Category Archives: Business

Art, Bourbon County, Business

Bourbon County Clay: New Woman-Owned Business

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Kate Freeman. Submitted photo.
Bourbon County Clay, a new woman-owned business started by Kate Freeman officially became an LLC in  June of 2024.

“We have been working to build the business since we discovered the clay vein in 2017 on our family property in northwest Bourbon County,” she said. “We have worked diligently since then to reclaim and test the clay, dreaming of the day we could launch Bourbon County Clay.”

This business is separate from T.E. Freeman Studio LLC and The Artificers, which she and her husband, Trent, own, but will do business housed in the same building at  8 N. National Ave, Fort Scott.
Trent and Kate Freeman. Submitted photo
 Andrea Latham, Kansas City, KS is the studio apprentice and production supervisor.
Andrea Latham. Submitted photo.
“Andrea started apprenticing with us in Kansas City in 2020, and now travels to Fort Scott several times a month to work production for Bourbon County Clay LLC. The Artificers gallery also features Andrea’s work out of her own studio.”
The artists have created a handcrafted artisan coffee set as their first product from the clay in Bourbon County and also used locally sourced walnut wood in the design.
Submitted photos.
“Our first product is this handcrafted Bourbon County Artisan Coffee Set collection featuring a clay coffee pot, a matching pour-over, and two coffee cups, each with warm, smooth walnut handles,” she said.  “Every piece in this set is made from locally sourced clay and walnut, harvested from the heart of Bourbon County, ensuring that each item carries the spirit of the land. The natural tones of the clay are complemented by the rich, earthy hues of the walnut, creating a harmonious blend that is both functional and timeless. Perfect for those who appreciate the art of slow brewing, this set transforms your coffee ritual into a celebration of craftsmanship and local heritage.”
Submitted photos.
The business is currently offering a pre-sale of thirty sets.
“There will only be 100 sets of each glaze color offered,” she said. “All sets are categorized and numbered.”
Submitted photo.
“Bourbon County Clay is deeply rooted in the land we call home,” she said. “This is a tribute to the place we love, crafted by the hands of artisans connected to this soil. From the hands of our artisans to yours, each piece is a limited-edition work of art, created in small batches.”
Hours of operation for the business are Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located inside The Artificers in Historic Downtown Fort Scott, 8 N. National.
To contact her, call 913-574-7741
Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

The Kitchen Collective+Collaborative is September 19

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The Kitchen Collective+Collaborative is at 12 S. Main, The Parlor at Eighteen 65 is at 10 S. Main.
Two of the storefronts that have been in a renovation period for a few years are about to open.
The facility is not a restaurant. The renovated space will be the first of its kind in Southeast Kansas.
12 S. Main will be a culinary business incubator, said Rachel French, co-owner and operations manager of The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative
An incubator firm is an organization engaged in the business of fostering early-stage companies through the different developmental phases, according to investopedia.com
Bailey Lyons, Rachel French and Angie Simon are the owners of the Kitchen Collective+Collaborative. Submitted photo.
French, along with co-owners Bailey Lyons and Angie Simon are local business owners who have a passion for cooking.
A few years ago they were involved with the Dare To Dream, a local women’s entrepreneurial event. They saw many women who had a dream of a culinary business.
“We hope with our business knowledge we can come alongside and help springboard new or existing culinary businesses,” French said.
To that end, the two side-by-side businesses in Fort Scott’s Historic Downtown District were created to develop food businesses.
A view of two of the four food incubator pods in The Kitchen at 12 S. Main. Submitted photo.
12 S. Main: The Kitchen
At 12 S. Main, there are four incubator pods in The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative side. These are four sections in a kitchen, each all-inclusive in what a culinary entrepreneur would need to start their business.
“Our incubator kitchen allows food entrepreneurs, food growers, or producers to start or scale their business in a licensed commercial kitchen,” she said. “The cost of starting a business is astronomical. Our facility helps relieve that burden.”
“You must be licensed to launch your business from here, but we will help with that process.”
She said with a standard license, one can sell it directly to consumers, but can’t sell it to another business for that business to sell it, which requires a wholesale license.
Each food incubator pod has a stove, fridge, mixers, measuring utensils, and just about everything a culinary business needs, except the ingredients for the person’s cooking/baking.
“Our kitchens are available for rent to the general public. For instance, if you are hosting a large family dinner, but your kitchen is too small, you can rent one of our kitchen pods to prepare your meal,” she said. 
 
“If renting to launch your business, in addition to the kitchen pod you would have access to special dry good storage and additional refrigerators and freezers. You could also sell approved products on-site in our market area, still retaining your business’s branding. “
 
Even though not a restaurant, their vision is to sell grab-and-go food items, and take-and-bake items for dinner.
“Our goal is bringing healthy, convenient food options to Fort Scott and Bourbon County,” French said. Meals will be sold in 2 servings or 6 servings sizes.
The Kitchen will also offer culinary classes to the community and if anyone is interested in teaching a class, they can complete a form on their website.
For example: Jake Gross is planning on teaching how to smoke and prepare meats, she said.
With the pods at the back, at the front of 12 S. Main is the retail food area which has glass-front refrigerators to keep the food products that will be for sale. There will eventually be curbside pickup in the back of the business.
Hours will be Monday through Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Fridays they will close at 5:30. Saturday hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Contact French at 620.418.9284.
10 S. Main: The Parlor by Eighteen 65
At 10 S. Main, there is an event center, called The Parlor by Eighteen 65 for wedding receptions, birthday parties, etc.
Ribbon Cutting and Opening
The ribbon cutting for The Kitchen Collective and Collaborative is Thursday, September 19 at 4 p.m.
“On September 20, you can come in and get breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” French said. Opening day will be chicken/noodle with mashed potatoes and homemade snickerdoodle cookies by Jamie Beckham.”
Employees
All staff will be cooking, baking, catering, and also teaching classes at any one time in the facility.
Beckham was a restauranteur and baker in Fort Scott’s recent past.
Also hired by The Kitchen is Melissa Houston, a graduate of California Culinary Academy who has 30 years of experience and will be doing recipe development and cooking classes.
Madelyn Martin will be helping with catering and is locally known for her charcuterie boards.
Dawna Krebs will be taking care of the retail section and also baking, as will Grace French.
Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPA’s, Celebrate 75h Anniversary

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Diehl Banwart Bolton CPA, 7 1/2 East Wall Street, Fort Scott. This is a file photo from 2019. The business occupies the second floor (the red brick building), which faces Wall Street.

 

In 2024, Diehl Banwart Bolton CPAs PA  is celebrating 75 years of service to the community.

At the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee on September 12, James Wood, one of the partners in the firm, said they have had a “long history” in the community because of the “great leadership, amazing team, and this community and everything that goes on in it.”

The business is a full-service accounting firm located in Fort Scott and Pittsburg,

They help both businesses and individuals succeed financially through accounting services, with expert, professional and confidential service, according to their website.

Current and past employees of Diehl, Banwart, Bolton CPAs at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee on September 12, 2024. Submitted photo.

The business story begins just after the Second World War.

John Diehl came to Fort Scott in 1948 with his wife Ina Mae,  after serving in the United States Marines as a pilot in World War II.

He worked for the Winchell Manufacturing Company, and soon after,  opened an accounting office in Fort Scott for a Kansas City firm of Senderson,  Little, and LaChelle, according to James Banwart Jr., who is currently a partner in the business.

In 1949, Diehl purchased the business and renamed it John E. Diehl and Company.

Maurice Fletcher later joined the firm and it was renamed Diehl and Fletcher. The company was located in several buildings
in what is now the Fort Scott Downtown  Historic District.

In the Fall of 1963, James L. Banwart Sr. joined Diehl and Fletcher.

James Regan, the long-time Information Technology “guru”,
joined the firm in 1971.

In 1973, Mark Bolton joined Diehl and Fletcher and in 1976, the firm became Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPA’s.

The firm’s shareholders purchased the Milrose Block at
Wall and National in 1974 where the business continues today.

Mr. Diehl died in 2017 at age 99.

“He was an involved member of church and community and a loved and respected employer and partner.”  James Banwart Jr. said.

Currently, there are five partners, James L Banwart Jr., Daryl Eagon, Amanda Lancaster, Matthew Keys, and James Wood.

“CPAs Randy Phillips, Carol Hill, and Donna Banwart round out the list of supervising accountants and we have 10 staff accountants doing IT, payroll, accounts payable, and other client service,” Banwart said.

The business currently has offices in Fort Scott and Pittsburg and “are always on the lookout for additional talented people,” Banwart said.

The firm offers municipal and commercial auditing, preparation of general ledger and financial statements, payroll, estate planning, tax planning, income tax, retirement planning, business analysis
and coaching, and assisting clients with Accounting CS, Quickbooks, and other software.

“Not many small businesses survive and thrive for 75 years,” Banwart said. ” But because John Diehl founded the firm on the
principles of integrity and prompt client service and we strive to uphold his high standards in the present, we plan on being a member of the Fort Scott business community for a long time to come. He
would be pleased to know his firm continues his traditions.”

The business is located at 7 1/2 East Wall, in Fort Scott’s Historic Downtown. They can be reached at 620-223-4300.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Sign Up For The Town-Wide Garage Sale Weekend

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Fall Town – Wide Garage Sale in Fort Scott September 20th & 21st!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce is EXCITED to announce the Fall Town – Wide Garage Sale happening September 20th & 21st!

Sales may be registered with the Chamber and listed on the official garage sale map for only $12. Those interested may register in person at the Chamber, over the phone by credit, debit or Venmo, or online at fortscott.com. The Chamber also offers display ads to businesses and organizations on the map for $35.

The deadline to register a sale on the official map is 1pm on Tuesday, September 17th.

The Chamber sincerely appreciates sales and ads being registered with the Chamber as those funds make it possible for the Chamber to host the event and cover expenses incurred on the event to bring as many people to the community as possible to shop the sales and patronize other businesses while here.

Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

2024 Downtown Fall Fest!

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2024 Downtown Fall Fest!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Fall Fest evening shopping event featuring in-store specials, refreshments and drawings will take place Thursday, September 12th from 5pm to 8pm in the Downtown Historic District.

 

Stores will have festive offerings such as pumpkin snacks, hot cider, and a pumpkin passport to submit for a chance to win a Chamber Bucks gift certificate. Participating retailers open late for shopping include 110 South Main, Be the Light Boutique, Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market, Bids & Dibs, Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore, Iron Star Antiques & Such, Laree + Co, and Sunshine Boutique.

 

Additional activities happening in conjunction with Fall Fest include:

·       Brickstreet BBQ will feature musicians Larry Davenport and Mark Ward of Double Trouble, performing live on their patio from 5pm-8pm.

·       Redbud Farms & Nurseries will be selling mums, ornamental cabbage, pansies, and other fall plants in front of Lowell Milken Center.

·       Ronnie Brown of R&B Produce will be selling pumpkins, gourds, and more at Wall and Main Streets.

 

The Chamber also organized a Scarecrow Contest for businesses and encourages the community to check out the entries placed around Downtown. Key Industries sponsored the contest, and the top business winner will receive one dozen logoed shirts and bragging rights for the year. The winner will be announced this week.

 

Downtown Fall Fest offers an opportunity to support local while taking in the season, finding great deals, and seeing what’s new in Fall décor and apparel.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Business, Fort Scott

Be the Light Boutique Creates More Space at 12 N. Main

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Susan Townley in front of Be The Light Boutique, 12 N. Main,  that she and her husband, Eddie, own and operate.

 

Susan and Eddie Townley opened Be The Light Boutique in November 2022, after several years of selling antiques, vintage finds, and home decor in the Kansas City area.

12 N. Main was the former Country Cupboard, an anchor store in Fort Scott’s Historic Downtown District for decades.

Recently the Townleys have been painting the facade of the building,  removing a temporary wall in the back to extend the showroom to the back door and remodeling an existing bathroom.

Ora Et Lobora painters work on the front of Be The Light Boutique. 12 N. Main last week.

“The wall came down in the back, which opened the view front to back, the way Country Cupboard was,” Susan said. Out the back door, there is more parking for downtown businesses.

View to the back door. Recently the Townleys have removed a temporary wall that expanded the showroom.

“We added 400 square feet, with a total of 4,000 square feet,” she said. They remodeled a bathroom,  put down new carpet, and painted.

The exterior is also getting painted, last week the front of the building, and this week the back.

Exterior painting was done by Ora Et Lobora  Painting LLC, carpeting by Ruddick’s Furniture, and plumbing by Frenchs Plumbing, all of Fort Scott.

Clothing in the Be The Light Boutique.

They are getting ready for the holiday season and the Fall Fest this week in Fort Scott this Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Hours of operation of Be The Light Boutique are Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays noon to 5 p.m.

A fall vignette on a dining table at Be The Light Boutique.
Coffee is for sale at the boutique.
Furniture is for sale at Be The Light Boutique, 12. N. Main.
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Walmart Sept. 5

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Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, September 5th, 8am
Hosted by Fort Scott Walmart Store #39

Chamber Coffee will be held in the Pharmacy area! 2500 S. Main St.

Click here for the Walmart Facebook page.

Click here for the Walmart website.

_____________

Store Manager: Heather Magruder

_____________

Thank you Fort Scott Walmart for being a

Chamber Champion member!
The Chamber Coffee was recently held at Walmart in July, but the store invites Chamber and guests back for a second time to keep the community informed on the remodel progress!

The following is a message from Store Manager Heather Magruder: “This week marks the fifth week of our Store Transformation and there are still several weeks before our Store Celebration. During this time, we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding during our remodel. We know the changes may have caused some inconvenience, and we are truly grateful for your support and flexibility throughout this period. Your continued patronage has been crucial as we work to improve our space and services. Thank you for being such an important part of our community and for standing by us during this transition.”

Contact the Chamber of Commerce for more info.: (620) 223-3566
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
Facebook  X  Instagram
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Sharky’s Adds Expanded Outdoor Dining and Pickleball Court

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Tina and David Lipe, owners of Sharky’s Pub and Grub, stand on the new patio, at 16 N. National Avenue.

Fort Scottians may have noticed that there is a construction area on the south side of Sharky’s Pub and Grug, 16 N. National Avenue.

A major project is underway by Tina and David Lipe who started the restaurant in June 2011.

“Our facility has everything: a cool designed building, a banquet facility…and we always wanted an outdoor facility,” Dave Lipe said.

He said through the years they have added solar equipment on the roof, all new windows and doors and beginning sometime in September 2024 there will be a large outdoor patio open to the public.

They began the project in June of this year and when completed there will be a bar, pickleball court, TVs, gas firepits and bathrooms.

Looking east towards National Avenue. This area is the site of the pickleball court. The area will have a short fence around it. David Lipe said.

“It will be a place for people to enjoy outdoor dining, a little live music, and pickleball,” he said. “Hopefully people will come and enjoy it.”

The patio is 50 feet by 100 feet, with a fence around it and is located south of the restaurant. Entry is from the restaurant.

They hired local  Fort Scott businesses to work on the patio: PJW Consulting and Ron Hurd Construction. Others were McKenney Masonry, Geiger Plumbing, Jeff Allen Electric, Bill Lalman Fencing, Miller Brothers Welding and Peerless Products, Inc. who made the doors from the restaurant to the patio.

This construction of the outside bar is in progress at Sharky’s Pub and Grub. The expansion is on the south side of the restaurant.

About the restaurant

Sharky’s has 32 employees, mostly part-time and they will be adding more with the patio opening.

Their banquet facility is on the third floor of the historic building and is for birthday parties, wedding receptions, and meetings.

Starting Thanksgiving weekend they open a Christmas-themed pop-up bar on the third floor.

“People really enjoy Sharkey’s North Pole,” Lipe said.

The restaurant also provides catering services to the community.

For information on reserving the banquet room or catering services, contact Lipe at 816.392.2825.

Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 2 a.m. and they close at 7 p.m. on Sunday except for some sporting events, he said.

Sharkey’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National Avenue. The outdoor patio construction is on the south of the restaurant.

 

The Lipes have a Sharky’s Pub and Grub in Iola, KS and Nevada, MO and is a true family business, with two of their four children working with them.

 

 

 

Business, Food, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce Coffee Hosted by Tiny Greens and Herbs on August 29

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Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, August 29th, 8am
Hosted by Tiny Greens & Herbs, LLC

Cherri Walrod, Owner

Chamber Coffee will be held in the back room of Common Ground Coffee Co.

12 E. Wall St.

Click here for the Tiny Greens Facebook page.

Click here for the Tiny Greens website.

_____________

Cherri can often be found at the Fort Scott Farmers’ Market which is held thru October, Tuesdays 4-6pm

Saturdays 8am-12pm

Gathering Square Pavilion, Downtown See more details & contact information on Tiny Greens & Herbs below!
Tiny Greens & Herbs, LLC. serves Bourbon County by providing year-round access to locally grown nutrient-packed wellness food. After the Walrod family experienced physical and mental health challenges a few years ago, they were looking for a way to increase nutrients in their diet while reducing exposure to toxic chemicals. Tiny Greens & Herbs, LLC. was born out of the need for their family to have year-round access to nutrient dense produce which is free of pesticides and herbicides.

The Walrod’s envisioned starting a small family business so their special needs children could learn to work, acquire transferable job skills and appreciate meaningful gainful employment. One of their goals is for their young children to be able to learn the business as they work towards a more independent life. Growing nutritious, toxin-free food for their family and their community, while also teaching their children the value of work is a triple-play win in their book. They feel the micro-greens taste amazing and invite everyone to come learn more and have samples this Thursday!

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
Facebook
Business, Food, Fort Scott

The Kitchen C & C, Fort Scott, Awarded KS Department of Agriculture Grant

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Governor Kelly Announces $5.6M to
Strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $5.6 million has been awarded for 49 projects to strengthen the middle of Kansas’ food supply chain.

“Kansas’ central location and abundant agriculture production are critical to the nation’s food supply chain,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By investing in our producers and businesses in this sector, we are strengthening economic growth across the state.”

Through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program, administered by the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), eight grants will improve producers’ infrastructure. The other 41 will strengthen the middle of the state’s food supply chain operations.

The projects selected for funding were informed by engagement and outreach with underserved producers to understand the needs of the agriculture supply chain.

“These grants will help Kansas food and farm businesses and other eligible organizations create diverse local and regional market options and more economic opportunities for our Kansas communities,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “With this financial support, we will see improvements across the middle of our state’s food supply chain, including increased food processing infrastructure, producer aggregation points, and product storage.”

“Projects funded through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program are building strength and resilience in Kansas’ food system, diversifying agricultural markets, creating new revenue streams for small and mid-sized producers, and providing economic opportunities for local communities,” said USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt. “USDA is grateful for Kansas’ support strengthening local and regional agricultural supply chains.”

This awarded funding is part of the $420 million available through the federal American Rescue Plan.

A complete list of the 49 projects can be found here.

Click here for more information about the RFSI program at KDA.

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Bourbon County, Business

Dare to Dream Event on September 28: For Women Entrepreneurs

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The  Dare to Dream: Collective Impact event occurs from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Fort Scott Community College’s Ellis Center, 2108 S. Horton.  Check-in begins at 8 am.
Fort Scott Community College Bailey Hall.
Women business owners can be inspired and network with like-minded people during the event. Provided for attendees is a free lunch and child care.
“Our event kicks off with a dynamic pre-conference session on “The Entrepreneurial Mindset,” setting the stage for a day of inspiration and collaboration,” according to the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Facebook page.
The event will allow women to converse with like-minded individuals during the networking event, forging connections that extend beyond the conference, according to Jody Love, President and Chief Executive Officer for HBCAT.
Jody Love. Submitted photo.
The main event features a keynote address and a variety of breakout sessions tailored to diverse interests, ensuring a customized and enriching experience, according to Love.
Mary Ricketts is the keynote speaker.
Turning Point CEO and founder, Mary Ricketts, began her leadership path in 1990 in the telecommunications industry, according to a press release from HBCAT. Her natural coaching and leadership abilities led her to increased leadership responsibilities in the telecommunications space, and eventually into insurance and financial wellness.
Partnering with John Maxwell’s team helped her sharpen her training and development abilities.
Turning Point Training and Development was founded in 2019 in response to requests from community partners that needed a professional and experienced resource to ensure organizational success.
Learn more about Mary and Turning Points at https://tptrainingcenter.com/
“We understand the importance of accessibility, which is why we provide complimentary lunch and free childcare, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this empowering journey,” she said.
The event is sponsored by:
NetWork Kansas
Bourbon County Childcare Coalition
Southeast Kansas Prosperity Foundation
KUMC COPE
Refine MedSpa
Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission
Blissful Aesthetic and Wellness
Fort Scott Community College
City of Fort Scott