Aletha F. Koppa, age 87, a former resident of Kansas City, Kansas, and more recently of Paola, Kansas, passed away Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the North Point Skilled Nursing Center in Paola, Kansas. She was born May 8, 1937, in Walker, Missouri, the daughter of Charles and Willa Harden. Aletha married Herman Koppa on April 14, 1957, in Nevada, Missouri.
Aletha occasionally worked as a file clerk; however, her main occupation was being a devoted wife and mother to her five children. She worked hard making sure the needs of her family were met. Special memories were made while camping and spending time at the lake with family and friends.
Survivors include her husband, Herman, of Paola and her five children, Linda Peters and husband, Randall of Olathe, Kansas, Roger Koppa of Texas, Beverly Koppa, of Olathe, Kansas, Doug Koppa of Kansas City, Kansas and Mark Koppa of Paola, Kansas; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Donald Harden of Nevada, Missouri.
Aletha was preceded in death by four brothers, Darrell, Dutch, Allen and Charles Harden and three sisters, Marguerite Kittsmiller, Rosemary Brundridge, and Glady Newby.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, June 27th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Hiattville Cemetery, Hiattville, Kansas. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
If your church has a Vacation Bible School this summer, please send the name and address of the church, the date of VBS and times, the age group of children invited, and the theme of the VBS, to [email protected]. The following are Vacation Bible Schools for this summer that have been submitted.
Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene
Fort Scott Nazarene church, 1728 Horton St. Fort Scott, will have their VBS from June 24th-27th from 6:00-8:30 pm. with a
Scuba theme
See their website fsn. life or our Facebook page for more info.
Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church
The Uniontown Baptist Church will have its VBS with the theme of God’s Backyard Bible Camp ‘Under the Stars’ on July 22-26, from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. for ages 4 through 5th grade.
Each child can fill a Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox to send to a child overseas. The school includes game time and bounce houses.
Bethel Community Baptist Church
Submitted graphic.
VBS K5-6th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Wednesday, July 31st-Sunday, August 4th.
Time: 9am-noon.
Theme: On a mission for the Lord
Submitted graphic.
VBS 7th-12th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Monday, August 5th-Thurs. August 8th.
Time: 6:30-9:00 pm.
Theme: Teen Challange
This is part of a series of those candidates running in the Kansas Primary Eection in August, 2024.
The following are the three candidates for District 13 Kansas State Senator:
Tim Shallenburger. Submitted photo.
Tim Shallenburger, 70, Baxter Springs is the incumbent 13th District Kansas Senator, running again for the position.
Schallenburger attended Pittsburg State, served in the 1990s in the Kansas Legislature, past speaker of the Kansas House and former Kansas State Treasurer.
He has been involved over the years in many civic and community organizations; Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, etc. and has served as mayor of Baxter Springs prior to becoming state senator.
For Schllenburger, the primary role of a Kansas Senator is to protect freedoms outlined in the constitution, fight against wasteful spending and unnecessary regulation.
The most pressing issue currently in the Kansas Senate is to lower the state tax burden.
“We have a massive surplus of citizen’s money deposited in state bank accounts which should be in citizens bank accounts,” he said.
Sam Owens. Submitted photo.
Sam Owen, 29, Fort Scott, graduated from Hamilton, MO. High School in 2014 and attended Fort Scott Community College from 2014-16 earning an associates degree in construction.
The primary role of a Kansas Senator is to ” be honest, trustworthy to the American people in this District 13. I going get the job done in the office my first four years in office. I am not going sit talk about it, I am going to fight and pass what should pass what shouldn’t be pass.”
The most pressing Kansas Senate issues currently, in his view:
“1. Health Care Costs- We need to lower expenses for medical services, insurance premiums, and prescription drugs impact residents’ access to quality health care,
2. Lower taxes down,
3. Economic Growth- Infrastructure attracts businesses, creates jobs, and stimulates economic activity. And Increase minimum wages.
4. Education funding- Make schools better, safer, and more protected in each county.”
Austin Stapleton, Photo by Breana Clark.
Austin Stapleton,30, lives in Pittsburg and attended
Pittsburg State University.
In the past, he has been Bourbon County Democratic Party Vice Chairperson, Bourbon County Precinct Committeeperson, Co-founder and President of Crawford County Young Democrats.
Currently, he is the Kansas Democratic Party Rural Caucus Secretary, Crawford County Precinct Committeeperson, and Kansas Democratic Party Second Congressional District Delegate.
Stapleton’s community involvement has been in Pittsburg Community Chorus Outreach Committee Chairperson, a member of Pittsburg Area Young Professionals, participant in Pittsburg Community Theatre and Triple Threat Threeatrics.
“The primary role of Kansas Senator is the sum of their constituents’ voices,” he said. “State senators have the responsibility and honor of representing their district’s values to wider state government. A state senator should always have the best interests of their district at heart when proposing legislation, confirming appointments, allocating resources, and working to secure solutions across the aisle. If I am entrusted with the honor of representing District 13, I will use the skill set I’ve acquired from my time as a case manager to seek out and ensure safety, opportunity, and dignity for District 13.”
The most pressing issue of the Kansas Senate is “Securing the social, economic, and legislative safety of all Kansans is the paramount issue in the Kansas Senate. When working-class Kansans are well-represented by leaders who have their best interests at heart, we can ensure the dignity of affordable healthcare, career opportunities, well-funded public education, social acceptance, and constitutionally enshrined access to reproductive healthcare.”
Starting in July, Fort Scott residents will begin to see workers repairing Horton Street between Sixth and 18th Streets, according to Ben Wicker, Heck and Wicker, Inc. Project Estimator, the contractor.
The project will include new roadway pavement, new sidewalks, and new Americans with Disabilities Act ramps.
The start date for the project is July 8, 2024, with some traffic control setup beginning the week prior, according to Jason Dick, PE, Project Manager/Junior Partner, Earles Engineering and Inspection, Inc.
“The project goal is two-fold:
Improve pedestrian/bicycle access from 6th and National Avenue to and along Horton Street to Fort Scott Community College.
Improve the roadway conditions with full-depth pavement replacement on Horton from 8th to 6th Streets and a 3” mill & overlay on Horton from 18th to 8th Streets,” said Dickman.
“The project will be funded through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT’s) Cost Share program for a grant of $949,000 to assist with participating roadway construction costs. Remaining project costs through construction will come from City (of Fort Scott) funds,” Dickman said.
The estimated cost to complete is just over $2 million, Dickman said.
The anticipated construction completion date is currently based on 230 calendar days or the end of February 2025.
“The plan is to maintain local access as much as possible on Horton Street, but some work will require detouring to Burke and Crawford Streets primarily to travel from 18th Street and to the north. An alternate route may also include Osbun, Lowman, and Holbrook Streets to access areas between 18th and 6th Streets,” Dickman said.
Heck and Wicker, Inc., Parsons will be the contractor, and subcontractors are Emery Sapp & Sons, Cornerstone, Heartland Traffic, Dustrol, Wicker said.
Heck and Wicker’s contract with the city of Fort Scott is in the amount of $1,875,681.17, Wicker said.
The following is part of a series on candidates for the August 2024 Primary Election.
This is the first in the series profiling Bourbon County Commission candidates.
Leroy Kruger. Submitted photo.
Leroy Kruger,51, Fort Scott. and is a graduate of Fort Scott High School GED. He is running for the District 3 position.
“I have a background in finance and law enforcement and currently work for the city of Fort Scott in the code and zoning enforcement,” Kruger said.
In his spare time, “I coach my grandsons in baseball basketball, and football,” he said.
“The primary role of a commissioner is to be the voice of those whom I represent,” he said.
He sees as pressing issues: a five-man commission, shared services, and cutting the cost to recoup the carryover from year to year.
“They (the current commissioners) lowered the mil without cutting the budget,” he said. “So less money coming in with the same going out. To make up for this mistake they paid the overage with a carryover slush fund and have depleted it to the point that next year there won’t be any money to cover the cost without raising taxes or cutting a lot of jobs.”
Steve Houston. Submitted photo.
Steve Houston, 44, lives outside of Fort Scott on a farm that has been in his family since 1957. He is running for the District 3 position.
He is a 1998 graduate of Nevada High School, attended one year at Fort Scott Community College, and completed welding school at Missouri Welding Institute in Nevada, MO in 2001.
“I have no political experience,” he said. “My father was Third District County Commissioner for 12 years so I have a basic understanding of what is required and expected.”
“I’m not currently involved with any community activities because I am busy trying to raise my children,” he said. “The oldest is 11 and the youngest is 4-year-old twins. They keep my wife and I busy during any time we are away from work. I have a full-time job as a truck driver and equipment operator for Skitch’s Hauling and Excavation, I am currently a substitute bus driver for USD 234 and hoping for a full-time position when school resumes. I’m no different than any other family man in Bourbon County. I work hard, I try my best to provide for my family, and I want to ensure a future for my kids in Bourbon County long after I’m dead and gone.”
“I believe the primary role of ANY elected official should be to represent, address, and voice the desires and concerns of the people that elected that official,” he said.
“As far as pressing issues, I don’t think any issue facing the county can be singled out. It depends on what group of people you are addressing as to what the pressing issue will be. Not every resident will view issues in the same order of importance. We are facing multiple issues and all are equally important.”
David Beerbower. Sumbitted photo.
David Beerbower, 60, Fort Scott has a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is running for the District 2 position.
He has 16 experience years with the Fort Scott Police Department, 32 years military service with the United States Marine Corps and Kansas Army National Guard, serving one tour in Iraq. He has also worked 22 years for Evergy.
He is a husband and father of seven daughters and 19 grandchildren.
He is a top contributor to the Facebook site; Concerned Citizens of Bourbon Co. Citizens for Property Rights.
Beerbower says the primary roles of county commissioners are leadership, teamwork, and stewardship.
“A county commissioner is one of the top decision-makers for the county,” he said. “You need to be a motivator and provide the support that gives your people the best opportunity for success…, look for alternative ideas and solutions to continuously improve operations. Because you are one of three or five, being a team player is vital to the overall success of county operations. Finding common ground and looking at the big picture is essential for the success of projects and development. The most important role of a county commissioner is being a good steward of our citizen’s tax dollars… managing this money and finding efficient ways to reduce costs is one means of reducing this burden.”
Reestablishing trust between commissioners and citizens is the most pressing issue, he said.
“Elected representatives need to be straightforward in their decisions, humble in their dealings with their citizens and they need to take ownership of action. Service to others should always be the mindset. My campaign slogan is Can Do!…a positive attitude having the mindset that you can achieve anything. Being proactive, taking on all challenges, and facing difficulties with the attitude that it can be solved. All the issues this county faces; taxes, economic development, and infrastructure takes involvement from everyone. If you don’t have the trust that you are working for them, then your answer will always be ‘There’s nothing we can do, or our hands are tied'”.
Camren shows the itinerary of the activities of the church camp he and his mom are planning. Submitted photo.
Camren Lamb, 10, and his mom, Melanie Lamb are teaming up to facilitate a family church camp next month.
They had been planning the camp together but didn’t have a sight secured yet.
“Then Ralph Carlson offered his private land, pond, and cabin for the church camp and said, ‘I can’t think of a better use for it,'” Melanie said.
Last year Camren raised money for purchasing a Vacation Bible School kit to create a church camp for families. He did this by selling his art and playing his guitar for tips at his booth at the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market which hosted the Children’s Business Fair.
The Lambs purchased an Answers in Genesis Vacation Bible School kit with money from his sales and tips.
For four days and three nights, July 15-18, Camren and Melanie will lead groups in Bible lessons, games, crafts, songs, Scripture memorization, snacks, and a Bible verse treasure hunt.
In addition, there will be kayaking, canoeing, water balloon fun, campfire, and devotions.
“Some of his friends will help,” Melanie said. “He is looking forward to leading the groups.”
Camren said, “It’s good to be with friends in nature.”
There are a few openings left for families, Melanie said.
Melanie said each family must bring their tent, food, and necessities.
The campsite and activities are provided.
The cabin at the Carlson property has water and there is an outhouse.
For more information contact Melanie at 620.215.3449.
Camren Lamb displays his vacation Bible school kit that he and his mom are turning into a family church camp event.
Kathryn Salsbury, 54, is the new Fort Scott City Commissioner selected to fill Melissa Guns spot.
“I think that this town that I love so much, our town, is at a crossroads,” she said. “We need to find a path forward that honors our history, makes the best use of our resources, fosters economic stability, and secures necessary resources such as healthcare.
Strategic adaptation and purposeful preservation. There are a lot of moving parts and variables to most decisions, with a degree of impact to many of us.”
“We have a lot of great people in place now,” Salsbury said. “I hope that my education and work experience prove helpful in ensuring Fort Scott thrives.”
Salsbury attended Washburn School of Law and earned a Juris Doctorate, a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Justice Studies from Pittsburg State University, an associate degree and CNA certificate from Fort Scott Community College, became a certified paralegal from Johnson County Community College and studied business at Missouri Baptist University.
Her career has been in the following areas: Director of Risk Management, Multi-line claims manager, Licensed Casualty Adjuster, retail management, stockbroker, ordinance interpretation and tracking for California municipalities.
She has been involved in the Rotary Club, Mt. Carmel Fund Board of Directors, and various USD234 events, she said.
“My family has been in Fort Scott since the early 1950s,” she said. “My grandparents, and their parents, moved here from Wisconsin. My grandparents owned Floyd’s Donuts for around 40 years. I returned to Fort Scott after earning my law degree to continue raising my four boys.”
Downtown Fort Scott, looking north on Main Street. City Hall is on the right.
The Bowman family now owns three restaurants in the historic downtown Fort Scott area.
“We love food!” Carissa Bowman said. “AND it’s another opportunity to continue to grow our community through restoring a historic downtown building and generating more jobs.”
Carissa, Alex, Cindy, and John Bowman are the owners of Outpost 13 West. Carissa and Alex own Brickstreet BBQ.
Carissa and Alex Bowman, submitted photo.
“John and Cindy own Nu Grille (across the street from Brickstreet),” Carissa said. “They are Alex’s parents; my in-laws. Alex manages Nu Grille currently.”
Cindy and John Bowman. Submitted photo.
The new restaurant will feature Southwestern cuisine.
“You can build your own taco, burrito, bowl, salad or nacho,” Carissa said.
They plan to open the new venture at the end of July, she said.
City permits are posted on the windows of Outpost 13 West.
The new restaurant is at 13 W. Oak St.
Special Recognition of the Brickstreet Restaurant
Brickstreet BBQ is located at the corner of Oak Street and National Avenue on Fort Scott’s northside. The new Outpost 13 West is to the left, behind Brickstreet in this photo. The River Room Event Center is located on the second floor.
” We’re being featured in one of their episodes,” Carissa said. “Filming will take place on July 1st.”
“We hope this builds relationships with the public and surrounding areas to bring people not only to our business but Fort Scott as a whole,” she said. “We want to continue to create a positive image of Brickstreet so we can build our brand and keep growing!”
If your church has a Vacation Bible School this summer, please send the name and address of the church, the date of VBS and times, the age group of children invited, and the theme of the VBS, to [email protected]. The following are Vacation Bible Schools for this summer that have been submitted.
First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church, 123 Scott is hosting a One Day Vacation Bible School on Saturday, June 15 from 9:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Children ages 5-12 are welcome to attend!
First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Combine Efforts
Denise Needham is the VBS director for the First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Church team.
This year, the First United Methodist Church is hosting the VBS at 301 S National Ave in Fort Scott Ks. From June 17th to 21st, 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Free Dinner provided.
The theme is “Just like me: Digging in and Growing Deep”
It is for children going into Kindergarten through 5th grade. J
Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene
Fort Scott Nazarene church, 1728 Horton St. Fort Scott, will have their VBS from June 24th-27th from 6:00-8:30 pm. with a
Scuba theme
See their website fsn. life or their Facebook page for more info.
Uniontown First Missionary Baptist Church
The Uniontown Baptist Church will have its VBS with the theme of God’s Backyard Bible Camp ‘Under the Stars’ on July 22-26, from 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. for ages 4 through 5th grade.
Each child can fill a Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox to send to a child overseas. The school includes game time and bounce houses.
Bethel Community Baptist Church
Submitted graphic.
VBS K5-6th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Wednesday, July 31st-Sunday, August 4th.
Time: 9am-noon.
Theme: On a mission for the Lord
Submitted graphic.
VBS 7th-12th grade:
Church name: Bethel Community Baptist Church
Address: 1397 155th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: Monday, August 5th-Thurs. August 8th.
Time: 6:30-9:00 pm.
Theme: Teen Challange
City Hall Commission Room – 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
June 18, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
Roll Call
Tim VanHoecke, Matthew Wells, Dyllon Olson, Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer
III. Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation
Approval of Agenda
Consent Agenda
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1362-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates – May 29, 2024 – June 11, 2024 – $525,425.91
Approval of Minutes for June 4, 2024
Request to Pay – Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. – Application No. 3 – Fort Scott Municipal Airport – Amount Due – $244,783.75
Request to Pay – KDOT – Project No. 06 KA-6898-01– Design Contracts –Amount Due – $103,405.87
May Financials
VII. Public Comment – Sign up required before the beginning of the meeting on register at the entrance of the Commission Room. Public Comments are for any topic not on the agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
VIII. Appearances – Must be scheduled with the City Clerk at least (1) week prior to the meeting
you wish to address the Commission. You will be scheduled on the agenda to speak on your topic.
Haylea Hardy – Temporary Park Closure for Wedding – Riverfront Park – October 11, 2024, at 8:00AM until October 12, 2024, at 10:00PM
Jackson Tough – Tourism Update
Robert Harrington/Bourbon County REDI
– RHID – Denny Davis land
– RHID- Downtown
New Business
Action Items:
Consideration to purchase 2-Hose, 2-Pump Diesel Suction Pump – will replace old pump – $17,325.99 – Coffman
Consideration of Estimate of Preliminary Engineering Fee – Project No. 06 KA-6898-01 – Earles Engineering & Inspections – Survey, Road Plans, Specs and Estimates – US-54 (Barbee to Caldwell – Phase II Estimates to be combined with Phase I – $118,488.77– J. Dickman
Consideration to Purchase a Greens Mower – Jacobsen GP400 – $19,000.00– D. Fowler
Approval of Ordinance No. 3764 – Disband the Golf Course Advisory Board and Repeal Ordinance No. 3604, Ordinance No. 3397 and Ordinance No. 3395.
Approval of Ordinance No. 3765 – Disband the Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board and Repeal Ordinance No. 3566 and Ordinance No. 3550.
Approval of Ordinance No. 3766 – Disband the Airport Advisory Board and Repeal Ordinance No. 3496 and Ordinance No. 3207.
Consideration of Ordinance No. 3767 – An Ordinance Establishing the Farmers Market Policy, Located at the Fort Scott Downtown Pavilion, Otherwise Known as the Gathering Square Pavilion.
Consideration of Requests for Proposals for Memorial Hall façade repairs
Consideration of Demolition Bids – 314 S. Eddy
Consideration of Demolition Bids – 306 S. Lowman
Consideration of Demolition Bids – 1801 E. Wall
Consideration to Approve Permits for the Sale of Fireworks: Jakes Fireworks at 2221 S. Main; Belino Fireworks at 2400 S. Main
Consideration of Letter of Interest – Land Bank Vacancy
Memorial Hall steps are cordoned off because of mortar falling from over the steps. Visitors should enter through the south entrance on Third Street.
The local Daughters of the Revolution, Molly Foster Berry Chapter, has set up a traveling exhibit on the American Revolutionary War at Memorial Hall, Third and National Avenue. There is no admission.
One of the information banners. Submitted photo.
Until June 15, the exhibit can be viewed by entering the south door, across the street from the Methodist Church from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.It is a self-guided tour. The Chapter members are sitting in shifts at the exhibit.
“Our chapter is about promoting patriotism,” Barbara Ritter, spokeswoman for the group said.
The American Revolution Experience Exhibit comprises 12 roll-up, graphic banners, each measuring 7’ high by 3’ wide, and three kiosks, comprised of IPads and stands, according to its website.
The Molly Foster Berry chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized on October 19, 1911. The chapter is named after its first regent, Miss Frances Hall’s Revolutionary War ancestor, Samuel Berry’s wife. Members, called Daughters, are direct descendants of a Revolutionary War Patriot.
This chapter, along with the American Legion, was instrumental in raising funds for the Memorial Hall. Because of this fundraising, a special suite in the hall was given for their use forever.
“D.A.R members are active women passionate about community service, preserving American History, educating children as well as honoring and supporting those who serve our nation,” Ritter said.
The Daughters of the American Revolution will celebrate nation-wide the 250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War in 2026.
“We would like to get together with other civic organizations to plan out activities for this event,” Ritter said. “The nation celebrated in 1976 with many activities.
If anyone is interested in more information, contact her at [email protected], or 913.636.4892
Highlights of what this chapter has done since its inception:
They started a Red Cross Chapter Unit in which they knitted socks and over 130 sweaters to donate to the men in service, donated
money and goods to be distributed to newly arriving immigrants on Ellis Island, were charged with the care of the Block House, which is now part of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, recognized Bourbon County good citizens, planted trees, donated bedding, beds and food to the Goodlander Home, distributed American Flags and donated books to the library.
“And more recently a Vietnam Veteran Ceremony, recognizing our Bourbon County Vietnam Veterans with a certificate, lapel pin and dinner,” Ritter said.
Currently, the group has 26 members, two associate members and two awaiting documentation.
One of the 12 banners in the exhibit. Submitted photo.
Paula Baker and Renee Denton of Freeman Health Systems visit with Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth at the press conference on June 13.
The former Fort Scott Mercy Hospital will be used once again for hospital operations.
Today, Paula Baker, CEO of Freeman Health System announced that they will be operating 10 in-patient hospital beds at the site and will open an emergency department as well.
Paula Baker speaks to the press and the crowd that showed up to hear an announcement about health care in the county today.
“If treated in the E.R., you will be treated right here (in the hospital section),” she told a crowd that gathered at the former hospital.
There will also be an outpatient lab, radiology, CAT scans available to the public, and an on-site pharmacy.
There will be six bays in the emergency department and 365-day coverage, 24 hours a day.
A licensed physician and emergency-trained staff will be employed, which will total approximately 70 employees, according to Renee Denton, Chief Operating Officer at Freeman Neosho Hospital, who is helping in this project.
Baker said they have to be licensed by the State of Kansas and that process is long and complex, but they hope to be open by April 1, 2025.
There will be clear separation between Freeman’s hospital bed unit and the Kansas Renewal Institute which also operates in the former Mercy Hospital building, Denton said. Freeman will use the former birthing wing of the hospital.
Baker said they have been working with local city and county entities to make this happen and Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth spoke to the crowd as well as Baker.
She commended Beth and County Commissioner Jim Harris.
“They have worked to get this together and they care,” she said.
Clifton Beth speaks to the crowd at the former Mercy Hospital Emergency Department on June 13.
Beth said the process to reopen a hospital began about five years ago and thanked the sales tax committee that recently spearheaded a May 20234 vote that will produce some money for the project. In addition, he thanked the voters for supporting the tax.
Also helping in the process were present and former county commissioners, Fort Scott City Commissioners, health agencies, the Bourbon County E.M.S., and Kansas Renewal Institute personnel, Beth said.
“We have been in communication with Kansas on the licensure entities, they have committed to help us expedite the licensure,” Denton said.
