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Category Archives: Fort Scott
K.R.I. is Fully Staffed, Licensed and Ready for Patients
Kansas Renewal Institute signed a lease on the building at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd., Fort Scott. on February 1, 2024, and celebrated the grand opening of Kansas’ newest mental health treatment center on April 18. The institute received its licensure on April 25.
“The License is specifically for Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) – 50 beds for adolescents,” Joe Tinervin, MSW, president of operations said. “We are starting with adolescents and intend to expand on our PRTF license to include other age groups at a future date.”
Their current license allows work with individuals no less than 6 years of age and not older than 21.
“However, any current resident may continue to receive treatment until that resident reaches 22 years of age,” Tinervin said. “Preadolescents (ages 6-10), adolescents (ages 11-17), and adults (ages 18 and older) will program and reside in separate units with no co-mingling between those groups.”
“Now that we are licensed, we have begun the enrollment/credentialing process with the Managed Care Organizations and expect to start serving their members within the next two weeks,” Tinervin said. “All referrals are generated by the MCOs who work in conjunction with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services in coordinating appropriate placement.”
“At this time, we are fully staffed to accommodate a census of 20,” he said. “We will continue to hire additional personnel as our growth ramps and we’re always keeping our eye out for talented individuals to join our organization.”
They received their license to specialize in Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) level of care, according to a press release.
“The Fort Scott facility boasts state-of-the-art amenities and a multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to addressing the unique needs of each individual. From therapeutic interventions to educational and recreational activities, every aspect of care is tailored to foster healing, growth, and resilience.”
Mike Sharpmack is the Executive Director of Kansas Renewal Institute and can be reached at 620-644-1195 or
[email protected] for more information on employment.
To view the KRI website:
Fort Scott’s Scout Troop 114 Is Raising Money For Camp: Breakfast on the Bricks May11
Fort Scott Scout Troop 114 will be serving pancakes at the Farmers Market at the Pavilion on May 11.
“It costs about $350 per scout to attend summer camp,” according to Mandi Widder, who submitted the information. “We are trying to offset the cost for families this year. We are hoping to take both the girls and boys troops this year. The scouts range from age 11 to age 16.”
Chamber Coffee Hosted by Fort Scott Pioneer Kiwanis
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Ribbon Cutting for the Gathering Square Pavilion Is Saturday
Ribbon Cutting for the Gathering Square Pavilion
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Ribbon Cutting for The Gathering Square Pavilion, Home of the Fort Scott Farmer’s Market, Saturday May 4th at 7:45am.
Join us Saturday, May 4th for the Ribbon Cutting at the new Gathering Square Pavilion to kick off the opening day for the Farmer’s Markey season. The Farmer’s Market will be packed this year with 15 returning vendors, 11 new vendors, and several more who have expressed interest in joining. This year over half of the Farmer’s Market will have fresh veggies and farm products along with early spring produce, eggs, beef, and honey. For opening day, they will have some special vendors serving cotton candy, painting faces, and the Fort Scott Garden Club will have their annual plant sale PLUS musicians such as the Neosho River Boys and performer Ashlyn from Galena.
For more information contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or emailing [email protected].
May 14 Sales Tax For an ER Is Crucial to Bourbon County, Citizens Group Says
The Citizens for an ER group “do not see a way forward to have a provider reestablish an emergency room in Bourbon County,” said Craig Campbell, a member of the citizens’ group, ” if the May 14 vote for a sales tax is not approved.
“The Citizens for an E.R. committee appreciate the concerns, the insightful questions, and the support of the Uniontown and the Fort Scott town hall attendees,” Randy Nichols, another member, said. “Please vote to reopen our E.R. Early voting starts May 6th at the courthouse. Voting on May 14th will be at your usual polling location.”
Members of the group are Jamie Armstrong, Campbell, Lynda Foster, Charles Gentry, Mark McCoy, Nichols, and Douglas Ropp.
The group has held two public input meetings, one on April 11 in Fort Scott and one in Uniontown on April 24, to help tell the benefits of reestablishing an ER and get questions from the community.
To view the prior story on the first citizen’s input meeting:
The attendees of the town hall meeting in Uniontown on Wednesday had approximately 15-20 people.
“We opened the meeting stressing the importance of an emergency department to the citizens of Bourbon County,” Campbell said.
At the Uniontown meeting, there were new questions asked: “Concerns expressed at the meeting involved what the money could be spent for, why we need an ER. , and where would it be located,” Nichols said
Randy Nichols said “The ballot language is specific, stating for the five-year tax duration, (he quoted from the ballot), “Said tax shall be used as needed for establishment and operation of an emergency department in Bourbon County.” If an E.R. is not established the ballot states, “upon termination, remaining tax funds shall be used for EMS and /or property tax reduction as determined by the Bourbon County Commissioners.”
“In other words, the money can only be spent on an E.R,” Nichols said. “It cannot be used on other projects and would be returned to the community if we do not get an E.R. A citizens committee has been appointed by the Commission to review and periodically report to the public that the money is being spent as per the ballot language.”
The needs for an ER are many, Campbell said.
“There is a need to protect those with failing health, workers in hazardous occupations, and children playing contact sports, being able to retain and recruit businesses in Bourbon County,” he said.
“It allows our citizens quicker access to doctors, nurses, lab and radiology techs and medications that can assess and treat the health issues being presented,” Campbell said. ” Our Emergency Medical Service is top-notch! The Rural Emergency Health mentioned earlier was written for places like Bourbon County. It stresses 1) solid primary care, 2) great EMS, and 3) an emergency department. We had these in place until last December 20th. This tax question when passed would restore our three-pronged strategy to effective healthcare in Bourbon County.”
The tax is small per person.
“We reminded folks that the 0.25% sales tax would add 25 cents to the cost of a $100 purchase at the store, “Campbell said. ” And that the tax has a five-year hard stop on it.”
“The tax can only be used to support reopening our ER and its ongoing operation,” he said. “The next step would be to get Congress to re-date the effective date of the Rural Emergency Hospital Act to December of 2015 so that hospitals such as Fort Scott’s would be eligible to receive funding for the emergency hospital.”
“It will operate in its previous area within the former hospital at 401 Woodland Hills Boulevard,” Campbell said. “Medical equipment remains there as the result of a donation by Ascension (Via Christi, which closed operations at that site in December 2023).
“The current site is available and ready as it is fully equipped with lab, x-ray, CT scanner and ultrasound,” Nichols said. “These were gifted to the county by Ascension Via Christi -Pittsburg saving on the cost of reopening. The building also has room for expansion to include observation beds and outpatient services (for example out patient surgery) if Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) designation can be obtained in the future.”
“Rural Emergency Hospital is a federally funded designation supporting an E.R., observation beds, and out-patient services,” Nichols said. “This is a program not yet available to Bourbon County but having an E.R. is the first step to achieve the expanded services of REH. Having REH would relieve the need for community tax support.”
“The attendees praised the EMS service but also supported the need for an E.R.,” Nichols said. “Having an E.R. is a needed part of our health care delivery system. An emergency room and EMS are mutually beneficial services. Having an E.R. improves our overall community health outcomes. “(We) recognize most E.R. visits are by walk-in patients so without an E.R. it’s likely there will be more ambulance calls and all runs will be out of the county. Statistically, a majority of those people will not require hospitalization and would be better/ more efficiently served locally. An E.R. was also recognized to have county-wide economic development and long-term property tax benefits.”
April 28-29 Tornado and Flooding in Bourbon County
Storms this weekend included a tornado and major flooding in Bourbon County.
Because of almost 10 inches of rain, area rivers have gone out of their banks.
The Marmaton River crested at 47 feet on April 28, and is predicted to go back down to 30 feet by Tuesday afternoon, according to Peyton Camden, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service at Springfield, Mo, which monitors conditions in Bourbon, Cherokee, and Crawford Counties in Kansas.
Rain is in the forecast for the rest of the week.
“Depending on how much rain we get, there could be a second crest,” she said.
County roads and city streets in low-lying areas were flooded, but as of today, almost all are passable.
Tornado
A tornado touched down in rural Bourbon County on the evening of Friday, April 26.
“It touched down at about 85th and Poplar Roads on Friday evening,” Bourbon County Emergency Management Director Brian Allen said. One home near Quail Road was also affected, he said.
Clare George’s home, northeast of Uniontown, had the windows blown out on three sides and some roof damage, plus outbuildings damaged.
Flood damage
Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager said most city streets are reopened following the floods this weekend.
“20th Street from Hwy. 69 to Cooper Street is still closed because of road destruction,” Matkin said on the city’s Facebook page. Clark Street from Wall Street to Third Street is still closed until the manhole flooding stops, and the Fort Scott Lake road by the spillway is still closed, he said. Fort Scott Lake homeowners can access via Hwy. 69 to Hackberry Road.
The city crews are out working to get things back to normal, Matkin said.
Eric Bailey, Bourbon County Public Works Director, referred road condition questions to Fort Scott/Bourbon County Dispatch.
The dispatcher said all roads in the county are open now, but people should be aware there is some damage to the roads.
Local Ponds Were Built to Help With Floods
Dams were built in the 1980s for helping to alleviate the excess water from floods.
Frank Young, the contracting officer for both the Marmaton and Mill Creek Watershed Districts, stated “the watershed dams aren’t constructed with the capacity to totally control runoff from extremely large rainfall events covering the drainage areas above each structure (pond). They will totally control the runoff from a 25 year storm which is around 4.8 inches of rainfall in a 6-hour period. The rest of the runoff from a larger rainfall event than 4.8 inches in 6 hours, will pass through the dam’s emergency spillway with some, but not total, control of that extra runoff”.
” Marmaton WSD has 28 completed structures that control roughly 25% of the total drainage area of the Marmaton River above Mill Creek. Mill Creel WSD has 14 completed dams that control roughly 28% of the Mill Creek drainage area. The two districts together control roughly 27% of the total drainage area above Ft. Scott,” Young said.
“When a huge rainfall event occurs over the entire river drainage area of just over 240,000 acres, over 70% of this area is uncontrolled,” he said. “The combined districts have plans to build structures that would control around a total of 60% of this area when completed.”
“Both Districts have planned structures awaiting permits to construct more dams from the Corps of Engineers,” Young said. Ever since Hurricane Katrina.. permits to construct dams have become increasingly difficult to obtain from these federal agencies. The last major dam construction ended for the Marmaton District in 2015. Since then no permits have been issued by the Corps to allow these Districts to continue their flood protection program.”
“The existing dams were constructed with state of Kansas grant money along with local cost share money raised from mill levies and landowner participation,” he said. “The districts both inspect their dams annually for damage caused by natural and or man-made events and conduct repairs and maintenance as needed to keep them in shape for service during flood events. The districts will again have to inspect the existing structures soon for damage caused by this flood with repairs, if needed, conducted throughout the coming months,” Young said.
Tetanus Shots For Flood/Tornado Workers
Brian Allen said he is working on getting tetanus vaccines from the State of Kansas for any workers who have worked in the flood waters that have inundated the county.
SEK Multi-County Health Department is offering free tetanus shots for individuals affected by the recent flooding. Tetanus shots will be available to impacted residents as well as first responders, volunteers, or any others who have been or will be assisting with recovery and cleanup efforts.
Free tetanus shots will be available by appointment at the SEK Multi-County Health Department in Iola, Garnett, and Fort Scott while flood response continues.
Bourbon County (Fort Scott): 524 S. Lowman, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tetanus vaccines are recommended for people of all ages. Adults need a tetanus booster shot every 10 years, but health care providers may recommend a booster sooner due to an injury or other health concerns.
Tetanus bacteria are everywhere in the environment, including soil, dust, and manure. Tetanus is most commonly caused by the bacteria getting into the body through broken skin, usually through injuries from dirty objects. During evacuation and flood cleanup, residents affected by flooding, emergency responders, cleanup workers, or volunteers may be at increased risk for these injuries. For this reason, these people should be sure that they are up to date with tetanus vaccination. This can be done by talking with your health care provider or reviewing your vaccination record.
Tetanus is commonly known as “lockjaw,” and is a serious disease that affects the nervous system and causes painful muscle contractions, particularly of your jaw and neck muscles. Tetanus can cause severe breathing problems and in serious cases, lead to death. There is no cure for tetanus.
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Dangerous Situation, Stay Home, Stay Safe: FS City Manager
Bourbon County experienced flooding rain on Saturday evening, 10 Inches, said Brad Matkin.
In a Facebook post on the city’s page, he said the north end of town is flooded. He contacted fortscott.biz and asked to make this known.
“It’s a bad situation,” he said. “Water rescues are going on,” he said.
Please don’t be out unless absolutely necessary, Matkin said.
The safety of the residents and the public safety personnel is of utmost importance. Sightseeing is not encouraged.
The Marmaton River, which is located on North National Avenue, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, is expected to crest at 45 feet, possible tomorrow.
“That’s one of the highest in history,” he said.
In addition, the forecast is for more rain this week.
Lawrence Looks to Expand His Business: 4C Lawn Care Company
Clint Lawrence started mowing lawns at age 15 for extra gas money during high school. He is a 2008 Fort Scott High School graduate and a Fort Scott Community College graduate.
Lawrence owns and operates 4C Lawn Care company.
“I offer all of your lawn needs, mowing, weed eating, edging, leaf and limb removal,” he said.
“Family means everything to me so I branded my company name after our family as all of our names begin with C,” he said. “My wife is Chelsea; son is Cole, 8 years old; and son, Chase, 7 years old.”
“After college, I joined the Fort Scott Fire Department,” he said. “Given the shift schedule, I always juggled multiple part-time jobs alongside running my business.”
“This year, I’ve decided to focus solely on expanding my business to spend more time with my wife and kids,” he said.
“With 13 years of experience, I’ve served a wide range of clients in various counties, including commercial, residential, city, and county entities,” he said. “After three previous years of a busy schedule, this year I’m looking to expand my client base.”
“My goal is to grow my business into a reputable company known for exceptional service,” Lawrence said. “I am fully insured and no job is too big or too small. Feel free to reach out to me by phone or text at 620-215-4045 or find me on Facebook at 4C Lawn Care”
Star Wars Day at the Fort Scott Public Library is May 3 and 4
Star Wars fans, come to the Fort Scott Public Library on May 3 from 10 to 5:30 or May 4 from 10 to 1:30 to celebrate Star Wars Day.
Dress up as any Star Wars character or wear your favorite fan t-shirt to show your love for the franchise.
Play games, put together a puzzle, watch a movie, take photos in front of our selfie station, try your hand at trivia, create a craft, color pages, check out a book or movie, or enjoy themed refreshments while discussing all things Star Wars with your fellow fans.
This will be a casual, drop-in program, available in the Event Room downstairs. May the Fourth be with you!
This is free and open to the public.
Storytime in the Park is May 15
Join Miss Val at the library’s first-ever Storytime in the Park events on May 15, with an event at Nelson Park at 9 am and 3rd Street Park at 10 am.
This event is ideal for families who live nearby and do not have transportation to travel to the library.
The program will include stories, snacks, a craft, and a nature walk (weather permitting). Parents must supervise their children at all times.
These events are free and open to the public.
In case of rain, stories, snacks, and crafts will take place under the shelter house and the nature walk scavenger hunt will be sent home with participating families.
Downtown Clean-up: A Beautiful Thing
The Fort Scott community came out in large numbers for the common good this year, with approximately 160 volunteers to help with the downtown cleanup. The day was a perfect, sunny April day in Kansas, with temps in the upper 60s.
“The community morale and camaraderie among those who have been paired to work together is always wonderful to see,” Bailey Lyons, of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Downtown Committee said. “People working towards a common good is a beautiful thing!”
Lyons said that two months planning went into pulling off so many projects, with so many volunteers, all in one day.
The day of the clean-up is exhausting, rewarding and humbling at the same time, she said. “Everyone who volunteers has a different background and a different reason for being there, but they have one thing in common – a love for our community, and that always shines through on the day of the event.”
She said approximately 90 community members- individuals, families, businesses, and organizations- and 70 students from area schools volunteered.
“This year brought out the largest number of community volunteers of the clean-up events so far, with representatives from many local businesses, and organizations such as Southwind Extension District 4H Clubs, Fort Scott Nazarene Youth, Pride Club, Kiwanis, Bourbon County Garden Club, and Good Neighbor Action Team. The volunteers also included students from USD-234, USD-235, Fort Scott Community College, and St. Martin’s Academy,” she said. My One Stop provided the t-shirts for the event.
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One driving down Main Street, National Avenue, Scott Avenue, Skubitz Plaza, and other downtown locations, could see people painting light poles, trash cans, picnic tables, and benches.
There were clean-up teams at Skubitz Plaza, Heritage Park, The Splash Pad, the Gathering Square, the Chamber Visitor Center, the parking lot on National, and other downtown areas with people weeding, planting, and mulching.
“There were new signs put up for the Gathering Square Pavilion and Farmer’s Market,” she said.
She said this year there was a large focus on street and alley clean-up, as well.
With the addition of the new mural across from the Chamber Office at 231 E. Wall, six downtown murals were completed during the last three years’ clean-up day efforts, she said.
“This was the third clean-up that the Downtown Committee has put on, and they have grown more each year,” Lyons said. “To date, the cleanups have brought together approximately 450 volunteers who volunteered about 1,350 working hours.”
” I think people have seen that many hands make light work, and it’s an opportunity to be involved in something positive, and people have jumped at the chance to help make a difference,” she said.
“As a spin-off of this event, I now regularly have volunteer groups reach out asking if I can pair them with a project that could use some extra hands,” Lyons said. “The clean-ups have put on display a variety of different groups that do good in our community, many projects that need continued efforts throughout the year, and a spirit of volunteerism. These three clean-up days have turned into much more than just a few hours on 3 singular days.”
The downtown clean-up committee is comprised of Lyons,
John Crain, Cathy Bishop, Katie Hueston, Kate Freeman, Craig Campbell, and Lindsay Madison. It is led by the Chamber’s Downtown Division and Good Neighbor Action Team.
Lyons said the committee wants to express sincere gratitude to all the volunteers, businesses, and organizations that make this annual event possible.
For the past two years, a grant from the Elks Lodge primarily funds the clean-up, and one from the Good Neighbor Action Team. They also received a donation from the Bourbon County Arts Council to pay for the mural costs.
“ The meal that was served to the volunteers at the conclusion of the event was a combined effort from some downtown restaurants Brickstreet BBQ, Sharky’s, Holmtown, Papa Don’s, and Common Ground – the hungry volunteers enjoyed the food after their hard work!” she said.