TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers interested in Manufacturing, Aviation and Aerospace to take advantage of March’s Virtual Job Fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 5.
“Kansans are builders and doers, and nothing demonstrates this more than our strong and robust manufacturing industry across the state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Kansas’ outstanding manufacturing and aerospace employers are looking for skilled talent to join their ranks across every region of our state — don’t miss this opportunity to connect and explore the high-growth professions here in Kansas.”
The virtual job fair allows for anyone searching for a new position to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.
The Virtual Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as employers may request to engage in a video interview.
Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodation by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.
Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the KANSASWORKS:
KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.
Jay Leek, Michael Zafuta, Don Doherty, Paula Baker, Greg Motley and Lindsay Madison were announced today as the Freeman Health System Board of Directors at Fort Scott.
Six Named to New Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. Board of Directors
FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. has formally appointed an inaugural board of directors, a significant milestone in developing the new Bourbon County-based hospital to best serve its residents and the surrounding communities.
The six-member board, representing multiple businesses and professions, includes:
Paula Baker, Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Michael Zafuta, Freeman orthopedic surgeon
Don Doherty, Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual
Lindsay Madison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
Jay Leek, Chief Financial Officer at Beachner Companies of Fort Scott
Gregg Motley of Fort Scott
Doherty has been elected Board Chairman. The governing body will oversee the new hospital’s operations, financial health, quality of care, and overall direction – ensuring everything aligns with the community’s needs.
“When I was asked about considering being a board member, I had to really take time to consider this honor. However, I really want this hospital and emergency room to be here long after I am gone from this life,” Doherty said. “People should not have to fear where they will take their kids, elderly parents, themselves, or anyone in the event medical care is needed.”
The other members of the board, he added, “are really good, smart, professional, and honest people in my opinion. I am fortunate to serve with them.”
Until the new Freeman hospital was announced in June, 2024, Fort Scott had been without a hospital since 2018. The hospital’s attached emergency department managed to stay open until it, too, closed in late 2023, forcing local residents to seek medical treatment in communities 30-plus minutes away.
“I saw and heard the fear from people,” Doherty said, describing the mood of the community’s 7,600 residents when the former hospital at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. closed its doors for good. “Many considered moving away. Some did move away. Everyone experienced some type of fear for either themselves or others.”
Immediately after Freeman’s Paula Baker announced the establishment of a 10-bed acute care hospital and 24-hour, six-bay emergency department in Fort Scott, deep worries from a vast majority of city and rural residents evaporated almost immediately, Doherty said. In fact, after the public announcement was made for the new hospital, Baker was surrounded by overjoyed Fort Scott residents, some of them wiping away tears.
“From individuals to schools to businesses, everyone is more peaceful now,” Doherty said.
Renovations are now underway and Freeman officials are currently in the process of preparing for licensure surveys. The hospital is expected to open this spring. The health system – Southwest Missouri’s largest employer – will lease the space from Kansas Renewal Institute, which purchased the former hospital building located in south Fort Scott.
“My goal (as board chairman) is to listen to what the community is saying, to discuss it in an accurate and honest approach to Freeman officials, and to help get the best outcome possible for a hospital and emergency room established in our community,” Doherty 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 2024, 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.
“The Keyhole has been falling short of its intended purpose for some time now,” said Nick Sprague, a board member. “The funding provided by Key Industries has been withdrawn. From my understanding, the Keyhole was a valuable component of this community for many years and actively engaged in ministry to the youth of Bourbon County.”
“However, in the past two years, the youth of Bourbon County have shifted their preferences from physical gatherings to online interactions and participation in sports and activities. While these changes are not necessarily negative, they reflect a shift in our culture and community.”
“The most productive aspect of the Keyhole over the past two years has been renting out the facility to families and groups on a regular basis. The building’s size and prime location make it unsuitable for solely serving as a rental facility.”
“The Keyhole served as a safe haven for the youth of Bourbon County, fostering a sense of belonging and providing a personal space for teenagers,” he said. The name ‘Keyhole’ referred to the building operated by Bourbon County Youth Ministries, which received funding from Key Industries and various churches and organizations throughout its history.”
“The building will be sold. Bourbon County Youth Ministries, the current owner, will transfer ownership to another youth-focused organization, business, or community entity. The proceeds from the sale will not be retained by the organization; instead, the board is deliberating on the most suitable recipient for the funds, with the intention of reinvesting them within the community. This may involve supporting Key Industries or other organizations.”
In December 2024, the Bourbon County Youth Ministries Board of Directors voted to close the Keyhole. The voting members of the Board are Sprague, Ryan Goodbody, Amber Goodbody, and Janelle Tate.
“As a non-profit organization, we will donate items (in the building) to families in need or other local non-profit organizations. Bourbon County Youth Ministries will not retain any of the donated items; instead, they will either be sold with the building or donated to another organization.”
” I would like to express my personal sadness at the closure of the Keyhole,” Sprague said. “However, I am also confident that the community has great opportunities ahead. Our teenagers are an invaluable and essential component of our community, and I sincerely hope that someone with the necessary time and vision will establish a space for them.”
“Furthermore, it is prudent to acknowledge and celebrate the legacy of the Keyhole. Its longstanding history of serving our community is truly remarkable. I want to honor and recognize all the individuals who have dedicated their time and energy to the Keyhole, whether they were the founders or those who dedicated many years to its operation.”
“The Keyhole’s era has come to an end, and I am eager to witness and ready to participate in the community’s future endeavors,” he said.
Nick Sprague is youth pastor at Fort Scott church of the Nazarene
The Keyhole building is located across from Fort Scott High School at 10th and Main Streets.
A screening clinic for 2025-2026 kindergarten students has been scheduled for Monday, March 24 at West Bourbon Elementary. To be eligible for kindergarten, your child must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2025.
Students who will be new to WBE will sign up for a 30 minute slot to be assessed on March 24. Please bring in your child’s birth certificate and immunization record. The agenda for the child will include kindergarten skills assessment, vision, hearing, speech, and checking health records.
Kindergarten children are required to have a physical exam within 12 months of beginning school and have all current immunizations. The Girard Medical Center is available for immunizations and physicals; if you would like to contact them for a coinciding appointment call 620-756-4111.
Due to the screenings, there will be no Kindergarten class on March 24th.
For the best testing environment for your child, we ask that you not bring brothers or sisters.
KCC schedules public hearing and comment period on Evergy’s
request to recover costs for new gas plants and solar facility
TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has scheduled a virtual public hearing beginning at 6 p.m. on March 5th to provide Evergy Kansas customers across the state with information about three proposed new generation investments (two combined cycle gas-fired generating turbine plants and one solar facility). One gas plant would be located near Evergy’s Viola Substation in Sumner County and the second near Hutchinson in Reno County. The Kansas Sky solar facility would be located in Douglas County. The Commission will also provide an opportunity for public comments during the hearing.
Evergy filed an application with the KCC requesting a predetermination of the prudency of the investments and whether the company would be entitled to recover the costs of the investments and under what terms. Evergy has asked to recover the cost of construction work in progress (CWIP) and in a future rate proceeding will ask for recovery of the investments after they are in service, which is expected at the end of 2026 for the solar facility and 2029 and 2030 for the gas plants.
To participate in the virtual hearing via Zoom and make a public comment, advance registration is required by noon on March 4. For persons wishing to watch, but not comment during the public hearing, a live video stream will be available on the YouTube channel. The hearing will also be recorded for later viewing.
In addition to the hearing, the Commission will accept written comments through 5 p.m. on April 7. Comments may be submitted online, by mail or by calling the KCC at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.
To register for the virtual hearing, make a public comment online or find additional information on the application, go to the Commission’s website (www.kcc.ks.gov) and click on the “Your Opinion Matters” tab.
The Commission will issue an order on the application on or before July 7, 2025.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon Cutting this Thursday, February 27th at 8am to celebrate the new location of Care to Share Cancer Support Group, The Sharing Bucket, 9 E. Wall St., in the Downtown Historic District. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served along with a door prize drawing.
Care to Share started in 2007 as a grassroots volunteer organization to support cancer survivors, their families, and caregivers. The organization hosts a quarterly cancer support group meeting; however, it serves cancer families daily providing financial and emotional support, meals, and gas vouchers or transportation to and from doctor appointments out of town. Care to Share serves Bourbon, Linn, and Crawford counties in Southeast Kansas.
This week’s Coffee will feature Care to Share’s new location where their office is open weekly Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11am to 2pm. They now have a gift shop of cancer support items, and the location also features a wig room, a kitchen, and a boardroom. Care to Share is excited to host the community this week and is thankful to have all the on-site amenities to serve cancer patients and survivors in the area.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.
Artmaking & Design for Social Impact Wednesday, February 26, 2025 4:00 – 5:15 PM (Pacific Time) — STILL TIME TO JOIN —
This session explores the stories of LMC Unsung Heroes through a social impact framework. What does social impact mean? Where did the Unsung Hero make an impact―on society, communities, or individuals? Award-winning art educator E. Dominic Black examines the processes of artmaking, design, and writing to support students towards deeper understandings about the intended meaning and impact of their ARTEFECT projects.
Open to all K-12 educators and free to join. Register to attend and receive the session recording and lesson plan. Certificate of Participation available for attendees.
ARTEFFECT celebrates the contributions of Unsung Heroes in the field of medicine that impacted the course of history. These remarkable individuals advanced the fields of surgery, public health, medical research, and patient care—often overcoming barriers to bring lifesaving innovations to the world. Among them, Vivien Thomas, a pioneering surgical technician, developed life-saving techniques for heart surgery, revolutionizing treatment for ‘blue baby’ syndrome. Learn about these Unsung Heroes from medical history below.
Through ARTEFFECT, students are invited to consider and creatively interpret the stories of these remarkable individuals through visual artworks and written impact statements. Discover more Unsung Heroes on the list of Pre-Approved Unsung Heroes:
The competition is open to artists of age 16 and older. Categories include Ceramics, Drawing and Graphics (Pencil, Pen, Ink), Fiber Art, Glasswork, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting (Oil & Acrylic), Pastel, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Watercolor.
A themed category has been included; the theme this year is “Bridge The Gap”. An artist may create a piece in any of the above media categories, as it relates to the theme.
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members below!
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street | Fort Scott, KS 66701 US
*All bulls will be semen checked and ready for turn out.
*Bulls will have a starting bid price Feb 17th
*Bids will be accepted until 2 Pm March 1st
*If there are multiple bids per bull, the person with the first bid on bull will be contacted and offered the option to bid the next increment higher and so forth until bull is sold.
Hubert Owen Thomas, “Tommy” to JoAnn, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025, at his home in Pawnee Station, Kansas where he resided with his wife, JoAnn Thomas. Hubert was born June 22, 1940, in Fort Scott Kansas, the son of Earl Owen and Edna Mae Thomas and later the brother of Karen “Sue” Thomas.
Hubert was a man of many trades, but most of all he loved providing and caring for his entire family. He grew up on a farm east of Fort Scott where he attended the Diamond School and built life-lasting friendships. He later graduated from Fort Scott High School.
Like many young men, Hubert ran from the farm and started his young adult life working for Mid-Continental Restoration where he only added to his friend list. Hubert met the love of his life sometime around 1958 while on another date in Hepler, Kansas. He married JoAnn in April 1963 and loved her until the day that he passed. Being one who was always leaning forward, he didn’t wait for a draft and voluntarily joined the Army during a period of severe unrest in Vietnam. Fortunately, Hubert was able to serve out his two years as a medic in Germany with his beautiful wife by his side. Their first child was born six months after they returned to the US. It was then, Hubert decided, life on the road was not fit for “his” family.
For the remainder of his life, Hubert would build his legacy. He learned how to run a dozer, purchased it, and turned it into a General Construction business by the early 1980’s. Thomas Construction is still alive today and has made its mark all over Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. After his father passed in 1970, Hubert was drawn back to the farm. What began as 300 acres of inherited “leased” land and an “M” Farmall tractor became the four square miles of property his next three generations of Thomases, Wrights and Snyders enjoy today. Today his legacy can be witnessed through the love these three families share and continue to cultivate.
As the years went on, Hubert found his true passion was the one he ran from as a young man. He leaned into the cattle business, as a “Cattleman”. He could often be found with a big smile on his face sitting at the livestock auctions, working cattle, and watching grandkids show cattle in shows in multiple states. In fact, he was just at a show with grandkids three weeks ago in Texas. There was always a freezer full of beef for anyone in his family to grab a steak from.
Hubert is survived by his wife JoAnn Thomas, his sister Sue Gray, his three children Gregory Owen Thomas, Elizabeth (Joe) Wright, Natalie (John) Snyder, his seven grandchildren, Bart (Nicole) Wright, Nicholas Owen (Chelsea) Thomas, Drew (Hannah) Wright, Zachary (Stevie) Snyder, Lucas Snyder, Ella Snyder and Thanya Brown-Thomas, and four great grandchildren, Raelynn Wright, Sofia Thomas, Brooks Wright, and Ellison Owen Thomas. Hubert was preceded in death by his parents Earl Owen and Edna Mae Thomas, his future daughter-in law, Nong Brown, and his grandsons Nathanial Wright and Hunter Thomas.
Hubert Owen Thomas lived big and loved even bigger! He will be missed by all he touched!
Funeral services for Hubert are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, with burial following at the Clarksburg Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Wednesday evening, February 26, 2025, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home
. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
County Commissioners want to learn more before approving the 2024 inventory list and tax roll corrections.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
After approval of payroll and accounts payable, commissioners voted to table the approval of the 2024 county inventory list. Commissioner Leroy Kruger said he wanted to understand it more fully before approving it. Commissioner David Beerbower mentioned he also had reservations
Regarding tax roll corrections, Commissioner Brandon Whisenhunt asked for an explanation.
Assistant County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins explained that the corrections are adjustments made to a person’s tax bill when they sell or in another way loose their property.
Kruger made a motion to table for time to look at it and the commission approved the motion.
Equitable Sharing Agreement report from Sheriff’s department
Sheriff Bill Martin answered the commissions questions about the agreement. He said that when his department conducts criminal investigations in conjunction with federal government agencies, it sometimes result in funds being confiscated, a portion of which come to the sheriff’s department. There are no such funds this year, but an annual report, approved by the commission, is still required.
Old Business
Work sessions and schedule change
Whisenhunt brought up his previous suggestion that the commission hold work sessions every other week following a short county commission meeting at the regular Monday time beginning March 10, 2025. They would hold regular meetings on the weeks in between.
Kruger was in favor as it would provide for the commission “to get caught up on where we want to be with all the things we want to accomplish.”
Hospital equipment disposal
Kruger met last Friday with Freeman and Nevada Regional Medical. “I got eyes on everything that’s going to be in the auction,” he said.
He has located an auctioneer to conduct the auction. Brian Allen, county employee, will do it free of charge. They are in the process of selecting the auction date, most likely a Friday or Saturday after Kruger has advertised it to area hospitals. Plans are to hold the auction in the hospital parking lot. Proceeds from sale need to go to a charity. Kruger advised commissioners to be thinking of what charity they would like it to go to.
Beerbower asked if other county equipment that needs to be disposed of will be included in the auction. Kruger said he thought adding those items would draw out the process, so they will be doing those at another time.
Public comments for items not on the agenda
Clint Walker spoke about a public forum held by officials from the state representative Rick James and state senator Time Shallenburger last Friday. Walker was embarrassed by the fact that no county representatives attended.
Whisenhunt responded, “You’re right. One of us should have been there.” He was unable to make it due to late notice and the need to work. Kruger also said he didn’t receive notice in time to attend.
Land Bank
Michael Hoyt spoke to the commission about the land bank, informing them that Mr. Tucker is now the chairman of the land bank and Heather Madison is the treasurer.
He said they are currently working on researching what it will take to clean up the tax sale process.
Whisenhunt asked what the land bank does with the land.
“It seems like all we do is mow it,” joke Hoyt. He then explained that the land bank offers it for sale to whomever wants to bid on it, usually with a quit claim deed. Sometimes they have warranty deeds that allows them to be sold for building on.
Kruger answered, “In short, they manage and maintain the sheriff’s sales properties until there’s a home found for them.”
“If we can get it cleaned up and figure out how we can go and get a quick claim deed converted to a warranty deed, then we’re golden,” said Hoyt.
March 17 will be the new date for the presentation from Christopher McElgunn, a lawyer who specializes in this area, to the land bank and those interested in learning more.
City commissioners are working to get the ordinance under which the land bank operates modified to allow Commissioner Beerbower to sit on the board as well.
New Business
Department Updates
Public Works Director Eric Bailey told the commission that the county is moving forward with bridge replacement at 60th and Grand, which requires the moving of an electric line. The line is owned by Heartland Electric, who has submitted a price of $19,000 to move 4 or 5 poles and the line. This utility moving is the county’s responsibility as part of the state grant they received for moving the bridge.
“So for about a, give or take, around $900,000 project, we’re going to be into it for about $100,000,” depending on how the bids come in Bailey said.
Money for the utility line moving is already budgeted, and requires commission approval. The public works department worked with Heartland Electric to get the price as low as they did.
The bridge moving project started end of August of 2023.
Beerbower told Bailey he did good job during last snow storm.
Bailey said of his crew, “They did an outstanding job.”
Zoning
Beerbower said that part of his campaign was that he would work on this, so he wanted to open the discussion.
Whisenhunt added that on either March 19 or 26, Eric with Advanced Power wants to have a meeting with the public.
The commission decided that Commissioner Kruger is to head up the zoning and special use permit research team, including any county personnel who can contribute. He has been asked for reports at county commission work sessions.
Fort Scott Area Chamber Membership Renewal
The commission has been members for more than 15 years, said Chamber President and CEO Lindsay Madison, when she spoke to the commission.
She said the chamber’s mission is to support commerce, build community, and promote spirit in Fort Scott and the surrounding area.
Commission approved the renewal at a cost of $340 for all three commissioners for the year.
Commissioner Comments
Beerbower suggested adding a slot for elected officials to the regular meeting agenda to open up that line of communication within the county.
Beerbower also mentioned the Facebook talk of animal control and the lack of it for the county he had seen. Based on research from a 2017 cost analysis from Pierce County it costs $2 million to run a county animal control with 12 employees and more if the county has a shelter.
“At this point, I’m not against it and I’m not for it either, because it’s costly,” he said.
Whisenhunt mentioned that they could check with the city of Fort Scott to see the cost of its animal control department.
“Please take what I’m about to say as learning for all of us and not as a slight towards any of us,” said Kruger. “We need to step up our game on communication.” He went on to say the commissioners should communicate with the county clerk about their official obligations so they don’t miss or double up on meetings outside of the regular business meeting.
Kruger also asked if any progress had been made about the current juvenile detention costs to the county.
Currently, “The juvenile would have to have committed a very serious crime,” said Sheriff Bill Martin, if he or she would be sent to the facility that the county pays for. He said that he is looking into a juvenile detention center in Johnson County for a pay-as-you-go system, rather than the current flat-rate-regardless-of-use system.
Sheriff Martin is in conversations with the director of juvenile justice for this area and plans to come to the commissioners with more information.
Solar Attorney
“We need to hire our solar attorney,” said Whisenhunt. “He will take care of the deal that went to court today and he will take care of all the solar negotiations for us.”
Beerbower made motion to hire him, mentioning the money that had been set aside for that purpose. The commission approved the motion.
At the end of the meeting a concerned citizen spoke up on issue of zoning, asking, “are we going to set up deliverables, milestones, on this?” Kruger replied it is too early in the process, and that they need more information before answering.
Citizen said he is worried their progress will stall. He then asked what tools the county would use to initiate these zonings.
Kruger replied, “I don’t want to infringe at all. I want to protect everybody,” and said the commission will present their conclusion to the public before voting.
Kruger also said the commission would be looking at several drafts before finding the right answer, and that would be a great time for the public to come in and have their say.
Beerbower is confident that Bob Johnson, the county attorney, will be a good resource to help, as he’s done it for several other counties.
The citizen thanked the commission for their transparency.
