Category Archives: Fort Scott

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber/E3 Ranch Host Downtown Meet and Greet

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Lindsay Madison, standing on right, addresses the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Meet and Greet on Jan. 12, 2021.

Business owners and others interested in downtown Fort Scott,  met Jan. 12 in the future walk-in freezer space at E3 Ranch and Co. store at 13 S. National Ave.

E3 Ranch and Co. 13 S. National Avenue. Oct. 2020

 

The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet was hosted by E3 Ranch and Co.

 

E3 owner Jennifer LaRoche said the room “will be full of the walk-in freezer and meat products” soon.  In addition, the storefront of the business will be redone, she said.

The other storefront business spaces at the corner of Wall Street and National Avenue “we are chipping away at construction,” she said.

There are two spaces on National Avenue and one on Wall Street available for retail space, Laroche said.

For more information contact LaRoche at the E3 Ranch store at 13 S. National or Common Ground Coffee Co. around the corner on Wall Street she said.

Business news

Lindsay Madison is the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.

There are three new businesses this calendar quarter in the downtown area, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison said.

“Next week the Star Emporium is opening on Main Street,” Madison said. “Laree + Co is at Wall and National and H Bar Suites is a new vacation rental on VRBO, above the Hole in the Wall Liquor Store on Wall Street.”

Low-interest loans are available for businesses, Madison said.

E-Community Loans are available locally and can be applied for at www.networkingkansas.com,  she said.

She said a Youth Entrepreneur Challenge is on for all high school students in Bourbon County. “They must put together a business plan and compete,” Madison said.

 

Some of those in attendance were given an opportunity to speak.

 

Fort Scott Interim City Manager Jeff Hancock said candidates for the city manager position have been narrowed down.

The newly reorganized city commission, with Josh Jones as mayor, will work on capital improvements, street improvements, will be sharing “business services” with the Bourbon County Commission, and working on Land Bank possibilities, Hancock said.

Fort Scott’s Economic Development Director Rachel Pruitt said the city has “come a long way” and noted that Diane Striler recently purchased the old Rennett Studio on North Main street, additionally the recently completed Union Lofts apartments on Main Street have 10 of the 25 apartments rented. There are two barbers who plan to open businesses downtown, she said.

Carl Brenner,  Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management at Fort Scott National Historic Site, said the fort is doing maintenance projects on seven buildings currently. These are paid for by park user fees, he said.

Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the fort employees have been utilizing online capabilities more. In-person tours are still available and they are planning to have school student visitors at the fort in the near future.

Dacia Clark, Small Business Development Center representative, spoke about the partnership with Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center, which is located above the new Star Emporium Storefront at 17 S. Main. Her hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Clark can help new businesses get started and marketing plans for established ones. She can also help with Quickbooks for organizing data.

Beth Nuss spoke on behalf of the Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Park. She and a citizen committee have worked for several years on the greenspace repurposing. Recently Lowell Milken is providing funds to bring the new park to fruition, and “the goal is to have it done by the all-school reunion in (June 2021),” she said.

Madison said the downtown walking trail, a project of LEAD Bourbon County, is slated for completion by April 1, 2021. The project was funded by the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.

Madison said a sailor remains are being returned to Fort Scott for burial at the national cemetery on May 29. William Barnett was 21 when he died at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in World War II. She wondered if there were any living relatives who would be interested in the event. Cheney-Witt Funeral Chapel owner Jerry Witt who attended the meet and greet, said Barnett was his second cousin.

To learn more about Barnett, view:

https://www.kmbc.com/article/remains-of-fort-scott-kansas-sailor-identified-decades-after-pearl-harbor-attack/35131996#

 

 

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee/Ribbon Cutting Jan. 14 at Luther’s BBQ

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Weekly Chamber Coffee
Celebrating Luther’s BBQ One-year Anniversary with a Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, January 14th!
Attention Chamber Members!
Join us on January 14, 2021 for a
Chamber Coffee with a Ribbon Cutting
to celebrate the one-year anniversary
of Luther’s BBQ in Downtown Fort Scott!
The event starts at 8am, with announcements
& remarks at approximately 8:20am,
followed by a ribbon cutting.
3 W. Oak St. (corner of Oak & National Ave.)
(620) 644-9880
Come for light refreshments, door prizes,
and learn more about the hosting business.
A ribbon cutting was never held to celebrate their grand opening with the pandemic starting shortly after their opening, so we will celebrate their first anniversary!
Masks are strongly encouraged and masks will be available for those that need one.
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Luther’s BBQ!
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting ceremony this Thursday, January 14th at 8 a.m. to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Luther’s BBQ in the Downtown Historic District at 3 W. Oak St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.
Owners Dave Lipe and Luther Saulsberry established the restaurant in December 2019 offering dine-in, carry-out, and full-service catering. The business has adapted to the pandemic through curbside ordering, pickup, and enhanced outdoor dining. The River Room Event Center, in the same building upstairs from Luther’s BBQ, is able to accommodate events up to 600 in occupancy. Although the year 2020 hasn’t been the optimum first year for opening a business, they are looking forward to 2021 for the restaurant and event center and welcome private parties and corporate events.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
for more information at (620) 223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Government

FS City Special Meeting Jan. 14

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The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 14th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to consider financial transfers and to consider a Bourbon County contract.

This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.

Fort Scott, Schools

USD234 Press Release of Jan. 11 BOE Meeting

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USD 234 Board of Education Building, 424 S. Main

NEWS RELEASE

 

Monday, January 11, 2021

 

Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Monday, January 11, 2021, for their regular monthly meeting.

President David Stewart opened the meeting.  The board approved the official agenda.  The board also approved the consent agenda as follows:

 

A.    Minutes

B.    Bills and Claims

C.    Payroll – December 18, 2020 – $1,425,514.45

D.    Financial Report

E.     Activity Fund accounts

 

Board members heard reports from building principals and Dalaina Smith, Director of Academics.

In addition, Superintendent Hessong gave a KSDE update, discussed vaccine distribution, negotiations update, the USD 234 COVID-19 Attendance Dashboard update, and recognized school board members for their service for January School Board Recognition Month.

Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, presented a report on CARES funds, quarantine and COVID-19 leave, payroll and finance work, and upcoming negotiations.

Board members approved the following items:

 

·       Health insurance rates for 2021

·       A resolution to establish election of school board officers

·       A resolution to set board meeting dates for 2021

·       Board policy updates

 

Board members shared comments and then went into executive session to discuss personnel matters for nonelected personnel and returned to open meeting

The board approved the following employment matters:

 

A.    Early retirement request from Kyle Parks, high school vocational agriculture teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

B.    Early retirement request from Martha Clements, middle school history/geography teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

C.    Early retirement request from Patricia Giltner, middle school language arts/reading teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

D.    Early retirement request from Ronda Peterson, middle school math teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

E.     Early retirement request from Donna Davis, Winfield Scott special education teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

F.     Early retirement request from Leslie McDonald, Winfield Scott counselor, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

G.    Early retirement request from Lois Herman, Eugene Ware technology teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

H.    Retirement of Sondra Ruhl, Eugene Ware special education teacher, effective August 1, 2021

I.      Resignation of Mariela Rico, athletic trainer, effective January 24, 2021

J.      Leave of absence for Brooklyn Newell, Winfield Scott kindergarten teacher

K.    Adjustment of work schedule for Judy Warren, Eugene Ware paraprofessional, from five days per week to two days per week; employment of Laura Gulley as a Eugene Ware paraprofessional for three days per week

L.     Termination of Allison Nighswonger, high school paraprofessional, effective December 15, 2020

M.   Employment of Baylee Newman as a Eugene Ware paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

N.    Employment of Lucretia Olsen as a high school paraprofessional for the 2020-21 school year

O.    Employment of Aaron Shockley as a mentor teacher for the 2020-21 school year

P.     Employment of Mary Jo Harper as the high school musical music director; employment of Taylor Qualls as a high school second play assistant; removal of the high school after-school choir position; employment of Whitley Chesney for the high school vocal presentations position for the 2020-21 school year

Q.    Removal of the middle school after-school choral club position for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year

R.    Employment of Whitley Chesney for the middle school vocal presentations position for the 2020-21 school year

S.     Extension of Superintendent Hessong’s contract through the 2022-23 school year

T.     Retirement of RoAnn Blake, Eugene Ware third grade teacher, effective at the end of the 2020-21 school year

The board adjourned.

 

 

Business, Food, Fort Scott

Star Emporium Downtown General Store to Open Next Week

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The Star Emporium staff on duty January 12: front row from left: Ashlin Williams; Vickie Morgan, deli manager;  and Kylie Bruner, customer service/marketing manager. Back row: Ruth Cullen, deli employee; Travis Patrick, general manager and Faith Thomas.

The Star Emporium Downtown General Store, 17 S. Main,  a new grocery store offering specialty and private label products, will open on January 18 at 7:30 a.m., according to Bill Michaud with BAJA Investments.

Bill Michaud. Submitted photo.

 

Michaud is the owner of the business.

 

“One week is left before we introduce ourselves to the public,” Michaud said.  “We’re excited too, although it’s tough to tell because we’re all growing tired due to the long hours and many tasks that we see still between us and being ready to open.”

 

The hours of the store will be 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.   Monday through Saturday,  on  Sunday hours are from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

 

Shelves are being filled on January 12 in preparation for the Star Emporium opening on January 18.

 

“We are going to try to carry as many products as feasible to give shoppers as much variety as we can,” Michaud said.

 

 

“We are going to open with about 2/3 as many items as we expect to have down the road,” he said. “We will grow our offering in the next several months to meet the needs of our regular customers.”

 

The store will feature a salad bar and deli that utilizes many fresh local ingredients, he said.

 

“The salad bar and deli will also open on the 18th,” he said.  “The deli will offer build-your-own deli sandwiches with our unique selection of deli meats and cheeses and a variety of bread alternatives. The salad bar will have about 30 salad topping and ingredient options including signature house ranch and vinaigrette dressings.”

 

 

Currently, the store has 62 feet of freezer space, a basic selection of dairy and cheese items,  produce, along with both fresh and frozen meats,” Michaud said.

 

The coolers are being stocked at the Star Emporium in preparation for the opening January 18.

 

 

The store general manager is Travis Patrick. He said 10 employees are needed and eight have been hired currently.

 

Travis Patrick works at a temporary workspace on January 12 at the Star Emporium.

 

The phone number of the store is (620) 644-4414.  For more information see its’ Facebook page.

 

BAJA Investments was granted SPARK funds in the amount of $450,000 for the project. SPARK grants were a part of the monies given Kansas from the federal government to help with the on-going effects of COVID-19.

The Star Emporium’s new sign, created by Darren Crays of Designing Edge Graphics. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet Jan. 12

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Join us tomorrow for the Quarterly Downtown
Meet & Greet,
Tuesday, January 12th, 2021!
8:30 am to 9:30 am
hosted by the Chamber at
E3 Ranch Co Headquarters
“Banquet Room”
13 S. National Ave.
Enter in the front at the Retail store at E3 Ranch and through the double barn door to enter the Banquet Room
Downtown Historic Fort Scott
Rita Schroeder, Administrative Assistant
Lindsay Madison, President & CEO
620-223-3566
These informal, quarterly meetings are hosted by the Chamber for downtown business owners, representatives, and community members to network and share ideas on events, promotions, and anything related to downtown. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served.
Masks are strongly encouraged and
will be available for those without one.
Business, Fort Scott, Government

Peerless Expands In Fort Scott

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The parcel being annexed is just south of the Peerless facility, highlighted in purple.  Submitted photo.

Peerless Products, Inc. , 2403 S. Main,  is currently working on an expansion of its Fort Scott facility.

 

Fort Scott is not only the home office of Peerless Products, but where the company was founded in 1952, according to Allyson Turvey, Fort Scott Community Development Director.

 

“Our most recent employment numbers, which were updated in Dec. 2019,  show Peerless had a total of 410 employees in Fort Scott,” Turvey said. This makes Peerless the city’s largest employer.

 

“The impending expansion here in Fort Scott just goes to show their continued commitment to our community,” she said.

 

” We don’t have a lot of details at this time,”  Turvey said.  “Over the last couple of months, they have been working on rezoning and annexing… lots into city limits.”

 

The rezoning of the property was on the Fort Scott Commission agenda for Jan.5, 2020, and was approved. The business expansion required rezoning from commercial to industrial.

 

One parcel is to be annexed into the city limits, one is outside the city limits, according to the request for commission action presented at the commission meeting and provided by Turvey.

 

“(Fort Scott Economic Director)Rachel Pruitt has been working closely with Peerless on this project and has helped facilitate the rezoning and annexation of the property,” Turvey said. “This expansion has been on the horizon for several years, and she has helped every step of the way.”

 

The Bourbon County Commission approved the zoning  change on Dec. 8, 2020.