Category Archives: Fort Scott

Business, COVID-19, Fort Scott

COVID 19 Help Fort Scott Businesses Starts June 14, With Eligibility Requirements

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A grant application to help Fort Scott businesses suffering from the results of the shut down for the  COVID 19  Pandemic opens tomorrow , June 24 at 8 AM, according to Allyson Turvey, Tourism and Community Development Manager for the City of Fort Scott.

The City of Fort Scott will begin accepting applications for the Community Development Block Grant – CV (CDBG-CV) grant program.

Details will be made available at http://fscity.org/353/CDBG-CV

Who Is Eligible

  • Businesses located within the City limits
  • The business must have no more than 50 employees and can be as small as one employee
  • Sole proprietors/self-employed with a valid Tax ID/EIN
  • No less than 51% of the jobs impacted must meet Low to Moderate Income Levels
  • Grants are for COVID 19 related hardship only

Who is not eligible?

  • Farmers/Ranchers
  • New Businesses or Services (Opened after March 1, 2020)
  • Businesses with any local, state, or federal tax liability
  • Sales Consultants (i.e. Mary Kay Sales Consultant, Tupperware Sales Consultant, etc.)
  • Government, government employee households
  • Non-profits

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted by the City of Fort Scott.

 

The City of Fort Scott was recently awarded $132,000 in CDBG-CV funding which will be granted to local businesses facing financial hardships due to COVID-19. Qualifying businesses may receive a maximum of $10,000 in grant funding, award allocation will be based on the number of jobs retained.

Businesses located within city limits, and with fewer than 50 employees, and as small as one employee may be eligible to apply. Awards will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. An application will only be considered once it is fully completed with all requested documentation required to support the requested funding.

As sole proprietors and self-employed individuals did not qualify for the previous round of CDBG Emergency Funding, they will be given priority for this program. These individuals must submit their completed application before July 23rd, 2020 to receive precedence in application processing. Other businesses may still submit applications during this time frame, these applications will be held until July 24th before processing. All completed applications will be time-stamped and logged upon receipt to ensure they are processed in order of submission.

Grants may be considered for working capital expenses for 60 days.

Funds can only be used for qualified expenses incurred after March 1, 2020.

There may be no duplication of benefits. For instance, if a business has already received funds from the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), they may still qualify. However, funds cannot be used for the same need as was utilized under the PPP program.

City employees will review applications and make recommendations to the City Commission. The City Commission will approve/decline/adjust requests at a regularly scheduled public meeting.

Application forms and additional eligibility requirements may be found online at http://fscity.org/353/CDBG-CV. Hard copy applications, along with program parameters will also be available at City Hall, 123 S. Main St.

Questions regarding the application process, and eligibility guidelines should be directed to Allyson Turvey, via email at [email protected], or by phone at (620) 223-0550.

 

Church news, Fort Scott

Family Life Center Moving Forward At Southern Baptist Church

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The new Family Life Center at First Southern Baptist Church has a  completed shell.

The new multi-purpose room addition of the First Southern Baptist Church of Fort Scott has the shell completed.

The 125 member church is located at 1818 S. Main (Hwy. 69).

The 95-foot by 75-foot Family Life Center will have an occupancy of 299 people when fully usable.

“We went big after looking at nearby churches,” Vera Norris, a church member said.

The large building is a multi-purpose room and classrooms and restrooms will be added as funds come in.

In addition to a multi-purpose room, the building will house classrooms and restrooms.

“It will be for community events such as a possible homeschool group, seminars,” Brian Williams, a church board member said. “Our AWANA kids will be able to play games in here and we’ll have youth activities.”

“Awana is a world-wide nonprofit ministry focused on providing Bible-based evangelism and discipleship solutions for ages 2-18, according to its’ websitehttps://www.awana.org/about/  Awana gives children the opportunity to know, love and serve Jesus, no matter their background.”

 

“The building is a work in progress,” Pastor James Collins said.

“We are working on fundraising so we can compete our classrooms and restrooms (that will be housed in the building), Williams said.

Arck Construction, Pittsburg began construction in May 2019, the steel beams were erected and the outside shell was completed by September 2019, Williams said.

“The air conditioning and heating are working now,” Williams said.  “We recently held a church rummage sale in the facility.”

The old church kitchen is being reconfigured and will serve the Family LIfe Center activities.

 

 

The old kitchen is being reconfigured.
Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Golf Classic Registration

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JOIN US FOR THE 26TH ANNUAL
CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC
We are currently accepting
sponsors and teams!
Please see information below
for more details!
Click here for printed form.
Click here to register online.
Or, feel free to give us a call or drop by the Chamber to register a team or sponsorship!
620-223-3566
Always a great day of
business promotion, networking & fun!
Special thanks to 2020 Tournament Chair & Board Member:
David Ben Lipe – Sharky’s Pub & Grub, Luther’s BBQ
2020 Chamber Board Chairman:
Bill Michaud – Sleep Inn & Suites, Empress Event Center
Business, Fort Scott

Mo’s Swap Meet Starts June 27

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THE CHAMBER WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE NEW MEMBER
Mo’s Swap Meet
Monalynn Decker
Meet Monalynn Decker!
New to Fort Scott ~ and, starting a new venture!
Mo’s Swap Meet will take place each Saturday,
June 27th thru September 19th
7am-4pm
223 S. Margrave St. in the parking lot of The Venue
NOW ACCEPTING VENDORS!
See application below.
Completed forms may be returned to the Chamber or emailed to Monalynn at [email protected].
Call her with any questions @ 417-689-9289.
Click here to like the Mo’s Swap Meet Facebook page!
Featuring liquidation sale items baby goods to adult, home goods, outdoor items, and TONS of miscellaneous!
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Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening In Fort Scott by the Chamber of Commerce

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What’s Happening
June 19, 2020
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS – JUNE 2020
EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
MOST RESTAURANTS ARE NOW OPEN FOR
DINE-IN AND OFFERING CURB-SIDE & DELIVERY!
19-20- Care to Share Fundraiser Garage Sale. 1123 Burke St.
19-20 Fort Scott Cinema showing: The Goonies, The Notebook & Jurassic Park!
19- Friday Night Concert @ 7 pm @ Common Grounds Coffee Shop featuring Rick Hite.
19 – The Boiler Room Brewhaus – Karaoke Night
20 – Fort Scott Cinema – DARK KNIGHT MARATHON – Rated PG-13 (SATURDAY ONLY)
Batman Begins 2:20 pm
The Dark Knight 5:10 pm
The Dark Knight Rises 8:10 pm
~ $5 per Movie, Papa Don’s Pizza by the slice sold between shows with 30-minute intermissions. You may attend all or one.
20 – Fort Scott Farmers’ Market on Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort, 8am to noon.
20 – The Lavender Patch Farm Festival ~ 9 am -1pm. Blooming lavender, U-Pick, gift shop, demonstrations, music!
20 – Main Street Gallery & Gifts – 1st Annual Junk & Disorderly. 30+ door prizes & 30+ vendors.
~ Six-Two-Oh! ~ Red Hanger Resale
21 – Boiler Room Brewhaus brings back Trivia night for teams of 2 to 6 people, $5 entry per team, 5-7pm
SAVE THE DATE!
22 ~ The Fort Scott Aquatic Center opening day! Summer fun of swimming!
26 & 27 – KOMB 103.9 – Home, Sport, Farm & Garden Show! 26th 5-8 pm & 27th 8 am -1 pm
27 ~ The Lavender Patch Farm~ Day & Evening Lavender Time.
27 ~ Mo’s Swap Meet– 1st opening day! Every Saturday from 7 am – 4 pm (3rd & Margrave St)
“JULY 24TH – Chamber Golf Classic” – Taking registrations now, limited teams of 4.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Care to Share fundraiser
Friday Night Concert
The Lavender Patch
Main Street Gallery & Gifts
The Boiler Room Brewhaus
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.
THANK YOU TO OUR BOOSTER MEMBERS!
Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Dates Available

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Would you like to schedule a Chamber for your Business?
The Chamber has the tools to help you host your Business Chamber coffee be a successful one!
Available Dates!
All Chamber Coffee’s are usually are at 8 am until 8:45 every Thursday.
July 2nd
July 30th
August 6th
August 20th
August 27th
September 17th
September 24th
October 15th
October 29th
November 19th
December 10th
Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott

First Annual Junk and Disorderly Event This Saturday

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Some merchandise at the Main Street Gallery and Flea Market. Submitted photos.

This Saturday, June 20  beginning at  9 a.m. Main Street Gallery and Flea Market is hosting what they are calling the 1st Annual Junk and Disorderly event.

 

“We are starting a tradition of having an open house for the flea market every year because we want the vendors to know that they are a big part of the store,” Rechelle McClellan, one of the owners, said. ” We want them to know we appreciate them for trusting us to sell their wares. It is a celebration for them.”

 

Items for sale at Main Street Gallery and Flea Market. Submitted photos.

In addition, Rechelle with her husband, Josh, and mother-in-law Julie, want to showcase what the shop has to offer.

 

“We also want the public to know that we are a one-stop-shop,” Rechelle said. “If there is something you are looking for, chances are we have it at Main Street Gallery & Flea Market between new and vintage items.”

 

Items for sale at Main Street Gallery and Flea Market. Submitted photo.

 

Vendors, family and friends will be helping with the event, Rechelle said.

 

There will be complimentary coffee, juice and a Mimosa-an adult beverage made of orange juice and champagne.

 

 

There will also be door prizes.

 

Items for sale at Main Street Gallery and Flea Market. Submitted photos.

 

The business is located at 23 South Main in downtown historic Fort Scott.

Contact Rechelle McClellan at the store’s number (620)223-2210 for more information.

 

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Government

FS Swimming Pool Opens June 22

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The Fort Scott Aquatic Center will open at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22nd, 2020.

Due to COVID-19 and extra precautions put into place, there will be NO pool passes sold in 2020.

There will also be NO locker rental.

Credit card purchases will NOT be allowed.

Gift card purchases will NOT be allowed.

Daily passes and concessions will be sold on a cash basis ONLY.

There will be NO flotation devices allowed.

There will not be any deck chairs set out.

Patrons of the pool may bring their own deck chairs for their use and take with them when they leave.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please call City Hall at 223-0550 if you have questions.

Food, Fort Scott

A Free Pantry Opens In a Fort Scott Neighborhood

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The Warner’s  Little Free  Pantry at 4th and Holbrook Street.
A couple of Fort Scottians saw a need in their neighborhood and decided to help meet it.
Chase Warner and Whitney Wratchford purchased their house last summer and immediately saw the need within their neighborhood for some food assistance.
“Chase and I have had this on our hearts since we first became homeowners in our community,” she said. ” We noticed immediately that our own neighborhood was in need of a little help. We were seeing children daily that would make comments like ‘Can I have a banana? I had Ramen Noodles for breakfast.’ And ‘My mom doesn’t have money to buy us dinner.’ We know that this problem isn’t just in our neighborhood but all throughout our community and when the Covid-19 pandemic really hit hard and people started to lose jobs we set out to put the pantry up as soon as the stay-at-home order lifted! Chase and I just really wanted to help and the best way was to provide food that any individual could choose from on their own time and when they feel comfortable.”
Warner’s Little Free Pantry is located at 4th and Holbrook Street.
“We ourselves are a working-class family and have at times in our lives struggled to provide as well and knowing the heartache that those parents and children are feeling just put our plan in motion,” she said. “I have since seen our pantry helping lots of people and lots of people helping fill the box! That is exactly how the pantry should work!”
They opened Warner’s Little Free Pantry on June 6, 2020.
It is a box on a stand that contains numerous items for the taking: food, hygiene items and other shelf-stable items that can stand Kansas temperatures housed in a box.
“Take what you need,” Wratchford said. ” Leave what you can. Above all be blessed! We ourselves donate whenever possible and just hope that others will decide to donate as well. The pantry is open for donations for nonperishable food items and various toiletries and household items. If anyone has any questions or concerns they can reach us via email, phone or on our Facebook page Warner’s Little Free Pantry.”
The inside of the Warner’s Little Free Pantry on Wednesday afternoon.
Wratchford stumbled across a grassroots movement and decided this would help fill that need.
The Little Free Pantry is a grassroots, locally sourced solution to local need, Wratchford said.  “Whether a need for food or a need to give, our mini pantry helps neighbors feed neighbors, nourishing neighborhoods. It is meant to meet immediate needs for families or individuals who are struggling to make ends meet. “
“Jessica McClard launched the movement in May 2016 in Fayetteville, AR,” Wratchford said. “Since that time there have been many families like ours, building and opening little pantries of their own…. We used wood we purchased for our fence and Chase and his dear friend Lincoln Brubaker built the box in a day! “
“The box sits on 4th Street between Holbrook and Eddy facing north., she said. “If you need to use GPS to find us you can program 314 W. 4th St. You can’t miss it!”
Business, Fort Scott

Alternative Payment Arrangements Now Available for Kansas Gas Service Customers

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Customers Encouraged to Call About Options Available to Them

Overland Park, KS – Kansas Gas Service is encouraging customers who have experienced financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic to contact the company to take advantage of a variety of payment options and alternative payment plans.

“We understand this is a stressful time for everyone,” said Abbey Frye, Kansas Gas Service director of customer service. “It’s important to us that our customers know there are several options to avoid disconnection that can be helpful for anyone having trouble paying their natural gas bill.”

Customers can visit a dedicated web page at www.kansasgasservice.com/cares for information on energy assistance programs and other financial resources. Customers can also call 800-794-4780 to speak to customer service representatives about payment options, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Frye also reminds customers that by paying what they can now will help to avoid building up a balance that will be hard to pay off later.

“We take our commitment to deliver safe and reliable natural gas service to the homes and businesses we serve very seriously,” said Frye. “What we’re asking now is for customers to contact us so that we can do everything we can to help.”

About Kansas Gas Service
Kansas Gas Service delivers safe, clean and reliable natural gas service to more than 638,000 customers in 360 communities in Kansas. We are the largest natural gas distributor in the state, in terms of customers.
We are a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a stand-alone, 100 percent regulated, publicly traded natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index, and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States.
For more information, visit the websites at kansasgasservice.com or onegas.com.
For the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, follow us on Twitter @KansasGas or Facebook at Facebook.com/KansasGasService.

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Friday Free Concert This Friday, June 19

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Friday Free Concerts resume this Friday at 7 p.m. at Common Grounds Coffee Shop, 10 E. Wall. This is a new venue, as prior Friday Free Concerts have been at Heritage Park.

“This Friday is first night of the summer concert series, sponsored by the Fort Scott Chamber Of Commerce,” said organizer Ralph Carlson.  “The featured entertainment will be Rick Hite on vocal and guitar. Rick has been a regular contributor to our Friday night series. The concert will be held at the New Common Grounds Coffee Shop at 7pm Friday night.”