Category Archives: Business

Business, Fort Scott, Government

KS Department of Children and Families Office Building is Being Built at Wall and National Avenue

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The Wall Street and National Avenue southwest lot is the new building site that will house the local Kansas Department Of Children and Families office.

A new building is being built at the corner of Wall Street and National Avenue for a local Kansas Department of Children and Families office, with a completion date in mid-summer 2024, according to the developer.

The building will be 13,649 square feet and will have the capacity for 40 employees, said the real estate developer Kendall Schoenrock. Schoenrock purchased the building in the summer of 2023.

The State of Kansas released a Request for Proposal for the project and “I answered that request and proposed the downtown site,” he said.” I proposed the site during the RFP process. That location was part of my bid and was selected by the state. We won the bid after proposing the site.”

“This project is very important for the State of Kansas, to retain jobs in Fort Scott,” Schoenrock said. “They could have moved the DCF to another community.”

This is a multi-million dollar investment into downtown Fort Scott, he said.

In addition, it will spur money for retail and restaurants in the downtown area.

“This project will get many people for downtown businesses,” he said. “They will eat downtown, shop downtown, etc.”

The demolition is being done by Skitch’s Hauling and Excavating, Inc.

After demolition, Schoenrock’s team will get to work,  putting the building on the south side of the lot, with parking on the north.

“I have rented a house in Fort Scott and will live there for a year,” he said. “I am bringing in my team.”

“Many (local) people helped make this happen,” he said. “Bailey Lyons with Lyons Realty Group, Rob Harrington with Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, and Brad Matkin and Matthew Wells, with the city.  And Arnold Scholfield with the Fort Scott Design Review Board provided good, solid feedback for the project.”

“They should be praised,” he said. “Fort Scott has been very supportive. I couldn’t have asked for more support from the city. That’s what is needed to spur development.”

“I have been impressed working with all these people- it’s a team effort,” he said. “They are appreciative of outside money coming to town. I always tried to be a good partner.”

Silverrock Venture is his family business and is based in Junction City. He is a commercial real estate developer.

Recently, he developed and now owns the Flint Hills Medical Home,  a 12,375-square-foot medical facility located in Junction City,  for the Department of Defense, according to his website.

More can be learned about the owner at his website: kendallschoenrock.com.

 

The old Downtowner Restaurant is currently being demolished to build a building that will house the local Kansas Department of Children and Families.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Housing

Jeff Armstrong: New Realtor in Fort Scott

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Jeff Armstrong. Submitted photo.

Jeff Armstrong obtained his real estate license in the fall of 2021. and he joined  Front Door Real Estate in August of 2022.

“I look forward to assisting sellers/buyers through the quagmire of home real estate,” he said.  “Besides children, home ownership is one of the largest and possibly most stressful financial responsibilities for adults.  My purpose as a real estate agent is to work alongside the client to facilitate transactions, clarify areas of uncertainty, listen and identify the client’s needs/wants, and create an atmosphere of trust.”

“There are many high-quality realtors in Fort Scott, so I am constantly reading, listening, and learning to provide the exceptional service clients deserve,” he said.

“My original purpose of getting my license revolved around owning and managing a piece of commercial real estate in town, however, like many short-term goals, I pivoted,” he said.
 “I run and operate a pressure washing business (Armstrong Pressure Washing) out of Fort Scott and did some work for Jared (Leek) back in early 2022,” he said.  “We were just talking and I mentioned I recently earned my real estate license and he graciously asked if I would have interest in joining Front Door.”
 “The wealth of knowledge and expertise at Front Door Real Estate made the decision simple,” he said.  “I am spoiled to be a part of such an amazing group of professionals.  Real estate transactions do demand a certain level of knowledge and problem-solving, but can be wasted without trust, integrity, and communication.  Much like any service profession, real estate is fueled by relationships.”
“Housing markets go up and down, but how we work for our clients supersedes those events and smooths out the rough times and enhances the joyous moments.”
When asked what his community involvement/hobbies/interests are:
“As each day passes, I find that my faith in Jesus Christ becomes more and more important to me and all that I do should be done to glorify His holy name.  With kids in middle school and high school, most of my extra time revolves around them and their engagements.  I also own and operate my pressure washing business during the spring/summer/fall months.”
“I am supported and encouraged by my gorgeous wife Jamie and blessed with my two children, Kendal and Jax,” he said.  “My parents, Steve and Janet, provide me wisdom and encouragement even as an adult.”
Contact Info: 620-224-3036, [email protected], Facebook @jeffarmstrong-realtor, 113 S. Main Street
Bourbon County, Business

Bourbon County Community Outlook Conference Is January 31

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Bourbon County Regional

Economic Development…..

Bourbon County Community Outlook Conference!

Join Bourbon Area Business Professionals for an Economic Outlook Event!

Business and community leaders will talk about relevant economic issues that will impact local businesses and communities, including economic conditions, economic drivers for the state and regional economies, and general expectations over the coming months. Topics will include labor demand, costs, wages, manufacturing, and real estate. A local presenter will provide an in-depth analysis of the local economy.

Speakers:

State Outlook: Jeremy Hill, Director, Wichita State University CEDBR

Manufacturing Update:Craig Compton, Research Economist, Wichita State University CEDBR

Local Indicators: Jonathan Norris, Research Economist, Wichita State University, CEDBR

Local Update: Robert Harrington, Bourbon County REDI

Registration: $65.00/per person

Included in the price of the conference is a subscription to the CEDBR forecast booklets ($100 value), which are in-depth publications and reference guides on industry, regional, and state-wide economic conditions in Kansas:

Kansas Economic Trends (mailed in October), Kansas Economic Review (available at event), and Kansas Industry Drivers (mailed in May).

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

8am-10am

401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, KS 66701

Contact 316.978.3225 for more information!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Business, Fair, Fort Scott

Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery New Offerings 2024

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In 2020, Teri and Michael Hamilton moved from the Kansas City area to Fort Scott.

They had friends in the Fort Scott area and fell in love with Fort Scott, she said.

In 2022, Teri opened a new business, Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery.

To view  a prior story:New Bakery in Town: Hamilton’s Bakery

Last year, Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery opened preview subscriptions to a small group of people to test recipes, practice new techniques, and develop a menu, she said.
“We tested a new recipe each week, and our subscribers were able to give invaluable feedback to help us dial in our menu,” said Hamilton.
This year will be a few adjustments.
“Beginning in February, we’ll be testing new recipes each week, and offering a few different subscription choices. You can choose Sweet or Savory, or both!  They’ll still be available at weekly porch pick-ups, and we’d still love to get your feedback!” Hamilton said.
“We will be offering our Spring Sweet and Savory Subscriptions, with the first pick-up beginning February 3rd. Find all the details here. Be sure to browse around our new website and pre-order online to secure your spot!”
“Our Sweet Subscription will be a new treat every week. This is a subscription for those with a sweet tooth! Chocolate, berries, cream, and a decadent treat called ‘Bread is Gold’. We’ll be offering some treats that can’t be sold at the Farmer’s Market, so many of these will only be available here.”
“Our Savory Subscription will be a little more hearty and a little more health conscious. We’re excited to try new flours like rye and whole wheat as well as inclusions such as grains and seeds.”
You can also subscribe for both.
“Double Subscriptions are just that and will include both the sweet and savory offerings. So both dinner and dessert are covered!”
“Mini Subscriptions will have the same great taste in a more manageable size. We will offer mini versions of each of our weekly savory loaves, and just one or two servings of our sweet treats. You can choose Mini versions of each of our subscriptions: Mini Sweet, Mini Savory, or Mini Double.”
This year she will be offering baking parties for groups of 4-6 people, available February through April.
“These will be offered on a date that works for you and your group, here at our home/bakery OR at your home. Bread takes time, so plan on 3-4 hours here with your friends. You’ll get hands-on practice with making a loaf of your choice, we’ll bake a loaf to munch on, and you’ll leave with your own loaf to bake at home. These will be $35 per person, and will fill up fast, so contact us at [email protected] to get on the calendar!”
Teri Hamilton can be contacted at (816) 491-7884
Business, Fort Scott

Valentine’s Day Event at Blissful Aesthetics and The Beauty Lounge!

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

The Beauty Lounge and Blissful Aesthetics…..

Valentine’s Day Event at Blissful Aesthetics and The Beauty Lounge!

Join Blissful Aesthetics and The Beauty Lounge for their Botox & Brows special Brow and Botox

pricing event!

Place: Blissful Aesthetics & Wellness

4 South Main

Time: 12pm-3pm

Deposit is REQUIRED for this event, text or call 620.215.0305 to make reservations!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Art, Business

All-Inclusive Valentines Day Evening! at the Artificers

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All-Inclusive Valentines Day Evening!

Here at the studio we are offering everything you need this Valentines Day! Come in for our all inclusive night with our  “GHOST” class, and give your partner a silver screen experience!

WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF

WHEN SOMEONE SAYS WHEEL THROWING?

THAT STEAMY MOVIE SCENE WITH PATRICK & DEMI, RIGHT?!?

NOW’S YOUR CHANCE!  GRAB YOUR FAVORITE PATRICK OR DEMI

AND HAVE A VALENTINE’S EVENT THAT WILL GO DOWN IN THE BOOKS!

Bring your group of friends and enjoy a fun and romantic evening just for you guys! Your night will include heavy appetizers and desserts catered in by our local favorite crooners! Then enjoy a two hour wheel throwing class sitting across from your special someone! Do something extra special this year and take the worry out of planning this Valentine’s Day!

Call us at 913-574-7741 to reserve your evening!

Thanks for LOVING Local!
Business, Fort Scott, Youth

New Business: Country Club Kids Daycare

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Jessie Combs. Submitted photo.
Jessie Combs, 27, opened her business, Country Club Kids Daycare in Fontana, KS in 2020. Then re-opened her business in Fort Scott when she moved here in October 2023.
She provides child daycare services for children ages six weeks to five years old, for Fort Scott families and the surrounding areas.

The business hours of operation are from 7 a.m . to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The daycare is located on South Broadway  Street in Fort Scott.

In her care currently are her three children and three daycare children (2 full-time, 1 part-time).

“I have 1 full-time and 1 part-time opening for toddlers (18 mos-5 yr),” she said.

She is the only employee and is licensed for up to 10 children.

To contact the business, email  [email protected]

Combs began the business initially to stay home with her own three children. “I enjoy being able to serve the community and working with children,” she said.

She graduated from K-State in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.
Following graduation she worked in scientific research, helping to characterize pharmaceuticals to prepare them for U.S. Food and Drug Administration clinical trials, she said.
“I’m also a Certified Nurse Assistant,” she said.
“I got my daycare license in April 2020 in Miami County and in October 2023 in Bourbon County,” she said.
To earn a daycare license in Kansas contact your local Kansas Department of Health and Environment office to get started.
“There’s an online application, fingerprints, background check, health and wellness checks, a small fee, and licensing will come to inspect your daycare for compliance,” she said. “There are also classes you must take to become licensed including being Pediatric CPR and First Aid certified and child development and daycare specific classes required.”
Submitted graphic.
Business, Fort Scott

Witts Take Ownership of Hedgehog INK on February 1

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Hedgehog INk bookstore,16 S. Main, is pictured in this October 2022 photo.

With support from her husband, Jordan, and three kids, Randi Witt, Ivan, Ava, and Lydia will take ownership of the Hedgehog.INK! bookstore at 16 S. Main on February 1.

From left to right, Jordan, Ivan, Ava, Lydia, Randi Witt. Submitted photo.

The phone number will remain the same  (620) 670-2752 but the email: [email protected] is new. Both the website and Facebook page will remain the same.

“We will take over running those on Feb. 1,” Randi said.

The store was opened by Jan and  Dick Hedges in 2018, and Dick died in 2022. Jan announced in December 2023 that she was selling the bookstore.

“I heard about Jan planning to sell the store, and I knew this was the opportunity I had been waiting for,” Randi said. “Jan and Dick created a magical space that makes you feel good when you walk inside. The store has something for everyone, from books to unique items and gifts.”

The whole family enjoys bookstores.

“In college, Jordan and I would frequently visit a used bookstore in downtown Lawrence,” she said. “Now we enjoy taking our kids to bookstores. Hopefully, our bookstore can give others the same memorable experience and be a place they want to frequently visit.”

The name of the bookstore will remain the same.

“Even though I will be the new owner, I see this as a continuation of the amazing bookstore Jan and Dick brought to our community,” she said. ” I plan to put my own spin on the space and expand our offerings over time. I will continue to accept books for credit or donation. In addition to books, you can purchase journals, art supplies, candy, handmade purses, goat milk soaps, and lavender products. We definitely want to continue supporting local authors. Please follow us on social media for updates as we grow!”

“I am going to explore expanding hours of operation and will announce that on social media,” she said.

The current hours of operation will be  Monday 10 am – 2 pm and Tuesday through Saturday 10 am – 5 pm.

“I will be running the store day to day, and I will rely on help from my kids,” Randi said. “This is definitely a family venture.”

Business, Fort Scott

Spoiled Brat Is Moving Location

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Editors note: Due to a computer glitch this story was mistakenly posted on Facebook last night. It was deleted and will be posted today.

The Spoiled Brat Salon new shop will be built on the left in this photo, which looks east on Third Street at Scott Avenue.

People have noticed a construction site starting at 124 E. Third, near the corner of State Avenue and Third Street.

The building going up will be Spoiled BratSalon, currently located in downtown Fort Scott at 19 S. Main.

Stephanie Anthony and Heather Engstrom are the owners of Spoiled Brat Salon.

“We’ve been wanting a new space of our own,” Anthony said. “We will be offering basically the same services, with the possibility of adding new stylists/services,” she said. They are hoping for a spring move to the site, she said.

Engstrom Construction LLC is the builder.

“My wife Heather and I bought the property under Peacock Properties LLC,” Scott Engstrom said. “We purchased it in July and did the demolition on the property. We got tired of renting and wanted to own.”

The building will be a 35-foot by 50-foot, 1700 square-foot wood frame with a metal facade and front porch, he said.

“There will be seven stations in the salon and a massage therapy room,” he said.

“On the west side, there will be two concrete handicap vehicle spots, specifically for van accessible handicap,” he said.

“We are still considered downtown, but outside the historic district,” he said.

He and his sons, Taylor, 24, and Brayden, 21, are helping in the build.

Engrstom Construction LLC can be reached at 620.202.1881.

Spoiled Brat Salon’s number is 620.223.2155.

Spoiled Brat Salon will be located across the street in this photo, looking south.
Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

 Valu Merchandisers Company (VMC) Fort Scott Closing Operations

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Value Merchandisers Company is located at 4805 Campbell Dr. in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park. This is a 2017 photo of the building.

January 8, 2024

Due to the completion of the state-of-the-art All-In-One (AIO) Distribution Hub in Hernando, Miss., we will be closing operations at our Valu Merchandisers Company (VMC) facility located in Fort Scott, Kan.

We will transition the majority of VMC Fort Scott’s inventory and shipments to the AIO and expect the transition to be
completed by the end of March 2024.

Our employees at this facility have worked hard and done an excellent job providing retailers with the best variety of quality Health & Beauty Care (HBC), General Merchandise (GM) and Specialty Foods (SF) at the lowest cost to drive sales since the facility was built in 1995.

This was not an easy decision, and we sincerely appreciate
the dedication the employees here have shown.
We are committed to helping all impacted employees through their transition to other opportunities, including potential opportunities within AWG.

Emile Breaux, Senior Vice President, Chief Sales & Support Officer, AWG

ABOUT ASSOCIATED WHOLESALE GROCERS, INC.:
Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned
supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and more than 3,400 locations throughout 31 states from 9 wholesale
Divisions.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Ribbon Cutting at Freedom Fitness Before Chamber Coffee on January 11

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Join us for a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting

Freedom Fitness

Thursday, January 11th

8:00 am

15 S. National

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting Thursday, January 11th at 8 a.m. hosted by Freedom Fitness which will be held at their new business, 15 S. National Street. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

Lindsay and John Hill, owners and coaches of the new business called Freedom Fitness opened their doors on January 1st, 2024. Freedom Fitness offers fitness classes for all ages and fitness levels, plus the option for a regular gym membership for patrons to come in and lift during certain hours and use equipment/facilities. Lindsay and John look forward to serving Fort Scott with a Faith.Family.Freedom.Fitness environment.

Any member business or organization wanting to host a Chamber Coffee in 2024 is encouraged to contact the Chamber to save a date by calling 620-223-3566 or email [email protected].

Click here for their Facebook page!

We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members
shown below!
FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
620-223-3566
Facebook  Twitter
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

January 9 Downtown Meet and Greet Postponed Due to Inclement Weather

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Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet RESCHEDULED for January 23rd!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Downtown Meet & Greet will be held  January 23rd from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Papa Don’s, 10 N. Main St.

These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotion and anything related to downtown.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701