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Category Archives: Business
Loans/Grants To Bring High-Speed Broadband to Rural Area
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.
Integrity Home Health Care/Hospice Moves to 1711 S. National
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.
Pole Replacement in Uniontown
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.
New Car Dealer in Town: Old Fort Auto
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.
Iron Star Southside 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.
Common Ground Coffee to Move Shop Mid-March
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.
The coffee shop will be back in business about two blocks away at 12 E. Wall.
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.
Gordmans Celebrates Those Born on Feb. 29
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!
Fostering Fiscal and Economic Growth in the Community: Public Invited on Feb. 25 and Feb. 26
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.
The hoped outcome is better understanding of how we prepare and plan for growth in our community, Uhler said.
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.
New Tri-Valley CEO: Bill Fiscus
Bill Fiscus is the new Chief Executive Officer of Tri-Valley Developmental Services, since January 29, 2020.
He replaces long-term CEO, Tim Cunningham.
Fiscus has been employed by Tri-Valley for 34 years and has been involved in every department under the service’s umbrella, he said.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Emporia State University.
“Tri-Valley was a good fit from the start for me,” Fiscus said. “Once hired, I knew this was the place I wanted to be. Working at Tri-Valley is very rewarding. If you are having a bad day, just go spend some time with the individuals we provide services to and you will be reminded why you are here.”
“Tri-Valley empowers people with disabilities to realize their potential as full citizens in the community, through supporting them in working and living in the place they call home,” he said. “We help them belong.”
His office is in Tri-Valley’s Administration Offices, 521 W. 35 CH Parkway in Chanute.
Tri-Valley has 172 employees and serves 233 clients.
Fiscus is a member of Chanute Chamber of Commerce, SEKRS Board Member, is active in Communities in Schools, and volunteers for numerous community functions, he said.
Fiscus was asked if there was anything new on the horizon for TVDS.
“Tri-Valley just merged with New Beginnings Enterprises out of Neodesha,” Fiscus said. ” We now serve Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, Woodson, Wilson, Elk, Greenwood and Chautauqua Counties.”
To learn more about Tri-Valley, visit its website: www.tvds.org
Chamber Coffee Feb. 20 at Ascension Via Christi
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Community Snapshot: Bourbon County Economy
The 2020 Census is coming on April 1, 2020, and with it comes the opportunity to provide for community needs.
The data used is helpful because it impacts everything from school lunches to libraries to wastewater systems, Kansas Secretary of Commerce David Toland said in an April, 2019 press release.
It is vital to Kansas businesses and communities to have a full and accurate count of people living in the state, Secretary Toland said.
“Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year.
The results determine how many seats in Congress each state gets.
It’s mandated by the U.S. Constitution in Article 1, Section 2: The U.S. has counted its population every 10 years since 1790.” according to the census website.
The census gives a snapshot of communities.
For example, the per capita income in Bourbon County was $22,822 in 2018, according to https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/bourboncountykansas/PST045219
Per capita income is determined by dividing an area’s income by its population and counts each man, woman, and child, even newborn babies, as a member of the population. Household income counts all people residing under one roof as a household, according to investopedia.com
In Bourbon County, the median household income is $40,733 in 2018, according to the census website.
People living in poverty account for 16 percent of Bourbon County’s population.
Snapshot of Bourbon County
To get a snapshot of the local economic scene, FortScott.Biz asked local business, school and government entities some questions on what their employees earn and what services they provide the community.
The information given is intended to look at the wages in the public and private sectors. It also includes services the entities provide.
Bourbon County
The county has a land area of 635 square miles, and in 2019 had 14, 653 people living here, according to the government census website.
The Bourbon County government has 112 employees.
Jody Hoenor is the economic development director for Bourbon County and is the highest-paid employee earning $70,000 a year.
The lowest hourly wage, $8.58 in the county, is for election board workers, according to files provided by Bourbon County Clerk Kendall Mason.
The county provides county law enforcement, emergency medical services (ambulance) in collaboration with the city of Fort Scott, road and bridge repair and maintenance, emergency preparedness, landfill, land deeds, health department services, economic development services, appraisal services, Elm Creek Lake services.
For more information about the county, click below;
http://www.bourboncountyks.org/january-2020-minutes/
http://www.bourboncountyks.org/
USD 234
USD 234 is the Fort Scott School District that provides education for pre-school through high school students.
It is also one of the biggest employers in the city.
“Currently we have 373 that we consider being full-time employees receiving benefits for our purposes,” Gina Shelton, USD234 Business Manager, said. “Full-time with the school is 630 hours a year or more which is the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System threshold. On a typical month, we run a payroll of 440 employees, which would include subs, recreation hourly, and other part-time help. The recreation department is a part of our budget and their employees are part of our payroll,” Gina Shelton, business manager of USD 234 said.
To view the USD234 Salary Schedule, which is on the website of the district:
To view the classified employees pay schedule:
Ted Hessong, superintendent of the Fort Scott school district, is the highest-paid employee and earns $118,000 a year, according to the info provided by the district.
The lowest hourly wage in the district is for summer part-time not- on-contract and bus monitor employees, who earn $7.25 per hour, according to the info provided by the district.
USD 235
The Uniontown School District serves the area outside the Fort Scott district and the campus is located in western Bourbon County.
USD 235 provides education to pre-school through high school-age children and also has a fitness center for students and patrons in the district’s use.
“We have 123 employees on the payroll, with 79 full time,” Sherri Hartman, clerk for the district, said.
“The entry-level pay varies by position, but the lowest entry-level pay is 80% of $12.27 hourly. The highest entry-level pay is 80% of $19.65 hourly. Teacher placement is according to the salary schedule.”
“The highest earner is the superintendent, Brett Howard, at $95,350,” she said.
For information on the school district, click below:
Fort Scott Community College
Fort Scott Community College is a two-year college.
For January the FSCC payroll had 173 faculty and staff, 56 adjunct instructors, and 33 work-study students, Juley McDaniel, human resource director at the college, said.
The lowest entry-level wage for employees at FSCC is $9.50/hr. for full time regular staff employees working at an hourly wage. FSCC has federal work-study students and tutors that are hired at a flat rate of $8.00/hr. and are part time student-filled positions.
“Median faculty salary is $41,967,” McDaniel said. “This does not count adjunct wages as they are paid per credit hour taught. Median staff wage is $37,450 when counting part time assistant coaches. This does not count student workers, but does take into account the migrant grant positions in other states where we serve as the fiscal agent. Median staff wage is $40,050 when not counting part time assistant coaches. This does not count student workers, but does take into account the migrant grant positions in other states where we serve as the fiscal agent.”
To be considered full time for faculty is a bit different at the college level.
“Per the negotiated agreement between faculty and administration, full time entails 32-40 hours a week,” McDaniel said. “Our faculty fall into one of four categories – 169 day, 189 day, 209 day, and 12 month.”
Some of the services the college provides to the community:
The community service of student clubs and athletic teams, reading with elementary students, cleaning, supporting USD 234 activities like Family Fun Night, reading, first day of school welcome, fundraiser product disbursement , etc. Over 6000 hours were clocked from athletics alone in 2018. This doesn’t count student clubs like President’s Ambassadors, Phi Theta Kappa, Student Nurse Organization, McDaniel said.
Other services FSCC provides:
- Bourbon county tuition waiver up to 15 credit hours per semester,
- Bourbon County High School Waiver for any Bourbon County high school student taking a concurrent class for one KBOR-approved class,
- Ellis Fine Arts Center– school programs, community meetings, etc. (multiple use by school district including testing, theater),
- Gordon Parks Museum – free to visitors and hosts school field trips to schools,
- Student Success Center – computer, internet, and printer access (up to 10 pages free) for students and general public,
- Library access,
- Host annually Math Relays, Music Contest, National History Day, Aggie Day,
- Cosmetology services through Cosmetology Program,
- Continuing ed. classes for the public, specialized training for businesses as needed,
- Walking trail and old Lincoln Schoolhouse are maintained by FSCC maintenance,
- Free Kid’s Fairs twice a year
- Home Show help
- Kid’s College once a year
- Parade participation
- Cosmotology provides free haircuts for students
- Cosmotology provides free hairstyling and manicures at nursing homes (Pittsburg)
- Zumba classes last year
- Donations to community events, prom/after proms, and other events
- Band volunteers at the Veteran’s Day celebration
http://www.fortscott.edu/About
City of Fort Scott
Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director for the city gave the following information:
The highest-paid employee earns $107, 463- City Manager Dave Martin.
Earnings of part-time entry-level positions are for summer seasonal help-life guards and golf cart attendees, Needleman said.
The lowest full-time entry-level employee in the city is $21, 555 per year.
The city has 100 full-time employees.
The city provides police and fire services, emergency medical services(in collaboration with the county government), public water services, public works (including streets), parks, lakes, the LaRoche Ball Park, an aquatic center, a golf course, an airport, community development, economic development, and a tourism office, according to information provided by Needleman.
To learn more about the city of Fort Scott, click below:
The Fort Scott Public Library although not a department of the city, does receive MILL Levy funds which pass through the City of Fort Scott, but the City is a pass-through only for those funds, Needleman said.
Buck Run Community Center (BRCC) is owned by the city and the city provides funds to maintain and operate it, the decisions about activities that are offered operates through the recreation board, Needleman said.
For a private sector view, Ward-Kraft, Inc. gave the following information.
Ward-Kraft, Inc.
Ward-Kraft, Inc. is one of the largest employers in the county and has six companies under its umbrella. It is not a public entity like the others featured.
Ward-Kraft Holding Company, Inc includes Ward-Kraft, Fort Scott Munitions, KW Cattle, Reprologix, 4-States Sanitation, and Christian Learning Center and has 326 employees, according to Gina Staudinger, Chief Business Officer with Ward-Kraft.
Average work hours involve three shifts for production 7 am – 3 pm, 3 pm – 11 pm, 11 pm – 7 am. Office hours vary between 7 am – 5 pm. All full-time members are expected to work at least 40 hours per week, and overtime as needed, Staudinger noted.
The median wage for employees is $15.50.
Entry-level wages are $10.00 – $11.81 per hour base but vary with previous job experience and position filled. For office personnel is it $10.26 – $15.60; off-line production – $10.00 – $16.30; press operators, collator operators, machinists, machine maintenance – $11.60 – $22.20.
Non-government entities are not required by law to supply information and Ward-Kraft said they do not share who the top earner is in the business.
To learn more about Ward-Kraft, click below:
Citizens are asked to complete the U.S. Census Bureau survey when received on April 1, 2020.