Category Archives: Business

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Health Care

Health Insurance Plan Being Formulated For Small Business Owners in Bourbon County

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Many small businesses do not have the ability to offer health insurance to their employees, some have the ability but would like to look at other options.
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce has been working on a plan to help that situation.
An association health plan through the Chamber is being formulated to help members to be able to offer Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance to their employees.
“Our hope is that this will be beneficial to particularly smaller mom and pop, locally owned businesses who are not otherwise able to obtain or offer health insurance as an employee benefit which would also help recruit and retain employees,”Chamber Executive Director  Lindsay Madison said.  “A business just needs to have one full-time employee and one part-time employee, at a minimum, to be able to participate in the plan.”
Lindsay Madison is the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.
“We currently have 44 potential contracts represented by those who have completed the survey (see the survey link below),” she said.  “We need at least 50 to move forward with putting together plans and pricing.”
“If your business is at all interested in this type of health insurance offering or at least seeing what plans and rates will be offered,
please complete the survey link below as soon as possible,” Madison said.
“If the employer already has employee info on a spreadsheet, they can submit that,” Madison said.
The survey was first sent out to Chamber members in May, she said.
“We would like people to send as soon as possible, by Sept. 30. Companies can still come on board  beyond that date, but we need a cut-off date.”
Click here:
The Chamber is formulating this plan through  member and local insurance representative Don Doherty of
Northwestern Mutual Life, RPS Benefits, Inc.
“Information on the attached (below) is what the employer will need to complete on the survey, so they could have their employees complete this form, or provide this information in an Excel format to Blue Cross Blue Shield.  They would send the information directly to Donna Pashman of BCBS of KS, email [email protected],” Madison said.
 
“If businesses are already on BCBS and have interest in seeing what the Chamber plans and pricing will be, they can email Donna and simply reference the Fort Scott Chamber Plan, Business Name, and current BCBS member number,” she said.
 
The survey link is also currently on the Chamber website fortscott.com under the Events tab.
Business, Fort Scott

Price Chopper Building Still On The Market

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A large crowd welcomed Price Chopper to town on opening day, December 13, 2017.

There has been some recent activity at the former Price Chopper Supermarket on South Main.

Equipment in the store has been taken out.

“We have been working on taking all of the equipment out to remodel a store in Overland Park,” said Barry Queen,  the owner.

The store closing was devastating to the Fort Scott community and Queen.

“It closed in January of 2019 after just being open a little over a year because business was really soft, compared to projections.”

“I hate it, I’ve had a lakehouse at lake Ft. Scott for 20 years and love the community,” he said.

An artist rendition of Fort Scott Price Chopper. Submitted.

“It is owned by Associated Wholesale Grocers,” Queen said.  “I am on a 20-year lease and still paying rent/taxes/insurance/utilities/etc…(I would) love it if you can help us sell it and get me out of the rent.”

The commercial building, located at 2322 S. Main, is for sale or lease, with the owners willing to split into smaller parcels, according to information provided by Jody Hoener, Bourbon County’s Economic Director.  If the purchaser is retail, there is a TIF/CID in place that will transfer to the new owner. If not a retailer,  the purchase price can be negotiated without incentive.

The  39, 425 square foot building is on 4.5 acres. There is carve out pad site availability.

The building was fully renovated in 2017.

Queen’s phone number is 913-220-2515.

 

Click below for the announcement of the closing in January  2019:

FORT SCOTT PRICE CHOPPER TO CLOSE DOORS

 

Click below for photos of the store opening in Dec. 2017:

Official Opening of Price Chopper Today

Bourbon County, Business

SPARK Bourbon County Update

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The Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce is charged with leading Kansas forward in recovery from the far-reaching effects of COVID-19.

The SPARK Executive and Steering Committees, in conjunction with the Office of Recovery team, are responsible for the statewide distribution of the Coronavirus Relief Fund.

The following is an update from Jody Hoenor, Bourbon County Economic Development Director:

The Bourbon County SPARK Program has reached a number of milestones to this date.  All applications have been reviewed in each of the established categories.  In addition, a Business/Not for Profit grant program has been completed.  The Bourbon County Commission has tentatively approved applications after a vetting process.
The Kansas Office of Recovery has reviewed the plan and has requested additional information.  A Technical Assistance Advisor has also been assigned to the County as part of the approval process.
It is the goal of the Commissioners to have full approval of the County Plan no later than September 25, 2020.  At that time all recipients will be notified of their award along with a Memorandum of Agreement which articulates the terms and conditions of the awards.  Checks will be issued by the County upon receipt of the Agreements.
Business, COVID-19, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Fort Cinema Gets Creative In Offerings

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Fort Cinema is located at 224 W. 18th. Submitted photo.

The  COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on movie theaters throughout the nation.

It has also impacted Fort Cinema, located at 224 W. 18th.

“We have lost 70% of our revenue during the same time frame from a year ago,” Brent Cavin, who has worked and managed the theater since 2007, said. “Blockbuster movies continue to be pushed back by studios.”

In spite of this, the cinema owners have had community support.

“The community has been great about supporting us with purchasing of concessions and gift cards. We take it as a sign that our citizens want to make sure the theater remains in Fort Scott.”

Cavin is co-owner of Anderson and Cavin LLC, with his brother-in-law, Chris Anderson, and they have been in talks with the current theater owners, Des and Amanda Hale, about purchasing the theater, he said.

Recently they introduced video game rentals on the big screen.
“It is $100 for two hours, $50 per additional hour,” Cavin said.
Participants must bring in a console that has wireless control to use on the big screen.
“We’ve hosted multiple parties already for: MarioKart, FortNite and Super Smash Brothers,” he said.  “The parties are a great way to gather with family and friends.”
MarioKart, a video game, can now be viewed on the big screen at Fort Cinema. Submitted photo.

The business has been practicing measures to ensure safety for its customers.

The theater requires employees to wear masks during customer interaction, they have put seating gaps in the viewing parties and they “deep sanitize” all heavy traffic areas in-between shows and while open, he said.

 

“The  (gaming) initiative was created as a means to provide a safe environment to gather and have fun during a pandemic,” he said. ” We have had a few parties already that asked privately if they could connect a console to our projectors. When we realized that the content looked incredible on our screen we decided to go public with the idea. We have had a lot of success with opening our theater to private movie parties in the last few months and wanted to expand upon that premise.”

 

Rentals take place outside of normal business hours, Monday through Thursday.  A theater can be rented anytime before 4 p.m. or after 8:30 p.m. On Friday through Sunday, they can be rented anytime before 1:30 p.m. or after 8:30 p.m.

 

Video game rental prices are $100 for two hours, with additional hours at $50 an hour.

 

Any wireless controller console can work, and WiFi is available for online gaming.

 

The cinema also offers theater rentals for movies: Classic movies are $100, new releases are $200.

 

“I would also like the public to know that we are open every day of the week with new movies again,” Cavin said.

 

Contact on Fort Cinema Facebook page via Messenger, or call (620) 223-3366 during the business hours of 6:00 to 9:00 nightly.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet Oct. 6

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Join us for the Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet, Tuesday, October 6th
8:30 am to 9:30 am
hosted by the Chamber at Sharky’s Pub & Grub
Rita Schroeder, Administrative Assistant
Lindsay Madison, President & CEO
620-223-3566
Come see Sharky’s new windows & doors
installed during recent renovations!
These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotions and anything related to downtown. Coffee, juice and light refreshments will be served.
Special Note from the Chamber Board:
Following KS state safety recommendations & health practices ~subject to Bourbon County’s continued advancement through the reopening phasing plans.
You may wear a mask at your own discretion.
Business, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Pizza Hut Closes Permanently

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Fort Scott Pizza Hut, 1801 S. Main has closed permanently.

A call to the Fort Scott Pizza Hut revealed that the store at 1801 S. Main is permanently closed.

 

“On August 17, (2020) NPC (the company that operates Pizza Hut) announced that it reached an agreement with Pizza Hut that would allow NPC to close up to 300 of our Pizza Hut restaurants,” Columbia Clancy replied in response to an email to corporate headquarters. “Since that time, we have finalized our plan for next steps and after careful analysis and consideration, NPC has moved forward with closing a number of those Pizza Hut locations (including the Fort Scott, KS restaurant), effective September 8.”

A sign in the window of the Fort Scott Pizza Hut on Sept. 11, 2020.

“As part of our restructuring process, we made the very difficult decision to close the Fort Scott Pizza Hut restaurant,” according to a NPC spokesperson. ” We did not take this decision lightly, and we are committed to providing support to impacted employees, including providing transfer to other NPC or Yum! Brand locations, wherever possible. Ultimately, these actions will best position our remaining restaurant business for success. NPC continues to operate many other Pizza Hut restaurants across the country which remain open for business, supported by our 23,000 dedicated employees who are ready to serve our customers.”

Click here for more info:

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200817005414/en/NPC-International-Reaches-Agreement-Pizza-Hut-Optimization

 

The following link is a AP story on the closings of Pizza Huts around the country:

https://apnews.com/84d312c7abd85a60902e0fe8e519011b

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

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2020 GORDON PARKS PHOTO CONTEST – Sponsored by Merl Humphrey. The Theme “Social Justice, Diversity and Equity” for any amataur Photographer. Deadline 9/30 submission to [email protected].
GUIDED TOURS OF THE FORT DAILY, 10AM &1PM-The Fort Scott National Historic Site is open daily 8am-5pm for touring on your own, but arrive at 10am or 1pm on any day and take advantage of a guided tour with a park ranger! Guided tour lasts approx. 1 hour.
9/11 – REMEMBRANCE – Names of lives lost in the war on Terror will be read throughout Downtown Fort Scott. Organized by the Fort Scott National Historic Site and Friends of the Fort.
9/11– FSHS FOOTBALL GAME!The FSHS Tigers will play at home field advantage against Springfield Central, MO. Game starts @ 7 pm
9/11 –COMMON GROUND COFFEE CO. Celebrating your pup with Dog Days of Summer! Bring your pup by for a pup cup or a homemade puppy treats until 9/12.
9/11 –BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS!  – Come in and drink and sing Karaoke night!
9/12 –BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS!  – Live Music with PDA Live, Charlie & Julia Barrale, from 7:30 – 9:30 pm
9/11 & 9/12- FORT SCOTT LIVESTOCKSale starts as 10am – Sale Barn and Sat. at 7 am
9/12 – 5th ANNUAL FS PICKLEBALL OPEN TOURNAMENT – 8 am until 12 pm @ 910 Burke St. Pickleball Courts. Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, Men’s 55+ and Women’s 55+. $15 includes a T-Shirt. Call Tom 620.224.707
9/12 – FORT SCOTT FARMERS’ MARKET– At Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort, 8am to noon.
9/11thru9/17 –FORT SCOTT CINEMA: New Mutants, Tenant, & Bill & Ted ~ Face the Music
9/12 – THE LAVENDER PATCH FARM – Visiting and shopping from 9 am -1 pm. Second Bloom is starting, so pick your favorite! 2396 Locust Rd.
9/13 – BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS! Brings back Trivia night for teams of 2 to 6 people, $5 entry
per team, 5-7 pm
9/12 & 9/13 – Midwest Nationals Fall Baseball at LaRoche Baseball Complex. See bracket on fortscott.com ~ events.
SAVE THE DATE!
9/17 – THE FORT SCOTT CHAMBER COFFEE HOSTED BY COMMON GROUND COFFEE CO.Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee at Common Grounds Coffee Shop new location and a Ribbon Cutting and Grand opening will take place directly after..
9/17 – BOURBON COUNTY REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE ~ Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St. from 6-7:30 pm. This meeting is a reorganizational meeting to elect officers, leadership positions, & appoint vacant precinct/women positions.
9/19 & 9/20 – MIDWEST NATIONALS FALL BASEBALL – LAROCHE COMPLEX! – More Information to come.
9/19 –CRAZY DAYS SIDEWALK SALE!Downtown & around – 16 Merchants participating.
9/19 – BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS!  Fall night Scene featuring a full moon and warm colors. Paint & Brews!
9/25 – EXTRUSIONS/WIN-VENT – Customer & Employee Appreciation Golf Outing at Woodland Golf Course!
9/26 – KDVS 4-PERSON SCRAMBLE – Fundraiser Golf Tournament at Woodland Golf Course! 8 am shotgun starts.
9/26 – THE LAVENDER PATCH FARM – Visiting and shopping from 9 am -1 pm. Second Bloom is starting, so pick your favorite! 2396 Locust Rd.
9/30 – BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS!  Paint Party! Paint & Sip “Witches Crazy, 6 pm -9 pm – Sell out quick!
9/22-9/24 – KANSASWORKS VIRTUAL FAIR! REGISTER, IT IS FREE!
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
9/11 Remembrance
FSHS Tigers Home Game
Gordon Parks Photo Contest
The Boiler Room Brewhaus – Karaoke Night, Live Music & Paint Class events.
Fort Scott Livestock Sales
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber? Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
REGISTER FOR KANSASWORKS VIRTUAL JOB FAIR – NO COST TO EMPLOYERS!
THANK YOU TO OUR BOOSTER MEMBERS!
Business, Fort Scott

The Beacon Receives Donation From Bourbon County Cars

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Submitted photo.Josh Jones with Bourbon County Cars, right, delivers a $500 donation to David Gillen with The Beacon,

Josh Jones with Bourbon County Cars delivered a $500 donation to David Gillen with The Beacon.

“This is a co-op program Bourbon County Cars has with a vendor of theirs (ASC Warranty Company),” Jones said. ” ASC will in turn be donating $500 as well to The Beacon for a total of $1000 donation to The Beacon.”

The Beacon, Inc., in existence for almost forty years, began as churches in the community came together to serve the needs of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

 

They have provided those struggling in the community with a food pantry and in offering financial assistance, dominantly through the efforts of community-related donations.

 

Currently, the organization provides food, financial assistance, and referrals to other service organizations.

 

The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott, Ks. 66701, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with one exception.

 

On the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, the Beacon is closed during the day and is open instead from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

Sharkey’s Gets A Facelift

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Dave Lipe submitted these photos of the Sharky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National Avenue. On the left is the before, on the right is the after of the facelift given the restaurant.

 

David and Tina Lipe, owners of Sparky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National, have invested time and money to give their restaurant a facelift.

The project started with Mid Continental Restoration, Inc. doing some joint repair and brick replacement on the front of building, David Lipe said.

“Peerless (Products, Inc.) did all of the tear-out and installation of all windows and front doors of the building,” Lipe said.  “The project started on August 17th and was completed on August 26th. ” There is still a little bit of floor replacement to be done, hopefully, this will be completed by August 31st.”

 

“We have been working on this project with Peerless for two years,” Lipe said. ” The building was extremely inefficient, windows were broken, (it) needed a facelift. We wanted to create an open-air type storefront.”

 

The facelift did not add any seating, Lipe said.  “But possibly some outside seating.”

 

“No grant monies were used on this project,” Lipe said.  “We have applied for a building improvement grant through the City of Fort Scott. I was told today that all funds are on hold due to COVID. We have also applied for some funding help through BEDCO (Bourbon County Economic Development Council), (we) have not received anything at this point.”

 

Sharky’s Pub & Grub phone number is 620-223-4777

The restaurant’s hours are: open at 11 am Monday through Sunday,
close at midnight Monday through Wednesday,  close at 2 am Thursday through Saturday, and close at 7 pm Sunday.

 

Business, Fort Scott

Mattox Promoted at UMB

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Crystal Mattox. Submitted photo.
Crystal Mattox was recently promoted to senior vice president of commercial lending at UMB Bank, according to Stephanie Kayser, a part of UMB Bank’s external communications team.
In her role, Crystal is responsible for developing new relationships, expanding existing business and maintaining customer relationships. Crystal provides financial solutions to help her clients grow, improve operations and increase value. 
 
Crystal has nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She joined UMB Bank in 2010 as a vice president and commercial lender. Prior to UMB, Crystal worked at Emprise Bank as an assistant vice president and commercial lender.
 
She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Kansas State University. She is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association’s National and Graduate Commercial Lending School and is a licensed insurance representative. Crystal is active in her community and is on the board of the local United Way chapter. She is also a member of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and volunteers at St. Johns Catholic Church, Gunn Park Trails and the Moran Ball Association.