Hedgehog INK employee Lynne Pallaske puts a book in its place on April 26. This area is the fiction area of the bookstore.
Hedgehog INK, 16 S. Main, had no more space for their books.
Hedgehog INK is located at 16 S. Main.
Jan and Dick Hedges opened the bookstore in October 2018.
Jan Hedges at the cash register of Hedgehog INK. Masks and sanitizers are available for use to deter the spread of COVID-19. There is also a plastic screen at the cash register.
“We were running out of space for all our books,” Jan Hedges said. “I have wanted a space where I can have author talks, writing groups, reading groups…a space where people can meet for whatever reason.”
So they annexed the back two-story room of the building next door, adjacent to theirs, an approximate 1,200 square foot space, and extended to the back of the current store to make a 9 foot by 16-foot children’s area, she said.
The new space for the children’s area in 9 feet by 16 foot and is located in the rear of the building, just behind the fiction area.
The Hedges started the expansion in January 2021.
“It’s a work in progress,” she said.
Their plan is to start children’s storytime in September, Jan said.
The expanded larger space is for meeting rooms, and the walls are full of research and reference books.
Jan Hedges walks through the new space for non-fiction and history books. It will be the gathering place for future events. This view is from the mezzanine area.
“We were able to save the tin roof and wood floors,” she said. “The building was built in the 1870s.
The tin ceilings are original to the 1870s building.
The Hedgehog INC building, and the one next door, are all owned by Jared Leek, who has remodeled these and several other downtown Fort Scott buildings.
The Hedges have carved out an office space in the building.
In the mezzanine area of the expanded space is a seating area with large windows to read and relax.
There is seating in the mezzanine area for reading a good book.Jan Hedges stands at the top of the stairs in the reading area.
“With the additional space we are able to spread out our fiction area more, to be able to see them better,” Jan said.
Hedgehog INK has a local authors section.
The bookstore hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
The store also sells local products from area producers and artists.
Submitted photos. Tyler Davidson working on a fish mount.
Tyler Davidson, also known as Tiger, is a fisherman and an artist.
He began his business Tiger Replica Fish Mounts, three years ago.
“I have been an avid angler and artist for most of my life and I’ve always had an interest in preserving the beauty of these fish,” he said. “I started this adventure with the thought of combining my extensive knowledge of fish coloration, their anatomy and my passion for art.”
“I’m really passionate about putting all of the detail in these fish,” Davidson said. “I definitely don’t mass produce them. Each one is special. My favorite part of the process is handing over the fish, or getting photos of the fish on the wall from a happy customer.”
“So far it’s worked out great!” Davidson said. “I have customers from all over the United States coming to me.”
“My mission is to provide customers with the highest quality fish mounts available,” he said. “I strive to create highly realistic one-of-a-kind replicas that match every last detail of your trophy.”
His business is located in Bronson, in the western part of Bourbon County.
“I do not allow public visits to my shop as it is on the same property as my home,” he said. “Customers need to call and arrange pick-up. My plan, for now, is to gain recognition and further construct my shop into a more efficient fish studio. In the future, I’d like to have a more public studio with a display room.”
Davidson’s contact info: (785)521-5192 or
Facebook page: TigerReplicaFishMounts or
Instagram: Tigerfishmounts
His starting cost is $20 per linear inch, he said.
Jeff Armstrong, owner of Armstrong Pressure Washing. Submitted photo.
Jeff Armstrong started his new business, Armstrong Pressure Washing LLC in the fall of 2020.
“I love my hometown,” he said. ” I see a real need to continue to help homeowners and businesses maintain and protect their properties. It lends itself to community pride and I think we need more of that.”
“This business also lends itself well to my somewhat OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)personality,” Armstrong said. “Over the last year, I found myself fascinated by pressure washing videos on Youtube. After months of research and educating myself, I took a bit of a leap.”
He bought a truck, built his own rig, and invested in proper equipment and chemicals.
“After a few jobs, it was clear that I really enjoyed the work,” he said. “It’s satisfying to see something restored to its original condition and to see a customer excited about a renewal of their home. I take a lot of pride in my work and being able to bring a house or business back to its former glory is extremely fulfilling.”
Concrete washing, before and after. Submitted photo.
His service?
“I operate a residential and commercial pressure washing and soft washing business,” he said. “I specialize in house washes, roof washes, and surface cleanings such as sidewalks, porches, and driveways.”
Other services that are available include deck cleaning, fence washing, boat/Recreational Vehicle washing, fleet washing, and gutter brightening.
” I am now offering parking lot striping, as well as American Disabilities Act compliance and traffic flow designations, he said. “I am currently bidding striping work to begin this summer.”
“Often our home is one of our greatest financial investments, he said. ” We insure it, to protect it from major damage, but we sometimes don’t realize the everyday damage that occurs when houses and roofs are not properly maintained.”
” Driving around town it’s easy to see signs of damage caused by mold and algae,” Armstrong said. ” Roof stripes or dark streaks are called gloeocapsa magma, which is an airborne algae that is the most common type and it’s the easiest to spot. Those dark streaks look unsightly but they are actually eating the lime out of an asphalt shingle, which over time, can deteriorate a roof to the point of replacement.”
“It’s commonly understood that washing your car properly prevents the paint and clear coat finish from breaking down due to salt, and road materials but most people overlook the need to wash our homes,” he said.
“I wish it were as simple as just taking any old pressure washer and spraying it off, but pressure isn’t typically recommended for anything other than flat surfaces such as concrete,” he said. ” A proper house and roof wash requires the correct mixture of chemicals, and is actually applied with a low pressure or a soft wash system. I hope to continue to educate local homeowners about why this maintenance is so important. In the long run, it can save them thousands of dollars.”
Before and after photo of Armstrong Pressure Washing. Submitted photo.
For the majority of the jobs, he is the sole worker.
“However, on roof washing jobs there is the need for someone on the ground to protect surrounding vegetation from any overspray,” Armstrong said. “My wonderful daughter Kendal has assisted me on previous roof washes, and will likely help in the future.”
Pressure washing before and after. Submitted photo.
Chamber Coffee hosted by Papa Don’s Pizza announcing celebrating 10 year anniversary in May 2021
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Papa Don’s Pizza, Thursday, April 29 at 8 a.m. located at 10 N. Main St. to announce their 10 year Anniversary coming in May 2021 in this location.
Coffee, breakfast pizza, juice and snacks like fruit and cheese will be served, and attendees may register to win a special 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.
April until 30th ~ Poetry Contest hosted by Hedgehog.INK Bookstore. Click here to learn more about submission rules and deadlines.
4/23 – Friday Night Karaoke at The Boiler Room! 7 PM. The Boiler Room Brewhaus.2 S. National Ave.
Downtown Spring Clean Event (POSTPONED) until May 19th. Community volunteers welcome, contact Bailey Lyons, Chamber Downtown Division Chair, if interested in volunteering or you have project ideas, 620-224-7795.
4/23 -620 Baggerz Friday Night Cornhole League3-6pm until 11 pm. Anyone welcome!
River Room is not available this Friday, so this week’s league will be at the home of Kenny & Destiny Allen, 1916 Maple Rd. See the Facebook group for more details:
**** Normally Cornhole League is every Friday night at the River Room Event Center, above Luther’s BBQ at 3 W. Oak St., Cash bar available.
3 Divisions of Play: Advanced, Intermediate, and Novice
$10 per event to play, 80% payback to the 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Winners.
4/23 | 29 – Fort Scott Cinema Showtimes Now showing Godzilla VS. Kong, Firl who believes in Miracles and Voyagers. Click here to view showtimes.
4/23-24- Livestock Sale at the Fort Scott Livestock Market, both Friday & Saturday, click here for their FB page.
4/23-24 – Trolley Tours start for the season
50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott, leaving from the Chamber & Visitor Center Fridays (11 am,12pm 1pm and 2pm) & Saturdays (10am, 11 am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm) throughout the summer. $6 adults, $4 children.
4/23 – Kick-off of the Friday Night Concerts (this week @ Common Ground Coffee Co. due to weather) 7 pm, Common Ground Coffee Co. featuring “Bourbon County Revival with DJ Brown” playing a mix of Classic Rock, Country & Gospel music.
4/24 – Pickleball open play – everyone welcome, Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 8 to 10am. Click here to join the Fort Scott Pickleball FB Group for future updates.
4/24 -EKTEC Rodeo in Uniontown (Eastern Kansas Timed Event Circuit) Hosted at the Uniontown Arena by the Uniontown Saddle Club
4/24 -Trolley Tours, 50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm – $6 adults, $4 children 12 & under, leave from the Chamber/Visitor Center at 231 E. Wall St.
4/24 -EFSHS Talent Show & Miss(ter) FSHS Pageant, 7pm, click here for details.
4/27 – TheCity of Fort Scott presents Fort Scott Forward) Hosted at the River Room at 7:45 am, all are welcome for an update on happenings with the City of Fort Scott.
4/29 – Chamber Coffee hosted by Papa Don’s Pizza at 8 am.
4/29 – Aging with Attitude Virtual Expo, 9am-noon, click here for info.
5/1 – FSCC Graduation, congratulations to all of the graduates of Fort Scott Community College!
5/1 – Kansas Rocks Recreation Park Adopt-a-Trail Cleanup Day, visit www.ksrockspark.com for more info.
5/1 – Opening Day of Farmers’ Market, and this Saturday featuring the annual plant sale by the Bourbon County Garden Club, 8am to noon, Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort.
5/1 – Pickleball Spring Open Tournament, click here for all the details, hosted by Fort Scott Recreation Department.
5/1 – FREE Mommy & Me event at Laree & Co., Downtown Fort Scott, 10 am, click here for details.
5/1 – Boiler Room Brewhaus features Comedy Night, click here for all the details. Juan Some Grub food truck starts at 5pm, comedy 7:30pm.
5/1-2 – Hollister Shooting Range Open, 1st & 3rd weekends of each month.
SPIN classesnow offered bySmallville Athletics, every Mon & Wed at 5:15 pm, and Tu & Thurs at 6 pm. $5/class or $50/mo. unlimited.
Total Body Fitness ~ M & W Karen Reinbolt at BRCC@
8:15 am $20/8 week session.
Zumba~ M,W, F @ 6pm Monalynn Decker at BRCC $40 for a 12-week session.
Indoor Fitness/Gyms at
I AM Rehab + Fitness, Smallville Athletics, and Buck Run!
UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS!
WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
FORT SCOTT BUSINESSES!
REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS AD ON THE SPRING TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALE MAP!
WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE TROLLEY TOURS HAVE STARTED FOR THE SEASON SO OUR COMMUNITY, FAMILIES, GUESTS, AND FELLOW TRAVELERS CAN EXPERIENCE OUR SPECTACULAR HISTORIC SITES OF FORT SCOTT, KS!
Free-range chicken is a meat product grown by Freedom Farms. Photos submitted by Gary Palmer.
Gary and Kylene Palmer are the owners of Freedom Farms, located at 1863 Eagle Rd, Fort Scott.
“WE LOVE FOOD!!!, Gary said. “We eat a lot, with a family
of six. With eating being one of the things we do most, just like many of you, our minds began to wonder about the nutritional value of the
food we eat.”
So after research and thought, the couple decided to start raising and producing some of their own food, he said
“We have been raising our own cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens for several years to provide healthy, great tasting meat for our
family,” he said. “This way, we know exactly what is (and
what is not) in our food.”
“We take much comfort in knowing where our food comes from,” he said. “We believe other people would too!”
They strive for a healthy option for the animal and themselves, Gary said. “We take great pride in giving our animals the best life possible. They are treated as part of our family. Our dream is to work as a family to share this with others.”
Ground lamb is one of the meat products grown at Freedom Farm. Photo by Gary Palmer.
Currently, the Palmers offer free-range farm fresh eggs, whole, and packaged chicken, lamb, and goat meat.
“Our eggs are currently available at the Downtown Star Emporium,” he said. “We hope to offer meat there in the near future. We are licensed with the state of Kansas and candle and inspect every egg sold in the grocery store.”
The egg label shows Grade: AA Size: Large and the Package Date. Photo by Gary Palmer.
“Since our eggs go from free-range to package quickly we can grade them AA,” Gary said. ” To my knowledge, we are the only provider of Grade: AA eggs in town. Each egg is inspected and approved by hand.”
Gary, along with his wife, Kylene, and their four daughters currently operate the farm.
Gary and Kylene Palmer and their four daughters. Submitted photo From left to right: .Lexi Marchiano, Jentry Palmer, Kylene Palmer, Gary Palmer, Riley Marchiano, Sadie Marchiano
Gary is a Fort Scott native and second-generation farmer and entrepreneur in business. Gary’s parents, Ron and Shirley Palmer, have a farm and raised beef and sheep while Gary was growing up.
Kylene is from the Hume and Nevada area originally, and her parents Stephen and Jeanette Zinn had a small farm and raised pigs while she was young.
Together Gary and Kylene purchased a farmstead adjacent to Gary’s parent’s farm shortly after they married.
“Freedom Farms is a constant work in progress and we have been working diligently to upkeep both Palmer’s farms,” Gary said.
Greg Motley. President of the Bourbon County Economic Development Council. Submitted photo.
Submitted by Gregg Motley, President of BEDCO
My wife and I have lived in Fort Scott these past six years, and love it here as it reminds us of the towns in which we grew up. We just agreed to purchase our retirement home out in the county. There is much to love! So why is it shrinking? Let me postulate ten primary reasons from my research over the years:
1. Rapid industrialization during and after WWII
Small town America led the growth of this county until 1941 when we ramped up the war effort. Factories were built in large cities near a concentration of the supply of labor, and urbanism began.
2. Change in tax policies to promote manufacturing
With the need to build our war machine came tax incentives from Washington in the form of tax credits and accelerated depreciation to benefit primarily these large city manufacturers; this began the great tax transfer from small-town earners to large city companies.
3. Agricultural efficiencies and the drop of ag employment
Most of us are aware that it takes far fewer agricultural workers to produce a crop and manage a herd. Ag employment per acre has dropped precipitously over the last 75 years.
4. Rapid transportation: planes, trains, and automobiles
Our mobile society makes it much easier for our young people to seek employment in faraway places, primarily big cities near transportation centers.
5. Global competition created the need for economy of scale
Due to technology, the world is much smaller now, making it easier for companies to go nationwide/global. To create efficiencies, industries have consolidated, as evidenced by the over 15,000 banks 40 years ago, condensed to 4,519 at yearend 2020.
6. Increase in regulation
New government regulations, such as the Patriot Act, have dramatically increased the cost of doing business, crowding out mom and pop companies in small towns.
7. Advent of “Big Box” retailers
One word: Wal-Mart. Need I say more?
8. Access to technology/online shopping
The Internet has revolutionized the world, and retail has paid the price. This has disproportionately impacted small-town America.
9. Loss of desire for community
We are devolving from a relationship culture to an entertainment culture. Give me experiences! There is nothing to do here! We are becoming human doings, instead of human beings.
10. Entertainment culture
Building on number 9, who are our highest paid citizens? It is those who entertain us, who seldom live in small towns. In a capitalist society, money flows toward what we value.
There are many more, but these are megatrends that have strangled small towns, through no fault of their own. Other than the energy sector areas, the trends are impacting small towns universally and disproportionally. What can we do about it? A topic for the next article.
Kerry and Kenny Wunderly are owners of 1553 Plants & Produce. Submitted photo.
Kenny and Kerry Wunderly saw a need in the community and have started a business to meet that need.
Their business is about helping people with their garden needs.
“With the whole process of lockdown over the past year due to COVID, people seem to be more aware of where their food comes from,” Kerry said. “Originally, we wanted to be the link for folks who have space and the desire to grow their own (garden) but didn’t know where to start. It’s very frustrating to have great goals, plant a garden, have everything come up and then quickly go downhill.”
The problems of weeds, insects, improper site preparation, improper plant selection, or the need for soil amendments can ruin the best intentions for many, she said.
Submitted photos. 1553 Plants & Produce.
“Kenny’s degrees from Kansas State (University) in agribusiness and agronomy have given a wealth of knowledge that we want to share so everyone can be successful and avoid those frustrations,” Kerry said.
The Wunderly farm business name is 1553 Plants & Produce, and it’s located at 1553 205th Street a few miles northwest of Fort Scott. To get there go west on Hwy. 54 and go north on 205th Street almost two miles.
The stand at the Wunderley farm. Submitted photos.
This is the business’s first year, although in the past they have been part of Community Supported Agriculture, she said.
“Community Supported Agriculture consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production,” according to https://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/community-supported-agriculture
Kenny works full-time on the farm, and Kerry works full-time as a hospice nurse in Fort Scott.
In addition, Kerry provides all the marketing via social media as well as bookkeeping.
Kenny provides most of the labor and agricultural expertise.
Future Plans
” We have big plans for development,” Kerry said. “Some of the things we are hoping to do this year are garden tours with discussions on appropriate up-to-date topics…(and) date night dinners with meat and produce from our farm with firepit and all.”
“A couple of years down the road we hope to be able to expand our community garden program to accommodate more local growers, expand our own garden site to be able to partner with local food banks and restaurants, and the addition of an on-site greenhouse,” she said.
The 1553 Plants & Produce stand. Submitted photos.
Not just plants and produce are sold by the Wunderly’s.
Here is a list of the other business offerings:
“1. Custom built raised beds to fit size, shape, location and budgets.
2. Garden consults- we visit your site and provide input for the best possible outcomes. The first visit is always free of charge!
3. Started plants- vegetables, herbs, wildflowers, decorative grasses.
4. Fresh vegetables and herbs in season available at our self-serve plant stand. We also have a you-pick section in the garden if you want to pick your own.
5. Rejuvenation of flower or vegetable beds that a grower already has in place.
6. Raised bed rentals through our community garden program.
7. Lawn mowing, maintenance, and clean-up.
8. Custom raised meat chickens on request. We will raise and either deliver live birds to you or to the processor for butchering.”
Contact the business by phone at 785-422-5770
They also have a Facebook page where you can get the latest news:
Clint and Angela Johnson, Bronson, are the owners of Root 54.
Their business, in layman’s terms, produces worm poop.
“Everything a worm eats gets digested and comes out as a worm casting,” said business owner Clint Johnson. “Worm castings are packed with minerals that are essential for plant growth, such as concentrated nitrates, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. It also contains manganese, copper, zinc, cobalt, borax, iron, carbon, and nitrogen.”
“However, the best of all is that these minerals are immediately available to the plant, without the risk of ever burning the plant,” he said. “Remember that chemical fertilizers have to be broken down in the soil before the plant can absorb them.”
Interest started over 10 years ago when Clint read a book called ‘Worms eat my Garbage’, he said.
“I personally wanted to raise some worms because it looked like a fun hobby and wanted to use a better, more natural fertilizer for my garden,” he said.
Johnson made two eight-foot by three-foot worm beds in an old tin shed in his backyard.
He then got an idea.
” I casually posted a few ads on some social media platforms and within a short amount of time people were coming to buy our castings,” he said. ” We eventually could not keep up with demand, so after much thought, research, collaboration, and scientific testing we decided to partner with a few large worm farms we know very well.”
They have secured the rights to exclusively market their castings to make it their brand “Super Poop.”
“We sell 100% worm castings and compost,” Johnson said. “Super Poop can be purchased in 20-pound bags at any one of our nine dealer locations across Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. You can also purchase large bulk amounts off of our lots here in Bronson.”
Submitted photos.
The back of a “Super Poop” bag. Submitted photos.
“Our business is a family business, and we get a tremendous amount of support from our immediate family that lives in the area,” he said.
The Johnson family, from left Angela, Alison, Hunter, Clint, and in front, Jett. Submitted photo. The family works together on their business, Root 54.
Root 54 LLC, the Johnson business, was officially established on July 15, 2020.
“We had been selling worm castings out of our back yard for several years before opening the company,” Johnson said.
A couple of hands full of “Super Poop.” Submitted photos.
The Johnson’s grew up in the Bronson community.
“Our vision is to see it thrive for many more years,” he said. “We are always seeking ways to use the resources God has blessed us with, in the Bronson community, by lending a helping hand. Occasionally, you will see our skid steer clearing driveways when it snows or helping our neighbors with heavy lifting and other tasks that are made easy with a machine.”
“There are several other small businesses in Bronson right now and all of them do a great job of being involved in our little town,” Johnson said. “One of our goals here at Root 54, is to help create a better place for our children to grow up, and help out our small community the best way we can.”
The Johnson’s are looking at ways to expand and grow their brand, he said.
“First and foremost, we intend to add a bagged compost for our customers for the 2022 growing season, and have already started the process of designing a bag for it,” he said. ” The name of the compost will be kept in our back pocket until we unveil it later in 2021.”
“Our future plans include adding super soil mixes and other high-quality soils to become a regionally/nationally recognized company,” Clint said. “We are thankful for our loyal customers and the support the community has shown us, and look forward to serving them for many years to come.”
Kansas Gas Service reminds public to ‘Be a Dig Hero’ before starting any outdoor projects
OVERLAND PARK, Kansas – April 6, 2021 – With April being National Safe Digging Month,
Kansas Gas Service is promoting awareness about safe digging practices by offering customers a
chance to win a $100 gift card if they take an interactive quiz at BeADigHeroKansas.com
during the month of April.
“Safe Digging Month serves as a good reminder to call 811 at least two working days before
starting any digging project,” said Dawn Tripp, public relations manager at Kansas Gas Service.
“Whether it’s a small project, such as planting trees and shrubs, or a large commercial project,
calling 811 is the first step to safe digging.”
By making the free call to 811 or visiting KansasOneCall.com before digging, professional
locators will mark all underground utility lines within the designated project area with flags
and/or paint at no cost to the home or business owner. In 2020, 19% of the pipeline damages on
our system were from people not calling 811.
“Knowing how to dig safely helps avoid injury and protects the neighborhood because
underground utility lines may be found below yards, sidewalks, driveways or streets,” said Tripp.
VIDEO: The Scoop on Buried Utility Lines
3 Tips to Remember Before Digging
1) Even if you’re digging shallow, you need to call to have your lines marked.
2) If you hire a contractor, make sure they call 811 prior to digging.
3) Know the Tolerance Zone, which is the area 24 inches from each outside edge of the
pipeline. Within this zone, you are required to use soft digging techniques, such as hand
digging, vacuum excavation or other similar safe excavation methods to avoid any
contact or damage to the line.
About Kansas Gas Service
-more-
Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 645,000 customers in Kansas and
is the largest natural gas distributor in the state, in terms of customers.
Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent
regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is
included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States.
For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit kansasgasservice.com and follow its social
channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
###
Greg Motley. President of the Bourbon County Economic Development Council. Submitted photo.
Bourbon County Economic Development Council is working to find a full-time economic development director, facilitate the starting of the new meat process plant, facilitate a new multi-purpose arena, and expanding housing in the area, according to Greg Motley, president.
Eco Devo
BEDCO began a search for an economic development director a few months ago and had one narrowed down, but that person has declined the position, Greg Motley, president of BEDCO said.
“The process was restarted,” Motley said. “In the meantime, I will be acting director.”
“We will continue interviews until the position is filled,”he said.
“Since 1992, BEDCO has been at the center of Economic Development in Bourbon County, and under the guidance of a reconstituted board that represents the whole county, we are stronger than ever,” Motley said in a press release.
Economic development services provided by BEDCO are primarily matching resources to the economic needs of county entities and businesses, he said.
Motley gave some details of three other projects on the horizon.
Meat Processing Plant
The proposed entry to the micro meat processing plant south of the KDOT building on Hwy. 69, just off Hickory Road. The road will be extended to the south for access to the plant.The KDOT building located on Hwy. 69.
“Since the Micro-meat processing plant was approved, we are moving forward with facilitating the land/lots swap between KW Cattle, Billy Madison and BEDCO,” he said.
The 7 acres owned by BEDCO is being traded with WK Cattle company for the site on Hwy. 69, south of the KDOT building. The parcel of land is at the corner of Jayhawk Road and Liberty Bell Road in Fort Scott Industrial Park.
“KW Cattle is swapping 46 acres south of the (KDOT )State Highway facility on the east side of 69 Highway for two industrial park tracts,” Motley said. “One is about seven acres, the other is about 18 acres, currently owned by BEDCO. They are located on either side of the Christian Learning Center. The new micro-meat processing facility will pay BEDCO some cash considerations, approximately equal to BEDCO’s expenses in the transaction.”
KW Cattle is doing a trade with BEDCO that is advantageous to the community, Motley said.
“They are trading 46 acres, a nice piece of flat ground, for less valuable property of rough ground of 25 acres,” he said. “They wanted to help Fort Scott and Bourbon County. In addition, they can expand the property they own, Christian Learning Center, in the future.”
“BEDCO will take possession (of the land parcel), then sell to the meat processing plant,” he said. “It should be finalized this month.”
Pictured is the other business adjacent to Christian Learning Center, Reprologix, located at 3200 Liberty Bell Road in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park. Behind the sign, to the south of the parking lot, is the land that will be traded. These 18 acres currently owned by BEDCO are being traded by WK Cattle company for land on Hwy. 69.
Multipurpose Arena
“We are also working with local investors on a potential STAR Bonds project for Bourbon County,” he said. “Some Bourbon County citizens are proposing the issuance of Star Bonds to partially finance a new multipurpose arena in Bourbon County, along with improvements to the downtown central business district.”
“The bonds are paid off through the sales tax revenue generated by the development.”
“The intent is to increase regional and national visitation to Kansas.”
“The bonds would cover about 50% of the project, and private investment, along with bank financing would cover the balance, he said. ” The Star Bonds would be repaid by the increase in sales tax collections in a Star Bond District, whose boundaries are yet to be determined.”
“Atchison, KS, a similar-sized community to Fort Scott and Bourbon County, issued $2.3 million in Star Bonds in 2019 to build a museum,” he said. “Attached is a chart of all Star Bonds approved by the State of Kansas. Preliminary estimates of the size of the Bourbon County project range from $3 million to $6 million.”
City
2019 Pop.
Project
Start Date
Orig. Amt (000)
2019 Out. (000)
Dist. Sales Tax (000)
2019 CO. Pop
10-yr Pop. Trend
2019 CO. Sales Tax (000)
2018-19 % increase
2019 Sales Tax Per Capita
2019 Pull Fact.
Atchison- AT
10,476
Aviation Museum
May-18
$2,370
$2,190
$210
16,073
-5.03%
$12,939
6.30%
819
0.70
Derby- SG
24,943
Dino/Sports Zone
Mar-17
$20,465
$13,230
$5,701
516,042
3.55%
$628,714
4.50%
1,234
1.14
Dodge City- FO
27,104
Power Center
Dec-15
$28,481
$26,395
$1,512
33,619
-0.68%
$37,999
5.10%
1,086
0.99
Garden City- FY
26,408
Mixed Use
Mar-19
$29,540
$29,540
$2,117
36,467
-0.84%
$58,841
10.40%
1,507
1.41
Kansas City- WY
152,960
Youth Soccer
Aug-15
$65,138
$83,138
$1,293
165,429
5.03%
$192,921
4.50%
1,119
0.96
Kansas City- WY
152,960
Mercy Park (SKC)
May-10
$150,289
$0
n/a
165,429
5.03%
$192,921
4.50%
1,119
0.96
Kansas City- WY
152,960
Kansas Speedway
Jan-99
$24,300
$16,835
$1,326
165,429
5.03%
$192,921
4.50%
1,119
0.96
Kansas City- WY
152,960
Schlitterbahn
Oct-13
$85,200
$65,755
$6,514
165,429
5.03%
$192,921
4.50%
1,119
0.96
Manhattan- RL
54,604
Flint Hills Discovery
Dec-09
$50,000
$10,905
$5,586
74,232
4.38%
$61,112
-0.20%
814
0.76
Overland Park- JO
195,494
Prairiefire
Dec-12
$64,990
$64,860
$3,059
602,401
10.70%
$917,056
2.50%
1,485
1.28
Overland Park- JO
195,494
BluHawk Mixed Use
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
602,401
10.70%
$917,056
2.50%
1,485
1.28
Salina- SA
46,550
Fieldhouse
Dec-18
$18,250
$18,250
$862
54,224
-2.49%
$77,717
3.50%
1,380
1.31
Topeka- SH
125,310
Heartland Park
Apr-07
$10,405
$5,025
$334
176,875
-0.60%
$211,893
1.00%
1,178
1.06
Wichita- SG
389,938
River District
Jul-15
$46,980
$42,140
$2,097
516,042
3.55%
$628,714
4.50%
1,234
1.14
Wichita- SG
389,938
Greenwich
Dec-13
$107,631
$59,290
$8,251
516,042
3.55%
$628,714
4.50%
1,234
1.14
Fort Scott- BB
7,697
Arena
Jan-22
n/a
n/a
n/a
14,534
-4.21%
$11,778
-2.20%
795
0.70
“Bottom line, we are looking at what has been successful elsewhere,” Motley said.
Housing
“We are examining possibilities to expand housing in Bourbon County,” Motley said. “BEDCO is in the research and discussions phase. Common sense would dictate that we first examine where the market is hot and see what can be done about enhancing the market in those areas.”
“Many jurisdictions in Kansas have a property improvement tax rebate of some sort, that rebate the increase in taxes property experiences, because of a new build or significant addition,” he said. “Many are reluctant to improve their property because of inherent tax increases…a program like this would rebate the first five years of the increase.”
