Business, Fort Scott

LaRoche Buildings: A New Beginning

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Editors note: Due to technical difficulties the feature did not include part of the written story. Here is the complete story.

The LaRoche buildings located at 10 and 12 E. Wall. Jennifer LaRoche is the owner and contractor for the renovation of the two historic buildings in downtown Fort Scott. The two copper signs on the Wall Street side, one of the Tribune Monitor Newspaper and one of the Kansas Gas and Electric will be restored and lighted when all is complete, LaRoche said.

Business owner Jennifer LaRoche opened her buildings that are in the process of renovation, to the public for what was called a “Sneak Peek” on Dec. 18.

The buildings are located at 10 and 12 E. Wall St.

This was in celebration of  Fort Scott’s downtown district’s historic designation 10th anniversary. Kate Sweetser, one of the original workers on the designation spoke to the attendees of the history of the designation.
12 E. Wall: Coffee Shop

The building which most recently housed the Fort Scott Tribune newspaper office,  has been empty for a few years.

In January, the easternmost, one-story building at 12 E. Wall is slated to become the new location of Common Ground Coffee Company. The dimensions of the building are approximately 30 foot by 100 feet, LaRoche said

The coffee shop has two restrooms and a conference room along with an open space for drinking coffee and having a meal.

In addition, there is an outdoor seating area with a stage that is in the back of the adjacent building that will be a part of the coffee shop. The outdoor seating will be accessed through an opening in the coffee shop.

Vicki Waldron will remain the manager of Common Ground.

Kate Sweetser, center left, looks at the transom windows in the building at 12 E. Wall, as building owner, Jennifer LaRoche tells of the renovation of the original windows. Some glass was replaced by Gammon Glass, Nevada, MO. she said.

 

Kate Sweetser visits with Kirk Sharp during the LaRoche Buildings Sneak Peak on Dec. 18.
Though nearing completion, the LaRoche building at 10 E. Wall, still has much to do, Jennifer LaRoche said during the “Sneak Peek” on Dec. 18. The public was invited to the event.
The ceiling at 10 E. Wall is 80 percent original, LaRoche said. It was formerly covered by a drop-down ceiling prior to the renovation. LaRoche purchased the needed replacements from W.F. Norman Corp., Nevada, MO who still produces the same tile.
Pictured is the future stage and outdoor seating space at the rear of 12 E. Wall, which will be accessed through the coffee shop at 10 E. Wall.
Pictured is the significantly larger kitchen that will be available to the Common Ground Coffee Shop staff when completed.

 

10 E. Wall

At 10 E. Wall which is next on the list for completion, there will be an office on the first floor for LaRoche, upstairs there will be two apartments and E 3 Ranch Offices. On the National Avenue side of the building will be three storefronts, she said.

“I don’t know what is going in there yet,” LaRoche said.

Casper Enterprise, Stoughton Inc., Allen Electric, Extrusions Inc. and Mid-Continental Restoration Co. have all done work for LaRoche on the project.

 

LaRoche: Not Done Renovating

LaRoche said she will take a break following the completion of the renovation project.

But she is not done renovating.

“I really love uncovering all the things people have covered up,” LaRoche said. “I love making it look like it did in the pictures 100 years ago.

Government, Kansas

Statewide Transportation Improvement Program Requests Public Comment

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KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2020-2023 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes Jan. 1, 2020. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-2252.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Office of Public Affairs, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).

Business, Fort Scott

Luther’s BBQ Opens

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Luther Salisberry of the new Luther’s BBQ stands in front of the  signs on the building and the door of the new restaurant on Dec. 12.

David Lipe and Luther Salisberry are the owners of Luther’s BBQ, which opened at the corner of Oak Street and National Avenue on Fort Scott’s northside this week.

The restaurant crew is working on a few “kinks” in the process of opening, according to its’ Facebook page, but had a “soft opening” on Dec. 16.

Hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, except Sunday when the restaurant will close at 7 p.m.

The phone number of the business is 620-644-9880.

Approximately 30 employees have been hired, both full and part-time, according to Tina Lipe, David’s wife.

Lipe and Salisberry have signed a five-year lease from building owner Al Niece which includes the River Room Event Center on the second floor of the historic building.

To rent the River Room contact David Lipe at 816-392-2825.

The new restaurant will seat about 150 people, while the River Room Event Center about 500, Lipe said in an earlier interview.

Luther’s BBQ restaurant is located at the corner of Oak Street and National Avenue on Fort Scott’s northside. The River Room Event Center is located on the second floor.

The restaurant’s specialty will be burnt ends and additional food specials during the week, Lipe said.

Also available will be pork chops, ribs, steaks, smoked brisket, and pulled pork, he said.

Mirrored after Q39 and Stack Jack Restaurants in the Kansas City area, they hope to make it a gourmet, upper-end style barbeque, Lipe said.

 

The door of Luther’s BBQ has opened to the public.
From left is Alex Hudson/general manager of Luther’s BBQ, Luther Salisberry/owner, David Lipe/owner. Submitted photo.

To see the previous interview, click below

BBQ Is Coming to Old Buffalo Grill Restaurant

Art, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at City Hall Dec. 19

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Chamber Coffee
Thursday, December 19th
will be hosted by the
City of Fort Scott
123 S. Main St.
8am
Click here for the City’s Facebook page.
Click here for the City’s website.
Chamber Members & Guests are
welcome to attend and pay $1 to make any announcement about their business or organization including events, new products, promotions, or
anything else to share!
Upcoming Chamber Coffee Schedule:
* No Chamber Coffee 12/26/2019 or 1/2/2020
* Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 1/9/2020
* Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries 1/16
* Walmart, in the Vision Center 1/23
* My1Stop hosting at Empress Center 1/30
Bourbon County

Wreaths Across America Kick Off 2020 – Matching Campaign Challenge

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Congratulations! With the help of the entire community, we were able to place a wreath on every grave at Fort Scott National Cemetery on December 14, 2019.

You have done an amazing job this year helping to share the mission to “Remember, Honor and Teach”. This program would not exist without your hard work and commitment.

We want to help kick off a great start to 2020 for everyone with a matching wreath campaign from Wreaths Across America Headquarters.

Starting December 14, 2019, and running through January 15, 2020, for every 2 wreaths sponsored ($15.00 each) through a local Wreaths Across America Fundraising Group, Fort Scott National Cemetery will receive an ADDITIONAL 3 wreaths (total 5 for 2).

This is a great way to help meet our 2020 goal to again be able to place a wreath on each grave at Fort Scott National Cemetery.

Donations can be left at Stewart Realty Co., 1707 S. National, Fort Scott, or mailed to Wreaths Across America, c/o Diann Tucker, 746 215th St., Fort Scott, KS 66701 (620-224-7054). Please make checks payable to Wreaths Across America.

Business, Fort Scott

Sneak Peak at LaRoche Building Reno Dec.18

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You are invited!
Sneak Peek of the soon to be
new location of
Common Ground Coffee Co.
10 & 12 E. Wall St.
(locally known as the old Othick Abstract office)
Wednesday, December 18th
4-6pm
Remarks at 4:30pm
Light refreshments will be served.
Special thanks to Jennifer LaRoche for offering this Sneak Peek as part of celebrating 10 years, to the day, of Fort Scott’s Downtown Historic District being accepted for listing in the National Register of Historic Places on December 18, 2009.
The 110-year-old building with a stone facade is an excellent example of historic restoration done right ~ a meticulous attention to detail which will help ensure it will be a viable venue for another century & beyond.
The building has been empty for several years and after extensive restoration will become the new location of Common Ground Coffee Co. in early 2020.
Click here for the Facebook event.
The general public is welcome to attend!
Obituary

Obituary of Eric Stansbury

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Eric Stansbury, age 52, resident of Holden, MO, passed away unexpectedly at his home December 15, 2019.

He was born June 23, 1967, in Iola, KS, the son of Ellis Stansbury, Kincaid, KS, and Donita Powell, Arcadia, KS.

Eric was a truck driver for over 25 years. He enjoyed fishing and all his family and friends. He will be missed.

Survivors include his wife Marsha Morris Stansbury of the home; siblings Lonnie Stansbury, Arcadia, KS, Brian Stansbury, Iola, KS, David Carson, LaHarpe, KS, Karen More, Iola, KS, Kristina Stansbury, Arma, Ks, Joanna Carson, Arma, KS, Christina Bruce, Lenexa, KS, and Ginger Stansbury, Manhattan, KS; step sister Tammy Westhoff, Franklin, KS; 2 sons Brandon Wilson, Austin, TX, and Corey Wilson, Ft. Scott, KS; two daughters, Erica Jones, Osage Beach, MO, and Jessica Byrd, Barre, VT; 7 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

There was cremation. A celebration of life service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Sandra Jacquinet

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Sandra M. Jacquinet, age 74, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, December 16, 2019, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS.

She was born January 2, 1945, in Girard, KS, the daughter of John Douglas and Virginia Katherine Thomas Owen. Sandra worked for Mercy Hospital as a ward clerk. She retired after 32 years.

She was a strong supporter of Relay for Life for many years. She enjoyed reading novels, especially mysteries and westerns. She liked going to rummage sales and eating out with friends.

Sandra help raise her youngest grandson Bart. While at Medicalodge for the past 3 ½ years, she took pride in making sure everyone at her dining table was well taken care of.

Survivors include a son, Brad Jacquinet and wife Tanya, Keller, TX; grandchildren Maura, Max, Emma, and Bart Jacquinet; two brothers, Michael Owen and wife Ginger, Girard, KS, and Danny Owen and wife Cindy, Farlington, KS; two sisters, Linda Farmer and Terrie Sprague and husband Sonny, all of Ft. Scott; an aunt, Lucinda McCormick, Girard, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a nephew, Timothy Farmer; and her parents.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM Thursday, December 19th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Farlington Cemetery, Farlington, KS.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 until service time Thursday morning at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County Local News