Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Health Care

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. Achieves Significant Milestones  

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Attendees listen as a Freeman Fort Scott Hospital employee gives a tour today.

 

Countdown’s Begun

                                     

In the past 30 days, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. has achieved several significant milestones, bringing the six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care hospital closer to fruition.

The multi-million-dollar project is still on track to open at the end of 2025, Freeman officials said.

Independent surveys underway

On Monday, August 18, Freeman officials learned that Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. – located inside the city’s former hospital site at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. – successfully passed the critical life safety physical plant survey, which was conducted on July 23. The survey is a comprehensive assessment of the medical facility to ensure it meets standards and regulations related to fire and life safety.

This was the first of three surveys the hospital must complete, said Anita Walden, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.’s chief administrative officer.

“The passing of that first survey now triggers the second required survey, which is the state licensure survey,” she said.

A state licensure survey is a formal evaluation conducted to ensure a health care facility complies with state laws and regulations regarding the provision of care, patient safety, and overall operations.

Officials with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) have received notification that the hospital has passed the life safety survey and are now ready for the licensure survey, which will be conducted by their office.

“We are currently awaiting notification from KDHE of when they will be onsite to perform the survey,” Walden said. “Our hope is this survey will take place in the next few weeks.”

Following a successful state licensure survey, the Freeman facility must then pass a credentialing survey conducted by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officials. The public will be notified when the hospital is ready to open for business.

“We’ve been hearing from multiple community leaders, businesses, and residents about their eagerness to see us open, and I can promise you we are working diligently to make that happen,” Walden said. “We just appreciate the community’s support and their patience as we near opening day.”

Medical Director named

Dr. Mark Brown, a Freeman doctor and Kansas native, was recently named medical director over Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.’s emergency department.

“This is a rare opportunity to be able to open a new emergency department and to expand Freeman’s footprint in Southeast Kansas,” Dr. Brown said. “This gives us the ability to provide emergency care to the residents of Fort Scott and the surrounding region that has been without acute care for some time.”

Fort Scott has been without a hospital since 2018, and a dedicated emergency room since late 2023.

“I myself grew up in rural Kansas and know how important access to quality health care and especially emergency services can be,” he said. “I spent over 20 years of my career in medicine, working as a paramedic in rural Kansas. I have seen firsthand how rural hospitals and rural emergency departments can make a positive impact on patient outcomes.”

Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.’s emergency department will provide year-round, 24/7 coverage to Fort Scott and the surrounding Bourbon County communities.

Aside from his physician medical director duties, Dr. Brown will also serve as medical staff president.

“I will be performing administrative duties as well as performing direct patient care while working shifts in the emergency department,” he said.

His licensed physicians and trained nursing staff will be well prepared to provide elite emergency care.

“Dr. Brown is a clinical expert who has been providing emergency care as a physician for 20-plus years. Before becoming a physician, he served the Kansas community as a flight paramedic, often transporting critical patients,” said Renee Denton, Freeman’s Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals. “We are very fortunate that Dr. Brown has returned to the Kansas community to ensure that our patients receive expert, quality care.”

“Freeman Health System is excited to be in Fort Scott,” Dr. Brown added. “We want to be a part of this community and provided the community with the best health care possible.”

 

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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2025, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

 

Opinion

Small is the Gate and Narrow the Road by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche. 2023.
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

Small is the Gate and Narrow the Road by Patty LaRoche

Don’t you love those encounters when a military person returns from duty and is reunited with one of his loved ones? It is a common sight on YouTube channels. I tear up when I see an adolescent child run across his school cafeteria, sobbing into the arms of his/her returning parent, with no concern at all for how that looks to his classmates.

More families are now setting up those special, surprise reunions and posting them online.  I tear up, seeing them. A few months ago, Dave and I flew into MCI and noticed a uniformed soldier standing alone as we exited the plane.  I thanked him for his service, and he nodded. Dave and I walked down the corridor where we ran into him again. He appeared confused.  I asked if he needed help.  He did.  “Where is baggage claim?” he asked.

After pointing to the down escalator, I watched him walk towards it, Dave and I following.  At the bottom of the stairs, we noticed a family holding balloons with a “Welcome Home” sign.  A toddler escaped from his family and bolted to the soldier who knelt on the ground to grab his young son.  The little boy hid his face in his daddy’s neck and sobbed.  People all around stopped and applauded.  Few did not brush away tears at the sight unfolding before us.

I picture that hug as one not unlike the ones we will have when we take our last breath on earth and are standing alongside those who have gone before us into Heaven.  What will that be like to see the ones who gave us so many memorable moments before they passed?  I think of my Uncle Kermit and Aunt Gladys who taught my brothers and me how to pump kitchen water and wait in line for the outhouse to become available, who let me hog rides on their mean Shetland pony, knowing it would run me under the tree limb as I tried to take control of its path.

My Grandma and Grandpa, I hope, will be there.  They were the ones who sacrificed much after my father died, helping Mom raise three little terrors of which Mom always said I was the worst.  They let me sleep over at their house in Rich Hill, Missouri, and allowed my great uncle to take me to church and drive the stick shift home, even though I was just 13.  The memories are endless.

I will see my dad who died when I was eight months old.  What will that be like? Will I recognize him from his pictures my mom kept in her photo book?  I will get to hold our babies who died before they had a chance to live.  Will they still be babies?

We can speculate all we want, but only God knows who will be there, who has truly lived in obedience to His word, seeking holiness while serving others.  He sees their hearts and identifies their motives.  Matthew 7:14 reminds us that this is no easy journey: But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.                  

Luke 13:24 makes me cringe. Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. Thank God (literally), Jesus gave us directions: I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6) Get that?  Allah and Muhammed will not be able to usher us into Heaven; neither will our good works nor our good intentions. That narrow road is Jesus.  We should make no mistake about it.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

What’s Happening in Fort Scott August 22 Edition

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott! August 22nd Weekly Newsletter

Fort Scott Town-Wide Garage Sale

Click HERE to register your sale!

Want to advertise your business on the map?! For ONLY $35!!

Contact us at 620-223-3566 or [email protected]

SAVE THE DATE!

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Coffees

Every Thursday at 8am

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS

________________

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Visit your National Park! Visitor Center and historic buildings are open Friday through Tuesday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The grounds continue to be open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset

** Guided tours Saturday & Sunday 10am & 1pm! **

Click HERE to visit the website.

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

Fort Scott Farmers Market

Saturdays | 8am-noon & Tuesdays | 4-6pm

Gathering Square Pavilion, 111 N. National

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. (Taking the month of August off for BINGO & will start again in September)

KANSASWORKS in Fort Scott

Every Tuesday 9am-4pm

Office located at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, 104 N. National Ave.

620-231-4250

FS Public Library

*Wednesday Writers every Wed. @ 1:30-3pm

201 S. National Ave.

Kansas Small Business Development Center

at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 9am-4pm.

Dolly Trolley Historic 50-min narrated tours!

Adults $6 | Children 12&under $4

Call 620-223-3566 or stop in the Chamber at

231 E. Wall St. to book your ride!

$3 Tuesdays at Fort Cinema!

Follow their Facebook Page HERE for updates!

UPCOMING EVENTS

8/22 ~ 11am-4pm | Blood Drive at Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)

Front Office Admin Bldg. – Conference Room

1770 South Highway T

Deerfield, MO 64741

8/22 ~ 1-4pm | Aging Forward hosted by First United Methodist Church

8/22 ~ 7-8pm | Friday Night Concerts

In The Park

NO CONCERT THIS WEEK

8/22 ~ 6:30-8pm | Open Mic Night hosted by FSHS Thespians

@ Common Ground Coffee Co.

8/22 ~ 8-10pm | Bourbon County Arts Council presents Roxie & The Moon King

Liberty Theatre Patio Concert

113 S. Main St.

Members $10 | Non-Members $20

Contact: Terri Floyd 620-224-7221 or

Deb Anderson 620-224-8650

8/22-23 ~ | FS Public Library Book Sale

Friday Aug. 22nd: 9am-5:50pm

Sat. Aug. 23rd: 9am-1:50pm

** The last hour of the day on Saturday will be fill a bag for a $1

8/23 ~ EKTEC Rodeo

Bourbon County Fairgrounds

Click HERE for a pre-entry form!

8/23 ~9:30-11am Flag Church Food Distribution at FSMS

8/23 ~ 11am-3pm | Wet Cyanotype Workshop with Roxi at The Artificers

$100 / all materials included

Click HERE to sign up!

8/24 ~ 1:30-3:30pm Parent Empowerment Circle – Focusing on FUN!

@ the Splash Pad and Sensory Park

111 N. National Ave.

8/25 ~ Founders Day at National Historic Site

Family-friendly games, trivia, scavenger hunt throughout the day. Fort Tours at 10am and 1pm. musical and performance by the 1st Infantry Division Band from Fort Riley.

8/26 ~ 12-1:30pm | FSCC Workforce Programs Engagement Luncheon

@FSCC Bailey Hall Student Union

RSVP to confirm your attendance to [email protected]

8/27 ~ 11:45am-1pm | Community Connection Panelist Luncheon hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

@Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St.

Event is Free

Registration is requested

$10 Box lunches available by pre-order

RSVP by clicking HERE!

8/27 ~ 4-7pm | Pizza Hut Pop up @G&W parking lot

Click HERE to pre-order!

8/27 ~ 6-7pm | Meet new FSCC President,

Dr. Jack Welch

@ FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center

8/27 ~ 6pm | Creative Hands Craft Club

(New to Fort Scott)

@ Gunn Park Shelter #7

8/28 ~ 8am | Chamber Coffee hosted by Skitch;s Hauling & Excavating, Inc.

@ Aunt Toadies restaurant

1411 E. Wall St.

8/29 ~ | 120th Annual Old Settlers Picnic

Uniontown, Kansas

8/29 ~ 7-9pm | FSHS Tiger Football

Pre-Season Jamboree

@ Louisburg, KS

8/30 ~ 8am | WHGC Men’s League

Golf Scramble

@ Woodland Hills Golf Course

8/30 ~ 8am | Co-Ed Softball Tournament

for Care To Share

@ Ellis Park Ball Fields

1105 E. 12th St.

Click HERE for the Facebook Event Page!

8/30 ~ 8am-4pm | Craft-O-Rama

by Museum Of Creativity

@ Skubitz Plaza

Craft tent, mini carnival, game booths, activities, food, drinks, & bake sale items!

All proceeds will go towards their Wheelchair Access Ramp Fundraiser.

Click HERE for the Facebook Event Page!

8/30 ~ 10am-3pm | Glaze Day at The Artificers

8/30 ~ 11am-2pm | Paint & Pizza @ Papa Don’s

Paint a sunbeam puppy!

$30

Click HERE for the Facebook Event Page!

8/30 ~ 2-7pm | 3rd Annual Sons of American Legion Post 25 Car Show

@ The Gathering Square Pavilion

Food trucks | Live Music | Cash Prizes

$10 entry fee

Questions:

L.W. Beebower 620-215-1599

Tom Metcalf Jr. 620-224-7951

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 Movie Schedule @ Fort Cinema
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPION MEMBERS!
…
Bourbon County

Video Links for Bourbon County Budget Advisory Committee Work Session 8-21-25

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Bourbon County Budget Advisory Committee Work Session 8-21-25

These links should take you to the appropriate parts of the video of the meeting.

  • 00:00–05:00 — Meeting opening and Pledge of Allegiance

  • 05:00–14:50 — Initial discussion of 911 dispatch funding and city contribution of $350,000

  • 14:50–33:46 — Discussion of asphalt agreement with city and pricing concerns

    • Historical pricing agreements

    • Current needs of city (2,300 tons needed)

    • Debate over maintaining previous pricing agreements

  • 33:46–45:00 — Budget reductions and department funding discussion

    • Employee benefits cuts

    • Cash reserve reductions

    • Public safety funding priorities

  • 45:00–75:00 — Detailed budget analysis

    • Department budget cuts

    • Mill levy discussions

    • Revenue projections

    • Cash reserve concerns

  • 75:00–95:00 — Discussion of employee benefits and salary philosophy

    • Current benefit rates vs market rates

    • Strategy for future compensation structure

    • Impact of Affordable Care Act compliance

  • 95:00–115:00 — Budget process and financial management

    • Role of elected officials in budget management

    • Statutory requirements

    • Future planning needs

  • 115:00–122:36 — Closing discussions

    • Future budget planning recommendations

    • Need for city-county cooperation

    • Final comments from committee members

Area News, Health Care

Freeman’s New Expansion Creates Closer Access/Cancer Care in Pittsburg                            

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Comprehensive Cancer Care

 

                                     

PITTSBURG, Kan. – Freeman Health System officials have greenlit a $14-million expansion to the existing Freeman Physicians Group of Pittsburg facility. Upon completion, it will provide the most comprehensive, high-quality cancer care in Southeast Kansas.

The expansion project – adding 12,000 additional square feet to the existing 4,500-square-foot building located at 1201 Centennial Drive in Pittsburg – is the latest investment Freeman has made to Crawford County and its communities. Dirt is already being moved onsite with heavy equipment.

The nearly 17,000-square-foot facility, utilizing the entire three-acre site, is tentatively scheduled for completion in late 2026.

“It’s so great to see this happening,” said Pittsburg-based Freeman Oncologist Dr. Boban Mathew, adding that the new facility will provide comprehensive cancer care to all cancer patients in the area.

Medical Oncology

The existing medical oncology department in Pittsburg will more than double in size, said Ben Blair, Freeman’s Director of Oncology Service Line.

“We’ll double the number of chemotherapy chairs we have there. We’re also building a pharmacy in-house, and that alone will give us a lot better drug access and the ability to do what we need to do there,” Blair said. “It’s absolutely a huge step forward for us in Pittsburg.”

The pharmacy Blair’s referring to is a state-of-the-art compound pharmacy – one of two major new components centered around medical oncology in the expansion project. Compound pharmacies specialize in creating customized medications – usually by combining, mixing, or altering ingredients – to meet specific patient needs that aren’t readily available from standard pharmacies.

The other major addition consists of a top-of-the-line PET/CT scanner, Blair said. The scanner provides detailed images of the patient’s body and can detect, locate, and even assess the nature of any abnormalities discovered, aiding in more accurate and timely diagnoses.

“We currently have a PET/CT truck onsite – we’ve been using that for a while now – but the new digital scanner is going to be able to give us the ability to do more extensive scans that our current scanner simply can’t do,” Blair said.

Once the building opens to the public, the existing PET/CT mobile scanner and modular compound pharmacy – both housed outdoors and accessible via covered walkway – will be removed from the property, Blair said.

Radiation oncology

Medical oncology isn’t the only key area being addressed. A radiation oncology component, overseen by Freeman Oncologist Dr. Chance Matthiesen, will be added to the new building.

Enclosed within a concrete protective vault inside the building will be one of the newest, state-of-the-art linear accelerators available, complementing the existing TrueBeam accelerator currently in operation at Joplin’s Freeman East Hospital.

The machine uses high-energy x-rays to target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

“Presently, Freeman does not have a radiation ‘treatment center’ in Southeast Kansas. This is going to add that critical missing piece,” said Dr. Matthiesen, who currently operates a radiation oncology clinic in Pittsburg twice a month.

Right now, Freeman’s Southeast Kansas-based patients need to drive to Joplin for their radiation treatments, he said. Data from multiple sources, including the American Cancer Society, shows that the closer to home patients stay for cancer treatment and healing, the better the long-term results and outcomes will be.

“Traveling even an hour each day is hard – financially, emotionally, and physically,” Dr. Matthiesen said. “Our comprehensive Pittsburg cancer center will at least lessen or even eliminate these complicating factors. With few exceptions, they’ll receive their full extent of state-of-the-art, highest-quality cancer care treatment while staying at home in Southeast Kansas. For the most common cancer diagnoses encountered in the Four-State area – including cancers of the lung, breast, prostate, rectum, skin, and others – we will now be able to fully take care of all these patients closer to their homes in the Pittsburg area and Southeast Kansas, just like we’re taking care of them in Joplin.”

Freeman Physicians Group of Pittsburg’s expansion, he continued, “is going to change the landscape for patients in Southeast Kansas when it comes to access to receiving the highest quality of cancer care.

“Once we get started, this is only going to be the beginning,” Dr. Matthiesen said.

 

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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2025, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers and their experiences. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System one of the Best Hospitals for 2022. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

 

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Fort Scott, Government

Some West Side Streets Will Close To Traffic on August 25

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Starting Monday, 8/25/2025, the following streets will be closed to traffic.
8th Street from Holbrook to Crawford
Eddy Street from St. Mary’s Road (between 7th and 8th streets) to 8th Street
Eddy Street from 8th to 10th
9th Street from Crawford to Holbrook
Residents in this area will be able to access their houses during this time. Please use caution. Thank you.
Brad Matkin
City Manager
City of Fort Scott

Obituary

Obituary of Robert Wayne Stark

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Dr. Robert Wayne Stark, known affectionately as Wayne to his friends and family, passed away on August 19, 2025, due to heart complications. Born on April 14, 1937, in Blue Mound, Kansas, the son of Nolan Vern Stark and Mary Maxine Stark.

Wayne’s life was a beacon to all who knew him and to the Lord Jesus Christ.  He departed this world in Fort Scott, Kansas, surrounded by the warmth of his family’s love.

Wayne grew up in the rolling plains of Kansas and carried the spirit of his homeland throughout his life.  He graduated Fort Scott High School in 1955 and furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he completed a 2-year Farm & Industry Short Course.

At the age of 22, after attending a revival service at Grace Baptist Tabernacle, he knelt down in the milking barn on their dairy farm and asked Jesus to forgive him of his sins and to be his Lord and Savior.  Wayne’s faith played a central role in his life, guiding him to the Arlington Baptist Seminary, where he earned his Bachelors of Divinity in 1965.  His profound impact on the community and unwavering dedication to his faith were recognized with an Honorary Doctorate of Theology degree from Salt Lake Baptist College in 2015.

Wayne was also deeply patriotic and served his country in the US Army National Guard in Kansas, Wisconsin and Texas from 1955 to 1964.

Wayne was a man of many talents and passions.  He found joy in the demanding life of dairy farming and his entrepreneurial spirit shone through as he owned and operated several businesses.  Wayne’s calling as a pastor and evangelist was a testament to his faith-centered life, touching the hearts and souls of countless individuals.  He pastored churches in both Chapman and LaCrosse, KS.  He invested the last years of his life traveling the Western United States as an Evangelist with the Baptist Circuit-Riding Mission.  He loved helping small congregations of believers in rural areas, Wayne often said, “There is no small work with God”.  He was a faithful member of First Bible Baptist Church in Great Bend, KS.

Beyond his professional and spiritual accomplishments, Wayne was a family man at his core.  He leaves behind his beloved wife, Nina Sue Gaunt-Stark, brother, Dick Stark and sister, Nancy Erwin.  His legacy continues through his son, James Stark; daughters, Jennifer Ballou and Julie Buchta; step-son, Neal Morgan; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; fifteen step-great grandchildren; and six step-great-great grandchildren, all of whom will miss him deeply.

An avid outdoorsman, Wayne found great joy in hunting and fishing.  His skill and passion for training and showing Welsh ponies were renowned.

To know Wayne was to know a man whose life was a reflection of the values he held dear – friendliness, hard work, and an unshakeable faith.  His presence was a comforting and steady force, and he approached each day with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit ready to serve others.  He would want everyone to know the promise of eternal life though faith in Jesus Christ who sacrificed himself on the cross to offer forgiveness of our sins!

As we bid farewell to Wayne, we do so with heavy hearts, yet we are comforted by the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ knowing that we will see him again!

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, August 25th at the Bethel Community Church west of Ft. Scott.

Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery at Blue Mound, Kansas.

The family will receive friends on Monday at 1:00 P.M. prior to the service.

Memorials are suggested to the Baptist Circuit-Riding Mission and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Area News, Bourbon County, Business

Bourbon County Is Connected to Southwest Power Pool Energy Project

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The transmission line of the Wolf Creek/Blackberry Project, from the NextEra Energy website.

A power delivery project, many years in the making, has started transmitting energy through Bourbon County.

NextEra Energy Transmission (NEET) – Southwest began producing energy over the 92-mile, 345-kV Wolf Creek – Blackberry transmission line on July 16, 2025, according to Lillie Zeng, spokesperson for NEET-Southwest.

The project was within budget and nearly five months ahead of Southwest Power Pool’s (SSP) required in-service date.  The project was completed within three years, according to the spokesperson.

This is the second of three competitively awarded transmission projects in SPP that the company is building, she said.

“NextEra Energy Transmission – Southwest is proud to support SPP and its customers in Kansas and Missouri with a transmission line that will help enhance grid reliability and support economic growth in the region.”

The  NEET-Southwest field office is at 2522 Richards Road, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

“We are in the process of hiring local office staff. In addition, NEET Southwest has access to approximately 70 affiliate technical staff located in the project area,” according to the spokesperson.

The project included a diagonal power line through the southwest part of Bourbon County as noted in the graphic from NextEra.

The process can be summed up this way:

Electric power is generated by nuclear energy at the Wolf Creek Nuclear Plant near Burlington, Kansas in Coffee County.

The power is moved via transmission power lines to the southwest, to the Blackberry Electrical Substation, just over the state line in Missouri.

Electric power transmission lines along with wind turbines can be seen from Hwy. 3. in Bourbon County, near Birch Road, north of Hepler, KS. These are NextEra Energy Transmission lines.

There, high voltage power is then stepped down to a lower voltage and distributed over power lines to neighborhoods, businesses, and residences, according to https://www.nexteraenergytransmission.com/subsidiaries/neetsw/projects/wolf-creek-blackberry

This project is a new 94-mile, 345-kilovolt (kV) regulated transmission line that runs from the Wolf Creek substation (Evergy Energy) in Kansas to the Blackberry substation, Associated Electric Cooperative Inc.(AECI) in Missouri.​

The Blackberry Electric Substation, Jasper County, MO. August 2025

About Wolf Creek

Wolf Creek Nuclear Generating Station, Kansas’s only nuclear power plant, has been providing energy to Kansans and Missourians since 1985, according to https://www.evergy.com/landing/wolf-creek-nuclear-generating-station

 

The Wolf Creek site is about 10,500 acres, and 1,500 acres of company land are reserved and managed for wildlife. Wolf Creek employs approximately 750 employees, many of whom have worked at the site since the plant began providing electricity to the nation’s power grid more than three decades ago, according to the Evergy website.

Wolf Creek provides electric generation for Evergy and generates about 1,200 megawatts of electricity, which is enough energy to power more than 800,000 homes, according to the Evergy website.

Wolf Creek generates 20.7 percent of Kansas’ electricity, and 36 percent of its emissions-free electricity, according to the NextEra website.

 

Evergy is an electric service provider in Bourbon County.

“Evergy and Next Era are both members of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), which helps manage the power grid and energy markets across 14 states in the middle of the country, including Kansas and Missouri,” said Evergy Director of Corporate Communications Gina Penzig. “SPP keeps track of how electricity moves through the system and helps ensure coordination among area utilities.”

“The Wolf Creek–Blackberry Transmission line simply connects to Evergy’s equipment and helps send electricity into the power grid,” Penzig said. “The SPP chose Next Era to build this line through a competitive bid process. Even though the line connects to Evergy’s substation and electricity flows through it, Next Era owns and operates the line.”

NextEra Energy
In October 2021, NextEra Energy Transmission (NEET) Southwest was awarded the construction of a new approximately 92-mile 345 kV transmission line from the Wolf Creek substation to the Blackberry substation in Jasper County, Missouri.
NEET Southwest finances, develops, constructs, owns, operates, and maintains the Wolf Creek-Blackberry 345 kV transmission project. The project received regulatory approvals, and construction began, according to https://www.nexteraenergytransmission.com/subsidiaries/neetsw/projects/wolf-creek-blackberry.html
‘
Electric power transmission lines in southwest Bourbon County.

The project is part of the 2019 Integrated Transmission Plan approved by SPP in October 2019 to address the need for a more reliable and cost-effective grid. This project will reduce congestion and provide market efficiencies and benefits to ratepayers, according to the NextEra website.

According to NextEra, the project benefits are:

  • “Leads to lower electricity costs for customers
  • Enhances the reliability and resiliency of the electric grid
  • Creates job opportunities in the short and long term
  • Spurs investment in the local economy during construction
  • Supports public health and safety through access to reliable electricity

“Environmental & Visual Considerations

  • Conducted rigorous environmental analyses to limit impacts on wildlife, sensitive habitats, and natural resources

  • Coordinated with federal and state agencies to identify protected species found along the route

  • Selected monopole structures to minimize tree clearing and agricultural impacts

  • Incorporated considerations for visual impacts into the routing study.”

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission on August 19

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING

 

 

Minutes of August 19, 2025                                     Regular Meeting

 

A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held  in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.

 

              In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Pete Earles/Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Lisa Dillon/Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Pete Allen, Lindsay Hill/FSCC, Michael Hoyt, Rob Hansen, Rory Chaplin, Alyson Goodwin/InSite Real Estate Group, Nathan Eady/Senior Manager, Economic Development & Policy–Amazon, Kirk Sharp/Gordon Parks Museum, Rachel French/Fort Scott Forward, Lewis Nihiser and Thomas Metcalf Jr/Sons of the American Legion.

 

VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and DANCER said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.

 

Approval of Agenda

MOTION:  OLSON moved to approve the amended agenda VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consent Agenda

–  Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1390-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of July 23, 2025 – August 12, 2025 – $662,802.14

–  Approval of Minutes:  Special Meeting of July 30, 2025; Special Meeting of August 4, 2025; and Regular Meeting of August 5, 2025.

–  Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice No. 18159 – 21-303 – Davis Lift Station – Addendum No. 4 ($11,600.00) and Addendum No. 5 ($18,600.00) – Total $30,3200.00

–  Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Invoice No. 18141 – EEI No. 25-12 – East National Project Phase I – Survey 100% ($6,400.00) and Preliminary Design 12.5% ($12,937.50) – Total $19,337.50

–  Request to Pay – Cardinal Sitework – Application for Payment No. 2 (FINAL) – Charles Street Lift Station EEI No. 24-003B – $3,587.45

–  July Financials

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Public Comment

Lindsay Hill/FSCC – Thanked the commission for originally approving the land donation for the FRAME grant, however, the college will have to decline the land because real estate agents advised that they would likely lose money building homes in that location. HILL stated she is now the grant administrator for the college, replacing Sonia Guganani.  VAN HOECKE requested that a representative of the university be present to confirm land suitability for future infrastructure assistance requests. HOYT asked if the college had any written specifications for properties that could be shopped for during the upcoming tax sale. HILL responded that they have found a property that will work best for the college and will be coming back to the city to ask for assistance with infrastructure.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to revisit the City’s commitment to providing infrastructure development for the FRAME Grant under Item IX, New Business, Item E. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Appearances

Rachel Carpenter delivered a Tourism Report, noting that since May she has focused on promoting Fort Scott through history and culture, outdoor recreation, relaxation, and events. She reported on bus tours, events, and downtown revitalization, along with expanded marketing efforts through social media, the updated Visit Fort Scott website, radio/TV ads, and printed materials. Grants have supported promotional videos and downtown signage improvements. Upcoming goals include hosting influencer groups, expanding social media, and addressing ongoing signage challenges with KDOT. Carpenter has attended tourism conferences, partnered with the Chamber, and is exploring collaboration with Visit KC. Staff commended her leadership, and future plans include applying for a World Cup marketing grant, working with FSCC on a December initiative, and using the Placer data tool to strengthen targeted marketing.

 

Discussion was had about updating the tourism signs on Hwy 69, connecting with the upcoming African American Tourism Conference and the previous Tourism Advisory Board.

 

Thomas Metcalf Jr. – 3rd Annual Sons of American Legion Car Show – August 30, 2025 – Request for Temporary Street Closure – National Ave. between Oak St. and Pine St. The event includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, and a kids class, with trophies and cash prizes. MATKIN wanted to make it about drug awareness for kids and recommended closing off the street north of H and H to the alley to prevent traffic near the pavilion.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved  to close the recommended streets, including Fort Scott Boulevard from National to the alleyway. SALSBURY seconded.

 

ACTION:  VAN HOECKE confirmed that the Sons of the American Legion will work with the City for the requested barricades.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Unfinished Business

Public Hearing #1

MOTION:  WELLS moved to open the public hearing. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Planning Commission Case No. 1052 – Conditional Use Permit – 2400 S. Main – Amazon Storage Unit – Recommended by Planning Commission on July 9, 2025 – Tabled from August 5, 2025

Transcript of Public Hearing – Attachment 1 – Amazon representative, Nathan Eady presented Amazon’s proposal for a storage unit (ASU) at 2400 South Main Street by telephone. The project aims to improve customer delivery service in rural areas. The ASU will extend delivery to new zip codes not currently serviced by Amazon. It will rely on additional flex drivers, potentially increasing employment and revenue. Current freight flex drivers will continue to receive packages as before. EADY anticipates one to two box trucks per day, smaller than semi-truck trailers. The ASU will not affect current zip codes, only new areas not currently serviced. The goal is to have a centralized deposit place for packages to expand flex deliveries, not downsize or eliminate jobs. The Planning Commission approved the Conditional Use Permit for the ASU on July 9, 2025.

 

FRENCH addressed the Commission and commented that examples of areas not currently serviced include Uniontown and Redfield.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to close the public hearing. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit for the Amazon Storage Unit recommended by the Planning Commission. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Public Hearing #2

MOTION:  DANCER moved to open the public hearing. VAN HOECKE seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Vacation of Alley – Lewis Nihiser – Revisit requested by City Commission – Transcript of Public Hearing – Attachment 2 – The proposal to vacate an undeveloped alley in exchange for a lift station easement raised concerns among commissioners about setting a precedent, utility access, and the City’s view on giving up land. WELLS preferred a lease over a trade, others emphasized the need for a consistent process. One speaker urged a site visit and suggested moving the discussion along.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to close the public hearing. SALSBURY seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to vacate or abandon the alley in question as a trade for the easement that we did not give you for the lift station. SALSBURY seconded.  VAN HOECKE, DANCER and SALSBURY voted yes.  WELLS and OLSON voted no.

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Further discussion was had about the City’s position on street and alley vacations.

 

VAN HOECKE called for Point of Order. The Commission agreed return to the next order of business on the agenda.

 

Action Items:

Consideration of Appointment of (1) Member for FSHPRC – Tabled from August 5, 2025  

DILLON reported that the Historic Preservation Resource Commission’s process is continuing, with two additional resumes submitted for review of appointment. Discussion was had regarding applicant eligibility and documentation, as some confirmed candidates failed to submit resumes or complete applications, one lacked service on the Design Review Board, and one did not live within city limits—a stipulated requirement. Commissioners noted inconsistencies between advertised requirements and state documentation needs, with clarification that either an application or resume suffices, though residency must be established. One applicant’s residency was questioned, but their voting status, tax payments, and home ownership were cited as evidence.

 

WELLS called the question to select (1) of the (2) applicants presented for the remaining position on the FSHPRC.

 

MOTION:  WELLS moved to accept Kathy Dancer as the final applicant.

OLSON, WELLS, SALSBURY and VAN HOECKE voted yes. DANCER abstained.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-0.

 

DANCER requested that in the future, the Commission stick to the requirements that are published.

 

Consideration of Resolution No. 9-2025 RESOLUTION AND NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 121 S. MARGRAVE – Tabled from April 15, 2025

KRUGER confirmed that the work has not been completed as agreed upon with the extension. WELLS owns the property and asked for a further extension until February to get the project going in earnest or he will demolish the structure at his expense. KRUGER stated that the structure has been on the Codes list since July 2024 (prior to WELLS ownership).

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved to table Resolution No. 9-2025 until February of 2026 with the stipulation that the house will be boarded up, the windows, the entry, anything conducive to an outside intruder getting in. If Codes has any further problems that they feel it is an actual imminent threat, they’ll bring it back to the Commission immediately. SALSBURY seconded.

DANCER, SALSBURY and OLSON voted yes. VAN HOECKE voted no. WELLS abstained.

 

MOTION CARRIED 3-1.

 

ACTION:  WELLS will address the safety concerns discussed.

 

New Business

Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness – Gordon Parks Mural at Main & Wall (Wilder House Building) – Approved by Design Review Board – SHARP presented the mural project funded by the Kansas Arts Commission, to be installed on the north side of the Sunshine Boutique featuring Gordon Parks on a horse with a quote about Fort Scott. Created by artist Cbabi Bayoc. FRENCH informed the Commission that the mural was approved by SHPO, it will be installed on panels attached in the mortar and unveiled on October 4th during the Gordon Parks Celebration, with Commissioner Wells and Chase Halsey helping with installation.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the Gordon Parks mural at Main St. and Wall St. on the Wilder House Building that was approved by the Design Review Board. DANCER seconded. DANCER, SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE and OLSON voted yes.  WELLS abstained.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-0.

 

Consideration of Fort Scott Developer Partnership Incentive Package 2026

DILLON presented the Developer Partnership Incentive Program, offering up to $7,500 per home for utilities and sidewalks, performance-based payments upon home completion and sale, and a limit of five homes per developer annually. The program includes a $1,000 neighborhood bonus for targeted areas, marketing support, land bank partnerships, a nine-month construction timeline with a three-month extension possible, and a $50,000 annual cap was the proposal. The money for this will come from Economic Development fund.

 

MOTION:  DANCER moved to approve the 2026 City of Fort Scott Developer Partnership Incentive package as presented. OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Consideration of Sales Tax Ballot Question

MATKIN stated that five options were available for consideration. WELLS presented Option #6 which would be (3) separate ballot questions: 0.45% for streets, 0.1% for parks and 0.1% for public safety. Separating them out would equal .65% if all passed. Further discussion was had on all options.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to accept option one which is the 80/10/10 on the ½ cent sales tax. OLSON seconded. OLSON, DANCER, VAN HOECKE and SALSBURY voted yes. WELLS voted no.

 

MOTION CARRIED 4-1.

 

 

Discussion with Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc.

WELLS requested that Earles Engineering appear before the Commission. Pete Earles addressed the Commission. WELLS praised Earles Engineering for its work on the wastewater projects but raised concerns with street projects, particularly the overlay project where the contractor failed to follow the original two-lift plan, leading to drainage issues and insufficient oversight. Questions were raised about the roles of the firm’s representatives and City staff, with Commissioners noting disappointment that an inexperienced supervisor was assigned to the Horton Street project, the City’s largest road project, which resulted in errors. In response, Earle’s Engineering pledged to assign only highly experienced personnel moving forward, naming inspectors with 30–40 years of experience, and committed to addressing concerns directly.

 

Consideration to rescind the Frame Grant Infrastructure approval

MOTION:  OLSON moved to rescind the FRAME Grant Project at 4th and Arthur and the extended infrastructure projects that were accompanying it. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

Reports and Comments

CITY ENGINEER

– E. National Project Update

– Davis Lift Station – Force Main – Bid coming

– CCLIP bid – Advertise in September, open in November to begin early spring

– Discussion of E. National as option for overpass

 

CITY ATTORNEY – Positive comments by visitors about noticeable progress in Fort Scott

 

CITY MANAGER

–  No comments

 

COMMISSIONER WELLS

–  3rd Street traffic light

– Lights at skate park

– Chip Seal Project remedies

 

ACTION:  City Clerk will put Chip Seal Project remedies on September 2, 2025, Agenda

 

– Moody Building status

 

COMMISSIONER OLSON

–  Reminder for school traffic safety

 

COMMISSIONER DANCER

–  ADM update from 4/15/2025 handouts on website

–  WELLS requested update numbers for ADM to be posted

COMMISSIONER SALSBURY

–  Feral cats update

 

COMMISSIONER VAN HOECKE

–  City events

–  Water main break

–  Awareness with school in session

–  Get involved and support local businesses and activities.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to recess into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion pursuant to the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4). In the meeting will be the (5) City Commissioners, the City Manager and the City Attorney in the City Manager’s office. The open meeting will resume in Commission Room at 8:40PM. DANCER seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  VAN HOECKE moved to come out Executive Session with action.  OLSON seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

 

MOTION:  OLSON moved that the Commission provides the City Manager permission to negotiate with the County, in good faith, the exchanging of the 9-1-1 services and should an agreement not be reached, the City Manager has permission, by January 1, 2026, to terminate our services provided by the City for 9-1-1. WELLS seconded.

 

MOTION CARRIED 5-0.

           

Adjourn

MOTION:  DANCER moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:43PM. OLSON seconded.

 

AUGUST 19, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:43PM.

 

 

Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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