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Category Archives: Business
Local Office of Tennyson Creek Solar Opens In Fort Scott
Tennyson Creek Solar, a project of Doral Renewables LLC, has opened an office in downtown Fort Scott, at 109 S. Main Street.
“This move underscores the company’s ongoing investment in the region and its intent to remain a visible, responsive, and long-term partner in the community,” said Cliff Williams, vice president of development at Doral Renewables.
Marlon Merida has been named Local Outreach Coordinator.
“Marlon will serve as a direct link between the project and residents, answering questions, facilitating outreach events, and ensuring Tennyson Creek Solar stays actively engaged with the people of Bourbon County.”
“We’re honored to have someone with deep local ties like Marlon leading our community engagement,” said Williams. “From investing in student-led innovation to opening a local office, we’re here to listen, collaborate, and grow with Bourbon County.”
“He will be staffing the office, welcoming anyone in the community who would like to learn more about the project,” Williams said.
“Tennyson Creek Solar has received necessary approvals from Bourbon County to proceed with the project which will generate over $94.4 million in property taxes in total for all taxing districts over the life of the project,” he said.
“Donation agreements are also in place with Uniontown USD 235, Fort Scott USD 234, Fort Scott Community College, and CORE Community of Bourbon County,” he said.
“Coming from Southeast Kansas, I feel I’m very grateful to help with something that will bring many benefits to the community. I’m looking forward to meeting and working with community members,” said Merida, Local Outreach Coordinator, in a press release.
Merida earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in communication from Pittsburg State University. He was a staff assistant for U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, Republican from Kansas, in 2024.
“Marlon recently attended the SunPowered Student Challenge, where he supported the Uniontown (High School) Lightspeed Eagles as they took top honors for their solar home project, ‘Curb Appeal’. His presence reflects Tennyson Creek Solar’s broader commitment to educational initiatives and youth development,” according to the press release.
“With these initiatives, Tennyson Creek Solar is not only building energy infrastructure, it’s building lasting relationships. From supporting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics , STEM, education to fostering transparent communication, the company continues to make strategic investments that aim to benefit Bourbon County for generations,” according to the press release.
Office hours are Mondays from 1-5 p.m., Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m., and Thursdays from 1-4 p.m.
Phone: 620-687-5611. Email: [email protected]
About Tennyson Creek Solar+Storage, according to its website
The Tennyson Creek solar and storage project is being developed in southeastern Kansas. Once operational, it will generate 300 megawatts (MW) of clean and renewable electricity. This project will have a battery storage component of approximately 800 megawatt-hours (MWh) to enhance energy security and reliability. The Tennyson Creek project is within the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) transmission system.
To view prior press releases from Tennyson Creek Solar and Doral Renewables:
Tennyson Creek Solar Donates to Uniontown Summer Ball
Doral Renewables Awards Grants to Bo.Co. Fire District #3 and Core Community
Commerce Opens Nominations for 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The increasingly popular annual award program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make on the Kansas economy and their communities.
During the event, Commerce also will announce the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence, the 2025 Governor’s Exporter of the Year, and the two newest inductees of the Kansas Business Hall of Fame.
This year’s To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards ceremony will be held this fall, bringing together leaders, innovators and supporters from across the state to celebrate business excellence. The awards also underscore Kansas’ commitment to celebrating and supporting businesses at every stage of growth. The day and location of the event will be announced soon.
“Each year, our To The Stars honorees exemplify the vision, passion and drive needed to excel in business and have a lasting impact,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “They go the extra mile for their customers and communities — and it’s an honor to recognize all they do for the Kansas economy. I encourage everyone to nominate their local stars for these distinguished awards.”
Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following award categories:
- AgriBusiness – Companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
- Apprenticeship Champion – Companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
- Business Innovation – Companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
- Healthcare/Nonprofit – Noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
- Main Street Momentum – Businesses revitalizing main streets or neighborhood commercial districts through growth or engagement
- Manufacturing/Distribution – Outstanding achievement for companies of all sizes involved in manufacturing and distribution
- Non-Traditional Talent Pools – Companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
- Retail/Service – Exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
- Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner Award (state-level only) – Honors a corporation that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to small business growth in Kansas through investment and partnerships
- Under 30 Entrepreneur – Young entrepreneurs under the age of 30 who are achieving business success
- Welcome Back – Entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State
“During the past year, the surge of economic development successes driving the Kansas economy continued unabated,” Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson said. “Kansas businesses both small and large are giving outsized contributions to their communities and the entire state. We look forward to highlighting the efforts these honorees make.”
Award nominations will be accepted until July 7. To learn more, view past winners, and to submit nominations, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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Redevelopment Project Slated For Completion This Year
Twenty-two new standard market apartments will be available this year in Fort Scott, if all goes as planned.
Shane Lamb is president of Rural Asset Management and Rural ReDevelopment Group, De Soto, KS., and decided to take on the former Fort Scott Manor Nursing Home, 736 Heylman Street as a redevelopment project.
He purchased the property in January 2022, which had been closed for approximately three years, intending to create 24 standard market apartments.
In a prior interview, Lamb said they didn’t receive any state or federal grants or funds. They did apply for them but did not receive any.
Work began last year on the project.
“We went drastically over budget and over time,” he said. “All our contractors were slow, winter was slow.”
“We jumped off that project to finish phase 1 of a project in Iola,” Lamb said.
Lamb said the Fort Scott project will be restarting this week.
Phase 1 of the Fort Scott project will take approximately 60 days once started. It will take six months for the whole project to be completed.
The building is approximately 20,000 square feet and has been completely gutted, and all new materials have been used.
The Fort Scott property will not be low-income apartment rentals but instead will be for the standard market, with prices for the large one-bedroom apartments at $675 to 695 per month, Lamb said.
“We focus on rural towns and rural housing,” he said in a prior interview. “Typically, we purchase nursing homes, schools, hospitals…single-use vacant properties we convert to housing.”
Lamb said he always tries to use qualified local contractors and buy materials locally.
“I always try to keep the money local,” he said. “It doesn’t work 100 percent of the time. Sometimes you can’t find local partners to meet those deadlines…because they are so busy. We do have a couple from Fort Scott, Chanute, and Iola.”
Opportunity to Attend 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress
Commerce Offers Opportunity to Attend 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress
TOPEKA – Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson today announced applications are being accepted to attend the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) on June 2-5 in Indianapolis. Small business owners, entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs), ecosystem builders and university partners are encouraged to apply. Applicants selected will become part of the 40-member Kansas delegation attending the event.
Hosted in a different rising entrepreneurial city each year, the GEC is the world’s largest gathering of entrepreneurial ecosystem leaders — uniting thousands of founders, policymakers, investors, researchers and ecosystem builders from more than 200 countries. Over the four-day program, delegates engage in high-impact sessions that challenge outdated approaches, share breakthrough ideas, and form new collaborations across sectors and geographies.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Kansas communities, and this delegation ensures their voices are part of the global conversation,” Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson said. “By connecting Kansas entrepreneurs with world-class ideas and international partners, we’re helping them bring innovation home — and strengthening our state’s economy from the ground up.”
The state’s delegates will participate in exclusive networking opportunities, high-impact learning sessions, and direct engagement with international investors and policy leaders.
To ensure financial barriers do not prevent a small business from participating in this opportunity, 20 scholarships of $1,500 each are available to eligible delegates to help cover airfare, hotel, and meal expenses. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and meet the criteria outlined in the application.
Applications will be accepted through Friday, May 9. For additional information or to apply, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
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Racy’s Are the New Owners of Common Ground Coffee Co.
Wayne and Stacy Racy are the new owners of Common Ground Coffee Co., as of May 1. They took over ownership from Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.
“Wayne and I have always supported Common Ground, even since they opened on Main Street,” Stacy said. “When we travel, we make it a point to stop at coffee shops, enjoying a good cup of coffee in a relaxing setting. Wayne has served on the coffee shop board (at their church, Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene) for several years. Three years ago, we began volunteering at the coffee shop and started spending numerous hours inside Common Ground, which allowed us to meet new people and reconnect with old friends.”
Stacy usually works in the kitchen, while Wayne serves coffee and chats with customers. About a year ago, Timken LLC, Fort Scott, announced it would be closing.
“He had worked at Timken for several years, and when an opportunity arose that would take us out of Fort Scott, we both felt mixed emotions,” she said. “This was my hometown, and we had always imagined that we would retire here.”
Stacy’s parents, longtime farmers in Bourbon County, are now older, and she didn’t feel she could move away and leave them behind.
“We have built our family to love Fort Scott just as much as we do,” she said. “Our youngest daughter, Samantha Burenheide, started volunteering with us three years ago and later became the manager until a permanent replacement was found. Leaving Fort Scott wasn’t an option for us, especially with our parents, and children, Katie and Samantha, and grandchildren living here.”
“I felt early on that the Lord was calling us to become more involved with Common Ground Coffee, and by November, we realized it was time to take the next step and become the owners. Wayne spoke with Pastor Virgil Peck about our intention to buy the coffee shop. Pastor Virgil understood our passion for it, and soon after, our proposal was presented to the Coffee Shop Board and the Church Board, both of which approved it.”
The planning began, and Common Ground transitioned from a non-profit to a for-profit business.
“After hours of paperwork, on May 1st, we officially took ownership. We are excited to serve our community and eager to see what the Lord has in store for Common Grounds. We anticipate some challenges ahead, but we also believe we live in one of the best cities around.”
Stacy will continue running her business at Healing Hands Massage and Salon, and Wayne will remain at Timken until he completes his time there, after which he will join Common Ground Coffee full-time.
“Most Saturday mornings, you can find both of us at the shop, working alongside our team,” she said.
Heidi Dixon will continue as manager, and Suzanne Griffin will continue to cater for Common Ground and keep the case full of her delicious desserts, along with Teri Hamilton and the baristas.
“We will continue to work with our baristas on learning new techniques and consistency on each coffee they make for our customers,” she said.
“Common Ground will still be a place that you can come and use the Wi-Fi to work or study, ” she said. ” We will also still offer free space for Bible studies and small groups to meet. I would eventually love to find someone to start a book club, etc. Just a place to reconnect with friends and build memories. People are welcome to come in and bring games to play with family and friends. Just a place to feel at home. Besides amazing coffee, we offer smoothies, teas, lemonades, and dirty sodas for those who don’t like coffee.”
The phone number will continue to be 620-223-2499, and the name will stay the same, Stacy said.
They don’t own the building, the owners are still Jennifer and Adam Laroche. They own the business.
Tri-Valley Developmental Services Annual Spring Plant Sale is May 9th
Tri-Valley Developmental Services (TVDS) is excited to announce that the 2025 spring plant sale will be Friday, May 9th. The sale will be held at Tri-Valley’s Fort Scott Greenhouse, located at 4305 Campbell Drive from 9 am to 5 pm. The sale features veggies, herbs, flowers (both annuals and perennials), houseplants, and succulents. All plants will be 50% off.
For more information, please contact Austin Bolinger at 620-431-7401, ext. 434 or [email protected]
New Splash Pad Restroom Is Nearing Completion
Thomas Construction of Fort Scott employees poured concrete on April 25 at the new 12-foot by 14-foot public restroom project. The restroom is located northeast of the Pavilion, on North National at Old Fort Boulevard.
The restroom is handicapped accessible and has a changing station, said Luke Thomas with Thomas Construction.
According to Meredith Tucker, spokesperson for the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Committee, the restroom will be officially opened in mid-May.
The hours the restroom will be open are 7 a.m. to dark, seven days a week, coinciding with the splash pad, which will open in mid-May.
The restroom is a one-stall, family-style, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant one, Tucker said.
“It has a changing bench built-in to help families with their loved one,” she said.
Elite Construction, Fort Scott, built the structure also installed some shading umbrellas at the adjacent Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park.
“The splash pad committee hired us to do it,” Derek Houdashelt with Elite Construction said.
“We received another grant from the Timken Company and Walmart Inc.,” Tucker said.
The committee is comprised of Tucker, Bailey Lyons, and Josh Jones.
“The committee has done the bid-letting,” she said.
The Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park was a grassroots project that opened in 2023, according to its Facebook page.
Tri-Valley to Celebrate 50th Anniversary
On May 1st, Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Inc celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
In 1975, a group of concerned citizens got together and decided that there was a need to serve our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. On May 1st of 1975, Tri-Valley came into existence under the name Tri-Valley Developmental Center. Our first service center was located in Piqua, KS.
In 50 years, Tri-Valley has grown from its small roots in Piqua, KS and now cover 8 counties in Southeast Kansas (Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson).
The celebration will be at 1 pm at Central Park Pavilion located at 101 S. Forest in Chanute. Our annual awards ceremony will take place during the anniversary party as well. Robbie Bell will be the afternoon’s featured entertainment.
Please join us. For more information, contact Tricia Campbell at 620-431-7655.
The Artificers May Happenings
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Tennyson Creek Solar Donates to Uniontown Summer Ball Association
Tennyson Creek Solar donated to Uniontown Ball Association to support youth development and remains committed to local education through SunPowered Student Challenge.
Tennyson Creek Solar, a project by Doral Renewables LLC, today announced a donation of $1,000 to the Uniontown Summer Ball Association as part of their commitment to improving the communities they operate in and to promote inclusivity. The donation will help provide participation for those in need in the community.
“Our aim is to foster a love of the game of baseball as well as provide an inclusive environment where youth can go to feel part of a team and develop their confidence and interpersonal skills,” said Jacy Walker, with the Uniontown Summer Ball Association.
The Uniontown Summer Ball Association is a community organization based in Uniontown, Kansas, dedicated to providing youth baseball, softball, and T-ball programs during the summer months. They offer opportunities for children to engage in team sports, develop their skills, and enjoy recreational activities.
In addition to this recent donation, students sponsored by Tennyson Creek Solar recently participated in the SunPowered Student Challenge, where students across Kansas came together for an exciting event focused on the future of solar energy. Through hands-on activities, creative projects, and innovative presentations, participants explored how solar power can shape a more sustainable world.
The Uniontown Eagles presented their project and competed in a variety of technical and social competitions to test their knowledge and problem-solving related to the application of solar in different contexts. In the end, the Eagles were able to win the Curb Appeal Award and take home fifth in the overall competition. This was their first year of competition and the students report excitement and lofty goals for competing next year. Mr. Vance Eden, USD 235 Superintendent shared, “I’m really proud of our team. We were probably the youngest and least experienced group there, but the kids made up for it in effort and passion. I look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future.”
“Congratulations to the Uniontown Eagles for their involvement in the SunPowered Challenge,” said Cliff Williams, Vice President of Development at Doral Renewables. “We are honored to have been a part of the next generation learning more about the solar industry and the future of energy.”
The individuals in the Uniontown ball donation are photo are as follows from left to right:
Jacy Walker and Marlon Merida, representing Tennyson Creek Solar
Slick Rock Cattle Company: New Strategies in Farm to Table Marketing
Slick Rock Cattle Co., Fort Scott, has recently started delivering beef products in a strategy to market their product from farm to table.
“In the last three months, we have started delivering to Fort Scott, Overland Park, Girard, and Chanute at designated sites for pick up,” said John Erie, who is co-owner with Kevin Stark, of the cattle company.
Erie has been in the cattle business since childhood, working outside jobs, he said. Stark had a farming operation. They both attend the same church and one day started a conversation that ended in a cattle company partnership that has lasted 11 years.
“We had sold one-quarter beef, one-half or whole, and still do. Some people were wanting to buy certain cuts. Enough people asked, so we are going down that road,” Erie said. “Seems like people are wanting to help local farmers that produce hormone-free, grass-fed, grain-finished on-the-farm beef.”
“We reduced the number of cattle to specialize in a farm-to-table operation.”
They sell 12-month subscriptions, with the option of $125 per month over the years time. “Different cuts each month with ground beef. People can make their own bundle and it’s for people with not a lot of freezer space and not a lot of money at one time.”
“We can do 1/4, 1/2, or whole or all rib eye or all ground beef… a custom order,” he said.
The cattle are raised locally in northeast Bourbon County, and butchered and packaged locally at the Bronson Locker, in western Bourbon County, a U.S. Dept. of Agriculture-certified business.
This reduces the environmental impact (lower fuel cost) because of the lower mileage needed to reach the customer.
The business employs Erie, Stark, and Erie’s granddaughter Mia Bryant along with some high school employees at times.
The cattle company has an office at the Hammond Elevator, northeast of Fort Scott, and can be reached at 620.224.8033 or slickrockcattlecollc.com
