A business that provides personalized print services opened an office in August 2023 at 201 E. National, Fort Scott.
Global Print Brokers. Submitted photo.Darrin Gauthier. Submitted photo.
Global Print Brokers owner is James Stewart Gulager and there are two other employees: Darrin Gauthier and Paul Studyvin.
Stewart Gulager, from his Facebook page.
“We specialize in a variety of products, including stock products for forms, labels, and more promotional,” Darrin Gauthier said. “Our goal is to offer our clients the best of the best when it comes to print solutions, and we have the expertise to provide the best cost evaluations to ensure that your business operates smoothly. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help your business thrive.”
Paul Studyvin. Submitted photo.
“The business was started to help the end user find a better product and save them money in the process,” Gauthier said.
“We provide all kinds of custom printed forms and labels,” Gauthier said. “Along with supplying stock forms and labels. We also help out on promotional and plastic items.”
Forms they provide with some examples:
Pressure Seal
Integrated Labels
Joined Webs
NCR products
Cutsheets
Multi-Part forms
Medical / Lab / Pharmacy Forms
Letterhead
Envelopes
Business/Appointment Cards
Custom printed
Stock
Many more products
Labels:
Shipping Labels
Roll labels
Static cling label
Decal
Stickers
Tire
Industrial Labels
Window Labels
Water bottle labels
Asset tags
Many other items
Plastics:
Gift Cards
Loyalty cards
Mailers
Key tags / any other combination
Etc
Promotional items:
Pens
Signs
Rugs
Tents
Banners
Posters
Mugs
etc.
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The business phone is 913-285-5774
To reach the staff: Stewart Gulager – 620-215-4464; Darrin Gauthier – 620-215-6298; and Paul Studyvin – 620-215-2523.
Barbed Wire and Rose Vintage Market owner Rosemary Harris. Submitted photo.
Rosemary Harris opened Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market, 18 N. Main Ste. A on January 30, 2021.
The Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market, 18 N. Main, Suite A.. Submitted photo.
“Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market was started because I love vintage, antique, and collectible items and through the store, they can find new life and purpose and can go back out into the world,” Harris said. “I love when someone finds an item in the store that they have been looking for and share their story about it. I also felt that our historic downtown area was the perfect location for opening a vintage/antique store.”
The shop provides Fort Scott and the surrounding areas a place to go for furniture, home décor, collectibles, and fun and unique items. “We also have people coming into the store looking for specific items and we try to help people locate those items whenever we can,” she said. “Our vendors and consignment items bring a variety of products into the store for our customers and friends to choose from.”
A variety of one-of-a-kind articles are found in Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market. Submitted photo.
Conversations are started over some items.
“Toys and home décor bring back lots of fond memories,” she said. “Many customers enjoy reminiscing over items in the store their grandparents or other family members had when they were growing up and visiting their homes. We love when our shoppers share their stories and memories about cherished collections or mementos they have.”
” We hope to keep providing Fort Scott and the surrounding area with a fun place to shop and continue to be a part of our downtown shopping district,” Harris said. “We are excited to be celebrating our third year in business. We are celebrating our 3-year anniversary with sales throughout the store and treats for the month of February.”
Some merchandise in the shop. Submitted photo.
Contact information: the store number is 620-224-7764 and it can be found on Facebook at Barbed Wire and Roses Vintage Market
The map is of northwest Bourbon County. This is the possible site of the Pike Reservoir Project. Taken from the county’s website. According to the bill that was introduced on February 9, 2024, the site will be: beginning at the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 65; east along Highway 65 to 95th Street; north along 95th Street to the Linn county line; west along the Linn county line to Highway 3; south along Highway 3 to the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 65.The red rectangle shows the area being proposed, based on the description.
A bill was introduced on February 9 in the Kansas Legislature that could impact Bourbon County, especially those living in the northwest part of the county.
Senate Bill 497 reads that it is an act concerning economic development; establishing the Pike Reservoir Project District Act; providing for the construction of a dam and a lake in Bourbon County, residential and commercial property development, and water resource development; authorizing the establishment of a governing board for the project and the establishment of real property tax and sales tax increment financing districts to finance the project costs; creating the Pike Reservoir District sales tax fund and the Pike Reservoir District sales tax refund fund; authorizing the creation of a special district fund to pay project costs; authorize the issuance of special obligation bonds and pay-as-you-go financing to pay project costs.
On February 12, the bill was referred to the Kansas Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Senator Robert Olson, who worked with the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs on the project, spoke with fortscott.biz about the project.
Senator Robert Olson’s photo was taken from the Kansas Legislature website.
“It was just introduced and is a long process,” Olson said. “This is the very first step. To build that reservoir takes five to 10 years.”
State and county leaders met to discuss the matter several years ago, Olson said.
“Lynn Oharah, who was a Bourbon County Commissioner at the time was pitching that,” Olson said. Senator Tim Shallenberger introduced the bill and others were a part of the discussion, he said.
“I like the concept, especially in smaller counties,” Olson said. “We need the water for agriculture and public consumption. Your (Bourbon County) water situation was pretty bad (because of drought).”
“This will improve your water supply,” Olson said.
The project proposes an approximately eight-mile lake in northwest Bourbon County, with a 68-foot-long dam.
The location is described as beginning at the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 65; east along Highway 65 to 95th Street; north along 95th Street to the Linn county line; west along the Linn county line to Highway 3; south along Highway 3 to the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 65.
Olson envisions it will be like Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, he said.
“People living in big weekend homes, and if houses are built it can bring lower property taxes (for Bourbon County property owners),” he said.
One part of the long process of the project is public comment, he said.
The reservoir is named after Lieutenant Zebulon Pike who went through the area in the early 1800s.
Robert Needham shows his race car. Submitted photo.
The Fort Scott Scout Pinewood Derby event is on February 17, at 6 p.m. at Memorial Hall, 1 East Third.
The schedule for February 17 is as follows:
5 to 6 p.m. Check-in and registration.
6 to 6:30 Scout races.
6:30 to 7 Scout awards.
7:30 to 8 Corporate Races.
8 to whenever… Grudge Races.
“The Pinewood Derby has been an annual event for many years for scouts, and it’s one of the highlights of their year,” said Scoutmaster Seth Needham. “Three years ago, we decided to make it a community event and invite local businesses and organizations to attend. It’s been a huge success, and it’s a lot of fun.”
James Gooderl won the Sportsmanship Award last year, and also the Grand Champion for a faster car. Submitted photo.
The purpose of the event is twofold, Needham said.
“First, more people come to our derby. The scouts work hard on their cars, so this allows more people to come and cheer them on, the kids love it…and a chance to see what scouts is about. Local business people show up, as well as the Police Department, Fire Department, and the Sheriff’s Office. The kids look up to those guys, so it’s a big deal for the scouts to see them come cheer them on.”
Petyon Golden helps set up flags for Flag Day at the Fort Scott National Historic Site. Submitted photo.
“Second, it’s a fundraiser for us,” Needham said. “Companies pay $25 to enter the race, which gets them a pinewood derby car kit and gets them entered for the race. We use that money for a variety of things, but it mostly goes to trophies and the cost of putting on the derby. Any extra money we raise helps cover membership dues.”
“When I first started doing this, I talked to a lot of people in the community about participating,” he said. “Over and over, I heard the same thing; ‘I still have my trophy from pinewood derby from when I was in scouts’. It’s something that they held onto for years. Our pack used to do much smaller trophies due to the cost, but with the addition of the corporate derby, we can hand out nice trophies that the scouts will keep for a long time”.
“We give out trophies for 1st place for each Den, as well as Grand Champion and Reserve Champion,” Needham said. “My favorite trophy is the Sportsmanship Trophy… it goes to the scout who shows the best sportsmanship throughout the event…Factors in deciding who wins this trophy…(are) helping your fellow scouts build their cars, cheering on your friend (even when you’re competing against them), helping set up, building their car versus buying one online, and much more. It’s my absolute favorite trophy for the night. And honestly, we probably couldn’t have afforded to add this trophy without the addition of the corporate derby.
John Pommier won first place in the Lion’s Division (KIndergartners), the first year for scouts) last year. “I LOVE this photo because he is SO happy to win,” Needham said.
“The grudge races are a new addition,” he said. “After the main races, the teams can go to the pit area and make modifications to their cars and then challenge other racers to a race. So if the sheriff and the police department want to see who has the fastest car, they can settle the dispute on the track. Each race costs $5, and the challenger pays the entry fee.”
James Gooderl, left, being presented with the Sportsmanship Award from Seth Needham. Camren Lamb is also pictured. Camren won Reserve Champion last year. Submitted photo.
After the races, there is a lock-in at Presbyterian Church for the kids..an overnight race-themed evening of games, crafts, and movies.
The Scouts meet on Tuesdays at the First Presbyterian Church. Once the weather gets nicer, they usually meet at Riverfront Park. “It’s a good park to meet at because there is a lot of open space for the kids to explore, and the gazebo to do our lessons,” he said.
“The Scout program is open to any child in grades kindergarten through 5th grade. After 5th grade, they move up to the Troop, which is the older kids.”
Needham has been the Cubmaster for three years.
“I love it. I enjoy seeing the kids learn the importance of helping other people, doing their best no matter what, and being creative,” he said. “My favorite part of Scouts is our community events, whether that is the Pinewood Derby, or taking the kids for a walk downtown to pick up trash. We also help with flags at the Old Fort on Flag Day, participate in parades, and usually try to spend at least one day a year doing a project at a local park. Oh, and we also go camping and go on hikes.”
Upcoming Events
The Blue and Gold banquet is in May, where awards for the year are received. Each Den has adventure requirements throughout the year, as well as electives they can participate in.
At the banquet, they receive belt buckles for these activities. There is also a “Cross-Over” for 5th-grade students choosing to continue in the Scout program by joining the Troop.
“We have a wooden bridge that we set up, and they walk across it to symbolize they are crossing over into the troop,” Needham said. “I don’t know how old the bridge is, but it’s been around for many years and has signatures of previous scouts who crossed over. There are a lot of names on that bridge from people in our area.”
For the first time a, Soapbox Derby race will be held on June 1.
“I’m excited,” Needham said. It will be a fundraiser, with money raised to send Scouts to Camp Arrowhead, in Missouri, this summer. “It’s a wonderful camp, and it should be a lot of fun.”
Other summer outdoor activities: include a scout swim at Fort Scott Aquatic Center for one night; a Beach Bash at Fort Scott Lake which is one of the kids’ favorite activities; and also hikes and camping.
Better in Bourbon, a boutique clothing store at 13 N. Main in Historic Downtown Fort Scott, is celebrating its second anniversary this evening.
Rachel Pruitt opened the business in December 2021.
“Better in Bourbon started as a pop-up concept, but thanks to the incredible support received, a permanent location was established in late 2021,” she said.
“We sell women’s and ‘tween girl clothing and accessories. We also offer permanent jewelry,” Pruitt said.
Some of the merchandise is in Better in Bourbon. Submitted photo.
“In the Fall of 2023, I experienced the loss of my father following a determined battle with cancer,” Pruitt said. “Tragically, my mother also fell unexpectedly ill and passed away. Facing the loss of both parents within such a short period, I found myself in desperate need of support.”
She turned to her friend Denise Beaman who helped her in the shop when Pruitt couldn’t be there.
“Without Denise’s timely assistance, Better in Bourbon wouldn’t have reached its current standing,” Pruitt said. “Denise is in charge of merchandising and is my only employee.”
Rachel said she and Denise are grateful for the opportunity to serve the community and are excited about their expansion plans on the horizon.
Rachel Pruitt, left, and Denise Beaman. Submitted photo.
Rachel and Denise bring their wealth of experience from both the retail and wholesale industries to offer expert styling services, according to a press release from Pruitt. Their boutique is renowned for its size-inclusive range, offering everything from wardrobe essentials to one-of-a-kind pieces.
Tonight, February 9, the two will be having a special ladies’ night from 6 to 8 p.m. at the store.
“Enjoy permanent jewelry specials as our way of saying thank you for your support over the years,” Pruitt said. “Sip on delicious drinks and enjoy Crooners Cakery treats while you shop our latest collections.”
Merchandise in the Better in Bourbon Boutique at 13 N. Main. Submitted photo.
The First Presbyterian Church is located at 308 S. Crawford Street, Fort Scott.
As of February 1, the Fort Scott Presbyterian Church has a new pastor, Reverend Sarah Gengler.
Gengler didn’t start immediately in her current career.
While working at one career, she started volunteering at a Presbyterian Church.
Gengler graduated from Adrian High School (Minnesota) in May 2001 and attended South Dakota State University from Sept. 2001 to Dec. 2004 earning a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and political science.
She began attending a Presbyterian Church in the community she was living in, while working as an education reporter for a daily newspaper.
“The work did not allow me to get to know people, as it had while working for a weekly newspaper, and my boss at the time seemed to thrive off the staff being unhappy,” she said. “I told the youth director I volunteered for at my church that I would love to do what she did, but I did not have the degree and could not afford to go back to school at that time. She told me that sometimes churches didn’t require youth directors to have a formal degree, so I left my journalism career and jumped into ministry with both feet.”
“After only a few months I knew I wanted to further my education in religious studies,” she said. “I began to take seminary classes online, for two years and felt God calling me to fully ordained ministry. I had just missed the cutoff for the fall of 2010 so I continued to work until I could enter seminary full time the summer of 2011.”
Gengler graduated from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in May 2014 with a Master of Divinity which focused on small rural ministry.
She was ordained in 2014 and has served Presbyterian churches in Indiana and Nebraska, and the last six months as a contracted pastor to an Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Minnesota.
“Some of my passions in ministry include preaching, pastoral care/visiting, mission and community work, and mailing greeting cards,” she said.” In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and two dogs (Max and Daisy), reading/listening to audiobooks, cooking, baking, quilting, and anything crafty. I seem to always be busy and truly enjoy helping others.”
Sarah Gengler was born and raised on a dairy farm near Adrian, Minnesota in the southwest corner of the state, as the third of six children.
“They still run the dairy farm with my two younger brothers and milk approximately 400 cows,” she said in a press release. “People are always stunned when I tell them there are 29 people, including me, in my immediate family.”
Pastor Sarah’s hours are Sunday from 9 a.m. – noon; Monday – Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. – noon; and afternoon times by appointment.
Address of the church: 308 S. Crawford (at the corner of 3rd and Crawford Streets)
Service time: Faith Formation classes begin at 9:30 a.m. during the school year. Worship is at 10:30 a.m. Children are welcomed in worship or childcare is available.
Trent and Kate Freeman purchased the building at 8 N. National Ave from Phil Hammons in October of 2020, after a full remodel of the building they hosted the grand opening of their art business on January 28th, 2023.
“In the first year, The Artificers (the name of their art gallery) hosted artists from Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, North Carolina, California, and Georgia,” Kate said. “These Master artists have also taught classes in their medium and brought their talents to share in Fort Scott.”
“The Artificers provide a wide range of fine arts and fine crafts for purchase in our gallery,” she said. “The teaching studio provides a space to learn everything from ceramics, watercolor, weaving, printmaking, fluid art, pen & ink, and more. We also run our studios out of the space and are available for commissioned work.”
“The first year was a year of learning,” she said. “We tried to watch what people loved about our business, doing more of that. We took away things that didn’t seem to be a good fit for the community and listened to our clientele to provide classes and items that they wanted. One of our goals was to fill a gap in art education, as well as give confidence to people who want to experience making art but haven’t had the opportunity to be encouraged in their creativity.”
“We are very excited to expand our offerings in our Bourbon County Clay LLC line,” she said. ” This is a line of limited edition items made from clay that we pull from the ground in Northwest Bourbon County. All items are stamped with our logo and numbered.”
“We are also developing a line of online classes that will be available to purchase through subscription,” she said.
Trent works to create art in mixed media: clay, glass, wood, and metal; Kate works in clay and acrylic painting.
“We had our studio in Kansas City for 22 years,” Trent said in a prior interview. “I’ve been a professional for 28 years. We’ve done everything from gallery to commission to art festivals all over the country. Most of our work is commission now.”
Trent said when Kansas City shut down businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic, they began coming to their farm, west of Fort Scott.
Trent’s parents, Ed and Jackie Freeman built a house near Bronson and retired there, and so Trent and Kate have been coming here for 20 years, he said. “And we loved the town.”
Eventually, the Freeman’s purchased the building at 8 North National Avenue, on October 2, 2020.
The Uniontown Hiking Trail looking north on 75th Street.
The Uniontown Walking Trail is utilized daily by walkers in the small, western Bourbon County town and is slated for renovation this spring.
“Students use the trail at times and we have a significant number of patrons who use it very consistently,” said USD 235 Superintendent Vance Eden. “In its current condition, some use is limited by the cracks and condition of the asphalt. We anticipate greater use by all parties after reconstruction. ”
Vance Eden, superintendent for USD 235. Photo from the school district’s website.
“The district was awarded a grant from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks- Recreational Trails Program to pay for the majority of the project,” Eden said. “The remaining cost will be completed by the district and community members or paid from our Capital Outlay Fund.”
“The Department of Wildlife and Parks contribution will be $218,800 with the total project estimated at $321,300,” he said. “The district can self-perform or solicit donations to cover its portion and will do so to the greatest extent possible.”
“The contractor, Tristate Building, will start work later this spring,” he said. “We are anticipating mid-April to be warm and hopefully dry enough to make progress on the work. It is estimated to take around six weeks to complete.”
“The vast majority of the old trail will be completely removed and replaced with an American Disability Act compliance with a concrete trail that is 5 feet in width,” he said. “The trail is approximately 1.3 miles in length.”
The original walking trail was funded also through a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks grant.
He said the original trail was during the early years of former Superintendent Randy Rockhold’s time with the district.
Since the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department shut down operations in December 2023, there has been behind-the-scenes work with another healthcare entity to provide the needed services.
On January 23, at the Bourbon County Commission meeting, Commissioner Clifton Beth moved to allow Chairman Jim Harris to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bourbon County government and Amberwell Health Incorporated, according to the commission minutes.
Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth. Submitted photo.
Beth read the first paragraph of the MOU which states: The county is committed to ensuring the provision of quality emergency health services which includes an operating emergency room for a one year period to its residents; and Amberwell Health possesses expertise and resources to enhance and optimize the emergency health services within Bourbon County, according to the minutes.
The MOU states there could be a funding agreement that is mutually agreed upon by both parties, and additionally that Amberwell Health has to get the needed licenses, according to the minutes.
Beth stated “This is by no means ensuring an emergency room in any way shape or form, this is an MOU with Amberwell so they can continue to move in the process of trying to get us an emergency room.”
Commissioner Nelson Blythe seconded the motion and all approved it, according to the minutes.
Amberwell Health is a rural healthcare system in northeast Kansas with two complete care locations in Atchison and Hiawatha and five additional clinic locations. Amberwell Health is an innovative healthcare system with a mission to sustain and strengthen rural healthcare organizations, according to its website https://amberwellhealth.org/
Beth made a motion at the January 23 commission meeting to start working on a ballot for a half-cent sales tax to be put on the ballot in order to operate an emergency room and any additional health services. It would no longer be in effect if an REH is obtained, according to the minutes. Beth said this would give the county approximately $1.5 million that could go towards healthcare. Beth said the commission will let the public decide whether they want it. Blythe seconded the motion and all approved.
Rural emergency hospital (REH) is a new Medicare provider designation established by Congress through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, according to https://www.ncsl.org/health/rural-emergency-hospitals . REHs are meant to reinforce access to outpatient medical services and reduce health disparities in areas that may not be able to sustain a full-service hospital. Starting in January 2023, Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and small rural hospitals with no more than 50 beds were allowed to apply for REH designation and receive Medicare payment for providing emergency services.
The vote here sign sits in front of the north wing of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National.
Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins spoke to the commissioners on January 23 about the upcoming Presidential Preference Primary election on March 19.
Hawkins stated the last day to register to vote will be February 19th. Early voting will begin at the courthouse on March 11 and run until noon on March 18. On March 19 residents will be able to vote at their normal polling place.
Unaffiliated voters will not be able to vote in this election, Hawkins said. “They would have to register to be a Democrat or Republican, but they can affiliate up until election day. They can re-register as an independent after the election.”
Commissioner Clifton Beth asked who will be paying for this election and Hawkins said the State will be reimbursing the County for what they consider hard-costs such as ballots, building rent, and personnel costs.
Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins. Submitted photo.
The following is from the Kansas Secretary of State’s website about the election:
What is a Presidential Preference Primary?
A presidential preference primary takes an act by the Kansas legislature to be conducted. The enactment takes the responsibility from the two state parties (Republican and Democrat) in Kansas from conducting a caucus, and instead, having the state of Kansas conduct a primary election. It is a “preference” primary because it is an election where the vote totals are given to a political party to allocate delegates to candidates at the national convention. This is not a primary where the voters selected the party candidate.
What is the History of Presidential Preference Primary in Kansas?
In Kansas, it is a function of the state political parties to allocate delegates to presidential candidates at each party’s national convention to select each party’s presidential nominee. Such delegates are chosen via caucus or convention by the political parties. This year, the state legislature decided to resurrect the state-run presidential preference primary, which had only been used in Kansas in 1980 and 1992.
When is the Election?
The Republican and Democratic parties can have a state-run primary election on March 19, 2024. However, either party may opt out of participating in the primary by notifying the Secretary of State on or before December 1, 2023.
Who is on the Ballot?
Presidential candidates must file their candidacy with the Secretary of State 60 days before the election (12:00 p.m. January 19, 2024). Candidates must either pay a $10,000 filing fee or present a petition with 5,000 signatures of registered Kansas voters of the applicable political party.
What Voters Can Participate?
Each political party must notify the Secretary of State in writing on or before January 16, 2024, as to who may vote in the party’s primary election.
Where is my Polling Location?
Like other elections, the county election office will determine where the voting locations are held. Advance voting by mail and advance voting in person are also an option. You will vote at your regular polling place unless you receive a notification by mail from your county election office. You may also verify your polling location on the VoterView website.
Eight Candidates File for the Kansas Presidential Preference Primary
Friday, January 19, 2024
TOPEKA – Secretary of State Scott Schwab announced that eight candidates, four Democrats and four Republicans, met today’s filing deadline for the state’s Presidential Preference Primary. The preference primary will be held on March 19. Candidates were required to pay a $10,000 filing fee and submit notarized paperwork with the Kansas Secretary of State’s office.
The Democrat filed candidates are:
Dean Phillips
Jason Michael Palmer
Joseph R Biden Jr.
Marianne Williamson
The Republican filed candidates are:
Donald J. Trump
Nikki R. Haley
Ron DeSantis
Ryan L. Binkley
“I am pleased to have four candidates from each major political party file with our office,” Schwab said. “I encourage Kansans to get out and vote in this historic election.”
As a reminder, the deadline to register or update voter registration is February 20 to participate in the preference primary.
In accordance with K.S.A. 25-4503(d), the Secretary of State’s office conducted the random selection of the ballot order for both political parties on January 22, at the Memorial Hall Auditorium in Topeka.
In addition to the ballot order selected by the Office, each ballot will have four candidate names, as well as a “none of the names shown” option. To learn more about this one-time Presidential Preference Primary visit VoteKansas.gov.
Amy Sawyer from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Facebook page.
Amy Sawyer is the new Small Business Advisor at Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center
The services she will be providing to the Fort Scott community:
Start Up – LLC & EIN registration
Loan & Grant Prep – Business Plan & Cash flow
Accounting – Quickbooks, Wave Accounting, Etc.
Sales Tax – Registering & Paying
Marketing & Sales
HR/Employees
Strategic Planning
Business Protection
Government Contracting
Exit Planning
“I started with the Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University in October,” Sawyer said. “I have spent the last three months alongside Dacia Clark learning my job duties, as well as learning about Fort Scott and what is important to Fort Scott. There are a lot of exciting things going on here, and I am so happy to be a part of it!”
“The best part of my new job at SBDC is that I get to help people all day long!” she said. ” I get to help people make their dreams come true. There are many services that we offer at the SBDC, and most of them are at no charge to the client. So, please reach out and see if we can help you, in any way. I am happy to visit with you at your business, as well! I look forward to meeting you!”
Her contact info: [email protected] 620-235-4921 or call the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office.
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is located at 104 N. National Avenue, Fort Scott.
Hours available in Fort Scott are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 am-4 pm.
Originally from Winfield, which has the same namesake as Ft. Scott, she noted, Pittsburg has been her home for over 20 years.
“I developed a love for downtown and community service while in high school,” she said in a press release. “Winfield was a Main Street town, and I had the opportunity to work on a project for the organization. My Mother has always been involved in the chamber and business community, so it was natural for me to make those things an important part of my professional career.”
She attended Pittsburg State University and majored in Communications and minored in Business Administration.
After college, she started a career with Names and Numbers telephone directories and worked there for 13 years.
“I had the opportunity to gain experience and grow as a leader,” she said. “I started as a Graphic Designer (I was not the best), but I quickly developed an interest in operations. I was blessed with leaders who saw my fire and intrigue, and they were gracious enough to invest in me. Ultimately, I was named Director of Production at Names and Numbers, and I really enjoyed the big picture and strategic side of the business, as well as the opportunity to grow other leaders.”
“For the last two years, I worked for the United States Senate. In that role, I did community outreach for an 11-county area in Southeast Kansas. This role allowed me to work with business and community leaders across the SEK region.”
She has been an active member of the Pittsburg Area Young Professionals for 10 years and was a past president; served on the Salvation Army Board of Advisors, Pittsburg Downtown Advisory Board (Past Chair), as well as Pittsburg Sunrise Rotary.
In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and spending time at Table Rock Lake.
The Bowman family. Submitted. Left to right: Miles Bowman, Dan Bowman Leah Bowman holding Blair Selvey, Emily Selvey and Colten Selvey.
Dan Bowman purchased the Geneva and Son Monument business in August 2023, from Kenny and RoAnn Blake, who owned the business for 24 years.
The new business is now called Bowman Monument Co. and Bowman has two employees, Emily Selvey, his daughter, and Colten Selvey, his son-in-law.
These monuments are just a small selection that the business offers. Submitted photo.
The products provided by this business are urns (for funeral cremation) memorials (headstones), grave markers, monuments, and benches. The services offered are installation, resetting, and cleaning of headstones.
They recently created a bronze plaque that will be placed on the First Colored Infantry Memorial Mural in downtown Fort Scott.
The bronze plaque will be placed on the historic mural in downtown Fort Scott. Submitted photo.
The location remains the same at 111 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott. The phone number is 620.223.3350, the email address is [email protected].
Business hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday by appointment.
The business site of Bowman Monuments and also D and J Glass Company at 111 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott. Submitted photo.
They are currently putting the final touches on a website, Bowman Monuments.com.
D and J Glass Company
These windows are custom to needs for housing, the door is a commercial storefront door. Submitted photo.
In addition, Bowman has housed his other business, D and J Glass at the 111 Scott Avenue site. Formerly the business was on State Street. He has been in the glass business for about eight years, he said.
“I sell new windows and do glass replacement for home and auto, and commercial,” Bowman said.
D and J Glass Company’s phone number is 620.223.1220.