Bourbon County, Fort Scott

City and County: A Collective Force For Future Healthcare

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The city of Fort Scott and Bourbon County officials urgently join forces after the announcement of Mercy Hospital’s closure in Fort Scott Kansas.

October 4, 2018

City and County officials continue to meet to strategize a collaborative approach to the future of healthcare in Bourbon County.

Officials remain optimistic about the quality of life, access to health care, and continued economic growth.

The joint effort’s immediate next steps are to form a task force comprised of representatives from the City, County, Chamber of Commerce, USD 234, USD 235, Fort Scott Community College, businesses, Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc. and the financial community.

The task force will be led by Robert Uhler, City of Fort Scott Director of Community Development.

Mercy’s local leadership has taken steps to safeguard emergency services beyond their closure to ensure access to critical healthcare services.

The intention of this task force is to identify the next model of sustainable healthcare in this community.

With resilient citizens and ongoing legislative support, Bourbon County expects to be a representation of future healthcare in rural Kansas.

Rachel Pruitt                                      Jody Hoener

Economic Development                Economic Development Director

City of Fort Scott                              Bourbon County

123 S Main                                          210 S National Ave

Fort Scott, KS 66701                        Fort Scott, KS 66701

Mobile:  913-488-8176                    1-620-223-3800

Office:  620-644-7114                      1-620-215-5728 Mobile

www.fscity.org                                 www.bourboncountyks.org

 

Obituary

Obituary of Donna Sheridan

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Donna Marie Sheridan, age 71, a resident of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, October 3, 2018, at her home following a cancer illness.
She was born December 12, 1946, in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of Clarence E. Miller and Norma M. Norman Miller.  Donna married Larry E. Sheridan on April 1, 1978.
In earlier years, Donna worked as a cosmetologist.  She later worked in interior design in Kansas City.  Donna was known for her artistic abilities; she made a variety of crafts including, pottery, quilting, crocheting and jewelry.  She was of the Catholic faith.
 
Survivors include her husband, Larry; two children, Christy Pritchett and husband, Danny, of Uniontown, Kansas and Eric Sheridan, of Independence, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Aubree, Asenath, Brendan, Cayman, Mike, Melissa, Samantha and Shawn and sixteen great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are two sisters, Susan Bronson, of Ft. Scott, Kansas and Rosemary Kilgore, of Kansas City, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
 
Father Robert Wachter will recite the Rosary at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, October 6th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Ft. Scott.
Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow the Rosary.
Burial will follow in the Uniontown Cemetery.
Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel on Saturday prior to leaving for the church at 10:20 A.M.
Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.  
Government, Kansas

Governor Names Three to Kansas Board of Regents

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Topeka – Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. Thursday appointed two new members and reappointed one member to the Kansas Board of Regents. William Feuerborn, Garnett, has been reappointed, and Allen Schmidt, Hays; and Mark Hutton, Wichita will be the newest members of the Board. Each will serve a four-year term, pending Senate confirmation, expiring June 30, 2022.

 

“Our higher education institutions play an important role in educating the next generation, which keeps our workforce and economy strong. The Regents ensure that the future of our state remains bright and prosperous by keeping our higher education system on track to meet these long-term goals,” said Gov. Jeff Colyer. “Bill, Allen, and Mark bring a great amount of experience and talent to the board and I am excited they’ve agreed to serve our great state.”

 

The nine-member Kansas Board of Regents is appointed by the governor.  It is the governing board of the six state universities and the statewide coordinating board for the state’s 32 public higher education institutions (six state universities, one municipal university, 19 community colleges, and six technical colleges).

  • William Feuerborn was born in Garnett, Kansas and has served on the Board of Regents since 2014. He has spent the last forty years in small business development and ranching. He also served as a State Representative in the Kansas legislature from 1994 to 2012. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University.

  • Allen Schmidt is a retired U.S. Army Colonel from Hays, Kansas where he works as the Director for Development Services of Northwest Kansas. Schmidt served as a State Senator in the Kansas legislature from 2011 to 2013. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kansas, Master’s Degree in Psychology from Fort Hays State University and a Master of Science degree from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA.

  • Mark Hutton is from Wichita, KS where he was the CEO of Hutton Construction Corporation. Hutton served as a State Representative in the Kansas Legislature from 2013 to 2017. He is a graduate of Kansas State University in Manhattan, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.

“I’m excited to welcome Allen and Mark to the Board and congratulate Bill on his reappointment,” said KBOR Chair Dennis Mullin. “It’s an honor to serve our fellow Kansans in this capacity. I look forward to working with our newest Regents to support families, businesses and the Kansas economy through our higher education system.”

 

The Board also administers the state’s student financial aid, the Kan-ed network, adult education, GED, career and technical education programs, and the state university retirement plans. In addition, members of the Board are also responsible for approving private proprietary schools and out-of-state institutions to operate in Kansas.

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Fort Scott, Government

OverhangingTree Trimming Begins

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The City crews will be trimming trees that are overhanging over the streets throughout the City of Fort Scott.

This is for school buses and the trolley to operate safely down the City streets.

Please be advised that according to City Ordinance 2527, “The City shall have the right to plant, prune, maintain and remove plants, trees and shrubs within the lines of all streets, alleys, avenues, lanes, squares and public grounds, as may be necessary to ensure the safety or to preserve the symmetry and beauty of such public grounds.”

If you have questions, call City Hall at 223-0550.

Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Autumn Is Busy In Fort Scott: Downtown Quarterly Meeting

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The Iron Star owner Barbara Trimbur told the meeting’s attendees that the 14-year-old business is a destination spot for out-of-town shoppers. She has vendors, not booths in her business.

There are many good things happening in Fort Scott, according to attendees of the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet October 2.

The meeting, hosted by Iron Star Antiques, 3 N. Main, allowed area businesses and organizations to tell about their upcoming events:

Bryan Ritter, with Boiler Room Brewhaus Microbrewery, spoke to the attendees about the upcoming liquor by the drink question on the November ballot.

“Yes is a vote for small business and economic development,” Ritter said.

The meeting, hosted by Iron Star Antiques, 3 N. Main, allowed area businesses and organizations to tell about their upcoming events:

  • Hole In The Wall Liquor Store’s grand opening and ribbon cutting is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12.
  • Pioneer Harvest Fiesta is Oct. 19-21 at the fairgrounds. Oct. 18 is the downtown parade at 6 p.m.
  • Downtown Halloween Parade is 11 a.m. Oct. 27.
  • Hedgehog, INK Bookstore, 16 S. Main, grand opening and ribbon cutting is from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30.
  • Forks and Corks at Memorial Hall, Nov. 3.
  • Holiday Open Houses, Thursdays, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13.
  • Veterans Day Celebration, Nov. 9-11. https://visitfortscott.com/see-and-do/veterans-day-weekend-celebration
  • The  Downtown Christmas Parade is Tuesday, Dec. 4. The theme is Cowboy Christmas.
  • Homes For The Holidays Tour, Dec. 7-8
  • Carriage Rides, Dec. 15, downtown.
  • Small business Saturday, Nov. 24 http://shopsmall.com
  • Educational Google Livestream “Drive A Holiday Shopping Rush For Your Business” Wed. Oct.17 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Papa Don’s Restaurant.
  • Toy soldier cut-outs for decoration on light post downtown for sale at the Chamber for $15.
  • There are grants available for exterior painting of a business, and other grants: contact is Rachel Pruitt at City Hall.
  • Fort Scott National Historic Site: interactive candlelight tour is Dec. 7-8.
  • Veterans Day Weekend, Nov. 9-11. http://www.visitfortscott.com
  • Friends of the Fort: Buy a flag subscription to place flags at businesses and homes. Proceeds go to Fort Scott National Historic Site.https://www.facebook.com/Friends.FSNHS
  • Fort Scott Economic Development Director Rachel Pruitt said the city is working with Mercy Hospital on solutions to the closing of the hospital.
  • There is a new children’s book produced by the Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes, featuring the story of Irena Sendler and using LMC Program Director Megan Felt and her daughter to tell the story.
  • The City State Bank downtown branch renovation has started and should be finished in 60 days.
  • To support the cause of Lee’s Paws and Claws, businesses are asked to consider placing collection boxes near their cash registers. Contact Kate Sweetser.
  • Smallville Crossfit’s Day of the Lifting Dead is Nov. 3
  • Bourbon County’s new economic director, Jody Hoener, welcomed input from the community.
  • Captured Images is producing a new magazine and is seeking advertisers.
  • Nate’s Place Restaurant is closed this week for some remodeling, which was helped with a Healthy Bourbon County grant.
  • The Liberty Theater: Across the Pond Band will perform Oct. 27; Jessica Page Band, Nov. 10; and the Jerry Thompkins Band, Nov. 13.
  • The Front Door Christmas Store will be open every Saturday and Sunday in November and also the downtown open houses. This year the store will be at 104 N. National, next to the Buffalo Grill.
  • Fort Scott Community College events: Oct. 13-free children’s fair; Oct. 20-alumni rodeo, the play “Gilligan’s Island” will be Oct. 19-21.http://www.fortscott.edu/calendar
  • Papa Don’s Restaurant held a fundraiser for the FSCC track team Oct. 3. Students waited tables, and a percent of the day’s profits went to the team.
  • The Fort Scott Lofts project is in the beginning stage and will be home to 40 more residents downtown, Fort Scott Economic Director Rachel Pruitt said.

  • Downtown Quarterly Meet and Greet attendees pick up literature of upcoming events, following the meeting.
Fort Scott Community College

Free Kids Festival Oct. 13 at FSCC by Briana Blandamer

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Saturday, October 13, the FSCC Community Relations committee will be holding a FREE Fall Kid’s Festival.

Kids of all ages are welcome to join in the fun!

The festival will be held at Fort Scott Community College in the South Bailey Hall Parking lot from 9 am to 11 am.

There will be a costume contest at 10 am, so wear your best Halloween costume! There will be a prize awarded.

The activities will include a hayride, bounce house, games, prizes, face painting and treats. Bring your own pumpkin for pumpkin painting.

This will be the first of two kid’s festivals this school year, with the second this Spring. FSCC wants to involve the community in campus activities and this is one way to do so that is a lot of fun for everyone involved.

Kassie Cate says, “The FSCC Community Relations committee is looked at as one of the bridges between the college and the community. We do our best to participate in all the community activities as well as provide activities on campus for the community. The community always does a great job at holding numerous activities and events throughout the year, so we feel that we need to also be a part of that, and do our share on free or low-cost events for the people in Fort Scott and surrounding areas.”

Please contact Kassie Cate with any questions by email: [email protected] or by phone: 620.223.2700 ext. 5248

Bourbon County

Relay For Life Fall Festival Oct. 6

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Join us in celebrating the 12th Annual Relay for Life Fall Festival on Saturday, October 6th from
10:00am-4:00pm
Parking Available at
2484 Limestone Road, Fort Scott, Kansas
54 East to 240th South to Limestone Road east
of us
Tickets 50 Cent Each                          
Pumpkin Patch-4-tickets                    Pony Rides-4-tickets               
Pumpkin Walk-1-ticket                       Obstacle Course-1-ticket
Maze-1-ticket                                         Kiwanis’ Korn Krib-1-ticket
Devon Masonic #92 and KU FREE CANCER SCREENING
                                      T-SHIRTS-$12.00
Two Girls & A Zoo-2-                        The Little Coffee Shoppe
Sunflower Farms Alpacas             Cotton Candy-2-
Bean Bag Game-1-                                  Pick up Duck Game-1-
Face Painting-1-                                      Kiddie Train-1-
Continued Good Apparel                   Tractor & Wagon Ride-1-
       Usborne Books & More                     Mums
                              
Rustic Swing Drawing-$5.00 each or 3 for $10.00
T-Shirts-                                                    Pottery-
Caramel Apples-4-                                Nachos and Cheese-3-
Chicken Sliders-2- Hot Dogs-1-
Chili Dogs-2- Polish Dogs-2-
Chili-2- Chili Pies-2-
Chips-1- Drinks-1-
Funnel Cakes-4- Pc. of Pie-4-
AND MORE TO COME
Family Fun For Everyone
For more information-call Lavetta Simmons 620-224-8070
CARING AND SHARING WITH OUR CANCER FIGHTERS
Obituary

Obituary of Harold Coleman

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HAROLD COLEMAN

Harold Dean Coleman, 69, passed away Tuesday evening October 2, 2018, at Mercy Hospital. He was born January 22, 1949, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Harold Howard and Lavon Hazeldean (Clayton) Coleman.

Harold attended Fulton schools until they closed, and then finished up at DeSoto High School, graduating in 1967. He also went to Pittsburg State University’s welding school.

Harold served in the US Army and served many years in law enforcement. In 1984, Harold was elected Bourbon County Sheriff, a position he continued to fill for 24 years until his retirement in 2008. He was also a Bourbon County Commissioner following his retirement as Sheriff.

Harold is survived by son Stacy Coleman and wife Lenda, of Blue Springs, Missouri; daughter, Deana Wade and husband Brian, of Fort Scott; brother Garyl Coleman and wife Patty, of Prescott, Kansas; four grandchildren, Aaron and Adam Blaine, and Kyenne and Makyn Wade.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Truman Coleman, and his sister-in-law, Judy Coleman.

Following cremation, Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct graveside services, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Military Honors at the cemetery will be conducted by the Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post 1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Detail.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, October 9, 2018, at the funeral home from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW Scholarship and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

The Journal Editor Submits Story of Independence Losing Its’ Hospital

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The Journal magazine just published this story on what Independence, Kansas, has learned in terms of surviving without a hospital, noted The Journal Managing Editor Chris Green in an email to fortscott.biz.

“I thought it might be of interest with the news out of your community this week,” Green said in the email.

Click below for the article:

https://klcjournal.com/how-independence-kansas-survived-losing-its-hospital-and-what-it-means-for-endangered-health-care-in-rural-kansas/ 

 

CHRIS GREEN • Managing Editor of The Journal

KANSAS LEADERSHIP CENTER • FOR THE COMMON GOOD

316.202.5440 • 325 E. Douglas Ave. Wichita, KS 67202

klcjournal.com

www.kansasleadershipcenter.org

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Gordon Parks Museum Oct. 4

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WEEKLY CHAMBER COFFEE REMINDER
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee!

Hosted by:
 
 Location: 2108 S. Horton St.
(enter through the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center)
Thursday, October 4, 2018


Click here for the Gordon Parks Museum’s website.
Click here for Gordon Parks Museum’s Facebook page.
Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about the hosting business or organization.
Members may pay $1 to make an announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
Upcoming Coffees:
October 11th – Labconco 20th Anniversary
October 18th – Pioneer Harvest Fiesta
October 25th – Trinity Lutheran Church
November 1st – Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
@ Landmark Bank

Bourbon County Local News