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Category Archives: Business
Local 19-Year-Old Starts Fashion Business
Addy Labbe, 19, is following in her mother’s footsteps and starting her own business, Stylz By Addy.
“I provide great quality, stylish clothing that is super affordable as well as handmade jewelry, shoes, accessories, and more!” she said. “I started my business from my mother’s studio and with her and all her workers’ help. I mostly do Facebook Lives to sell my clothing so that I can show people how everything fits, looks, and feels.”
“I started this business because I have traveled the U.S. selling jewelry with my mother all my life,’ Labbe said.
Her mother is Amy Labbe, owner of Art By Amy, Uniontown, known for her creative jewelry designs.
“I have always loved fashion and traveling with her helped me figure out that I wanted to find a way to grow on that love and bring different fashions to Kansas,” she said. “We sell my mother’s jewelry at wholesale markets so I figured why not spend my downtime at the Dallas market bringing some of these amazing styles back to Kansas.”
She has been inspired by two women.
“My mother, Art by Amy,” she said. “She started her business on her own, grew it for the last 20 years, and is still going strong today. She is the hardest working person I know. Every new person she meets she treats with the same kindness as she would treat her dearest loved ones.”
“The other biggest influence in my new business is a woman named Melanie Hutchins, who I consider another amazing mentor,” Labbe said. “She owns a very successful boutique in Ohio. She has helped me grow and gain confidence in myself and has been a huge support in my business.”
Products can be seen on Stylz By Addy on Facebook and Instagram @stylzbyaddy or email: [email protected]
or phone:620-756-4125.
Addy Labbe is a Fort Scott High School graduate and still debating a university degree, she said. “But I know I love what I’m doing right now!”
Chamber Coffee being hosted by Lucci’s Cafe
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that this week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Lucci’s Cafe of Fort Scott on Thursday, July 8th at 8:00 a.m. at 101 State St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees may register for a prize drawing.
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.
Midwest Battle Buddies: Featured For Donations by Hound Nutrition
Kelly Perry, owner of The Hound Nutrition in Fort Scott and The Protein Place in Iola is working to provide donations to the Kansas-based Midwest Battle Buddies.
From July 1-7 , 5% of all sales will go directly back to Midwest Battle Buddies
“We get to live in the land of the free because of all that these men and women have given and we just wanted to celebrate that freedom in the spirit of giving back!” Perry said.
New Tri-Valley Horticulture Specialist: Austin Bolinger
Austin Bolinger, 22, is the new horticulture specialist at Tri-Valley Developmental Services, replacing Barb McCord, who retired May 14.
Bolinger is a 2017 Fort Scott High School graduate.
“I started working in the floral industry five years ago, and while working in that industry I began collecting plants and learning as much as I could about them,” Bolinger said. “I also worked alongside Barbara McCord for six months. During this time she taught me so much valuable information about what it means to be a horticulturist.”
McCord was the person who developed the horticulture therapy program at Tri-Valley and mentored Bolinger prior to her departure.
“I chose to pursue this career because it was something that interested me, seemed like a good cause,” he said. “I was trying to figure out which direction my life was headed when I saw that Barbara was retiring. I knew that I wanted a career that also gave back to the community, and would be something that I enjoyed. I feel like I found that here at Tri-Valley.”
“The best part of my job is definitely those who I work with,” Bolinger said. “Being able to work with the clients in the horticulture program gives me such joy to share my passion for plants with others who enjoy it as much as I do.”
” With the Bourbon County Fair coming up, the clients will be entering an array of items that they have been working on,” Bolinger said. “We are also experimenting with adding some new houseplants into the greenhouse, which is very exciting. We feel like everyone should have some nature in their home!”
“I was born and raised in Fort Scott,” Bolinger said. “I live with my partner, Estevan, and our two dogs, Amira and Reese.”
He is a member of the Fort Scott Garden Club.
About Tri-Valley
Tri-Valley Developmental Services helps people with conditions that include autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other physical and mental impairments, according to its’ website http://www.tvds.org/getting-started.
These conditions can result in severe chronic limitations such as:
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Self-care
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Learning and adapting
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Living independently
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Understanding and using language
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Mobility
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Economic self-sufficiency
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Self-direction in setting and accomplishing goals
Car Wash Opening in Uniontown Changes to July 14
A new business has opened in Uniontown on the square.
3rd Street Car Wash was slated to have its’ grand opening on June 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. but weather conditions and some parts availability have delayed the opening to July 14.
Owner Patty Olmstead has renovated the car wash that has been out of business for years, and in addition, purchased the storage units next to the car wash.
One can get their car washed and for those with pets, there will be a pet washing station, with a table and shampoo, on the horizon for the business, Olmstead said.
The car wash starts at $2.25 with a car vacuum available for $1.
Olmstead said the east wall of the car wash, easily seen by the community, she is allowing the Uniontown High School Eagles to use for publicizing their accomplishments.
Olmstead had been looking for a business to purchase, she said.
“I’ve been investigating some businesses for some time, looking for a second income,” Olmstead said. “I’ve found what I’ve been looking for, for years. The timing was just right.”
Contact Olmstead at 620.215.1371. or contact her at [email protected].
Women’s Entrepreneurship Series: July 27
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Barb McCord Retires From Tri-Valley
Barbara McCord, 68, retired on May 14 from Tri-Valley Developmental Services as its’ horticulture therapist after 17 years.
Tri-Valley staff work with an adult population that has intellectual disabilities.
McCord developed the horticulture therapy program for Tri-Valley.
She received her bachelor of science degree in horticultural therapy at K-State in 1975.
After graduating, she worked at Melwood Farm, Maryland, for several years, she said. They worked with people with intellectual disabilities to improve their social, work, physical, and mental skills by being involved in the daily activities in a greenhouse setting.
She then worked in her family’s business, the Fort Scott Greenhouse for 40 years. When the family sold the business she knew she wanted to return to horticulture therapy.
Her dream job would become a reality in 2004 when Tri-Valley wanted to develop a horticulture therapy program, she said.
“We didn’t have a pot, a bag of soil, or any plant materials to start the program – really nothing at all that was related to the plant world,” she said. “Funds were raised through grants and the generosity of our community to provide a state-of-the-art experience for our clients.”
Her biggest challenge was to design and fund a greenhouse in 2007, she said.
“With the support of the community and the 24/7 backing of my husband, David, we were able to establish the greenhouse and plant the seed for the current horticultural therapy program,” she said.
A 2,100 sq. ft. greenhouse and a patio area with raised bed gardens were created and made accessible to the clients. and also an in-ground flower and vegetable garden.
Cooking, art, and educational classes were developed through the years.
“This opened up many new opportunities for our clients,” she said.
McCord said people often misunderstand people with disabilities.
“It became my mission to establish a program that would move us towards a more inclusive environment,” she said.
“Horticulture became the perfect bridge between our agency and Fort Scott,” she said. “People opened up their arms when we first started.”
They offered plant materials and supplies, supported the bi-annual Gardener’s Christmas Auction, civic groups purchased plants to use for fundraisers, provided plants for the city hanging baskets and gardens, the Fort Scott High School construction class helped build the greenhouse as well as wholesale to local retailers.
“This gave our clients a chance to become an integral part of the town,” she said. “Our community has been such a vital part in establishing our program; I cannot say thank you enough.”
“I will miss the conversations, smiles, and friendships that I have had with the clients and staff at Tri-Valley,” she said. “Many strong relationships were formed while working with the clients and I will always have a deep respect for their accomplishments and positive attitudes.”
Austin Bolinger Replaces McCord
Since last fall, McCord has mentored Austin Bolinger to take her position at Tri-Valley.
“I feel extremely fortunate to be able to hand over such a successful program and to watch Austin make it into a bigger and better program,” she said.
Community Involvement Will Keep Her Busy
McCord is involved with a local PEO chapter, co-president of the Bourbon County Garden Club, plays in the Iola Symphony, and volunteers with Special Olympics.
“My garden will now come first, along with music, as well as creative outlets like needlepoint, watercolor, building garden sculptures, etc., these will be a few items that I will enjoy filling my time with.”
Having worked her entire life, retirement is going to be an adjustment, she said, but she and her husband David are planning to travel.
“Spending time with nieces/nephews and their families will also become a priority,” she said. “I would like to continue to add color and beauty to our community through the world of plants.”
“Don’t be surprised if you see me kneeling in a flower bed somewhere around town,” she said.
Varia Quality Resale Clothing Store Opens
Varia Quality Resale Clothing Shop opened June 8 at 110 E. 23rd, across the street from Walgreens.
Co-owners Robin Kendrick and daughter Darci West opened the shop because “my daughter and I like clothes and there are not many clothing stores in Fort Scott,” she said. “And we like to get quality clothes at affordable prices.”
“We sell women’s and children’s clothing from size newborn to women’s plus size,” Kendrick said.
Kendrick said they source the clothes from online sales and also buy clothing outright from local customers.
They take no consignments.
Kendrick can be reached at 620.238.1703.
One can see the latest the shop has to offer on its’ Facebook page.
Hours of operation are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce is hosting a grand opening for the store on Thursday, June 24 at 8 a.m. with remarks starting at 8:15 a.m., followed by the ribbon-cutting.
Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, in addition to a door prize drawing.
Contact the Chamber office at 620.223.3566 for more information on the weekly Chamber coffees, held at various businesses and organizations.
Varia is a French word meaning variety or miscellaneous.
Chamber Coffee at Varia Quality Resale Clothing Store June 24
Chamber Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Announced for Varia, Quality Resale Clothing Store.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting to celebrate the opening of Varia Quality Resale Clothing Store at 110 E. 23rd St. The event will take place Thursday, June 24thth at 8 a.m. with remarks starting at 8:15 a.m. followed by the cutting of the ribbon. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.
Co-Owner, Robin Kendrick comments that Varia is French word meaning variety or miscellaneous. They offer quality resale clothing, non-consignment at affordable prices. They also have accessories and other miscellaneous items for sale. Varia offer woman and children clothing priced at $11.50 and under.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.
Pharmacist Craig Campbell Retires
Craig Campbell is retiring from his 39-year career as a pharmacist on June 30.
A chance conversation with a relative changed the course of his life when deciding on a career.
“By chance, I was visiting with my great uncle who was a pharmacist,” he said. ” Willard Higbee, he was the brother of my grandma, Bernice Campbell.”
“I confided in him that I was working on a chemical engineering degree but did not think I could get through the math requirements,” Campbell said. “He said I would love pharmacy, so I visited with Ken Asher and Bob Tuchscherer, local pharmacists at the time, and they agreed that pharmacy was a wonderful profession.”
Technology advancement has changed his job as a pharmacist.
“Technology has advanced so much with the electronic medical record,” Campbell said. “It brings into view so much more information that lets you know more about the patient, not just in the present moment but what has gone on before.”
“Prescriptions are so much safer now that we do not have to figure out the doctor’s handwriting,” he said. “Sorry doctor friends. Pharmacists are an integral part of the patient care team now, since when I started in the fall of 1982.”
He has most recently been Mercy Health System’s Director of Pharmacy Performance, St. Louis, since November 2014. But his office is located in a wing of the former Mercy Hospital, although during the COVID-19 pandemic, he has worked mostly from home, he said.
From 1999-2018 Campbell served as Mercy Hospital Fort Scott’s Pharmacy Director, before that from ’92-’99, was a staff pharmacist at Mt. Carmel Hospital (now Ascension Via Christi) in Pittsburg.
Campbell worked from1983-1992 for four pharmacy’s starting with his first job in Texas.
Campbell completed a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK, and an associate of arts degree in pre-pharmacy from Fort Scott Community College.
For Campbell, the best part of his career was being a part of patient care teams, which come up with the best plan to improve patient health, he said.
“That has been rewarding,” Campbell said. “While at Mercy Fort Scott…my hometown, I was able to care for a lot of friends and family.”
“I once went into the room of an elderly teacher I had in the seventh or eighth grade,” he said. “The patient taught math. The patient said I must have been a student, but could not recall my name. I told who I was. The patient asked what I did for a living and I said I was a pharmacist. The patient smiled and said, ‘I must have been a pretty good teacher.’ Yes, the patient was a good teacher.”
The COVID-19 Pandemic has been the biggest challenge of his career.
“In the six years I have worked for Mercy at the system level, the main responsibility is to make sure each hospital has the medications they need when they need them,” Campbell said. “COVID was the most difficult time as we were competing with every hospital in the country to have enough meds to treat patients, especially those on ventilators. There were many 20 hour days in April and May 2020.”
What is on the horizon for you?
My wife (Jane) says I am trading one OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) for another,” he said. “I would really like to help the city and county improve the overall quality of life through organizing volunteer groups to help our neighbors with whatever they need.”
Campbell is chairman of the Good Neighbor Action Team, which helps people with work on yards, house painting, etc.
“The community has three big events coming up next year with Big Kansas Road Trip in May, Good Ole Days, and the Fort Scott High School all-class reunion next June. We really have an opportunity to show off our great town and county.”
“We will also travel some and see more of the grandkids’ activities,” he said.
Campbel has four children: Ryan (who is deceased); Brett and wife, Kayla, Pittsburg; Trevor and wife, Jami, Overland Park; and Jenna Campbell and her fiance Devin, Fort Scott. His grandkids are Mackenize Campbell, Spokane, WA; Brecken and Landry Campbell, Pittsburg and Kennadie, Rush, Austyn, and Larkin Campbell, Overland Park.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott, June 18 Newsletter
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