All posts by Loretta George

Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott Community College

Kirk Sharp: New Gordon Parks Museum Director

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Kirk Sharp was recently selected to be the new Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director. He is pictured just outside the museum against a wall depicting some life moments of Gordon Parks. The museum is located in the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

Kirk Sharp started his duties as the new Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director on Jan. 7.

But Sharp is no stranger to the museum. He has been serving behind the scenes since 2004.

“I always had an interest and encouraged the activities and helped with activities and special events when I could,” Sharp said. He also served on the Gordon Parks Museum Foundation Board for four years.

Sharp is a 1985 graduate of Fort Scott High School, and has worked at FSCC before.

“I worked here in FSCC admissions from 2007 to 2010,” Sharp said. “Then Mercy Hospital where I managed Health For Life, occupational and sports medicine until the hospital closed (In 2018).”

“I feel blessed for this exciting opportunity to be with the Gordon Parks Museum and also being back with FSCC,” Sharp said.

“Kirk was the best choice,” said Kassie Feugate-Cate, FSCC’s Director of Strategic Communication. “He is a great asset to the program. We are grateful  and look forward to seeing what he can do with the museum, moving forward.”

The mission of the Gordon Parks Museum is to honor the life and work of Gordon Parks, internationally-known photographer, filmmaker, writer, and musician; and to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness, and the role of diversity in our lives.

Gordon Parks Museum on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.

“I want to continue the mission of the Gordon Parks Museum towards cultural diversity, through special events and programs, not just here in the community, but nationwide,” Sharp said. “Trying to look to the future by becoming more interactive, maybe kiosks or tablets for our digital generation.”

February is designated Black History Month and there will be several learning experiences offered at the museum.

On Feb. 15, there will be a presentation of “Slave to Soldier” during a “Lunch and Learn” at the museum, from 11 a.m. to noon. The public is invited to bring a lunch and hear the history lesson.

This is a Buffalo Soldier history presentation, featuring the Alexander/Madison Chapter-Greater Kansas City/Leavenworth Area, 9th and 10th Cavalry Association. These many generations of negro soldiers served their county from 1866 to 1944 in the military.

“We are also going to show a Kevin Willmott film, “The Jayhawkers” in the month of February. Kansas University Professor Willmott is a past recipient of  a Gordon Parks Award and this year is in the running for an Oscar for his film “BlacKkKlansMan.”

History of the museum:

“After Gordon Parks attended the first ever Gordon Parks Celebration in 2004, he gifted the Gordon Parks Center with 30 of his photographs. This spectacular group includes many of his iconic works such as American Gothic, Tuskegee Airmen, Flavio, Ali Sweating, Ingrid Bergman on Stromboli and many others,” according  to the Visit Fort Scott website: https://visitfortscott.com/see-and-do/gordon-parks-museum/

Kirk Sharp stands in front of a giant photo of Gordon Parks in the museum.

 

“In 2006, after his death, his personal effects and other memorabilia, per Gordon’s wishes, were given to the Museum. This valuable collection included many of his awards and medals, personal photos, paintings and drawings of Gordon, plaques, certificates, diplomas and honorary doctorates, selected books and articles, clothing, record player, tennis racquet, magazine articles, his collection of Life magazines and much more,” according to the  Vist Fort Scott website.

The museum is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information see The Gordon Parks Museum Facebook page.

Sharp is married to Sis Sharp and has two children, Jolee, 26 and Trey, 24.

Ascension Via Christi, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care, Mercy Hospital

Fort Scott Emergency Room Gap In Service: Area ER’s Will Be Utilized

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Mercy Hospital Fort Scott signed an agreement with Ascension Via Christi to provide equipment and furnishings for emergency room services.

Mercy Hospital’s President Reta Baker signed an agreement with Ascension Via Christi on Jan. 27 to provide emergency room services at the hospital that ends for Mercy today, Jan. 31.

“It is an agreement that Mercy will provide lease space and provide the necessary equipment and furnishings to provide the services of an emergency room,” Baker said.

The Mercy Emergency Room waiting area, January 2019.

One issue: there is a gap between the Mercy closing date and when Via Christi will get regulatory approval to provide emergency room services.

“Before Via Christi can operate ER services in this setting and building, they have to have a license from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment,” Baker said. “It takes time. It has steps…I think all the parties engaged will work as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

She is estimating a few weeks, but it could be more, she said.

Baker said the ambulance service will take patients to area emergency rooms in the meantime.

“If they call 911, they will take the patient to the closest appropriate ER,” Baker said. “Or if a person wants to take themselves, they could choose which ER they can go to. Pittsburg, Girard, Nevada, Iola, Olathe, Overland Park…all the ER’s are aware of the need.”

The Mercy ambulance service continues under Mercy operation until April 1, then Bourbon County will become the owners, she said.

Reta Baker. Courtesy photo.

Baker also addressed the following questions:

What about the hospital pharmacy?

“The pharmacy will continue to operate under Mercy until April 1, then operate under the Community Health Center.”

Mammography?

“Mammography is under CHC.”

Radiology?

“Radiology will be available under Via Christi.”

The administration wing of the hospital will be a Mercy hub work-site, Baker said. “There will be 15 employees working out of the building. (They will have)An assortment of responsibilities to support the business functions of Mercy Regional .”

The patient room wing of the hospital has been partitioned off to prevent the public from entering the area, she said.

Even though it is a sad time, it is an exciting one, she said.

“It’s an exciting new opportunity,” Baker said. “And a new model of care for the community.

 

Fort Scott

Gas Service Is Working to Restore Service at Burke and Osbun

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Kansas Gas Service is working to restore natural gas service to customers impacted by a natural gas outage in the 900 block of Burke and Osbun in Fort Scott.

The outage is a result of a third-party damage that caused water to enter a natural gas main in the area, causing freezing conditions around regulators.

“The third-party contractor was not doing work on our behalf,” said Dawn Tripp, Kansas Gas Service Manager of Public Relations.

Reports of outages began on Wednesday, January 30, and services are being restored.

Technicians are on site monitoring and working. Customers should call 888-482-4950 if they are experiencing issues with their natural gas service.

“We’re working as safely and quickly as possible,” Tripp said.

As a reminder, if any customer suspects a natural gas leak, they should leave the area immediately, then call 911 and the Kansas Gas Service emergency line at 888-482-4950.

 
Government, Kansas

Senator Hilderbrand’s Weekly Newsletter

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State senator Richard Hilderbrand 13th district

communications from the state capitol

January 25, 2019∙ Week Two

HARD FACTS:

  • Aviation in Kansas has a $20.6 billion economic impact and is responsible for 91,300 jobs (Topeka Capital-Journal).
  • Governor Kelly’s plan to re-amortize KPERS would free up $160 million for spending now, but would cost taxpayers more than $7 billion over the next 30 years (Topeka Capital-Journal).
  • According to the Kansas Department of Labor, Kansas’ December unemployment rate was 3.3% compared to the 3.9% national rate (Department of Labor).

Kansas Day – January 29               

On January 29, 1861, Kansas became the 34th state.  Explore the state’s early history with the Kansas History database from the State Library, which covers the Territorial period through the Civil War.  Find a wide variety of personal narratives, letters, maps, speeches, and photos. Use Browse to scroll through the topics, Search, or click on one of five broad categories for an overview of the early Kansas years.  Educators: each of the five categories includes an essay with corresponding primary source documents.

https://kslib.info/kshistory

If the page above asks for a Kansas Library eCard number, you may get one at any library in Kansas.  Most people will be automatically recognized as being in Kansas and will not need this step.   Questions: [email protected] or 785-296-3296.

$115 MILLION KPERS TRANSFER

On Tuesday, the Senate Ways & Means Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 9, which would transfer $115 million from the state general fund (SGF) to the Kansas public employee retirement system (KPERS). One hundred percent of the payment would be applied to the public-school group, a group that carries the largest unfunded liability. Ways & Means heard from Executive Director of KPERS, Alan Conroy, who explained to the committee that not making the payment, would cause an increase of $630,000 to the unfunded liability/interest expense monthly. Making the payment would result in meeting the actuarial required payment for the first time in 25 years.

In 2018, the Legislature opted to postpone the payment, to see what future revenues produced. Kansas revenues ended FY18 with $317 million more than expected. This left the approved ending balance at $905 million. I am proud to be one of eighteen Republican senators who have signed on to sponsor SB 9.

KANSAS MARCH FOR LIFE

Despite the freezing rain, hundreds of people gathered at the Statehouse Tuesday to participate in the annual Kansas March for Life. Many gathered due to the anticipated ruling by the Kansas Supreme Court that would say the constitution provides a right to an abortion.

Following the march there was a rally on the first floor of the Statehouse that was attended by marchers, activists, and pro-life legislators. Senate President Susan Wagle (R-Wichita) spoke at Tuesday’s rally. “We have a strong pro-life majority in both the House and the Senate,” Wagle said. “We do have an activist Supreme Court. They are highly likely to come down with a decision that is anti-life.”

Tuesday’s march and rally took place on the 46th anniversary of the Roe V. Wade decision.

NEXT WEEK

Monday –

  • Update on: Transportation Task Force – [Senate Ways sand Means Committee; January 28 at 10:30 am]
  • Presentation on: Education by the Numbers, Kansas Board of Regents, Kansas Technical Colleges, Kansas Independent College Association, Kansas Association of Community College Trustees – [Senate Education Committee; January 28 at 1:30 pm]

Tuesday –

  • Presentation on: “The Kansas Outlook” by Jeremy Hill, Director, Center for Economic Development and Business Research, Wichita State University – [Senate Commerce Committee; January 29 at 8:30 am]
  • Hearing on: SB 17 – Requiring class M driver’s license when operating a motorcycle registered under a temporary permit – [Senate Transportation Committee; January 29 at 8:30 am]
  • Briefing on: 2018 Elections by the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office – [Senate Ethics, Elections, and Local Government Committee; January 29 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: SB 22 – Kansas itemized deductions, election, providing for deferred foreign income, global intangible low-taxed income, business interest, capital contributions and FDIC premiums income tax modifications.

Wednesday –

  • Hearing on: SB 29 – Providing for fully-insured association health plans – [Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee; January 30 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: SB 19 – Authorizing certain entities to access a criminal defendant’s presentence investigation report – [Senate Judiciary Committee; January 30 at 10:30 am]

Thursday –

  • Hearing on: SB 26 – Income tax credit for certain purchases of goods and services by a taxpayer from qualified vendors that provide employment to individuals who are blind or disabled – [Senate Commerce Committee; January 30 at 8:30 am]

Thank You for Engaging

Thank you for all your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. Constituent correspondence helps inform my decision-making process and is taken into great consideration when I cast my vote in the Kansas Senate. I hope you’ll continue to engage with me on the issues that matter most to you, your family, and our community. If you are on Twitter or Facebook, I encourage you to follow along with the #ksleg hashtag for real-time updates on legislative happenings in Topeka.

Please know that I am fully committed to addressing the current issues in our state, and I am proud to be your voice in the Kansas Senate.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

Mercy Transitions to Community Health Center This Friday, Feb. 1

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The new Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas sign is scheduled to be installed on Friday, Feb. 1, 2109, the day the health care in Fort Scott transitions from Mercy Hospital to CHC/SEK, according to Krista Postai,  CHS/SEK President and  Chief Executive Officer.

“The hours of operation will remain the same with the exception the main clinic will now be open until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday – which is an hour longer than before – Friday it will close at 5 p.m. as in the past,” Postai said.

CHC/SEK is only using the (hospital) clinic space, she said.

“For the most part, everyone is in the space they used previously….doctors all kept the same offices,” Postai said.

The Fort Scott CHC/SEK health care providers are Dr. Burke, Dr. Seals, APRN Amanda Stice, Dr. Self, APRN Kristine O’Dell, APRN Pam Moyers, Dr. Gugnani and APRN Mary Beth Newkirk.  O’Dell is working in Convenient Care; the others are at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., at the main clinic in Fort Scott. Not pictured are APRN Bobbi Jo Thornton and APRN Emily Bolinger who will be working at Convenient Care. Submitted photo.

” At some point, we will do an open house and invite the community in,” she said. “But at this point, our priority is to get everyone transitioned over as smoothly as possible. That includes everyone learning a new medical record (system) and getting almost 10,000 records entered into that new medical record (system) which is a mammoth task.”

Each of 17 CHC/SEK clinics has a practice manager to provide daily support and oversight of operations, Postai said.

Amy Budy is the Fort Scott CHC/SEK Practice Manager.

“There may be support staff that works for administration (e.g. medical records) who will office in Ft. Scott, or work from home, because they live there and it saves travel,” she said.

“Leadership will be there often, as needed, but we’re confident that this clinic will run as smoothly as our others with the support of our practice manager,” Postai said.

“All of CHC/SEK Leadership is composed of only six people…who have spent hundreds of hours in Fort Scott – along with at least 30 of our great staff – putting the pieces together to make this (transition) work,” she said. “We expect to put in hundreds of  hours more before everything is completely settled and functional.”

The administration is comprised of  Postai, Senior Vice President Jason Wesco, Chief Financial Officer Douglas Stuckey, Chief Clinical Officer Linda Bean, Vice President/Human Resources Megan Fry and General Counsel Daniel Creitz who work out of the  CHS/SEK System Office at 3015 N. Michigan, according to a prior fortscott.biz interview.

Other management staff includes a Director of School Health, Director of Operations, Pharmacy Director, Dental Director, Director of Behavioral Health, IT Director, Billing Director, and others who provide support for all of clinics and staff, according to the prior interview.

They are located at various sites throughout the area and travel from clinic to clinic to oversee programs.

 

To view the original announcement:

Community Health Center of SEK New Owner of Mercy’s Clinic

To learn more:

Mercy Health Foundation Donates $300,000 To Community Health Center

Update On Health Care In Fort Scott By Krista Postai

Business, Fort Scott, Housing

Former Western Insurance Building Renamed: Fort Scott Lofts

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A one bedroom apartment in The Fort Scott Lofts. Courtesy photo.

A renovated downtown apartment complex has been renamed and had some age restrictions lifted as of January 1, 2019.

The building that used to house the Western Insurance Company, between National Avenue and Main Street in downtown Fort Scott, is now called The Fort Scott Lofts.

“They wanted to rebrand it,” said Rachel Wheeler, leasing agent and onsite manager at The Fort Scott Lofts. “Many thought it was a senior citizen building. I think it confused a bunch of people.”

Under the former name of the apartments, Western Senior Living, 80 percent of the residents had to be 55 years old, Wagner said, and 20 percent under 55.

Western Senior Living opened in December 2016 following a major renovation of the building.

“My bosses went through the proper channels and got it  (the name and restrictions)changed,” she said. “Now if a person makes this amount of money, they pay this amount.”

Monthly rent starts at $370 for a one bedroom apartment and up to $625 for a two bedroom one, depending on income, she said.

Wagner can be reached at 620-223-1718 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The apartments are not furnished, except for stove, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher.

Currently, out of 35, 11 apartments are available, Wheeler said.

Some of the amenities are 120 channel Direct TV, water and trash are paid, Wheeler said. There is also an onsite laundry facility and off-street parking.

“We have a fitness room with a couple of exercise bikes and treadmills,” she said. “Pets are allowed. There is a one-time pet addendum of $200 (in the contract for pet lovers).”

“We have caring people that live here,” she said. “A group meets for coffee in the morning and another meets in the evening for wine and talking about the day.”

There are perks for living downtown.

A coffee shop, restaurants, and shops all within a few blocks.

Residents get a front row seat for the parades that Fort Scott celebrates events with, and also for Good Ol Days, the annual community event.

There are free local-artist outdoor music concerts just across the street in the summer, as well.

The owners of the building are Flint Hills Management, LLC.

A sister property, across First Street, will soon begin renovation of the old Union Building and will be called Union Lofts, she said.

“I’ll be managing it, too,” Wheeler said.

The Fort Scott Lofts, formerly Western Senior Living, 8 East First.
Fort Scott, Housing

Need Help? GNAT Is Taking Applications

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This property on South National Avenue was one of the projects that the Good Neighbor Action Team helped with. The house is owned by the Youth Activity Team, who is remodeling it as a fundraiser. GNAT has put in around 40 man hours on the project so far, Craig Campbell said.

For over a decade the Good Neighbor Action Team has been helping Fort Scottians with painting, helping rid yards of debris, building handicap ramps and other needed projects.

The team provides help for those who are not able to do the job themselves.

“A lot of times, people need a truck or chainsaw to get debris off their property,” Craig Campbell, a member of GNAT, said.

The volunteer group does all kinds of work, but GNAT doesn’t do roofs.

“We don’t put volunteers on roofs,” Campbell said. “There are grants available with no payback through USDA, also there are low-interest loans for different income levels and ages. We can put tradespeople together (for jobs like that), it requires expertise.”

“If people can’t provide materials or funds to help, we can help with that,” he said.

“Funds come from donations from social clubs, for example, Pioneer Kiwanis, who is a constant donor to our cause,” he said.

“When a group takes on a project,  a church, for example, will help fill in the funding gap on the project they are working on,” Campbell said.

“I need to work with churches,” Campbell said. “They are a good source for locating people who could use GNAT help.”

Additionally, churches are a reliable source for providing volunteer workers for projects.

“We get a lot of volunteers from churches,” he said.

The volunteers are asked to give three hours of work per project.

“We think in terms of a three-hour time slot (for the project),” Campbell said. “From 9 a.m. to noon on a Saturday. For a volunteer to do that is wonderful.”

GNAT has tried to handle the project workloads using the model of Habitat For Humanity, he said.

Work project recipients are asked to provide family and friends to assist GNAT workers.

“We bring five people, you bring five people,” Campbell said.

In addition,  proof of income is required with one of the following: income tax return, pays stubs from the last two paychecks, a Vision card or Healthwave card.

“We are getting started thinking about the season (for projects) which is from March to October,” he said. “There will be an emphasis on painting this year.”

Applications can be picked up at the Beacon, 525 E. Sixth; the Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall, or city hall, 123 S. Main.

“You can return the application to the place you picked it up, or to Jara Martin at 824 S. Main,” Campbell said.

Completion of an application, doesn’t guarantee acceptance of a project request.

 

 

 

Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Sharky’s Pub Provides Catering

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Tina and Dave Lipe, owners of Sharky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National Avenue.

Dave Lipe told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee attendees that even though January and February are typically slow seasons for retail businesses, Sharky’s Pub and Grub has seen an increase in catering.

He and wife, Tina, are the owners of the business, at 16 N. National Avenue,  which opened June 1, 2011.

“We’ve done catering for seven or eight years, since we’ve been open,” Lipe said.  “Catering is one thing that has picked up for us.”

“We can do a Superbowl party, a rehearsal dinner….weddings,” he said.

There is also a third-floor event center available for rent above their restaurant, Lipe said.

They recently did catering in Kansas City.

“We did a tailgate party at the Chief’s game, we are mobile,” he said.

“If there is something you are needing, ask,” Lipe said.

The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. and can be reached at 223-4777.

 

Bourbon County

Benefit For The Beacon: Enchilada Sales

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Young Professional League members gather for a monthly meeting at Papa Don’s Restaurant in this Feb. 2016 photo.

The annual Young Professional League’s fundraiser for The Beacon, a helping agency, is here.

January 26 is the final day to order, with pick-up on Feb. 2.

We are in the countdown for enchilada sales! We’re encouraging all YPL-ers to push hard and continue to promote our fundraiser until the (extended) date of Saturday, January 26.

Orders can be taken on the form (collect cash or check at the time of ordering) or entered into the online system at www.ypl-bbco.org/enchiladas/   but don’t do both or it will duplicate the orders. Enchiladas are $20 a dozen. Pick-up is Feb 2.

Send a pic of your order form to [email protected] and make arrangements to drop off the money.

We are excited about this worthwhile activity and are proud to support the Beacon in Fort Scott. 

Contact Laura Agee with any questions: [email protected] or 949-274-6514.

 

Business, Fort Scott

City State Bank Reno Completed

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City State Bank, 202 Scott Avenue, has an updated look. Submitted photo.

A business that has been in downtown Fort Scott for over 60  years has received an update in the form of a remodel.

The original City State Bank downtown building was constructed in 1957.

It needed an update, said John Hill, president and CEO of the bank.

“The new drive-thru and ATM allow us to better serve our customers who drive larger vehicles.,” Hill said. “The remodel reflects the type of service we are trying to give our existing and new customers in Fort Scott. It also shows our commitment to downtown.”

There will be a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and grand reopening on Feb. 7 at 5 p.m.

The bank is located at 202 Scott Avenue.

“The inside is completely remodeled with a new layout that includes new flooring, teller desk, furniture, lighting and décor,” Hill said.

Submitted photo. The interior of City State Bank, January 2019.

The outside facelift includes new stone, stucco, drive-thru canopy, a new island ATM, sidewalks and lighting.

The backside of City State Bank following renovation.

The remodel started in August 2018 and was completed by January 2019.

LaForge and Budd Construction Company, Inc of Parsons, Kansas was the general contractor.

In addition, “We used many local vendors and contractors,” working of the project, Hill said.

The bank can be reached at 223-2419 for the downtown branch, or 223-1600 at the 1012 Hwy. 69 branch.

 

 

Business, Fort Scott

Dollar General Will Undergo Big Remodel, Reopen Feb. 14

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Dollar General, at 2001 S. Main in Fort Scott, will be closing at 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 10 for an interior remodel of the store.

“We will be closed from Monday through Wednesday, then reopen on Thursday, Feb. 14 at 8 a.m.,” LaDonna Sandstoe, the store manager said.

The remodel will expand the freezers and coolers, and add new cash registers and new items, she said.

“It’s a good time with Price Chopper (grocery store) closing,” Sandstsoe said. “The whole back wall will be freezers and coolers. That is expanding. The store will be able to hold more perishables.”

The freezer and cooler section will be expanded in the upcoming Dollar General remodel.

In an effort to reduce inventory, since January 13, the store has been having a clearance sale, she said.

“We are having 50 percent off on all apparel,” Sandstoe said.

Following the remodel, the store will not carry apparel, she noted.

In addition to clothing,  there are 50- percent -off- sales for all kitchen, bath and laundry accessories, ladies wallets, and baby items, she said.

“Currently, there are six employees at the store, and I’m looking to hire a few more,” Sandstoe said.

The stores hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

The phone number is 620-223-4136.

 

Fort Scott, Health Care

Fort Scott’s Cancer Center to Close Jan. 31

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Cancer Center of Kansas, located in Mercy Hospital Clinic, Jan. 21..

In connection with the closure of Mercy Hospital at the end of 2018, the Cancer Center of Kansas, which was located in the hospital clinic is closing.

The last day of operation for the center in Fort Scott is Jan. 31.

The center is offering the same service in Chanute and Parsons for its patients, said Dr. Yoosaf Abraham, Chief Operating Officer for Cancer Center of Kansas, Wichita.

The reason for the closure?

“We can not provide services to our patients, without ancillary services,” Abraham said.

Services such as  a labratory and surgeons are no longer available at Fort Scott, Abraham said.

Dr. Phu Truong and Dr. Nassim Nbbout, the current doctors in the Fort Scott Cancer Center of Kansas, can be seen at the Chanute and Parsons Cancer Center of Kansas facilities, he said.

The two nurses currently employed at the Cancer Center in Fort Scott are employees of Mercy Hospital, Abraham said.

“This will affect many in our community,” said Karen Endicott-Coyan. ” I currently take weekly chemo treatments at the center…this is extremely disheartening. I take chemo weekly with no end in sight, as there is no cure for my disease.”