Category Archives: Fort Scott

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, History, Youth

Shead Farm Homestead Festival: Learning To Produce What You Need AND More

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Since the pandemic, many people have been looking at a lifestyle that includes purchasing local products and growing their food, or at the least, knowing nearby local producers.
The fourth annual Shead Farm Homestead Festival event will happen on May 18, southeast of Fort Scott. This educational and family-fun event has attempted to help those people.
Photo opportunities will be available at the festival. Submitted photo.
Homesteading is moving towards food security by means of producing one’s own animals and gardens.
Larry and Vickie Shead and their extended family have provided people with an event where people can gather tips on gardening, homesteading,  grafting fruit trees, beekeeping,  orchard care, and soap-making, and many others.
Vickie and Larry Shead, 2020, from her Facebook page.
This year over 50 vendors related to homesteading, along with family activities are scheduled.
Besides new vendors and activities, there will be a speakers’ tent where people can listen to a question and answer time on various homestead topics.
“A chapel is provided for those who may need prayer or just want some  Biblical insight,” Vickie said.
Over 150 volunteers have been working to create a memorable time, on Saturday, May 18, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Tickets are $5.00 each or $25.00 for a family of five or more.
“There will be good old fashion and exciting, memory-making events that young and old will not want to miss,” Vickie said.  “There are plenty of places to sit down and relax for a good visit with old friends and neighbors while watching the exciting activities taking place.”
Historical demonstrations to view: blacksmithing, broom making, butter making, wooden spoon making, leather working, rock wall building, and a weaver who demonstrates on an 1864 old barn wood loom, as well as showing how to spin. There will be a Model T Ford and a Model A Ford for viewing with early 1900s music playing on a Victrola nearby.
Educational vendors will share information on growing microgreens, making butter, washing clothes without electricity, creating with macrame, making goat milk soap, milking a cow, making jams and jellies, and creating pictures with pastels.  One can also learn about making pottery, sourdough bread, and how to harvest maple syrup.  And many beautiful quilts will be on display, she said.
“Children can enjoy the Children’s Center’s huge tent full of new, fun, educational, and exciting activities,” Vickie said.  “The little children can gather bugs in their bag and turn them in for a prize.  Face painting and a Story Station give a moment of rest for children. New this year will be a huge sand pile with treasures to find.  New, also a Kids’ Corner Store with many farm and educational toys.”
An Animal Arena displays donkeys, goats, dogs, cows, sheep, and a pig. Poultry will be roaming the area with peacocks, chickens, guineas, ducks, turkeys, and quail. Children and adults can learn the techniques of roping along with other fun animal activities, and additionally, there will be kittens, rabbits, and quail.
The Food Court has expanded to include pulled pork sandwiches, as well as the festival’s famous Walking Tacos, she said. Snacks are in abundance with kettle corn and homemade potato chips, cotton candy, and bakery bargains. Snack Shack items are dried candy fruits, and many other snacks.
“A variety of refreshing drinks will be available such as hot and cold coffees, cocoa; lemonade, and homemade refreshing root beer,” she said.
“Hope to see you all for this wonderful family and friend’s event,” she said.
An aerial view of the Shead Farm Homestead Festival. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott, Schools

Trinity Lutheran’s Precious Lambs Preschool Is Enrolling for Next Year

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Precious Lambs Preschool is now enrolling for the 2024-2025 school year.

A mission of the Trinity Lutheran Church, the preschool has provided early childhood education at 2824 S. Horton in Fort Scott, KS since the fall of 1988.

Utilizing a faith-based curriculum, Precious Lambs creates a challenging atmosphere for students to succeed on an individual basis.

The Monday-Tuesday class is for students who are 3 years old by August 31 and completely potty trained.

The Wednesday-Friday class is for Pre-Kindergarten students who are 4 years old by August 31.

Classes begin the first Tuesday after Labor Day and are 8 am to 11 am for both classes.

Enrollment information forms are available by emailing [email protected] or calling (620) 223-3596.

Fort Scott

Fort Scott Downed Power Line: Power Is Fully Restored

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The powerline was near the Taco Bell restaurant in Fort Scott.

Seventy-two customers and many townspeople were affected by a power outage that started with a downed power line in Fort Scott on April 16, according to customer service at Evergy, the electrical utility.

The power is fully restored to Fort Scott from yesterday’s outage which happened about 12:15 p.m., according to Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin.

The wind blew down a power pole on the north side of Landmark Bank across from McDonald’s Restaurant at the corner of Hwy. 69 and 23rd Street, according to Matkin.

Helping with the problem were the Fort Scott Police Department, Fort Scott Fire Department, and Evergy, the utility company, he said.

The estimated restoration time was delayed because of strong winds, the Evergy Customer Servicewoman said.
Typically outages don’t last more than a few hours, but when there are several outages around the state, they could take longer, she said.
Hwy. 69 was shut down and 23rd Street going eastbound was closed, according to the Fort Scott Fire Department Facebook page, yesterday,
U.S. 69 was for a time closed to through traffic between K-7 and U.S. 54 at Fort Scott, according to a Kansas Department of Transportation Facebook page.  KDOT was flagging motorists through the scene

 

Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

Will’s Gutter Service: Outside Handyman

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Wills Gutter Service. Submitted photo.

William Billings has been mowing yards since he was a child growing up, and started with a push mower as a kid.

Now he has a truck, trailer, and a zero-turn mower, with chainsaws and weed eaters to tackle any job.

Will’s Gutter Service provides weed eater service. Submitted photo.

He has over 15 years of experience mowing and worked for LACO Seamless Gutters for four years as a gutter specialist until the company shut down, he said.

Billings started Will’s Gutter Service last year in Fort Scott.

“The services I provide for the community are mowing yards, gutter cleanouts, gutter inspections and maintenance, tree trimming, leaf and debris clean up,” he said.

 

William Billings, the owner of Will’s Gutter Service, mows a yard. Submitted photo.
To contact Billings call 620-418-3491.
Billings started the business last year to make extra money for his family, he said.
He is a Turner High School graduate from K.C., Kansas.
William Billings is the owner of Will’s Gutter Service and has four years of experience in gutter clean-outs, inspections, and maintenance. Submitted photo.
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Bo Co Conservation District on April 18

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Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, April 18th, 8am
Hosted by The Bourbon County Conservation District

1515 South Judson
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guest to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Bourbon County Conservation District, Thursday, April 18th at 8 a.m., located at 1515 S. Judson St. Attendees will be able to enter a drawing to win prizes. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

 

The Bourbon County Conservation District mission of “Protecting what we have today to have something left for tomorrow” is still going strong after 79 years. They are committed to continue to help landowners preserve and protect their natural resources of soil & water. District Manager Mandy Shoemaker and the Conservation District Board are excited to host the Chamber coffee and welcome everyone to attend.

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

Click here to check out their Facebook page!

 
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members

shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Volunteers & Donations Requested Downtown Spring Clean

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Organized by the Downtown Divison of the
Chamber Board!
Engaging opportunities within our community!

Volunteers & Donations Requested

Downtown Spring Clean

Monday, April 22nd, 4-6pm

See information below.

Sign-ups to volunteer requested by April 15th!
Just a reminder the Downtown clean up is ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!

There is still time to register to volunteer!

If you are unable to volunteer we are also in need a few tools to make this event happen – such as:

*flat blade shovels or hoes *scoop shovels *brooms *weed eaters *leaf rakes *pruning shears *step stools Those things can be dropped off at Lyons Realty Group this week *Make sure to clearly label your things so we can get them returned.

Can’t wait to see our downtown freshen up just in time for spring!!

The first 150 participants will receive a free t-shirt, courtesy of MyOneStop.

Those who are interested in volunteering may contact Bailey Lyons, Downtown Division Chair, at 620-224-7795 or email [email protected].
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Entertainment, Fort Scott

Free Car Show On April 21 at Riverfront Park

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Submitted photo of last year’s Rumble on the Bricks car show.

Rumble on The Bricks is a local car show organized by Fort Scott residents,  Austin Alfaro and Dakota Rusk.

“We present ourselves as a car community but this is for anybody who wants to come out and have a good time, see friends, and promote small businesses/ideas,” Rusk said. “All vehicles are welcome, bring whatever you’ve got, just come hang out.”

Their first car shows were in 2023 and one is scheduled for April 21 at Riverfront Park, north of the orange-colored bridge on North National Avenue. The event starts at noon and will last about three hours, Rusk said.

Dakota Rusk with his son at the car show in 2023. Submitted photo.

“This is a family-friendly event, food trucks are welcome to come,” he said.  “We’ve had Over Yonder BBQ bring some amazing food last year.”

Last year’s Rumble on the Bricks car show. Submitted photo.

They hope to bring the community together and give people something to do, once a month when the weather is nice, Rusk said.

 

Austin Alfaro, submitted photo.

“My main goal is to bring the community together and have fun,” he said. “This is a car show, just for fun.”

Admission is free.

A motorcycle was part of the show in 2023. Submitted photo.

 

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, History

CIVIL WAR CAMP DANCE FEATURED THIS WEEKEND

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Dee Young along with Wayne and Barrett Young will provide the music and instruction for the Civil War Camp Dance to be held at Memorial Hall on April 20.

CIVIL WAR CAMP DANCE FEATURED THIS WEEKEND

Dust off your dancing shoes and mark your calendar for the Civil War Camp Dance this Saturday, April 20.  The fun filled evening, hosted by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Inc., is being held at Memorial Hall 1 East 3rd Street in Fort Scott and will feature 19th century music, Victorian dance instruction and light refreshments.  Doors open at 6:30 pm with dancing to begin at 7:00 pm. Admission is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Period dress is encouraged but not required.

Dancing was a favorite form of entertainment during the Victorian era (1840s-1890s) and especially during the Civil War as it offered respite from the worries and horrors of a war that affected the entire nation. Come find some respite from your own busy schedule as you are transported to times past.  All ages are welcome and no prior dance experience is necessary to enjoy the evening.

This event is being offered in conjunction with Fort Scott National Historic Site’s (FSNHS) Civil War Encampment. For more information concerning FSNHS’s Civil War Encampment go www.nps.gov/fosc.

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site is a non-profit organization established in partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of FSNHS.

Bourbon County, Food, Fort Scott, Government, K-State Extension, Kansas

Kelly Perry: Kansas State Food Fellow Offers Free Workshop For Local Food Sellers

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Kelly Perry. Sumbitted photo.

Kelly Perry answered a job ad from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team posting in October, 2023 for a local food fellow position.

“I was so excited and quickly applied and in January was interviewed by Amanda Lindahl, Local Food System Program Coordinator with Kansas State, and Rachel Carpenter with HBCAT,” she said. ” I love food, small business, and local so this was right up my alley.  The duties were pretty vast for an 18-week program that is brand new across the state…and I landed this awesome opportunity!”
“As part of my job duties, I am required to hold an educational workshop,” she said. “I wanted to focus on food labeling at the farmers market. I know our local Fort Scott Farmers Market is growing like crazy, pun intended. I figured it would be a great topic for people to learn what the state requires at pop-up shops, festivals, bake sales, and farmers’ markets. I also wanted to cover the proper food licenses required by the state.”
“The main reason for this is that I receive about three calls, texts, or messages a week asking food-related questions from everyday people who own, run, or are thinking of starting a business full-time, part-time, or occasionally,” she said.
Kelly and her husband Thadeus Perry own Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store in Bronson.

“People know me and know I’m willing to help if I can,” she said. “Sometimes people get intimidated or scared of the inspectors or do not know who to contact to ask the questions so that leads them to me. I, for one, have had to attend countless seminars, online Zoom meetings, and hours of reading to learn about my family’s business Perry’s Pork Rinds, and our food laws and regulations.”

“I remember having the state Inspector show up at our front door needing to look over our home-based business back in 2018,” Perry said. “I remember the federal meat inspector showing up as well, due to the product we make being a meat product. I cried each time someone would flash their badge at the front door and I’d panic. After years of visits, and our yearly renewal inspections I came to realize food inspection, safety, and visits were not intimidating or anything to be scared of.”
“They had a job to do and if we were doing something wrong they would answer questions and tell us what to do to fix it and be in compliance,” she said. ” It’s in the state’s best interest to HAVE business in operation and to generate revenue. They want the businesses but they also have standards and regulations to help keep us all safe, both the consumer as well as the producer.”
“I figured a food license discussion would help so many who were just unsure, curious or didn’t know where to start,” she said.
The workshop is FREE to anyone from any part of the state, from 6-8 p.m. at the HBCAT offices, 104 N. National Avenue on Monday, April 15.
“We ask that you register so we can make sure to have enough handouts and packets created,” she said.
“We are so fortunate to have From the Land of Kansas’s very own Robyn Dolby attend and present a slide show and answer questions,” Perry said. “We will also have the K-State Local Food System Program Coordinator Amanda Lindahl coming to discuss the Local Food Fellow Program as well.”
Robin Dolby, From the Land of Kansas Marketing Coordinator, Kansas Dept. of Agriculture. Submitted photo.
Amanda Lindahl from her LinkedIn page.
“My goal with this Local Food Fellow position and HBCAT goal is to provide knowledge, access to resources, and networking,” she said. “We can then grow as producers, growers, suppliers, and a community! HBCAT always has the saying  Stronger Together and it is just that simple.”
 A description for the position she accepted is
– Update the Bourbon County Wholesale Food Directory
– Create a storytelling campaign on food-related business.
– Organize an Educational Workshop in Bourbon County.
– Complete the final report to be submitted to the K-State Research and Extension Local Food Systems Program Coordinator
Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Spring Clean-up Update

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Downtown Division of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Announces Downtown Spring Clean Up 2024

The Downtown Division of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce has planned a Downtown Spring Clean event on Monday, April 22nd from 4 to 6pm. The committee is seeking volunteers for this event to spruce up the Downtown Historic District.

The first 150 participants will receive a free t-shirt, courtesy of MyOneStop. Dinner will be served to volunteers following the event, courtesy of downtown restaurants.

Those who are interested in volunteering may contact Bailey Lyons, Downtown Division Chair, at 620-224-7795 or email [email protected].

 

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! April 11th Weekly Newsletter

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Daily Guided Tours: 10am & 1pm

Currently closed Wednesdays & Thursdays

until further notice.

Visit your National Park!

Click here to see all the FUN classes at The Artificers, classes for ALL ages!

BINGO hosted by the American Legion Post 25 every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month unless it falls on a holiday. Doors open at 6pm and Bingo starts at 7pm at Memorial Hall.

Downtown Veteran Banners for Order thru May 3rd, the vinyl pole banners will be a full-color, double-sided, and 30″X60″ in size, three-year commitment, click here for more information and to sign up!

State Farm Enterprise-wide Peanut Butter Drive, Kale Nelson State Farm and his team members will be accepting donations of Peanut Butter from now through April 19th, drop off unopened jars of Peanut Butter from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday at 1805 S. National Ave.

4/12 ~ Preschool Round-Up at Fort Scott Preschool Center, call Tammy at 620.223.8965 to schedule an appointment, enrollment decisions will be made by May 31st.

4/12 ~ Community Green Zone Advocacy Training hosted by Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 8:30am-2:30pm, click here for more information!

4/13 ~ Southwind District Walk Kansas Connection Event at Riverfront Park, free to the public but you MUST register for this event at WalkKansas.org, click here for more information.

4/13 ~ St. Mary’s Gala ~ Dinner and Auction at Liberty Theatre, click here for more information!

4/13 ~ Harley Race World League Wrestling at Memorial Hall, FREE to the public, 7-10pm, you can pick up tickets at the Chamber, BB County Cars, and other locations, click here for more information!

4/13 ~ Holmtown Pub Acoustic Open for Ty Ellis and The Flatliners, 7pm, click here for info.

4/14 ~ Estate auction of Bob & Sally Eckles, 1pm, 209 S. Holbrook, click here for info.

4/14 ~ Woodland Hills Competitive Jr. Golf Try Out, come earlier to give kids a chance to warm up, try-outs begin at 4pm, click here for more information.

4/15 ~ FSHS Boy’s Varsity 18 Hole Golf Match at Woodland Hills Golf Course, 1pm

4/15 ~ FSHS Softball Home vs. St. Mary’s Colgan, 4:30pm

4/15 ~ FSHS Baseball Home vs. Webb City, 4:30pm

4/15 ~ Food Fellow Workshop, HBCAT, 6pm, click here for info.

4/16 ~ CORE Friend Training hosted by CORE Community, attend this zoom training session, click here for more information and to sign up!

4/17 ~ Panel Unveiling for Holocaust Survivor and Unsung Hero Pavel Weiner at Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes, click here for more info.

4/17 ~ FSCC Community Conversation with Dr. Kegler, Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 5:30-6:30pm

4/18 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Bourbon County Conservation District, 8am

4/18 ~ Grand Opening of Kansas Renewal Institute, tours available to public 11am-1:30pm, Remarks & Ribbon Cutting 12pm, click here for info.

4/18 ~ Chamber Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration – let’s pull up our bootstraps n’ round up as a community to celebrate achievements & saddle up for opportunities ahead, social & silent auction at 5:30pm with dinner/awards/live auction to follow at 6:30pm, click here to register and see the various ways you may participate!

4/19 ~ REDI on the Green Golf Tournament hosted by Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, INC., 100% of all proceeds goes to support local scholarships, check in 9am with tee off at 10am, click here to register and for more info.

4/19 ~ Succulent Cupcake Class hosted by Dipped by Ashtyn at Common Ground Coffee Co., all supplied provided, $15 to reserve your spot with the other $15 at the time of class, click here for more information and to register!

4/20-21 ~ Civil War Encampment at the Fort Scott National Historic Site, experience artillery/cavalry/infantry troops, click here for more info.

4/20 ~ SEK Childcare Provider Conference, HBCAT, 9am-4pm, click here for info.

4/20 ~ Mommy & Me Pictures & Florals, Sunshine Boutique in partnership w/photographer at Gunn Park, click here for info.

4/20 ~ Paint & Sip by Care to Share, Papa Don’s, click here for info.

4/20 ~ Vintage Thunderbirds of KC Car Club visiting Fort Scott for a Day Trip, approximately 20 vintage cars will be parked under the Gathering Square Pavilion, stop by and check out the rides, 11am-3pm

4/20 ~ Sold out: Murder Mystery Dinner, Cohn’s Cafe, but they have now added one on 4/21, click here for info.!

4/20 ~ Civil War Camp Dance, Memorial Hall, 7-10pm, click here for flyer.

4/21 ~ Rumble on the Bricks Car Show/Cruise In, Riverfront Park, 12pm, click here.

4/22 ~ Ribbon Cutting for the new Downtown Arch, 3pm, all are welcome!

4/22 ~ Downtown Spring Clean Event on Earth Day, 4-6pm, all welcome to help with planned projects, hosted by the Chamber, call or text Bailey Lyons 620-224-7795 to volunteer, dinner served to volunteers following the event! Free t-shirt to the first 150!

4/22 ~ FSHS Softball Home VS Labette County, 4:30pm

4/22 ~ FSHS Baseball Home VS Labette County, 4:30pm

4/22 ~ CORE Community Graduation, the entire community is invited to attend to help CORE celebrate this monumental achievement, 6:30-7:30pm, click here for more information!

4/24 ~ Town Hall Meeting hosted by Citizens for the ER, Uniontown City Hall Meeting Room, 6:30pm, click here for more information!

4/25 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Niece Products, 8am

4/26 ~ Tiger Color Run, USD-234 Winfield Scott & Eugene Ware, Riverfront Park, 5:30pm

4/27 ~ NICA Bike Race in Gunn Park, click here to visit their website and to get more information!

4/27 ~ 3rd Annual MarshaFest featuring Disco Dick at Memorial Hall, profits from this event will support local in Marsha’s name, tickets are on sale at Marsha’s Deli, 6 W. 18th St.

4/30 ~ Hippity Hop 5K Run/Walk hosted by Buck Run Community Center, all registrants will receive bunny ears/easter glasses/and a shirt, click here for more information!

SAVE THE DATE!

5/4 ~ Ribbon Cutting for the new Gathering Square Pavilion & home to Fort Scott Farmers’ Market, 7:45am, then the market opens for the season at 8am to noon, all are welcome! Bourbon County Garden Club Plant Sale, Live Music, face painting & more!

5/3-4 ~ Town-wide Garage Sale, now taking signups online, by phone, or in person at the Chamber! $12 to list your sale, $35 to purchase a business ad on the map! Click here for info.

5/3-4 ~ Annual Swap Meet sponsored by the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, gates open at 8am, food available and something for everyone, free admission.

5/4 ~ Kentucky Derby Party and Specials at Brickstreet BBQ, click here for more information!

5/4 ~ Bourbon County Garden Club live plant sale at the Farmers Market, 8am-noon

5/4 ~ Elks Lodge #579 Annual Fishing Derby at Fort Scott Community College Lake, registration is at 9:30am and kids fish from 10am-noon, hotdog lunch following, click here for more information!

5/4 ~ Fort Scott Christian Heights Country Store & Auction, click here.

_________________

SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!

Boutiques-Antiques-Flea Markets & more!

Click here for Chamber member

specialty shopping & other retail in

Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue

Calendar of Events

Special Event Features

THANK YOU Chamber Champion members!!
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings Mark your calendars & join us for these celebrations!

4/18, Thursday, 12pm, Kansas Renewal Institute

4/22, Monday, 3pm, Fort Scott Downtown Arch

5/4, Saturday, 7:45am, Gathering Square Pavilion, home to Fort Scott Farmers’ Market

5/23, Thursday, 5:15-6:30pm, Blissful Aesthetics

Community Green Zone Advocacy Training, Ellis Family Fine Arts Center!

St. Mary’s Catholic School Dinner and Auction!

SOLD OUT! They thank you for the support. Saturday, April 13th, Liberty Theatre

…

 

Fort Scott, Legacy Health Foundation, Mercy Hospital

Community Discussion of Proposed Sales Tax to Fund an E.R.

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Mercy Hospital Fort Scott signed an agreement with Ascension Via Christi to provide equipment and furnishings for emergency room services in 2019. Ascension Via Christi ceased operating the E.R. in 2023.

The Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department ceased operations in December 2023 in Fort Scott, and since then many in the community have been seeking solutions.

To view the announcement by AVC:

December 20: Ascension Via Christi Closes Emergency Department in Fort Scott

The Bourbon County Commission recently proposed a community vote to see if they will support a one-quarter sales tax to help fund an emergency department. That vote will be on May 14.

On April 11 about 75 people attended the meeting facilitated by a newly formed group called Citizens For An ER. It was held at the Fort Scott Community College Ellis Center.

Members of the group are  Jamie Armstrong, Craig Campbell, Lynda Foster, Charles Gentry,  Mark McCoy, Randy Nichols, and Doug Ropp.

Dr. Nichols listed some of the reasons the community needs an ER and the importance to the community.

Charles Gentry then explained the ballot proposal, explaining that the additional sales tax would add 25 cents for every $100 spent, so a $10 meal would cost 2.5 cents more. The tax would start on October 1 and run for 5 years.  Voters could choose to terminate it before those 5 years are complete, he said.

Approximately 75 people attended the meeting at Fort Scott Community College’s Ellis Center on Thursday night.

Mr. Gentry said there are three ways an emergency department can be set up:

  • As part of a hospital.
  • As a remote operation for another hospital that is within 35 miles.
  • As part of a rural emergency hospital (REH).
Charles Gentry speaks to the audience about the sales tax measure on the ballot. From left are Craig Campbell, Doug Ropp, Randy Nichols, and Gentry. Mark McCoy was the moderator. Armstrong and Foster were absent.

If the county cannot establish an emergency department within those 5 years, the funds could be used for emergency medical services or for property tax reduction, Gentry said.

Mr. Gentry clarified that the group presenting was supporting an emergency room. They weren’t supporting a sales tax other than a means to the end of creating an emergency room. He made it clear that their job was not done once a vote occurred. They intended to monitor, report, and hold the county accountable for spending the money to achieve the goal of an ER.

He said that this sales tax does not guarantee they will be able to bring an E.R. to Fort Scott, but he was confident that without this, Fort Scott would not get an E.R.

Craig Campell spoke about the Rural Emergency Hospital Act, which was passed to help make rural hospitals sustainable. Currently, Fort Scott does not qualify for REH status because the hospital was closed before the cut-off date in the act, but there are some bills to extend the date to make Fort Scott eligible. The REH designation would allow the rural hospital to bill at 105% and would also be subsidized by several hundred thousand dollars per month.

In the first quarter of 2023, there were 128 out-of-town transfers from the Fort Scott  Ascension Via Christ Emergency Department E.R.  Without a local E.R., the first quarter of 2024 saw 292 transfers by EMS.

Since the only entities that could run an E.R. in Fort Scott are existing hospitals, there is less risk of the money being spent on something like $1,000,000 that was paid to Noble Health.

The donation agreement with Legacy  Health Foundation stipulates that maintaining ownership of the hospital building requires maintaining the property, making it available for non-profits, and developing an acute care hospital on that site. If they do not do those things, the building returns to the county.  Three years remain on the agreement.

 

The next community discussion will be at Uniontown on Wednesday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Meeting Room.

 

 

401 Woodland Hills Blvd. The emergency department is located on the south side of this campus.