Category Archives: Food

Perry’s Pork Rinds Announces A Major Milestone

June 2, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Submitted photo. Kelly and Thaddeus Perry.

PERRY’S PORK RINDS ANNOUNCES USDA FEDERAL INSPECTION EXPANSION, POSITIONING COMPANY FOR NATIONWIDE GROWTH

BRONSON, Kansas — Perry’s Pork Rinds, a family-owned food manufacturing company based in rural Southeast Kansas, announced a major milestone in its growth journey as the company moves forward with USDA Federal Inspection, paving the way for expanded wholesale distribution throughout the United States.

Founded in 2017 by husband-and-wife team Kelly and Thaddeus Perry, Perry’s Pork Rinds began with a simple idea, a few recipes, and the last $250 in the family’s savings account. What started as a small local venture has grown into one of Kansas’ fastest-growing handcrafted snack brands.

Today, Perry’s Pork Rinds products can be found in more than 200 retail locations across Kansas and are shipped directly to customers nationwide. The company has built a loyal following through its commitment to quality, bold flavors, customer service, and small-town values.

The transition to USDA Federal Inspection slated for July 2026 represents one of the most significant milestones in company history. Federal inspection will allow Perry’s Pork Rinds to wholesale products beyond Kansas state lines and pursue larger retail, distribution, and food service opportunities throughout the country.

“This is a dream that has been years in the making,” said Kelly Perry, co-owner of Perry’s Pork Rinds. “We’ve faced plenty of challenges along the way, including rapid growth, cash flow struggles, long hours, and moments where we weren’t sure how we were going to keep moving forward. But we’ve continued to invest in our business, our customers, and our vision. Federal inspection opens the door to opportunities we’ve been working toward since day one.”

The company currently produces ten flavors of handcrafted pork rinds and has become a familiar presence at farmers markets, fairs, festivals, sporting events, fundraisers, and retail stores throughout Kansas.

As part of its growth strategy, Perry’s Pork Rinds is investing in upgraded production equipment, enhanced packaging capabilities, expanded manufacturing systems, and increased distribution infrastructure designed to support long-term national growth.

“Our goal has never been to become the biggest,” said Thaddeus Perry, co-owner of Perry’s Pork Rinds. “Our goal has always been to build something we could be proud of, create jobs, support our community, and make a quality product people enjoy. We’re excited to show the rest of the country what our Kansas company can do.”

In addition to its business growth, Perry’s Pork Rinds remains heavily involved in community development efforts throughout Southeast Kansas. The company regularly supports local fundraisers, nonprofit organizations, schools, youth programs, and rural economic development initiatives.

The Perry family credits much of the company’s success to faith, perseverance, loyal customers, and the support of the communities that have rallied behind the business since its founding.

“Whether people remember us for our pork rinds or simply for our determination and faith, we hope they remember that we gave this everything we had,” Kelly Perry said. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we’re even more excited about where we’re headed.”

For additional information, wholesale inquiries, retail opportunities, or media interviews, please contact:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.PerrysPorkRinds.com

About Perry’s Pork Rinds

Founded in 2017, Perry’s Pork Rinds is a family-owned food manufacturing company headquartered in Bronson, Kansas. Specializing in handcrafted pork rinds made in small batches, the company offers ten unique flavors and serves customers through retail partners, special events, fundraisers, and direct-to-consumer online sales. Perry’s Pork Rinds is committed to quality, customer service, community involvement, and creating opportunities in rural America. —

—

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Good Ol’ Days Hosts The Weekly Chamber Coffee

June 2, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Join us for Chamber Coffee

hosted by Chamber Member

Fort Scott

Good Ol’ Days Committee

Thursday, June 4th

8am

@ Skubitz Plaza
Downtown Fort Scott

*In case of inclement weather, stay tuned for location updates.

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by the Good Ol’ Days Festival Committee this Thursday, June 4th at 8am, on Skubitz Plaza in Downtown Fort Scott. In case of inclement weather, stay tuned for updated information. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register for a special door prize drawing.

Trey Sharp, Good Ol’ Days Chairman, and the committee are excited to celebrate the 45th Annual Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days, taking place June 5-6 in Downtown Fort Scott. This year’s theme, Red, White, & Good Ol’ Days, is a fitting tribute as America celebrates its 250th birthday, while also honoring the traditions that have made Good Ol’ Days a community favorite for 45 years.

One of those traditions is the popular vendor fair, featuring more than 100 booths offering food, crafts, shopping, family activities, and much more.

Plan to attend the parade, which kicks off Good Ol’ Days at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 5. Before and after the parade, stroll along Main Street north of Wall Street and throughout Skubitz Plaza to explore the many vendors, who will open at 5 p.m. Friday evening will also feature live entertainment beginning at 7 p.m. with a DJ, followed by The KC All Stars live band at 8 p.m. on Skubitz Plaza.

On Saturday, vendor booths open at 9 a.m., with a full day of activities, entertainment, and live music planned throughout downtown. For a complete schedule, visit www.fortscottgoodoldays.com or follow Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days on Facebook.

The Good Ol’ Days Committee extends its sincere thanks to the sponsors, volunteers, donors, and supporters who help make this annual tradition possible. Everyone is encouraged to join the fun and help celebrate 45 years of Good Ol’ Days memories in Fort Scott.

For more information, contact the Chamber at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit fortscott.com Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees for upcoming locations

Click HERE to visit

Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit

Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days

website!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below…

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Good Ol Days Flyer For This Weekend

June 1, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Holy Grounds Jesus & Coffee Opening Soon

May 27, 2026 Loretta George Leave a comment

Tuker Ross (left), Janna Trotter (right), submitted photo.

Two best friends started a mobile coffee business in Nevada, Missouri, in September 2025, and will soon have a physical location in Fort Scott to serve this community.

The name that owners Janna Trotter and Tuker Ross chose for their business is Holy Grounds Jesus & Coffee.

“Coffee is what we do, but it’s never been the full story behind Holy Grounds Jesus & Coffee,” said Ross.

“It has grown into something so much bigger than we anticipated. Our hearts have always been simple: serve our community well and share Jesus with every cup we serve.”

“The Beauty Lounge Salon & Barbershop will be making a location change at the beginning of June, to 1621 S Main St. (previously the Baker Clinic),” Ross said. ” Holy Grounds Jesus & Coffee will be located inside part of the salon, as well as Dr. Press, the audiologist, will be remaining inside the building to continue his work.”

“Holy Grounds Jesus & Coffee has an estimated open date of mid-June. Holy Grounds will be offering hot and iced lattes with scripture written on every cup, as well as non-caffeinated drink options.”

Tentatively, operating hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday – Friday, and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To contact the business, use their Facebook page.

“We will be looking to hire soon. To reach out to us about a job opportunity, please Facebook message us.”

The Why of the new business

“From the very beginning, this business was built on faith. Before the menu, before the logo, before we ever served our first drink— God placed this dream on our hearts,” Ross said. “Long before we felt equipped, He continued to remind us that He doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.”

“Now, seeing God open the door for us to continue serving Nevada while also opening our very first physical location in Fort Scott feels surreal. Time after time, He has continued to make a way where we couldn’t see one ourselves.”

“Every cup we serve is more than just coffee to us. It’s an opportunity to place truth into someone’s hands right when they need it most. We may be the ones writing the verses on the cups, but we truly believe God places them exactly where they’re meant to be.”

“If someone walks away with a drink in their hand and hope in their heart, then we’ve done what we were called to do. This is our why”.

Tuker Ross and Janna Trotter. Submitted photo.

Bourbon County, Food, Government, Schools, Youth

Free Breakfast and Lunch for Kids Under 18 Starting June 1 at West Bourbon Elementary School

May 22, 2026 Loretta George Leave a comment

West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown, KS

There are free meals offered for kids this summer in Uniontown.

The program is for anyone under the age of 18 years and will be located at West Bourbon Elementary School on Fifth Street in Uniontown.

Breakfast and lunch will be served from June 1 to June 26, Monday through Friday.

Breakfast is from 8:30 to 9 a.m. and lunch is available from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.

The school is having a summer school through a 21st Century Grant for 6th through 12th-grade students.

That program is full at the moment, USD235 Superintendent Vance Eden said.

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Another Vacant Property Comes to Life: Bolt Bevs and Bites

May 21, 2026 Loretta George 2 Comments

A long vacant property on National Avenue has new life.

Bolt Bevs and Bites at 1808 S. National Avenue has been remodeled into a drink and snack business.

Bolt offers coffee, energy drinks, kids’ drinks, breakfast items, snacks, sweet treats, and more.

The dress rehearsal before the grand opening of the business starts tomorrow, May 22, with hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and continues on Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. then 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

They will be closed for Memorial Day.

Following the soft opening this weekend, regular hours will be 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Co-manager Claire Bradshaw said, “We are from PIttsburg. We like the small town feel, the community connection, and were able to purchase a building here in Fort Scott.”

The owner of the business is Mick Marietta.

The building is the former Taco Tico restaurant. “It’s been vacant for a long time,” Bradshaw said.

“It’s been gutted, with remodeling starting last fall,” said Co-Manager Emery Kafka.

The remodeling includes a drive-through with a canopy on the front of the building.

Currently, the staff includes 20 people ranging from high school age up, and they are still accepting applications, Bradshaw said.

Claire Bradshaw, right, and Emery Kafka are the co-managers of Bolt Bevs and Bites. taken from Bolt’s Facebook page.

Art, Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

New Offerings At the Annual Shead Farm Festival This Saturday, May 16

May 11, 2026 Loretta George Leave a comment

Vickie and Larry Shead from their farm’s Facebook page.

Vickie and Larry Shead work diligently every year to have a homestead festival at their farm, located near Garland in Bourbon County. They do this to encourage the community in homesteading.

Alongside them are their children, grandchildren and community members who share in their enthusiasm for the homestead lifestyle.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, homesteading is “the act or practice of living frugally or self-sufficiently, especially by growing and preserving food.”

Over the years, the Sheads have widened the scope of their farm festival to include locals and a festival that includes events, entertainment, and vendors, making it a fun family day.

The Shead Farm Festival is this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2468 Cavalry Road, Garland. Tickets are $5 or for a family of five or more members $25. For more information 620.224.4149 or www.sheadfarm.com.

From their Facebook page.

Vickie Shead said there are new events added this year and some new vendors.

“Laura James from Lucky Horse Ranch will be bringing her miniature horses for young children to ride.

“Also, Steve William, from Redfield, will be at the festival with wagon rides pulled by his giant draft horses.

“Other new vendors include: chicken tractors, canning shelves, herb/spices, birdhouses, books, baskets, fudge, pork rinds, sourdough items, and more!” she said.

Information booths will include the National Resources Conservation Service, explaining their grant program to help people farm and garden.

The Shead Farm Homestead Festival is offering kids vendor booth spots for young business-minded kids who would like to sell their products or services.

If you have a young business minded child and you have been looking for an opportunity to sell their product or service, you have found it. Sign up for a spot at the Shead Farm Festival kids vendor booths. We look forward to hosting your young vendor and shopping their business booths.

Food, Fort Scott

Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8, 2026) At Lu’s Ice Cream

April 27, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Lu’s Ice Cream

🍦Scoop Sponsors Needed 🍦

Help Treat Our Local Teachers!

Lu’s Ice Cream is excited to celebrate our amazing local educators during

Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8, 2026)

And we’re inviting area businesses to be part of something special!

We’d like to extend a big THANK YOU to Kansas Teachers Community Credit Union for stepping up to help provide our local teachers with a free scoop of ice cream! We are incredibly grateful for their support.

However, in order to provide ALL USD 234 teachers with a free scoop, we are still in need of additional sponsors.

This is a fun and meaningful opportunity for your business to:

✨ Support our hardworking teachers

✨ Show your community involvement

✨ Gain positive exposure and goodwill

Businesses can contribute toward free scoop coupons that will be distributed to local teachers during the week. As a thank you, all coupons will recognize our generous sponsors.

No contribution is too small…every scoop helps us celebrate more teachers!

If your business is interested in sponsoring or would like more information, please reach out to:

Nikki Regan

📞 620-288-6026

📧 [email protected]

Help us turn Teacher Appreciation Week into something sweet for every educator in Fort Scott!❤️

Click HERE to visit the

Lu’s Ice Cream

Facebook Page!

NEW UPDATED HOURS BELOW!

A special Thank You to our Chamber Champion members below!

Share This Email

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Schools

Winfield Scott Carnival is May 1

April 25, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Food, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Community College

FSCC’s Annual Women’s Luncheon Thursday, April 16th 10am-2pm

April 15, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC’s Annual

Women’s Luncheon

Thursday, April 16th

10am-2pm

Ellis Fine Arts Building

2108 Horton St.

FREE Event!

$10 with the pasta bar lunch

Questions:

Taylor Bailey

620-223-2700 x 4600

Email: [email protected]

Attendees can look forward to a day of presentations, giveaways, and community engagement!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Unofficial “teaser” of the vendor list!

Riggs Chiropractic

Write On

Dream Aesthetics and Wellness

SEK Health Dept

Early Detection Works

FSPV

SEK Area Agency on Aging

HBCAT/LHEAT

Punkin’s Place

The Lavender Patch Farm

B.B. K9 School LLC

Gordon Parks Museum

Path of EASE Association

Bids & Dibs, Inc.

Papa Don’s Pizza

Methodist Church

Harry Hynes Hospice

Creations Sew Cute

Body Smart Massage

Boba Drinks

Walmart Vision Center

Farmers Insurance

Southwind Extension

United Women in Faith

Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center

Abundant Medicare Health and Life Solutions

Fort Scott Public Library

3 High School tables (more details available at event!)

Enjoy some photos from last year’s

2025 FSCC Women’s Luncheon Event!

A special thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US

Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Donations Sought For Good Ol’ Days

April 1, 2026 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days

Join us in celebrating

“Red, White, & Good Ol’ Days”

As we honor America’s 250th birthday

right here in Fort Scott.

We’re excited to share that planning is officially underway for the 45th Annual Good Ol’ Days Festival, happening June 5th & 6th, 2026, in Downtown Fort Scott, and it’s shaping up to be an incredible weekend!

We would love your support as we prepare for one of our community’s most cherished traditions.

Every contribution helps carry on a tradition that has been part of Fort Scott for generations. Good Ol’ Days is more than an event. It’s a celebration of community, connection, and hometown pride that brings people together year after year!