Welcome: Twenty-one members representing nineteen agencies attended. For the 2023 calendar year, the Coalition Board was able to assist 29 families, including 79 children with rent and utilities. The Board voted to increase the monthly benefit available to $1,000. The family swim pass applications will be ready before the first of April at Buck Run and The Beacon.
Member Introductions and Announcements:
Clara Wicoff was unable to attend, but sent information concerning a summer internship with K-State Research. Billie Jo will forward the information to members.
Lea Kay Karleskint, K-State Research: The free “Walk With Ease” class will begin on January 8 at Buck Run Community Center; contact Lea Kay at 620-224-0182 or [email protected] to register. Classes will be from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays until February 16. Lea Kay is always looking for community partners for her nutrition classes; she only needs space, sink, and electricity.
Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries, Salvation Army, Ministerial Alliance: Allen announced that he and his family will be leaving Bourbon County to relocate in Georgia; he needs to find someone who cares about people to take over these ministries. This year the Red Bucket Campaign for the Salvation Army raised enough to spend approximately $850 per month to help Bourbon County citizens. Allen expressed thanks to all those who volunteered to ring the bells this Christmas season.
Lisa Robertson, CHC Community Health Worker and COPE (and Kylie Paulsen): They have been busy with Wash Wednesdays at the Washateria from 10-2; there is always a Community helper on site during these times to help clients with resources. They will be working with the east side laundry to provide free wash on the first Thursday of the month from 3 -6 pm. These programs will run for at least one year. The grant for COPE runs only through the end of May; some job descriptions may change at that time.
Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT: PSU Small Business Development Center has new hours – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9-4; Amy Sawyer will be the new person in the office.
Stephanie Herring, Family Resource Center; She is available to help with anything to make sure kids are receiving proper care for and are safe in their homes.
Christine Abbott, KansasWorks SEK: She is always looking for 16-24 year old young people who need help with employment issues, GED certifications, work study, etc.
Star Culp, Parents as Teachers: She has a waiting list for USD 234 but has openings in 235; contact Star through the Greenbush website.
Larry Jump, Community Liaison with SEKCAP: SEKCAP provides center and home based services for preschool children and parents. Larry also uses his graphic design background to produce promotional items for SEKCAP.
Dawn Cubbison, Aetna Better Health: New 2024 brochures listing benefits and rewards for clients were distributied to members.
Elizabeth Schafer, CASA and Pioneer Kiwanis: These organizations need volunteers.
Lori Holman, American Red Cross: Lori has just begun her job as the account manager for the American Red Cross; she is in charge of nine counties.
Nick Johnson, USD 234 Pre-School: Nick announced that the district has recently purchased the former Family Physicians building on Horton Street to house the pre-school. Once grant monies are received and remodeling completed, the pre-school will be able to serve 150-160 students. The projected date for the pre-school to relocate is January 2025.
Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority: At present there are only 13 applicants on the waitlist but they continue to take applications.
Dee Dee LeFever, Community Liaison Greenbush: She is the resource person who helps match needs with services. She will now also be helping on the Autism Team in order to provide more evaluation days each month.
Cheri Walrod: Fifteen core leaders are involved in the first session of Core Community; fund raising reached the goal for 2023; and families enjoyed several special adventures for the Christmas season.
Program: Tess Watson, founder of the Dream Big Little One project, Patti Street and Luann Nicoletti, project volunteers, shared how the program began in Tess’s kitchen making cinnamon rolls to raise funds and evolved into the 501c3 organization that it is at present. To date, the organization has helped over 1700 children obtain a bed complete with mattress, bedding, and comfort items. Their mission is to provide clean, new or recycled beds and bedding for SE Kansas and SW Missouri children in need, free of charge. Their need is help in donating bedding, new or gently used beds, or financial donations to help purchase said items. The goal is to ensure that every child has a warm bed to rest his/her head. To help with this project contact [email protected].
Open Forum:
Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be February 7, 2024.
The following is a press release from USD 234 Superintendent Destry Brown.
“I am excited to announce that thanks to Shanda Stewart, the E3 Ranch Foundation, and the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Department we are able to bring a phenomenal speaker to our community to educate us on the dangers of social media and its relationship to sex trafficking. Please mark your calendar for Wednesday, January 31st 6 p.m. at the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center!,” according to the press release.
“Russ Tuttle will also be presenting to our students in all Fort Scott Schools on February 1st. His presentations to students are age appropriate and are geared at teaching students about the dangers of using social media.,” according to the release.
Here is the flyer for the event:
BeAlert® is the awareness and prevention strategy of The Stop Trafficking Project® to end domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST)before it starts by disrupting the exploitation of vulnerability.
THIS ADULT ONLY COMMUNITY PRESENTATION FOCUSES ON THE ROLE OF “LIFE ONLINE” FOR STUDENTS
ONE IMAGE & THREE WORDS WILL CHANGE YOUR PARADIGM!
The Who – caring adults invited to attend:
Law enforcement
Firefighter’s and EMT’s
Medical professionals
Counselors
Faith community leaders
School personnel
Parents, guardians, and all other adult family members
The What – educate and empower caring adults in our community:
Students are enamored with social media and “life online”
Name apps and provide practical advice to guide caring adults
Unpack vulnerabilities that can be exploited: loneliness, isolation, depression, suicide, sexting, sextortion, pornography, cyberbullying, exploitation, sexual exploitation, and domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST)
The How – the approach: Fast-moving Power Point presentation designed for maximum impact
The presenter – an active abolitionist: Has command of the topic and speaks with energy that grabs and keeps the attention of attendees.
The presentation – fast paced with appropriate images and videos:
Provide insight into the role of technology in exploiting vulnerabilities
Identify the demand in this high demand business of sexual exploitation
Provide the option to engage with the BeAlert® Strategy, the Stop Trafficking App, and the “top ten practical steps” for adults to keep students safer
LOCATION: FSCC ELLIS FINE ARTS CENTER
SPONSORS: E3 RANCH FOUNDATION & BOURBON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
TIME: 6 PM on January 31
OTHER DETAILS: NO CHILDREN PLEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: SHANDA STEWART 620-215-2681
The monthly Bourbon County Coalition Meeting will be on January 3, 1:00 p.m., in the Conference Room at the Scottview Apartments. If unable to attend and have an announcement, send it to Billie Jo Drake to share.
Please be thinking about future programs that could be scheduled; bring ideas to the meeting!
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Agenda
January 3, 2024
Welcome:
Member Introductions and Announcements:
Program: Tess Watson, bed project
Open Forum:
Adjournment: The next General Membership meeting will be February 7, 2024.
The Fort Scott Downtown Pavilion is located between Old Fort Blvd. and Stanton Street on North National Avenue and construction is slated for completion in mid-January.
A new 70-foot by 150-foot pavilion is in the works for downtown Fort Scott between Old Fort Blvd. and Stanton Street on North National Avenue.
The Fort Scott Farmers Market Pavilion, or Fort Scott Downtown Pavilion is part of many additions in “The Gathering Square” in Fort Scott’s vibrant downtown district, according to Fort Scott Mayor Matthew Wells.
Matthew Wells. Submitted photo.
‘The farmers market pavilion would aim to be a dynamic community hub,” according to a press release from Wells. “This outdoor pavilion stands in the original location of the first farmer’s market in the community’s history and champions access to fresh produce by hosting the Farmers Market every Tuesday and Saturday from May to October. Beyond the market, the pavilion transforms into a cultural stage.”
“The current plan is to make it available to rent , like Riverfront Park, or the (Gunn Park) shelter houses,” Wells said. “The city has first right-of-refusal on any use other than the set times guaranteed to the farmers market.”
This gathering space offers Bourbon County’s farmers a direct link to the community, fostering healthier lifestyles with the offering of fresh produce and enhancing local commerce, he said.
The pavilion is constructed with sustainability and adaptability in mind, and the design aligns with the International Building Code of 2015, according to the press release.
The pavilion committee also envisions music, theater, and community gatherings coming alive in the space.
It is adjacent to the newly constructed splash pad and sensory park that was constructed last summer.
Also on the horizon is a much-needed public restroom near the site.
“The site (for the new restrooms) has been chosen, plumbing ran underground, and funding secured,” Wells said.
About The Pavilion Construction
The pavilion project is backed by the City of Fort Scott, a grant from T-Mobile, a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, private donations, and other grants that have been applied for and will be awarded soon, Wells said.
“As the price of steel was set to go up by a combined 35%, the Fort Scott City Commission had the forethought to order steel before the skyrocket in price,” Wells said. “As the grants come in, money will be replaced. The city was requested to match at least 1/2 the project cost according to grants.”
Sprouls Construction Inc., Lamar, MO is the general contractor for the pavilion construction project, which began in mid-November and is slated to be finished by mid-January
“We bid the project a long time ago,” Kevin Rooks, Sproul spokesman said. “But we didn’t start working until mid-November 2023.”
“(The project) went through several committees that I was not on, and went through many design and location changes,” Wells said. “When we reformed the committee we focused on a site, a site plan, and design. Partnering with the sensory park and splash pad committee we developed the idea for the ‘gathering square’ .”
A final site had to be chosen, and the commission as a whole had to decide on how best to move forward.
“The commission chose progress and what was best, and most cost-effective for our citizens,” Wells said.
The building is constructed of pre-engineered metal and Sprouls Constructin is currently trying to get the roof panels on.
“We hope the wind will quit,” he said. “All the conditions have to be right (for safely installing the roof panels).”
“We anticipate the completion is mid-January,” Rook said. “If the weather cooperates, it will be sooner.”
The structure will be painted black when the weather is warmer and dryer, Rook said. “Hopefully, by June.”
There are more phases to the project.
“We would like to put electricity and lighting, and then we would like to wrap the columns in stone,” he said. “And when the blockhouse has the new siding put on, incorporate a matching wood, possibly around the top as a skirt.”
The pavilion committee consists of:
Lindsay Madison
Bailey Lyons
Rachel French
Angie Simons
Bill Michaud
Brad Matkin
Mary Wyatt
Josh Jones
Tayton Majors
Rob Harrington
Matthew Wells
The First Missionary Baptist Church of Uniontown has been distributing food baskets at Christmas time for many years,” said Marci Williams, chairperson of the mission board at the church.
“We get our suggestions (for those who might need extra food) from church and community members and the (USD 235) school,” she said.
“Church members donate food,” she said. “(And) Ruritan ( a local community service group) donates $500 to the mission board to purchase groceries.”
And the local school organizes a food drive.
“The students, staff, and W.B.E. families are very supportive and generous,” Jenny Covey, a member of the mission board said. “The sixth-grade class has been organizing a food drive since before I started teaching in Uniontown more than 18 years ago.”
“This is a great way to teach students about giving,” Covey said.
“Our church gets together a few days before Christmas to pack and deliver the boxes,” Williams said. “This year each family received a turkey, sausage, eggs, bread, bag of potatoes, apple juice, sugar, and apples. In addition, the boxes are filled to the brim.”
“The loneliness of grief can be comforted,” said Laura Meeks, a local leader of GriefShare. “GriefShare is a nationally recognized support for those left with the pain of the death of a loved one.”
“We invite you to GriefShare to help you recover from the death of your loved one,” she said. “We are sorry for the reasons that bring you to this group, but we welcome you. If you are uncomfortable taking this step and don’t know what to expect by joining a small group, your feelings are normal.”
The first GriefShare meeting led by Meeks starts on Tuesday, January 9 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic School, 714 S. Eddy in Room 203, which is across from the parish office.
“Thirteen sessions will be held for our group each Tuesday at the same time and place,” she said. “This is a non-denominational grief recovery program. Hospitality will be provided and you will be given a helpful book to support your journey.”
“After the first of thirteen sessions ….you will start noticing you find it helpful to be around others who also are dealing with their emotions, questioning, and feeling exhaustion,” she said.
“We all grieve differently,” Meeks said. “There are no rules nor measurements such as time.”
For more than 25 years, GriefShare has helped over 1 million people heal from the pain of grief, according to a press release from Meeks. Professionally developed videos and a workbook help you meet people who have faced grief and share what helped them. You get practical suggestions from counselors and pastors, experts in grief recovery who have also experienced deep loss.
“Pastor Fr. Yancy Burgess recommended this program when I told him I wanted to help those who faced the death of a loved one,” Meeks said. “He referred me to his former Kansas Parrish GriefShare leader who guided me as I prepared. Last July, Fr. Burgess ordered all the materials we needed to provide this support for the community specifically intending to include all, in this non-denominational approach. He has a formidable background in bereavement support and provides support to us.”
To find more information about GriefShare go to griefshare.org or email [email protected].
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Meeks, by calling: 740-317-6379, or emailing [email protected] for questions or registration support. To register directly go to griefshare.org/findagroup.
Another GriefShare will be available in fall 2024.
At the end of November, Community Christian Church just finished a 13-week course, led by Jon Bailes and Jeanette Perry, according to Jamie Beckham, at CCC.
“They are preparing to do another in the fall,” she said.
The KDOT building is located on Hwy. 69. Part of the proposed STAR Bond project is south of the KDOT property.
Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI), the City of Fort Scott Commission, and the Bourbon County Commission announced a Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bond initiative.
REDI presented the STAR Bond project at the last Fort Scott City Commission meeting.
The Fort Scott Project, taken from the Memorandum of Understanding. Submitted document. The district runs from Heidrick’s True Value store at 1508 S. National, south on National Avenue to Highway 69 then south to the property south of the KDOT building south of the industrial park. Harrington said this map is only of the northern part of the STAR bond district. To view the rest of the district, see the attachment.
“The (Fort Scott)Commission was presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the multi-million dollar ‘Event Center’ project which would include an 8,000 seat event center focusing on rodeo type events, stockyard, two hotels, travel center type convenient store, restaurants, multi-use turf field, and luxury recreational vehicle (RV) park,” said Brad Matkin, Fort Scott’s City Manager.
The MOU was signed by the city and a signatory, Robb Heineman, for 635 Holdings LLC.
This MOU begins preliminary negotiations on a development agreement.
“As of right now there is no obligation from the City of Fort Scott,” Matkin said. “The signing of the MOU shows the City of Fort Scott supports the project and wishes to proceed.”
The proposed Fort Scott project will be approximately 77 acres located just south of the KDOT building and in the lot south of LaRoche Stadium, all along U.S. Hwy. 69 on Fort Scott’s south side. There will also be 20 acres of the development located in front of the former Mercy Hospital that will house a hotel, ret,ail and restaurants, according to Robert Harrington, REDI’s Executive Director.
“STAR Bonds empower municipalities to issue bonds for the development of major commercial, entertainment, and tourism projects,” according to the REDI Facebook page. “Repayment is secured by the additional sales tax revenue generated by the project itself! This isn’t just about construction; it’s about sparking economic growth, creating jobs, and boosting tourism. These large-scale projects contribute positively to our local economy, creating a ripple effect of benefits.”
“This project is a unique opportunity for Fort Scott to harness its potential for growth and development, ” said Harrington. “It is a momentous chance for the community to embrace change and shape a prosperous future.”
Rob Harrington. Submitted photo.
“The South Sports Project represents a transformative $116 million development aimed at bolstering tourism and increasing sales tax revenues in the region,” said Harrington.
“At the heart…. is the construction of an 80,000-square-foot, 8,000-seat professional rodeo arena,” Harrington said. “This versatile facility, designed in collaboration with leading rodeo companies, is set to become one of the nation’s premier rodeo venues. Beyond rodeo events, the arena will host conferences, trade shows, sporting events, and concerts, positioning Fort Scott and Bourbon County as a prominent destination.”
In addition to the arena, there are plans for new hotels and retail spaces, including restaurants.
“These additions are projected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in sales and property taxes over the next two decades,” Harrington said.
One part of the project is a “super field” for local soccer teams and a multi-purpose facility with four baseball and softball fields.
“This will not only bring in sports tournaments but also facilitate an upgrade to LaRoche Stadium, saving significant tax dollars for the school district and city,” Harrington said.
Also included is the establishment of a luxury recreational vehicle park, which will accommodate tourists, sports enthusiasts, and concertgoers, further enhancing the area’s appeal, according to Harrington.
A new truck plaza along Highway 69 is included and will increase sales tax revenue from non-local traffic. This strategic location fills a crucial service gap for truck drivers traveling between U.S. Interstate Hwy. 44 and Kansas City, Harrington said.
Overall, Harrington said the South Sports Project promises to create approximately 300 new jobs and generate nearly a billion dollars in sales and property tax revenues over 25 years. “This growth, driven by external investment, offers the prospect of reducing the tax burden for local residents.”
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the County Clerk present.
Leroy Kruger, Teri Hulsey, Jason Silvers, Dale Griffiths, Jon Lowry, Michaela Hawthorne, Michael Hoyt, Clint Walker, and Kevin Schafer were present for some or all of the meeting.
Jim Harris opened the meeting with the flag salute followed by a prayer led by Nelson Blythe.
Nelson made a motion to approve the consent agenda which includes approval of minutes from 12/4/23. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
During public comments Leroy Kruger introduced himself and stated he is a lifelong resident of Bourbon County and announced his plan to run for Sheriff in 2024. Mr. Kruger stated he is a former Chief Deputy with the Sheriff’s Department and his promise for running is to lower the budget and bring peace and unity back to local government. Troy Felt spoke again of Medicaid expansion and voiced his concern of subsidizing and ER. Mr. Felt said he wants a hospital back not just and emergency room. Dale Griffiths said he is a resident of western Bourbon County and that he watches every commission meeting on YouTube and would like to talk about how constituents are treated when they have a differing opinion. Mr. Griffiths stated it comes across that our Commission treats its constituents as smaller or lower class than them when we have a differing opinion and he asked the Commission to keep that in mind in the future. Mr. Griffiths said he understands that things can get heated but just because someone is questioning what the Commission is operating on or has come up with different facts than them doesn’t mean we should belittle them.
Senator Tim Shallenburger introduced himself to the Commissioners and stated he is the State Senator for the 13th District. Mr. Shallenburger stated his was a banker by profession, served in the legislature in the 90s, was State Treasurer, and Mayor of Baxter Springs until he was elected in January to replace Richard Hilderbrand. Mr. Shallenburger touched on Medicaid expansion and said that will come up again in Topeka as well as tax reform at the state level. Mr. Shallenburger said the next session starts in January and that he currently sits on the Transportation Committee and recommends talking to KDOT about projects in our county and to participate in grant programs that are available at the state level. Jim asked Senator Shallenburger if he thinks the Governor will be successful with Medicaid expansion and the Senator responded that he has not seen the bill and does not know what she is proposing or what will be included in the bill. Mr. Shallenburger spoke how the delivery of healthcare has changed and does not feel that if Medicaid expansion is approved that it wouldn’t open a hospital in Fort Scott. Clifton stated he is disappointed in both sides for using the ER closing as political gain but not offering to help. Clifton said he is not talking about Senator Shallenburger and appreciates the Senator for coming but he doesn’t put a lot of faith in Topeka.
Eric Bailey, Public Works Director, stated Purple Wave was there today getting information on equipment that will be selling in the January 9th auction. Eric said there was a culvert that began to collapse last week east of 120th Street on Kansas Road. The culvert is in a flood plain so they are working with Ag Engineering to perform a hydraulic study. There are barricades up but residents are still able to get by to access their property. Eric informed the Commissioners of a solid waste compliance inspection that happened at the landfill on November 29th. There was only one violation and that was due to not notifying KDHE within their specified time frame of a fire that occurred at the compost site. Eric stated they have received the trailer for the special bridge crew. Eric said his crew would like to thank the Commission for the longevity pay and holiday dinner. Jim said to thank them for doing a good job.
Teri Hulsey, EMS Director, stated she wanted to let the community know that Bourbon County EMS isn’t going anywhere. There has been a lot of talk and concern in the community and Teri wanted to allay their fears. Teri said she has noticed the marquee is off at the Hospital building and is checking about getting a Bourbon County EMS sign to place along the highway. Teri said there have been a lot of questions about where they will transport patients and Teri stated they have to go to the closest appropriate facility. Teri said the ER will be closing on December 20th and they will be implementing all call. They have two trucks that are manned 24/7 and when both trucks go out, they will send out an all call which will notify employees to come into the station to be ready to provide service if additional 911 calls come in.
Shane Walker requested an executive session.
Clifton made a motion to go into a 5-mnute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures to include all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Shane Walker and will return at 6:15. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:15 with no action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Justin Meeks, County Counselor, requested a 15-minute executive session.
Nelson made a motion to go into a 15-mnute executive session under KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships to include all three Commissioners, Justin Meeks, and Rob Harrington and will return at 6:31. Jim seconded the motion and all approved. Clifton made a motion to resume normal session at 6:31 with action. Nelson seconded the motion and all approved.
Justin asked for permission to schedule with Rob an emergency evening meeting with the City Commission, Mr. Farmer, the possibility of City bond council, and our Commissioners.
Clifton made a motion to have an emergency meeting before our next regularly scheduled meeting and if the meeting happens it will consist more than likely of an executive session most likely due to KSA 75-4319(b)(4) and they will make that motion at the start of the meeting if needed. Nelson seconded the motion and added Tuesday or Wednesday night would be good for him and the other Commissioners stated they are available those nights as well. All approved the motion.
Nelson had no comments during the Commission comments section. Clifton said as someone who works in healthcare, he agrees with Medicaid expansion and that the fearmongering people put out isn’t backed up with facts. Clifton said if Medicaid expansion does happen, we wouldn’t have people knocking on our door to open a hospital. Clifton said that Senator Moran is introducing a bill to change the REH date to 2015 and said the Senator has listened to all the phone calls he received. Clifton thanked Senator Moran and stated he hopes they can get that passed in Washington. Jim also thanked Senator Moran for introducing the bill.
Nelson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:39. Clifton seconded the motion and all approved.
Mercy Hospital Fort Scott signed an agreement with Ascension Via Christi to provide equipment and furnishings for emergency room services in 2019, following the hospital’s closure in December 2018. Ascension Via Christi pulled out of this site on December 20.
The doors are locked once again at the former Fort Scott Mercy Hospital Emergency Room. Ascension Via Christi closed them on December 20, 2023, after four years of service. This following AVC’s announcement that they experienced “a decline in visits and …. other economic challenges,” according to a press release.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Fort Scott has been preparing for the Ascension Via Christ Emergency Department departure by recruiting more providers, planning more training, and purchasing additional supplies.
CHC in Fort Scott provides care to about 125 to 150 people daily in its Walk-In Care department, which is part of the center at 2322 S. Main, Krista Postai, CEO of CHC/SEK said.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas at Fort Scott is located at 2322 S. Main, on Hwy. 69. The Walk-In Clinic is left in this photo.
The Fort Scott Walk-In Care department sees people from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
Editors note: Taken from the CHC Facebook page
All CHC/SEK Walk-In Care locations will close at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve (Sunday, Dec. 24.)
All CHC/SEK locations will be closed on Christmas Day (Monday, Dec. 25). Normal hours of operation will resume on Tuesday, Dec. 26.
Postai said after visiting with the AVC administration she found that “their late evening/late night volume… was minimal,” It was then determined to keep their Walk-In Care hours as established.
“All our clinics are accustomed to having individuals walk in with serious problems (e.g. having a heart attack) and we are going to anticipate more and are preparing for these situations,” Posai said.
“We have been working to ensure that in addition to the medical provider ( a Nurse Practitioner or Physicians Assistant) ), there is always a more experienced registered nurse on duty and we have been recruiting for additional RNs for that purpose,” she said. “We have evaluated staff skill levels, supplies, and other resources and will provide additional training and supplies as necessary. We already have lab and diagnostic imaging (including CT scanning) and excellent clinical staff in place.”
Krista Postai. Submitted photo.
“We have also met with local law enforcement and Emergency Medical Service staff and are working with them to coordinate care for patients, as well as visiting with Via Christi staff and Dr. Stebbins (their ER physician director) to discuss opportunities for closer collaboration on our referrals down to Pittsburg,” she said.
“We have reached out to Amberwell Health after reading of their interest in potentially staffing the ER and urged them to connect with us on their next visit to Fort Scott,” she said. “Unfortunately, we have yet to meet with them.”
“The concept of participating in the new Rural Emergency Hospital program was researched, but it was determined that only hospitals were eligible and, at this point in time, it is unlikely that will change,” she said.
“We are indeed very sorry to see Ascension Via Christi withdraw from Fort Scott, but understand there are other factors influencing their decision,” she said. “We have urged them to reconsider if these matters get resolved but recognize that southeast Kansas is not a major market for Ascension.”
Bourbon County EMS
Bourbon County EMS Director Teri Hulsey said “AVC closing is sad for the community, but we are fully staffed and ready for any call. We have six full-time paramedics and six full-time Emergency Medical Technicians and several part-time.”
“The only change will be transport times,” Hulsey said.
Cardiac patients will be transported to AVC in Pittsburg. Moms about to give birth can go to Nevada Regional Medical Center in Missouri or Pittsburg AVC. “It’s the patient’s choice,” Hulsey said.
“We have two first-out ambulances when a call comes, those go out,” Hulsey said. “For trauma (car wreck, a stroke, fall out of a tree) if we can get a helicopter either Joplin, MO or Overland Park Regional or Kansas University Medical Center in the Kansas City area. If a flight is not available, the patient will be transported.”
The Bourbon County EMS has seven ambulances that are supplied with “everything we need,” Hulsey said.
