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Brickstreet Barbecue Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening on May 2 at 10:45 a.m.
Category Archives: Food
FSCC Women’s Luncheon: Numbers Up Post Pandemic
The number of women attending the Fort Scott Community College Women’s Appreciation Luncheon was doubled from last year.
“Pre-pandemic, we had a women’s luncheon every year with between 150 and 200 women in attendance,” said Allie Birket, one of the organizers. “We didn’t have a luncheon in 2020 or 2021, but began again in 2022. Last year’s luncheon numbers were low ,around 70 women attended, but we saw a better turnout this year. We had 114 women attend!
“We plan on having one every year,” she said. ” And we hope attendance continues to rise.”
“This was the first women’s luncheon I’ve planned, so it was a completely new experience,” she said. “The very best part was seeing so many smiling faces! We’re getting a lot of great feedback from the food to the vendors to the décor. Everyone seemed to really enjoy it, and that makes it all worth it! A HUGE shoutout to: FSCC’s Community Relations Committee, who helped plan the event and who volunteered at the event; Great Western Dining who catered the wraps and drinks; Twigs & Berries who catered the sides and desserts; and all of our vendors who helped complete the event. The whole luncheon came together wonderfully, and it wouldn’t have been possible without each and every one of these amazing people.”
“The best part of the luncheon was being able to interact with the community, be that luncheon attendees or vendors,” said Susie Arvidson, one of the organizers. ” It’s wonderful to see women of our community visiting, enjoying a wonderful lunch, and shopping local businesses.”
There were 16 vendors who displayed their services and products at the luncheon:
| FSCC Nursing |
| FSCC Cosmetology |
| Mary Kay |
| Jbloom Jewelry |
| Riggs Chiropractic Fort Scott |
| Red Aspen |
| BBCO Health Dept |
| CHC |
| Rite On |
| The Baby Stitch |
| Erika George Photography |
| The River Room |
| Flying P Ranch |
| Kimberly Demko |
| SEK Mental Health Center |
| Desert Blooms Boutique |
RSVP Today For the FSCC Women’s Appreciation Luncheon on April 26
Fort Scott Community College’s Women’s Appreciation Luncheon is April 26 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton. Please RSVP today, April 25 by 3 p.m.
In addition to lunch, catered by Great Western Dining and Twigs & Berries, there will be door prizes and product displays.
The menu for the event:
- Choose one wrap from two selections: Southwest or club (Great Western Dining)
- Traditional salad (Twigs & Berries)
- Caprese pasta salad (Twigs & Berries)
- Sugar cookie fruit pizza (Twigs & Berries)
- Rainbow fruit salad (Twigs & Berries)
Cost of the lunch is $5. One can also pay at the door.
“The purpose of the event is to provide a luncheon of good food, great company, and to support local businesses owned by women,” Allie Birket, a Community Relations Committee member said. Birket, who is the assistant to the college president and Susie Arvidson, director of library services, are on the committee.
RSVP to [email protected] or 620-223-2700.
Vendors are FSCC Nursing Dept., FSCC Cosmetology Dept., Better in Bourbon Clothing, Tupperware, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Jbloom Jewelry, Riggs Chiropractic Fort Scott, Red Aspen, Bourbon County Health Dept., The Baby Stitch, Erica George Photography, The River Room (event center), Flying P Ranch, Kimberly Demko, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, Desert Blooms Boutique, Locust Hill Lamanches (goat milk products).
FSCC Luncheon is April 26
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Family Entertainment Venue Coming to Fort Scott
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?”
Reduce Food Waste for the Earth and Your Wallet
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.
Fort Scott Kiwanis Annual Easter Egg Hunt
On April 1, the Fort Scott Kiwanis Club sponsored their annual Easter Egg Hunt in Gunn Park.
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.
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 by John Crain.
CHAMBER ANNUAL CELEBRATION PLANNED FOR April 20th
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.
La Hacienda Receives Grant to Repair/Replace Equipment
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.
Hamilton’s Artisan Bakery: Hometown Baked Goodies
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.
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.
https://www.facebook.com/
https://www.instagram.com/
Krispy Kreme Donut Fundraiser: FSCC Cheerleading Team
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Retail and Now Cafe at the Former Scottish Rite Temple
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.
“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.”
“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.”
Contact info