Category Archives: Business

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Lowell Milken Center Announces Four New Exhibits in Collaboration with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism

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The Lowell Milken Center is located at the corner of First and Wall Streets.

The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is pleased to announce the installation of four new exhibits in the Hall of Unsung Heroes museum in downtown Fort Scott.

The Attraction Development Grant received from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, & Tourism made this new addition to the Lowell Milken Center possible. The grant and matching funds allowed the Lowell Milken Center to update and improve the exhibit area and increase connections with visitors.

The Lowell Milken Center staff has had the opportunity to explore new avenues to reach visitors, teachers, and students while continuing their mission during the last nine months. Through social media outreach, virtual tours, Zoom presentations, and special video clips, the Lowell Milken Center continues to make the exhibit area relevant for teachers, adults, and students

. The inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes and positive role models need to be heard.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism Attraction Development Grant is designed to provide assistance in the development of new tourism attractions or the enhancement of existing attractions within the State. Their purpose is to provide strategic economic assistance to public and private entities and not-for-profit groups that are developing new tourism attractions or enhancing existing ones.

The new panels feature the inspirational stories of Jackie Ormes, Doug Hegdahl, William Matthews and Harry Hue.

Watch for a virtual unveiling of the new exhibits to take place in March.

About the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes:
The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes works with students and educators across diverse academic disciplines to develop history projects that highlight role models who demonstrate courage, compassion and respect.

Through our unique project-based learning approach, students discover, develop and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes who have made a profound and positive impact on the course of history.

By championing these Unsung Heroes, students, educators and communities discover their own power and responsibility to effect positive change in the world.

Visit www.lowellmilkencenter.org to learn more or visit the Lowell Milken Center exhibits in downtown Fort Scott.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Support Small Business Saturday Nov. 28

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Small Business Saturday is Coming!
Shop local on Saturday, November 28th!
As a small business, it’s tough to compete with Black Friday deals. Consider sharing some background on why Small Business Saturday is important, and offer an incentive to bring customers through the door. Whether it’s a discount, BOGO, or free gift, customers will appreciate the offer and return the appreciation by shopping with you.
We hope to see you on Saturday, 11/28
Discounts, Chamber Buck Drawings & Much more!
when you shop in store on 11/28/2020
More Details to come on Participating Retailers
#SHOPSMALLBIZSAT
The Holidays are happier when we share them with you!
BRIGHTEN UP THE HOLIDAYS WITH YOUR SUPPORT!
The Holidays look a little different this year, but we can still make them our own. This holiday season, we encourage customers to support “Shop Small Businesses Saturday, November 28th!
Bourbon County, Business

KC Mart: Gas Station Service to Northern Bourbon County

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K.C. Mart, a gas station/convenience store at 2191 Soldier Road, just off Hwy. 69, opened Oct. 23, 2020.

A gas station has reappeared on Soldier Road at HWY. 69, which had been closed for some time.

It is a welcome sign for those who travel to Kansas City because there are very few gas stations right off the highway in this section of Hwy. 69. It is also welcome to the rural residents who live nearby.

Hours of K.C. Mart.

.

The  K.C. Mart convenience store sells gasoline, meals, cigarettes, beverages, and beer,  along with “truck stop, automotive items,” said Harjit Kaur, owner.

The menu on the wall. Offered also is fresh fruit.

She and husband, Biender Singh, live in Olathe and commute daily to the store at 2191 Soldier Road.

The store opened on Oct. 23, 2020, and has five employees, she said.

Customer Brian Wade, who sent the story idea to fortscott.biz said, “I’m excited. Sure will save some miles when you need just lawn mower gas or diesel.”  He has even purchased a pizza from the store, that he said was “great!”
Kaur has lived in America for almost 20 years, she said, after coming from India.
Previously, she worked for a transportation company in Kansas City and this is the couple’s first venture into a convenience store business, she said.
“We were trying to pick a business (to purchase), she said. “It was selling for a good price. And it’s a good community around here.”

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Maycumber Receives Community Block Development Grant

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Chris Maycumber, owner of Mayco Ace Hardware.

Chris Maycumber. owner of Mayco Ace Hardware, 205  Scott, is the recipient of a Community Development Block Grant to repair his building. The grant was for $225,000, with Maycumber matching with $75,000.

 

According to the website:   https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs :

“The Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program allows the Department of Commerce to distribute federal funds to Kansas cities and counties looking to improve their community.

CDBG awards are given in four primary categories:

  1. Annual Competitive Grants
    1. Water and Sewer
    2. Housing Rehabilitation
    3. Community Facilities
  2. Economic Development Grants
  3. Commercial Rehabilitation Grants
  4. Urgent Need Grants”
Maycumber’s grant is for rehabilitating his building.

“It’s to fix up the appearance of the building exterior,” he said. “The roof, windows, doors, and anything that will get the building up to  city code.”

The CDBG process began in 2018, he said.

“After a few snafu’s and the COVID-19 pandemic, it put us behind,” Maycumber said.

When the state does a CDB Grant, the project is put into a state-wide website, where contractors can bid on the specifications.

Although he can’t determine the contractors for the project, Maycumber said he hopes to use local businesses.

Currently, Agricultural Engineering Associates, Uniontown, is providing the building specs, he said.

“The state hasn’t put their money up yet, then we do, then the process to bid begins,” Maycumber said.

Thirty days after the project has let bids, they will know who the contractors are.

“Hopefully, by the end of November,” he said. “Then they will have so many days to finish the project.

The storefront at 203 State, north of the hardware store is the focus of the grant.

The last store in that building was Dollar General Store, who left in 2015, he said.

The 203 and 205 State building is owned by Maycumber with his mother, Joyce Maycumber.

 

203 State Street is the storefront just north of Mayco Ace Hardware, which is 205 State Street. It is all one building that will receive updates from a new grant that Chris Maycumber received.
Business, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Holiday Open House Nov. 12

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
Announces the Annual
Holiday Open House Shopping Event
Kicks off this Thursday, November 12th, 5-8pm!
Downtown & other participating stores!
This year the Open House will be a 3-day event with most stores offering drawings, deals & treats Thursday evening through Saturday!
Shop for your gifts & holiday decor
while supporting LOCAL!
On Thursday the trolley will be going
store to store from 5-8pm so you can shop & ride!
Enter drawings at each store for $50
in Chamber Bucks!
Thursday
Nov. 12th 5-8pm
Kicks off the Weekend!
Holiday Open House
Stores open late
until 8 pm on Thursday!
Most stores participating
Thursday thru Saturday!
See below for days/hrs.
SEE BELOW OR CLICK HERE FOR
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE SPECIALS
THIS THURS, FRI & SAT ~ NOV. 12-14TH!
3-DAY EVENT THIS YEAR!
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING SMALL & SUPPORTING LOCAL!
Bourbon County, Business, Jobs

New Employment Help Center Opens in Old Kress Building, Grocery Store Will Open Soon

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A1 Towing and Moving, Fort Scott, moves shelving into the new grocery store, which will be located in the Old Kress Building, 17 S. Main.

A resource center in the former Kress Building, 17 S. Main is open in downtown Fort Scott.

The center is called the BWERC which stands for Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center.

The first floor is currently being prepared to sell groceries, while the second floor is open for business as a multi-partner center to help with COVID-19 related issues.

 

Downtown Grocery Store

BAJA Investments LLC, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team and a  local farm and ranch food cooperative grocery store will be located on the first floor, according to info from Hoener.

BAJA Investments will manage the grocery store that will open sometime in the second half of December 2020, said Bill Michaud, developer for the business. The store is as yet not named, Michaud said on Nov. 3.

The first-floor space will have shelving, coolers and freezers for
local produce and meat.

This will increase access to healthy food,  and make more food available for local food assistance programs, Hoener said.

 

To view a recent story on the grocery store, click below:

New Grocery Store In Downtown Fort Scott Is Coming

 

Employment Related Services

Through a multi-partner collaboration of Bourbon County government , Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center www.pittstatesmallbusiness.com, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce http://fortscott.com/, Fort Scott Community College http://www.fortscott.edu/ , Kansas Works http://sekworks.organd BAJA Investments LLC , the hope is to address the urgent COVID-19 related crisis needs in Bourbon County, according to information provided by Jody Hoener, economic director for the county.

The large room of the B WERKS Center on the second floor of the Old Kress Building in downtown Fort Scott.

 

The building will be used for distance learning and teleworking and also a place for childcare businesses to become legal and thus help in childcare relief during the pandemic, Hoener noted.

A work room in the BWERC Center in the old Kress Building in downtown Fort Scott.

The plan is to give businesses the tools and technical assistance needed for increased  online capabilities and the assistance to
obtain the money needed to sustain their business.

There is also unemployment and job-seeking assistance.

Amy Kauffman, career advisor with KansasWorks sits at a desk in the Kress Building on Nov. 3. KansasWorks helps with job search assistance and employment related services.

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber After Hours at E3 Ranch Store

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     LET’S CELEBRATE NEW BUSINESS IN FORT SCOTT!
Chamber After-hours
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
This Friday, November 6th!

This Friday, November 6th!
Attention Chamber Members!
Join us this Friday, November 6th for a
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
After-hours event celebrating the opening
of the E3 Ranch & Company headquarters
in Downtown Fort Scott!
The event will take place from 5 to 7pm,
with the actual ribbon cutting & remarks at 5:15pm.
13 S. National Ave.
Come for food & beverage, door prizes,
networking, and a new business!
Per E3, masks will be required but will not be worn in
“official” pictures, or while drinking or eating.
Official Press Release with More Details:
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Announced for the
E3 Ranch & Company Headquarters
Members of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce are invited to celebrate the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the E3 Ranch & Company headquarters on Friday, November 6th at 13 S. National. The event will take place from 5 to 7pm with the ribbon cutting and remarks starting at 5:15pm.
E3 now occupies the historic Reid building which was built in 1917. This new location allowed E3 to consolidate its operations in Fort Scott and allow for future growth.
E3 Certified black and red angus cattle are grass fed, grain finished, give ample room to roam and never subjected to antibiotics, steroids, or added hormones. E3 Meat Company is focused on providing high quality beef through restaurants, meat markets and online sales. E3 supports total utilization of the animal which lead to the creation of the E3 K9 Performance Company which markets dog treats and bones both online and through retail stores such as Atwoods and Scheels.
The E3 Retail store offers E3 branded pet treats, E3 meat, and E3 merchandise in its new location. The store also offers products from partners such as Otter Box, Shun knives, and ThermoWorks.
E3 Retail Store will also be hosting a grand opening event on Saturday, November 7th from 9am to 1pm. The public is invited to stop by to check out the specials and meet the team. We will be serving up E3 hamburgers beginning at 11am for a free will donation supporting the E3 Foundation which continues our mission of Humbly Serve Others.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce 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
Business, Fort Scott

Holiday Shop Looking For Vendors For Nov. 20

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The Creative Sugarplums Holiday Shop is looking for vendors.  Many events have been cancelled this year for public health reasons.  To help local vendors and businesses The Creative Sugarplums Holiday Shop will be open this holiday season for these individuals to showcase and sale their products.  The opening date is scheduled for November 20th and will be located in the space recently vacated by Factory Connection.  Anyone interested in becoming a vendor can e-mail [email protected] or text (620) 224-8442 for more information.
Thanks,
Emelia Whiteaker

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

Halloween Parade Oct. 31 at 11 a.m. Downtown Fort Scott

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The Fort Scott Chamber announces the Annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat Parade!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes & appreciates the support of this event from the sponsors below!
Saturday, October 31, 2020 @ 11:00 AM
9:30-10:45am:Walgreen’s will be taking pictures with a Halloween Backdrop & providing a free 4 x 6 print. The backdrop will also be available throughout the event for pictures with your own camera.
11am:Parade will start at La Hacienda, down the west side of Main Street to 2nd, then back down the east side of Main Street to Skubitz Plaza.
Following parade:Hotdog, chips & drink will be served to the kids in costume provided through the generous donation of local businesses!
__________
***Businesses along Main Street will be handing out candy during the parade, and businesses not on Main Street as well as any community organizations are welcome to set up a table along Main to pass out candy, coupons, promo items, etc.
Enjoy these additional activities taking place Halloween Day in Fort Scott:
Click here for a printable copy of the flyer below.
Business, Fort Scott

Chamber Coffee at U.S. Cellular Oct. 29

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Join us for our weekly
Chamber Coffee tomorrow!
Hosted by Chamber Member
US Cellular
Locally owned & Operated
1711 S. National Ave. Fort Scott
(620) 223-2355
Thursday, October 29th, 8am
Masks & social distancing are encouraged.
Click HERE for their Facebook page.
Click HERE for their website.
We’re an Authorized Agent of UScellular™, the 4th largest wireless carrier in the United States.
We provide a strong network signal with national coverage, affordable plans and a long-term commitment to our community.
Chamber Members & Guests are welcome
to make any announcement for $1 to the Chamber about their business or organization including events, new products, promotions, or any other specials!
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE SCHEDULE
  • 11/5 ~ VFW
  • 11/12 ~ Integrity Home Care + Hospice
  • 11/19 ~ Briggs Auto
  • 11/26 ~ NO CHAMBER COFFEE
  • 12/3 ~ Laree & Co. ~ New Chamber Member
  • 12/10 ~ B-WERC Grand Opening
  • 12/17 ~ City of Fort Scott
  • 12/24 & 12/31 – NO Coffees will be scheduled-Holidays
Area News, Business

Peerless Expands to Iola

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Peerless Products Expansion to Create Over 100 Jobs in Iola

~ Peerless Expansion Represents Largest Job Announcement in Allen County Since 1994~

IOLA – Governor Laura Kelly today celebrated the announcement of Peerless Products, Inc., purchasing a 150,000-square-foot facility in Iola to expand its production capability.

Peerless estimates the expansion will create 100 to 120 new full-time jobs in Iola over the next five years, with a capital investment of $10.35 million.

“Peerless is a fantastic, homegrown Kansas company with a long history in Fort Scott. I appreciate its leadership team recognizing all that Iola and the entire Southeast Kansas region has to offer, and for choosing to expand in Allen County,” Governor Kelly said. “With our engaged team at the Kansas Department of Commerce, my administration will continue to identify new and dynamic business opportunities, build relationships, and support further economic projects in Allen County and across our state.”

Governor Kelly joined Scheduling and Purchasing Manager for Peerless Products Josh Granere, Iola Mayor Jonathan Wells, Thrive Allen County President and CEO Lisse Regher, and Secretary of Commerce David Toland for today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Kansas-based Peerless produces high-performance architectural aluminum windows and doors for new construction, replacement and historical construction for high-rise and institutional buildings. The expansion of its operations will allow the company to begin to diversify its product line by moving into commercial windows.

“I’m honored to help celebrate a significant economic development win for our state—one that marks the beginning of a new chapter for Peerless Products and the workforce in Iola and Southeast Kansas,” Secretary Toland said. “Congratulations to Peerless and to our local partners on making this ambitious vision for growth a reality.”

“With our continued growth in Fort Scott, where we currently have 400 employees, we needed to find additional space for the creation and production of our new G800 product line that we believe will be a leader in commercial low-rise windows,” President of Peerless Products Coby Jones said. “We pride ourselves in being best in class, and we intend to continue and build upon that reputation in Iola.”

The State of Kansas, City of Iola and Allen County partnered to secure the Peerless expansion project, which is the largest job announcement in Allen County since 1994.

The below photos are available for media use:

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Peerless-1.jpg

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Peerless-2.jpg

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Peerless-3.jpg

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Peerless-4.jpg