Tag Archives: featured

Fort Scott, Housing

GNAT Ready To Help Their Community Maintain Properties

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A before shot of a sidewalk that had bushes crowding in. From the group’s Facebook page.
After GNAT work. From the group’s Facebook page.

The Good Neighbor Action Team (GNAT) helps the Fort Scott community in hands-on projects and is gearing up for this year’s projects.

They are planning for 2026, and are asking the community to let them know of potential projects.

They cannot do roofs, but can clear yard debris and help with light carpentry needs, with curb appeal as the goal.

If you have a larger project, they can assist with grant applications. Please send requests or ideas to Craig Campbell at 620.224.0167.

“We help people where they are overwhelmed, financially or physically,” said Campbell, a member of GNAT. “Our main mission focuses on helping people who are having trouble maintaining their properties. We do things like you would help a neighbor with.”

Craig Campbell coordinates projects on the Good Neighbor Action Team.

“We focus on the elderly and financially distressed, like single parents or veterans, or those with a physical disability, to do the work themselves,” he said.

“We do it whether someone has the ability to pay or not,” he said.

“We bring the people and the materials to get the job done.”

The group receives grants and donations to help with the materials, and recently received a Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant. “We have a person who helps with the grants, Jara Martin.”

“We have been successful in getting grants to help with roofs and heating/cooling. We coordinate house painting,” he said.

The GNAT examines the project for need and scopes it to determine how many volunteers are needed.

Then the team asks for volunteers to help with the projects through local organizations and churches.

Last year, the Fort Scott Community College softball women helped paint a house and got the job done in one afternoon, he said.

In recent years they have been building many wheelchair ramps.

“We were building a wheelchair ramp about once a week, but that has gotten slower,” he said.

“As soon as the weather is better, we will paint some houses. We do yard clean-up, life after a storm. Winter can knock branches down.”

Current GNAT members are Ed Allen, Campbell, Bailey Lyons, Lindsay Madison, Martin, Jake Province, C.J. Robison, Gayle Teter, and Don Tucker.

 

Art, Business, Fort Scott

Faithful Together: Written By Local Author Tanya Glessner

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Tanya Glessner. Submitted photo.

Local author, Tanya Glessner, Fort Scott, continues mentoring people who are incarcerated and those in recovery from addiction.

“It remains the work I’m most passionate about,” she said. “I truly believe God is taking every part of my past—along with all the healing He’s brought into my life—and using it to help pull others out of the darkness they’re facing. That said, everyone has to do their own part; real change requires our active effort.”

In addition to mentoring, she is an author of several books.

Her latest book is “Faithful Together.”

Submitted graphic.

“My motivation for writing this book comes straight from my own life—the real, messy, beautiful experiences I’ve walked through,” she said. ” It started with everything I learned from my past marriage: the highs, the lows, the mistakes, and the hard lessons that shaped me. Then I watched and listened to so many other people’s marriages—the joys they shared, the struggles they faced, and the wisdom they gained along the way.”

“But the heart of this book is really about what I’ve seen and lived in my marriage now. We’ve taken everything we’ve learned from our past relationships and poured it into building something stronger together. Our children, our stepchildren, our grandchildren, this whole blended family we’ve been blessed with—they’ve all been part of the journey. We’ve grown through the challenges, the blending, the laughter, and even the tears.”

“Most importantly, though, what has made the biggest difference is having Jesus Christ right in the center of our lives,” she said. “Instead of focusing on ourselves or even on each other first, we’ve learned to put Him first. When we do that, everything else starts to fall into place—our love, our communication, our forgiveness, our hope. That’s the truth I want to share through this book: real transformation is possible when Christ is the foundation, and when we stop making ‘me’ or ‘us’ the priority and make Him the priority instead.”

Faithful Together” is in print form, with an ebook version coming soon, and can be purchased on Amazon.com.

About the Author

She and her husband  “love spending time with our grandbabies, and our home is always open to our kids and grandkids. We enjoy sharing our whole story with others—the victories, the struggles, and yes, even the hiccups along the way. We’re convinced there’s no shame in talking openly about past mistakes once God has made us overcomers. Speaking those things out loud can help someone else avoid the same pitfalls.”

“We’re still a work in progress, still learning and growing every day. Above all, we hold fast to the truth that a family that prays together stays together.”

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

New Preschool Facility Is Expected by December 2026

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Exterior work at 904 S. Horton. Submitted photo.

USD234 Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield provided an update  on the district’s new preschool facility at 904 Horton, which has been an ongoing project for several years.

This former medical clinic is being transformed into a modern preschool.

Background on the Project
“The district purchased the building during the 2023–24 school year with the long-term goal of creating a dedicated early childhood and preschool facility,” Mayfield said in a press release. “Following the purchase, the project timeline extended longer than originally anticipated for several reasons: the previous owner/tenant remained in the building through Fall 2024, which delayed demolition and construction activities. Once the building was fully vacated, the district completed demolition of the first floor to open the space for preschool use.”

Additionally, as the project moved forward, the scope was revised due to budget constraints, updating designs with engineers and architects, addressing structural needs (excavation, foundation waterproofing,  and drainage improvements), he said

“While these steps added time, they are important to ensure the building is safe, functional, and durable for long-term use as a school facility,” he said.

About the Program

“The Fort Scott USD 234 preschool program provides early childhood education for young learners, with a strong focus on school readiness, social-emotional development, and foundational academic skills,” said Mayfield. “The program also serves as the district’s early childhood special education site, supporting students with identified disabilities as well as children considered at risk.”

The current preschool center is located at 409 S. Judson. Services for the district’s preschool program are located at this site and also Winfield Scott Elementary School.

“Bringing these services together in one purpose-built facility will improve coordination, accessibility, and overall support for students and families,” he said.

Exterior work on 904 S. Horton by the Fort Scott School District in preparation for use as a preschool. Submitted photo.
Exterior work. Submitted photo.
Interior work at 904 S. Horton. Submitted photo.

Current Status and Timeline
“Excavation and waterproofing work is currently underway, with interior shoring in the final stages of approval. Once approved, shoring installation is expected to begin in mid-January and be completed within a couple of weeks. Architectural plan development is ongoing, with a revised timeline targeting final plan approval and submission to the construction manager, Crossland Construction, by June. Bidding and Board approval of pricing are anticipated in July, followed by a late July construction start. Project completion and turnover to the district are projected for late November to early December 2026.”

“In addition, playground equipment for the site has already been manufactured and is ready for delivery. Installation is planned for late January or early February, with an on-site coordination meeting scheduled to finalize logistics and align the work with ongoing site activities.”

Current Enrollment and Capacity
“The preschool program currently serves approximately 120 students. Enrollment typically grows throughout the school year as children age into the program. At present, the district operates two preschool classrooms in the existing preschool building and utilizes two additional classrooms at Winfield Scott Elementary to accommodate enrollment.”

“The new facility will initially include four dedicated preschool classrooms, allowing the district to fully serve current enrollment in one centralized location. The building has also been designed with future expansion in mind, including the potential to add an additional classroom as enrollment needs grow.”

 

Terry Mayfield. Submitted photo.

—

Terry Mayfield, Assistant Superintendent
Fort Scott USD 234 can be reached at
620-223-0800 or
Church news, Clothing, Fort Scott

Saw A Need: Trying to Meet That Need

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First Baptist Church, Fort Scott. 123 Scott Avenue. Submitted photo.
The congregation of Fort Scott’s First Baptist Church noticed a need for a coat drive following the recent holidays.
“We have high hopes of making sure everyone in Fort Scott who needs a coat has a coat,” said Christy Graves, church secretary.

 

“When we began, it was for sharing in the church, then by word of mouth, other people heard, ” said church assistant Glenda Lalman.
Fort Scott’s First Baptist Church Pastor Norman Tillotson shows the coats the church has accumulated to give away to those who need them. Submitted photo.
The coats are all sizes, mostly adult size, currently.
Submitted graphic.
Coats can be tried on during the times between noon and 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Lalman said.
People are asked to come in on the west side of the church at 123 Scott Avenue.
The church’s phone number is 620.223.3080.
Other outreaches of the congregation:
* a food pantry and hygiene pantry in front of the church which are filled six days a week.
*a care home service on the 4th Sunday of each month
* a collection center for Operation Christmas Child
Sunday services are 10 a.m. Sunday School, 11 a.m. Morning Service, with youth group, young adult group and adult Bible Study at 5 p.m.
Wednesdays at 6 p.m. is a men’s Bible study and women’s prayer group.
Saturdays, there is a women’s Bible study at Common Ground Coffee Shop, 12 E. Wall,  at 9:30 a.m.

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

New Additions at the Fort Scott Public Library

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Fort Scott Public Library, 2nd Street at National Avenue.

Late last year, the Fort Scott Public Library received notification it would receive a $10,000 gift in celebration of our country marking the 250th year since the Declaration of Independence was signed.

“The Carnegie grant is for the celebration of the U.S. 250th anniversary,” said the library director, Jennifer Gum-Fowler. “Out of the 1,280 Carnegie Libraries left operating, we are part of those 750 that are still in our original buildings. Which we are very proud of. We have not yet received the grant, but it is to arrive within the next couple of months. As of now, we are considering several areas for the grant funds, but haven’t settled on anything yet.”
Sensory Area

Currently, new additions from an American Library Association $20,000 grant last year are in the works for children of all ages.

“We have the new Shushbooth in and I have received the correct furniture, but am still waiting on just one piece for it to be complete,” she said. “The Shushbooth is a sound-deadening room where children can decompress with less stress. It is also where they can do therapy. When not in use for that purpose, the booth can be used by community members for study, job interviews, and telehealth. It is upstairs, next to the east window, so they can see the reading mural across the way and it is in the new study area. I have one more piece of furniture for the booth, and that will be done.It is available for patrons for limited use at this time.”

The Shushbooth at the Fort Scott Public Library.

 

 

The staff is creating a new children’s area, teen area and maker space for the library.

Fort Scott Public Library Awarded $20,000 For Children’s Section

“The Shushbooth is part of the ALA grant,” she said. ” It was $20,000 for the library to support a project serving children in the community with sensory issues. The Shushbooth and the sensory toys the library is ordering are tied to that grant. The toys are also slowly arriving.”
“Most of the furniture for the rest of the makeover spaces is in the building, just not in the locations where it will be once everything is finalized. I try to buy American-made as much as possible, so things trickle in as they get finished.
“The goal was to make the library a more welcoming space for children with sensory issues and to provide privacy when needed in a small building. This grant does that for children and their families, with the added benefit that others in the community benefit as well.”
“Once the makeover is complete, I will be on the lookout for more grants like that one so the library can contribute more to the community. My goal is to make the library a proactive part of Fort Scott and a place the community comes to hang out, learn, and grow.”
Jennifer Gum-Fowler is the Library Director and also does Adult Services.
Jennifer Gum-Fowler. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott Public Library
201 S National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
620-223-2882
Business, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Hand-Scooped Ice Cream With A Mission

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Nichole Regan stands behind the counter at Lu’s Ice Cream shop at 6th and Main Street.
Nichole Regan is a special education teacher for USD 234, Fort Scott.  As a teacher, she is concerned about what happens to her students after they leave school.
“As a special education teacher, for years it has bothered me that when our kids age out of the school system and leave us, there are very few opportunities in our area for them to work,” she said. “Meaningful work provides people with social connection, purpose, and dignity. It is a positive part of all of our lives.”
“I was always hoping that more opportunities would be created in our community.”
“About a year and a half ago, I went to a conference that discussed post-secondary transition planning for students with special needs.”
One presenter was a previous Kansas City Special Education teacher who opened “The Golden Scoop”, an ice cream and coffee shop, which employs individuals with special needs.
“I thought it was awesome,” she said.” I started thinking about doing something like that in Fort Scott.”
Regan heard that Al and Luanna Niece were opening an ice cream parlor in Fort Scott. The Nieces are Texans who have a business in the Fort Scott Industrial Park. They noticed the dilapidated building at 6th and Main St. and have been working for two years to bring it back. They have a vacation rental and apartment for themselves on the second floor, and the ice cream shop was developed on the first floor of the building.
Lu Niece stands at the entrance to her new business, Lu’s Ice Cream Shop at 6th and Main in Fort Scott. Nichole Regan is the manager of the ice cream shop. The entrance to the shop is on the 6th Street side of the building.
To view that recent story:
“A friend of mine put me in contact with them, and I pitched them the idea. If you know Al and Luanna, they are wonderful people who continue to invest in the city and especially the people of Fort Scott. They loved the idea, and it took off from there!”
The first weekend of December, during the Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks Festival, the ice cream shop opened for business, with Regan as the manager.
“We have started right away with employing some kids from the high school, as well as a few adults,” she said. “We will have a mix of employees, as I feel that everyone has something to offer and we can all learn from each other! “
Regan hired an assistant who has experience working in both special education and the restaurant industry.
“We also have a couple of shift leaders who I know on a personal level and trust to be the kind and patient leaders needed in this position.”
  “My plan is to add as many employees with unique abilities as possible. They have assigned duties based on their current strengths and tasks they are comfortable with. As we grow, we will continue to train and ease into new job duties. It has been amazing so far! Everyone is doing such a great job, and they love the experience!”

“We currently have eight employees and two individuals completing a job tryout period through Vocational Rehabilitation,” she said. “Five adults and five high schoolers. We have all of the employees we need at this time, but will be looking to add a couple more this spring. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.”

She will be teaching employment skills while they earn money at the shop

“That is definitely one of the goals. For most of our employees, this is their first consistent job. They are learning a lot about responsibility, expectations, customer service, and working alongside other people. With all of our employees, as they learn more and become more familiar, they will be given more responsibilities.”

Lu’s Ice Cream Shop has vintage type furniture and one true vintage Coke machine. A customer on their birthday can get one free bottle of Coke.
Lu’s Ice Cream Shop is one of several businesses at 523 S. Main..

The address is 523 S. Main, but the entrance for the ice cream shop is on 6th Street-the phone number is 620-418-4288.

Current Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Friday 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Sunday 2:00-7:00 p.m.

“We plan to stay open later this spring once ball season begins” she said. “After the school year is over, and I move to a full-time position at Lu’s, we will be open during the day and will offer some light lunch options in addition to our ice cream! At this time we plan to offer paninis and salads as well as soups next fall and winter.”

Art, Bourbon County, Entertainment

Join Bourbon County Community Theatre And Have Fun at the 3rd Annual Adult Prom

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A scene from Holy Mother of Bingo, a murder mystery from Bourbon County Community Theatre’s Facebook page.

Do you have an interest in portraying characters and using vocal expression in imaginary circumstances with others…also known as acting?

Consider the Bourbon County Community Theatre as an outlet.

“BCCT membership is open to anyone who is interested,” Angie Bin, publicity chairman for the group, said. “Anyone 18 and over can become a member by completing the form at https://forms.gle/HkrjceuxqoP1biQk7 and paying a $5 yearly fee. The entire general membership assembly meets in May of each year, and any other time a general assembly is called by the president. The board meets once a month.”

“The board plans all of the upcoming productions, events, and fundraisers; reports on all income and payments for the month; and analyzes past events,” she said.

There is an upcoming fundraiser on February 21: Adult Prom.

Melodrama auditions are April 27 and 28, and performances  are June 5 and 6, a community musical with auditions in June and a performance in August, and the Voices from the Grave Tour on Oct. 24.

On October 24, the group will lead the Voice from the Grave Tour.

Bourbon County Community Theatre in Fort Scott hosts Mardi Gras Masquerade, an Adult Prom, as a fundraiser for future events and performances.

About Adult Prom

BCCT formed in 2023 and is holding its third annual prom for adults (age 18 and over), a night of fun, dancing, and community support, according to a press release.

This formal dance is from 8 p.m. to midnight on Feb. 21, 2026 on the upper floor of Sharky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National in Fort Scott. In addition to dancing to a live DJ, there will be non-alcoholic drinks and snacks included in the ticket price, as well as alcoholic beverages and meals available for purchase from the bar.

They hope to add to the fun (and success) of the night with some lighthearted music dueling. Attendees can pay $1.00 to request and/or dedicate a song, $5.00 to request a song NOT be played for an hour, or $10.00 for a song to be banned for the night.

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at bcct.ludus.com or at the door on Feb. 21. Tickets are $40 per couple or $25 for a single ticket. Participants are encouraged to dress in their best formal or masquerade attire.

BCCT is accepting members. If you’d like to be a part of bringing community theatre back to Bourbon County, visit the Bourbon County Community Theatre Facebook page and complete the form to become a new member.

Currently, the group is made up of:
President: Matthew Wells
Vice President: Mark Bergmann
Secretary: Abby Starkey
Treasurer: Danette Popp
Publicity: Angie Bin
Production Coordinator: Katie Wells
At-large members: Eric Popp, Ben Self, Regen Wells

 

A scene from the Bourbon County Community Theatre’s “Holy Mother of Bingo” from its Facebook page.
Business, Fort Scott

The Davis’s Develop Historic Downtown Building Into Two Businesses

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20 North Main Street, Fort Scott, KS. One can see the reflection of the Fort Scott National Historic Site in the storefront glass reflection on the ground level. The upper level is a vacation rental in a historic downtown district apartment.

Another Historic Downtown Fort Scott building has been renovated, adding to the revitalization that has been moving forward in the area.

Don and  Sandra Davis purchased the building at 20 North Main Street in 2021 and began renovation.

“Located in the heart of Fort Scott’s downtown district, the building is within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and community attractions. The goal of the renovation was to preserve the building’s history while creating functional space that contributes to ongoing downtown revitalization,” said Julia Shore, office manager of Davis Accounting, another business the Davis’s own and she also is the Airbnb host.

 

Sandra and Donald Davis in front of their business at 1519 S. National Ave. in 2024.

“The building was long known in downtown Fort Scott as the home of J & W Sport Shop, a family-owned sporting goods retailer that first opened at this location in 1978, after beginning business elsewhere in the community,” said Shore. “The shop served generations of local customers before relocating, making the historic storefront a familiar presence in the heart of Main Street’s commercial district.”

 

There are two businesses in the newly renovated building.

 

“The fully renovated ground-floor storefront is available for leasing in 2026,” she said. “The first floor is reserved for commercial use, providing space for a retail or business operation.”

 

“The upper level has also undergone a complete transformation and now features a three-bedroom, two-bath apartment designed for short-term rental use through Airbnb,” she said. “The upstairs Airbnb is fully operational and is now accepting reservations.”

 

The upstairs is available for booking through Airbnb.

https://www.vrbo.com/5009286?

 

To lease the first-floor property, call 620-223-9777.

 

 

 

 

Business, Government, Kansas, Sports

New Domed Chiefs Stadium and Training Facility Coming to Kansas

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Gov. Kelly and Kansas City Chiefs
Announce Agreement On Plans for
State-of-the-Art Domed Stadium in Kansas

Gov. Kelly: “This is a game-changer for Kansas”

New stadium and mixed-use entertainment project is expected to create 20,000 jobs and generate more than $4 billion in economic impact for state

TOPEKA – Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas City Chiefs today announced that an agreement has been reached to build a domed stadium and a mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a new team headquarters, training facility and mixed-use development in Kansas. The project will be a massive economic win for the state, with the construction phase alone creating over 20,000 jobs and $4.4 billion in economic impact for Kansas. From there, the stadium will bring over $1 billion in annual impact.

The agreement includes two distinct parts: (1) a $3 billion stadium in Wyandotte County, which will open at the start of the 2031 NFL season; and (2) a new Chiefs headquarters and training facility in the City of Olathe in Johnson County. Both sites will have mixed-use developments that could include sports, entertainment, dining, shopping, office, hotel and residential properties.

“This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level. With this new stadium, we’re creating thousands of jobs, bringing in tourists from around the world, attracting young people, and most importantly, we’re continuing to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family,” Gov. Kelly said. “This is a game-changer for Kansas, and it’s a signal to America and the world that our state’s future is very bright.”

The agreement was approved today by the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) with strong bipartisan support.  It will be a public-private partnership between the state and the Chiefs organization – and it will require no funds from the current state budget and no new taxes on Kansans. A fact sheet of the agreement and the independent Economic Impact Study can be found here.

“Today is an extraordinary day in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “We are excited to partner with the State of Kansas to bring a world-class stadium to our fans. This project represents another step in our legacy of innovation and our fan-first mentality, which started with my father, Lamar Hunt. The stadium, practice facility, and surrounding development will benefit the entire region, and further elevate Kansas City in the eyes of the country and the world.”

“This is a great day for Kansas City Chiefs fans,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “This public-private partnership, the result of a thoughtful and deliberate process, will build upon the Hunts’ generational legacy by boldly investing in one of America’s greatest fan bases. The Chiefs’ new enclosed stadium will be a stage for unforgettable moments, whether it’s playoff games, concerts or championship events. We congratulate the Chiefs and the Kansas City community on this important achievement.”

The Chiefs announcement adds to the Kelly-Toland administration’s unprecedented streak of winning business investment projects that create jobs and grow Kansas’ economy. Since 2019, Kansas has attracted more than $30 billion committed capital investment and created or retained almost 78,000 jobs.

“Kansas has had a streak of big economic wins, but nothing is bigger than this. This is truly once-in-a-generation,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, who led the state team that negotiated the deal with the Chiefs. “This happened because we brought Democrats and Republicans together to do what was best for Kansas – landing our state a huge economic win, without requiring a single dollar from the state budget or a tax increase on Kansans. This historic win is the latest in a series of major economic wins for Kansas, including the Panasonic headquarters, which all tell the same story: the future for Kansas, its workers and its economy is very exciting.”

“This is an extraordinary economic win for our state thanks to the effort of Governor Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Toland,” said Christal Watson, Mayor & CEO Unified Government of Wyandotte KCK. “All of us in Wyandotte and Kansas City, Kansas are excited to work with the Chiefs and are committed to driving results that strengthen our region and uplift our community.”

“This deal is a once-in-a-generation type of opportunity for our community and region. Having the Chiefs headquarters and training facilities here in Johnson County will be huge for our local economy – and a lot of fun for our families,” said John Bacon, Mayor of Olathe. “We’re eager to get to work, and are committed to ensuring the process – and the result – are first class, something everyone in Olathe – and all across Chiefs Kingdom – can be proud of.”

“Today, Kansas won the Super Bowl,” said Senate President Ty Masterson. “This is a huge win for Kansas. Now, we get to watch our beloved Chiefs play right here at home, keeping jobs and tax dollars right here in Kansas. Best of all, this will not cost one more penny for Kansas taxpayers.”

“Here in Kansas, we love the Chiefs, and we also love a good deal for taxpayers. So this is a win-win,” House Speaker Dan Hawkins said.

The project will be financed through a public-private partnership (60% public – 40% private). The public portion is funded through Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds and the Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund – both funding mechanisms established specifically for this purpose – to ensure that there will be no new state taxes and no impact on the state budget.  The STAR bonds were authorized today by a bipartisan vote of the Legislative Coordinating Council. The STAR bonds have two components: (1) It allows the state to designate a portion of new state sales tax revenues generated by this project in neighboring communities to fund this project; (2) It allows Wyandotte County and the City of Olathe to designate a portion of their local sales tax revenue generated by this project to pay for it. For more on STAR bonds, click here.

The Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund was established by the legislature to dedicate revenue generated from iLottery and sports betting to recruit professional sports teams.

The Hunt Family is also committing to $1 billion in additional development, a portion of which can also be incentivized by STAR bonds.

For more information, visit www.kansascommerce.gov/chiefs-media-kit.

A photo is available for media use here.

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Business, Food, Fort Scott

The Niece’s New Businesses Are About to Open

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Al and Luanna Niece purchased the vacant building at the corner of 6th and Main Street in July 2023 and will open one of the new businesses housed in it this week.

Eventually, they will have several businesses in the circa 1889 building.

Lu’s Ice Cream shop will open on December 5 with flexible hours.

Ice cream, sundaes, malts, coffee, hot chocolate and eventually, when the kitchen is totally completed, sandwiches and soups will be served.

Lu’s Ice Cream Shop has vintage-type furniture and one true vintage Coke machine. A customer on their birthday can get one free bottle of Coke, with a special token provided by the shop.

“The hours are…going to be flexible because of the weather, and it’s December, a cold time of the year, so probably from 4 to 8 p.m.,” Lu said.

The menu of Lu’s Ice Cream Shop. Eight flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream will be rotated out seasonally based on public opinion.

No strangers to the community, Al owns Niece Products of Kansas, located in the Fort Scott Industrial Park on Hwy. 69, south of the city.

“Al has an existing business here, Niece Products of Kansas, that has been running for over ten years, so we have quite a bit invested in this town,” she said. “When we are here, we have become accustomed to Fort Scott in the way of living. We love it here, and we want to be part of the community.” They have a primary home in Texas.

Their original plans were for an ice cream shop on the first floor, two loft apartments on the second floor, and a “man cave” on the ground level.

“We are going to continue with the original plan to have two loft apartments on the second floor. One is going to be for us when we are here in Kansas, the other is going to be  a rental.”

Lu’s Ice Cream Shop will have the entrance on 6th Street, under the red-striped awning. Additional parking will also be available in the rear of the building upon completion.

Nikki Regan is the manager of the ice cream shop, which will have eight flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream, made in Texas. The Nieces have a home and business in Austin, Texas.

The living room of the rental. This is a one-bedroom with one bath and a sleeper sofa.
Lu Niece said she loves the large window exposure in the lofts.

Lu’s Ice Cream Shop and the apartments are all complete.
The “man cave”  is still under construction, with the hope of being completed by the end of 2026.

Lu stands in the future Al’s Speak Easy, which will house an invitation-only club and Al’s office.

“We did a complete renovation (of the whole building). The only thing that was left was the four exterior walls, so basically, we had an open shell once we cleaned everything out.  New roofs, new floors, new plumbing, new electric, new windows, and, really, just a whole new design to the building inside that’s more industrial modern.”

“It was a long haul, lots of very trying moments for all involved, but thanks to Koehn Construction, neighbors, workers, Niece employees, and Fort Scott, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

The Shultz-Payne Building was originally a publishing business of A.B. Payne, a writer, who at one time printed the biography of Mark Twain, and they “ended up being buddies,” Lu said.

 

Lu took this photo during the complete renovation of the building. This is from the basement looking up to the second story.
The before-picture of the Shultz-Payne Building, the original name of the property.
This original sign on the west side of the building, which says Schultz-Payne Building, 1889, remains intact.

To see the prior story on the build:

https://fortscott.biz/news/nieces-are-working-to-renovate-the-payne-building-at-6th-and-main

 

Business, Fort Scott

Meet The New Owners of Hedgehog Bookstore

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Janet and Tim Miller, from Facebook.

Janet and Tim Miller purchased the Hedgehog INK Bookstore at 16 S. Main on December 1.

Even though they both have full-time jobs, Janet works for Network Kansas as a Community Entrepreneurship Manager serving Southeast Kansas, and Tim works as a history professor at Labette Community College, they decided to start the venture of owning a bookstore.

” We both love to read and enjoy stopping in bookstores anywhere we go – whether in a neighboring town or around the world.

“Hedgehog.INK has been a favorite, so we’re thrilled to take over ownership. And, we’re very thankful to Randi Witt and her family for entrusting us with the store moving forward!,” Janet said.

“We love the store and won’t be making any significant changes. In fact, the only changes you’ll see immediately are the faces at the counter and the business name, which we are changing slightly to Hedgehog Books.”

They are seeking individuals interested in employment at the store.


“We will be in the store a good deal; we will need some help running it day-to-day. If you or someone you know would be interested, please stop by or message us.”

 Hours will remain 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, but  will have extended hours several days this week for Christmas on the Bricks.

The store’s phone number is 620-670-2752, and the business email is [email protected].

Hours for this week, in conjunction with the Third Annual Christmas on the Bricks this weekend, are:
Tuesday, December 2nd – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, December 3rd – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, December 4th – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (start of parade)
Friday, December 5th – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Santa will be on hand from 5 to 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 6th – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Santa will be on hand from 12 to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.,  and the Grinch will do storytime from 2 to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 7th – 12 to 4 p.m.

 

 

Bourbon County, Elections

Final Results of the November 4 Election

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A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse in Nov. 2021.

The Bourbon County election results a re finalized and some of the winners of the November 4 election are listed below:

Fort Scott City Commission Tim Van Hoecke, Julie Buchta, Kathryn Salisbury.

The Fort Scott Tax question received over 57%  yes votes.

The Bourbon County Commission results are Greg Motley for District 4 and Mika Milburn Kee for District 5.

Winners of the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees are Chad Cosens, Destry Brown and Marilyn Hoyt.

 

To view the entire document of the election results provided by Amber Page, Bourbon County Accounts Payable/Deputy Election Clerk:

 

C-S GEN 2025 FINAL RESULTS0001