Monthly Archives: November 2023

Government, Kansas

Rural Hospital Leaders Discuss Medicaid Expansion

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Lieutenant Governor Toland, Rural Hospital Leaders Discuss Medicaid Expansion
Impacts on Local Economies


PARSONS— Today, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland hosted a Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy roundtable at Labette Health in Parsons. Rural hospital leaders and legislators discussed the impacts Medicaid expansion would have on healthcare and the economy in Southeast Kansas.

“Rural hospitals play a key role in keeping both Kansas communities and local economies healthy,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “When our rural hospitals struggle, our businesses and workforce feel the impact. We must expand Medicaid so Kansans can access essential care, we can continue our unprecedented economic growth, and keep creating new jobs across the state.”

“Medicaid has been vital for people who have no resources for needed care,” said State Representative Ron Bryce. “Prior to becoming a state representative, I was a physician, providing care for the homeless, the working poor, and others in need. I know the workings of Medicaid first-hand from the point of view of the provider as well as the patient. We need to weigh the pluses as well as the minuses as we work to help those in need and improve the economy in southeast Kansas.”

“Access to health care is a vital component of economic development and a healthy local economy,” said Brian Williams, CEO of Labette Health. “Expanding Medicaid in Kansas would provide additional resources to hospitals allowing increased access to health care. As a Republican voter, I fully support Governor Kelly’s economic initiative to expand Medicaid for Kansans.”

Here’s how expanding Medicaid would benefit rural hospitals and the economy:

  • Medicaid expansion is associated with improved hospital financial performance and significant reductions in the probability of hospital closure, especially in rural areas.
  • The retention of even smaller than average sized hospital or nursing facility in a rural community creates economic ripples that sustain local grocery stores, eating places, and retailers.
  • Quality health care has been shown to improve business productivity, aid in the recruitment and retention of businesses, and attract and retains retirees.
  • Kansas does not save money by refusing expansion — it simply gives up the opportunity to bring tax dollars back to our state. Kansans have already paid nearly $7 billionin federal taxes to fund Medicaid expansion in other states.

Roundtable participants included:

  • State Representative Ron Bryce, R-Coffeyville
  • State Representative Dan Goddard, R-Parsons
  • Ruth Duling, CEO, Girard Hospital
  • Brian Williams, CEO, Labette Health
  • Tom Hood, CEO, Wilson Medical Center
  • Former State Representative Jim Kelly, R-Independence

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

Museum of Creativity Candy Land Adventure on December 2

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

The Museum of Creativity…..

Rural Development Grant to help team help small businesses succeed

Come to the Museum of Creativity to experience our 1st annual Candy Land Adventure. Guests of all ages will experience the wonder of playing the classic board game using themselves as the game piece. Players will trudge through the Chocolate Swamp and fight their way through Licorice Lagoon. This will mostly involve walking although there will be opportunities to crawl through Gumdrop Pass, slide in Gramma Nuts Peanut Brittle House, craft a candy cane bracelet or ornament in Peppermint Forrest and other side adventures if they choose to wander off colored path that goes around such things. (Teaser photos below)

All players will make it to the finish line with a cake walk inside Candy Castle where everyone will be a winner with a treat of their own. Cakes, cupcakes and cookies are being supplied by contestants in our decorating contest so they will be gorgeous and delicious!

https://www.facebook.com/share/To1cDmi9b5pKY6u1/?mibextid=9VsGKo

Saturday, December 2nd from 10am – 4pm

$5.00/ person

Buy your tickets here:

museum-of-creativity-institute.ticketleap.com/candyland-adventure/

(If you can’t make it that day, consider sponsoring family, friends or a random adventurer or ask for a proxy to adventure in your place and you can make arrangements to pick up your prize.)

Museum of Creativity

102 S. National Ave

Fort Scott, KS 66701

209-204-9743

[email protected]

If you enjoy decorating cakes, cupcakes or cookies and want to enter the CREATIVE CHRISTMAS CAKE & COOKIE CONTEST to contribute to this event, find more information here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/dRdqRvX7biD1Es4k/?mibextid=9VsGKo

Then contact us to sign up as a contestant.

This special event is in conjunction with the Downtown Fort Scott Christmas on the Bricks. Find out more about other events going on here:

https://facebook.com/events/s/christmas-on-the-bricks/1625123707976601/

Disclaimer: We are not yet handicap accessible. We will be happy to assist you into the building. Contact 209-204-9743 to arrange assistance.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Fort Scott, Schools, Youth

FSHS Thespians Direct Children’s Production of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas 

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FSHS Thespians Direct Children’s Production of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas 

 

The Fort Scott High School Thespians present their children’s theatre production of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Kathryn Schultz Miller.

 

Performances are at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 9 at the FSHS Auditorium. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

 

The mini-musical is based on the traditional Christmas poem by Clement C. Moore with a modern take including Izzy the Christmas mouse played by Theodore Bowman, Rosie the red-nosed reindeer played by Mary Racer, and other holiday favorite characters such as reindeer, elves, and even the Abominable Snowman. Audience members will get to join in the fun throughout the performance. Cast members include fifty local children in 1st-8th grades.

 

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ is produced by FSHS Theatre Director Angie Bin with assistance from Levi Bin. Direction and design is by the FSHS Thespians. Junior Cooper George serves as Director with junior Mykael Lewis assisting. Junior Alyssa Popp is the Stage Manager.

 

Tickets are all reserved seating and are $6 from fortscotthighschool.ludus.com or at the door. Seating is limited.

 

# # #

 

Contact: Angie Bin, 620-719-9622, [email protected]

 

Fort Scott, Government

Minutes of the Fort Scott City Commission for November 12

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

Minutes of November 21, 2023                                       Regular Meeting

 

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held November 21, 2023 at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, K. Harrington, E. Woellhof, and M. Guns were present with Mayor M. Wells.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION:  E. Woellhof led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE:  Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director, Tammy Matkin, Shane Lamb, Kevin Allen.

 

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:

  1. Wells stated there are (2) amendment requests for the submitted agenda. 1. ADDITION TO CONSENT AGENDA – requested by Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering and Inspection to add a request to pay Invoice #10052302 from EPEC for the UV Upgrade – $286,540.20 to be Item F and 2. ADDITION TO OLD BUSINESS – requested by Matthew Wells for approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for the Fort Scott Pavilion recommended by the Design Review Board on November 21, 2023 to be Item F and B. Matkin requested that Kevin Allen be extended additional time to address the Commission under Public Comments.

 

  1. VanHoecke asked if the (2) items that came in late could wait until the next meeting or if they were an emergency. M. Wells stated that the Old Business item is for the Fort Scott Pavilion and needed to be approved so that construction and drilling could begin on the project immediately. T. VanHoecke asked B. Matkin if he was aware of the additions.  B. Matkin stated that he was only made aware of the pavilion item after the Design Review Board meeting that afternoon and that (the drilling) had already started.

 

  1. Harrington moved to approve the amended agenda. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE AMENDED AGENDA

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

 

– Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 7, 2023, and Minutes of Special Meeting of November 13, 2023.

 

– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1348-A – $257,614.70

 

– Request to Pay – Gilmore & Bell – Invoice #8052257 – Preparation of transcript documents, assembly of transcripts, bond printing, and examination of transcript and rendering approving opinion, in relation to the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023 for $4,925,000 to the City of Fort Scott Matter No. 600234.2003 – Amount due – $25,000.00.

 

– Change Order No. 3 – 17th & Eddy Storm Water Project – widen west 15th at National for approximately 85 feet to straighten the BOC with the entrance to True Value. Increase of $10,000.00 approved by City Manager 11/15/2023 to ensure continuation of work – B. Matkin

 

– October Financials

 

  1. Wells asked B. Matkin about the Franchise Fees for the cell services. B. Matkin stated that he has researched it and is currently working with the City Attorney on this item.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the addition of Item F for the request to pay EPEC $286,540.20 for the UV upgrade. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH ADDITION OF ITEM F.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

 

Kevin Allen – M. Wells called K. Allen to the podium to speak with no time limit as requested. K. Allen addressed the Commission to request that the City invest in the community by helping financially with his improvements to Aunt Toadies with a grant. He stated that Aunt Toadies is currently the only restaurant on the East side of town. The improvements would be (Phase I) to replace outdated kitchen equipment, (Phase II) renovating the home behind the restaurant to be used for reserved seating area, and (Phase III) to build a Pickleball Court.

 

Discussion was had about options. K. Allen was directed to request the Small Business Incentive Program that will hopefully be approved this evening and hopefully be the first applicant and potential model recipient.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

                                                     

Approval of 2024 City of Fort Scott Holiday Schedule

  1. Matkin stated that the (2) changes to the current year’s schedule are the addition of a floating holiday and October 14th. M. Guns moved to approve the 2024 City of Fort Scott Holiday Schedule as submitted.           E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE 2024 CITY OF FORT SCOTT HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

 

Approval of Common Consumption Ordinance for the City of Fort Scott- Historic Downtown District

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve Ordinance No. 3756 Expanding the Common Consumption Area. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3756 EXPANDING THE EXISTING COMMON CONSUMPTION AREA.

 

Approval of amended parking lot lease for DCF building

  1. Harrington moved to accept the first amendment to the lease between Silverrock Ventures LLC and the City of Fort Scott, Kansas. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE LEASE BETWEEN SILVERROCK VENTURES LLC AND THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.

 

Consideration of bids for window replacements of Gunn Park Shelter Houses 2 & 6 – Tabled from 11-7-2023.

  1. VanHoecke moved to accept the low bid from Home Depot for $8,976.00 without tax and not installed. K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID FROM HOME DEPOT FOR $8,976.00.

 

Consideration Small Business Incentive Program – M. Wells

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the program as changed (in the work session). M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE SMALL BUSINESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM

 

Consideration of approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for the Fort Scott Pavilion

  1. Harrington moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the Fort Scott Pavilion. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE FORT SCOTT PAVILION.

 

 

APPEARANCES:

 

Scott Flater/Water Utilities Director addressed the Commission to update that the Proteus Probe was received on November 8th, 2023. A meeting was held for training by Zoom on November 15th, 2023. They have begun using the probe since and collecting data. The results of the probe readings from 11/15/2023, 11/16/2023, 11/18/2023, and 11/22/2023 and an ADM Quantity and Consistency Report from 1/2022 – 9/2023 were distributed to the Commission for discussion.

 

Jason Pickert/Chief of Police addressed the Commission regarding the grant for $18,000.00 that was awarded to purchase body-worn cameras.

 

Shane Lamb addressed the Commission to request an update on his request for abatement of all mowing assessments from his property previously known as The Fort Scott Manor. He stated he is coming before them tonight to get a clear title to close with his bank during the first week of December to begin construction on a 22-unit rental. M. Wells asked if S. Lamb would be able to provide a financial commitment from his bank.  Mr. Lamb agreed. Further discussion was had on previous requirements needed and requested from the Commission.  T. VanHoecke checked the November 15, 2022, minutes for the amount owed that was recorded.  The history of the request was reviewed.  M. Wells stated that if S. Lamb could provide a financial commitment from his bank, he felt confident that we could move forward with waving the special assessment fees.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the request to waive the special assessment fees up to $9,000.00 for the Fort Scott Manor property once the required permits are obtained, approval by the Fire Marshall and financial commitment papers are submitted by Shane Lamb. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO WAIVE THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FEES UP TO $9,000.00 FOR THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY KNOWN AS THE FORT SCOTT MANOR AFTER THE REQUIRED PERMITS ARE OBTAINED AND APPROVAL FROM THE FIRE MARSHALL AND THE FINANCIAL COMMITMENT STATEMENT IS RECEIVED BY THE CITY.

 

 

 

 

NEW BUSINESS:  

 

Consideration of City Manager contract –   M. Wells stated that he is happy to inform citizens that the current City Manager, Brad Matkin has acquiesced to the Commission’s request to stay on and help continue to guide our city into the future.   M. Wells stated he is looking for a motion and a second to move forward with the contract to keep Brad here for the foreseeable future.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve the revised City Manager contract for Bradley L. Matkin for the City of Fort Scott with the one item that was added which was regarding performance metrics. M. Wells seconded. seconded. T. VanHoecke, M. Guns and M. Wells voted yes.
  2. Harrington and E. Woellhof voted nay.

 

APPROVED THE REVISED CITY MANAGER CONTRACT FOR BRADLEY L. MATKIN FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT INCLUDING THE ADDITIONAL ITEM PERTAINING TO PERFORMANCE METRICS.

 

Discussion was had between Commissioners regarding the contract.

 

Consideration of Letter of Interest for Danny Craig to the Parks Advisory Board

  1. VanHoecke moved to approve Danny Craig for a position on the Parks Advisory Board. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO APPOINT DANNY CRAIG FOR A (3) YEAR TERM ON THE PARK ADVISORY BOARD.

 

Consideration of 2023 Christmas Parade Permit

  1. Wells moved to approve the application for the 2023 Christmas Parade Permit. T. VanHoecke seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED THE APPLICATION FOR THE 2023 CHRISTMAS PARADE PERMIT.

 

Consideration of Change Order No. 3 – Bennett, Inc. – Project No. 22-PF-016-2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Final measured quantities – Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering and Inspection requested approval of the final change order contingent upon CDBG’s approval.  T. VanHoecke moved to accept the change order for the 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer project and the amount of a reduction of $14,727.00.  K. Harrington seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED CHANGE ORDER NUMBER (3) FROM BENNETT, INC. PERTAINING TO FINAL MEASURED QUANTITIES FOR THE 2022 CDBG SANITARY SEWER PROJECT, AND THE REDUCTION OF $14,727.00.

 

Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – Project No. 22-PF-016 – 2022 CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 6 (Final) – $164,623.89

  1. Guns moved to approve final payment number (6) in the amount of $164,623.89 to Bennett Construction for the CDBG Sanitary Sewer Project contingent on the CDBG final approval. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO PAY BENNETT, INC $164,623.89 AS FINAL PAYMENT FOR THE 2022 CDBG SANITARY SEWER PROJECT. RELEASE OF PAYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON FINAL APPROVAL FROM CDBG.

 

  1. Matkin thanked the citizens for their cooperation during the sewer project and stated that Bennett, Inc. is “top-notch” and was great to work with as a contractor with excellent communication. M. Wells and J. Dickman agreed.

 

Consideration to go out for bid of Lake Fort Scott boat ramp – B. Matkin stated that according to the City’s Purchasing Policy, we will need to go out for bids for the boat ramp repair, but it will need to be a short bidding time due to winter weather coming.  B. Farmer stated that bids are not required for this project because it is a maintenance project.  B. Matkin stated he would like to follow the Purchasing Policy and go out for bid.

 

  1. Wells moved to go out for bid for the Lake Fort Scott boat ramp repair work with bids to be opened in one week and engineered by the contractor. Bid was struck. Commission directed B. Matkin to go out for bids.

 

Consideration to combine CCLIP US-54 Projects – Funds to come from the individual departments.  J. Dickman explained that combining Phase I and Phase II of the project, instead of doing them separately. He stated that the state wants to execute the agreement for Phase I and then the city will apply for Phase II with a supplemental agreement if the Commission agrees to combine the projects. This will push the project to bid in the summer of 2025. J. Dickman stated that the benefit of combining the projects has benefits on the construction side with efficiency, cost, and timing. He explained the future of the project.

 

  1. Wells moved to combine the CCLIP US-54 projects Phase I and Phase II. K. Harrington seconded.

 

APPROVED TO COMBINE THE CCLIP US-54 PROJECTS PHASE I AND PHASE II.

 

Further discussion was had about the benefits of combining the projects.

 

Lake Properties discussion – T. VanHoecke stated that a complaint was made to him and the City Manager from a Lake resident, regarding an individual who was using city-owned property (at the lake) to run a business. Equipment was left parked there and the appearance is not right.  T. VanHoecke went to check out the complaint and there appears to be more than one instance.  He met with the City Attorney for options. T. VanHoecke would like to have the Commission direct the City Manager to work with Earles Engineering to finish surveying (6) lake lots that are currently in progress and then have the Commission consider the properties’ futures. He stated that there are also second-tier properties to consider as well. He suggested that the sale of the lots could possibly be a resource for economic development funds, housing funds, Memorial Hall repair funds and possibly take some of the work off city crews who are maintaining those spaces. He asked the Commission to think about it and possibly bring it back to discussion at the next meeting. He also asked the Commission to support having Earles Engineering complete the surveying of (6) lots already in progress to determine what to do with all the land that is at the lake and not currently benefiting the city.

 

Further discussion was had about the history of the lake properties and considerations to keep in mind, sewer requirements and possible violations, annexation, and Lake Fund usage.  J. Dickman commented on lake lots and options for the Commission’s consideration.

 

  1. VanHoecke left the room and returned.

 

  1. Woellhof left the room and returned.

 

City Manager comments

Engineer’s comments

Commissioner comments

City Attorney’s comments

 

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:00PM. E. Woellhof seconded. All voted aye.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:00PM

 

Next Meeting:

REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING – Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 6:00PM

 

 

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda of the Fort Scott City Commission for December 5

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

December 5, 2023 – 6:00 P.M.

 

 

 

  1.   Roll Call:
  2.     VanHoecke       K. Harrington      E. Woellhof        M. Guns         M. Wells
  3.   Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation:  M. Wells

III.    Approval of Agenda:

  1. Consent Agenda:
  2. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 21, 2023
  3. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1349-A – $573,833.97
  4. Request to Pay – EPEC – Invoice #11202301 – Phase II Aeration Upgrade – $537,301.70
  5. Request to Pay – J. Richardson Construction – Project No. 21-307 – 17th & Eddy Stormwater Improvements – Payment Application No. 7, period ending 11/13/2023 – $17,778.77
  6. Request to Pay – Bennett, Inc. – Project No. 23-005B – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 1 –    $172,482.75
  7. Request to Pay – Nowak Construction Co., Inc. – Project No. 22-305 – South Industrial Waterline Extension – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 1,     period ending 11/29/2023 – $119,472.30
  8. Approval of Ordinance No. 3757 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FORT SCOTT STORMWATER USER CHARGE AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3597 FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, PURSUANT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 13.24.121
  9. Approval of Ordinance No. 3758 – AN ORDINANCE SETTING NEW WATER RATES AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3755 FOR THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS, PURSUANT TO THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 13.04.030
  10. I. Approval of Ordinance No. 3759 – AN ORDINANCE INCREASING THE BASIC MONTHLY CHARGE FOR SANITARY SEWER RATES IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT BY AMENDING CHAPTER 13.24.100 AND 13.24.110 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3596
  11. Public Comment:   Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda

and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

  1. Old Business:

 

  1. Advisory Boards Update – B. Matkin
  2. Lake Property Continued Discussion – T. VanHoecke

 

VII.    Appearances:

  1. Christin and Chad Young from Lawrence, KS – Request to hold Tent Revival Event at Memorial Hall
  2. Seth Needham – Cub Scout Pack 114 Soapbox Derby – Good Ol’ Days 2024
  3. Kirk Sharp – Kansas Museum Conference 2024
  4.  New Business: 
  5. Consideration of Water Crane rates for 2024
  6. Consideration of CD bids for reinvestment
  7. Consideration of 2024 MOU – IT Support for City of Fort Scott – Shared Services with Bourbon County
  8. Consideration of January 2, 2024, and January 16, 2024, City Commission Meetings

 

  1. Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:
  3. Engineering Comments:
  4. Commissioners Comments:
  5. VanHoecke –
  6. Harrington –
  7. Woellhof –
  8. Guns –
  9. Wells –

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:
  2.  Executive Session:

XII.     Adjournment:

 

Next regular meeting scheduled:  Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 6:00PM

Obituary

Obituary of Cathy Killion

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Cathy Jean Killion, age 73, a resident of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away early Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.  She was born March 22, 1950, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the daughter of William Wayne Watkins and Edna Mae “Cricket” Kells Watkins.

Cathy graduated from the Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1968.  Because Cathy’s dad owned and operated the ambulance service in Ft. Scott, she was naturally drawn to a career in health care.  She trained to be an emergency medical technician and also a certified nurse’s aide.  She was employed for a time with Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott

.  She married the love of her life, John Wayne Killion on August 15, 1970, at the St. John’s United Methodist Church in Ft. Scott.  Cathy worked for a short time at Key Industries prior to the birth of her twins.  She later worked for fifteen years at Wal-Mart.  She later returned to Mercy Hospital where she worked in outpatient scheduling.  She retired from Mercy in 2010 after twenty-two years of service.  Cathy enjoyed gardening, baking and cooking.  She also taught herself how to crochet left-handed.  Since moving to the Medicalodge, Cathy enjoyed coloring, doing crafts and playing Bingo.  She was a member of the St. John’s Global Methodist Church.

 

Survivors include her husband, John, of the home; three children, Mike Killion (Diane) of Springfield, Missouri, Bob Killion (Mindy) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Lori Westhoff (Ron) of Assaria, Kansas; ten grandchildren, Seth Killion, Andy Killion (Abby), Trevor Killion, Hannah Killion, Coleman Westhoff (Maggie), Carter Westhoff, Cooper Westhoff, Caitlyn Killion (Frank), Chelsea Killion and Hunter Killion; four great-grandchildren, Ember, Kaisley, John and Dominic.  Also surviving are her brother, David Watkins, Sr. (Teresa) and a brother-in-law, Tom Killion all of Ft. Scott as well as several nieces and nephews and her beloved dog, Cricket.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Cricket Watkins, her step-mother, Violet Watkins and in-laws, James and Mary Killion.

 

Rev. James Brackett will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or to the American Cancer Society and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

Timken to Close Operations in Fort Scott In 2025

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Timken is located in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park on the city’s south side.

The Timken LLC Plant at 4505 Campbell Road in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park will close in 2025, according to a press release from Timken Media Relations Spokesman Scott Schroeder.

“Today, we notified employees at our belts facility in Fort Scott, Kan., that we will be gradually winding down operations there and plan to close the plant in 2025,” he said. “While difficult, we’re making this change to streamline our operations and restructure our manufacturing footprint to better compete in a global market.”

“We will provide support to help those employees affected by this change, including on-site counseling, benefits planning and retention and severance pay. We wanted to be transparent and provide as much time as possible so employees can plan for their future,” he said.

“We’re committed to providing at least 60 days notice before an employee’s last day,” he said.

Approximately 155 employees work at Timken’s  Fort Scott facility.

Timken engineers and manufactures bearings and industrial motion products…to help global industries operate more efficiently, according to the Timken website.

 

Ascension Via Christi, Bourbon County, Health Care

Questions About the Emergency Medical Service in Bourbon County

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Mercy Hospital Fort Scott signed an agreement with Ascension Via Christi to provide equipment and furnishings for emergency room services in 2019, following the closure of the hospital in 2018.

The loss of the emergency department in Bourbon County on December 20 is on the minds of many in the community.

Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department cited “a steady decline in visits and its overall average daily census” in the press release announcing the closure.

Ascension Via Christi to close Emergency Department in Fort Scott on Dec. 20

 

Gregg Motley, Southeast Kansas Regional Manager of Landmark National Bank, proposed a question-and-answer interview on the current medical issues between him and Dr. Randy Nichols that would answer some of the questions the community has. Here is the interview.

 

Dr. Randy Nichols, who recently retired from a long medical practice in Bourbon County, answers some frequently asked questions from Bourbon County residents about the future of Emergency Room services in Bourbon County.

Motley:

Why do we need an emergency room?  Would a great ambulance service with high-quality Emergency Medical Services personnel be just as good?

Nichols:

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Emergency Rooms (ER) are mutually beneficial services.  EMS is to evaluate the on-scene emergency needs, provide the care available on the ambulance, and transport to the closest appropriate ER.  Once EMS is involved, they are legally required to transport the patient to the closest appropriate ER.  An ER, on the other hand, is available to both ambulance transfers and “walk-ins” seeking emergency care.  An ER has lab and x-ray diagnostic capabilities.  It has treatment options not available on an ambulance.   Following diagnostic evaluation, a patient can be treated and dismissed or stabilized and transferred for hospitalization to a facility offering the needed services.

 

Let’s look at our utilization numbers to understand why EMS alone is not adequate.  Approximately 2/3 of our ER visits do not arrive by ambulance.  Of our total ER visits, less than ¼ ultimately require hospitalization.  If most of the people seeking emergency care can no longer bring themselves to a local facility, the number of ambulance calls, and therefore number of transports out of the county, could triple.  To staff this would be a prohibitive expense.  More importantly, emergencies aren’t scheduled, so if multiple health events occur at the same time without a local ER, our ambulance system could be overwhelmed: people will be waiting longer and some will not get the care they need in a timely manner.  Additionally, some people may choose to “ride it out” at home rather than call an ambulance or make a long drive to the closest ER. Both of these decisions put people at increased risk.

A brick-and-mortar ER is foundational to the safety and well-being of our community.

Motley:

Could a stop at an ER without an attached hospital jeopardize the life of a critically ill patient by delaying a life-saving treatment?

Nichols:

EMS is obligated to take a patient to the closest ER providing the needed level of care.  However, that care may be identified as a need to stabilize in the local ER while arranging transport to a higher level of care. This is often a more controlled situation, improves patient safety, and, if for example Life Flight needs to be called, may shorten the time to distant hospitals.

Motley:

Why is government being asked to subsidize a private corporation?  Do other rural communities fund / subsidize their ERs.

Nichols:

Healthcare reimbursement is unlike other business models.  In order to get paid, a healthcare organization must meet a rigid group of CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid) standards. Reimbursement is based on “customary and reasonable” and/or negotiated fees. Reimbursement doesn’t equal charges and in many cases, episodes of care are never paid.  To have an ER, a subsidy is needed whether it is private or “not for profit.”  Of course, the subsidy needs to be based on real and regularly verified numbers.

Many other communities subsidize their health care.  In our area, Iola, Garnett, and Parsons all subsidize.  Nevada has a ½ cent sales tax to support their hospital. Ottawa, Kansas subsidizes about $2 million yearly to cover the cost of indigent care.  In Kansas, more than 50 hospitals are at risk of closure.  The Kansas Hospital Association reports many of these would already be closed if not supported by local subsidies.

Motley:

Are there subsidies for rural health care out there to lighten our local burden? Is it anticipated this will be a perpetual subsidy for the taxpayers of Bourbon County?

Nichols:

Federal designation as a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) is being pursued.  REH would pay $2-3 million a year as a facility fee.  This would support an ER and a limited number of 24-hour observation beds.  REH would provide long-term stability to our situation and probably eliminate the need for subsidy.  Without REH, the need for an ongoing subsidy will be our responsibility.

Motley:

Will the rural health care system be fixed?

Nichols:

To fix rural health care our legislators must understand how it is broken.  Please communicate with them your needs and concerns.  In our immediate situation, we need help with waivers of the current rules limiting our ability to have an ER.  First is a law dictating that the sponsoring hospital must be within 35 miles.  The other is a waiver related to the timing of the closure of our hospital as it relates to qualifying for REH.   Please continue to ask our representatives for their help.

Bourbon County, Youth

CASA Christmas Celebration is December 8

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member

Bourbon County CASA…..

Change a Child’s Story!

You are cordially invited to a

Christmas Celebration

to benefit Bourbon County CASA

Friday, December 8th 2023

Mitch and Colleen Quick’s Residence

2086 Justice Road

Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

7:00-9:00pm

Heavy hors d’oeuvres and full bar provided

Giving Levels

Payable with your reservation response card

Sponsor

$25 per person

$50 per couple

Guardian

$50 per person

$100 per couple

Guardian Angel

$75 per person

$150 per couple

Friend

$125 per person

$250 per couple

Defender

$500 per person

$1000 per couple

Benefactor

$1,000 per person and over

Mail your selected giving level to:

Bourbon County CASA

PO Box 146

Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

Click here to RSVP, please RSVP by

Friday, December 1st.

Contact CASA Director Christa Horn with any questions or for more information 620-215-2769.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Government, Kansas

Recommendations From Kansas Wildlife Task Force

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Governor Kelly Receives Final Report and Recommendations from Wildfire Task Force

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Governor’s Wildfire Task Force has submitted its final report summarizing and providing recommendations on how to improve the systems, procedures, and personnel that make up the state’s oversight of wildfire events.

In July 2022, Governor Laura Kelly appointed a group of leaders from across the state to serve as the Governor’s Wildfire Task Force to create recommendations for how Kansas communities can better prevent, respond to, and recover from wildfires.

“I created this Task Force last year because Kansas has been devastated by wildfires far too many times, and it was clear we needed to take a deeper look at how we prevent and respond to these disasters,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I appreciate the comprehensive recommendations Secretary Beam and the Wildfire Task Force have provided, and I look forward to working together to better support Kansans before, during, and after wildfires.”

The Task Force was chaired by Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam and included representatives from local, state, and federal agencies and organizations that have played an active role in responding to wildfires across the state, along with several state legislators.

“I have appreciated the candid, yet cordial, exchange of concerns and suggestions among the Task Force members,” said Secretary Beam. “It’s obvious to me the entities involved in wildfire prevention, response, and recovery have enhanced their collaborations and partnerships in recent years, and they are committed to taking further steps to strengthen the state’s wildfire resilience.”

The Task Force report is organized into three sections: Mitigation and Prevention, Response, and Recovery. In the Mitigation and Prevention section, the Task Force examines the efforts in place to monitor fire risk, major contributors to the fire risk across the state, and work that is underway to mitigate that risk. The Response section examines the response plans and systems in place locally and statewide and how they could be strengthened. The Recovery section examines the strategies for long-term recovery following a wildfire event.

Recommendations include expanding efforts to reduce fuel loads, improving weather monitoring, increasing resources for local fire departments, and enhancing funding for firefighting equipment. Many recommendations focus on the importance of mitigation strategies, recognizing it as a shared responsibility that will require collaboration between public and private landowners. The Task Force also recognized the significant role of volunteer firefighters and the challenges local communities face in recruiting and retaining these volunteers.

State officials will now determine next steps for implementing Task Force’s recommendations.

The full report can be found here or at agriculture.ks.gov/WildfireTaskForce.

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Bourbon County, Food, Government, Kansas, Uncategorized

Perry’s Awarded Southeast Kansas Region Award of Merit

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Thaddeus and Kelly Perry, owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds. Submitted photo.

Thaddeus and Kelly Perry, owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store, Bronson, were recently awarded the Southeast Kansas Region Award of Merit from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

“Both Thaddeus and I saw it as an honor to be nominated,” Kelly Perry said. “I have no idea who nominated us. I literally cried when I received the notice letter. It’s very humbling that the community continues to support us.”

“The store has brought people in, that are traveling through,” she said. “We have a lot of folks who just want to check us out”

When people stop in the store they advocate for the community and Fort Scott,  telling them about the attractions and services that are available, she said.

In a letter from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, she commended the Perrys for their outstanding retail service.

The award is through the 2023 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards.

“Celebrating your business and its outstanding contributions to the community, state economy, and people of Kansas,” the letter stated. “Your hard work is appreciated and worthy of recognition.”

The business was nominated because it created jobs, products, and services, and has been innovating and diversifying the local marketplace, building community identity, and more, according to the governor’s letter.

The business demonstrated “tenacity, determination, and creativity that was needed to persevere, regardless of the circumstances,” Governor Kelly said in the letter.

The Perrys started out producing pork rind snacks from their home in Bronson, a small town of 300 people in western Bourbon County, in 2017.

They opened a  specialty store in 2022 in Bronson to sell their products and other food, including fresh produce, which is needed when one lives 20 miles from a large grocery store.

To learn more: Fresh Produce Pre-Order Sales Began This Month In Bronson

“We also now have Perry’s Produce Boxes available one time a month,” Kelly said.   “Pick-up is at Bids & Dib (in Fort Scott). Purchases are all done via our website www.PerrysPorkRinds.com and customers can select pick-up in Bronson or Ft. Scott.  Boxes are each just $18 and usually have double that amount of money worth of produce.  Pick up details on our website and FB page.”

One other specialty food is fudge, made on-site.

“The fudge is made by Dee Byrd and I,” Kelly said.

In October 2023 they opened a Recreational Vehicle Park at their site on Hwy. 54, which runs through the town. This venture is to supply accommodations for agri-tourism to the region.

To learn more: Perry’s Open an RV Campground in Bronson

This month they provided honor meals to 59 veterans in their storefront on Veteran’s Day. “We provided brisket, smoked by Thaddeus, loaded baked potatoes, and baked beans. We plan to do this again next year,” she said.

They currently have five full-time and one part-time employee.