The west end of the former Mercy Hospital, located on South Horton Street at Jayhawk Road.
The Fort Scott City Commission and the Bourbon County Commission signed a contract last week to facilitate Noble Health Corp’s feasibility study of the former Mercy Hospital building.
Mercy Hospital closed its doors in December 2018, following declining patient numbers and shrinking reimbursement.
The building is located just off Hwy. 69 on Fort Scott’s south side at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
It currently houses the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas clinic and the Via Christi Emergency Department. Their leases are ending in 2022.
Noble Health Corp., Kansas City, announced on June 25, 2021, that it will explore the possibility of reopening an acute care hospital facility in Fort Scott, Kansas.
The city will contribute $200,000, the county $800,000 towards the feasibility study, according to the contract. The local government entities will be using American Rescue Plan money from the federal government for the project, according to Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth.
The feasibility study will investigate the condition of title to the development property, the physical condition of the property, the zoning, the economic feasibility, and all matters relevant to the acquisition, usage, operation, valuation, and marketability of the property and the project, as the developer deems appropriate
Should the project prove feasible, the county agrees to contribute at least $2,000,000 to finance certain costs and expenses related to and associated with the project, according to the contract.
The following is the agreement that the Fort Scott City Commission and the Bourbon County Commissioners signed with Access Medical Advisors LLC and Noble Health Corp. on July 21, 2021.
Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.
This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by David Prickett, Deerfield. The vocal and guitar performance will feature a variety of gospel favorites in his unique styling. Some of the songs will include his own original compositions.
“Prickett is no stranger to the stage. After his first live performance in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, in 1962 at the All-Army Talent Show, he got hooked on music. He later moved to Texarkana where he had several bands and then eventually began doing single gigs. After returning to Alaska, he and his wife Midge moved to Deerfield, MO in 2005. Prickett has played Good Ol’ Days, Bushwacker Days, churches, healthcare facilities, our Friday night concerts, and many other events,” concert series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “Come out and join us for a fun opportunity to see friends and enjoy some great music. We are pleased to welcome David Prickett back to the park pavilion.“
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas of Parsons serves as sound technician each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
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Programs and information for Adults
Adult Summer Reading Challenge
June 1-August 31, 2021
People of any age are welcome to join us for our Adult Summer Reading Challenge.
Download ebooks, audiobooks, comics, TV episodes, movies, music, and more. All you need is your library card login and a valid email address. Ask us if you need assistance.
Enjoy stories, make crafts, and read all summer long with Miss Val and community volunteers! This year’s theme is Tails and Tales – all about animals. We offer curbside or in-library pickup of craft materials, special activities, and prizes. Story & craft videos air on Tuesdays at 2 pm.
Join our free early literacy program and steer your baby or preschooler toward academic success! Studies show that children who are read to from an early age develop better vocabulary, make more connections in their brains, and form the needed skills to read by themselves much quicker than their average peers who are not read to. Sign up by emailing Miss Val at [email protected]. During the pandemic, we are asking parents to log their reading on paper or through the Reader Zone app (We’ll give new registrants the code), and then report reading via email to Miss Val. A sticker and prize book are offered for curbside pickup at each 100-book milestone. Take a look at our awesome readers here.
Teen Summer Reading & Gaming Programs
Summer Reading for 6th-12th grades meets live online on
13-18 year-olds, come game with us! Southeast Kansas youth librarians, including Miss Val, lead this cooperative program to introduce teens from our libraries to one another in a safe, virtual space within our Discord server. We share a variety of games and activities during our weekly meetings – every Thursday night from 6:30-8:30. We also host ongoing discussions and activities within the Discord server. Sign up HERE to get started.
British World War I nurse Bess Crawford travels to Ireland for her best friend’s wedding and unravels a dark, deceptive plot when the bridegroom goes missing in the latest addition to the series following A Cruel Deception. 75,000 first printing.
When a man he killed years ago shows up in Norway, Scot Harvath, America’s top spy, is tested in ways he has never imagined as he races against time to stop one of world’s most dangerous actors from taking down the United States and its allies. 500,000 first printing.
Returning with her mother to her parents’ North Fork Long Island winery, college-age Sadie discovers that her Grandma Vivian once ran a “trashy” book club and decides to reinstate it as a way to reconnect the family.
Detective Frankie Loomis uncovers a cache of sordid secrets while investigating the death of a brilliant, young woman who plunged off her apartment’s balcony while having a secret affair with an English professor who seems to be hiding information.
A lawyer who founded a dog rescue agrees to defend a passerby who intervened when he saw a man mistreating his pug, despite the man being wanted for murder in the latest novel of the series following Silent Bite.
An illiterate widow in 1618 Germany is accused of being a witch by a nasty neighbor and turns to her scientist son for help in the new novel from the author of Atmospheric Disturbances. 50,000 first printing.
Defense attorney Leigh Collier is taken aback when she discovers her new, high profile case will be defending her childhood abuser in the new novel from the New York Times best-selling author of Pieces of Her. 250,000 first printing.
A former slave rises above the harsh realities of being owned and colonialism on Montserrat working hard to buy freedom for herself her mother and her sister and becoming an entrepreneur, merchant, hotelier and planter. 100,000 first printing.
Embracing her new life after a messy divorce, former interior designer Julia Jones moves to a condominium complex where she finds unexpected friendship and then love with another new resident and fellow divorcé until a dramatic revelation threatens their happiness.
On her own and feeling a sense of adventure for the first time, Maggie Kelly, facing her fears, embarks on a whirlwind trip around the globe that brings her face-to-face with the very same irresistible, thrill-seeking man she’s spent 30 years trying to forget. Simultaneous.
Colt Lipe is attending a youth leadership forum this week in North Carolina. Submitted photo.
Colt Lipe, 11, was nominated by his Eugene Ware Elementary School Fifth-grade Teacher Abby Steppes to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum in Colorado this week.
“They are nominated for being a good role model and having leadership skills,” Steppes said of the nomination.
The forum is the Pathways to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Program by Envision LLC.
Envision is a for-profit, tuition-based education company that creates, markets, and runs career exploration and leadership development programs for students in elementary school through college, according to its website.
“What an opportunity for him,” said his mother Tina Lipe.
Colt’s father is David Lipe. The Lipe’s own both Sharkey’s Pub and Luther’s BBQ Restaurants in Fort Scott.
At the forum, Colt will learn the leadership skills of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and goal setting.
In addition, he will explore crime-solving skills, face a design challenge in engineering, and as a prospective medical student explore the anatomy of the heart and lungs and examine the medical needs of a patient then present a plan of care.
“Kids this age are figuring out who they are and what their passions are,” Steppes said.
A letter his parents Tina and Dave Lipe received to explain the forum. Submitted photo.
Steppes said flyers are sent out to teachers nationwide for teachers to nominate students.
“The hard part is it costs money,” Steppes said. “There are grants for money you can apply for or do fund-raising.”
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
SPECIAL MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JULY 22, 2021
12:00 P.M.
K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
I. Approval of contract with Noble Health Care
II. Adjournment
The front side of the Eagle Block Building on North National Avenue on July 21, 2021. Submitted photos.
A part of the Eagle Block Building on North National Avenue has collapsed, and demolition will happen soon.
“It was approved to demo Eagle Block,” Fort Scott Mayor Josh Jones said. “Work could begin as early as today.”
Fort Scott City Manager Jeremy Frazier was told that it would take two days to mobilize all equipment and to begin the demolition, he said. “By my understanding that would mean that the demolition would start either on Saturday or Sunday.”
American Wrecking Services LLC was approved to demolish the Eagle Block building for a cost to the city of $148,500, following the special Fort Scott City Commission Meeting last evening, July 21.
A nearby building owned by CDL Electric, 14 North National Avenue will need to be removed according to a letter sent to the City of Fort Scott by Earles Engineering and Inspection.
Sharkey’s Pub and Grubb, 16 N. National, can be saved by supporting the south wall and removing a low protective wall along the edge of the roof, according to the letter.
“After review, it was concluded that the bar (Sharkey’s) could be saved by supporting its south wall and removing the upper parapet,” Earles said in the letter to the city. “The CDL building would need to be removed.”
“The saved wall would need to be repaired, tuck pointed, sealed and a cap put over it as part of the reworked roof of the bar,” he said.
“The south wall of the structure could be saved below the upper windows,” Earles said. “The building on the south is built between the failed structure and the current radio station. Its roof needs attention but can be saved if the adjoining wall to its north can be salvaged. This wall will need to be supported as repairs are made to it, including brick repair, tuckpointing, and sealing.”
This photo from behind the Eagle Block Building, facing west, was taken on July 21, 2021. Submitted photos.
On Friday, July 16, Earles, a civil and structural engineer and CEO for Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc., went to the site of what is known as the Eagle Block Building, at 10-12 N. National Avenue and reviewed the condition of the building with Fort Scott City Staff.
“There are four separate yet combined buildings,” Earles said in a letter to the city. “It appears that all the walls are partly or shared walls,” Earles said. “The roof and partial wall collapse happened on the three-story middle building. This roof collapse caused both sidewalls to move and partially collapse. Additionally, it caused the front of the structure to move, creating a bowed front of the building and numerous cracks in the bricks. Additionally, I was informed that what appears as white stone… was covering for previous wire strands stretched through the building and anchored in the front and rear walls to stabilize the building. These are now broken or under the piles of debris, causing additional destabilization of the structure.”
The collapsed roof of the Eagle Block Building on July 21, 2021. The pile of bricks is around the hole on the roof that isn’t collapsed is on the roof of CDL. It appears that bricks fell from the collapsing building and landed on CDLs roof and put a hole through it. Submitted photos.
“The north wall partially collapsed onto and through the roof of the CDL building to the north collapsing its roof,” Earles said. “The next north building is a bar. It suffered no damage. We were able to get onto the bar roof and look south over the CDL building and the collapsed structure further south.”
“The portion of the roof of the three-story structure is unstable and could finish the collapse at any time,” Earles said. “The upper story from the bottom of the top windows to the roof is all leaning in and could collapse at any time. The building appears to be a total loss as well as the CDL building.”
“There is a basement under all three buildings,” Earles said. “The hope of the city is to save as much of the structures as possible.”
On Saturday, July 17, 2021, Earles and city staff met with Carl Britz, American Wrecking Services, LLC, and went through the structures.
“We were able to go into the basement of the CDL building and
the (Sharkey’s Pub)bar,” said Earles in the letter to the city. “The CDL basement showed stone and brick that had lost most of its mortar and was in very poor condition both north and south walls. The bar basement showed the mortar had mostly all been repaired and the wall looked in good condition.”
To view a 2019 engineers report on the Eagle Block Building:
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to our weekly Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting of The Hound Nutrition at 116 S. Main St.
The event will take place Thursday, July 22nd at
8 a.m. with remarks starting at 8:15 a.m. followed by the cutting of the ribbon. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served in addition to a door prize drawing.
Co-Owners, Kelly Perry and Ashtyn Dowell of The Hound Nutrition offer meal replacement shakes, protein coffee, and energizing teas with many benefits to be added to any of your drinks and assortment of flavors. serve healthy and tasty options to Fort Scott.
They offer Protein donuts, waffles, and pretzel bites.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or [email protected].
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE’S
8/5 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Niece Products of Kansas
8/12 ~ OPEN! Call the Chamber to Schedule
8/19 ~ OPEN! Call the Chamber to Schedule
8/26 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted The Rainbow Unicorn Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening.
9/2 ~ OPEN! Call the Chamber to Schedule
9/9 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Bids & Dibs
9/16 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by The Beacon Food Pantry
9/23 ~ OPEN! Call the Chamber to Schedule
9/30 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Pioneer Harvest Fiesta
The Fort Scott City Commission will have a Special Meeting today, Wednesday, July 21st, 2021 at 5:30PM at the City Hall Commission Room, 123 S. Main St. The Commission will be discussing the contract for the Eagle Block demolition.
The Fort Scott Land Bank will meet today, Tuesday, July 20th, 2021, at 5:30 PM at the City Hall Commission Room, 123 S. Main St. to discuss the Eagle Block Building.
The Parks Advisory Board will meet this Thursday, July 22nd at 4:00 p.m. at the City Hall Commission Room, 123 S. Main St.
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JULY 20, 2021
6:00 P.M.
I. K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones
II. Flag Salute:
III. Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)
IV. Approval of Agenda:
V. Proclamations/Recognitions:
A. Recognition of Lisa Walther for 25 years of service to the Fort Scott Public Library
VI. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1292-A totaling $538,748.47
B. Request to Pay – HDR Engineering Inc. – River Intake Improvement – $ 54,902.50
C. Request to Pay – Health Insurance – $1,192.61
D. Request to Pay – Agricultural Engineering Associates – Mayco Ace Project Inspection –
$4,000
E. Request to Pay #3 – Triangle Builders, LLC – Mayco Ace Project – $59,993
F. Resolution 8-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at – 14 S. Margrave St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
G. Resolution 9-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 114 S. Barbee St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
H. Resolution 10-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 323 S. Hill St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
I. Resolution 11-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 510 S. Heylman St. – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
J. Resolution 12-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure located at 619 S. Ransom – Public Hearing Date – 9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
K. Resolution 13-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 611 S. Ransom St.– Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
L. Resolution 14-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 316 S. Main St.– Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
M. Resolution 15-2021 – Notice of Hearing with Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous
Structure and Accessory Structure located at 1517 S. Main St. – Public Hearing Date –
9/7/2021 at 6:15 p.m.
N. June financials
VII. Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per
person, at Commission discretion)
VIII. City Manager Reports and Comments
IX. Engineering Firm Update
X. Public Hearing:
6:15 p.m. Resolution Directing the Repair or Removal of an Unsafe and Dangerous Structure
located at 14 N. National Avenue
XI. Old Business:
A. Discussion of Lake Fort Scott repairs/upkeep
B. Approval of Ordinance No. 3586 pertaining to operation of golf carts
XII. Appearances:
XIII. New Business:
A. Approval and adoption of USDA Loan Resolution for River Intake/Dam Repair Project
B. Approval of Eagle Block deed from the Land Bank to the City
C. Approval of Eagle Block and CDL Building Demolition
XIV. Reports and Comments:
B. Commissioners Report and Comments:
C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XV. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
XVI. Adjournment
