From the Bleachers by Dr. Jack Welch

Rescue the Employee

Most people understand how insurance works. You can pay your premiums on time, follow the rules, and still eventually receive the dreaded letter that says your coverage is being canceled because of too many claims or too many mistakes. The workplace can become very similar. An employee may work long hours, take on difficult assignments, try to solve problems, and carry heavy responsibility. Somewhere along the way, mistakes happen. A deadline gets missed. A decision does not work out. Communication falls short. Then leadership begins asking the question: “Is it time to replace this person?”

The challenge for leaders is that the employees making the most mistakes are often the same employees attempting to accomplish the most. In coaching, the quarterback who throws interceptions is usually also the quarterback trying to make plays. The assistant coach who occasionally forgets something may also be the one organizing camps, handling travel, calling recruits, and solving problems behind the scenes. In business, the employee with scratches on the company truck may be the same employee driving across the state building relationships, recruiting clients, and creating opportunities.

Meanwhile, there are always people who rarely make mistakes because they rarely step outside their comfort zone. They avoid responsibility. They avoid difficult assignments. They stay hidden from pressure and accountability. They become experts at protecting themselves instead of helping move the organization forward.

Now, this does not mean leaders should ignore carelessness, dishonesty, laziness, or destructive behavior. At some point, every organization has to make difficult decisions. There are times when replacing someone is necessary for the overall health of the team.

However, leadership is a slippery slope. Some leaders become so focused on eliminating mistakes that they unintentionally eliminate initiative, creativity, and effort. Employees eventually stop trying because they become afraid every mistake may cost them their future.

I have learned through the years that I would rather work with someone who occasionally makes mistakes while trying to move the train forward than someone hiding in the closet avoiding work altogether. The best organizations are not built by perfect people. They are built by people willing to work, learn, adjust, and grow.

Thought for the Week, “A leader’s job is not simply to remove mistakes. Sometimes the greatest leadership comes from rescuing and developing the employee behind the mistake.” Jack Welch

Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.

Volunteers Needed to Help Track Kansas Bumble Bees

PRATT–The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is seeking volunteers to help protect Kansas bumble bees for the fifth year of the Great Plains Bumble Bee Atlas. The Bumble Bee Atlas is a community‑science project that trains volunteers to survey and document bumble bees and their habitats across the Great Plains.

With pollinator declines accelerating, the Bumble Bee Atlas gives people a way to take action conserving bumble bees. Training is available for anyone interested in getting involved.

The Bumble Bee Atlas is a nationwide effort spanning 21 states, where trained community scientists help researchers document bumble bees and the habitats they use. The data collected helps researchers, state and federal agencies, and policymakers better support these important pollinators.

Over the past four summers, Kansas participants have identified six bumble bee species, two of which are considered at risk of extinction. Since 2022, participants have recorded 2,300 bumble bees and conducted 263 surveys across the state.

This year, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and KDWP will host both online and in-person training events in May and June. The goal this summer is to survey unsampled areas in Kansas, particularly prairie habitat in the western part of the state.

“All you need to become a volunteer is an interest in pollinators and the ability to spare a couple of weekends between June and September,” said Katie Lamke, a conservation biologist for the Xerces Society. “We especially need volunteers who want to explore sparsely populated areas like the western prairies, where we have less information about bumble bees.”

To learn how to do bumble bee surveys, volunteers can watch the most recently recorded online training, review the project handbook, and attend one of the in-person training sessions. The in-person sessions provide hands-on experience with the project methods, including swinging a net and photographing bumble bees.

The two in-person training events will be held on June 6 at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and on June 7 at the Sandsage Bison Range Wildlife Area.  The events are free, but preregistration is required. Visit BumbleBeeAtlas.org/pages/events to register.  Participants are encouraged to view the recorded online training webinar, available on the Xerces Society’s YouTube page, before attending an in-person training session.

“We are excited that the Great Plains Bumble Bee Atlas is continuing in Kansas for the next two years,” said Diedre Kramer, wildlife diversity coordinator for KDWP.  “This is a great opportunity for volunteers to get out and appreciate the wild spaces we have in Kansas while also providing valuable information that will help inform conservation efforts in the future.”

To stay informed about the progress of the Bumble Bee Atlas, sign up for the mailing list and connect on Facebook and Instagram (@bumblebeeatlas).  For more information about the Great Plains Bumble Bee Atlas project, visit https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/great-plains.

This project has been financed, in part, through the State Wildlife Grant Program under Grant #F25AF00897 from the Fish and Wildlife Service, a division of the United States Department of the Interior, which is administered by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

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About the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.

About the Xerces Society

The Xerces Society is a nonprofit organization that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat. Established in 1971, the Society is a trusted source for science-based information and advice. We collaborate with people and institutions at all levels and our work to protect pollinators encompasses all landscapes. Our team draws together experts from the fields of habitat restoration, entomology, plant ecology, education, farming and conservation biology with a single focus: Protecting the life that sustains us.

To learn more about our work, please visit www.xerces.org or follow us @xercessociety on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Available for Interview:

Katie Lamke, Conservation Biologist, Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation (402) 256-5252
[email protected]

Diedre Kramer, Wildlife Diversity Coordinator, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks; (620) 672-0792; [email protected]

 

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 1, 2026

The jail is known as the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, Fort Scott.

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office

Arrest Summary Report: 05/29/2026 – 06/01/2026

LUDEMAN, SAMANTHA JOY

  • Age: 22

  • Arrest Date: 5/29/2026 2:01:00 PM

  • Released Date: Active / Not Released

  • Agency Held For: FORT SCOTT POLICE DEPARTMENT

Charges Warrant Type Warrant No Bond Type Bond Amt.
WARRANT – KS DEPT OF CORRECTIONS YES NO BOND 0.00

Bond Total: 0.00

WILSON, CHARLES PAUL

  • Age: 37

  • Arrest Date: 5/30/2026 8:00:00 AM

  • Released Date: 6/1/2026 7:54:00 AM

  • Agency Held For: BOURBON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Charges Warrant Type Warrant No Bond Type Bond Amt.
SANCTION NO BB24CR143 NO BOND

Bond Total: 0.00

COX, ZACHARY ISSAC

  • Age: 20

  • Arrest Date: 5/31/2026 9:22:00 PM

  • Released Date: Active / Not Released

  • Agency Held For: FORT SCOTT POLICE DEPARTMENT

Charges Warrant Type Warrant No Bond Type Bond Amt.
CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY; MISDEMEANOR NO NO BOND

AgencyName Data

Inmate Released List

Report Period: 05/29/2026 to 06/01/2026

Location: 293 E 20th St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

EISENBRANDT, JONAH

  • Inmate No: 2026-000442

  • Demographics: 46 Years Old | Black (B) | Male (M)

  • Booked Date: 05/29/2026

Released Date & Time Release Type Released To
5/31/26 6:00 PM TIME SERVED SELF

Freeman Health System Completes Acquisition of Northwest Health, Expands Regional Care  

 

                                     

Joplin, Mo. – Freeman Health System today announced it has completed its acquisition of Northwest Health in Northwest Arkansas following the close of its purchase agreement with a subsidiary of Community Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CYH). The system’s care network now includes Freeman Health System – Bentonville Medical Center, Freeman Health System – Springdale Medical Center, Freeman Health System – Willow Creek Medical Center, and Freeman Health System – Siloam Springs Medical Center, along with associated outpatient centers, physician practices and a workforce of approximately 2,200 dedicated employees.

 

“Welcoming Northwest Health into the Freeman network supports our commitment to long-term growth and enhances our ability to provide compassionate, coordinated care across a broader regional footprint,” said Matthew Fry, President and CEO of Freeman Health System. “Northwest Health’s hospitals and care teams bring tremendous strength to our organization, and together, we’re elevating care delivery, expanding access to essential services, and investing in the health of the people and communities who rely on us every day.”

 

The acquisition marks Freeman Health System’s first expansion into Arkansas and reflects the organization’s Freeman Forward strategy to increase access to high-quality, community-focused care while advancing clinical collaboration, operational excellence, and innovation across the Four-State region. The announcement follows several recent growth initiatives across the system, including the opening of Freeman Fort Scott Hospital late last year.

 

“As one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S., Northwest Arkansas sits at the center of powerful economic forces, with leading retail, food, and logistics companies driving sustained population growth,” Fry added. “We owe it to these communities—both new and longtime residents—to ensure access to high-quality healthcare that keeps pace with growth and reflects the care people expect and deserve.”

 

While teams from both organizations continue immediate-term integration efforts, long-term goals for the newly expanded system include:

  • Addressing a growing need for behavioral healthcare in Northwest Arkansas by expanding specialized mental health and substance use services
  • Empowering local teams to enhance care delivery and sustain community-focused services
  • Increasing access to maternal care
  • Expanding specialty care services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics
  • Strengthening recruitment and retention efforts to educate, train, and hire the next generation of providers

 

Northwest Health patients will continue to have access to care and valued providers at the facilities they know and trust, now backed by the strength and resources of the region’s largest local healthcare provider. There will be no changes to the insurance plans accepted at the facilities or practices. Naming updates will continue to be shared in the coming months, and the community can expect ongoing updates.

 

For more information, visit freemanhealthnw.com.

 

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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System is a not-for-profit health system serving communities across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas through a network of hospitals, physician clinics, outpatient locations, and specialty services. The system includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, and the Freeman Health System facilities in Bentonville, Springdale, Willow Creek, and Siloam Springs. Freeman Health System also operates Ozark Center – the region’s largest provider of behavioral health services, and offers comprehensive cancer, cardiology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, and women’s and children’s services. The system is supported by more than 7,000 employees and is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit Freeman Health Syste

 

 

    

 

Draft Minutes of the Uniontown City Council

The Regular Council Meeting on May 12, 2026 at Uniontown Community Center was called to order at 7:00PM by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Mary Pemberton, Bradley Stewart and Kyle Knight.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting was Joe George, Loretta George, Betty Dennis, Alicia Jackson, Sherriff Bill Martin, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Sally Johnson and City Clerk Haley Arnold.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

 

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

Betty Dennis shared details of an incident in which she was bitten by a dog on May 9th from residence 401 2nd St.  She discussed the circumstances surrounding the event, her experience with the dogs involved, and the impact the incident had on her.

 

The council discussed the dogs’ vaccination status, prior complaints, and other reported incidents involving the animals.

 

Alicia Jackson addressed the council regarding her granddaughter being attacked by the same dogs on school property 3 weeks prior.  She also stated that dogs remain on the property constantly.

 

Stewart asked Dennis and Jackson about how long the dogs had been seen in the area and their past demeanor.  Dennis stated the dogs had been roaming the area for approximately a year and a half and had not shown aggressive behavior until recently.

 

Loretta George addressed the council regarding a previous dog bite incident involving dogs from a residence on 2nd Street. She stated that one of the dogs bit her on the arm while she was walking past the property and that attempts to resolve the matter with the owners were unsuccessful.  George also stated that she carries pepper spray for protection from other dogs in the community while walking after this incident.

 

The council discussed the city ordinance regarding dog registration requirements.  Mayor Jurgensen asked Sherriff Bill Martin about the counties regulations for vicious dog.

 

Sheriff Martin stated that the county no longer has a vicious dog resolution in place. The council also discussed quarantine requirements and procedures following a dog bite incident.

 

The council discussed the court process and emphasized its importance for future public safety.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Johnson presented the April 2026 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $249,042.02, Receipts $37,238.88, Transfers Out $3,024.25, Expenditures $28,924.80, Checking Account Closing Balance $254,331.85. Bank Statement Balance $258,881.89, including Checking Account Interest of $52.59, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $4,550.04, Reconciled Balance $254,331.85.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $43,462.65, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $24,422.45, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $50,955.80, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $373,172.75. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $196.57, and Utility CDs $693.91 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $890.48.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of April 2026, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  April Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,400.25; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00, for Total Transfers of $3,024.25.  Net income for the month of April $5,289.83, Year-to-Date Net Income $53,586.39.  Budget vs Actual Gas Fund YTD Revenue $76,391.32 (59.0%), Expenditures $34,567.56 (26.2%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $13,156.07 (36.4%), Expenditures $11,100.99 (26.0%); Water Fund YTD Revenue $41,525.52 (33.4%), Expenditures $29,582.47 (20.7%); General Fund YTD Revenue $57,576.67 (39.1%), Expenditures $43,127.80 (18.4%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $3,968.83 (54.4%), Expenditures $2,807.27 (25.1%).  The May 2026 payables to date in the amount of $29,476.32.

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Stewart, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:

  • Minutes of April 14, 2026 Regular Meeting
  • April Treasurer’s Report, Profit & Loss Report by Class & May Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Codes Officer Coyan was unable to attend the meeting. Clerk Arnold addressed property concerns previously brought to her attention, including 202 4th St., where a prior letter regarding yard conditions had resulted in some progress but not sufficient compliance; the council agreed a citation was necessary. 101 Washington was found to be in compliance. 303 Washington will be sent a certified letter regarding code violations.

Treasurer Johnson reported that the gas surcharge was complete.

Superintendent Rich reported that the citywide cleanup went well, and that the KCC audit began May 11 and concluded May 13. Possible violations identified during the audit were also discussed.

Clerk Arnold presented the 2026 audit contract from DBB Inc., and the cost of the audit was discussed.

Moved by Stewart, Second by Knight, Approved 3-0, to approve the 2026 audit contract from DBB Inc.

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Knight – Knight reported flooding issues following the recent heavy rain at 205 7th St., 606 Wall St., 402 2nd St., and 1279 75th St. The council discussed prior efforts to address flooding concerns and potential actions the city could take moving forward.

Councilwoman Kelly – absent

Councilwoman Pemberton – none

Councilwoman Pritchett – absent

Councilman Stewart – none

Mayor Jurgensen – Jurgensen asked Superintendent Rich to add gravel to the east and west culverts near 201 7th St. to help manage rainwater runoff.

Treasurer Johnson – Johnson reported that the west sidewalk near 302 Hill has settled and is impeding water flow. Superintendent Rich stated he would inspect the area to determine possible corrective action.

 

OLD BUSINESS

FEMA Flooding– Mayor Jurgensen stated he had not heard from Marbery Concrete Inc., but he hopes work will begin soon, weather permitting.

NEW BUSINESS

 

Moved by Pemberton, Second by Stewart, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 8:46PM.

FSCC Agenda for June 12

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING
ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER
JUNE 2, 2026 – 12:00 P.M.
PUBLIC AGENDA
1.0 CALL MEETING TO ORDER – CHAIR DOUG ROPP
1.1 Roll Call of Trustees by the Clerk
___Bailey___Brown___Cosens___Hoyt___McKinnis___Ropp
2.0 FLAG SALUTE & INVOCATION
3.0 APPROVAL OF HEATER/FAN FOR TEC+ BUILDING
4.0 PERSONNEL
4.1 Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters
4.2 Exit Executive Session – Return to Open Session
4.3 Employment Matters of Nonelected Personnel
5.0 ADJOURN
(ACTION)
(ACTION)
(ACTION)
(ACTION)
(ACTION)

Eating Crow and Humble Pie by Carolyn Tucker

Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

Eating Crow and Humble Pie

Nobody wants to eat crow and humble pie (colloquial expressions for admitting you were wrong). From experience, I’ll tell you that crow tastes better with salt on it. Believers can wrongfully and pridefully think we know everything about running our lives. The Bible defines that as being a self-confident fool. We are not qualified to run anything on our own. “He leads the humble in what is right, and the humble He teaches His way” (Psalm 25:9). I don’t want to disqualify myself from receiving any teaching from my heavenly Father. I need His wise guidance and teaching in my life. In the words of Alan Simpson, “Those who travel the high road of humility are not troubled by heavy traffic.”

“The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged” (Psalm 69:32 NLT). My late husband and I used to sing a gospel song entitled, “I Can’t Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand.” The lyrics speak for themselves: “I thought I had done a lot on my own, I thought I could get by, oh, so all alone. I thought of myself as a mighty big man. But I can’t even walk without You holding my hand.”

It’s my job to humble myself. “I humble myself [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt me [He will lift me up and make my life significant]” (James 4:10 AMP). If I don’t make the effort to humble myself, God will do it for me, and I don’t want that! So, “I humble myself under the mighty hand of God, and in His good time He will lift me up” (1 Peter 5:6 TLB).

I refuse to get too big for my britches because I want and need God’s schooling in my life everyday. “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2 NLT). Down on our knees is where we learn to stand. That’s where we confess that we can’t even walk without God holding our hand.

When King Solomon was totally devoted and dependent on God, he was the wisest man who ever lived. But before he lived out his earthly life, he forfeited his wisdom for a big bunch of women who turned his heart away from God. You’d think Solomon would’ve had enough wisdom not to get too full of himself. But he did. We must often evaluate ourselves honestly and prayerfully. “And because of God’s gracious gift to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you should. Instead, be modest in your thinking and judge yourself according to the amount of faith that God has given you” (Romans 12:3 GNT). Scriptures indicate that Solomon humbled himself before he died, but he sure was miserable when he penned the Book of Ecclesiastes.

Christ followers are commanded to trust God for direction. “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones” (Proverbs 3:7-8 NKJV). We are to practice humility, rejecting prideful self-reliance, and have reverential fear and awe of God. Don’t make the mistake of relying on your personal insight instead of asking for God’s guidance and wisdom.

There’s a lot of songs I’d be pleased to have sung at my funeral. But I sure wouldn’t want “I Did It My Way.” At the end of my life, I want to humbly say, “I did it His way.”

The Key: It’s better to humble yourself. If you have to eat crow, just add salt.

Biosecurity Starts at the Gate by Hunter Nickell

Biosecurity Starts at the Gate

As livestock producers, we spend a great deal of time focused on nutrition, genetics, reproduction, and grassland/forage management. However, one area that is sometimes overlooked until problems arise is biosecurity. To be brief, biosecurity refers to specific management practices designed to prevent disease from entering or spreading within a livestock operation.

Recent discussions surrounding avian influenza, foreign animal disease preparedness, and increasing animal movement during spring and summer have made biosecurity an especially timely topic for livestock producers of all sizes. While large commercial operations often have strict protocols in place, biosecurity is equally important for small farms, youth livestock projects, and cow-calf operations. The good news is that effective biosecurity does not always require expensive equipment or complicated systems. In many cases, small management changes can significantly reduce disease risk.

One of the most important practices is controlling the introduction of animals. Purchased animals, returning show animals, or even borrowed breeding stock can unknowingly bring disease onto a farm. Isolating new arrivals for a period of time before mixing them with the resident herd allows producers to monitor for signs of illness and reduce the risk of exposure. During this isolation period, producers should watch for symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, diarrhea, fever, or poor appetite.

Vehicle and equipment traffic can also contribute to disease transmission. Livestock trailers, feed delivery trucks, manure spreaders, and shared handling equipment may all carry pathogens from one location to another. Cleaning and disinfecting trailers and equipment between uses can help reduce this risk. Even simple practices such as removing visible manure and organic debris before disinfecting can greatly improve effectiveness.

Visitors are another potential source of disease introduction. Veterinarians, livestock haulers, neighbors, and other producers may unintentionally carry disease organisms on boots, clothing, or equipment. Providing a designated parking area away from livestock pens, encouraging clean footwear or washing boots, and limiting unnecessary traffic through animal areas are simple ways to strengthen farm biosecurity.

As the county fair and livestock show season approaches, biosecurity becomes even more important. Fairs bring animals from many different locations into close contact, creating opportunities for disease spread. Producers should ensure livestock are up to date on recommended vaccinations before attending events and monitor animals closely after returning home. If your animal is sick as you approach show day or fair week, consider leaving that animal at home to prevent other animals from being exposed. Avoiding shared water buckets, feed pans, and grooming equipment can also help reduce transmission risks.

Wildlife and pests should not be overlooked either. Rodents, birds, ticks, flies, and feral animals can spread disease between farms and livestock groups. Maintaining clean feed storage areas, controlling standing water, and implementing pest management practices can help minimize these risks.

Perhaps the most important point about biosecurity is that prevention is far less costly than treatment. Disease outbreaks can result in lost performance, reduced reproductive success, treatment expenses, and even death loss. A few preventative steps today may save producers substantial time and expense later. Biosecurity plans do not need to be complicated to be effective. The key is consistency and awareness. Evaluating everyday practices and identifying areas where disease could enter the operation are strong first steps for any producer.

For additional information on livestock biosecurity practices, feel free to reach out to Hunter Nickell, Livestock Production Agent, at any Southwind Extension District Office or by email at [email protected].

Bo.Co. Coalition Meets June 3

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Agenda

 

June 3, 2026 1:00 PM

Scottview Conference Room

315 S. Scott Ave

 

 

  1.  Welcome: 

 

 

  1.  Member Introductions and Announcements:

 

 

  1.  Program: Erin Bishop, Double Up Food Bucks Program Manager, K-State Extension

 

 

  1.  Open Forum:

 

 

  1.  Adjournment:  The next General Membership meeting will be August 5, 2026.

 

U.S. Senator Marshall Weekly Press Overview, May 25-May 29, 2026

 

Senator Marshall Spends Memorial Day Weekend with Kansas Workers, Small Businesses, & Law Enforcement Graduates

Wichita – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), spent the start of Memorial Day weekend traveling across Wichita, Park City, and Hutchinson, meeting with Kansas employers, community leaders, and newly graduating law enforcement officers to discuss manufacturing growth, workforce training, community health, and public safety.

Senator Marshall started the day at Aerospace Turbine Rotables, Inc., a Wichita-based aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) company that specializes in repairing and overhauling aircraft components for business aviation, military, and turbine-powered aircraft. He discussed aerospace manufacturing, the company’s work supporting military aircraft and national defense operations, and continued investment in Wichita’s aviation economy.

In Park City, Senator Marshall joined local leaders for the ribbon cutting of a new outdoor Fitness Court at Park Centre, designed to promote free, accessible exercise opportunities for the community. He praised local efforts to create community spaces that support physical health and family engagement. Next, he toured King Solar, which serves residential and commercial customers, where he discussed the need for domestic manufacturing and the role energy development can play in supporting rural Kansas communities.

At the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson, Senator Marshall delivered commencement remarks to graduates of the 357th Basic Training Class as they prepared to begin careers serving communities across Kansas, thanking the new officers for stepping forward to serve.

Back in Wichita, Senator Marshall toured Washer Specialties. This family-owned Kansas company has supplied HVAC and appliance parts to customers nationwide for more than 65 years, and he highlighted provisions passed in the Working Families Tax Cuts that support small businesses like theirs.

Click here to learn more.

Senator Marshall Meets with Kansas Manufacturers & Small Businesses

Hutchinson – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), visited small businesses across Hutchinson, McPherson, and Salina to discuss manufacturing and more opportunities for Kansas employers.

His first stop was in Hutchinson at Arconic, which produces specialized aluminum materials used in aircraft structures for both commercial aviation and defense applications. The visit focused on domestic manufacturing, workforce needs, and Kansas’s role in the aviation and defense supply chain. Next, in McPherson, Senator Marshall visited Wald Family Foods, a family-owned food manufacturer producing pizza crusts and specialty food products for customers nationwide, where he discussed provisions passed in the Working Families Tax Cuts and the need to maintain affordable energy prices.

In Salina, Senator Marshall toured Watts Manufacturing. This family-owned company designs and builds wildland fire trucks, rescue vehicles, and specialized firefighting equipment used by departments across Kansas and the nation. They also discussed the resources and services made available by the U.S. Commerce Department for small businesses like Watts Manufacturing.

Click here to learn more.

Senator Marshall Introduces First-Ever Childcare Provision to Farm Bill Framework

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) introduced the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act, legislation that aims to strengthen childcare access, affordability, and quality in rural communities across America.

“In every corner of Kansas, I’ve heard from families and business owners alike that childcare is critical to their communities,” said Senator Marshall. “With summer break underway and many parents adjusting schedules and searching for care options, the need for accessible childcare is top of mind for families across rural America. This bill is laser-focused on expanding rural childcare infrastructure and helping put our kids on the path to a bright future. I’m proud to introduce the first-ever childcare provision in a Farm Bill framework, and I look forward to getting it across the finish line.”

The legislation directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development programs to prioritize projects that expand childcare options for families, workers, and employers across rural America, helping address one of the biggest workforce and quality-of-life challenges facing small towns and farming communities.

Click here to learn more.

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Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. Receives $2.5 Million Kansas Rural Health Grant

 

The reception area of the Freeman Fort Scott Hospital.

    

Joplin, MO – Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. was awarded a $2.5 million rural health grant on Friday that will vastly improve access and outcomes in health care to Bourbon County residents.

 

Freeman’s fourth and newest hospital was one of 17 Kansas-based health care facilities to receive a Rural Emergency Hospital Conversion/Transformative Capital Investment Program (REH/CAP) grant via the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). These grants help rural health facilities like Fort Scott Hospital make either facility renovations or capital investments “to transform how they serve their communities.”

 

A total of $29.1 million was distributed to the 17 Kansas locations. Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Inc. was chosen from a pool of 73 applications. The $2,502,999 amount was the fourth highest awarded.

 

“This award represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare in Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and the surrounding region,” said Anita Walden, chief administrative officer of Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.

 

The grant money was made available through the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).

 

“We are incredibly grateful for the support provided through the Rural Health Transformation Program and for the confidence placed in Freeman Fort Scott Hospital’s vision for improving access to care for the community we serve,” Walden continued.

 

Last December, Kansas was awarded $221 million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as part of the H.R. 1 bill, which provided $50 billion to help reshape healthcare in rural communities nationwide over the next five years.

 

“These investments reflect the power of collaboration and long-term planning in addressing the unique health care needs of rural Kansas communities,” Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement. “By supporting regional partnerships, rural hospitals, and critical infrastructure improvements, the Rural Health Transformation Program is empowering communities to strengthen local health systems, improve access to high-quality care, and build a more sustainable future for rural Kansans.”

 

Located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.—consisting of a six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care unit—opened in September 2025 and celebrated its official ribbon cutting earlier this month. More than 3,400 Fort Scott and Bourbon County residents have utilized the hospital’s emergency department in the last eight months.

 

 

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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., and Ozark Center—the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services—as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics, and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County Local News