Jan and Dick Hedges opened Hedgehog INK! on October 31, 2018, because they wanted to support the community, encourage others to invest in downtown Fort Scott and provide a market for local vendors and authors.
“I’ve decided I have one more ‘moving on’ left in me”, Jan Hedges said. “I knew this day would come but had hoped not yet. I knew I would know when it was time and the time is now.”
She will be actively pursuing selling Hedgehog.INK! in the next few months.
“Please know that we will stay open with our regular hours until that transition takes place,” she said. “We will definitely give you advance notice.”
Dick died in the spring of 2022, but Jan said “He would be so impressed to see the difference (in the downtown) and knowing we had a part in it happening.”
“Since before we opened the store, there has always been construction going on in this block, ” Jan said. “Always a dumpster, product being unloaded, extra dirt and noise. The beautiful sounds of progress. Soon every building in this block will be filled with a viable business.”
The Store’s Staff
The bookstore staff “is amazing…(and) has helped me through some difficult times,” she said. “I could not do it without them.”
Employee Sheryl Bloomfield has been with her from the very beginning, she said “She is our window decorator among her many other jobs.”
Lynn Pallaske began working at the bookstore in 2020. “She handles the social media, and book displays, is super organized, and can help you find the perfect book.”
” Rylan Mason joined us during her sophomore year in high school, as a volunteer,” Jan said.” She became an employee when she turned 16, she is now a freshman at Pittsburg State (University).”
About the Store
Hedgehog.INK! started basically in one storefront at 16 S. Main with almost 10,000 books.
“We have expanded into a children’s room, the great room, and the reading loft with nearly 30,000 books.”
“We also carry a variety of bookstore-type items: bookmarks, bookends, journals, and art supplies. We host 11 vendors and 32 local authors, both sold on consignment,” she said.
The bookstore’s events include storytimes, author talks, Wednesday Writer’s group, and an annual writing seminar. The great room is available for rent for the evening and Sunday afternoon groups.
‘My hope is that someone will step up and take Dick’s and my dream to the next level,” she said. “It has turned into an active business and is one I know can continue to grow.”
Jan Hedges wants to give a special thank you to Dacia Clark and the staff at SEK Economic Development.
“They have walked me through the steps of opening and running a business, including this last step,” she said “And to Jared Leek, my landlord and Ed Lundberg, who I’m sure rolls his eyes when he sees my number on his phone.”
Hedges said she has had many jobs through the years.
“In college, I worked in the circulation department at then Farrell Library at Kansas State University,” she said. “I learned a lot about books and book systems. I spent 40 years in education, working as a teacher, building administrator, and district-level administrator.”
She also owned and operated a preschool for two years, worked for an educational technology company for one and a half years, and spent several years as a coach through the Kansas Educational Leadership Institute.
“Of all my jobs over the years, owning and operating this bookstore has been my greatest love,” she said. “I always say, we are a store full of books, but the best stories are the ones who walk in our doors. Fort Scott and Hedgehog.INK! has made my story so much richer.”
“The bookstore has provided an amazing way to meet people and to hear their stories,” she said. “We have out-of-town customers who have become regulars anytime they are in the area. Locals bring their visiting families over holidays and special occasions. It is so rewarding when a young child enters the store and heads straight to the kid’s room. Being a gently used bookstore, the books are affordable and just a little bit already loved.”
Her retirement plans?
“To finally, really retire,” she said. “I’ve retired three times already. I will stay in Fort Scot for the short term, but will be moving closer to family.”
Hedges wants to thank the community for making Hedgehog INK! the business they became in five short years.
“And if you know anyone who might want to own an awesome bookstore, send them my way,” she said.
