Fort Scott High School music assistant and former instructor Pat Harry and Meredith Reid, the current instructor, lead students with the Steinway piano accompaning. Submitted photo.
There will be a free concert this Sunday for the community to celebrate the restoration of the Fort Scott High School Steinway piano.
The concert will be held Sunday, May 19 at 3 p.m. in the FSHS Auditorium, 1005 S. Main.
“This will feature the newly restored Steinway piano,” FSHS Music Instructor Meredith Reid said. “Performers will include students, alumni, and music teachers. The purpose of the concert is to recognize all of the generous donors who made this project possible.”
“We sent it off February 2018,” Ried said. “It was restored by Mike Dugan of Dugan’s Piano Service located in Nixa, MO.”
Pictures of the project from beginning to end will also be displayed.
The mystery of who donated the prized Steinway to the school has never been solved, Reid said.
Refreshments will be served following the concert.
This is the first story in a National Public Radio series that will explore how the closure of a rural hospital, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott, disrupts a community’s health care, economy and identity.
Across the country, more than 100 rural hospitals like Fort Scott’s have closed since 2010, under increasing financial pressure.
Because of public response, NPR added a Facebook page for public comments, see the last link in this feature.
The word “Pickup” can be seen on the south section of Walmart, 2500 S. Main Street. There will be designated parking spaces for online shoppers soon.
Shoppers at Walmart in Fort Scott can see boxes in the former self-checkout area and the removal of a few cash register stations at the front of the store.
The self-checkout area is being expanded in Walmart Fort Scott.
In addition, the cell phone area has been relocated to the electronics department.
Walmart’s remodeled electronics section.
Walmart is remodeling.
“We are getting ready for online shopping,” said Scott, an associate manager at Fort Scott. “That’s where you order online, then come and pick it up. It will be sometime in June.”
“The self-register area will be bigger,” he said. “And there will be one on the north (of the line cash register stands), within the next two weeks.”
The number of cash registers has been reduced to make room for the expanded self-registers.
The empty space, formerly the cell phone sales area, as you enter the southeast door of Walmart, is closed.
“It is undecided right now what the previous cell phone area will be used for,” Scott said.
The City of Uniontown has barricaded Clay Street, which runs on the west side of West Bourbon Elementary School, because of baseball games. It will remain barricaded until the end of the games at approximately 5:45 p.m. this evening, May 13.
All fans are asked to enter the games through on the east side of the school, according to Uniontown City Clerk Sally Johnson.
“We apologize for any inconvenience,” Johnson said.
Uniontown Ruritan sponsored a ribbon cutting on May 11 for a new business: HB Salon, 108 Sherman, Uniontown. From left, front row: Ruritan Member Mark Warren, Tim and Kerri Travis, owner Hannah Ballou, Levi Ballou, Jennifer Ballou, Ruritan member Lawrence George, Ruriteen member Luke George; back row: Ruritan member Joe George, Hayden and Zach Travis, Roanne Blake, Thyra Babcock, Rachel Eden, Simon Ballou, Vance Eden, Ruritan members Raymond George and Henry Homan.
HB Salon owner Hannah Ballou and family were part of a ribbon cutting for the new business on May 11, sponsored by the Uniontown Ruritan.
The business opened in early 2019 and specializes in haircuts and colors.
It is located at 108 Sherman, on the southeast corner of the Uniontown square. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Saturday by appointment.
Contact Ballou at 620-756-4770 or on Facebook at HB Salon.
The hours of HB Salon, Uniontown.
Starting in June, manicure and pedicure services will be offered by Ashley Travis, Ballou’s sister-in-law, at the salon.
Mani-pedi specials will be offered to introduce the new service, Ballou said.
The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department, with a facility currently housed in a modular office building on the Bourbon County Courthouse square, is moving.
“We hope to be completed by the end of May,” Bourbon County Commissioner Jeff Fischer said.
“Every day we are getting closer to moving in,” Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director said. Johnson assumed the position on April 1, 2019.
“There will be lots of possibilities for health care related agencies to use the facility,” Johnson said. “We are looking into a telemedicine possibility.”
The new location is at 6th and Horton Streets and will provide more than twice the size of the existing building, Fischer said.
The Bourbon County employees will remain the same: Alice Maffet-public health nurse, Kristi George-administrative assistant and head billing clerk, Gayle Green, Healthy Start Home Visitor and Johnson.
“I’ll be working there primarily,” Johnson said.
Chardel Hastings, the previous SEKMCHD director, is stepping into the position of Woodson County Public Health Nurse, Johnson said.
Jeff Fischer, District 2 Bourbon County Commissioner.
In December 2018, SEKMCHD purchased the building from Cornerstone Bible Church. The structure was originally built by Mercy Hospital in 1992 to provide health care services.
A building permit was granted to modify the western side of the building, replacing interior walls and providing the ability to secure the SEKMCHD space from the commons areas that include the waiting room and reception area, Fischer said.
Walls and doors were installed to create three new office spaces and two examination rooms, he said.
“Painting is going on right now,” Fischer said. “Once that is done, the electrician and cabinet folks can come in.”
The electrical, plumbing and cabinetry work has yet to be completed.
The annual Fort Scott Presbyterian Village benefit dinner, auction and vacation raffle is May 15.
The fundraiser is for tenants of the assisted living facility who outlive their funds stored for retirement years.
Ginger Nance, executive director of Fort Scott Presbyterian Village answered the following interview questions.
Who will it benefit from this fundraiser?
“We are a Christian mission, not for profit, independent and assisted senior living community. As people age, they usually put back money for ‘old age’ thinking it will surely be enough to meet their needs, knowing they will retire and not be able to continue working at some point.
“Life continues and sometimes seniors are faced with the reality that they never dreamed they’d live as old as they may currently be.”
“For example, we had a tenant once who lived in our assisted living who lived to be 104 years old. She told us, ‘I never dreamed I’d live to be older than 90!’ A decade later, she was still able to enjoy life and do many of the things she enjoyed so much, such as gardening, but she was not physically able to return to the workforce to earn money for that 14 years that she had not planned for. Who could?!
“In our Christian mission, we are dedicated to making sure that our seniors needs are met as long as they can continue to physically live in assisted living at the Presbyterian Village, regardless of whether they can afford their care or not. This is only possible through generous donors who believe in our program and see the wonderful quality of life that their tax-deductible donations can provide. ”
“We accept donations all year-long to support this charitable program, but once a year we hold a live auction and dinner to boost the money raised in order to cover the deficit that some of our seniors have. For this reason, on May 15th, we will hold our annual Good Samaritan Auction and Dinner and hope to bring in more than $30,000 to cover that need.”
“For the event, we are selling tickets for a 3 piece Chicken Mary’s dinner which includes two sides, a homemade desert (made by many wonderful local bakers), and a bottle of water. Ticket prices are $9.00 each in advance, or $12.00 at the door. The dinners will serve from 4:30-6:30pm. We will also have a drive through service available if you are not able to stay for the live auction that will be held, but would like to simply pick up dinner to take home. Be sure to get your tickets early though, we usually sell out by the morning of the event and we don’t want anyone to go without a dinner.”
What will be going on that evening?
“A live auction will be held in the parking garages on the back side of the building, held by Nance Auction Service. Come see all the great items we have to offer! Everything from a Chevy Malibu car, tools, antiques, collectibles, household furniture, outdoor and hobby items, to knic knacs will be offered. There is truly something for everyone! The auctioneers engage the crowd and the fun begins among buyers and spectators. Most everything will be inside the garages so there will be cover in case of rain.”
“A few premier silent auction items will be inside near the cashiers table, as well.”
“Additionally, we will have a ‘Buy It Now’ area set up at one end of the garage for those who would rather purchase and go.
“If you are not able to attend the auction but would like to leave a bid on an item that you are interested in, please contact Ginger Nance in advance to leave a bid. We will also have people at the auction to assist if you are nervous about raising your hand to bid, or would simply prefer to have someone else bid for you.
“Last but not least, we are also selling tickets for one lucky person to win a seven-day trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The winner will stay at the beautiful Las Brisas condo which is appointed with all the luxuries of the Southwest that one could want while on vacation from your busy life. The condo is large enough for a family, yet intimate for a romantic get-away and is located within walking distance of the downtown attractions and dining. Tickets for the opportunity to win are $5.00 each, or 3 tickets for $10.00. The drawing will take place at the end of the auction and the winner does not have to be present to win.”
“All money raised remains local here at the Fort Scott Presbyterian Village to directly impact the lives of seniors with a financial need,” states Nance. “The program is confidential, otherwise we would ask a recipient of the program to give their testimony.”
“However, I have been the Executive Director at the Village for 17 years and I can attest that those who are utilizing the program often don’t even realize they are and their life continues unchanged and they continue to live the way they want to live, without interruption or worry.”
“The program is a dignified, loving gift of kindness from supporters, like you and I, and every dollar makes a direct impact on our senior’s lives,” states Nance.
“Join us for a great evening together! We are located at the Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Tickets are available at the Presbyterian Village, or at the Chamber of Commerce in Fort Scott.
For more information contact Ginger Nance, Executive Director at (620) 223-5550 or email [email protected].
To view a partial listing of the auction items visit www.nanceauctionservice.com or come by to preview early on sale day.
Items are being added daily, so there are sure to be surprises on auction day.”
The location and directions to get there?
“Directions: Take Highway 69 south on the bypass of Fort Scott, KS. Turn west at 23rd street (at McDonald’s intersection light), then turn south on Horton Street. We are located directly across the street from the Fort Scott Public Golf Course.
In case of rain, if it’s too wet to park in the grass, we will have people assisting with parking and a shuttle service will run between the Village and the Fort Scott Community College parking lot from 4:30-7:00 p.m.”
Photo of McDonald’s Restaurant, 2224 S. Main, Fort Scott, following the renovation in December 2018 of the business site.
After 46 years with McDonald’s Restaurant, 19 of those here in Fort Scott, owner Mark McCoy is retiring.
As of May 1, Glen Nichols, Pittsburg, is the new owner.
“He is a great gentleman,” McCoy said of Nichols. “He owns restaurants in Pittsburg, Chanute, Parsons, Independence, Coffeyville, Baxter Springs and Columbus.”
Facebook photo.
“I am an active person, retiring is not in my vocabulary,” McCoy said. “Mo (his wife) and I will continue to be active in the community.”
Because of his job at McDonald’s, McCoy moved here from Kansas City 19 years ago, he said.
“We have enjoyed living here and will continue to do so,” McCoy said.
The quick-service industry has changed over the decades, he said.
“When I started with McDonald’s 46 years ago, we didn’t have a breakfast menu,” he said. “The restaurant I started with didn’t have indoor seating….the majority of people employed there was 20ish and under.”
More recently McDonald’s has opened self-serve kiosks, mobile order and pay and Uber Eats, a delivery service, he said.
“We don’t have an Uber Eats in Fort Scott, we don’t have an Uber service,” McCoy said.
Currently, at Fort Scott McDonald’s Restaurant there are 55 employees, he said.
Many are older employees.
“The majority of the quick-serve industry are older, more mature folks (employees),” McCoy said. “That has evolved over the years in the U.S.”
McCoy plans to travel and visit family in California.
“I have two brothers and a daughter in California,” he said. “We hope to be able to travel.”
Merchandise specials and giveaways are part of the Fort Scott Munitions Customer Appreciation Days, which is in conjunction with Fort Scott’s Good Ol’ Days, May 31-June 1.
The business is located at 523 E. Wall, near the intersection of Hwy. 69 and 54.
“We’ll have store deals and giveaways going on all day,” Dustin Doherty, Fort Scott Munitions Marketing Director said.
“Everyone is invited, it is free to attend as a spectator,” Doherty said. “There is a registration fee for the car show entries.”
Free lunch is provided for everyone, he said. “We are having 1,500 hamburgers and once we run out, then lunch is over.”
“We will have tons of in-store specials, we are even giving away a gun in store with appropriate registration and all that fun stuff,” Doherty said.
“We are having this annual event for several reasons, first and foremost it’s for our customers,” Doherty said. “It’s something that we do for them and their families. We want to give them good deals in our shop and feed them lunch and provide a family friendly event for them, which is where the car show comes in. It’s been very successful in the last couple of years and it keeps growing. We’ve added several new things this year such as bringing Tanto in a day early to host a defensive shooting course, which we are selling tickets for at the shop. And we are doing a burnout contest as well, which should be a lot of fun.”
“We’ve had more businesses in town support the event as well as meeting with the city of Fort Scott to work in conjunction with Good Ol’ Days and the committee that runs that event”, he said.
“We are hoping to grow our car show and customer appreciation day alongside with Good Ol’ Days, maximizing exposure and bringing as many people to town as we can to ‘cross-pollinate’ and gain exposure for not only the events going on that day but to all participating businesses and organizations.”
These people will be at the Customer Appreciation Days:
The “American Rebel” group and Corvette;
The 2nd Amendment muscle car, designed by Danny “The Count” Koker of the TV show Counting Cars, and owned by Andy Ross, musician, and host of “Maximum Archery” on the Sportsman Channel, will be on display.
“Blue Line Bears will be here again,” Doherty said. “Megan, a young woman from Florida who hand sews teddy bears from fallen officers uniforms and presents them to the children of those officers, to help them with closure and the grieving process. It’s a very emotional and pure non-profit. And now, not only we have worked with them but Landmark National Bank in Fort Scott has also helped with raising money for this organization.”
“Landmark is doing a fundraiser for them on May 15th for Kansas’ National Law enforcement day being declared for the 15th,” he said.
“Hank Strange will be attending,” Doherty said. “Hank is a podcast, content creator and YouTube personality that promotes the second amendment (of the U.S. Constitution) while providing enjoyable/engaging content for gun enthusiasts alike.”
“It will be a great day and we hope everyone in the area will be able to attend all events going on that day,” Doherty said.
Saturday, June 1, the scheduled events:
8 am – Car show registration begins
9 am – Car Show Voting begins
10 am – Kris “Tanto” Paronto (ammo
tin and book signing); Car show Pre-Registration Check-in Cutoff
11 am – Kris “Tanto” Paronto (ammo tin and book signing); Car show Registration Ends
12 pm – Kris “Tanto” Paronto (ammo tin and book signing); Free Lunch Begins The lunch ends when there are no more hamburgers.
1 pm –
2 pm – Car Show voting ends
2:30 pm – Car Show Awards presented, Charity Motorcycle Raffle Winner announced
2:30 pm – Burnout Contest on Clarke Street
Customers line up to enter Fort Scott Munitions during customer appreciation days June 2018.
Tickets for the charity motorcycle raffle will be sold all day leading up to the drawing/winner announcement.
Cars are lined up for the Fort Scott Munitions Customer Appreciation Days 2018.
Josh Regan, 39, is the new principal of St. Mary’s Catholic School.
A Fort Scottian, Regan comes with 11 years in education as a teacher, this will be his first administration job.
He received his BSEd from the University of Kansas, and Masters in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University
Regan starts July 1 in the new position.
St. Mary’s Catholic School
What will be the first priority to you as principal?
“St. Mary’s already has a great reputation as an excellent school with an awesome staff,” Regan said. “Krista Gorman has done an incredible job as principal. My first priority is to learn as much as possible from her, and she has been great about offering to teach me. I also want to learn from the staff and faculty in terms of what works and what I can do to help them. Beyond that, my priority is to form disciples of Jesus Christ. There are many levels to that mission, especially in an educational setting. I plan to model and practice my faith both in front of and with the kids, and again this is something that I know Krista has done for a long time as well. I am incredibly excited especially about that part of the job.”
How did you become an educator?
“I decided to become an educator after my father, David Regan, passed away fifteen years ago,” he said. ” In the days surrounding his accident, hospitalization, death, and funeral my brothers and I were flooded with stories from students and athletes that he had, about how he had inspired them in countless ways. I started to realize how powerful that was, and I wanted to have the same impact on young people. In all honesty, I suppose I can also admit that deep down, I wanted to make my Dad proud- as any son does. So at that point, I went back to school and started this journey in education. I am so glad that I did. There is no better job in the world.”
Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“Besides my father- Ken Klassen and Ron Klassen, Chad McKinnis and Bob Campbell.”
What is the best part of education for you?
“Relationships that are formed with the young people that I teach and coach,” Regan said. “What we teach in the classroom as far as content is important and certainly has its place, but it’s really secondary to being a positive force in a young person’s life. That is what I live for. The greatest teachers in my life showed me how to be a man as much as they taught me chemistry or Latin. I can only pray and hope that the things I do every day push my students and athletes in a positive direction, and pray for forgiveness for those moments when I have fallen short.”
Regan is married to Nikki and has three children- Elliana (9), Myla (7), David (5).
Holding the check facsimile – Former President and CEO of Mercy Reta Baker and President and CEO of Ascension Via Christi-Pittsburg Randy Cason; second row-Kayla Stewart, Via Christi-Bryan Holt, Mercy Foundation-Bill Michaud, Foundation; third row-Nicole Brown, Via Christi-Brooke Newell, Via Christi-Barb Dunlap, Via Christi- Holly Ryan, Via Christi; fourth row- Becky Tourtillott, Foundation-Alysia Johnston, Foundation. Submitted photo, dated April 22, 2019.
Mercy Health Foundation Donates $200,000 to Ascension/Via Christi for Continuation of Emergency Services in Fort Scott
Access to numerous health care services has remained intact following the closure of Mercy Hospital in December 2018, due in part to substantial donations from Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott, according to a press release from Mercy Hospital Foundation.
In their continued support of healthcare in the community, the foundation board agreed to donate $200,000 to the Ascension/Via Christi Emergency Department, Ft. Scott to ensure the continuation of essential health care services for residents of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.
Natalie Snyder, RN; Kristi Harbit, RN and Cheryl Koppa, RN, all of Fort Scott are members of the Ascension Via Christi staff in Fort Scott. This photo was taken the day of the grand opening of the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department, Feb. 28.
Emergency care, lab, and radiology services are currently available at the prior Mercy location, 403 Woodlands Blvd., south of Fort Scott, just off 69 Hwy. and are being provided by Ascension/Via Christi. The funds are intended to facilitate technology and equipment for the emergency services.
Funds donated by Mercy Health Foundation will assist Ascension/Via Christi with costs associated to support a lab interface with the electronic health record and documentation system, a Lucas chest compression system, space lab patient monitors, iStat lab equipment, EKG TC 70 wireless, and a CT power injector, according to the Mercy Foundation press release.
Earlier this year, Mercy Health Foundation donated $300,000 to Community Health Center, who now provides clinical services in the former Mercy Hospital Clinic. That CHC clinic includes a primary care physicians office area, laboratory, x-ray and mammogram services. In addition, it provides convenient care at the location at 1624 S. National Avenue.
Mercy Health Foundation—Fort Scott, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and the following are members: Jared Leek, chair; Chris Petty, vice chair; Bryan Holt, treasurer; Becky Tourtillott, secretary; Alysia Johnston, Mark McCoy, Bill Michaud, Jolynne Mitchell, Pat Neff, Colleen Quick and Darcy Smith, according to the website:
This follows the closure of Mercy Hospital Fort Scott in December 2018.
Under the agreement between Mercy Hospital and Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, the latter now manages emergency and outpatient services at the Fort Scott hospital location.
