Include kids in the kitchen
About Twigs and Berries
“I started catering in March 2022 with the hope of bringing in a little extra money while still being able to stay at home,” Griffin said. ” I thought it would be just for a couple of weeks. When we first started we were doing ready-made meals for pickup once a week. Then in 2023 we were almost exclusively catering events only. We do anywhere from 10 – 200 people.”
“My husband, kids, and mom are my main helpers. I also have a high school girl who recently has started helping me.”
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee Thursday, February 1st at 8 a.m. hosted by Riggs Chiropractic at their Fort Scott location, 304 E. 23rd St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to door prize drawings.
Riggs Chiropractic is where your family achieves optimum health and wellness through Chiropractic Care. Riggs Chiropractic has three locations: Pittsburg, Ks, Riverton, Ks, and Fort Scott, Ks. Riggs Chiropractic offers services such as Low Back Pain, Headaches & Migraines, Joint Pain, Neck Pain, Pregnancy, Satica, Whiplash, Carpal Tunnel, Pediatrics, and Acupuncture. Join us Thursday morning to celebrate Riggs Chiropractic’s one year anniversary!
Any member business or organization wanting to host Chamber Coffee in 2024 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].
Radio Auction is back and better then EVER! Get your bid numbers and join Deb and Tim on 103.9 FM or 98.3 FM every Thursday and Friday starting at 3 pm.
You can listen and bid on the radio or online at kombfm.com.
You must have a bid number, in order to get a bid number you can call 620.223.4500 or stop in to the station at 2 N. National.
To place a bid on an item in advance call the office at 620.223.4500, to bid during auction time call 620.223.5580,4545,4544. You can also send bids via text to 620.224.7962
Bid in increments of no less then $1 at a time, $5 at a time for items valued over $100. A tax of 9.4% will be added to some items.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Amy Sawyer from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Facebook page.
Amy Sawyer is the new Small Business Advisor at Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center
The services she will be providing to the Fort Scott community:
Start Up – LLC & EIN registration
Loan & Grant Prep – Business Plan & Cash flow
Accounting – Quickbooks, Wave Accounting, Etc.
Sales Tax – Registering & Paying
Marketing & Sales
HR/Employees
Strategic Planning
Business Protection
Government Contracting
Exit Planning
“I started with the Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University in October,” Sawyer said. “I have spent the last three months alongside Dacia Clark learning my job duties, as well as learning about Fort Scott and what is important to Fort Scott. There are a lot of exciting things going on here, and I am so happy to be a part of it!”
“The best part of my new job at SBDC is that I get to help people all day long!” she said. ” I get to help people make their dreams come true. There are many services that we offer at the SBDC, and most of them are at no charge to the client. So, please reach out and see if we can help you, in any way. I am happy to visit with you at your business, as well! I look forward to meeting you!”
Her contact info: [email protected] 620-235-4921 or call the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is located at 104 N. National Avenue, Fort Scott.
Hours available in Fort Scott are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 am-4 pm.
Originally from Winfield, which has the same namesake as Ft. Scott, she noted, Pittsburg has been her home for over 20 years.
“I developed a love for downtown and community service while in high school,” she said in a press release. “Winfield was a Main Street town, and I had the opportunity to work on a project for the organization. My Mother has always been involved in the chamber and business community, so it was natural for me to make those things an important part of my professional career.”
She attended Pittsburg State University and majored in Communications and minored in Business Administration.
After college, she started a career with Names and Numbers telephone directories and worked there for 13 years.
“I had the opportunity to gain experience and grow as a leader,” she said. “I started as a Graphic Designer (I was not the best), but I quickly developed an interest in operations. I was blessed with leaders who saw my fire and intrigue, and they were gracious enough to invest in me. Ultimately, I was named Director of Production at Names and Numbers, and I really enjoyed the big picture and strategic side of the business, as well as the opportunity to grow other leaders.”
“For the last two years, I worked for the United States Senate. In that role, I did community outreach for an 11-county area in Southeast Kansas. This role allowed me to work with business and community leaders across the SEK region.”
She has been an active member of the Pittsburg Area Young Professionals for 10 years and was a past president; served on the Salvation Army Board of Advisors, Pittsburg Downtown Advisory Board (Past Chair), as well as Pittsburg Sunrise Rotary.
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and spending time at Table Rock Lake.
