Category Archives: Business

Greg Motley. President of the Bourbon County Economic Development Council. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County Economic Development Council is working to find a full-time economic development director, facilitate the starting of the new meat process plant, facilitate a new multi-purpose arena, and expanding housing in the area, according to Greg Motley, president.

Eco Devo

BEDCO began a search for an economic development director a few months ago and had one narrowed down, but that person has declined the position, Greg Motley, president of BEDCO said.

“The process was restarted,” Motley said. “In the meantime, I will be acting director.”

“We will continue interviews until the position is filled,”he said.

“Since 1992, BEDCO has been at the center of Economic Development in Bourbon County, and under the guidance of a reconstituted board that represents the whole county, we are stronger than ever,” Motley said in a press release.

Economic development services provided by BEDCO are primarily matching resources to the economic needs of county entities and businesses, he said.

Motley gave some details of three other projects on the horizon.

Meat Processing Plant

“Since the Micro-meat processing plant was approved, we are moving forward with facilitating the land/lots swap between KW Cattle, Billy Madison and BEDCO,” he said.

The 7 acres owned by BEDCO is being traded with WK Cattle company for the site on Hwy. 69, south of the KDOT building. The parcel of land is at the corner of Jayhawk Road and Liberty Bell Road in Fort Scott Industrial Park.

“KW Cattle is swapping 46 acres south of the (KDOT )State Highway facility on the east side of 69 Highway for two industrial park tracts,” Motley said. “One is about seven acres, the other is about 18 acres, currently owned by BEDCO. They are located on either side of the Christian Learning Center. The new micro-meat processing facility will pay BEDCO some cash considerations, approximately equal to BEDCO’s expenses in the transaction.”

KW Cattle is doing a trade with BEDCO that is advantageous to the community, Motley said.

“They are trading 46 acres, a nice piece of flat ground, for less valuable property of rough ground of 25 acres,” he said. “They wanted to help Fort Scott and Bourbon County. In addition, they can expand the property they own, Christian Learning Center, in the future.”

“BEDCO will take possession (of the land parcel), then sell to the meat processing plant,” he said. “It should be finalized this month.”

Pictured is the other business adjacent to Christian Learning Center, Reprologix, located at 3200 Liberty Bell Road in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park. Behind the sign, to the south of the parking lot, is the land that will be traded. These 18 acres currently owned by BEDCO are being traded by WK Cattle company for land on Hwy. 69.

Multipurpose Arena

“We are also working with local investors on a potential STAR Bonds project for Bourbon County,” he said. “Some Bourbon County citizens are proposing the issuance of Star Bonds to partially finance a new multipurpose arena in Bourbon County, along with improvements to the downtown central business district.”

“Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds are a financing tool that allows Kansas municipalities to issue bonds to finance the development of major commercial, entertainment and tourism projects,” according to https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/star-bonds/

“The bonds are paid off through the sales tax revenue generated by the development.”

“The intent is to increase regional and national visitation to Kansas.”

“The bonds would cover about 50% of the project, and private investment, along with bank financing would cover the balance, he said. ” The Star Bonds would be repaid by the increase in sales tax collections in a Star Bond District, whose boundaries are yet to be determined.”

“Atchison, KS, a similar-sized community to Fort Scott and Bourbon County, issued $2.3 million in Star Bonds in 2019 to build a museum,” he said. “Attached is a chart of all Star Bonds approved by the State of Kansas. Preliminary estimates of the size of the Bourbon County project range from $3 million to $6 million.”

City	2019 Pop.	Project	Start Date	Orig. Amt (000)	2019 Out. (000)	Dist. Sales Tax (000)	2019 CO. Pop	10-yr Pop. Trend	2019 CO. Sales Tax (000)	2018-19 % increase	2019 Sales Tax Per Capita	2019 Pull Fact.
Atchison- AT	10,476	Aviation Museum	May-18	$2,370	$2,190	$210	16,073	-5.03%	$12,939	6.30%	819	0.70
Derby- SG	24,943	Dino/Sports Zone	Mar-17	$20,465	$13,230	$5,701	516,042	3.55%	$628,714	4.50%	1,234	1.14
Dodge City- FO	27,104	Power Center	Dec-15	$28,481	$26,395	$1,512	33,619	-0.68%	$37,999	5.10%	1,086	0.99
Garden City- FY	26,408	Mixed Use	Mar-19	$29,540	$29,540	$2,117	36,467	-0.84%	$58,841	10.40%	1,507	1.41
Kansas City- WY	152,960	Youth Soccer	Aug-15	$65,138	$83,138	$1,293	165,429	5.03%	$192,921	4.50%	1,119	0.96
Kansas City- WY	152,960	Mercy Park (SKC)	May-10	$150,289	$0	n/a	165,429	5.03%	$192,921	4.50%	1,119	0.96
Kansas City- WY	152,960	Kansas Speedway	Jan-99	$24,300	$16,835	$1,326	165,429	5.03%	$192,921	4.50%	1,119	0.96
Kansas City- WY	152,960	Schlitterbahn	Oct-13	$85,200	$65,755	$6,514	165,429	5.03%	$192,921	4.50%	1,119	0.96
Manhattan- RL	54,604	Flint Hills Discovery	Dec-09	$50,000	$10,905	$5,586	74,232	4.38%	$61,112	-0.20%	814	0.76
Overland Park- JO	195,494	Prairiefire	Dec-12	$64,990	$64,860	$3,059	602,401	10.70%	$917,056	2.50%	1,485	1.28
Overland Park- JO	195,494	BluHawk Mixed Use	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	602,401	10.70%	$917,056	2.50%	1,485	1.28
Salina- SA	46,550	Fieldhouse	Dec-18	$18,250	$18,250	$862	54,224	-2.49%	$77,717	3.50%	1,380	1.31
Topeka- SH	125,310	Heartland Park	Apr-07	$10,405	$5,025	$334	176,875	-0.60%	$211,893	1.00%	1,178	1.06
Wichita- SG	389,938	River District	Jul-15	$46,980	$42,140	$2,097	516,042	3.55%	$628,714	4.50%	1,234	1.14
Wichita- SG	389,938	Greenwich	Dec-13	$107,631	$59,290	$8,251	516,042	3.55%	$628,714	4.50%	1,234	1.14
Fort Scott- BB	7,697	Arena	Jan-22	n/a	n/a	n/a	14,534	-4.21%	$11,778	-2.20%	795	0.70

“Bottom line, we are looking at what has been successful elsewhere,” Motley said.

Housing

“We are examining possibilities to expand housing in Bourbon County,” Motley said. “BEDCO is in the research and discussions phase. Common sense would dictate that we first examine where the market is hot and see what can be done about enhancing the market in those areas.”

“Many jurisdictions in Kansas have a property improvement tax rebate of some sort, that rebate the increase in taxes property experiences, because of a new build or significant addition,” he said. “Many are reluctant to improve their property because of inherent tax increases…a program like this would rebate the first five years of the increase.”

Motley can be contacted at 620-215-6411.

Bourbon County, Business, Government

Pandemic Assistance For Ag Producers

April 5, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

USDA Announces Funding Available to Organizations to Assist Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers under Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative

FSA Accepting CFAP 2 Applications Beginning April 5

WASHINGTON, April 5, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the availability of $2 million to establish partnerships with organizations to provide outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The funding was made possible by USDA’s new Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, an effort to distribute resources more broadly and to put greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers impacted by the pandemic. Today also marks the reopening of FSA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) signup as part of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Farmers and ranchers will have at least 60 days to apply or make modifications to existing CFAP 2 applications.

Cooperative Agreements

The cooperative agreements will support participation in programs offered by FSA, including those that are part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Interested organizations must submit proposals by May 5, 2021.

“USDA is committed to making financial assistance available to a broader set of producers, including to socially disadvantaged communities, and we know that we need partners to help make that happen,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “This funding will support grassroots organizations and public institutions as we support their producers. I am excited to see their innovative, results-driven proposals to help us reach our producers, especially those who have not taken full advantage of the available assistance.”

Continue reading Pandemic Assistance For Ag Producers →

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

FS Downtown Quarterly Meet and Greet April 13

April 5, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Join us for the

Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet

hosted by Common Ground Coffee Co.

Tuesday, April 13th, 2021

8:30 am to 9:30 am

Thank you to Common Ground Coffee Company for hosting the Fort Scott Chamber Downtown Meet & Greet on Tuesday, April 13th.

Join us in the Loading Dock Room from 8:30 am until 9:30 am and enjoy coffee, juice and light refreshments.

These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotions, and anything related to downtown. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.

THE FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 620.223.3566 | WWW.FORTSCOTT.COM

Bourbon County, Business, Government

County Property Tax Sale Update

April 5, 2021 Loretta George 1 Comment

Patty Love, Bourbon County Treasurer, responded to a request for an update on the future property tax sale.

Bourbon County Counselor Justin Meeks mailed out the delinquent property tax letter late last year, she said.

“The tax sale preparation report I sent him had about 425 properties on it,” Love said. ” We have had about 50 properties paid.”

So far, over $308,000 has come back into the county from taxes that were delinquent, she said.

“The original report had $1,432,285.43 outstanding taxes, 2016 and prior,” Love said. “We have collected $308,216.92 of these since November 1, 2020.”

There is still an opportunity for those with back taxes due, to keep their property off the tax sale.

“2016 and prior taxes can be paid to keep the property off of the tax sale, up until the date they are filed in court,” she said. “Once they have been filed in court, all delinquent taxes plus a court fee must be paid to keep it from selling. The taxpayer has up until 10:00 a.m. the day of the tax sale to redeem the property.”

The tax sale date is unknown currently.

“The date of the tax sale won’t be set until cases are filed in court,” she said. “At that time we will release a list of all properties on the tax sale.”

“Security 1st Title has completed title work on about 90 of the cases to date,” Love said. “They are working them in, along with being very busy at this time.”

Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Boiler Room Brewhaus Offers Live Music Tonight

April 2, 2021 Loretta George 1 Comment

Three Cord Justice performs tonight at the Boiler Room Brewhaus. Submitted photo. From left Jason Richison, Mark Markowitz, Liz Grace and Rick Alumbaugh.

The Boiler Room Brewhaus, 2 S. National Avenue, in historic Fort Scott’s downtown, offers live music throughout the year.

Tonight, Three Chord Justice will be playing classic country music from 7-9 p.m. with a suggested donation of $10.

The original group formed in March 2008 by Liz Grace in San Diego, CA.

“TCJ quickly gained a following of two-steppers and lovers of country music in Southern California,” according to information provided by Liz Grace.

“The short of it is, for Mark ( Markowitz )and I, gigging is what we do,” Grace said. “It’s what we love best and we can’t help but do it as much as possible. It’s church.”

Mark Markowitz and Liz Grace. Submitted photo.

“We met when he came to audition for the band in 2008,” Grace said. “He played the heck out of a train beat!”

“On New Years Eve 2012 he proposed onstage, in front of all our family, friends and fans,” she said. “April 2021 will be our 7th anniversary. Love and music keep us together!”

“In May of 2020, Mark and I moved the band to Grove, Oklahoma, reformed with guitarist Jason Richison and bassist Rick Alumbaugh just a couple months later,” she said. “We couldn’t be more blessed to have our health and a busy calendar in 2021.”

The band features LeeRoy Whisenhunt on pedal steel, she said.

Hailing from Missoula Montana singer/songwriter Grace leads the group through a mix of classic country-influenced originals and handpicked covers from the likes of Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Buck Owens, Patsy Cline and other country greats, she said.

“I got an early start singing in bars and honky-tonks, far before legal age, having to wait in alleys during band breaks,” Grace said.

Here is the entertainment/food truck schedule for the Boiler Room Brewhaus:

Friday, April 2^nd 7-9 p.m. Three Chord Justice

Friday, April 2^nd4 p.m.to sell out, Ghetto Taco Food Truck

Friday, April 16^th 7-9 p.m. David Loving Music

Saturday, May 1^st 8-10 p.m. Leyton Flatt Comedy Show

Saturday, May 8^th 7-9 p.m., Ashtyn Barbee

Saturday May 8^th 4 p.m. to sell out, Blue Spoon Food Truck

Saturday, May 22^nd 7-9 p.m., Hoo Doo Band

Saturday June 4^th 7-9 p.m., Sarah Loethen

Saturday, July 10^th 7-9 p.m., Alyssa Galvin

Friday, August 6^th, 7-11 p.m. Left of Center Band

Brewmaster Bryan Ritter holds a handful of toasted malt barley in the brewroom of the Boiler Room Brewhaus in 2018.

https://boileroombrewhaus.com/

Bourbon County, Business, Government

Jayhawk Wind Project in Construction in Southwest Bourbon County

March 31, 2021 Loretta George 1 Comment

Standing at the bottom of a wind turbine looking up at the clear Kansas sky.

The Jayhawk Wind Project in Bourbon County is in construction.

“We are moving forward,” said Bourbon County Commissioner Lynne Oharah. “They are out there now, putting gravel on roads and widening access on the roads.”

To view the map of the wind farm site: JAY_Final_Facilities_Map_20210308

“They are east and north of Porterville, in southwest Bourbon County, around 40th and Eagle Road,” Frank Young, an engineer with Agricultural Engineering Associates, Uniontown, said. “I have looked at a couple of culverts for them to see if they will hold up traffic for them.”

Frank Young. From the Agricultural Engineering Associates website.

“They are upgrading some of the roads to be able to get some big rigs down them,” Young said.

Bourbon County Public Works Director Eric Bailey said I.E.A. , the contractor, sends him a plan of the day, every day and yesterday they worked on Eagle Road between 40th and 50th Streets, capping over 2100 linear feet and additionally, 50th from Eagle Road to Hwy. 3 putting over 4200 linear feet.

Eric Bailey. Submitted photo.

“They put on 4-6 inches of gravel,” Bailey said.

Today they are working on 50th from Eagle to Hwy. 39 and 30th from Hwy. 39 going south, he said.

“They have a lay-down yard at (the junction of) Hwy. 39 and Hwy. 3,” Bailey said. “This is where they will have all their job trailers, their starting point every day, where the contractors will report in.”

Young said the area is about 10 acres and is the delivery area as well.

The Jayhawk Wind project will have a capacity of 193.2 Megawatts and can power 65,000 homes, according to the Apex website.

According to the March 3 press release from Apex Clean Energy

“The Jayhawk facility… is expected to be operational later this year, will consist of 70 GE wind turbines totaling an installed capacity of more than 190 MW. The project will provide significant economic benefits for the local and state economies—including the creation of more than 115 construction jobs and 7 long-term operations positions—and will generate over $20 million in landowner payments and $27.2 million in tax revenue.”

To view the press release:

Jayhawk Wind Sold to WEC Energy Group

To see a prior feature:

Jayhawk Wind Project Breaks Ground This Week

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening of Old 54 Cycles April 1

March 30, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Chamber Coffee Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting to be hosted by Old 54 Cycles

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guest to a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting ceremony this Thursday, April 1^st at 8 a.m. to celebrate the grand opening of New Chamber member Old 54 Cycles. The event will be held at 223 N. National Ave.

Coffee and donuts will be served, and attendees may register to win special drawing from Old 54 Cycles and meet Jesse Hazen, the owner. Also, Old 54 Cycles will be hosting a car and bike show, Saturday, April 3^rd from 12pm until 2 pm to celebrate their community grand opening.

Attendees are strongly encouraged wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

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.

***

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening In Fort Scott March 26th Edition

March 26, 2021 Loretta George Leave a comment

What’s Happening

in Fort Scott

MARCH 26th

Weekly Edition

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

3/26 & – Karaoke Friday Nights at The Boiler Room Brewhaus! Experience or beginners, it does not matter! Let’s have some fun with music & drinks! Click here for their FB page.

Fort Scott Cinema Showtimes 3/26 thru 4/1 Now Raya and the Last Dragon, Tom & Jerry, Chaos Walking. Click here to view showtimes.

3/22 thru 4/2- Art is Ageless Exhibit Fort Scott Presbyterian Village showing!

Seniors of the Fort Scott Community 65 + submitted art to be on display. Artists compete in nine categories, including painting, drawing, photography, quilting, and sculpture, and maybe designated as amateur or professional. Questions on viewing call 620.223.5550 and talk to Megan Brillhart. Located at 2401 S. Horton

3/26 & 3/27- Livestock Sale at the Fort Scott Livestock Market, both Friday & Saturday, click here for their FB page.

3/26 ~ FSCC Aggie Days sponsored by ReproLogixNo Class on Campus

3/26 ~ Bourbon County Senior Citizens FOOD BANK, 9 am-Noon for Seniors, Low-Income Families are from 12 – 3 pm. Click here for more information.

3/27 ~ Care to Share Garage Sale 8 am-Noon 106 S. Washington St., Fort Scott. Garage doors open in the back alley. Misc. Items from Donnie & Barbara Marsh to donate to Care to Share. Click here for details

3/27 ~ Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Gunn Park

10 am by the Kiwanis Club. Click here for details.

3/27 ~ Eggstravaganza Crafts at Buck Run Community Center ~ 9 – 10:30 am. Click here.

3/27 ~ Spring Pop Up Event featuring Perry’s

Pork Rinds & Blue Spoon | Tractor Supply

from 10:30 am until 4 pm. Click here for info.

3/27 ~ FSCC Basketball @ Home vs. Hesston

College 4 pm to 6:30 pm

3/27 ~ Kansas Rocks Riding a Night of Fun

7 am until Midnight. Click here for the schedule.

4/1- Chamber Coffee hosted by New Chamber Member Old 54 Cycles at 223 N. National Ave. 8 am

4/2 – Three Chord Justice Live Music at The Boiler Room Brewhaus! Let’s have some fun with music & drinks! Click here for their FB page.

4/3 – Car & Bike Show hosted by Old 54 Cycles Noon until 2 pm. No registration or entry fee. Call Jessee Hazen (928) 230-0642 or Click here for their FB page.

4/3- Pickleball tournament to benefit the FSHS Swim Team, click here for registration form.

4/3 – Kansas Conceal Carry Course, 8am-4pm, click here for FB event with details.

4/3 & 4/4 – Hollister Shooting Range, Open the 1st & 3rd weekends of the month, Sat 1-4pm, Sun Noon-5pm.

4/3 – Mark Nutsch Bottle Signing & Horse Soldier Bourbon Tasting, Hole in the Wall Liquor Store, 4 to 5pm, click here for FB event.

4/4 – Happy Easter!

SAVE THE DATE!

“FORT GAMES” 2-Day Event at Smallville Athletics ~ April 9th & 10th!

Timken 2-Day Job Fair! April 9th from 1 – 5 pm & April 10th from 10 am until 3 pm.

Care to Share Rummage Sale at Buck Run Community Center April 10th – Open spots for more sales, call 620.224.8070 (donations accepted as well for the Sharing Bucket)

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Downtown Fort Scott is booming!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.

Fort Scott Area

Chamber of Commerce

620-223-3566

[email protected]

fortscott.com

In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Booster Members!

Chamber Highlights

Click here for our

Membership Directory.

We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?

Click here for info.

Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?

Seeking a job/career?

We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.

Many opportunities available!

Housing needs?

Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.

Click here for our rental listing.

FITNESS FOR EVERYONE IN FS!

Many fitness options are available…

SPIN classesnow offered bySmallville Athletics, every Mon & Wed at 5:15 pm, and Tu & Thurs at 6 pm. $5/class or $50/mo. unlimited.

Total Body Fitness ~ M & W Karen Reinbolt at BRCC@

8:15 am $20/8 week session.

Zumba~ M,W, F @ 6pm Monalynn Decker at BRCC $40 for a 12-week session.

Indoor Fitness/Gyms at

I AM Rehab + Fitness, Smallville Athletics, and Buck Run!

Continue reading What’s Happening In Fort Scott March 26th Edition →

Art, Business, Fort Scott

Hobby Turned Into A Business For Carol Jones

March 25, 2021 Loretta George 1 Comment

Carol Jones. Submitted.

Crafting started out as a hobby and became a business for Carol Jones.

Jones began her Rainbow Unicorn Boutique business at a booth in a flea market in 2018 and opened a storefront shop downtown this month at 5 E. Wall.

The Rainbow Unicorn Boutique is located at 5 E. Wall. Submitted photo.

“I make about 80 percent of all I sell,” Jones said.

Jewelry for sale at the Rainbow Unicorn Boutique. Submitted photo.

Jones works with many different mediums for her crafting, which focuses on custom jewelry and custom kitchen towels, she said.

She uses leather (both real and faux), natural stones, semi-precious stones, stainless steel and sterling silver.

Jones also offers classes or parties including painting and wire-wrapping crafts.

She also has Easter baskets for this time of year.

Her hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. and closed Sunday and Monday.

She can be reached by phone at 904-609-8155.

Jones is a local girl who moved to the southern U.S. for a period, but returned home.

“Many people here probably knew my parents and grandparents,” she said. “I grew up on a farm with a huge pond near Jayhawk Road. My mom was Carol Lawson-Winship, my uncle was Charles Lawson and my grandfather was Woodrow “Pete” Lawson who had a radiator shop in Belltown.”

“I moved to Tulsa (OK)and then Savannah (GA), lived there for about 30 years and moved back due to health and wanting to be near my family, (son-Josh Jones),” she said. “My other son Dustin lives in Jax, Florida. My daughter Kendria is still in Savannah, and my youngest daughter lives in California. I have 11 grandkids and I love to travel. Cruising is my favorite.”

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Sprucing Up Downtown

March 25, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Downtown Committee 2021. Submitted photo. From left: Bailey Lyons, John Crain, Rachel French, and Angela Simon.

All participants will receive a free t-shirt, courtesy of MyOneStop. Sponsors of the event will be listed on the back of the t-shirt.

With the new calendar year also came new membership for the Fort Scott Downtown Chamber Committee.

Committee members are now Bailey Lyons, chairwoman, and owner of Lyons Realty Group; John Crain, owner of Crane Insurance Agency; Angela Simon, owner of Bids and Dibs and Angie Dawn’s Boutique; and Rachel French of W/K Holdings Company.

Each member of the Downtown Committee is also a Board Member of the local chamber of commerce.

In February, during their first meeting of the year, the committee wasted no time in getting to work! They decided to change their 2021 focus and take the committee in a new direction – one that they hope the community will find exciting!

Chairwoman Bailey Lyons shared the board’s thoughts behind this change of focus. “In the past, this committee has mainly helped with retail promo events downtown, but Lindsay Madison and Rita Schroeder of the Chamber are now handling those,” Lyons said. She explained that since Madison and Schroder have done such a good job in this area, it makes sense for the 2021 Downtown Committee to choose a different focus.“We are trying to redirect our efforts on tangible projects that will make a positive impact, while continuing to support the retail efforts.” she said.

DOWNTOWN SPRING CLEAN

The first new thing to come of this committee is a plan to host a downtown clean-up day periodically, the first of which is slated to take place on Friday, April 16th starting at 3:00.

The group has identified many projects which they plan to tackle, such as re-striping the parking spaces, implementing “artistic crosswalks”, cleaning off and repainting benches and trashcans, clearing parking lots and sidewalks of dirt and debris, washing windows in vacant buildings, and much more.

In addition to this list, they are open to suggestions from the community, so if you have an idea of something that would make the downtown area more esthetically appealing, please share that idea with Bailey Lyons as soon as possible, as she is organizing for labor and materials. Lyons can be reached via call or text at 620.224.7795.

The downtown committee welcomes and encourages volunteer laborers for the April 16th Spring Clean.

They intentionally scheduled the event at the end of the workweek in hopes that area employers – especially those with a presence downtown – would allow some of their employees to participate in the event as community service.

Lyons says to let her know if you, or your organization, would like to help with these efforts, so that she can plan enough projects to keep everyone busy, and enough materials to get the job done.

She said that she and her fellow committee members “have lofty goals for this event, but are hopeful the old adage ‘many hands make light work’ will play out and everyone’s collective efforts will produce an immediate visible change in the historic downtown area.”

IMPROVED HOLIDAY DECOR

The second new item to come from the downtown committee is a plan to adopt a project which they will focus their attention on each year.

The project they have identified for 2021 is the improvement of the downtown Christmas decor, and as such, this group will be fundraising to purchase new Christmas decorations for the downtown area.

When asked why they identified this as their goal for the year, Lyons said “The current decorations have been used for more than 30 years and community members have asked for enhancement in this area. The committee feels this is a project that we can tackle to improve community esthetics and morale, and one that will impact both locals and visitors.”

They plan to purchase 8’ LED toy soldiers to hang on the light posts – a fitting nod to the historic Fort located just North of downtown. The soldiers will add extra beauty during the holiday season, while also paying tribute to our town’s great history. The committee is asking for help in these efforts to make the Fort Scott downtown more festive. The cost to purchase one 8′ toy soldier silhouette is $400.

You may “adopt” (purchase) an LED toy soldier on your own, with a group of friends or family, or through a workplace or organization. Lyons explained that “in appreciation for contributions, those who have purchased a toy soldier silhouette will be recognized when the decorations are put up each year”. If you’re not able to cover the full cost of a toy soldier, but simply want to donate to the cause, the committee says that is also welcomed with gratitude. Every bit will help update and replace the current dilapidated Christmas decorations.

A photo of the soldier lights. Submitted photo.

You can view these new Christmas decorations or donate to “adopt a soldier,” by visiting the new website that the committee put together to share information: https://fstoysoldier.wixsite.com/home.

You can also contact any downtown committee member (Bailey, John, Angie, Rachel), or the Chamber of Commerce, to make your tax-deductible donation.

The committee has additional plans in motion to host a fundraising event in mid-September that will further support these efforts; more details will come on that at a later date. The proceeds of the event will go to the new decorations.

Business, Fort Scott

Motorcycle Service Shop Opens On National Avenue

March 24, 2021 Loretta George 3 Comments

Old 54 Cycles is located at 223 N. National Avenue. Submitted photo.

Motorcyclists in the community will now have some help with repairs.

Jesse Hazen spent the last eight years working for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles as a research and development mechanic.

Jesse Hazen is the owner-operator of Old 54 Cycles. Submitted photo.

“Before that, I was a race mechanic for an amateur racer in Phoenix,” Jesse said.

He recently opened a new motorcycle service shop at 223 N. National and is the owner-operator.

Old 54 Cycles is a full-service shop.

“I am Harley-Davidson, Yamaha and Suzuki certified, but can work on it all,” he said. ” We work on American V-twins, import motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, and side-by-sides. We are in the process of getting part supplies. We can do anything from tire changes, services all the way to full builds.”

“Quality work, growth, and exposure are our number-one priorities,” Jesse said.

Business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. and closed on Sunday.

His cellphone number is 928-230-0642, and he is in the process of getting a business line, he said.

The business email is old54cycles@ gmail.com, and one can find it on Facebook and Instagram page that both are Old 54 Cycles.

“We are hosting a Chamber Coffee on April 1st,” he said. “Currently, we are planning a car and bike show for April 3rd. We also plan on trying to do other events, such as car and bike nights, benefit rides, etc.”

“My Wife Kaytlin is going to be my support at the shop,” Jesse said. “She will be working a full-time job as well, so she might not be here all the time.”

Kaytlyn and Jesse Hazen. Submitted photo.

Business, Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening In Fort Scott: March 19 Edition

March 19, 2021 Submitted Story Leave a comment

What’s Happening

in Fort Scott

MARCH 19th

Weekly Edition

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

3/19 & – Karaoke Friday Nights at The Boiler Room Brewhaus! Experience or beginners, it does not matter! Let’s have some fun with music & drinks! Click here for their FB page.

Fort Scott Cinema Showtimes 3/19 thru 3/25 Now Raya and the Last Dragon, Tom & Jerry, Chaos Walking. Click here to view showtimes.

3/18 & 3/19- Livestock sale at the Fort Scott Livestock Market, both Friday & Saturday, click here for their FB page.

3/19- Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, drive-thru only, order on arrival, or preorder by texting or calling Dale Cation at 620-224-8382, 5-6:30 pm, Kennedy Gym, min. $5 suggested donation per dinner. Last Friday

State your selection when ordering:

1 – Catfish, French fries, and coleslaw

2 – Catfish, cod, French fries, and coleslaw

3 – Cod, French fries, and coleslaw

3/19 thru 3/21- SPRING FLING! LOLLIPOP HOP & SHOP + SIDEWALK CHALK ART CONTEST!

Participating stores Downtown and around Fort Scott! Calling all artists of all ages! Come between March 19th & 21st in the Downtown Historic District or in front of another participating store & post to the Chamber Facebook Page “Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce” to be included in judging with using #fortscottshopart. Prizes for Novice & advanced Divisions, to be determined by judges! Shop Hop and get you a Lollipop from participating retailers (Poster displayed in Window) Clickhere to view the full details or visit our website at www.fortscott.com.

Participating Retailers: Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire & Vintage Market, Bids & Dibs, Hedgehog.INK! bookstore, Laree + Co, Iron Star Antique & Such, The Rainbow Unicorn Boutique, Star Emporium General Store, Treasure Hunt Flea Market

3/20 – Paint in the Park ~ Creative Signs comes to Gunn Park in Fort Scott for Paint Class. $25 (16 x 20) 1 am – 4 pm. 1010 Park Ave. Click hereto view FB Page.

3/20- Pickleball from 8-10 am at Memorial Hall, open to anyone wanting to play! Always check the FB Group page herefor any location changes or cancelations. Tuesdays 6-8pm, Thursdays 6-8pm & Saturdays 8-10am.

3/20 & 3/21 – Old Fort Sharp Shooters Club Hollister Shooting Range Open every 1st & 3rd weekend of each month1 to 5 pm. Visit their Facebook Page to learn more about the club and prices. Open to the Public. Click hereto view FB

3/22 – SHARY’S PUB & GRUB OPEN INTERVIEWS! 16 N. National Ave. All Positions! Wait Staff, Bartenders, and Kitchen Staff Monday 2 – 4 pm.

3/23 – 3/25 KANSAS WORKS VIRTUAL JOB FAIR 3 Day Event. Register on-line.

https://kansasworksVirtualJobFair.EasyVirtualFair.com

3/24 FSCC Basketball @ Home vs. Labette Community College 7 pm to 9:30 pm

3/25- Chamber Coffee hosted by Chamber Nevada Regional Medical Center being held at Common Ground Coffee Co., Landing Room. 8 am 12 E. Wall. St. Please join us to welcome the New Chamber Members and meet a couple of their Staff Members and learn about the services they offer.

3/26 ~ FSCC Aggie Days

3/27 ~ Care to Share Garage Sale 8 am-Noon

3/27 ~ Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Gunn Park

10 am by the Kiwanis Club

3/27 ~ Spring Pop Up Event featuring Perry’s

Pork Rinds & Blue Spoon | Tractor Supply

from 10:30 am until 4 pm

3/27 ~ FSCC Basketball @ Home vs. Hesston

College 4 pm to 6:30 pm

3/27 ~ Bourbon County HPA Spring Program

TheComanche a Living History 6:30 -9:30 PM

at the Old Congregational Church