Category Archives: Business

SEK Entrepreneur and Small Business Support Fund:empowering small businesses

September 19, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

CFSEK Hosts New Rural Community Partners Fund to Support Local Businesses

At a time when funding is growing increasingly uncertain and hard to obtain, the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is stepping up in a big way! Jody Love, President and CEO of HBCAT, is a small business owner herself, and after renovating a downtown building in Fort Scott, she saw first-hand the limited support for small businesses in Southeast Kansas.

Jody Love, president and CEO of Healthy Bourbon County Action Team. Submitted photo

“I saw the need for economic development and growth across the region, and I knew that we just needed access to opportunities,” Love said. “People believe in where they live and want it to improve, so what can we do to help?”

Rural Community Partners (RCP), a subsidiary of HBCAT, is creating a new fund at the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) called the SEK Entrepreneur and Small Business Support Fund, which will help empower small businesses across Southeast Kansas.

The grants will be managed by Small Business and Entrepreneurs (SBE) Council of RCP, which is composed of local business owners from five counties in Southeast Kansas, representing a diverse range of geographical locations, racial backgrounds, and includes low-income and women entrepreneurs. The grants will also serve as an opportunity for networking and mentorship with similar organizations facing similar challenges.

One local business that has already utilized these services is Bushel and a Peck in Girard. With Southeast Kansas connections and experience in Philadelphia restaurants, owners Michael and Kelley Gringas were equipped for success. HBCAT has started to build systems to connect restaurants like Bushel and a Peck to locally produced food.

“One of the recipients of our food producer grant was Freedom Farms, based out of Bourbon County, with the concept of creating a food co-op model,” Love said. “That has now come full circle, and we have been able to connect Bushel and a Peck with Freedom Farms to source local chicken and lamb!”

“Commerce is at the heart of every community,” Love said, “and this project from HBCAT is supporting our SEK communities, continuing their economic development for years to come! We are serious about it being a regional fund, which is why we are housing it at the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.”

“We are excited to work with Jody and Rural Community Partners to create this endowment that will support our friends and neighbors who operate small businesses,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “Small businesses are crucial to rural economies, and Southeast Kansas has some incredible small businesses. We are delighted to try and help bring them more resources.”

Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office is located at 104 N. National. Phone: 620.224.2563

Applications for the Entrepreneur and Small Business Support Fund are accepted via email to Jody Love at HBCAT. She can be contacted at [email protected].

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2024 and has facilitated over $25 million in total granting to Southeast Kansas since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with various charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. The Columbus Area, Fort Scott Area, and Girard Area Community Foundations are affiliates of CFSEK. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Maps Of Fort Scott Town-Wide Garage Sale Today and Tomorrow

September 19, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

FORT SCOTT’S

FALL TOWN-WIDE

GARAGE SALE

SEPTEMBER 19th & 20th

We are absolutely thrilled to announce the Town‑Wide Fall Garage Sale in Fort Scott on September 19 & 20, 2025!

This is going to be a fantastic weekend filled with treasure hunting, great deals, and community spirit.

Here’s everything you need to know:

When

Dates: September 19 & 20, 2025

Where

Across Fort Scott — north, south, downtown and beyond! All the registered sale locations are mapped out for you.

Plan Your Route

Use our interactive map to see every yard and garage that’s part of the sale.
Click HERE to view the Google interactive map!

Physical maps may be picked up at:

Chamber of Commerce
5 Corners Mini Mart
Pete’s Gas Station locations

Wall St. | 6th & National Ave. | Main St. (across from Briggs)

Casey’s Gas Station
Bids & Dibs
Don’s Smoke Shop

A HUGE thank you to everyone who signed up and joined the Fall Town-Wide Garage Sale.

Your enthusiasm and participation made it a great success!

Stay tuned for the next one!

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW THE

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE

COPY OF THE MAP

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR THE GOOGLE MAP

OF SALES!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US

Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Fall Music Series Starts Sept. 27 at Common Ground Coffee Shop

September 11, 2025 Loretta George Leave a comment

The Sept. 13 Concert listed on this flyer is cancelled due to the illness of the performers.

Fall Music at Common Ground Coffee Shop, 12 E. Wall, is back.

“Bring a friend, grab your favorite latte, and enjoy the sound of fall at Common Ground,” said shop owner Stacy Racy. “We decided a couple of months ago to bring back the Fall Concert Series. We’ve done it in the past and it’s been well received, so we’re excited to do it again.”

Stacy and Wayne Racy, owners of the Common Ground Coffee Shop. Submitted photo.

“Join us this fall for evenings filled with live music, cozy drinks, and community vibes,” she said.

The live music shows are from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday evenings, and all ages are welcome.

The large group private area at Common Ground, from its Facebook page.

Upcoming Shows:
The September 13 – Jesse Jack & The Electric String Band was cancelled due to illness.
September 27 – Vinyl Revival
October 11-Jerico Jones

October 25- Serenade

“We’ll have drinks, cookies, and food available for people to enjoy while they listen,’ she said. “We have some amazing local and regional musicians we love listening to, and we thought this would be a great way to give the community something to do on Saturday evenings through the fall.”

Music lovers might want to try some of the new menu items offered by the coffee shop staff as they listen to the music in the large stage area in a room adjacent to the public seating area.

“Our new menu items are going really well – that’s the biggest new thing right now, and we’re excited about the community response.”

One of the new menu items: pannini. From the shop’s Facebook page.

For the live music nights, they will have their flatbreads, paninis, and chicken salad sandwiches along with cookies and drinks available for purchase, she said.

Bourbon County, Business

Kansas U. Partners With Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

September 8, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

KU School of Business partners with Healthy Bourbon County Action Team to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystem in southeast Kansas

Van traveling down Kansas highway in fall, sun setting in background.

Credit: KU Marketing

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Business has launched a collaboration with a Bourbon County organization to support local entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), an organization dedicated to building a healthy, thriving workforce, will work with KU Business entrepreneurship programs both to identify community business projects for student engagement and to access programmatic resources. The collaboration allows KU students to gain hands-on experience while HBCAT and its community partners benefit from KU’s expertise, tools and support for entrepreneurial development.

“Our partnership with the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team exemplifies KU’s commitment to fostering economic development throughout Kansas while enhancing the student learning experience,” said KU School of Business Dean Jide Wintoki. “Our students get to apply their business expertise to support small but growing companies, with the potential to generate new jobs in the region. It’s a powerful way to strengthen our students’ professional skills while creating meaningful impact in the state.”

The partnership will support Bourbon County businesses through three tailored pathways, each grounded in a KU Business entrepreneurship co-curricular program.

Jayhawk Consulting: HBCAT will identify local startups and small businesses that could benefit from student-led consulting services.
RedTire (Redefine your Retirement): HBCAT will connect with businesses nearing an ownership transition and work with KU’s RedTire team to assess fit for the program’s comprehensive business valuation and succession planning services.
The Catalyst: HBCAT will help launch a locally led version of KU’s program, which supports aspiring entrepreneurs through mentorship and venture development. KU will provide HBCAT with training and resources on curriculum and program management, with the first Bourbon County Catalyst cohort expected to launch in spring 2026.

Through this partnership, KU students will gain a stronger connection to and understanding of Kansas’ economic landscape while contributing to its continued growth.

“Our entrepreneurs have been clear about what they need: more guidance, more support and more opportunities to grow,” said Jody Love, HBCAT president and CEO. “Partnering with KU allows us to respond directly to those needs and ensure that small businesses in southeast Kansas have the resources to succeed.”

The KU School of Business provides entrepreneurial curricular and co-curricular education to students of every major and across all stages of interest, from those exploring new ideas to those actively launching ventures. Students learn to solve meaningful problems with purpose and creativity, building a mindset that equips them to thrive in any career path.

More information about KU Business entrepreneurship programs can be found at the school’s entrepreneurship webp

Submitted by Jody Love

Bourbon County, Business

Local Business Personalizes Items For Clients: TAOS, LLC

September 6, 2025 Loretta George Leave a comment

Scott and Ashley Shelton, with their children. Submitted photo.

TOAS, LLC is a new family-owned local business that provides custom laser-engraved items with the customer’s design.

“Toas is the first initial of the names in our family,” said Scott Shelton, co-owner with his wife, Ashley, of the business.

“We provide a wide array of products,” he said. “From hats, cups, keychains, insulated can sleeves, pet collars, bottle openers, fridge magnets, wood products, signs, and more. We also make stained glass items.”

They have the industrial laser machine at their rural residence and share duties when they are not working their full-time jobs.

A customized dog collar from its Facebook page.

“We offer products for the folks of Bourbon County and beyond to promote their business, support their teams, or anything they would like to express.”

” I started the business as an additional revenue stream and income for when I retire from the fire department in a few years,” he said.

“We keep our Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558839424305 )updated with everything we’ve made currently. That’s the best place to see what kind of items we offer.”

Contact info: 620-215-1874 or [email protected] or

toasdesigns.com.

Scott Shelton is a full-time fireman with the Fort Scott Fire Department, and Ashley works full-time in an accounting office.

Business, Church news

Southern Baptist CRAFT FAIR! September 12

August 27, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

First Southern Baptist Church

invites you to join their

CRAFT FAIR!

September 12th

8am-5pm

September 13th

8am-3pm

at 1818 South Main St.

Multiple Vendors!

We are currently opening crafts

to outside vendors.

Entries must be submitted by September 1st.

To sign up, please call Debi at 620-418-3746.

Church sponsored meals:

Sausage rolls

$3/ea or $33 for 12

Homemade Chicken Noodle Dinner – $10

(includes mashed potatoes, homemade chicken noodles, green beans, homemade roll, and 2 cookies)

Pulled Pork Sandwich – $10

(includes baked beans and 2 cookies)

** DINE IN, CARRY OUT, OR CALL FOR DELIVERY (2 OR MORE MEALS)

PREORDER SAUSAGE ROLLS AVAILABLE.

Friday 10:30am-5pm | Saturday 10:30am -3pm

CONTACT:

417-262-3948 or 620-215-3202

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US

Area News, Bourbon County, Business

Bourbon County Is Connected to Southwest Power Pool Energy Project

August 21, 2025 Loretta George Leave a comment

The transmission line of the Wolf Creek/Blackberry Project, from the NextEra Energy website.

A power delivery project, many years in the making, has started transmitting energy through Bourbon County.

NextEra Energy Transmission (NEET) – Southwest began producing energy over the 92-mile, 345-kV Wolf Creek – Blackberry transmission line on July 16, 2025, according to Lillie Zeng, spokesperson for NEET-Southwest.

The project was within budget and nearly five months ahead of Southwest Power Pool’s (SSP) required in-service date. The project was completed within three years, according to the spokesperson.

This is the second of three competitively awarded transmission projects in SPP that the company is building, she said.

“NextEra Energy Transmission – Southwest is proud to support SPP and its customers in Kansas and Missouri with a transmission line that will help enhance grid reliability and support economic growth in the region.”

The NEET-Southwest field office is at 2522 Richards Road, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

“We are in the process of hiring local office staff. In addition, NEET Southwest has access to approximately 70 affiliate technical staff located in the project area,” according to the spokesperson.

The project included a diagonal power line through the southwest part of Bourbon County as noted in the graphic from NextEra.

The process can be summed up this way:

Electric power is generated by nuclear energy at the Wolf Creek Nuclear Plant near Burlington, Kansas in Coffee County.

The power is moved via transmission power lines to the southwest, to the Blackberry Electrical Substation, just over the state line in Missouri.

Electric power transmission lines along with wind turbines can be seen from Hwy. 3. in Bourbon County, near Birch Road, north of Hepler, KS. These are NextEra Energy Transmission lines.

There, high voltage power is then stepped down to a lower voltage and distributed over power lines to neighborhoods, businesses, and residences, according to https://www.nexteraenergytransmission.com/subsidiaries/neetsw/projects/wolf-creek-blackberry

This project is a new 94-mile, 345-kilovolt (kV) regulated transmission line that runs from the Wolf Creek substation (Evergy Energy) in Kansas to the Blackberry substation, Associated Electric Cooperative Inc.(AECI) in Missouri.

The Blackberry Electric Substation, Jasper County, MO. August 2025

About Wolf Creek

Wolf Creek Nuclear Generating Station, Kansas’s only nuclear power plant, has been providing energy to Kansans and Missourians since 1985, according to https://www.evergy.com/landing/wolf-creek-nuclear-generating-station

The Wolf Creek site is about 10,500 acres, and 1,500 acres of company land are reserved and managed for wildlife. Wolf Creek employs approximately 750 employees, many of whom have worked at the site since the plant began providing electricity to the nation’s power grid more than three decades ago, according to the Evergy website.

Wolf Creek provides electric generation for Evergy and generates about 1,200 megawatts of electricity, which is enough energy to power more than 800,000 homes, according to the Evergy website.

Wolf Creek generates 20.7 percent of Kansas’ electricity, and 36 percent of its emissions-free electricity, according to the NextEra website.

Evergy is an electric service provider in Bourbon County.

“Evergy and Next Era are both members of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), which helps manage the power grid and energy markets across 14 states in the middle of the country, including Kansas and Missouri,” said Evergy Director of Corporate Communications Gina Penzig. “SPP keeps track of how electricity moves through the system and helps ensure coordination among area utilities.”

“The Wolf Creek–Blackberry Transmission line simply connects to Evergy’s equipment and helps send electricity into the power grid,” Penzig said. “The SPP chose Next Era to build this line through a competitive bid process. Even though the line connects to Evergy’s substation and electricity flows through it, Next Era owns and operates the line.”

NextEra Energy

In October 2021, NextEra Energy Transmission (NEET) Southwest was awarded the construction of a new approximately 92-mile 345 kV transmission line from the Wolf Creek substation to the Blackberry substation in Jasper County, Missouri.

NEET Southwest finances, develops, constructs, owns, operates, and maintains the Wolf Creek-Blackberry 345 kV transmission project. The project received regulatory approvals, and construction began, according to https://www.nexteraenergytransmission.com/subsidiaries/neetsw/projects/wolf-creek-blackberry.html

‘

Electric power transmission lines in southwest Bourbon County.

The project is part of the 2019 Integrated Transmission Plan approved by SPP in October 2019 to address the need for a more reliable and cost-effective grid. This project will reduce congestion and provide market efficiencies and benefits to ratepayers, according to the NextEra website.

According to NextEra, the project benefits are:

“Leads to lower electricity costs for customers

Enhances the reliability and resiliency of the electric grid

Creates job opportunities in the short and long term

Spurs investment in the local economy during construction

Supports public health and safety through access to reliable electricity

“Environmental & Visual Considerations

Conducted rigorous environmental analyses to limit impacts on wildlife, sensitive habitats, and natural resources
Coordinated with federal and state agencies to identify protected species found along the route
Selected monopole structures to minimize tree clearing and agricultural impacts
Incorporated considerations for visual impacts into the routing study.”

Bourbon County, Business, Food

Mapleton Cafe Reopens With New Owner

August 21, 2025 Loretta George 2 Comments

The Mapleton Cafe, located in rural northern Bourbon County, is under a new manager.

“This cafe had been shut down for eight years,” Adam Clay, the new owner/manager,” said. “Joe Bisogno owns the building.”

It opened at the end of July.

“I was given an opportunity to open my own business in the country, where I want to be,” Clay said. “I have always been drawn to the country. I lived in DeSoto. Panasonic moved into the area, and lots of people have moved in.”

“You need to seize an opportunity.”

He moved a fifth-wheel recreation vehicle to the site of the building in Mapleton, population 99, in January and started renovating the building.

“I had to fix it up. I moved here, living in the fifth-wheeler.”

Clay has 35 years in the hospitality business with a focus on kitchen, menu, costing, and trends in the food business.

“I come from the K.C. area, Desoto, and worked as a chef for a corporation in their test kitchen. I left my position with Goodsents in K.C. at the end of June to do this full-time. Up to then, I only worked on weekends.”

The restaurant passed the Kansas Department of Agriculture inspection in mid-July.

“Even though a lot of work needs to be done, with the help of the Mapleton City Council, the local residents, and Joe Bisogno, we’ll make it successful,” he said.

“I’m the only cook; there are two local people as employees, Shawn Mierkey and Zoe Charley, and other local people pitch in to help.”

Adam Clay, right, is the manager of the Mapleton Cafe. Pictured are his two employees, Shawn Mierkey and Zoe Charley.

About the cafe

“It’s a country cafe with a modest breakfast and lunch menu,” he said. “It’s a starter menu. I’m still trying to figure out what works in this marketplace.”

“We are open to suggestions. A new dish for me is chili with a cinnamon roll and a pickle,” he said.

He said he is trying to keep the prices that fit this rural area.

The menu at the Mapleton Cafe as of August 2025.

The restaurant is located at 423 N. Bourbon Street in Mapleton. Contact info: 785-813-6051. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Youth

Get Ready To Jump Fort Scott

August 8, 2025 Loretta George Leave a comment

This sign has been taken down, as the three needed employees have been hired.

The former Walgreens store at 23rd and South Main Street will soon be filled with lots of excited kids.

Jumpy Jumpland is coming to Fort Scott in that building.

Their opening weekend is August 15-17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The grand opening weekend is free to public for a preview of what the business has to offer, said Heather Sims, district manager.

“We have indoor inflatables, fun for the whole family,” Sims said.

In addition to the many inflatables, they have a snack bar.

“We do birthday parties and Open Jumps, where anyone can come and play for $7 for as long as Open Jump is open.”

There are two choices for birthday parties: deluxe for $200, which has a one-hour jump time and then 45 minutes in the party area; and supreme at $240, which has 1.5 hours of playtime and 45 minutes in the party area.

They can bring outside food and beverages, but no party supplies can be brought into Open Jump.

Currently, there are three employees, she said. “Two people per shift. We want eyes on the bounce floor at all times.”

Their hours of operation: Fridays are Open Jump from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon are available party times, then from noon to 2 is Open Jump, followed by times for parties. The last party of the day starts at 7:30 p.m.

“We chose Fort Scott because it doesn’t have a lot for kids to do,” she said. “We wanted to bring something to them.”

Jumpy Jumpland rents the building from Jake’s Fireworks. Starting the first weekend in June, they will move out and then move back in on the first weekend in August, she said. Jake’s Fireworks’ high sales season is June through August.

“Join us for Open Jump, games, and awesome prizes – we can’t wait to see you there!” said Jessica Benford, marketing director for the To book parties and celebrations, email at jumpyjumpland.com

Their address is 2229 S. Main Street, inside the Jake’s Fireworks building.

About Jumpy Jump Land

Who We Are
Jumpy Jump Land is the premier bounce-house party destination in the Wichita area, offering vibrant indoor play spaces filled with colorful obstacle courses, tall slides, and multiple bounce houses. We host both private parties by reservation and Open Jump sessions where families can drop in and play.

Where We Started
We opened our first location in Andover, Kansas, in 2015. Since then, Jumpy Jump Land has grown into a local favorite and expanded to five locations: Andover, Bel Aire, Haysville, El Dorado – and now, Fort Scott, opening August 15!

Who Owns It
Jumpy Jump Land is owned and operated as a Kansas limited liability company: JUMPY JUMP LAND, LLC.

Why We Do What We Do
Our mission is to create unforgettable moments for kids and families through safe, clean, and energetic indoor fun. We’re passionate about providing a stress-free venue where hosts can truly enjoy birthdays, reunions, corporate events, and more – while kids jump, play, and burn off energy.

Bourbon County, Business

Perry’s Pork Rind and Country Store Is Offering Peaches From California

August 6, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber member

The wait is over!

We’re thrilled to bring you Freestone, high‑sugar, absolutely delicious peaches from Noland Orchard in Palisade, Colorado. These are premium #1 peaches – we never sell or buy #2’s or canners.

(Nothing wrong with those, but we choose only the very best for you!)

Pricing:

Full Case (approx 20 lbs) – $55

Half Case (approx 10lb) – $35

We accept cash, card, Venmo, PayPal, and EBT at our Bronson store.

Estimated Arrival: August 13–15

Pickup Locations:

Bronson:

Perry’s Pork Rinds & Country Store

Fort Scott:

Common Ground Coffee

*HUGE THANK YOU to Wayne & Stacy Racy, the new owners, for being willing to travel and transport these back to Ft. Scott for their community!

Buy Now – Any extras always Sell Out Fast!

Purchase online, stop by our Bronson store, or give us a call. Don’t miss your chance – many have been waiting all year for these!

Please note – we won’t be calling individually when peaches arrive, so follow our social media and watch your email for updates.

We can’t wait for you to taste these sweet, juicy peaches!

Click HERE to Order Now!

We Can’t Wait to See You!

Big news — we’re making a little change, and we’re excited about it!

August will be our last month offering delivery, but starting in September, we’re welcoming everyone to come visit us in Bronson for pick-up!

We’re so thankful for all your support, and now we get the chance to see your smiling faces in person! Whether you’re swinging by for a quick grab or staying to chat, we can’t wait to connect with you more!

So mark your calendars — your next visit to Bronson just got a little more exciting!

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US

Business, Fort Scott

Kannarr Eye Center Hosts Chamber Coffee on August 7

August 6, 2025 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by

Kannarr Eye Center

Thursday, August 7th

8am

1711 S. National Ave. Ste. E

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Kannarr Eye Care, 1711 S. National Ave., Ste. E, this Thursday, August 7th, at 8am. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing.

Kannarr Eye Care is proud to be part of the Fort Scott community, one of four locations that also include two in Pittsburg and one in Girard. Dr. Ethan Powell leads the Fort Scott office, providing expert and compassionate care to local patients.

Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed during lunch), the clinic offers comprehensive eye care – from routine exams to treatment and management of conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eye, and infections.

With a wide selection of frames, lenses, and contact lenses, Kannarr Eye Care is committed to helping every patient find the right solution for their vision needs. The team is excited to continue building relationships and sharing more about their services and Dr. Powell.

For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.