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Category Archives: Business
New Venture For the Shead Family: Organic Homestead Festival
Larry and Vickie Shead are opening their farm next week for the community to view the organic homestead they have created.
All the Sheads will be helping on the day of the Organic Homestead Festival, including themselves, their adult children and their spouses, along with their 20 grandchildren.
The Organic Homestead Festival has several purposes.
“To share our family farm’s story-touring the farm, which will be laced with the history….to show our gardens, orchards, high tunnel, animals, bees and others, to supply ideas and information from what we learned in 43 years, to stir up interest in sustainable organic lifestyle, to sell products: produce, plants, kittens and poultry, to serve lunch for hungry people, to strengthen the community with other like-minded people and to sign-up for future classes,” Vickie said.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with single tickets-$5 or a family, $20.
A walking taco meal will be available for an additional $5.
To view a Shead YouTube on spring planting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dk-j18Ox5Y
There will be a SheadStead Market Store with fresh produce picked that day, veggie powders-which add nutrients to any meal, Guatemala sun hats, egg-gathering aprons, and herbal salves.
In addition, they will be selling some of their animals: peacocks, turkeys, chicks, ducklings, and kittens.
“We have always been a farm where people would come to learn and help,” she said. “Now, we have seen an increase in people asking us for information on how to grow their own organic fruits and vegetables.”
“Gardening and homestead-type living off the land are becoming very appealing to many because of the uncertainty of our future and the number of chemicals farmers are using,” Vickie said. “Many are asking if we will teach them…to plant, harvest and preserve, which includes canning, dehydrating, and freezing, as well as have one’s own meat and eggs.”
“There will be lots of fun for the whole family,” she said. “Questions and answers session on sustainable organic lifestyle..for adults.”
“In the children’s areas, they can…milk a cow and learn how to churn cream into butter, pet the animals in the petting yard, take pictures in photo cut-outs, hear a story about working on a farm, gather eggs…play educational games and meet Kernal Corn himself!” Vickie said.
The Shead farm is located at 2468 Cavalry, Garland, south of Fort Scott.
For more information:http://sheadfarm.com or 620.224.4149.
Center for Economic Growth: Focus on Health and Economic Stability
The group that set up an office on the second floor, above the Star Emporium Downtown General Store, 17 S. Main, has changed the name, but not services.
“The partners that made up the Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center (BWERC) have decided to name ourselves The Center for Economic Growth,” Jody Hoener, director of the center, said. “We have the same space, model, operations, and services that were provided before.” The one exception is the Bourbon County Commission is not a part of the partnership, she said.
“Our mission is to increase access to physical activity and healthy food, promote tobacco cessation, enhance the quality of life and encourage economic growth,” she said. “We wanted our program and name to tie directly to our mission.”
“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Board and our partners re-branded our collaborative efforts,” Hoener said. “Our work to build healthy communities and address the social determinants continues, with health and economic stability as the focus of the center.”
“Specifically, we are working with community members and our partners on economic stability,” she said.
“Priority is given to those businesses owned by low-income, minority, female, or veteran,” she said. “Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center uses the U.S. Small Business Administration small business definition…typically 500 employees or less with less than $5m in profit in a two-year period.”
“Poverty and low income are drivers of poor health,” Hoener said. ” Bourbon County is a rural community… with higher rates of poverty. Our community has seen low investment and low upward mobility in employment. We are working to create economic opportunities to generate wealth and income for Bourbon County residents.”
The partner organizations are the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Community College, Kansas Works, Pittsburg State University’s Small Business Development Center, and BAJA Investments.
Hoener’s work as the Bourbon County Economic Director ended in March
Continue reading Center for Economic Growth: Focus on Health and Economic Stability
Chamber Coffee at Billiard Hammer Hartman Ins. May 13
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Tri-Valley 1/2 Price Plant Sale May 12
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| Special Thank You to our Chamber Booster |
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Union State Bank a Mainstay and Family Business for 120 Years
The Holt family started as bankers in Uniontown on May 10, 1901, with an investment of $5,000.
“The bank’s assets are around $60 million total,” said current Union State Bank President Bryan Holt. “That is an increase of about 20% over this time last year. There’s currently nearly $5 million in Tier 1 capital.”
For five generations they have served the banking needs of their community, starting with Emmit Holt, then his son, Curtis, then his son, Kent, then his son Kenny, then his son, Bryan. All these were in succession.
Kent Holt, 89, remembers the first job at 12 years old. He helped his parents, Curtis and Helen, where he could.
“One of my duties was the Address-o-Graph, that machine that addressed envelopes,” Kent said.
By that time in the early 1940s, his mom and dad were the owners of the bank.
Kent became president when his father died at 62 years old, he was 35 years old.
When he was the president he could do any job in the bank, he said. But through the years, the industry has become more complicated.
“The big change was computers coming to the bank,” he said. “it was slow coming in, and in stages. Then we had to hire more people.”
Kenny Holt was president and CEO of Union State Bank from 1993 until 2018 when he retired. He died in November 2019.
To view his story:
Baton Is Passed at Union State Bank
Fifth-generation president, Bryan Holt, became president and CEO of Union State Bank on January 1, 2019.
“I returned to the bank in 2005 after working for 10 years in the accounting and tax software industry,” Bryan said. “I had always wanted to work in the family business and was, and still am, grateful for the opportunity to do so.”
Changes that Bryan has seen in the banking industry also include technology.
“Most recently, the ability to conduct business via a mobile device has been a game-changer in terms of service,” Bryan said. “Our mobile banking app allows for users to deposit checks via their phone, which is extremely convenient. We’ve also added our debit cards to mobile wallets, which allow for payments via mobile phone. Personally, I didn’t see this as a great addition, but after I used it, I use it as often as I can.”
Through the years Kent’s wife, Marilyn, and sons, Kenny and his wife Nancy, and Randy and his wife Debbie, and daughter, Susan Eldridge, worked at the bank, along with some of their children. Then grandsons, Bryan and Chad, and his wife Amy.
Daughter, Debbie Likely, chose to teach for her career.
“Holt family members currently working in the bank include Randy Holt, Susan Eldridge, Chad Holt, Amy Holt and myself.,” Bryan said. “Aiden Holt( Chad’s daughter) works part-time in Uniontown during the summer and Claire Holt (Bryan’s daughter) works as a part-time teller in Fort Scott.”
In 1992, the bank opened a branch in Fort Scott, just off Hwy. 69 and 12th Street.
“We have 16 full- and part-time employees between the two branches.,” Bryan said.
Kent Holt Remembers a Bigger Community
Like most small towns, the population of Uniontown has shrunk.
Uniontown used to have more people, Kent Holt said.
He tried to remember all the businesses in town while he was working at the bank.
“Stroud’s Grocery Store, Griffith Elevator and Lumber, Bishard Grocery Store, there was an old folk’s home, Gates-the blacksmith, several filling stations-Ira Steele’s was one, a barber shop-Raymond Mosier, telephone company, two doctors-Dr. Miller was one, a dentist, Arch Ramsey, we were the only bank in town,” Kent said.
Flora Klenklen was his secretary for several years, then Alice Ramsey.
Kent Holt said he just faded out, he didn’t really retire, and was a member of the bank’s board of directors until about five years ago.
See the latest about the bank on its’ Facebook page.
Timken Job Fair May 14-15
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Survey Data: Vaccinated Adult’s Mental Health Improved
After more than a year of declining mental health at the national level, there’s finally some good news – nearly 75% of vaccinated U.S. adults say that getting the vaccine has positively impacted their mental health, according to a new Walgreens survey.
The sentiment most shared among respondents is relief (64%), followed closely by thankfulness and optimism.
Survey results also suggest good news ahead for businesses, especially in the travel, hospitality and fitness industries.
Survey respondents shared that they are significantly more comfortable resuming the following activities once fully vaccinated:
- TRAVEL: comfort level more than doubled once fully vaccinated (from 32.7% to 67.6%)
- INDOOR GATHERING: comfort level nearly doubled once fully vaccinated (from 33.3% to 64.9%)
- GOING TO THE GYM: 83% increase in comfort level once fully vaccinated (from 30.1% to 55.1%)
- VISITING FRIENDS: 76.4% increase in comfort level once fully vaccinated (from 48.8% to 86.1%)
- DINING OUT: 75.5% increase in comfort level once fully vaccinated (from 42.5% to 74.4%)
- GOING TO WORK: 44.7% increase in comfort level once fully vaccinated (from 44.7% to 72.1%)
Evergy’s Plan: Public Comments Sought
KCC invites public comments on Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan
TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has opened a public comment period beginning today through July 7 to allow Evergy customers the opportunity to weigh in on the company’s proposed Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP). The plan, approved by Evergy’s Board of Directors in August, is designed to cut operating and maintenance expenses while increasing capital expenditures.
To protect the interest of Kansas ratepayers, the Commission opened a General Investigation on August 27 to provide KCC staff, stakeholders, and Evergy an opportunity to discuss and evaluate the plan.
As part of the investigation, a series of workshops were scheduled and broadcast for the public on the KCC’s YouTube channel. The final workshop is scheduled for May 24 at 10 a.m. At that time, Evergy will present an updated STP plan incorporating feedback from earlier workshops and answer questions from intervenors and Commissioners.
Recordings of the three previous workshops are available on YouTube for anyone who missed them. Topics covered include grid modernization investments and related benefits, operational efficiencies, and enhanced customer experience.
Additional information is available in Docket No. 21-EKME-088-GIE on the KCC’s website . The Commission has requested all participants in the docket file background information explaining the proceeding and their respective positions.
Public comments can be submitted online via the KCC website, through email ([email protected]) or in a letter to the agency’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 1500 SW Arrowhead, Topeka, KS 66614. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on July 7 and will be included in the case record.
Star Emporium Closes in Downtown Fort Scott
Star Emporium Downtown General Store owner Bill Michaud announced the closing of the store after four months on a May 5 post on its Facebook page.
The store is located at 17 S. Main and featured grocery store items and a deli.
Starting today all items in the store will be 20 percent off, then Friday and Saturday-40 % off, then Monday-60 % off.
“It’s an awful feeling for something that I had such high hopes to make a difference in the elevation of the retail climate downtown to be shut down so quickly,” Michaud told fortscott.biz. “The perishable inventory and low sales level pushed us to this.”
Michaud is working on a new chapter of the storefront in downtown Fort Scott, though.
“We certainly hope that Fort Scott comes out and helps us liquidate our inventory this Friday and Saturday,” Michaud said. “We will be closed on Mother’s Day and most of what’s left will be offered for sale at 60% off on Monday.”
“We are very hopeful that all perishable and frozen items are purchased so that we can shut down the refrigeration equipment,” he said. “IF our sale is successful, Monday will be our last day open.”
“We will open the deli and sell sandwiches on Monday to utilize as much deli meat and cheese as possible but the salad bar will not be open.”
“We will keep our regular hours during the sale – 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.,” he said.
What is on the horizon for you at this storefront?
“Since its inception, this project has been about aiding the growth of our downtown, addressing the limited food access in this part of the community, and giving local producers a place to sell products,” Michaud said. ” We’ve done all those things, but we have unfortunately learned that our business model was not financially sustainable.”
“Because this project was funded in large part by the SPARK grant (A COVID-19 relief grant) funding that we received, we have always viewed this as investment in the community, so we have an obligation to figure out a different business model that is sustainable and still helps us with the objectives set forth by that grant program.”
Food Producers Co-Op
“The new model we are working to put together will be more of a producer’s co-op type format,” he said. “We are looking for people who produce products of all types in our region that are looking for a marketplace.”
“We will begin hosting producer meetings soon and form a co-op model together to create that marketplace at the store,” Michaud said. ” There are still more questions than answers on how this will come together but we will navigate the questions together with the producers to create a model that the group feels will be sustainable and beneficial for all involved.”
“We’re getting more community involvement in hopes that we can attract more broad-based support and offer more products that people will go out of their way to buy than was offered in the previous grocery store model.”
Licensed Commercial Kitchen
“Our current deli will become available as a licensed commercial kitchen in which space may be reserved for co-op members, as well as others, to rent in order to produce products that are able to be sold to retailers.”
“Currently there is no licensed commercial kitchen available for use in our community for small quantity producers or that can be used as a food-based business incubator,” Michaud said. “This opportunity will allow someone to start small and develop a base business prior to expanding into a larger space such as a restaurant, bakery, or other food production facility.”
“With great resources in our community such as the Center for Economic Growth on the second floor of the (Star Emporium) store and the Chamber of Commerce E-Community loan program, we hope to continue to pursue the economic impact goal that was one of the purposes of the SPARK program.”
New Bourbon County Eco Devo Director: Rob Harrington
On Monday, May 10, Rob Harrington will begin as the newly created position of Bourbon County Economic Director.
Harrington, 40, has 13 years of experience in economic development and civil investment.
Currently living in Houston, MO, Harrington is the economic director there. He has a wife and four children.
“His office will be in the Landmark building,” Gregg Motley, chairman of Bourbon County Economic Development Council, said. “That may be temporary, but we would like him to take ownership of a final domicile.”
Harrington has a bachelor’s of science degree from the University of Phoenix in business and has been a retail company business manager and in politics, he said.
He has a master’s degree in economic development practicum and certification from the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program sponsored by the University of Clemson, Texas Christian U., Southern Mississippi U., and New Mexico U.
He is currently finishing a master’s degree in public administration from Park University, based in Parkville, Mo.
“I am facilitating a rural economic development class in the Kansas City portion, for the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program.”
For Harrington, the best part of his job is “Knowing if I do my job right, the person with no job, can get a job and provide for their family.”
Challenges of Economic Development
The number of members in a family has decreased, which for this generation means fewer workers, Harrington said.
People his parent’s age are retiring, and there are not as many people in the working-age group, he said.
“Also in rural areas, is ‘brain drain’ in the 1990s and early 2000s,” Harrington said. This is where young people left their rural areas to find higher-level wages.
That is changing because of quality of life issues like cost of living and crime, and many in urban areas are seeking smaller towns, he said.
“And in my opinion, the COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the way people look at being in densely populated areas,” he said.
Work ethic also comes into play.
There is a work ethic problem when you can stay at home and receive money, he said.
“There will still be some who would live off the system,” he said.
Harrington has been president of the University of Missouri Extension Board and treasurer for the Houston Community Foundation, along with several other groups in his community, he said.
“My kids are active in our school, where we live,” he said.
In his spare time, he likes to hunt and fish and is a Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Harrington will have a forty-hour workweek, Motley said
“We are not disclosing salary, as we are a private entity,” Motley said. “Funding is from a budget from the county (Bourbon County Commission).
Opening Soon: Fort Scott Barbershop, 118 E. Wall
The Montanez family will soon open their new barbershop at 118 E. Wall.
They are waiting on a few items to complete the shop and plan on opening in the next few weeks.
Jose Montanez is father to the other barbers: his daughter, Jaylisha Montanez, and son, Giancarlo Montanez. Jose’s wife, Mayra does bookkeeping for the business “and everything else,” Jose said.
For 20 years the family has had a barbershop in Overland Park, operating six shops altogether, Mayra said.
“Jose won an award for best barbershop in the midwest and the Trailblazer Award of Kansas City,” she said. “Jose started training other barbers. We specialize in straight razors. It gives a clean, direct shave to the face, that started getting people’s attention.”
“It is an old fashion barbershop with hot towels and hot lather for our VIP treatment,” Mayra said. “But also all the trending hairstyles.”
The cost for a haircut is $20 and $30 for the VIP Treatment, which includes a beard cut with a hot towel and hot lather, Jose said.
There are posters of 180 men’s hairstyles on the wall of the barbershop, Jose said. “But we can also do custom hairstyles.”
“If you bring your kid in for a first haircut, they get a certificate with a piece of the hair and their name, date, and the signature of the barber,” Mayra said.
Their hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Their first day of business, instead of a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, will be a day of free haircuts for City of Fort Scott personnel: which includes police officers, firemen, city office, EMTs.
“Following the honoring of Fort Scott employees, the shop will be open to the public,” Mayra said.
“We are making vouchers, so if the city employees can’t come on that day, they can still come and get the VIP treatment,” she said.
“Being Puerto Rican…we know how to work with all hair,” Mayra said. “That has helped us be so diversified in the city. Anybody can come and get a great haircut experience.”
Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier was in the shop on May 3 to welcome the new business.
When people are looking for a new town to reside in, they look for the basics: housing, transportation, schools, health care… but also personal care, such as barbers, Frazier said. “I feel like this shop will help add diversity and offer people with different kinds of hair a place for a haircut.”
The Montanez family purchased the storefront at 118 E. Wall from Dean and Marlene Gettler.
The Gettler’s would often have coffee and people-watch from the storefront, they were told by their realtor, Barbara Albright.
So the Montanez’s have installed a coffee station in the shop, with free coffee, and a table to sit and have the coffee.
“We started a coffee station, with Puerto Rico, Brazilian and American coffee, so the Gettlers can come for coffee, along with patrons, and can have a free cup of coffee,” Mayra said.
Jose and Mayra have purchased a home on Judson, Jaylisha a home on Main Street and Giancarlo is looking to purchase a home in Fort Scott, as well.
To view the previous story on this barbershop:
Downtown Barber Shop Coming Spring 2021