Category Archives: Food

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Family Entertainment Venue Coming to Fort Scott

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Patrick MacDonald stands in the newly repurposed room of the Gamerz Lodge.

Patrick MacDonald, also known as PatMac, has purchased the building at 16 Scott Avenue and has been working to make the place into a family fun venue with the name of Gamerz Lodge.

“The community asked for a family fun entertainment space and that’s what I’m doing here,” he said. “Roughly 10,000 square feet of fun!”

Patrick moved here from Kansas City last year to invest in Pizza Republic after owning a few pizza businesses over the last 30 years. “I love this community,” he said.  “I saw this as a way to give back to the community and invest in Fort Scott. Down here I can make a difference.”

The first floor will be his first focus to show what Gamerz Lodge is about.

“We’ll have a few TVs, arcade games, air hockey, shuffleboard, and pool tables,” MacDonald said. “We’re also introducing a ‘leveled up’ concession stand. Some of your favorites with a ‘PatMac’ twist. There will also be ice cream!”

It will be an events center for small concerts and a place for birthday parties as well.

“People can really use this space for creative classes, meetings, comedy shows, and gatherings,” he said. “It has so much potential.”

The renovation of the building, which most recently housed Darlene’s Collectibles, is a huge undertaking. “It’s a lot to take on for one guy but I’m definitely up for the challenge,” he said. “If there’s an investor out there give me a holler!” he said.

MacDonald’s email address is [email protected].

The tentative opening is June 1.

THE SECOND FLOOR

The second floor has a large ballroom and two 30 feet x30 feet rooms. The ballroom held meetings and dances from the days of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, whose emblem is on the outside of the 1924-era building. Some memorabilia still lines the walls.

“The second floor will grow with the business,” he said. “I see cornhole tournaments, VR space, and potentially a putt-putt golf.”

MacDonald also sees the opportunity to create a wedding venue or an Airbnb on this level.

“I see a whole baseball team from LaRoche Stadium could stay here,” he said.  “Games, food, and family. What else do you need?”

Patrick McDonald stands in front of the building he purchased at 16 Scott Avenue.

 

The outside of the building that Patrick MacDonald purchased has the emblem of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the date of the building’s erection, 1924.
One of many plaques on the walls of the large room on the second floor of the building that MacDonald purchased.
Food, K-State Extension

Reduce Food Waste for the Earth and Your Wallet

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Clara Wicoff. Submitted photo 2023

 

 

By Clara Wicoff

Southwind Extension District

 

Earth Day is coming up, which makes it the perfect time to consider how you can reduce food waste. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that 30% to 40% of the food supply in our country goes to waste. This waste has many negative impacts, including on the environment and on your wallet.

 

How does food waste affect the environment? Consider all of the resources that go into producing food and getting it to your plate. Those resources include energy, labor, land, water, and more. When we waste food, we aren’t just wasting the food itself; we are also wasting all of the resources that went into growing, processing, and transporting that food. Food waste has further negative impacts on the environment once we send it to the landfill. Why? Food rotting in landfills produces methane, which is a greenhouse gas. In addition to helping the environment, reducing food waste can also save you money. The USDA estimates that households can save $370 per person each year by reducing food waste.

 

So, what can you do? K-State Research and Extension has developed a fact sheet (available at bit.ly/FoodWasteFactSheet) which details steps that consumers can take to reduce food waste. Some of those steps include:

  • Shop your refrigerator first.
  • Shop from a list to reduce impulse purchases of food you won’t end up eating.
  • Store food properly to reduce spoilage. Make sure you have a thermometer in both your refrigerator and in your freezer to ensure these appliances are in good working condition. For quality and safety, the temperature in your refrigerator should be 40°F or less and the temperature in your freezer should be 0°F or less.

 

When working to reduce food waste, it is also important to remember the following rule: When in doubt, throw it out! If you aren’t sure if food is safe to eat, throw it away.

 

Want to learn more about how you can prepare food plans to reduce food waste? Join Nutrition, Food and Health Agent Clara Wicoff for a free educational program at the LaHarpe City Hall on April 17th at 6 PM or at the Neosho County Community College Student Union Cafeteria on April 27th at 1:30 PM. Topics covered will include meal planning, reducing a recipe, strategic grocery shopping, proper food storage, and more. Contact Clara with questions at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.

 

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Fort Scott Kiwanis Annual Easter Egg Hunt

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The Easter Bunny poses with some fans at the Fort Scott Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt on April 1 at Gunn Park. Submitted photo.

On April 1, the Fort Scott Kiwanis Club sponsored their annual  Easter Egg Hunt in Gunn Park.

Egg hunters begin their search at the Fort Scott Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt, April 1, 2023. Submitted photos.

Kiwanis members distributed over 1,500 eggs filled with candy, prizes, and coupons from area merchants into the park in areas designated by age groups.  Approximately 75 children participated in the event.

Submitted photo.

 

The Kiwanis sponsors who donated either money, or coupon’s from their place of business are as follows:

 

Big Sugar Lumber                                              Iron Star Antiques & Such

Dairy Queen                                                      Marsha’s Deli

Diehl, Banwart, Bolton, CPA’s PA                       McDonald’s

Don’s Spirits & Wines                                        Merle Humphrey Photography

Fort Cinema                                                      NuGrille

Flowers By Leanna                                            R&R Equipment

Heidrick’s True Value                                         Wal-Mart

Submitted photo.
Submitted photo.

Submitted by John Crain.

Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER ANNUAL CELEBRATION PLANNED FOR April 20th

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 The River Room Event Center is located on the second floor.

 

FORT SCOTT – The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces their 2023 Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration will take place Thursday, April 20th at the River Room Event Center, 3 W. Oak Street in Downtown Fort Scott.  The theme this year is “Let’s Get Fired Up and Celebrate Our Community!” where the event will be a fun evening of recognizing businesses, organizations, and individuals who make a great impact on Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

All are welcome to attend, and reservations can be made online at fortscott.com/events or by calling the Chamber at 620-223-3566.  The deadline for reservations is Friday, April 14th.  The evening will begin with a social hour and silent auction at 5:30pm, followed by dinner, awards, and live auction at 6:30pm.  Reservations are $40 for individuals and table pricing for a table of eight is $360.  Dinner will be catered by Brickstreet BBQ.

The Chamber is accepting businesses and organizations to decorate tables for advertising and promotion and is also accepting donations for the silent and live auctions.  Contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or email [email protected] by Friday, April 14th to make reservations.

 

 

Business, Food, Fort Scott

La Hacienda Receives Grant to Repair/Replace Equipment

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Jose and Mirna Santana started their downtown business in 2010.

Mirna and Jose Santana started their downtown restaurant in 2010 at 22 South Main, and moved to 24 N. Main in 2015.

Theirs is a family business that includes their sons Allen and Roger and Mirna’s brother, Melvin as employees.

They currently have 11 employees.

The restaurant does catering, has curbside pick-up and delivery service (within Fort Scott) and one can order online on their website at https://lahaciendaoffortscott.menufy.com/order

This year they created a new menu, with the La Prima (rice/chicken/cheese dip) the crowd favorite, Mirna said.

Restaurant hours are Monday-Wednesday from 11 a.m .to 8 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The phone number is 620.223.4400.

They Received A HBCAT Grant Recently

The business couple applied for and received the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team grant for restaurants in the amount of $7,000.

“We applied because the walk-in cooler was down and needed repairs,” she said. They got those repairs and are also ordering a new fryer for the restaurant, she said.

 

Giving Back To Their Community

The Santanas are involved in the community and have danced in the “Dancing With The Stars” fundraising event to raise funds for United Way, which distributes to many other entities, she said.

“I (also) try to help the organizations that come to us,” Mirna said. “Especially the schools.”

Mirna is originally from El Salvadore, Jose from Mexico.

La Hacienda Restaurant is located at 24 N. Main.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery: Hometown Baked Goodies

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The Hamiltons. Submitted photo.

Teri, 49, and Michael Hamilton, 47,  own The Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery.

Their bakery focuses on slow fermented sourdough products using only high quality ingredients, Teri said.

“This process takes up to 72 hours and increases the body’s absorption of nutrients and is a healthier food option for our community,” she said.

They offer a variety of sourdough breads, including original, roasted garlic and rosemary, jalapeno cheese, and even a triple chocolate sourdough loaf. They plan to add new items such as cinnamon rolls, scones, seeded wheat loaves, focaccia, bagels and pretzels,  all made from sourdough.

The Hamiltons started their bakery in April  2022 with just a few loaves at a time and have grown their business in the last year, selling up to 100 items each week, she said.

May through October, one can find the business at the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market, located in front of Fort Scott National Historic Site on Skubitz Plaza, Saturdays 8 a.m. –  noon and Tuesdays 4 – 6 p.m, from May through October.
November through April, they have a pre-order and porch pick up system for Fort Scott. Order via messenger and pay by 9 p.m. Wednesday for Saturday porch pick up.
Shop items marked not available are simply not available in the current season, but will be available as they come back into season.
The business accepts cash and credit card.
One can place orders via Messenger or the website.

The Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery is a cottage bakery without a storefront located in Fort Scott.

Chocolate Cherry Swirl Bread from the business Facebook page.

Future Plans

Within the next year, they plan to expand to surrounding counties’ farmers markets and craft fair events. Eventually, they would like to open a storefront in Fort Scott, she said.

Recent  Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Grant Recipient

The Hamiltons feel honored to receive the $5,000 business start up grant from HBCAT, Teri said.

“They have been an invaluable resource from the very beginning, helping set up an LLC, bringing focus to our goals for the future and helping articulate a sustainable business plan,” she said. “HBCAT is a phenomenal support to small businesses in South East Kansas.”

The Hamiltons plan to use the grant money to purchase a specialty oven, designed for use in a cottage bakery setting. Their production will increase 300% by utilizing this new oven, Teri said.

They also plan to invest in printed banners to increase their advertising at local farmers markets.

These two main investments will enable The Hamilton”s Artisan Bakery to serve the Fort Scott area more efficiently and increase their ability to provide healthy, handmade breads to surrounding communities, she said

About The Hamiltons

Michael ran a few businesses in Arizona and Teri grew up in a bakery in Northern California,  she said.

After moving to Fort Scott in 2020, they were inspired to put those experiences to use and started selling bread at the Fort Scott Farmers Market.

The Hamiltons quickly saw a need for healthy, handmade breads that are an alternative to those available at mainstream groceries. Because of that need, they decided “to dedicate their creativity, energy, and resources” to slowly building a bakery that could sustain itself without any debt.

They love to create “unique, delicious products that are a special addition to family tables” in their community, she said.

“We are especially excited to develop relationships with community members that they get to see weekly at the farmers markets, she said..

They can be found online at:

https://thehamiltonsbakery.square.site/

https://www.facebook.com/TheHamiltonsBakery

https://www.instagram.com/thehamiltonsbakery/

Sourdough bread from the Hamilton’s Bakery Facebook page.

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

Krispy Kreme Donut Fundraiser: FSCC Cheerleading Team

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Sending on behalf of Chamber member FSCC…
Krispy Kreme Donut Fundraiser!
Fort Scott Community Greyhound Cheerleading Team is needing the communities help to with competition fees and new equipment!
Grab your dozen of FRESH glazed Krispy Kreme Donuts from any cheerleader or coach before March 24th. You can find a cheerleader OR
text your order to 620.215.3808.
$12/dozen, pay when you order
Pick up will be at the college and the date will be announced at a later date.
You can pay by cash, check (made out to FSCC Cheer),
or venmo (alexandrya-morillo)! If you use Venmo please put your name and number of dozens that you are wanting in the memo box.
Business, Food, Fort Scott

Retail and Now Cafe at the Former Scottish Rite Temple

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Tracy and Kathy Dancer. Submitted photo.
Kathy Dancer, 49, and Tracy Dancer, 50, opened 110 South Main as a retail shop in the former Scottish Rite Temple in December and will be opening a cafe in the building this spring.
Retail
110 South Main Mercantile and Market  features decor, gifts, and food from Kansas and the Midwest, Kathy said.
“We have great products from Kansas City Canning Company, Kansas City Caramels, Prairie Fire Candles, Bombshell Beauty, Finding Home Farms, Thompson’s Homemade Decor, and about 30 other small business partners,” she said. ” Our market vendors include many local artisans and craft people who produce glass art, textiles, furniture, cutting boards, keepsake boxes, home decor, pens, notebooks, and decorative signs. We recently added a line of chocolates from Andre’s Chocolates and popcorn and fudge from Simply Delightful.”
“The retail store will be expanding this spring and summer to offer additional space for market vendors and artists who have high-quality handcrafted items,” she said.  Additional vendors and artists will be added as they expand the space.
Cafe
“We are also opening Cohn’s Cafe,” Kathy said.  The restaurant is named after Sidney Cohn and his wife, who had a cafe and coffee shop in this space from 1926-1948, she said. The restaurant space was used by the Freemasons council as a kitchen and dining space for several decades after that.
Before photo of the dining space below and the space when the carpet was removed, above. Submitted photos.

“The cafe will feature locally sourced ingredients and will have breakfast and lunch for dine-in or carry-out,” she said.  “We will source ingredients from local producers and will have a seasonally adjusted menu based on the availability of fresh, local vegetables, meats, and other ingredients.  Our menu will include quiches, crepes, soups, salads, sandwiches, and pies and desserts. We plan to have grab-and-go items available as well.”
View of the new dining space. Submitted photo.
“The cafe will be the cornerstone for additional planned improvements to the building,” Kathy said.  “We felt the cafe was a great way to share the building with the community while also supporting local artists, craftspeople, and food producers.  We are excited to showcase some of the great products available in our community in both the retail space and cafe.”
Electrical Issues
The Dancer’s hope to open this spring, but are having a problem with electric service to the building.
“We will have all of our spaces ready and equipment in place by the end of March but we are still waiting for additional electric service so we can proceed with our inspections and licensing,” she said.  “Unfortunately, there was extensive damage done to the electric service to the building while it was unoccupied prior to our purchase.”

“We have been working with our electrician to have adequate service reinstalled in the building but we are having to work around other utilities that were added in the alley,” Kathy said.  “As soon as we have enough electricity to operate the commercial kitchen equipment and modern HVAC, we will finish licensing and begin training staff.  We will announce opening dates on our social media pages, 110SouthMain and Cohn’sCafeonMain.

 Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT)Grant
The Dancer’s received a restaurant /retail grant in the amount of $7,000 from HBCAT.
“We are very excited to be named as a recipient of the HBCAT grant in the restaurant category,” Kathy said.  “The grant will be used to help install the commercial kitchen for the cafe.  We have several pieces of used equipment including a sink, ovens, and a commercial refrigerator that need minor repairs and installation.  The balance of the funds will be used to acquire additional kitchen equipment including a commercial cook top, a commercial freezer, and a refrigerated table for salads and sandwiches.”
This is the prep kitchen where the HBCAT grant will be used for some of the equipment. Submitted photo.

 

Contact info

Church news, Food, Fort Scott

Catholic Fish Fry Continues Until March 31 to Benefit Rebuild of Mary Queen of Angels Church

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The Knights of Columbus serve a fish dinner to the community on March 10, 2023.t

The Knights of Columbus organization at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church will offer three more Friday Fish Dinners in support of the rebuilding of the church.

The church was struck by lightening in August, 2022 and and a fire ensued which destroyed the building.

March 17, March 24, and March 31 are the last three dates and will end the annual fish dinners for the year.

The dinners always precede Good Friday, which is April 7 this year.

The community is invited to the dinner, which is from 5 to 7 p.m. and is a free-will donation event.

Simpson Construction Services, Wichita, completed the demolition of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in March 2023. The church was destroyed by a fire in August 2022.
The hole where Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church once was. St. Mary’s Catholic School is in the background.
The Friday Fish Fry continues until March 31 at Kennedy Gym at 7th and Holbrook in Fort Scott.
Bourbon County, Business, Food

Fresh Produce Pre-Order Sales Began This Month In Bronson

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In most small towns, fresh produce nearby is hard to come by, unless you grow your own.
Thaddeus and Kelly Perry have started a service that allows people to order fresh fruits and veggies ahead of time, then pick up at their Bronson store, Perry’s Pork Rinds and General Store.
Kelly and Thaddeus Perry, owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds. Submitted photo.
The store is located on Hwy. 54 that goes through the town, east to west. Bronson is in the rural western part of Bourbon County.
 The box of produce will typically cost $15 and have a variety of approximately 15 lbs. of fresh fruits and veggies,  with prices subject to change based on the cost of food.
Depending on what fruit and vegetables are  in season and what their pricing is, will decide what is in the boxes, Kelly Perry said.
For the next distribution of fresh veggies and fruits, today, March 13,
is the deadline for a March 17 pick-up order.
“This is something that is not only smart for our business to attract more foot traffic into the door, but also valuable for the community to not have to travel to get fresh produce,” Kelly said. “This fits in line exactly with what Thaddeus and I have always said, we will invest back into our community locally.”
Perry’s Produce is a Bourbon County community program designed to make affordable bundles of fresh produce regularly available in their town and the surrounding area.
“This saves residents time and money shopping while helping them eat healthier,” Kelly said.
This Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Initiative works with a program coordinator, in this case,  The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT), located in Fort Scott.
“(BCBS)Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Initiative works with  24 communities across the state of Kansas,”HBCAT President and CEO Jody Hoener said. The HBCAT and the Perry’s  worked together on ways to improve health in the community by awarding the Perry’s  a $20,000 grant for a five year commitment to the food program for rural citizens.

“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team has worked since 2016 to build up and support local food systems,”  Hoener said. “We are thrilled to have Perry’s Produce as a partner in our efforts to increase access to healthier food options.”

With the  funds, they are purchasing grocery shelves that will have a larger capacity to hold even more groceries, pet supplies, home goods, toiletries and more so families do not have to travel into “town” to get something they need, saving them time and money, Perry said.
Shelving for produce distribution and storage, scales, and a printer/date labeler for the fresh grab-and-go salads, sandwiches and deli items, will all be purchased as a direct result of this grant.
The Perry’s, HBCAT and Pathways started researching a program, KSTATE’s Simply Produce program, around eight months ago via zoom calls and emails and in-person meetings.
The first distribution date of the produce was March 3.
“We distributed 61 bundles to members of the community,” Kelly said.  “There was a clerical error at the produce company and we ended up having to improvise, so some folks got double on certain items to still fulfill our end of the deal versus them not getting a bundle at all. There will be learning curves and this is new, so we are working hard to combat all of those curves.”
This is the  15 pounds of produce that was distributed in bags to those who pre-ordered for March 3 delivery. Submitted photo.
“We’ll try to source locally as much as possible for this program,” Kelly said.  “Some models are based on weight, others base off a set number of items in their bundles and we will work with this over the next few months to see what works best and gives shoppers the most bang for their buck.  Inside each bundle will also be a recipe card provided by K-State Southwest Extension District Snap Education.”
The bundles are currently being placed in reusable grocery bags provided by K-State Southwest Extension Snap Ed. Division, she said.
The produce bag. Submitted photo.
The  pre-paid bundles can be picked up over the next five years on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during open store hours.
The bundles are $15 each, plus tax.
“ALL bundles are pre-ordered and pre-pay unless you’re an EBT/SNAP user,” Kelly said.
 “Due to regulations by the U.S. Department of Agriculture EBT/SNAP users cannot prepay for food. EBT/SNAP users can come in or call in and place their orders and pay on pick up days,” she said.
“Each buyer will get a receipt with their pick up date written at the top and we will print a second copy for the store and have the customer write their name and number on the receipt,” she said
“If you have not picked up your receipt by 2 p.m. we will call or text the number for a reminder,” she said. “When you arrive in the store, you will sign the book showing you came to pick up your order.”
Those that wish to purchase online:
Area News, Exercise, Food

Walk Kansas: Eight Week Healthy Lifestyle Challenge

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Walk Kansas registration is open now at WalkKansas.org! This eight-week healthy lifestyle challenge will inspire you to lead a healthier life by being more active and making better nutrition choices. You are part of a six member team which selects a goal and supports one another in reaching it. If you don’t have a team, we can assign you to one or you can fly solo! The cost to participate is $10 per adult. (Youth can participate for free.) The benefits of participating in Walk Kansas include:
  • Weekly newsletters filled with motivational healthy lifestyle information, resources, and recipes;
  • Access to the online tracking system, as well as the Walk Kansas app, to help keep you on track as you work to reach your goals;
  • Support in working towards leading a healthier life, including support gained from your teammates and exclusive membership in a closed Walk Kansas Facebook group; and
  • A new opportunity this year to participate in the online “Med Instead of Meds” class series! If you are interested in eating the Mediterranean way but not sure where to start, this is the perfect way to learn more.
We will also be hosting a kickoff event this year in collaboration with the Wildcat Extension District! At this event, participants will be able to run or walk a 5K, 3K, or 1K. The cost to participate in the kickoff event is $25 per adult, which includes a t-shirt and your Walk Kansas registration fee. If you are interested in attending the kickoff event, please register for it first at https://bit.ly/wildwindwalkrun. If you have any questions, please contact me at 620-365-2242 or [email protected].
Business, Food, Fort Scott

A Commercial Kitchen/Event Space/Retail Space Coming to Downtown Fort Scott

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The Kitchen facade was being stripped of old paint in preparation for new on March 8.

A community kitchen is on the horizon for downtown Fort Scott.

Angela Simon. From her Facebook page.

Rachel French, Angela Simon, and Bailey Lyons are collaborating to open The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative, a not-for-profit business.

Bailey Lyons from Lyons Realty Group Facebook page.
Rachel French. Submitted photo.

The building will have a commercial kitchen, a small event space and a retail area, with specialty kitchen supplies.

The event space will also be available for private rentals.

In addition, cooking classes for children and adults will be offered.

The Kitchen Collection + Collaborative business recently received a $5,000 Women, Minority or Start Up Business grant from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.

The Kitchen’s mission statement:

“The Kitchen is to be an innovative collaborative that enhances the local food system, increases access to regionally made and sourced goods, and supports area culinary businesses and entrepreneurs by reducing or removing risk and barriers to success. 

Our concept is centered on merging the integral pieces required for a thriving food economy – producers, creators, marketers, and consumers. 

We will also foster connections and serve as a community gathering place, a training hub, a meeting spot, an educational center, and a social venue. 

In doing all of this, we expect The Kitchen will have a significant, multi-faceted impact on our community.

Afterall, everything happens in The Kitchen.”

Bailey and Nate Lyons own the building, located at 10 and 12 S. Main.