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Monthly Archives: June 2024
What’s Happening In Fort Scott
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Overview of Healthcare Development in Bourbon County
Last week, Freeman Health System’s CEO Paula Baker announced that they will begin operating 10 in-patient hospital beds in 2025 at the site of the former Mercy Hospital Fort Scott and will open an emergency department as well.
Mercy closed its doors in December 2018, citing “declining patient numbers and shrinking reimbursement.” Mercy Hospital Fort Scott to Close
To view the feature on the Freeman announcement:
At the Bourbon County Commission meeting held on June 17, 2024, Rob Harrington, the Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Director, provided a detailed account of the efforts to bring healthcare services to the community in the last three years.
Fortscott.biz contacted Harrington to tell the story of all the behind-the-scenes activities that helped produce the announcement of the new hospital and emergency services that are to begin in 2025.
Harrington began by outlining the chronology of events that led to the current healthcare infrastructure since he became the Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Director in 2021.
He said that in 2022, the Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) started discussions with Legacy Healthcare to bring their services to Bourbon County.
The Bourbon County Commission transferred the building to them to develop and the building became the responsibility of Legacy Health Foundation in November 2022. View the Bourbon County/ Legacy Health Foundation Agreement
In 2022, the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department approached the Bourbon County Commission with a proposal…and the Commissioners made the prudent decision to waive the lease rate for the Emergency Room facility, he said.
Following this, “We made the strategic choice to forgo clinic rent, amounting to approximately $23,000 per month, to make sure that the hospital facility could retain and use the helipad.” Harrington explained.
This move underscored the county’s commitment to ensuring rapid medical transportation capabilities for critical cases, he said.
AVC operated the emergency department from 2019 until 2023 ceasing operations citing a ” steady decline in visits and its overall average daily census.” December 20: Ascension Via Christi Closes Emergency Department in Fort Scott
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas occupied clinic space in the former Mercy building from 2019 until 2023.
CHC then moved to another site to expand services.
Harrington said the hospital building now houses two important healthcare entities. “Thanks to the combined efforts of REDI and the Bourbon County Commission, the hospital building is now at full capacity, accommodating both the Southeast Kansas (SEK) Mental Health Center and the Kansas Renewal Institute (KRI),” he stated.
Emphasizing the positive impact of these developments, Harrington noted, “KRI has created new employment opportunities and introduced a vital service to the state. Currently, they are managing a waiting list of over 100 children in need of care, demonstrating the high demand for their services.”
“In the State of Kansas, and across the nation child mental health is a critical issue and as we see the need for these services grow, we need to continue to support these types of organizations and their support for our children,” he said.
Harrington also shed light on efforts to secure emergency medical services for the county. “We engaged in discussions with multiple organizations in our attempts to establish an ER-only facility,” Harrington explained. “Ultimately, our partnership with Freeman Health System has yielded even better results.”
The 10-bed Freeman Hospital and emergency department is slated to begin operations in April 2025.
Harrington expressed his gratitude to several key stakeholders who played crucial roles in these developments.
He thanked Bourbon County Commissioners Clifton Beth, and Jim Harris for their continued support and decision-making, the work that Bourbon County REDI staff and board put in, acknowledged the committee that worked tirelessly to place the retail sales tax initiative on this year’s election ballot, the help that KRI and its Chief Operating Officer T.J. Denning had in bringing in Freeman Health, and commended the Bourbon County Emergency Medical staff for their dedication and hard work throughout the process.
“This overview… illustrates the collaborative and strategic approach taken by Bourbon County to significantly enhance its healthcare infrastructure, ultimately benefiting the entire community,” he said.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 27
2024 Lowell Milken Center Fellows Receive Keys to the City
Back Row: Ashley Libben, Elisabeth “Bibba” Kahn. Kenny Felt photo.
The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas has awarded its 2024 National Fellowship to 12 educators. As part of their week-long experience in Fort Scott, the six fellows for June 23 – 28 were given the key to the city on Tuesday, June 25th, by Jackson Tough, Tourism Director. (Five other Fellows were in Fort Scott last week.) Upon the presentation of the keys, Tourism Director Jackson Tough said, “From Gordon Parks to the history of the Fort and the National Cemetery, along with this amazing place, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, we realize that Fort Scott is the home of heroes. Now we add you, the Lowell Milken Fellows to that list of heroes. You influence so many young people. You mold them, inspire them, and give them direction. We truly welcome you to our community and as a small token of our appreciation, we present each of you with a key to the city of Fort Scott.”
The Fellows honored this week were Sarah Espinal from New York, Elisabeth “Bibba” Kahn from Vermont, Leah Lawrence from Missouri, Ashley Libben from Indiana, Matthew Mayeske from Kansas, and Ann Marie Vanneste from Canada. LMC Director Norm Conard praised these outstanding individuals, saying, “We are so honored to be able to network and collaborate with these exemplary educators and provide them with an opportunity to reflect, reenergize, and strategize with each other as they seek to find new ways to inspire their students.”
Every summer, the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes awards its Fellowship to national and international award-winning educators from America and around the world. As National LMC Fellows, they deepen their understanding of Unsung Heroes and project-based learning in preparation for developing Unsung Heroes projects with their students. They also learn the stories of powerful role models who have helped to change the world and can be life-changing examples for students today. Along with the time spent deepening their professional skills at the LMC, the Fellows enjoy visiting the Fort Scott area.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR ZONING CHANGE RESIDENTIAL TO COMMERCIAL
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR ZONING CHANGE
RESIDENTIAL T0 COMMERCIAL
Case No. 1047 – 223 N. FRANKLIN
OFFICIAL NOTICE
July 24, 2024 – 4:00pm
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN AND TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN on the 24th DAY OF JULY, 2024 THE PETITION OF GARRETT KNIGHT REQUESTING A ZONING CHANGE FROM RESIDENTIAL TO C3 (COMMERCIAL) FOR THE PURPOSE OF MECHANIC SHOP AT PARCEL #006-119-29-0-20-21-001.00-0; C05-CAMERONS ADDITION, N 193.33′ OF LOTS 1 & 2 BLK 1.
The Public Hearing is set for JULY 24, 2024, at 4:00PM at a scheduled Planning Commission meeting in the City Commission Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
As provided in the Zoning Ordinance of Fort Scott, Kansas the above application will be discussed and considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission and a recommendation to approve or not approve the request will be made to the Fort Scott City Commission for a final decision.
All persons interested in said matter will be heard at this Public Hearing concerning their views and wishes; and any protest of the proposed changes will be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission before they make such recommendations to the City Commission.
Downtown Meet and Greet at Cohn’s Cafe on July 9
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Today at 3 p.m. Unveiling of New Exhibits at Lowell Milken Center
Muddy Water Farms, Fort Scott, Received Federal Grant for Energy Efficient Improvements
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis today announced that USDA is partnering with rural Kansans on 23 clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to clean energy and create jobs in rural Kansas communities.
“USDA is committed to expanding modern clean energy systems that strengthen our energy independence,” Davis said. “We are excited to partner with family farms and small businesses to help create good-paying jobs and save rural Kansans money.”
The details of the Kansas projects are:
- A $19,088 grant will help Muddy Water Farms LLC of Fort Scott make energy efficient improvements to its operations. The project is estimated to save 44,659 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power four homes.
- A $96,112 grant will help purchase and install an 80 kilowatt solar system for Western Supply Co. Inc of Hutchinson. The project is estimated to generate 126,045 kilowatt hours annually and replace 88 percent of the business’s annual energy needs.
- A $29,220 grant will help purchase and install a 15 kilowatt solar system for the Bentley Family Irrevocable Land Trust of Gove County. This project will realize $2,231 per year in savings and will generate 24,625 kilowatt hours per year.
- A $55,340 grant will help purchase and install a 42.1 kilowatt solar system for Cottonwood Hog Farm LLC of Newton. The project is estimated to generate 65,515 kilowatt hours annually and replace 100 percent of the business’s annual energy needs.
- A $53,393 grant will help purchase and install a 36 kilowatt solar array for Outdoor Vision LLC of Newton. The project is estimated to generate 55,819 kilowatt hours and replace 95 percent of its energy use. This is enough electricity to power five homes.
- A $15,405 grant will help purchase and install a 10.27 kilowatt solar array for Justin Stithem, a rural small business in Chanute. This project will realize $1,630 per year in savings and replace 100 percent of the business’s annual electrical energy needs.
- A $23,035 grant will help purchase and install a 7.9 kilowatt solar array for Timber Rock Properties LLC of Chanute. This project will realize $829 per year in savings and replace 100 percent of the business’s annual electrical needs.
- A $19,995 grant will help Ag Strategies of Kansas LLC of Chanute make energy efficient improvements to their ag supply business. The project is estimated to replace 12,840 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power one home.
- A $14,985 grant will help ElevenEleven Fresherie LLC of Chanute purchase and install a solar system for their smoothie and juice bar business. The project is estimated to replace 14,377 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power one home.
- A $6,912 grant will help Calvin D. Parker of Iola make energy efficient improvements to a green house. The project is estimated to replace 4,116 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power the average home for four months.
- A $6,199 grant will help RVH Properties LLC of Dennis, purchase and install a new HVAC system. RVH provides customization of heavy-duty tow vehicles for recreational use. The project is expected to reduce the company’s energy use by 8,140 kilowatt hours, saving the company $1,056 per year in energy costs.
- A $71,750 grant will help purchase and install a 48 kilowatt solar system for Salina Diamond Sports LLC of Salina. The project will produce 65,922 kilowatt hours annually and replace 93 percent of the business’s annual energy usage.
- A $545,750 grant will help purchase and install a 550 kilowatt solar array for Ohlde Dairy LLC of Linn. The project is estimated to replace 900,033 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough energy to power 83 homes.
- A $16,872 grant will help Butler Ranch Operations LLC of Leon purchase a 10.8 kilowatt solar array for their ag operation. The project is estimated to generate 10,843 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power one home.
- An $18,415 grant will help Schmidt Family Irrevocable Trust of Burrton purchase and install irrigation equipment for their farm. The project is estimated to save 59,992 kilowatts per year, enough energy to power five homes.
- A $14,644 grant will help Mary Hobert LLC purchase and install a 6.6 kilowatt solar array. Mary Hobert operates the 1879 Stone House bed and breakfast along the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway in Cottonwood Falls. The project is expected to replace 8,580 kilowatt hours per year, or 85 percent of their usage. The project is expected to save the company $1,099 per year.
- A $20,000 grant will help Lynco Rec DBA Holiday Lanes purchase and install energy efficient LED lighting at its bowling alley in Pittsburg. The project is expected to reduce the company’s energy use from lighting by 65 percent, saving 64,186 kilowatt hours and $6,855 per year in energy costs.
- A $69,960 grant will help North Star Feeds LLC purchase and install a 52.8 kilowatt solar array. North Star Feeds is a manufacturer of feed fat blends in Atchison. The project is expected to save 78,017 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which is 82 percent of its usage and enough electricity to power more than seven homes. The project is expected to save the company $7,900 per year in energy costs.
- A $19,773 grant will help Mellowfields Farm LLC of Lawrence purchase and install a 19.4 kilowatt solar array. The project is estimated to save 27,686 kilowatt house per year, enough energy to power two homes.
- A $41,178 grant will help purchase and install a 42 kilowatt solar array for Four Streams Dairy Inc. of Hanover. The project is estimated to replace 60,093 kilowatt hours per year, enough energy to power five homes. Four Streams Dairy Inc. currently has two employees.
- A $17,700 grant will help purchase and install a 10.56 kilowatt solar array for Gregory Jarrett, a rural small business located in Parsons. This project will realize $1,597 per year in savings and replace 100 percent of the business’s annual energy needs.
- A $20,000 grant will help purchase and install an 18.17 kilowatt solar array for One28 Bakes, a bakery located in Oswego. The system is estimated to produce 23,207 kilowatt hours per year, enough electricity to power two homes.
- A $15,020 grant will help Prairie Wind Aquatics of Garden City make energy efficient improvements with new insulation and LED lighting. This project will save 2,230 kilowatt hours per year, enough to power one average household for two months
Live Music and Shrimp: June 29 at The Downtown Community Pavilion
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the day before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, but for Fort Scottians, the Mardi Gras party is on Saturday, June 29.
Mardi Gras In The Fort will be in the new Gathering Square Pavilion at North National Avenue and Old Fort Blvd. starting at 5:30 p.m.
“The City of Fort Scott is really trying to think of different things to get citizens to come out and enjoy our city, our venues, and other citizens,” Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager, said. “We feel if we can continue to do positive things while working on the negative things, our city will be a better place to live and grow our families.”
Care to Share, a local organization that helps cancer survivors and their families, will be offering a “free-will” donation shrimp (and no shrimp) gumbo and boil starting at 5:30 p.m. Local downtown restaurants will be open for your dining enjoyment, as well.
Live music will start at 6:00 p.m. Two Lane Highway and the Earnest James Zydeco Band will entertain the crowd.
“We will have limited tables and chairs for seating, so everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs.,” Matkin said.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 26
Seven Selected For the Bourbon County Set-Back Committee
The community was asked to send letters of interest to the Bourbon County Commission this month and at the commission meeting on June 24, seven people were selected out of the nine submission letters sent, according to a press release from the county.
At Monday’s meeting, the commissioners reviewed the letters and announced their selections to those present.
Chairman Jim Harris said the purpose of the committee is to review information and work with all property owners to make recommendations to the County Commission on setbacks.
Those selected for the set-back committee:
Sparky (Don) Schroeder
Samuel Tran
Vance Eden
Jon Eden
Else Moss
Boa Casper
Jean Tucker