Category Archives: Business

Business, Fort Scott, Housing

Union Building Update: Completion Date Now December 2020

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The First and Main building as seen from National Avenue on Nov. 4, 2019.

 

The renovation of a  downtown late-1800s building has been at a standstill.

 

Work began in 2018 on the Union Building, at First and Main Street, and stopped for many months in 2019 and into 2020.

 

The inside was gutted and will be built back to make it into apartments, according to the developer.

 

 

“We replaced the  (first) contractor” Tony Krsnich, president and CEO of Flint Hills Holdings, told FortScott.Biz.

 

 

A new process began of moving forward on the project, he said.

 

 

Architects and engineers have been working on plans for the gutted Union Building for weeks,  Krsnich, said.

 

 

 

The three-story building is being converted into apartments for the general public and rent will be based on income, Krsnich said in a prior interview.

 

 

To see prior stories on the project:

Historic Redo Back On Track.

Stout Building-Going, Union Block Building-New Apartments

Demo Work Has Started On Union Block Building

 

 

“Architects and engineers work from their offices most of the time,” Krsnich said. “They’ve been on site along with subs every week for the past five weeks or so.”

 

Hans Thomas and Associates, K.C. MO are the architects, Agricultural Engineering Associates, Uniontown, is the civil engineer, Rau Construction, Overland Park is the general contractor, and Joe Towns, Lee’s Summit, MO is the structural engineer, Krsnich said.

 

The developer, Flint Hills Holdings, is located at 2315 W. 65th, Mission Hills, KS.

 

Completion of the project is expected to be in December currently, he said.

 

 

Union Building, First and Main streets, Fort Scott. June 2018, before inside demolition began.

 

Business, Government, Kansas

Kansas Exports Increase in 2019

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Topeka, Kan. – Kansas exports totaled $11.6 billion in 2019, up 0.25 percent over 2018. Nationally, U.S. exports experienced a 1.25 percent decline during the same period.

 

“Seeing Kansas exports rise in the face of global headwinds like trade disputes, aviation difficulties and Brexit is heartening, and Kansans should be proud they are outperforming the national trend,” said Kansas Secretary of Commerce David Toland.

 

“Governor Kelly and I are committed to Kansas’ success in an increasingly competitive global economy,” Toland added. “The Governor’s reestablishment of the International division at the Department of Commerce and the continued investment in key programs that benefit Kansas exporters are having a positive impact on our exports.”

 

The combined value of the top ten exported commodities was $9 billion. The largest gains were seen in the cereals, electric machinery and vehicle and parts categories, which increased by $93 million, $90 million and $80 million respectively.

 

In the five-state region which includes Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma, the average export value was $9.3 billion, $2.3 billion less than Kansas’ export total.

 

Highlights:

 

  • The top ten exported commodities accounted for 77.2 percent of total exports, nearly the same as last year’s data (77.4 percent).

 

  • Other than the cereals, electric machinery and vehicle categories, significant growth was seen in the optic and medical equipment category and the oil seeds category, which increased by $44 million and $32 million respectively.

 

  • Mexico continues to be Kansas’ largest export destination, totaling $2.2 billion. Compared with last year, exports to Mexico increased by $84 million or 4 percent.

 

  • Exports to Brazil increased by $87 million or 47.5 percent, making it Kansas’ ninth-largest export destination. The drastic increase came from the aircraft and parts sector, which grew by nearly $70 million.

 

  • Exports to China, the United Kingdom and Canada experienced significant declines, $103 million, $64 million and $61 million respectively. The decline was mainly caused by turbulence in trade deal negotiations, volatility in the aircraft and parts sector and slow growth in the global economy. Despite significant reductions, these three countries continue to be Kansas’ top export destinations, and the rank order remains largely unchanged. France and Australia dropped out of the top-10 list and were replaced by Brazil and Taiwan.
  • The top five export markets are Mexico, Canada, Japan, China and Germany. Combined, the group accounted for 53 percent of total exports. The top 10 markets accounted for 68 percent of total exports.

 

2019 Kansas Exports–Top 10 Markets

 

% of Total % Change Exports (Millions)
Country (with 2018 rank) KS Exports 2018-2019 2019 2018 2017
1 Mexico (1) 18.85% 4.00% $2,190 $2,106 $1,882
2 Canada (2) 16.24% -3.16% $1,886 $1,948 $2,512
3 Japan (3) 8.87% 2.21% $1,030 $1,008 $980
4 China (4) 4.76% -15.83% $553 $657 $706
5 Germany (6) 4.37% 7.06% $508 $475 $430
6 United Kingdom (5) 3.99% -12.22% $464 $528 $419
7 Republic of Korea (7) 3.40% -4.22% $395 $413 $282
8 Singapore (8) 3.17% 9.37% $368 $336 $256
9 Brazil (12) 2.33% 47.53% $271 $183 $207
10 Taiwan (11) 2.13% 8.43% $248 $229 $196
Top 10 Total 68.12% 0.39% $7,912 $7,882 $7,871
Total Kansas Exports 0.25% $11,615 $11,587 $11,244

 

 

 

2019 Kansas Exports Top 10 Commodity Classifications

 

  % of Total % Change Exports (Millions)
Commodity Classification KS Exports 2018-2019 2019 2018 2017
Aircraft and Parts 19.37% -5.52% $2,249 $2,381 $2,699
Meat and Edible Meat Offal 13.63% -6.54% $1,583 $1,694 $1,440
Industrial Machinery 9.22% -7.75% $1,071 $1,161 $1,029
Cereals 8.21% 10.85% $954 $860 $1,146
Electric Machinery 8.11% 10.60% $942 $852 $778
Special Classification Provisions 5.03% -2.72% $585 $601 $408
Oil Seeds 4.92% 6.08% $571 $539 $439
Vehicles and Parts 3.55% 24.33% $412 $331 $284
Optic and Medical Instruments 2.65% 17.10% $308 $263 $244
Food Industry Residues & Waste 2.48% 4.99% $288 $274 $280
Top 10 Total 77.17% 0.08% $8,963 $8,956 $8,748
Total Kansas Exports   0.25% $11,615 $11,587 $11,244

 

 

For more information visit https://www.kansascommerce.gov/programs-services/export/.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Government

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Minutes of March 4

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Submitted by Billie Jo Drake, President of Bourbon County Coalition

March 4, 2020

  1. Welcome and Board update: Twenty members and one guest representing fourteen agencies attended. Billie Jo shared that the Coalition Board would have family swim pass applications at Buck Run Community Center and Beacon by April 1. She thanked members for their cooperation in cancelling the February meeting due to weather.
  1. Member introductions and announcements:
  • Michelle Worsley, SEK CAP Head Start, shared that they are taking applications for the program; acceptance is based on income.
  • Steve Jameson, SEK CAP, shared that he is now working on one of the eight Kansas teams with the Drug Endangered Children Academy.
  • Christine Abbott, SEK Kansas Works, announced that the state wide job fair will be April 2, 3-6:00 p.m. at the Pittsburg Memorial Hall. She reminded members that participants need to come with resumes in hand. The Youth Summit will be held at the same time; presently, the Youth Summit is at capacity with 125 registered.
  • Reagan Rose, SEK Kansas Works, emphasized that she can help with employment issues for adults, 18 and up.
  • Michelle Lyon, DCF, announced that the First Presbyterian Church now has a furniture ministry; contact the church or Michelle with needs and/or donations.
  • Sandy Haggard, RSVP, reminded members of the “Are You Taking Your Medications Safely?” program being held Tuesday, March 24, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., at the SEK-Multi County Health Department , 524 South Lowman, Fort Scott.
  • Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries/Salvation Army/Care Portal, shared that there will be a free-will offering pancake feed on April 5 at the Empress Center to benefit Compassionate Ministries. He is also working on building beds through a Fort Scott Community Foundation grant. Although he does not have a definite budget as yet, the Salvation Army has given him permission to begin spending the 2020 money to help those in our area.
  • Cinda Reynolds, American Red Cross, shared that she and Nancy Van Etten had recently completed the “Mass Care Training.”
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority, has apartments available!
  • Caleb Smith, Kansas Appleseed, noted that they will host a SNAP training on April 23, 1-3:00 p.m. at the Wesley House in Pittsburg. He will have more information later on the May 30 Payday Lending program in Iola.
  • Kelly Stammer and Abby Churning, DCF GOALS, shared that they are in need of beds and bed frames.
  • Shannon Stancer, TFI, mentioned that they are short on transportation drivers.
  • Gary Murrell, Beacon, noted that they are in need of food and financial donations.
  1. Program: Barbara Longhofer, Kansas Guardianship Program. The Kansas Guardianship Program is a partnership involving the State of Kansas and citizen volunteers. Every year many adults in Kansas are declared legally unable to manage their lives and financial affairs. The KGP recruits citizen volunteers willing to be appointed as guardian or conservator to advocate for and protect the rights of these individuals. The program began in Manhattan and has been in existence for about forty years. It is like CASA for adults. Volunteers need only to have a big heart and a few hours each month. In 2019 Kansas had 1,385 adults with 767 volunteers. Bill Meyer and Elizabeth Schafer, both volunteers in the program, shared about their clients and their experiences with them. Barbara also shared that the “Aging with Attitude” conference will be held on the last Friday in April at the Community Christian Church.
  1. April program: Meaghan Russell will be sharing about the mentoring program at USD 235.
  1. Open Forum: We still need program ideas for May and June as well as all months next year.
  1. Adjournment: Next meeting will be April 1, 2020.
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Nominations For Local Business Awards Due Today

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Join us for THE night of the year!
2020 Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration
hosted by the
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
Here are ways you may participate:
*Make your award nominations Due today! 3/26 Click here for online nomination form. Click here for printable form. A full Chamber member listing & past award winner listing is included on the online nomination form link for your reference.
* Make your dinner reservation and/or confirm sponsorship
by March 20th, see pricing options & contact info. below ~
You will need to specify choice of soup or salad, and
prime rib or chicken, when making your reservation.
Click here for full menu.
* Click to email us if your business/organization would like to decorate a table for fun advertising & promotion.
* Click to email us if your business/organization would like to donate a silent or live auction item for advertising & promotion.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
We are looking forward to a fun evening of
celebrating our community!
The Chamber is supported solely by membership investment and fundraising efforts. Proceeds from this event contribute to the work of the Chamber to benefit Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and the surrounding area. Your participation in any way is sincerely appreciated!
Business, Government

Loans/Grants To Bring High-Speed Broadband to Rural Area

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Federal loans and grants available to bring high-speed broadband to rural areas.

 

Topeka, Kan. – The Kansas State Department of Commerce announces today that applications are being accepted for the second round of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect Program. ReConnect is a USDA program that furnishes loans and grants to fund the costs of construction, improvement or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.

As with the first funding round, USDA scoring includes points for states which have a broadband plan, and commit to expediting certain processes. Commerce is working with the USDA to ensure Kansas applicants are as competitive as possible.

Applications will be accepted until 6:00PM EST on March 16, 2020. Applications are made through the USDA, but Kansas applicants must obtain a state certification letter from the Kansas Department of Commerce to submit with their USDA application. The state certification letter can be obtained at www.kansascommerce.gov/sign-up/.

Telecommunications companies, rural electric cooperatives and utilities, internet service providers and municipalities may apply for funding through USDA’s broadband ReConnect Program to connect rural areas that currently have insufficient broadband service. Funds will be awarded to projects that have financially sustainable business models that will bring high-speed broadband to rural homes, businesses, farms, ranches and community facilities such as first responders, health care sites and schools.

Broadband constitutes critical infrastructure for the prosperity of all Kansans, especially in rural and non-competitive areas. The delivery of broadband connection and high-quality service will enable technologies critical to rural communities, such as precision agriculture, and will fuel long-term economic development opportunities in rural America.

For more information on obtaining a state certification letter, visit www.kansascommerce.gov/the-kansas-edge/utilities/broadband-initiative/reconnect-for-rural-e-connectivity/.

To apply to the ReConnect Program, visit www.usda.gov/reconnect.

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Health Care

Integrity Home Health Care/Hospice Moves to 1711 S. National

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Integrity Home Care and Hospice staff stand in front of their new location. From left: Kaitlyn Bray, referral coordinator; Chris Comstock, hospice clerical support; Brenda Bailey, quality improvement nurse; Kyli Gates, clerical director for home health; Sandy Hayes, clerical support for home health; Mary Wynn, clinical director of hospice and Becky Davied, administrator.

 

Health care in Bourbon County has changed in the last few years since Mercy Hospital closed in Fort Scott in 2018.

 

Mercy Home Health and Hospice transitioned to Integrity Home Care + Hospice on March 1, 2019, in Fort Scott.

 

On Feb. 26, the Integrity staff moved their office to 1711 S. National, Suite A, which is directly behind Domino’s Pizza.

 

Previously, they were located at 901 S. Horton.

 

“This is better space,” Becky Davied, administrator, said. “There were two levels there, this makes for a better working environment.”

 

The space is newly renovated by building owners Jamie and Jeff Armstrong.

 

“Jamie and Jeff have been very accommodating,” Davied said.

 

Integrity Home Care customizes care following illness, injury or surgery to help transition patients back home. They also work to improve strength and function and maintain wellness, according to information provided. Patients can recover in the comfort of home.

 

Home health provides wound treatment, dressing changes, medication management, patient education, skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and medical social work.

 

Call 620-223-1195 for more information.

 

Integrity Hospice offers the following services in private homes, assisted living, nursing homes or hospitals: pain relief, symptom control, 24/7 on-call nursing, education, guidance, caregiver relief, massage therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, pastoral services and grief support.

 

Call 620-223-1191 for more information.

 

There are 28 employees in the Fort Scott office.

 

“Our headquarters is in Springfield Mo, and we also have offices on the Missouri side in Joplin, Kansas City, Columbus, St. Louis, Monett, Lebanon and Festus,” Davied said.

 

In Kansas, Integrity Home Health and Hospice provide services in  Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Crawford, Cherokee, Linn, Neosho, Miami counties.

 

Business

Pole Replacement in Uniontown

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Evergy line men replace a rotted pole at the corner of 5th Street and Fulton in Uniontown Tuesday afternoon.

Evergy Energy, a local utility company, with an office in  Fort Scott, replaced a pole at Fifth and Fulton Streets in Uniontown on Tuesday afternoon, according to Evergy Line Foreman Tom Rogers of Fort Scott.

In the buckets are from left: Richie Forrester, Fort Scott and Daniel Gangloff, Fort Scott.

Business, Fort Scott

New Car Dealer in Town: Old Fort Auto

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Old Fort Auto dealership employees: from left Matt Bowersock, Rich Aydelotte, Matt Harvey. Not pictured is Becky Heidrick.

A new vehicle dealership has opened at 213 Scott Avenue, next to Mayco Ace Hardware.

 

The official first day of Old Fort Auto was March 2.

 

The business has been a thought in Rich Aydelotte’s mind for many years.

 

“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a lot of years,”  he said. Aydelotte and Matt Harvey are the business partners in the new venture. “I thought this was the time to do it. I have no reservations or doubts about it.”

 

Both will be selling the vehicles.

 

Matt Bowersock will be the business manager and also sell vehicles as well.

 

Becky Headrick will be the comptroller, title clerk, and receptionist.

 

“We are going to specialize in trucks, heavy trucks and sports utilities and cars, too,” Aydelotte said. “We will sell only late models.”

 

“Three-quarter ton trucks, heavy and light duty,” he said. “We are trying to purchase what people in Fort Scott drive.”

 

“Financing, we have lots of different sources, outside lending with national lenders, credit unions and local institutions,” Aydelotte said.

 

“They are going to be good deals, priced right,” Matt Bowersock said. “We’ll take trade-ins.”

 

“We chose the location because it was downtown,” Aydelotte said. “We are leasing the building from Skitch Allen.”

 

Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Contact the business at 620-644-5015 or Aydelotte at his cell phone, 620-215-0986.

 

 

Old Fort Auto first’s load of vehicles on Feb. 28.
Bourbon County, Business

Iron Star Southside Being Renovated

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A section of Iron Star Antiques and Such, 3 N. Main is being renovated.

Iron Star Antiques and Such owner Barbara Trimbur was sitting at the cash register on Wednesday, with the sound of hammer’s pounding in the background.

 

“Every year I try to improve the store,” Trimbur said. Last year she renovated half of her store at 3 N. Main, this year, she is renovating the south half.

 

“We are redoing the floor, took off the drop-down ceiling that was put in during urban renewal in the 60s,” Trimbur said. “We are going back to the old ceiling tile. And new light fixtures and fans.”

 

The contractor for the renovation is Ron Query Construction, Fort Scott.

 

The store remains open during the renovation.

 

The window on the store’s Wall Street side is covered over with plywood, following  a January 2020 storm.

 

Trimbur said she had the plans in place to start the reno well before the window blowout, and added that the glass is being provided by Peerless Products, a local company.

 

The renovated space should be operational again in mid-March, Trimbur said.

 

Trimbur said there are four women in the store’s co-op of selling decorative items, furniture and more.

 

“There are several ladies that sell stuff and we take turns working,” she said. “They pay a commission to the store and can work it off, like a co-op.”

 

Asked if anything was new on the horizon for the store, Trimbur replied with a laugh “I would always welcome someone to buy it from me, so I can retire.”

 

To follow the store on Facebook: The Iron Star.

 

 

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Common Ground Coffee to Move Shop Mid-March

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Common Ground Coffee Shop will be moved to this location at 12 E. Wall later this week..

Common Ground Coffee shop’s last day of operation at its current, 116 S. Main location will be Friday, March 6.

A new chapter for this local meeting place will then begin.

“We will be closed Saturday, March 7 through 10,” Jennifer LaRoche, a member of the Common Ground board, said.  “We have a tentative date of March 11th to be back in business.”

” We are going to close out the five-year journey with some live music from 7-8 pm by Rick Hite and friends,” she said.

Common Grounds Coffee Company, 116 S. Main.

The coffee shop will be back in business about two blocks away at 12 E. Wall.

There will be no sign on the building at  12 E. Wall, LaRoche said. Pictured is the protective fence that keeps people from getting too near the westernmost LaRoche building which is still being renovated.

The new space has more space, an enlarged commercial kitchen,   a  conference room and meeting space with a stage.

In addition, there will be a drive-up window that will be opened once the staff is “settled in”, LaRoche said.

The stage space will also need a little more work when the business is first moved in.

“It will be heated with portable heaters,” she said.

Signage will be temporary on the door to the new building, until warmer weather when it can be placed on glass, she said.

 

Common Ground Coffee Shop is a ministry of Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.

 

 

Electrician Kirk Bryant, Jennifer LaRoche and Kasey Gross work on Feb. 25 towards the goal of opening the new Common Ground Coffee Shop in mid-March. LaRoche is the owner of the building that is being renovated at 12 E. Wall. Gross is the coffee shop coordinator, LaRoche said.
Business, Fort Scott

Gordmans Celebrates Those Born on Feb. 29

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On Feb. 29, Gordmans is throwing a birthday party for anyone with a Leap Year birthday. The fun festivities will include birthday hats, streamers, balloons plus cupcakes and a special gift for the Leap Year birthday gal or guy.

Gordmans is putting the fun back into shopping by having special events like celebrating Leap Year birthdays. Special in-store activities for those celebrating their birthday on February 29 include:

Special Gift – Guests and their friends celebrating a Leap Year birthday will receive a special gift on Feb. 29. Remember to bring a valid ID to the store to receive your gift.

Cupcakes & More – No birthday is complete without treats, hats, streamers and balloons.

Birthday Shout Outs – Gordmans associates will acknowledge guests with Leap Year birthdays over the PA system, wishing them a special day and thanking them for shopping at Gordmans.

Style Circle Rewards – For guests not celebrating a Leap Year birthday, there’s still something for you: sign up for Gordmans’ Style Circle Rewards program so you will receive a special gift on your birthday, in addition to perks and payback rewards every time you shop at Gordmans.

Gordmans, part of the Stage community of stores, is delivering a whole new shopping experience. Gordmans is an off-price retailer, which means Gordmans offers popular name brand apparel, on-trend home décor and other merchandise for the entire family at prices that are lower than department stores.

Because consumers are responding positively to Gordmans’ off-price concept, Stage is converting its department stores to Gordmans off-price stores during 2020. In addition, for further convenience, customers can ship their Amazon orders to Gordmans’ in-store Amazon Counter for fast, flexible and secure package pick-up.

If you or someone you know is celebrating a Leap Year birthday, come on over to Gordmans on Feb. 29 and join the party!

Business, Fort Scott, Government

Fostering Fiscal and Economic Growth in the Community: Public Invited on Feb. 25 and Feb. 26

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The public is invited to be a part of planning for community economic and fiscal health on Feb. 25 from 6-7 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the River Room Event Center, located above Luther’s BBQ at National Avenue and Oak Stree.

“Tuesday evening is a presentation and the actual workshop is on Wednesday,” Fort Scott Community Development Director Robert Uhler said.

Smart Growth America is coming to Fort Scott.

Smart Growth America empowers communities through technical assistance, advocacy and thought leadership to create livable places, healthy people, and shared prosperity, according to its’ website:

https://smartgrowthamerica.org/

 

“We first met the Smart Growth people when we went on our first trip to DC in March of 2019, working with Strategic Implementation plan,” Uhler said.

 

“Smart growth policy can help communities save money now, reduce their liabilities for the future and use targeted investment to spur economic development,” Uhler noted.  “The ‘planning for economic and fiscal health’  workshop draws on successful private and public sector lessons to help local leaders foster smart growth communities that cost their taxpayers less to build, run and maintain.”

 

“This workshop first brings you the latest lessons in how smart growth saves money for local governments, makes money for businesses and is integral for the long-term fiscal and economic health of the community,” he said.   “Using an interactive and hands-on method, the workshop then shows how to apply these lessons in your community.”

 

The first half of the technical assistance workshop on Wednesday focuses on how approaches save the community money, including increasing tax revenues and reducing tax burdens,  attracting new businesses, increasing the efficiency of the labor market, providing greater stability in times of uncertainty and rising energy costs,  investing public funds to stimulate private investment, increasing local capital circulation and providing a foundation for long term fiscal and economic health and competitiveness, according to information provided by Uhler.

 

Participants also learn how to overcome barriers to starting community smart growth including a lack of understanding of the relationship between development and municipal costs and revenues, the importance of growing small and mid-size businesses and the role of nearness to value creation, according to info provided by Uhler.

 

In the second half of the day, the technical assistance team joins participating community members to look at the community’s economic development plans and projects to evaluate how the current situation compares to smart growth principles.

 

Working with the community, the team will create specific changes to strategy and identify next steps in planning for fiscal and economic health that makes sense for the community, which may include suggestions for changes to the capital budgeting process, permitting process, regulatory framework and direction of economic development incentives, according to the information provided.

 

A follow-up memo will measure progress and leave the community with further next steps.

 

Robert Uhler. Submitted photo.

 

 

The hoped outcome is better understanding of how we prepare and plan for growth in our community, Uhler said.

 

 

Rachel Pruitt, is the Fort Scott Economic Director.

 

The local people who have been involved in the presentation and workshop planning process are FS Economic Development Director Rachel Pruitt, FS Tourism Director Alley Turvey and Uhler.

 

Ally Turvey is the tourism director in Fort Scott. Submitted photo.