Category Archives: Food

Bourbon County, Business, Food

Mapleton Cafe Reopens With New Owner

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A view of a dining room in the cafe.

The Mapleton Cafe, located in rural northern Bourbon County, is under a new manager.

“This cafe had been shut down for eight years,” Adam Clay, the new owner/manager,” said. “Joe Bisogno owns the building.”

It opened at the end of July.

“I was given an opportunity to open my own business in the country, where I want to be,” Clay said. “I have always been drawn to the country. I lived in DeSoto. Panasonic moved into the area, and lots of people have moved in.”

“You need to seize an opportunity.”

He moved a fifth-wheel recreation vehicle to the site of the building in Mapleton, population 99, in January and started renovating the building.

“I had to fix it up. I moved here, living in the fifth-wheeler.”

Clay has 35 years in the hospitality business with a focus on kitchen, menu, costing, and trends in the food business.

“I come from the K.C. area, Desoto, and worked as a chef for a corporation in their test kitchen. I left my position with Goodsents in K.C. at the end of June to do this full-time. Up to then, I only worked on weekends.”

The restaurant passed the Kansas Department of Agriculture inspection in mid-July.

“Even though a lot of work needs to be done, with the help of the Mapleton City Council, the local residents, and Joe Bisogno, we’ll make it successful,” he said.

“I’m the only cook; there are two local people as employees, Shawn Mierkey and Zoe Charley, and other local people pitch in to help.”

Adam Clay, right, is the manager of the Mapleton Cafe. Pictured are his two employees, Shawn Mierkey and Zoe Charley.

 

About the cafe

“It’s a country cafe with a modest breakfast and lunch menu,” he said. “It’s a starter menu. I’m still trying to figure out what works in this marketplace.”

 

“We are open to suggestions. A new dish for me is chili with a cinnamon roll and a pickle,” he said.

He said he is trying to keep the prices that fit this rural area.

The menu at the Mapleton Cafe as of August 2025.

The restaurant is located at 423 N. Bourbon Street in Mapleton.  Contact info: 785-813-6051. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Food

Traditions Continue At the 120th Old Settlers Picnic Aug. 29-Sept.1

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The 120th Old Settlers Picnic in Uniontown has traditionally been a day for the community to view a parade and enjoy a community picnic, with fun activities for all ages throughout the whole weekend.
A street dance, 5K Run/Walk,  fishing derby, co-ed ranch rodeo, community church service, bingo, family fun night, youth rodeo, food and craft vendors, car show, baby contest, a children’s parade separate from the bigger parade, and drawings for the raffles and bicycles will make up the weekend’s festivities.
The theme this year is Remembering the Past, Planning the Future.
Aligning with the theme, not only the recognition of the Old Settlers, but “recognizing the future generation throughout the Monday activities, including the youngest attendee,” said Mike Ramsey, planning committee vice president.
The parade grand marshals are the family of Bill and Doris George.
This year, the West Bourbon Elementary School will be the new location for the Dale Jackson Memorial Car Show.
“We’ve brought back the baby contest,” Ramsey said. “Registration at 9 a.m. with the contest at 9:30 a.m.” The location is at the gazebo in Uniontown’s City Park.
” We’ve brought back the kids’ races on Monday at 1 p.m. on the streets” surrounding the downtown park, he said.
Girls race in a contest during a prior Old Settler’s Picnic.
“Personally, I’m excited about having Dustin Treiber playing for the Street Dance Friday night.” On August 29, there will be a street dance with a food truck available for refreshments.
The planning committee is comprised of Rhonda Dewitt, president; Ramsey, vice president; Mary Pillion, treasurer; and Carissa Jones, secretary.

 

The Uniontown High School Class of 1959 wait to board their float for the 2019 Old Settlers Picnic Parade on Labor Day, 2019.
Area News, Food

SEKAAA Awarded Grant For 60+ Nutrition Program

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Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging announces they have been awarded a grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas for its 60+ Nutrition Program.

“In the last year, we have added two meal sites where people can get a tasty, healthy meal and visit with friends. Since 2022, the attendance at meal sites has doubled”, says Stacy Dickerhoof, Associate Director, “this is giving us the good problem of needing more utensils, glasses, and bowls to serve the food. We appreciate the Community Foundation supporting our seniors.”

Sometimes called Meals on Wheels, 60+ Nutrition serves a 9-county area and is a combination of home delivery, congregate meals sites, and restaurants.

The purpose of the program is to promote the general health and well-being of older Kansans. Participants are asked to provide a donation, but inability to donate does not prevent anyone from receiving a meal.

 

“Our seniors really enjoy having a place to go have a meal and see friends.”, says Tabitha Torres, Nutrition Coordinator. Sixty-three percent of SEKAAA 60+ Nutrition program participants report they eat alone most of the time. The National Institute on Aging has identified that social isolation increases health risk, such as high blood pressure, depression, and cognitive decline. “The meal is important, but we have found that participants find getting together with friends is just as important,” reports Torres.

 

For more information on SEKAAA 60+ Nutrition Program, please visit www.sekaaa.com or call 620-431-2980 for more information.

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fair, Food, Youth

Today at the Bourbon County Fair

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Today, July 15,  at the Bourbon County Fair:
The Uniontown 4H Club will be selling items at the Chuckwagon in the Cloverleaf Event Center starting at this morning.

This is a fundraiser for their club this year.

The Rabbit Judging will begin at 8 am in the Rabbit/Poultry Barn followed by Poultry Judging at 10 am.

The Myers Building is closed until 12 pm for Open Class Judging.

At 12 pm the FCE (Food and Community Education) will be auctioning the Open Class Food entries to raise funds for the scholarships they provide to area students.

The Sheep Show will begin at 5 pm followed by the Meat Goat Show at approximately 6:15 pm.

The Merchant’s Building is Businesses only this year and opens at 5 pm.

Vendors include:
Miller’s Feed and Farm
Sally Kraft
T-Mobile
Flying P
Pretty Notations
Baked by Dylan
Mary Kay – Lauren Wagner
Twig and Berries Cotton Candy
Fizz Factory – Non-alcoholic Dirt Sprites
Uppa Creek Honey
2 Ashley’s Just Crafting Around
Riggs Chiropractic
Leaf Guard
Champion Bath
Kitty’s Kreations
Kaitlyn’ Comely Creations
Seams Sew Nice

Remember to get your Chicken Annie’s ticket by Tuesday, July 15th from the Fort Scott FFA Officers or Aikins Insurance, to support the Fort Scott FFA. Then stay and play some Cornhole supporting the Uniontown FFA.

Area News, Bourbon County, Food

Seniors Farmers Market Vouchers Available on July 14

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Great News! The Senior Farmers Market Vouchers will be available starting July 14th.

“We and Seniors were very disappointed the vouchers were not available June 1st as expected. People start calling us in May checking on when the vouchers will be available.” commented Stacy Dickerhoof, Associate Director, SEKAAA. “So many of our seniors are on a limited income and this is the only way for them to have access to fresh vegetables. The number of vouchers we will be getting has been cut by half so the vouchers will go fast.”

The Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (KSFMNP) is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. The program provides annual benefits to low-income seniors to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and honey from authorized farmers at Farmers Markets in Kansas.

Benefits are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. The person must be at least 60 years old and meet financial guidelines. Applications will be available at the following locations:

Fort Scott – Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall.

    Iola – City of Iola, 2 West Jackson
    Parsons – Parsons Public Library, 311 S. 17th
    Pittsburg – Pittsburg Housing Authority, 101 N. Pine

Chanute – SEK Area Agency on Aging, 1 West Ash

Benefits are distributed until September 30, 2025 or until benefits are gone, whichever happens first. Applicants who qualify will receive a booklet of $5 coupons for a one-time annual benefit of $50 to purchase eligible foods from authorized farmers. For more information call SEK Area Agency on Aging at 620-431-2980.

Submitted by Kathy Brennon, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging

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

What’s Happening in Fort Scott June 26 Edition

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! June 26th Weekly Newsletter

SAVE THE DATE!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees

Every Thursday at 8am

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Visit your National Park! Visitor Center and historic buildings are open Friday through Tuesday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds continue to be open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset

** Guided tours Saturday & Sunday 10am & 1pm! **

Click HERE to visit the website.

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

Fort Scott Farmers Market

Saturdays | 8am-noon Tuesdays | 4-6pm

Gathering Square Pavilion, 111 N. National

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)

KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott

Every Tuesday 9am-4pm

Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.

620-231-4250

FS Public Library

*Wednesday Writers every Wed. @ 1:30-3pm

*Summer Reading June 3rd – July 29th!

201 S. National Ave.

Kansas Small Business Development Center

at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 9am-4pm.

Par Tee Girl Ladies’ Golf League –

Every Wednesday thru July!

League Fee: $40

Contact:

Diane Striler at [email protected] or 248-568-7790

Click HERE for the Facebook Group Page!

Dolly Trolley Historic 50-min narrated tours!

Adults $6 | Children 12&under $4

Call 620-223-3566 or stop in the Chamber at

231 E. Wall St. to book your ride!

Fort Scott Aquatic Center

Opens Memorial Day, May 26th

Monday – Saturday

Public Swim: 1-5:15pm

Adult/Family Swim :5:30-7pm

*Lifeguard Breaks: 3pm & 5:15pm

Sunday

Public Swim: 1-6pm

Adult/Family Swim: 4:45-6pm

*Lifeguard Breaks: 3 & 4:30pm

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

Lavender Patch Farm Saturdays!

9am-1pm

2376 Locust Rd. Fort Scott, KS

Click HERE for their website

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

UPCOMING EVENTS

GOLF CART RAFFLE – donated by

Bourbon County Cars

Proceeds benefit:

Kiwanis Youth Scholarships & Care to Share

2011 Yamaha 48V Electric Golf Cart

Tickets: $20 each or 10 for $100

Tickets can be purchased at Bourbon County Cars

via Venmo by texting Josh Jones 620-215-3680

or by clicking HERE!

Drawing will be held July 12th at the

Care to Share Golf Tournament!

6/2-7/17 ~ 9:15am-10am | Freedom Fitness KidFit Summer 7-week Session

Mon-Thurs.(4 days a week)

Skill/Sport-specific training

Limited spots available

$110 due on the first day

6/26 ~ 1-3pm | Family Strong Community Sensemaking Session

Ellis Fine Arts Center, FSCC Campus

2108 S. Horton St.

Click HERE to RSVP

6/27-28th Fort Scott High School

All School Reunion!

Click HERE for Facebook Page details!

Click HERE for website details!

Friday, June 27

9am-4pm Registration FSHS Gym

6pm Parade Downtown

8pm-midnight 80s Classes Party

@ Memorial Hall

8pm-midnight All Star Reunion Band

@ Liberty Theatre

8pm-midnight Bourton County Revival

@3rd St. Stage (3rd & Main)

Saturday, June 28

7am 1st Annual Alumni Golf Tourney

@Woodland Hills Golf Course

9-11am Registration FSHS Gym

11:30am Honors Tiger Luncheon

@FSHS Commons Area

1-3pm Theatre/Debate Improv Show

@FSHS Auditorium

3-5pm Teacher/Employee Reception

@FSHS Commons

8-11pm Teresa Deaton Band

@3rd Street Stage (3rd & Main)

**Food trucks will be Downtown starting at 5pm

6/28 ~ 10am-12pm | Ice Cream Social

FREE!

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Sponsored by Friends of the FSNHS

Raffle Drawing opportunity:

Win an authentic reproduction of an 1833 Dragoon saber.

Tickets:

$10/each or 3 for $25

6/28 ~ Bronson Day 2025

6/30 ~ Boots, Badges, & Bandages Community Challenge Blood Drive

10am-4pm

Buck Run Community Center

7/3 ~ 8am | Chamber Coffee hosted by stay tuned!

7/3 ~ 7-10pm | Uniontown Independence Day Bash sponsored by Union State Bank

in the Uniontown City Park

7/4 ~ 10am | 43rd Annual 4th of July

Burke Street Parade

Open to everyone! Spectators & participants encouraged to dress in patriotic attire.

Bring lawn chairs

Refreshments offered at the home of

Frank & Deb Halsey following parade.

7/5 ~ Red, White, & ‘Que

Fort Scott Independence Day Celebration

on Fort Scott Community College Campus

Elite pitmasters battling for the ultimate BBQ title!

Soap Box Derby 9am

Food trucks starting at 11am

Kid Zone opens at 11am – $5 entry fee

Live music starting at 3pm

Fireworks at 9:30pm

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Upcoming Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
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