Value Merchandisers Company is located at 4805 Campbell Dr. in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park. This is a 2017 photo of the building.
January 8, 2024
Due to the completion of the state-of-the-art All-In-One (AIO) Distribution Hub in Hernando, Miss., we will be closing operations at our Valu Merchandisers Company (VMC) facility located in Fort Scott, Kan.
We will transition the majority of VMC Fort Scott’s inventory and shipments to the AIO and expect the transition to be
completed by the end of March 2024.
Our employees at this facility have worked hard and done an excellent job providing retailers with the best variety of quality Health & Beauty Care (HBC), General Merchandise (GM) and Specialty Foods (SF) at the lowest cost to drive sales since the facility was built in 1995.
This was not an easy decision, and we sincerely appreciate
the dedication the employees here have shown.
We are committed to helping all impacted employees through their transition to other opportunities, including potential opportunities within AWG.
ABOUT ASSOCIATED WHOLESALE GROCERS, INC.:
Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned
supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and more than 3,400 locations throughout 31 states from 9 wholesale
Divisions.
David Shepherd has turned ownership of Bourbon County Cars over to Josh Jones.
Bourbon County Cars.Submitted photos.
Shepherd started Boubon County Cars, Inc. in 2013 after he sold Shepherd Team Auto Plaza to Briggs Auto Group in 2016. He sold his used car business to Josh Jones, the company’s General Manager for the last seven and a half years on January 3.
Shepherd said “Josh and I have been discussing and working toward this sale for the last 12 months or so. He has done a great job running our company, takes excellent care of customers, and has a very good business mind. I’m confident that he will successfully own and operate Bourbon County Cars and continue to serve the transportation needs of our community.”
In 2008 Josh Jones and his father purchased Fort Scott Sanitation, and in 2010 he bought out his father in the business, then sold the business in 2014 to a national company.
“Then I got into property rentals and started with Bourbon County Cars in 2016,” Jones said. “I sold most of my rentals in 2022.”
“Everything will be run the same,” Jones said. “Since I started David has let me have full control.”
“I knew at a young age I wanted to be a business owner, I had a hard time working a regular job,” he said. “Then I started working for David, he’s the best.”
Shepherd has been in the automobile business in Fort Scott for 52 years. After 44 years, he sold Shepherd Team Auto Plaza to the Briggs Auto Group in 2016. Both Shepherd and Jones are lifelong residents of Fort Scott and graduates of Fort Scott High School.
“I will pop into the store for a bit almost daily; mostly staying out of the way,, to see if I can help in any way,” Shepherd said. ” I will continue to be a part of several organizations like the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, Community Health Center Board, and CORE Community. I’ll stay busy.”
Bourbon County Cars has three other employees: Josh Binford, Dale Gauthier, and Bud Hall and it is located at the intersection of South National and 69 Highway bypass across from Briggs of Fort Scott.
The business phone number is 620-223-1435 and hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
A recent economic impact study looked at the benefits of Fort Scott Community College to students, taxpayers, and social perspectives.
“The economic impact of Kansas community colleges is significant and the workforce development provided by each college
across the state of Kansas is vital to a prosperous Kansas economy,” said Heather Morgan, Executive Director of the Kansas
Association of Community Colleges in a press release.
“The college is excited to see the results of the study, which are highly favorable as it relates to the economic impact both within the community and the region,” FSCC’s President Dr. Jason Kegler said. “Our ability to provide such a positive impact would not be possible without the continued support of our community. This study opens the door for us to pursue additional partnerships designed to enhance our impact. The future of the community and this college is bright.”
In the fiscal year 2021-22, Kansas community colleges were
found to have made a $6.7 billion impact on the state’s economy. Expressed in terms of jobs: the direct and indirect impact from all Kansas community colleges supported 106,234 jobs this last year, according to the press release.
Dr. Jason Kegler, president of Fort Scott Community College. Submitted photo.
“The southeast Kansas community colleges have a higher economic impact than the state average in terms of return on investment for local taxpayers”, said Dr. Kegler.
The average taxpayers’ return on investment for southeast Kansas community colleges is $2.50 for every dollar invested which is higher than the average across the state, according to the press release.
The results of this study demonstrate that FSCC creates value from multiple perspectives, according to FSCC_ExecSum(1). The college benefits regional businesses by increasing consumer spending in the region and supplying a steady flow of qualified, trained workers to the workforce.
FSCC enriches the lives of students by raising their lifetime earnings and helping them achieve their potential, according to an FSCC press release. The college benefits state and local taxpayers through increased tax receipts and reduced demand for government-supported social services. Finally, FSCC benefits society as a whole in Kansas by creating a more prosperous economy and generating a variety of savings through the improved lifestyles of students.
To view the total report in the FSCC press release:
The Fort Scott Recreation Center has a new website through RecDesk.
“The benefit of the new website change is that it allows people to do anything they could from our front desk on their phone or computer at their convenience,” Lucas Kelley said. “This new website also allows for online registrations and payments. This will also help with late registrations… We just switched over to this website on December 26th.”
Kelley is the FSRC recreation director and the Buck Run Community Center Manager.
Buck Run Community Center is located at 735 Scott Avenue and can be contacted at 620.23.0386.
Lucas Kelley, submitted photo.
“People can access it by going to brcc.recdesk.com.,” he said. “Here they will be able to view all of our programs, facilities available to rent, fitness memberships, current league standings/schedules, a calendar of events, and a preview of our Facebook page. We just switched over to this website on December 26th. When getting to the website users will have to create an account and add their household.”
Programs starting here shortly are: The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Challenge, Tiger Kids Cheer, Taekwondo Lessons, Soul Fusion/Adult Fitness Classes.
John and Lindsey Hill and sons, from Freedom Fitness Facebook page.
Lindsay and John Hill are the owners and coaches of a new business, Freedom Fitness, located at 15 S. National.
“We offer fitness classes for all ages and fitness levels,” Lindsay said. “We also offer regular gym memberships so you can come in and lift during certain hours and use equipment and facilities.”
“This was a need in our community and we are super passionate about helping others become their best self,” she said. “This will allow us to not only help people with physical fitness, but we will also be offering nutritional classes, flexibility, and mobility sessions, and so much more.”
Classes available:
Training – A Cross Training class that offers strength, flexibility, endurance, and much more.
EnduraFit – An endurance class that uses barbells and weights to move with speed and efficiency.
LIFE – A bootcamp style, focusing on body movement and functional fitness.
Masters – A class focused on seasoned individuals who want to move, have flexibility, and functional fitness using minimal weight.
FreeFit -The normal gym membership that allows individuals to focus on their own goals and programs.
KidFit- all things kids, including speed, agility, mobility, strength, plyometrics, etc.
“We will tailor all classes to fit the fitness levels and goals,” she said.
The business phone number is 620-644-2167
Business hours of operation are from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The cost for Freedom Fitness is $79/month for unlimited, and $60/month for 3 days/week.
Freedom Fitness business front at 15 S. National. Submitted photo.
“We look forward to serving Fort Scott with a Faith.Family.Freedom.Fitness environment,” she said. “It will be a positive, uplifting space where people can leave life at the door and focus on themselves. We want to create a space where health and fitness is a way of life – helping Fort Scott become a healthier community.”
Lucia Crellin, 29, will be the new administrator of Medicalodge Fort Scott, following the retirement of Lynette Emerson in December 2023.
“I started with Medicalodges Coffeyville on Midland in May 2023 as an Administrator in Training with KACE (Kansas Adult Care Executives), and I have just accepted the Administrator Role for Fort Scott Medicalodges and will be acquiring my Kansas Licensure as well as my NHA Licensure at the first of the year. “
She has a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies and a focus in health science from Emporia State University and also has her Kansas Certified Nurse Assitant License, through Neosho County Community College.
“I started training under Lynette on December 18th, and as of January 2, I will be taking over the position,” Crellin said.
“I grew up in the halls of long-term care as my…mother put herself through nursing school to become a Registered Nurse and pursue her career goals being a Director of Nursing, Administrator, Nurse Consultant, and now Director of Education. For the last couple of years, I have been learning the ins and outs of the administration role among long-term care nursing homes.”
“I entered this career because there is a great need for quality administrators and nursing staff among long-term care settings/nursing homes,” she said. “I think that sometimes people forget that our older generation of folks are still human beings and they deserve to continue living their best life at whatever stage they may be in,” she said. “I want to make a difference in the lives of residents staying in our nursing homes whether it be for a short-term skilled stay or a long-term stay. I want to make residents feel safe and comfortable in their homes/our nursing homes. I want our residents and our future residents and their families to know that I care, and will always care and advocate for them.”
The greatest challenge?
“I think the greatest challenge is the fact that I am a single mother and a brand new administrator,” she said. “The work-life balance will certainly be a challenge, and dedication and commitment are both important to be successful at both. This can place a challenge when both take such a high priority and both are physically demanding as well as 24/7 jobs. In healthcare and especially healthcare leadership there is no time off. Even when you are ‘off’ you really are not off. When your phone rings regarding your child, you answer. When your phone rings regarding your facility, you take that call. It’s not challenging to do all of that, the challenge will be overcoming the toll that this can take, and knowing everyone and everything depends on you, and knowing you are the one to be held accountable because all will have to be accounted for by you, and answered for and fixed with my oversight. But with all that being said, I have a great support system within my company and my family, and I am looking forward to overcoming any challenge that comes my way.”
Crellin lives in Yates Center and commutes.
She has a four-year-old daughter, Elayna, and a significant other, Taylor.
Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin was asked what the city’s accomplishments were this year and also what is on the horizon for 2024 and he sent his reply.
He also announced a new administrative position has been filled by Payton Coyan.
Payton Coyan. Submitted photo
Payton Coyan started as the Fort Scott Human Resource Director on December 27.
She has four years of experience in driving strategic human resource operational initiatives, with a focus on talent acquisition, employee retention, succession planning, organizational development, legal compliance, and grievance management. She also has skills in recruitment, interviewing, resume screening, negotiating, conflict resolution, streamlining operations, and heightening employee productivity by mastering HR situations for integrating human resource functions with overall goals, according to a press release.
She has experience managing employee benefits, employee hiring and onboarding, performance management, and HR records.
Coyan is a graduate of Ottawa University.
“Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends,” she said in the press release. ” I come from an amazing family and am fortunate to have… every one of them in my life. I am a lifelong resident of Bourbon County and love our community full-heartedly. In my free time, I enjoy…camping, (going) on a nature walk, walking downtown, or reading a book.”
Brad Matkin. Submitted photo
Matkin stated he is sure there is more coming for the city in 2024 but this list of goals will get things going, and “I am sure I missed some things on what we did in 2023.”
2023 Accomplishments:
Establishing the “My Fort Scott” App
Completion of Cooper Street
Completion of the “Old Faithful” sewer project near Nelson Park, between Elm and Pine on North Grant Street.
Improved wages for city staff, crews, and public safety members
Gunn Park Campground area improvements
Lake Fort Scott stem repair
The 2022 Cape Seal program completed
2023 Cape Seal program prepped and ready for 2024
Increased advertisements and promotion of area events by the Fort ScottTourism Department
Approvement of 2nd Phase of City Connecting Link Improvement grant for the Wall Street project. This is a federal and state-funded program that will start in 2025.
Pothole and crack sealing program
Established “street repair” crew
Memorial Hall improvements (thanks to volunteers for helping this happen)
Additional Lake Fort Scott docks
Buck Run Community Center improvements
Wastewater Treatment Plant lagoon improvements and elimination of the “smell”
Assignment of Baker Tilley, a consulting and public accounting firm, as City Finance Director, with their representative being Ben Hart.
Flawless 2022 City audit
Establishing a budget that did not increase taxes and freed up city monies for investments
Community Development Block Grant sewer repair throughout the city
Fort Scott Airport runway and taxi-way improvements thanks to an FAA grant
Stormwater project from 15th to 17th and Eddy streets
Purchased street line paint machine, city crews painting streets instead of outsourcing
Several street and water line repairs
Bringing back the Community Development position
UTV for the fire department (thanks to Timken Foundation grant)
Additional quick-action weapons for the Fort Scott Police Department
New Christmas “swags” for downtown
Woodland Hills Golf Course cart path improvements and repairs
Workman Compensation insurance graded the city with a Gold Star which will equate to a 5% reduction in premium
What’s Up in 2024:
Tourism Department to branch out to the Kansas City area to promote Fort Scott
2024 Street program that will improve streets one block at a time
Horton Street project
Additional aeration systems to the wastewater plant
Woodland Hills Golf Course maintenance barn and simulator barn justified; built either in the 4th quarter of ’24 or 1st quarter of ’25.
Gunn Park shelter house renovation and shower house built
Gunn Park sewer project
2” water line replacement program
Caboose in Fisher Park painted and moved to an uptown location at Scott Avenue and Wall Street
Two additional police cars were purchased
Memorial Hall bathroom renovations (grant pending)
Memorial Hall tables and stage lights improvements
Phase 1 on the Farmers Market Pavilion completed, and Phase 2 started
Buck Run Creek area sewer repair
Improved housing initiatives
Goals and expectations for our Economic Development Department, which is Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.
Contractor licensing completed and implemented
Event Tourism Grant policy completed and implemented
City of Fort Scott webpage improvements and updated
Lake Fort Scott camping area – phase 1
Lake Fort Scott secondary valve installed
Additional water sources researched
Buck Run Walking Trail phase 1 started (grant search and cleanup)
Additional downtown parking (plus paving what we currently have)
25th Street rebuilt
School speed signs installed on Margrave and National
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
Lynette Emmerson has been a licensed long-term care administrator in the community for almost thirty years.
“After both of my parents passed away this past year and after becoming a grandparent for the first time, I re-evaluated my priorities,” she said. “With the help of my family, I realized I can look for a career in which I have less pressure and responsibility. I prayed about it and God opened a door. I have the opportunity to spend more time with my growing family, which includes a daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and a future son-in-law.”
As of January 2, 2024, Emmerson will be a new secretary at Fort Scott Middle School.
She has been at Medicalodge, Fort Scott, for the past nine-and-a-half years.
The best part of her job is helping people.
“Whether it is our residents, families, or staff,” she said. “I love to help people find resources. I especially loved hands-on care and spending time with so many residents over the years.”
“The challenges: being responsible for the decisions and actions staff make and working in a job in which I am on-call continuously because in healthcare you are never closed for business.”
Through the decades, there have been changes in long-term care.
Emmerson noted that long-term care residents in nursing homes need a higher level of staffing and experienced nurses than when she first started her career.
“Hospitals are not admitting or keeping people as long anymore so skilled nursing facilities must be prepared to provide that kind of care,” she said.
Another difference, is “Over the years, residents have been referred to us from all over the region from Kansas City to Wichita to Joplin while in the beginning, it was more local- Fort Scott and the surrounding communities.”
“Also, less of the workforce seems to want to work in long-term care so it is very important to recruit and retain staff who love caring for the elderly and individuals who need long-term care,” she said.
“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.”
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.
