Category Archives: Business

For Sale: Captured Images

Captured Images Studio, 118 S. Main. File photo.

Gary Palmer, who has been in the photography business for several decades in Bourbon County, is selling his business and taking a new career path.

“Over the last 25 years I had the pleasure to serve the community of Fort Scott and the surrounding area with professional photography, portraiture, graphic design, printing and host of other services at Captured Images,” Palmer said in a press release.

Captured Images has defined Palmer for many years, he said.

Gary Palmer submitted photo

“However, it is time for another to take the reign of the studio,” he said. “It is my hope that someone will acquire Captured Images and continue its tradition of outstanding service to the community.”

“Rest assured, regardless of what the future holds for Captured Images, I and my wife Kylene are fully prepared to fulfill every and all obligation previously committed by the studio,” he said.

All school pictures and yearbooks that Captured Images completes will still be completed by the Palmers at the studio.

All weddings and ‘Watch-Me-Grow’ baby programs will still have Palmer taking the portraits until the completion of the programs. Whether it be a school dance, the school yearbook, sports photography, etc., for all commitments,  Captured Images will fulfill every obligation through the 2019-2020 school year, according to the press release.

The new decade has brought a new opportunity for Palmer.

He has formal education in business administration and marketing. He also has exercised leadership in many civic and private roles in various capacities during his time at Captured Images. He has completed leadership training at the Kansas Leadership Center and has been allowed to utilize his skills in marketing, human resource management, and leadership in another industry, according to the press release.

But now he will be working for Dirk’s Dozing and Excavation Company, Butler, MO.

“I will continue to live in Fort Scott,” Palmer said. ” I have always been a strong advocate for Fort Scott and the great people here.  I plan to continue to be involved in our great community in various capacities.  I will be commuting to my new job.”

“Our farm, Freedom Farms, is growing and we are hopeful to use the sale of the studio and the coffee shop building to grow our farm operation,” he said.

Palmer will be the chief administrative and marketing officer for Dirk’s Dozing and Excavation Company.

Dirk’s currently services are heavy equipment site work and construction preparation.

“The Dirk’s business services much of the Kansas City Metro area with site preparation and construction,” Palmer said. They also specialize in pond building, municipality water and sanitary sewer systems, and site preparation for major construction projects.”

“I’m excited to be a part of a thriving industry,” Palmer said. “The Dirk’s business is growing exponentially and I’m honored to utilize my skill’s in business administration to create a team of highly skilled operators to perform tasks that will impact the growth of local communities.”

Marketing the Dirk’s business is also a primary role for Palmer.

Thanks To Customers

“I would like to take an opportunity to thank every one of my customers over the years,” Palmer said. ” Each of you has trusted Captured Images to record your engagements, weddings, the birth of a newborn baby, your family groups, senior portraits, special occasions, and memorable events. Each event you have allowed me to memorialize precious moments-in-time, forever, in print form. This is not a task I have taken lightly. Getting to know my customers through all of life’s amazing moments is an honor. Often I have laughed, cried, and shared in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Moments that make customers, family. I am honored to have provided professional experience along with high-quality printed portraits to my clients for many years. I hope I have created a lasting impact on those we served. I’m excited about the next phase of my career. On behalf of my family, I am extremely grateful for your patronage over the years.”

Coffee Shop Building For Sale Also

Common Grounds Coffee Company, 116 S. Main.

The Palmer’s will also be selling the building where the current Common Grounds Coffee Shop is located in downtown Fort Scott, next to his studio.

“It has 7,000 square feet with a full basement,” he said. “When the coffee shop moves location, it will be available for tenants.”

 

“It is a turn-key operation and up to code,” he said. “There are rental properties on the second floor. This is an excellent opportunity for owner-operators or investors.”

The Common Grounds Coffee Shop is owned by the Fort Scott Nazarene Church and will move to 12 E. Wall as soon as the building renovation is complete, possibly in January, according to the building owner, Jennifer LaRoche.

 

Contact Palmer at 620.223.5375 for more information.

 

 

LaRoche Buildings: A New Beginning

Editors note: Due to technical difficulties the feature did not include part of the written story. Here is the complete story.

The LaRoche buildings located at 10 and 12 E. Wall. Jennifer LaRoche is the owner and contractor for the renovation of the two historic buildings in downtown Fort Scott. The two copper signs on the Wall Street side, one of the Tribune Monitor Newspaper and one of the Kansas Gas and Electric will be restored and lighted when all is complete, LaRoche said.

Business owner Jennifer LaRoche opened her buildings that are in the process of renovation, to the public for what was called a “Sneak Peek” on Dec. 18.

The buildings are located at 10 and 12 E. Wall St.

This was in celebration of  Fort Scott’s downtown district’s historic designation 10th anniversary. Kate Sweetser, one of the original workers on the designation spoke to the attendees of the history of the designation.
12 E. Wall: Coffee Shop

The building which most recently housed the Fort Scott Tribune newspaper office,  has been empty for a few years.

In January, the easternmost, one-story building at 12 E. Wall is slated to become the new location of Common Ground Coffee Company. The dimensions of the building are approximately 30 foot by 100 feet, LaRoche said

The coffee shop has two restrooms and a conference room along with an open space for drinking coffee and having a meal.

In addition, there is an outdoor seating area with a stage that is in the back of the adjacent building that will be a part of the coffee shop. The outdoor seating will be accessed through an opening in the coffee shop.

Vicki Waldron will remain the manager of Common Ground.

Kate Sweetser, center left, looks at the transom windows in the building at 12 E. Wall, as building owner, Jennifer LaRoche tells of the renovation of the original windows. Some glass was replaced by Gammon Glass, Nevada, MO. she said.

 

Kate Sweetser visits with Kirk Sharp during the LaRoche Buildings Sneak Peak on Dec. 18.
Though nearing completion, the LaRoche building at 10 E. Wall, still has much to do, Jennifer LaRoche said during the “Sneak Peek” on Dec. 18. The public was invited to the event.
The ceiling at 10 E. Wall is 80 percent original, LaRoche said. It was formerly covered by a drop-down ceiling prior to the renovation. LaRoche purchased the needed replacements from W.F. Norman Corp., Nevada, MO who still produces the same tile.
Pictured is the future stage and outdoor seating space at the rear of 12 E. Wall, which will be accessed through the coffee shop at 10 E. Wall.
Pictured is the significantly larger kitchen that will be available to the Common Ground Coffee Shop staff when completed.

 

10 E. Wall

At 10 E. Wall which is next on the list for completion, there will be an office on the first floor for LaRoche, upstairs there will be two apartments and E 3 Ranch Offices. On the National Avenue side of the building will be three storefronts, she said.

“I don’t know what is going in there yet,” LaRoche said.

Casper Enterprise, Stoughton Inc., Allen Electric, Extrusions Inc. and Mid-Continental Restoration Co. have all done work for LaRoche on the project.

 

LaRoche: Not Done Renovating

LaRoche said she will take a break following the completion of the renovation project.

But she is not done renovating.

“I really love uncovering all the things people have covered up,” LaRoche said. “I love making it look like it did in the pictures 100 years ago.

Luther’s BBQ Opens

Luther Salisberry of the new Luther’s BBQ stands in front of the  signs on the building and the door of the new restaurant on Dec. 12.

David Lipe and Luther Salisberry are the owners of Luther’s BBQ, which opened at the corner of Oak Street and National Avenue on Fort Scott’s northside this week.

The restaurant crew is working on a few “kinks” in the process of opening, according to its’ Facebook page, but had a “soft opening” on Dec. 16.

Hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, except Sunday when the restaurant will close at 7 p.m.

The phone number of the business is 620-644-9880.

Approximately 30 employees have been hired, both full and part-time, according to Tina Lipe, David’s wife.

Lipe and Salisberry have signed a five-year lease from building owner Al Niece which includes the River Room Event Center on the second floor of the historic building.

To rent the River Room contact David Lipe at 816-392-2825.

The new restaurant will seat about 150 people, while the River Room Event Center about 500, Lipe said in an earlier interview.

Luther’s BBQ restaurant is located at the corner of Oak Street and National Avenue on Fort Scott’s northside. The River Room Event Center is located on the second floor.

The restaurant’s specialty will be burnt ends and additional food specials during the week, Lipe said.

Also available will be pork chops, ribs, steaks, smoked brisket, and pulled pork, he said.

Mirrored after Q39 and Stack Jack Restaurants in the Kansas City area, they hope to make it a gourmet, upper-end style barbeque, Lipe said.

 

The door of Luther’s BBQ has opened to the public.
From left is Alex Hudson/general manager of Luther’s BBQ, Luther Salisberry/owner, David Lipe/owner. Submitted photo.

To see the previous interview, click below

BBQ Is Coming to Old Buffalo Grill Restaurant

Chamber Coffee at City Hall Dec. 19

Chamber Coffee
Thursday, December 19th
will be hosted by the
City of Fort Scott
123 S. Main St.
8am
Click here for the City’s Facebook page.
Click here for the City’s website.
Chamber Members & Guests are
welcome to attend and pay $1 to make any announcement about their business or organization including events, new products, promotions, or
anything else to share!
Upcoming Chamber Coffee Schedule:
* No Chamber Coffee 12/26/2019 or 1/2/2020
* Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 1/9/2020
* Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries 1/16
* Walmart, in the Vision Center 1/23
* My1Stop hosting at Empress Center 1/30

Sneak Peak at LaRoche Building Reno Dec.18

You are invited!
Sneak Peek of the soon to be
new location of
Common Ground Coffee Co.
10 & 12 E. Wall St.
(locally known as the old Othick Abstract office)
Wednesday, December 18th
4-6pm
Remarks at 4:30pm
Light refreshments will be served.
Special thanks to Jennifer LaRoche for offering this Sneak Peek as part of celebrating 10 years, to the day, of Fort Scott’s Downtown Historic District being accepted for listing in the National Register of Historic Places on December 18, 2009.
The 110-year-old building with a stone facade is an excellent example of historic restoration done right ~ a meticulous attention to detail which will help ensure it will be a viable venue for another century & beyond.
The building has been empty for several years and after extensive restoration will become the new location of Common Ground Coffee Co. in early 2020.
Click here for the Facebook event.
The general public is welcome to attend!

Police Arrest Two People for Walmart Fort Scott Robbery

Walmart Fort Scott, 2500 S. Main.

On Dec. 16, 2019, at 11:30 p.m. Fort Scott Police Department Officers responded to a theft incident at the Fort Scott Walmart, 2500 S. Main Street.

A Walmart employee sustained minor injuries in the robbery.

During the initial investigation, a description of the suspects, the vehicle they were driving and the direction of travel were obtained and relayed to the Pittsburg Police Department.

At 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 17, the suspects were arrested by the PPD.

Dominick S. Gomes was booked into the Bourbon County Jail on one count of aggravated robbery. Belenda S. Camren was booked into jail on one count of aggravated robbery and one count of aggravated battery.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village honored for achievements

WICHITA, Kan. — Fort Scott Presbyterian Village was recognized with an Emerald Award Level One from PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America) for reaching goals in fiscal year 2019, July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019.

The recognition came through PMMA’s Emerald Awards Program, designed to encourage its 16 locations and two hospices to achieve high levels of resident and employee satisfaction, meet financial goals, build philanthropic support for the organization’s mission and meet marketing goals. There are 11 areas measured for the Emerald Awards.

To receive an emerald, a community has to meet its goals in all 11 areas. This is Fort Scott Presbyterian Village’s second consecutive Emerald Award Level One. Team members from the community attended PMMA’s annual Emerald Award Banquet November 13 at the Broadview Hotel in Wichita to accept the award.

We are pleased to present Fort Scott Presbyterian Village with its second Emerald Award. This recognition is a visible sign of the Fort Scott team’s commitment to the mission of PMMA of providing quality senior services guided by Christian values,” said Bruce Shogren, chief executive officer for PMMA.

PMMA has been providing quality senior services guided by Christian values in Kansas and Missouri for more 70 years.

For more information about Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, contact Marketing Director Becky Kellum at 620-223-5550 or [email protected].

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Fort Scott Presbyterian Village has been offering independent and assisted living apartments for seniors from southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri since 1994. Learn more at FortScottPresbyterianVillage.org. PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with 16 locations and 2 hospices in Kansas and Missouri, and a new campus under development in Colorado Springs. Learn more at PMMA.org.

Have a Sneak Peak at LaRoche Buildings Dec. 18

Submitted by Kate Emmett-Sweetser
In celebration of the Historic Fort Scott’s Dowtown District’s 10th anniversary, business owner Jennifer LaRoche, is offering a sneak-peak of the buildings at 10 and 12 E. Wall St., locally known as the old Othick Abstract office.
The sneak-peek open house will be  Wednesday,  Dec. 18 from  4:00 to 6:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served. The public is invited.
The building, which has been empty for a few years, is slated to become the new location of Common Ground Coffee Company in early 2020.

The 110-yr old brick building with a stone façade is an excellent example of historic restoration done right — with meticulous attention to detail which will help ensure it will be a viable venue for another century and beyond.

History of the district
Fort Scott’s Downtown Historic District was accepted for listing in the National Register of Historic Places on December 18, 2009. 
 
In the late 1980s, local historian Connie Banwart completed an inventory of structures in the downtown for the Kansas State Historical Society. However, at the time, there was virtually no interest among local property owners in the creation of a downtown historic district. 
 
In 2006 –a year after a fire spread through Block 88, resulting in the demolition of the damaged structures– Connie Banwart, Kate Emmett-Sweetser, and Becky Mann volunteered to complete a Preliminary Site Information Questionnaire for downtown properties for the State Historic Preservation Office. The PSIQ was completed in early 2007. 
 
In 2008, the City of Fort Scott, per an agreement with the State of Kansas, hired Professor Dale Nimz as a consultant to complete the official nomination. 
 
In 2009, the Fort Scott Downtown Historic District was added to the Register of Historic Kansas Places then sent to Washington, DC, for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. 

 
Also on Dec. 18, Kate Emmett-Sweetser will give the program at Rotary on the Fort Scott Historic District at noon at the Presbyterian Church.  Rotary meetings are open to all Rotarians and their guests.

Meeting of opponents to Jayhawk Wind Farm

 

Contact: Kim Simons, 620-224-1215, [email protected]
A meeting of area residents in Bourbon and Crawford counties who oppose the Jayhawk Wind Farm development will be held Thursday, January 9, 6;30 pm at Rodeway Inn, Ft Scott, Ks.
On the agenda will be the organization of a formal opposition group, assistance from successful opponents of previous wind farms, and a discussion of potential and political avenues to stop the Jayhawk development.
The meeting is open to the public. Anyone concerned about the impact on their home values and damage to our community’s natural rural vista by the Jayhawk development is urged to attend.

Jayhawk Wind Farm Impact Analysis Dec. 2019

Study Quantifies Economic Opportunity for Bourbon and Crawford Counties if Jayhawk Wind Farm Is Constructed

According to a new economic impact analysis, Bourbon and Crawford Counties will gain an estimated $27.2 million total in new revenues over the first 25 years of the Jayhawk Wind project, if it is constructed.

Apex Clean Energy, the company developing Jayhawk Wind, estimates that, if built, about 80% of the project’s turbines will be located in Bourbon County, generating $11.4 million in new revenues for that jurisdiction. Crawford County would host the remaining 20% and receive $3.9 million.

Moreover, the project is expected to create about 318 jobs in the Bourbon County and Crawford County region, generating about $15.7 million in new earnings for local workers during construction.

For the complete analysis, click here:

Jayhawk Wind – Economic Development Report Final November 2019(1)

Once the project is operational, it will create as many as 30 new, long-term local jobs. These new long-term jobs will result in earnings of about $1.2 million annually, once the wind farm is operational.

About seven of these jobs will be direct hires of the wind farm, while the remaining jobs will be generated by local businesses that grow as a result of Jayhawk Wind’s operation.

New tax revenues from the project will also benefit local education.

Beginning in 2032 and through 2046:

• Uniontown Unified School District (USD) 235 will receive over $387,000 annually, totaling $5.8 million;
• Girard USD 248 will receive $203,000 annually, totaling over $3 million;
• Erie USD 101 will receive $38,000 annually, totaling over $572,000; and
• Fort Scott Community College will receive $256,000 annually, totaling over $3.8 million.

Existing local businesses will win too. The $250 million investment that Jayhawk Wind represents will benefit a wide array of area businesses, including hotels, restaurants, professional service firms, and construction supply companies.

Bourbon and Crawford Counties alone will see over $36.2 million in new economic output during construction.

“Wind farms create numerous economic benefits that continue to last for decades,” said Dr. David Loomis, Illinois State University professor of economics and co-founder of the Center for Renewable Energy, who conducted the analysis.

The U.S. wind industry has grown at a rapid pace since 2006, due in part to new, efficient technologies and demand by corporate buyers increasing demand for wind energy.

Starbucks, Wal-Mart, and General Motors are among the corporations purchasing wind energy produced
from Illinois wind farms.

“Demand for wind energy continues to grow due to low, long-term, stable pricing, which protects against future price volatility,” said Dr. Loomis. “In recent years, investment in wind energy
development has only been slowed by uncertain government policies.”

“Apex Clean Energy is proud to be a part of an industry bringing economic opportunity to rural America, which has not always benefited equally from our nation’s recent economic growth,”
said Jade Scheele, Apex Clean Energy senior development manager.

A copy of the Jayhawk Economic Impact Analysis can be found at www.jayhawkwind.com.

Dr. David G. Loomis is professor of economics at Illinois State University and co-founder of the Center for Renewable Energy. He has over 10 years of experience in the renewable energy field and has performed economic analyses at the county, region, state, and national levels for utility-scale wind and solar generation. Dr. Loomis is a widely recognized expert and has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes magazine, the Associated Press, and the Chicago
Tribune and has appeared on CNN. Dr. Loomis has published over 25 peer-reviewed articles in leading energy policy and economics journals. Dr. Loomis received his PhD in economics from
Temple University in 1995.

###
About Apex Clean Energy
Apex Clean Energy develops, constructs, and operates utility-scale wind and solar power facilities across North America. Our mission-driven team of more than 200 renewable energy experts uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking customers.

For more information on how Apex is leading the transition to a clean energy future, visit apexcleanenergy.com.

Regional Farmers’ Market Workshop Scheduled for February In Iola

MANHATTAN, Kan. —  The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension will host six regional workshops in February 2020 to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers. Kansas farmers’ markets not only provide a fresh food source, but also stimulate the local economy. In 2019, 57 farmers’ markets were registered with KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.

“Farmers’ markets provide growers a wonderful opportunity to have real interaction with consumers, and a chance to tell their farm’s story,” said Londa Nwadike, consumer food safety specialist with K-State Research and Extension and the University of Missouri. “It’s also important for farmers to understand certain legal, safety and financial parameters before choosing to sell at a farmers’ market.”

 

Workshop topics will vary slightly by location. Main topics include:

  • Double Up Food Bucks Program and Accepting EBT
  • Food Safety and Regulations on Selling Meat, Eggs and Poultry
  • Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Certified Farmer Training
  • Marketing Tips
  • Produce Grower Panel

 

KDA’s weights and measures program will also offer free scale certification at the workshops for attendees.

 

Dates and locations for the Farmers’ Market events are as follows:

Saturday, Feb. 1 Iola: Allen Community College

Saturday, Feb. 8 — Wichita: Sedgwick County Extension Office

Friday, Feb. 21 — Olathe: KSU Olathe

Saturday, Feb. 22 — Hiawatha: Fisher Center

Friday, Feb. 28 — Beloit: Beloit First Christian Church

Saturday, Feb. 29 — Leoti: Wichita County Community Building

 

Registration for the February workshops is now open. The cost is $20 per participant to cover the cost of lunch. Lunch will only be guaranteed to those participants who register prior to the respective workshop date. Registration for the workshops can be found at FromtheLandofKansas.com/FMworkshop or at local extension offices.

Onsite registration for the workshops will open at 8:30 a.m. and the workshops will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude by 3:00 p.m. The Wichita workshop will begin onsite registration at 8:15 a.m. and the workshop begins at 8:45 a.m., concluding at 4:30 p.m.

For more information, contact Robin Blume, KDA’s education and events coordinator, at 785-564-6756 or [email protected]. The workshops are funded by the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, the Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

 

KDA is committed to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy. The Kansas Ag Growth Strategy has identified training for small companies via workshops as a key growth outcome for the specialty crop sector. The farmers’ market workshops will provide education through partnerships to help make Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses more successful.

 

Mistletoe On Main Street Dec. 12

Stores open late!
Find the hidden mistletoe in each store!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces Mistletoe on Main Street, Downtown & Around will be held this Thursday evening,
December 12th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Retailers in the downtown historic district and other locations throughout town will be decked for the holidays with great gift ideas and holiday décor for a fun evening of shopping!
Store locations will have hidden mistletoe that can be found and returned to the Chamber of Commerce in exchange for $10 in Chamber Bucks, and shoppers will also be able to enter their name in a drawing for a chance to win $50 in Chamber Bucks as well.