The Bourbon County Budget Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 8:15 AM in the Commission meeting room located in the Bourbon County Courthouse 210 S. National Avenue. This meeting is open to the public.
Monthly Archives: June 2025
Bo Co Commission Special Meeting Today at 4 p.m.
Bourbon County Commission Chambers, 210 S National Ave.
Special Meeting June 27, 2025, 4:00 PM
I. Call Meeting to Order
a. Roll Call
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Prayer
II. Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy with ____________ attending and will return at _________PM in the
commission chambers.
III. Adjournment
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS – FORM OF MOTION
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their
privacy
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body of agency which would be
deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in
consultation with the representatives of the body or agency
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations,
partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of acquisition of real estate
____ Pursuant to KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open
meeting would jeopardize such security measures
The subject to be discussed during executive session: ________________________________________
State persons to attend
Open session will resume at _____ A.M./P.M. in the commission chambers.
Seniors Farmers Market Vouchers Available on July 14
Great News! The Senior Farmers Market Vouchers will be available starting July 14th.
“We and Seniors were very disappointed the vouchers were not available June 1st as expected. People start calling us in May checking on when the vouchers will be available.” commented Stacy Dickerhoof, Associate Director, SEKAAA. “So many of our seniors are on a limited income and this is the only way for them to have access to fresh vegetables. The number of vouchers we will be getting has been cut by half so the vouchers will go fast.”
The Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (KSFMNP) is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. The program provides annual benefits to low-income seniors to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and honey from authorized farmers at Farmers Markets in Kansas.
Benefits are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. The person must be at least 60 years old and meet financial guidelines. Applications will be available at the following locations:
Fort Scott – Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall.
Iola – City of Iola, 2 West Jackson
Parsons – Parsons Public Library, 311 S. 17th
Pittsburg – Pittsburg Housing Authority, 101 N. Pine
Chanute – SEK Area Agency on Aging, 1 West Ash
Benefits are distributed until September 30, 2025 or until benefits are gone, whichever happens first. Applicants who qualify will receive a booklet of $5 coupons for a one-time annual benefit of $50 to purchase eligible foods from authorized farmers. For more information call SEK Area Agency on Aging at 620-431-2980.
Submitted by Kathy Brennon, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging
New District 1 Commissioner Samuel Tran Joins Bourbon County Commission
Samuel Tran joined the Bourbon County Commission for their June 23 meeting as the newly appointed commissioner for District 1.
Also new to the table was Kaety Bowers, serving as the parliamentarian for the commission. Her roll is that of an impartial assistant to Commissioner David Beerbower as the commission chair in running an efficient meeting per resolution 1125, which the commission signed in January, 2025. The new vice-chair for the commission is Mika Milburn.
KCAMP Information
Davie Lamb spoke to the commissioners about the benefits of KCAMP, which is pool-owned by the member counties, not an insurance company. KCAMP provides coverage for property and liability for Bourbon County. Formed in 1991, they cover 81 Kansas counties and several municipalities. Their board is made up of three clerks, three commissioners, and a sheriff from member counties.
Computer Services
Steve Prasko of Advantage Computers and Jayhawk Software in Iola, KS, and Jason Rincker from Stronghold Data of Joplin, MO each spoke to the commission about the computer services they could offer to the county.
Old Business
Juvenile Detention Center
Mike Walden, director for the SEK Juvenile Detention Center in Crawford County, brought administrators from the facility and some of the center’s board members to the meeting to speak with the commission about the history of the center, anticipated changes in the law regarding the detention of juveniles, and the importance of Bourbon County continuing to use it as its juvenile detention resource.
Walden said that Bourbon County is 1/10 owner of the $400,000 Juvenile Detention Center, which they will forfeit if they choose to house juveniles in a different facility, which was discussed at the June 16 meeting.
He said that the center was built in 1994 in an effort to meet the requirements of the 1980 law regarding the housing of juvenile criminals. He also said that a state study shows that no single county can afford a facility that meets the federal standards, and SEK is the poorest area of Kansas, thus they must work together. A juvenile justice plan is required for each county, and being part-owners of the facility in Crawford meets that requirement. Until 2006, the facility was run on a per-diam basis, but that made budgeting hard for commissions, so they changed to a funding formula, which takes into account the last 4 years of use by the county as well as the population and valuation of the county. Larger counties pay more.
To work for the facility, you must be 21 and have some training in sociology and psychology, per state regulations. They work with Pitts State and their social program students to help the residents of the center.
Walden said that the current intake system isn’t working, and juvenile criminals are slipping through the cracks and not being held accountable.
According to the Kansas Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee there were 7552 contacts between law enforcement and juveniles in 2017. “The state has struggled with placement of juveniles,” creating a dangerous situation for workers and juveniles, said Walden.
“I guarantee you we’re going to treat them better than anywhere else they’re going to go,” said Walden.
In 1992 Bourbon County signed an interlocal agreement with the Juvenile Detention Center.
By using facilities outside of Southeast Kansas, money Bourbon County is being sent to other regions. “We are part of you,” he said.
He encouraged the commissioners to come see the facility and see what’s being done there.
Milburn asked if they would come to the table to work out a different agreement, and Walden said that would be up to the board of directors and encouraged them to speak with them.
No Bourbon County representative has been to a facility board of directors meeting since 2022. The board’s next meeting is July 23.
Tran said the agreement should be revisited and the facility’s board of directors should invite the commissioners to come to the table.
Sheriff Bill Martin asked for a breakdown of the financial investment that the county has in the center. He also said that the codes for space and light requirements for detention centers are the same for adults and juveniles.
Milburn asked Walden to reach out and build a relationship with Sheriff Martin. Walden said that he would do that and wants to be included in any future discussions about juvenile detention services.
“We’re looking at our budget and we have our numbers,” said Beerbower.
SEK Mental Health Budget
Nathan Fawson CEO of Southeast Kansas Mental Health explained that his organization serves five counties in Kansas and employs more than 500 individuals, 60 of whom are therapists. Bourbon County has 80 SEK Mental Health workers as well as a federally certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic.
“I believe Fort Scott is very unique in the partnership that we have with SEK Mental Health,” said Fort Scott School Superintendent Destry Brown. SEK mental health partners with many organizations in Bourbon County, including schools, to serve the mental health needs of the community. There are now on-site therapists at each school provided by SEK Mental Health, all under parent approval and on a sliding scale for students. Case managers in each school oversee and work with teachers to help the kids. “Behavior health has gotten to be a huge issue in every school,” said Brown.
Bonny Smith from the audience spoke to the commission about the importance of including the parents in the help given to the children as well as for the staff of the school. First responders and law enforcement also need the help that Mental Health offers, she said.
“We are so grateful,” Fawson said, referring to the partnerships they have in the community, for the county’s support over the years, and the opportunity to serve in the county.
Tran asked how many patients they serve in a year. In 2024 they provided 35,482 services in Bourbon County alone.
Milburn said that SEK Mental Health needed county funding at the founding, but they are now self-sustaining and don’t need the county’s funding.
She said that the county helped the organization stand financially before it could stand on its own. Times have changed since the county started supporting SEK Mental Health, and SEK Mental Health now has more support throughout the community.
Milburn had a new resolution to propose, repealing the April 1961 resolution regarding SEK Mental Health. Her resolution proposed to keep a county commissioner as a member on the mental health board, but to repeal the 1/2 mill tax levy that had been supporting them.
“I want to offer them our support, not monetarily anymore – because they are there [referring to SEK Mental Health’s financial stability]- but we want them here in our community,” said Milburn.
“We have become more self-sustaining than we have been previously…we’re grateful but we’re not pressed in that regard in the moment, and as such we are less dependent on the county for financial support than we once were,” said Fawson.
Commissioners voted to table the issue for one week.
Budget Committee resignation of Marla Heckman & Assign Replacement
Beerbower nominated Joseph Smith to replace Heckman. Nomination carried.
Public Comments for Items Not on The Agenda
Mr. Emerson spoke to the commission about solar panels. He asked about the lawsuit that the county took over. “I surely hope that nothing will be signed until we get zoning,” he said. He also referred to a lawsuit between Jackson County and a solar company, expressing concern about environmental protection surveys not being done. He encouraged the commission to get more information before signing anything.
Michael Hoyt talked to the commission about tax abatement. He said he had brought to the attention of the commission earlier this year that the property at 401 Woodland is tax-abated at a value of $3.9 million, meaning $600,000 in taxes have not been collected.
“It’s only fair that we bring to the attention of the other taxing entities that their budgets in 23, 24, and 25 were based on that valuation in the budget and they don’t know they don’t have that money coming,” he said.
He also said that the property that’s out there now is classified as a charitable hospital but it hasn’t been one since Mercy left. It’s unconscionable that they are designated as a philanthropic hospital, he said, and he hopes to be able to resolve it.
New Business
NRP
Matt Quick, county appraiser, spoke to the commission about the Neighborhood Revitalization Program rebate again. He said that two years ago the county changed it from a 5-year program to a 10-year one. That change did not cause an increase in applications, but it has caused a diminishing return for the county.
Tran asked for the number of buildings in the program and what the benefit would be to the county. Quick said he would get those numbers for him.
Tran asked to wait to make a decision until the next meeting after he gets his numbers. The issue was tabled.
Appraiser Contract
County appraisers serve a 4-year term. This July, Matt Quick needs to re-up with the state, which requires a resolution from the commission. Commissioners voted to table it until next week.
Formation of Benefits Committee
Milburn proposed forming a Bourbon County Committee for Employee Benefits, to explore and find insurance options and benefit plans for county employees. It would consist of several employees, the benefits officer, and a commissioner.
Both Beerbower and Tran were in favor of the idea.
Susan Walker said that the committee members will need HIPPA training because they will have access to the health information for county employees.
Letters of interest are to be submitted to the commission.
The committee resolution was approved.
Elevator Repairs
The elevator in the courthouse is down. The judge sent a letter to the commission encouraging them to repair the elevator. There will be some jury trials at the courthouse in the near future.
A power surge caused the computer boards to fail, which the county will file an insurance claim for, but they need to do a quick, temporary fix to make the courthouse accessible for trials this week.
Beerbower moved to approve the $30,000 in funding needed for immediate repairs. Commission approved.
The meeting ended with executive sessions. The Commissioner Comments section of the meeting was not broadcast on YouTube.
Letter to the Editor: Deb McCoy
Bamboozled Again for a Tax Abatement
Deb McCoy
6/25/2025
The Kansas County Commissioners website states that the “County Commissioners in Kansas have the responsibility of approving property tax exemptions for economic development purposes.” Does anyone recall a discussion taking place in a commissioner meeting when Legacy Healthcare Inc. applied for a tax abatement on March 11th, 2024 for the“old Mercy Hospital building”? The answer is NO. Why would anyone assume that the building could be tax exempt, when there has been no hospital facility in place since Mercy Hospital closed in 2018.
The application completed by Legacy Healthcare Inc. that was submitted to the Bourbon County Appraiser listed the KSA 79-201b statute that would authorize the exemption: “Property exempt from taxation; hospitals, public hospital authority, adult care homes, children’s homes, group housing of certain handicapped persons, housing for elder persons and single-parent families. The following described property, to the extent herein specified, shall be and is hereby exempt from all property or ad valorem taxes levied under the laws of the state of Kansas.” Under KSA 79-201b First. “All real property and tangible personal property, actually and regularly used exclusively for hospital purposes by a hospital as the same is defined by KSA 65-425.” KSA 65-452 defines hospitals and other facilities as used in this act. 65-452 (a) “General Hospital” means an establishment with an organized medical staff of physicians; with permanent facilities that include inpatient beds; and with medical services, including physicians services, and continuous registered professional nursing service for not less than 24 hours of every, to provide diagnosis and treatment for patients who have a variety of medical conditions.”
Legacy Healthcare Foundation has never housed a hospital setting in the “old Mercy Hospital” even though part of the Donation Agreement that was signed on November 17th, 2022, states that they would “include development of an Acute Care Hospital and Ancillary Services.” If this was Legacy Healthcare Foundations intentions then why was the Acute Care Hospital and Ancillary Services not initiated and an application not completed upon receipt of the “old Mercy Hospital Building” in November of 2022?
On September 12, 2024 The Board of Tax Appeal State of Kansas in the matter of the application of Legacy Healthcare Foundation for exemption from Ad Valorem Taxation in Bourbon County Kansas was granted exemption of the “old Mercy Hospital building.” According to the Board of Tax Appeals Docket No. 2024-1192-TX Order the application for exemption from ad valorem taxation is granted from November 17, 2022, and each succeeding year, so long as the property continues to be used for exempt purposes. In the event the exempt property ceases to be used for exempt purposes, the applicant must report that fact to the Bourbon County Appraiser within 30 days. So the abatement was given on a building that does not house a hospital setting. The order also stated that Any party who is aggrieved by this order may file a written petition for reconsideration with this Board as provided in KSA 77-529 within 30 days from the date of certification of this order. We as a community would not have known that this request for a tax exemption of the hospital no hospital building was even being pursued. The 2023 and 2024 property taxes that were deeded to Legacy Healthcare Inc. in the donation agreement have not been paid, which included their property taxes on the old hospital building and on the land that surrounds the old hospital building, and the three lots that Legacy divided that includes 0 S. Horton, O Hwy 69, and 0 Woodland Hills. The old hospital building taxes as of 2024 that were abated was around $400 thousand.
It was recently discovered that Legacy Healthcare Foundation, a California Non-profit corporation created a Warranty Deed on November 4th, 2024. This Kansas Entity Special Warranty Deed made and entered into this 14th day of July, 2024, by and between Legacy Healthcare Foundation, a California non-profit corporation as Grantor, and Kansas RE Investment Group LLLP, (a Georgia Domestic LLLP) as Grantee, whose mailing address is 401 Woodland Hills Blvd, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Witnesseth, that the Grantor, for and in consideration of the sum of One Dollar and other good and valuable consideration paid by the Grantee, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by Grantor does by these presents Grant, Bargain, Sell and Convey unto the Grantee,the following described Real Estate situated in the County of Bourbon, State of Kansas, to wit:
Lots 1 & 2, MERCY HEALTH SYSTEMS OF KANSAS TO THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
It was discovered that Legacy still holds the mortgage and they assigned the mortgage to Pasadena Private Lending, INC. formed in Delaware. Filed with the State of California Office of the Secretary of State on January 30th, 2024 “STATEMENT AND DESIGNATION-OUT OF STATE STOCK CORPORATION.” Agent Craig Colbath, 2 North Lake, Suite 510, Pasadena,CA. 91101
What burden of expenses has our County Commissioners and Attorney, Bourbon County REDI, and Legacy imposed upon the Bourbon County taxpayers using Bourbon County/State and Federal Funds? Decision after decision has been made regarding the need for a hospital. The amount of time and money and effort in coming up with a solution seems to always fall back on the taxpayers of our community. When you add up the monetary figures that have gone into the Legacy Healthcare Foundation and its failure to provide an Acute Care Hospital per the Donation Agreement the total figure is staggering.
Feasibility Study $1 million dollars (City 200k & County $800K)
Mercy Hospital assets assessment of the building $19.6 million dollars
$2 million dollars
($1 million dollars from citizens donations)
($1 million dollars donation from a foundation.)
Mercy monetary donation of $600 thousand
______________________________
Grand Total – 23.2 million dollars
Bourbon County REDI
(established on August 9, 2021)
Expenditures reports from the City and County for the years of 2021 thru 2024
Was given $855,017.68
County ¼ cent sales Tax effective October 1, 2024 to help “attract” Emergency
Services by funding approximately $750,000 thousand dollars annually over the next 5 years.
Estimate total $3,750,000.00
Taxes on the Mercy/Legacy No Hospital Building
2024 showed that no taxes have been paid on any of the donated“Real Property” for 2023-2024
Balance $409,828.23
Application of Tax Abatement submitted on March 11, 2024 by Legacy for years at issue 2022
A Tax Abatement request was granted by the Board of Tax Appeals State of Kansas on September 9th, 2024.
Eliminating $354,131.35 dollars off of our existing tax records for the next 10 years.
Estimated Total $1,805,131.90
(May I remind you that the 2025 budgets are already in place and the County, City, School Districts, and Fort Scott Community College.will be affected.)
Total of all figures above $30,019,977.81
This does not include the legal funds and ancillary funds surrounding the process.
AND STILL NO HOSPITAL
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 27
My Problems or God’s Promises? By Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
She rolled her eyes just like that in her last game, I said to myself. Exactly like that.
Dave and I had talked earlier about today’s game time for the Indiana Fever of the WNBA, and even though he was in Las Vegas and I was in Fort Scott, we both now were watching the Fever play.
With only two minutes left, the camera showed Caitlyn Clark conversing with two of her teammates on the bench. Caitlyn, a star on the team, is on the injured list, but she clearly was enjoying her teammates trouncing the opponent.
For some reason, the eye-rolling was a DeJa’Vu moment for me, and when the announcer said that this was the largest crowd ever for the Chicago team, I remembered hearing that before as well. When the game ended, I called Dave.
“Great game, huh?” I said.
“Not for the Fever,” he answered.
Say what?
By now, you’ve probably figured out what I had not figured out. I had just sat through the same game I had watched a few days earlier against the Chicago Sun. Dave had watched the game the Fever actually played…against the Atlanta Dream. The only things that seemed familiar to me were Caitlyn Clark rolling her eyes and an announcement about the crowd size—nothing about the game.
What is wrong with my brain?
The same week, I left my phone and glasses at my stepdaughter’s house, failed to set my timer and left pizza in the oven until it burned, forgot to buy the Brillo pads necessary to clean the blackened pizza off the oven racks, had to Google the name for the oven shelves (“racks”) and couldn’t recall the name of the Iron Dome when discussing the Israeli/Iran war.
I think I am stressed.
The American Institute of Stress notes that 75 to 90 percent of visits to primary care physicians are stress-related. Stress kills. I’m not dead, but I am anxious, even though nothing is that big of a deal.
Dave and I had been organizing a move back to Kansas where I accepted a teaching job for one year. Quality sleep has alluded me, as every night I dream of students running amok in my classroom.
We had been busy, saying goodbye to family and friends, and we were both forgetting things we needed to do to prepare for the drive home. Sticky notes helped, unless we forgot to read them.
Philippians 4:6-7 gives us direction when we are stressed: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I read that scripture and realize how I need to focus on what is going right, not what might go wrong. I am blessed with family and friends who want to spend time with me, a job opportunity where I can inspire students, the money to buy pizzas and Brillo pads, a vehicle that can safely get us home, a house to go home to, and most importantly, a Savior who stands beside me, even when I allow my circumstances to cause me angst.
I focus either on my problems or God’s promises.
We all know which one I need to choose.
Fort Scott Community College Names New President
Fort Scott, KS – It is with great pleasure that the Board of Trustees announces the appointment of Dr. Jack Welch as the President of Fort Scott Community College, effective June 30, 2025.
Dr. Welch brings to our college a distinguished background in higher education leadership and experience with FSCC and the community of Fort Scott. With his deep understanding of student success, community engagement, and academic excellence, he is exceptionally well-suited to lead our institution into its next chapter.
In this role, Dr. Welch will oversee all aspects of the college’s operations and strategic direction, working closely with faculty, staff, students, and community partners to ensure that our mission of accessible, high-quality education continues to thrive.
We are confident that he will bring vision, dedication, and collaborative leadership to Fort Scott Community College, and we look forward to the opportunities ahead under his guidance.
There will be an opportunity for faculty, staff, students, and the community to meet and talk to Dr. Jack Welch at a later date. Thank you.
###
Obituary of Everett Eugene Forester
Everett Eugene “Gene” Forester, a cherished father, grandfather, sibling, and friend, passed away at the age of 72 on June 26, 2025, in Arma, Kansas. Born on September 6, 1952, in Marionville, Missouri, to the late Richard and Lula Forester, Gene’s life was a testament to his loving nature, adventurous spirit, and passionate heart.
Gene grew up in a bustling household alongside his siblings, Everett Bentley Forester (deceased), Gary and Larry Forester (deceased twins), Ernie (Jan) Forester, June Crowley, Linda Rhodes (Bill), and the late Dorothy Logan and numerous nieces and nephews. His childhood near Aurora Missouri was filled with the simple joys of rural life, which shaped his character and his lifelong love of the outdoors. Gene attended Fort Scott schools, where he formed many lasting friendships and developed a strong foundation for his future.
In his professional life, Gene initially worked at Peerless Products, where he was known for his dedication and hard work. However, his true calling was the life of a ranch hand, which he embraced for the last 25 years. His connection with the land and the animals he tended was profound, and he approached his work with the same love and care he gave to his family.
A man with a passion for horses, Gene’s adventurous streak often led him to sneak a horse or two into the house during his younger years, ensuring they stayed warm on cold nights. This anecdote perfectly captures Gene’s boundless love for animals and his willingness to go the extra mile for those he cared about.
Gene’s legacy lives on through his beloved children, Christy Boyer (Brian), Richard Forester (deceased, 1977), Bobby Forester (Jennifer), and Jessy Russell (Nick), as well as his treasured grandchildren, Dylan, JoSara, Emory, Stella, Bella, Zoey, Izzy, Madi, Emma, and Tinley. His role as a father and grandfather was the one he cherished most, and the countless memories created with his family will be held close to their hearts forever.
As we remember Gene, we are reminded of the words of Helen Keller: “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Gene’s love has indeed become a part of all who knew him.
Everett Eugene Forester was a man of great love, adventure, and passion. His life’s journey was one of connection—to his family, his friends, his faith, and the natural world he so adored. As we bid farewell to Gene, we celebrate the remarkable life he led and the indelible impact he left on the hearts of many. May his story continue to inspire us to live with love, to seek adventure, and to embrace our passions with all our might.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, June 30th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery southwest of Ft. Scott.
The family will receive friends on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of reme
What’s Happening in Fort Scott June 26 Edition
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JULY 7 BOURBON COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
To all persons concerned,
You are hereby given notice that the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, KS, through a petition filed by Bradley Plaster, propose to vacate the following:
Vacation of 60’ road of 128th between Lot 5 Sub of Lot 1 Block 8 and Lot 2 of Block 8, Hiattville, Kansas.
This road closing will be further considered by the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, Kansas at a public hearing scheduled for 5:35 PM July 7, 2025, during their regularly scheduled commission meeting located at 210 S National Avenue, Fort Scott, Kansas, in the Commission Chambers. Any person with an interest in this proposed road closing is invited to speak for or against this matter. Said road closing will then become effective upon the formal resolution of the Board.
Emily Bolinger: New Nurse Practitioner at Uniontown Clinic
Emily Bolinger, 42, is the new Nurse Practitioner at Girard Medical Center of Uniontown, as of June 1.
“I’m excited to be local and help take care of people in this community,” she said.
She attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of Missouri at Kansas City and has been a Registered Nurse since 2007. She earned a master’s degree from UMKC in 2014 and has practiced all around Southeast Kansas. Her hometown is Olathe.
Her resume includes experience in primary care, urgent care, and School-Based Health as a Nurse Practitioner at Pittsburg High School and the Bryant Student Health Center at Pittsburg State University.
At the Uniontown Clinic, her duties will be primary care that includes same-day appointments, urgent care, along with Kansas Department of Transportation physicals and sports physicals.
She and husband Dustin have lived in the Uniontown area for six years, and their son Keaton will be going to Uniontown Junior High.
“He is involved in sports and is a percussionist,” she said.
She helps out with Keaton’s baseball team and gives fast-pitch softball lessons to young girls in the community.
Bolinger played softball while at the universities in Omaha and Kansas City.
The clinic is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with lunch from noon to 1 p.m.
The former Uniontown Clinic provider, Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Hallacy, has transitioned to the Girard Medical Center Clinic at Arma, where she lives. Her last day in Uniontown was June 24.