Category Archives: Food

Food, Jobs, K-State Extension

New K-State Extension Agent For Southeast Kansas: Sandy Haggard

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Sandy Haggard. Submitted photo.

Sandy Haggard is the new Southwind K-State Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent, who has an office out of Iola.

Haggard has been employed in the current Kansas State University Research and Extension, Southwind District since April 14

She felt this job was a good fit.

“I’ve often had a position where I coordinated a program or gave presentations, so I was looking for a position where I could use those skills. Also, at Neosho County Community College, I had been working in the same four counties with older adults who volunteered at non-profits, so I’m able to keep in touch with several of the same contacts. I had attended several K-State Research and Extension programs during the eight years I’ve lived in Kansas, so I was excited to work alongside the agents I’ve known for years. I’m looking forward to giving presentations on nutrition and health and getting to know more people in our four-county area.”

 

The job is multi-faceted.

Her duties include leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to nutrition, food safety, and health.

This includes nutrition through the life cycle, supplemental nutrition education, food security, consumer and food handler food safety, local food systems, physical activity promotion, and chronic disease prevention.

She will be covering four counties:  Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson.

In the next year, she hopes to have programs for ServSafe food handling, Dining with Diabetes, Food Preservation, and Basic Nutrition, she said.

 

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Secondary English from Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO, and Adult Education from  Prescott College, Prescott, Arizona.

Haggard taught Adult Basic Education/GED Instruction at Northland Pioneer College, Winslow, Arizona.

She taught internationally as a Middle School English teacher at Morrison Academy in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and  was a part of the English Faculty at Meiho University, Neipu, Taiwan.

Most recently, she has been the RSVP Director with AmeriCorps Seniors at Neosho County Community College (NCCC) serving Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson Counties.

 
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

44th Annual Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days is June 6-7

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Vendors will once again line Main Street, there will be entertainment for young and old,  a few contests, and a variety of vehicles to view at Fort Scott’s annual festival, The Good Ol Days.
“This year, we have extended our vendors on Skubitz Plaza and will have even more vendors than last year.  Come out Friday from 5-11 P.M. and Saturday 9 A.M.-6 P.M. to get some great food from a variety of food trucks or get some woodworking, leather work, or maybe some crochet blanket, or even some boutique designer wear for men and women,” said Good Ol Days Chairman Shawn O’Brien. “We are always excited to see new vendors and our returning ones.”
The theme this year is 44 Years of Crafting Memories.
“Thinking back over the last 44 years, we have had some great crafters who show up year after year,” he said.  “I’ve made lifelong friendships with these vendors.  We are thankful for each of them and what they offer to our street fair.  We look forward to 44 more years of crafting memories.”
Something new this year is a mechanical bull ride for $5.  “This will be on Skubitz Plaza, and we are looking forward to some great laughter.”
Also this year, there is a new kids’ bicycle race on Saturday.  Registration will be at the Farmers Market Pavilion at 6 P.M.
“We are going to have bounce houses at 3rd and Main Street again this year.  They will be free of charge to all children to jump and bounce around from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. ” We are thankful for so many generous sponsors who donate each year to help us have so many free events,” he said. There will also be caricature drawing and a balloon artist on Skubitz Plaza.
“Trey Sharp has worked hard to secure some great entertainment this year.  The Care to Share stage will be on Skubitz Plaza, and Cohn’s Cafe will host a beer tent also located on Skubitz Plaza.
There will be a limited edition Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days mug that you can purchase at their beer garden.  They will also offer spiked lemonade.”
The entertainment this year on Friday night will be KC All Stars.  Saturday, from 11 A.M. to 11 P.M.
“Saturday will feature some great artists and groups.  Ty Ellis and the Flat Liners, Left of Center, Holly Crays,  and finish off the evening with Clarksdale Caravan, which is Mississippi blues,” O’Brien said.
All entertainment is free to the public; no glass containers allowed.
The Good Ol’ Days Parade Grand Marshall this year is Kenny Clary, who has been doing the Red Garter show since it began 44 years ago. The parade is on Friday, June 6, at  6 p.m.
” We are so thankful to Kenny and his wonderful crew for the great show they put on each year.  It is such an honor to recognize Kenny for all his hard work that he puts into the show each year.”
The Red Garter Saloon in 2016.
The Red Garter show will be at the Liberty Theatre, with one show on Friday at 7 P.M. and on Saturday, starting at 10 A.M., featuring a show every hour on the hour.
“Be sure to check out this great show with dancing, singing, and great comedy.  Thank you, Kenny, for your years of service and dedication to the Fort Scott Good Ol’ Days and The Red Garter Show,” O’Brien said.
The baby contest in 2016.
The annual baby contest is on Saturday at Memorial Hall.  Registration is 9 AM -9:45 AM.  The competition starts at 10 AM.  There is a $5 entry fee per child.
There will be local police, sheriff, Emergency Medical Service, Fire, and Kansas Highway Patrol vehicles at Wall and Main Street.
“We will also have a helicopter flying in and landing around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at Wall and Scott Avenue.  Come by and check out the vehicles they drive or fly. “
The Fort Scott National Historic Site will have Native American dancers at 1 P.M. on Saturday.
“Be sure to stop by and check out our wonderful Fort and all the great activities it will be offering,” O’Brien said.
The car and motorcycle show will be on Scott Avenue from Wall to 3rd Street. “They are still taking entries and are expecting some great muscle cars and bikes.  To register, contact James Malveaux at 620-224-4875 or [email protected].”
The Good Ol Days Committee members are Shawn O’Brien, Charlotte Thompson, Cheryl VanHoecke, Shay Clements, Angel Wilson, Trey Sharp, Leslie Godden, Danielle Hull, Steven Tyler Cruz, and Fort Scott National Historic Site Representative Carl Brenner.
Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment, Food

Bourbon County Arts Council Presents The Rough Romance Tour 0n June 5

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Bourbon County Arts Council

Bourbon County

Arts Council

Presents

The Rough Romance Tour

Musical performances by:

“The Rough & Tumble”

and

“Flagship Romance”

Thursday, June 5th

8-10pm

Liberty Theatre Patio

113 S. Main Fort Scott, KS

Tickets

$15 BCAC Member

$20 Non-Member

Contact

Terri Floyd 620-224-7221

Deb Anderson 620-224-8650

Click HERE to visit Bourbon County Arts Council’s

Facebook Page!

Click HERE to visit The Rough & Tumble’s Facebook page!

Click HERE to visit Flagship Romance’s Facebook page!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Bourbon County, Food

Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Will Be Delayed

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The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging has received disappointing news that the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program will not begin at its typical time.
Older Kansans anticipate the KSFMNP. It typically begins on June 1st, and individuals 60 and older who meet income guidelines receive ten $5 vouchers to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and honey at farmers markets.
“We already have people that are calling to see when they can pick up the vouchers,” said Kathy Brennon, Executive Director of Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging. “It is a great opportunity for older Kansans to eat healthy as well as promoting our local farmers markets.  There is no confirmed start date, but any delay could be detrimental because the participants might miss out of the peak growing times. The number of vouchers we have to distribute has been cut in half of what we received in previous years. We were not told why the number of vouchers was reduced.”
SEKAAA is the assigned Distribution Agency for Bourbon, Neosho, Labette, Crawford, and Allen counties.
For more information contact Stacy Dickerhoof, Associate Director, [email protected] 620-432-4547
Business, Food, Fort Scott

Racy’s Are the New Owners of Common Ground Coffee Co.

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Wayne and Stacy Racy are the new owners of Common Ground Coffee Co., as of May 1. They took over ownership from Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.
Common Ground Coffee Shop, 12 E. Wall.
“Wayne and I have always supported Common Ground, even since they opened on Main Street,” Stacy said. “When we travel, we make it a point to stop at coffee shops, enjoying a good cup of coffee in a relaxing setting. Wayne has served on the coffee shop board (at their church, Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene) for several years. Three years ago, we began volunteering at the coffee shop and started spending numerous hours inside Common Ground, which allowed us to meet new people and reconnect with old friends.”
Photos courtesy of Kenny Felt Photography and Common Ground Coffee Company.
 Stacy usually works in the kitchen, while Wayne serves coffee and chats with customers. About a year ago,  Timken LLC, Fort Scott, announced it would be closing.
“He had worked at Timken for several years, and when an opportunity arose that would take us out of Fort Scott, we both felt mixed emotions,” she said. “This was my hometown, and we had always imagined that we would retire here.”
Stacy’s parents, longtime farmers in Bourbon County, are now older, and she didn’t feel she could move away and leave them behind.
“We have built our family to love Fort Scott just as much as we do,” she said. “Our youngest daughter, Samantha Burenheide, started volunteering with us three years ago and later became the manager until a permanent replacement was found. Leaving Fort Scott wasn’t an option for us, especially with our parents, and children, Katie and Samantha, and grandchildren living here.”
“I felt early on that the Lord was calling us to become more involved with Common Ground Coffee, and by November, we realized it was time to take the next step and become the owners. Wayne spoke with Pastor Virgil Peck about our intention to buy the coffee shop. Pastor Virgil understood our passion for it, and soon after, our proposal was presented to the Coffee Shop Board and the Church Board, both of which approved it.”
The planning began, and Common Ground transitioned from a non-profit to a for-profit business.
“After hours of paperwork, on May 1st, we officially took ownership. We are excited to serve our community and eager to see what the Lord has in store for Common Grounds. We anticipate some challenges ahead, but we also believe we live in one of the best cities around.”
Stacy will continue running her business at Healing Hands Massage and Salon, and Wayne will remain at Timken until he completes his time there, after which he will join Common Ground Coffee full-time.
“Most Saturday mornings, you can find both of us at the shop, working alongside our team,” she said.
 Heidi Dixon will continue as manager, and Suzanne Griffin will continue to cater for Common Ground and keep the case full of her delicious desserts, along with Teri Hamilton and the baristas.
“We will continue to work with our baristas on learning new techniques and consistency on each coffee they make for our customers,” she said.
The Common Ground outside eating space, from its Facebook page.
“Common Ground will still be a place that you can come and use the Wi-Fi to work or study, ” she said. ” We will also still offer free space for Bible studies and small groups to meet. I would eventually love to find someone to start a book club, etc. Just a place to reconnect with friends and build memories. People are welcome to come in and bring games to play with family and friends. Just a place to feel at home.  Besides amazing coffee, we offer smoothies, teas, lemonades, and dirty sodas for those who don’t like coffee.”
The small group area at Common Ground, from its Facebook page.
 The phone number will continue to be 620-223-2499, and the name will stay the same, Stacy said.
They don’t own the building, the owners are still Jennifer and Adam Laroche. They own the business.
The large group private area at Common Ground, from its Facebook page.
Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott

Bourbon County Arts Council Presents Barnaby Bright Saturday, May 17th

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Bourbon County Arts Council

Bourbon County

Arts Council

Presents

Barnaby Bright

Saturday, May 17th

Doors Open 5:00pm

Hearty Appetizer Buffet 5:30-7:30pm

Performance 8:00pm

Crooner’s/Liberty Theatre

113 S. Main Fort Scott, KS

Reservations Required

Tickets

$50 BCAC Member

$60 Non-Member

Contact

Terri Floyd 620-224-7221

Deb Anderson 620-224-8650

Click HERE to visit Bourbon County Arts Council’s Facebook Page.

Click HERE to visit Barnaby Bright’s Facebook Page.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration RSVP Deadline is Today

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Chamber_Logo_-_Blk___Wht-removebg-preview.png
JOIN US FOR THE

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration!

LAST CALL

Please RSVP by 5pm TODAY!
Thursday, April 24th

River Room Event Center

3 W. Oak Street

RSVP by 4.21.2025

5pm
Social & Silent Auction

5:30pm

Dinner, Awards, & Live Auction

6:30pm
CLICK TO RSVP
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Facebook      Instagram      Twitter
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Bourbon County, Business, Food

Slick Rock Cattle Company: New Strategies in Farm to Table Marketing

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John Erie, Terri Erie-his wife, and Mia Bryant-his granddaughter, man the Slick Rock Cattle Co. booth at the Fort Scott Home and Farm Show on April 4 at Fort Scott Community College.

Slick Rock Cattle Co., Fort Scott, has recently started delivering beef products in a strategy to market their product from farm to table.

“In the last three months, we have started delivering to Fort Scott,  Overland Park, Girard, and Chanute at designated sites for pick up,” said John Erie, who is co-owner with Kevin Stark, of the cattle company.

Kevin Stark, co-owner of Slick Rock Cattle Company from the business website.

Erie has been in the cattle business since childhood, working outside jobs, he said. Stark had a farming operation. They both attend the same church and one day started a conversation that ended in a cattle company partnership that has lasted 11 years.

“We had sold one-quarter beef, one-half or whole, and still do. Some people were wanting to buy certain cuts. Enough people asked, so we are going down that road,” Erie said. “Seems like people are wanting to help local farmers that produce hormone-free, grass-fed, grain-finished on-the-farm beef.”

“We reduced the number of cattle to specialize in a farm-to-table operation.”

They sell 12-month subscriptions, with the option of $125 per month over the years time. “Different cuts each month with ground beef. People can make their own bundle and it’s for people with not a lot of freezer space and not a lot of money at one time.”

“We can do 1/4, 1/2, or whole or all rib eye or all ground beef… a custom order,” he said.

The cattle are raised locally in northeast Bourbon County, and butchered and packaged locally at the Bronson Locker, in western Bourbon County,  a U.S. Dept. of Agriculture-certified business.

This reduces the environmental impact (lower fuel cost) because of the lower mileage needed to reach the customer.

The business employs Erie, Stark, and Erie’s granddaughter Mia Bryant along with some high school employees at times.

The cattle company has an office at the Hammond Elevator, northeast of Fort Scott, and can be reached at 620.224.8033 or slickrockcattlecollc.com

Black Angus cattle are the basis of the business, from their website.

 

 

Church news, Food, Fort Scott

Annual Lenten Fish Fry, Each Friday Until April 11: View the New Church Building While Ther

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The annual Lenten Fish Fry started last Friday and will continue each Friday until April 11 at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church gymnasium at 705 Holbrook.

The meals are offered 5-7 p.m. and are prepared by the Knights of Columbus.

The parish priest, Father Yancy Burgess, said that the community is welcome to come and view the new church building that replaced the 150-year-old  Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church which was destroyed in a fire on August 29, 2022. The new church was dedicated in November 2024.

Taken from the Catholic Diocese of Wichita website, the  dedication of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in November 2024.

 

Food, Fort Scott Community College

Women’s Luncheon March 26 at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Fort Scott Community College

Women’s Luncheon

Join us for the Women’s Luncheon on

Wednesday, March 26th, from 11 AM to 1:30 PM!

Ellis Fine Arts Center

The event includes door prizes, Wellness Presentations, and Vendor Displays!

$10 lunch tickets available for pre-purchase only.

Click HERE to RSVP by March 21st.

For more information contact Veronica Snow

620-223-2700 x7510

[email protected]

Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
 
Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

Farmers Market Returning Vendors Meeting Is Tomorrow, March 11

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The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office located at 104 N. National.

The first meeting of the year for the Fort Scott Farmers Market is on March 11 from 6-8 p.m. in the Healthy Bourbon County office at 104 N. National, directly across from the pavilion where the farmers market occurs.

“This is a business meeting for returning vendors only,” said Teri Hamilton, spokesman for the group. “We’ll be discussing finances and voting on leadership. One can pay for the season and put in location requests.”

On April 17, from 6 to 8 p.m., there will be a vendor welcome meeting.

“This meeting is for new and returning vendors,” she said. “We’ll go over market guidelines, talk about the SNAP program and accept applications and fees for the season.”

Fees remain the same from last year:

$5 registration fee, $5 per week booth rental, or $108 for the full season from May until October.

The Downtown Pavilion is at the corner of National Avenue and Old Fort Boulevard. The pavilion houses the Farmers Market on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, and Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m.

The farmer’s market moved to the new Downtown Pavilion in 2024.

“The first year under the pavilion was great,” Hamilton said. “All of our vendors saw an increase in our sales. It didn’t matter what the weather was like, people came to shop and visit. We are so thankful for it.”

New this year is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture website.

“This is for people who qualify for Food Stamps,” Hamilton said. “Any who has SNAP can use it at the Fort Scott Farmers Market.”

Venors interested in joining the 2025 Fort Scott Farmer’s Market season are welcome to the April 17 meeting.

The farmers market is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. at the Downtown Pavilion at North National and Old Fort Boulevard starting the first Saturday in May, this year it’s May 3, and ending on the last Saturday in October, this year it’s October 25.

 

 

Food, Fort Scott

Kiwanis Pancake Feed Is Tomorrow March 4

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Join the

Fort Scott Kiwanis Club

for their annual

Pancake Feed
Tuesday, March 4th

11:00am-1:30pm

4:00pm – 6:30pm

Drive-Thru Only!

First United Methodist Church

301 S. National Ave.

Tickets: $6

Children under 5: FREE

For delivery of 10+ orders:

Call 620-224-9067

Click HERE to visit their Facebook Group page.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

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

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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