Grant County Chamber of Commerce marked a milestone for local business Friday, March 13, hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony during its weekly Chamber Coffee to celebrate the opening of “The Creek.”
The event carried an added sense of momentum, as Chamber Director Robin Leonard opened the gathering by noting the rarity—and excitement—of holding two ribbon cuttings in consecutive weeks, a sign of growth within the Ulysses business community.
Kristy Frazee spoke on behalf of the partners, reflecting on the journey that led to the creation of The Creek. She noted that Bear Creek Coffee is now celebrating its 10th year in business, a milestone that has paved the way for new opportunities and collaborations.
Now sharing space with Tortuga Brewing and alongside the addition of Good Dogs, the combined effort has transformed the location into what is now known as The Creek — a multi-faceted gathering place offering food, drink, and community connection.
Frazee expressed gratitude for the partnerships that made the venture possible, emphasizing both the faith and support that carried the project forward.
“We’ve been incredibly blessed to reach this point,” she said, inviting the community to experience what the new space has to offer.
Representatives of the partnership also highlighted the work and planning behind the transition, noting that Tortuga Brewing will offer non-alcoholic options, ensuring the space remains welcoming to all members of the community.
Community Notes and Upcoming Events
Following the ribbon cutting, several community updates were shared:
● Core Community will host an orientation class on March 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ulysses Church of Christ. Childcare will be provided at no cost.
● Ulysses School District is currently seeking school bus drivers. Those interested are encouraged to contact Andy Cole for more information.
● New Beginnings will host an All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Feed on March 22 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $10, with children under 5 admitted free. Tickets are available from youth participants or online.
● Grace Lutheran Church is encouraging residents to donate a blanket during Lent. Donations can be placed in collection totes located in front of the church on Patterson Avenue.
● Dream First Bank will hold its annual Shred Week from April 6–10 at all locations, accepting paper items only.
● A Legislative Coffee is scheduled for March 28 at 1 p.m. at the Ulysses Fire Station, featuring Bill Clifford and Marty Long.
● Spring Fling is set for April 17–18, with vendor spaces still available.
● The Home Products Dinner committee is seeking entries for this year’s button artwork, themed “Harvesting America’s Plains.” Submissions are due April 1.
● The next Chamber Coffee will be held March 20 at Grant County Drug and Next Door Pharmacy.
A Sign of Steady Growth
As the morning concluded, the ribbon was cut and attendees filtered through The Creek, sampling offerings and visiting with local business owners.
Moments like these reflect more than just new ventures—they represent confidence in the future of the community.
In a time when many rural areas are struggling to retain both businesses and residents, the expansion of local partnerships and the opening of spaces like The Creek serve as a reminder that growth is still taking root on the High Plains—one collaboration at a time.
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