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Category Archives: Food
The Niece’s New Businesses Are About to Open
Al and Luanna Niece purchased the vacant building at the corner of 6th and Main Street in July 2023 and will open one of the new businesses housed in it this week.
Eventually, they will have several businesses in the circa 1889 building.
Lu’s Ice Cream shop will open on December 5 with flexible hours.
Ice cream, sundaes, malts, coffee, hot chocolate and eventually, when the kitchen is totally completed, sandwiches and soups will be served.
“The hours are…going to be flexible because of the weather, and it’s December, a cold time of the year, so probably from 4 to 8 p.m.,” Lu said.
No strangers to the community, Al owns Niece Products of Kansas, located in the Fort Scott Industrial Park on Hwy. 69, south of the city.
“Al has an existing business here, Niece Products of Kansas, that has been running for over ten years, so we have quite a bit invested in this town,” she said. “When we are here, we have become accustomed to Fort Scott in the way of living. We love it here, and we want to be part of the community.” They have a primary home in Texas.
Their original plans were for an ice cream shop on the first floor, two loft apartments on the second floor, and a “man cave” on the ground level.
“We are going to continue with the original plan to have two loft apartments on the second floor. One is going to be for us when we are here in Kansas, the other is going to be a rental.”
Lu’s Ice Cream Shop will have the entrance on 6th Street, under the red-striped awning. Additional parking will also be available in the rear of the building upon completion.
Nikki Regan is the manager of the ice cream shop, which will have eight flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream, made in Texas. The Nieces have a home and business in Austin, Texas.
Lu’s Ice Cream Shop and the apartments are all complete.
The “man cave” is still under construction, with the hope of being completed by the end of 2026.
“We did a complete renovation (of the whole building). The only thing that was left was the four exterior walls, so basically, we had an open shell once we cleaned everything out. New roofs, new floors, new plumbing, new electric, new windows, and, really, just a whole new design to the building inside that’s more industrial modern.”
“It was a long haul, lots of very trying moments for all involved, but thanks to Koehn Construction, neighbors, workers, Niece employees, and Fort Scott, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
The Shultz-Payne Building was originally a publishing business of A.B. Payne, a writer, who at one time printed the biography of Mark Twain, and they “ended up being buddies,” Lu said.
To see the prior story on the build:
https://fortscott.biz/news/nieces-are-working-to-renovate-the-payne-building-at-6th-and-main
Kale Nelson/ State Farm: Holiday Food Drive To Benefit Fort Scott Community College Student Pantry
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Kiwanis Pioneers for their 37th Annual Chili Feed Tuesday, Nov 18th, 2025 11am-1:30pm and 4-6pm
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Christmas Party To Improve Bourbon County Fairgrounds Cloverleaf Event Center Is December 12
Local businesses are joining together for a Christmas Party to raise money for improvements to the Cloverleaf Event Center at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, on South Horton Street in Fort Scott.
Cohn’s Cafe on Main Street will cater the event. A tasting menu will include: Bourbon Maple Burger Sliders, Bacon-wrapped Chicken Bites, Meatballs in Marinara, Twice-Baked, BBQ Brisket Potato, Spinach Dip and Chips, and a Seasonal Soup.
The menu will feature locally sourced products. Blue Dog Wine Company will be providing wine samples that pair with the menu.
For those who do not prefer wine, Mmm Flavor Shop will have a Tea Bar with a variety of herbal and black teas. Mmm Flavor Shop will also have a Spiced Up Dessert Bar.
These desserts will be easy to replicate at home. Some of the offerings will be Saffron Coconut Cake, Spicy Brownies, and Chai Angel Food Cake.
Sunshine Boutique will be having a Christmas Centerpiece Class to start the evening. Attendees can also make a customized pen with WriteOn!.
This event will be Friday, December 12th starting at 6 pm. Tickets are $75 and will be available for purchase until November 30th. You can reserve your tickets at the included link.
CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 3rd ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ON THE BRICKS FESTIVAL December 4th – 7th, 2025
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the 3rd Annual Christmas on the Bricks Festival will take place Thursday, December 4th through Sunday, December 7th throughout Fort Scott’s Downtown Historic District.
This year’s festivities begin Thursday evening with the annual Parade of Lights, themed “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The parade begins at 6 p.m., traveling along the brick-lined streets, and concluding with the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree. The ceremony will feature a performance by the Fort Scott High School Select Ensemble, followed by a fireworks display and a kettle-corn booth. Families are then invited to the Celebration Room at Papa Don’s Pizza for Pictures with Santa.
New attractions for 2025 include a hay climb slide and Santa’s Express Train Rides for children at 121 E. 2nd St. in the Bids & Dibs parking lot. The festival also welcomes country music artist Jake Gill and his five-piece band, performing Friday evening at Liberty Theatre as part of his “Home for Christmas” holiday tour.
Throughout the weekend, downtown Fort Scott will be filled with holiday activities and entertainment, including a synthetic ice-skating rink, candlelight tours of the Fort Scott National Historic Site National Park, horse-drawn carriage rides, historical trolley tours, a living nativity, late-night shopping, Holiday Market vendors, music BINGO, Christmas Karaoke, The Artificers 9th Annual Artist Showcase, wreath-making and floral centerpiece classes, a gingerbread house contest, a Christmas paint party and lettering class, candy-making demonstrations, firepits with s’mores, and specialty tastings featuring bourbon, beer, whiskey, and wine.
Young visitors will enjoy writing Letters to Santa and creating holiday crafts at Santa’s Workshop, located inside the Empress Event Center. Complimentary gift wrapping for purchases made from local retailers during the festival will also be available at the Empress.
Some activities and classes—such as carriage rides, workshops, tastings, and special events—require advance registration. Attendees are encouraged to visit fortscott.com/Christmas-on-the-bricks to register early and ensure they don’t miss out on limited-space opportunities.
Commemorative festival merchandise – including sweatshirts, long-sleeved tees, canvas bags, and brick-ornament keepsakes – is now available online at fortscott.com/Christmas-on-the-bricks, with a limited supply also available at the Information Booth at Wall and Main Streets during the event.
The Chamber encourages everyone to follow the Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks Facebook page and visit fortscott.com/Christmas-on-the-bricks for updates, announcements, and complete event details. Printed schedules will soon be available at the Chamber of Commerce and downtown businesses. For more information, contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566.
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Kiwanis Pioneers Host Drive Through Chili Feed Fundraiser is November 18
With November comes cooler weather and thoughts of piping hot comfort food. The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers stands ready to dish up some warm satisfying fare as they hold their 37th annual Chili Feed on Tuesday, November 18th at the First United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott. A meal of the Pioneers’ signature chili with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for a free will donation (suggested minimum $8.00 donation per meal) to be collected at the door.
This is the Kiwanis Pioneers’ major fundraiser for the year. In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including College scholarships, CASA, the Backpack food program, FSHS Key Club, Head Start, the Beacon, Foster Kids, CORE, Feeding Families in his Name, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs. “All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County” stated Kiwanis Pioneer President Kelley Collins.
“The annual fundraiser will be drive through only.” according to Collins. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.
Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.
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2025 Federal Government Shutdown Updated on 11/7/2025.
2025 Federal Government Shutdown
Last Updated on 11/7/2025.
Shana McClure [DCF] <[email protected]>
The following is now posted on the DCF public website at: https://www.dcf.
The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) continues monitoring developments with the federal government shutdown. We will add updates to this page as we receive guidance from federal partners or there are impacts to programs.
Kansans are also encouraged to follow DCF on social media and subscribe to DCF’s newsletter, DCF Direct, for agency updates and information.
SNAP Benefits
Update from Nov. 7: Today, DCF issued full November benefits to Kansans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Assistance. Beneficiaries should have access to their full benefits by the end of the day on Friday, Nov. 7. All current Kansas beneficiaries will receive benefits on Nov. 7 instead of the typical monthly issuances that are staggered over a 10-day period according to last name.
Kansans should call 1-800-997-6666, the number on the back of their EBT card, to check on those benefits, and the pending benefits information should be provided. EBT card users should download and use ebtEDGE app to track and protect their benefits. Find the ebtEDGE app in your app store and at the web portal: https://www.ebtedge.com/gov/portal/PortalHome.do. The FIS ebtEDGE app is completely free to use and provides protective features like blocking out-of-state purchases and card freezing.
The total November benefit distribution was more than $31.6 million to approximately 86,000 Kansas households.
Food Resources By The Family Strong Project
- Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Elks Lodge — Thursday, Nov 27 2025 from 11:30 AM–1:30 PM at 111 W. 19th St., Fort Scott. free-will donation, delivery and drive-through options
- The Beacon Food Pantry (often called “The Beacon”) in Fort Scott, KS:
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- Address: 525 E. 6th St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.
- Phone: 620-223-6869
- Regular Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wed. and Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m
- Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Submitted by Pamela Thompson, M.S.
- Family Strong Project
- Community Outreach Liaison
SE Kansas IRIS Network Data and Systems Manager
Cell: 620-249-1490
https://1800childrenks.org/ IT’S FREE nationwide resources
SE Kansas Outreach Additional resources for families in SE Kansas
Kansas Data Critical Data for the State of Kansas
LinkTree Links for Crawford County Core
Facebook page For Crawford County Core Community program
Youth Core Ministries Our parent organization
Youtube Bourbon County Our sister program in Ft. Sco
Bourbon County Food Drive to Support Local Families in Need
The annual Bourbon County Food Drive is underway, running through November 17th, to collect non-perishable food and hygiene items for families in need across the county.
This year’s effort is championed by Fort Scott Middle School teacher Lori Nelsen and supported by Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s (HBCAT) Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT), led by Aura Brillhart. The project brings together students, schools, and community partners to ensure that no one in Bourbon County goes hungry this holiday season.
Community Collection Sites
Donation boxes are available at:
Union State Bank, Fort Scott Branch • City State Bank • Citizens Bank • Kansas Teachers Credit Union • CHCSEK • Fort Scott City Hall • Buck Run Community Center • Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center • Community Christian Church • United Methodist Church • Christian Heights
Participating businesses and organizations are asked to deliver their collection boxes to the Fort Scott Middle School front office on the morning of Monday, November 17th. If needed, donations can also be dropped off the morning of Tuesday, November 18th at the Fort Scott Middle School.
All food donations will be collected at Fort Scott Middle School. Members of the Fort Scott Middle School Student Council and the Kansas Association for Family and Community Education (FCE) will assist with sorting, checking expiration dates, and organizing the donations.
On November 19th and 20th, the FCE group will deliver the items from the middle school to food pantries and blessing boxes across Bourbon County — including The Beacon, Fort Scott High School and Middle School food closets, the Fort Scott Community College Food Pantry, Uniontown Schools, and community blessing boxes.
Middle School Contest
To inspire participation, Fort Scott Middle School will hold a friendly contest among classes to see which group can collect the most food donations. This initiative teaches students the value of service, teamwork, and giving back to their community.
Suggested Donation Items
Dry beans (2 lb Pinto, Navy, or Great Northern), soup, tuna, ramen noodles, granola bars, instant potatoes, pasta and sauce, pancake mix and syrup, canned fruits and vegetables, mac & cheese, peanut butter and jelly, Spaghetti O’s, chili with beans, cereal, pasta noodles, hygiene products, and cash or check donations.
All donations will be distributed to local food pantries and blessing boxes throughout Bourbon County to support families during the holiday season.
About Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT)
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Community, dedicated to improving health, economic vitality, and overall quality of life across the region. Through partnerships, education, and local action, HBCAT continues to connect resources and mobilize efforts that create a healthier, more equitable community for all.
Together, we can make sure every family in Bourbon County has access to the food and care they deserve.
Contact:
Aura Brillhart – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT)
| 620-224-2563 ext. 5
Lori Nelsen – Fort Scott Middle School
Jody Love – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team
November SNAP Payments Statement
Kansas Department for Children and Families Issues Statement on USDA’s Court Filing Announcing the Decision to Make Reduced November SNAP Payments
TOPEKA – In a federal court filing on Monday, Nov. 3, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it plans to send out partial SNAP benefits in November using the SNAP contingency fund. The filing said the USDA will first send each state official notice showing how much each existing SNAP household should receive. Right now, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has not received this information. Once it does, DCF will determine next steps to issue the partial payments and communicate when Kansas SNAP recipients can expect to receive them.
More information will be shared as it becomes available. To keep Kansans updated, DCF has created a webpage on its website, dcf.ks.gov, with information about the government shutdown and impacts to DCF programs. The page includes a list of questions and answers and will be updated as new information becomes available.
Help for Kansans
For Kansans in need of additional support, Kansas Food Source, kansasfoodsource.org, and Harvesters.org provide locations of food banks and food pantries across the state. Other non-state entities helping connect Kansans to resources in their community include: the United Way’s 211 hotline or website, 211.org; 1-800-CHILDREN, 1800childrenks
The loss of federal funding places additional stress on Kansas food banks, pantries, and meals programs, which are already strained to meet the needs of those who utilize them. Kansans wishing to help their local food resources can find those locations on the Kansas Food Source website, kansasfoodsour
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