Constantina Vasilasi, age 85, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Freeman Hospital, Fort Scott. She was born on June 10, 1940, in Romania, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bresler. She graduated in Romania from Veterinary College. She then worked in the veterinary field until taking employment at the High School Chemistry Department. She married Marin Vasilasi on August 24, 1958. Constantina then began working as the bookkeeper and accountant for the family metal foundry business. The family moved to the United States in June of 1984 and continued the family business. They both enjoyed traveling together, especially to Colorado where the mountains reminded them of home. Marin passed away February 16, 2014.
Survivors include her son Michael Vasilasi and wife Livia of Kansas City, MO.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, November 7th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Constantina Vasilasi Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Hosted by the Fort Scott FFA, this exciting community event invites everyone to enjoy an evening full of food, shopping, and treats—featuring baked goods, clothing, jewelry, crafts, and more!
It’s the perfect opportunity to support local vendors and connect with friends and neighbors in a warm, festive setting.
Be sure to spread the word and bring along family, classmates, coworkers—
Yesterday, Fort Scott citizens voted on the following ballot question:
Shall the following be adopted?
Shall the City of Fort Scott, Kansas be authorized to impose a one-half percent (0.5%) City-wide retailers’ sales tax (the “Sales Tax”), the proceeds of which shall be used for the purpose of financing the following costs and related expenditures:
(a) 80% of the proceeds for street improvements, sidewalks, bike lanes, and curb and gutter, and (b) 10% of the proceeds for Parks and community facilities, and (c) 10% of the proceeds for Public Safety With the collection of the Sales Tax to commence on 7/1/2026; and to expire Ten (10) years after its commencement; all pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 12-187 et seq.,as amended?,
Preliminary election results show 604 votes in favor of adopting the sales tax and 457 against it.
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced priorities for the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Plan, which has been submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as part of the state’s application for the $50 billion federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Through this program, Kansas could receive significant federal funding to improve the health and sustainability of rural communities statewide.
“Our Kansas Rural Health Transformation Plan will fundamentally change the delivery of health care in rural communities across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m confident that Kansas’ plan, crafted by leading experts, will lay the groundwork to build a more collaborative, more efficient health care system that provides the right care, at the right time, in the right place.”
The plan’s goals are to:
Improve rural Kansans’ health outcomes and transform the delivery system by implementing and sustaining initiatives that promote preventive health care and address root causes of diseases,
Enhance rural health care providers’ efficiency and sustainability,
Attract and retain a high-skilled health care workforce,
Spark growth of innovative care models in rural communities that improve quality of care while reducing costs, and,
Foster the use of innovative technologies to increase access to care for rural Kansans.
The plan development was led by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), in partnership with the Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance (KRHIA) and the University of Kansas Care Collaborative. Public KRHIA meetings were held to discuss and refine the initiatives to be included in the plan.
If awarded, KDHE will serve as the lead agency implementing Kansas’ Rural Health Transformation Plan. The KRHIA will continue to serve as the primary vehicle for stakeholder engagement throughout the implementation of these initiatives.
The KRHIA worked with the state application team to identify key initiatives to achieve the plan’s goals. The following initiatives are included in Kansas’ application:
Expand Primary and Secondary Prevention Programs to reduce chronic disease rates by increasing access to preventive screenings, behavioral health services, and nutrition counseling.
Secure Local Access to Primary Care for rural Kansans to receive care earlier on in the appropriate setting and within their communities – thereby strengthening the fiscal sustainability for rural Kansas hospitals.
Build a Sustainable Rural Health Workforce to ensure more rural Kansans have access to primary care, dental, and behavioral health providers and ease nursing and allied health shortages in rural Kansas.
Enable Value-Based Care to have 100% of rural Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries in accountable care relationships by 2031 that focus on improving patient health outcomes while lowering the total cost of care.
Harness Data and Technology to enable rural Kansas providers to expand the use of telehealth and remote monitoring, utilization of consumer-facing technologies, and meaningfully engage in data sharing and analysis of aggregated patient and outcome data.
CMS is expected to announce funding awards by Dec. 31, 2025. The project narrative, which contains additional details about the contents of Kansas’ application, can be found here.
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office is located at 104 N. National. Phone: 620.224.2563
The annual Bourbon County Food Drive is underway, running through November 17th, to collect non-perishable food and hygiene items for families in need across the county.
This year’s effort is championed by Fort Scott Middle School teacher Lori Nelsen and supported by Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s (HBCAT) Local Health Equity Action Team (LHEAT), led by Aura Brillhart. The project brings together students, schools, and community partners to ensure that no one in Bourbon County goes hungry this holiday season.
Community Collection Sites
Donation boxes are available at:
Union State Bank, Fort Scott Branch • City State Bank • Citizens Bank • Kansas Teachers Credit Union • CHCSEK • Fort Scott City Hall • Buck Run Community Center • Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center • Community Christian Church • United Methodist Church • Christian Heights
Participating businesses and organizations are asked to deliver their collection boxes to the Fort Scott Middle School front office on the morning of Monday, November 17th. If needed, donations can also be dropped off the morning of Tuesday, November 18th at the Fort Scott Middle School.
All food donations will be collected at Fort Scott Middle School. Members of the Fort Scott Middle School Student Council and the Kansas Association for Family and Community Education (FCE) will assist with sorting, checking expiration dates, and organizing the donations.
On November 19th and 20th, the FCE group will deliver the items from the middle school to food pantries and blessing boxes across Bourbon County — including The Beacon, Fort Scott High School and Middle School food closets, the Fort Scott Community College Food Pantry, Uniontown Schools, and community blessing boxes.
Middle School Contest
To inspire participation, Fort Scott Middle School will hold a friendly contest among classes to see which group can collect the most food donations. This initiative teaches students the value of service, teamwork, and giving back to their community.
Suggested Donation Items
Dry beans (2 lb Pinto, Navy, or Great Northern), soup, tuna, ramen noodles, granola bars, instant potatoes, pasta and sauce, pancake mix and syrup, canned fruits and vegetables, mac & cheese, peanut butter and jelly, Spaghetti O’s, chili with beans, cereal, pasta noodles, hygiene products, and cash or check donations.
All donations will be distributed to local food pantries and blessing boxes throughout Bourbon County to support families during the holiday season.
About Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT)
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Community, dedicated to improving health, economic vitality, and overall quality of life across the region. Through partnerships, education, and local action, HBCAT continues to connect resources and mobilize efforts that create a healthier, more equitable community for all.
Together, we can make sure every family in Bourbon County has access to the food and care they deserve.
Contact:
Aura Brillhart – Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT)
A sign in front of the Bourbon County Courthouse in Nov. 2021.
Official Statement from the Bourbon County Election Office – November 5, 2025
2025 City/School General Election
The following was taken from the Bourbon County website, this morning.
“Although the release of election results was not as immediate as in previous years, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Amber Page, Deputy Election Clerk, for her tireless commitment to accuracy and integrity of our election process. We worked diligently to ensure that all ballots were counted, and all audits completed prior to the publication of the unofficial results.
This election cycle included an unusually high number of write-in votes. Each write-in ballot was meticulously hand-counted and verified within our election software to uphold the highest standards of election accuracy.
The Bourbon County Election Office remains committed to maintaining transparent communication with our residents regarding election procedures and the importance of ensuring reliable and verifiable outcomes. Please note that advance ballots postmarked by Election Day, November 4, 2025, will be accepted through November 7, 2025. The official canvassing of votes is scheduled for Monday, November 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at 210 S. National Avenue.
I would also like to extend endless appreciation to Jennifer Hawkins, previous County Clerk and Current County Treasurer for continually guiding Amber and I through our first election. Furthermore, I wish to express my deep appreciation to the citizens of Bourbon County for their patience and understanding, as well as to the many volunteers who serve selflessly during each election cycle.
About the Bourbon County Election Office The Bourbon County Election Office is committed to upholding public trust through integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement in all election processes.
Susan E. Walker
Bourbon County Clerk & Chief Election Officer”
To view original document submitted by Walker at 5:19 a.m. this morning:
Fort Scott Washateria also houses Fort Scott Community Closet.
Submitted by Linda Lovelace, owner
As we go into the colder time of the year, I want to take the time to remind Fort Scott of the Fort Scott Community Closet.
This is Lori Lovelace, owner of Fort Scott Washateria and Fort Scott Community Closet, located at 501 S National.
We have been providing clothing, coats and other items to those in need of them with the help of the generous folks of this community for six years now.
I want to say a special thanks to St. Mary’s school and Mary Queen of Angels Church who have supported us year after year with coat and clothing drives. We have coats right now along with clothing for any who are in need.
We don’t ask what your circumstances are, we have no income or other requirements, we take in the clothing and other items and give them out, no questions asked.
We can do this because of YOU, Fort Scott.
We are currently bringing out coats and they are hanging on a rack in the Washateria, if you need a coat, come in and check out what we have. We are putting out coats as they are given away so if you don’t find one that fits, stop by again.
The Closet is open Mon-Fri 10-6 if you would like to go through our tubs of clothes as well. To those who are sorting through clothes looking to donate, our most requested items are children’s clothing of all sizes, adult t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, sweat pants, jeans, coats,
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, November 6th at 8am hosted by the VFW Post 1165, 1745 S. National Ave. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to win a door prize drawing.
The VFW is a nonprofit veteran’s service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard, and reserve forces. VFW is the largest and oldest war Veteran’s service organization, and they have a long and proven history of providing vital assistance and support to America’s service men and women worldwide.
Special events the VFW has planned for Veterans Day include:
· Kicking off at 7am will be posting of the Avenue of Flags along East National Avenue and through the National Cemetery.
Volunteers are welcome. Flags are recovered at 4pm and stored for the winter.
· The Veterans Day Service is held at the Rostrum at the National Cemetery beginning at 11am. The featured speaker is veteran and
Fort Scott’s own Arnold Schofield.
· Following the service the VFW Auxiliary will host a free-will donation ham and bean feed at the Post Home from
11:30 -2:00am. All are welcome.
For more information, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566. Visit the Events Calendar on fortscott.com and click on the “Chamber Coffees” category for upcoming hosts and locations.
Terry Koester, age 73, passed away at his home in Fort Scott on Sunday, November 2, 2025. He was born on October 24,1952 in Iola, Kansas to Archie and Arlene Koester. Terry graduated from Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1971 and received his Masters of Microbiology from Pittsburg State University. He married Marla Stanbrough on May 24, 1975 and they recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary. He was a member of Rinehart Christian Church.
His love of the outdoors led him to establish Redbud Farms and Nurseries, and is reflected in his landscape paintings displayed at the nursery.
Terry cherished his time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Marla, Fort Scott; two daughters: Tara (Jeff) Allen of Fort Scott and Kristen (Drew) Williams of Springfield, Missouri; five grandchildren: Alaina (Colten) Slinker, Parker Allen, Paxton Allen, Silas Williams and Jude Williams; and three sisters: Mendy (Mike) Engstrom, Laura George, and Julie Koester. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Kevin Moyers will conduct services at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 7, at Rinehart Christian Church, near Richards, Missouri. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Scott. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 on Thursday evening at Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Rinehart Christian Church Missions and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S Main St, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
The Bourbon County Commission discussed the proposed noise ordinance in a work session on Nov. 3. They held a work session rather than a regular meeting because the clerk’s office was unavailable to record the meeting due to elections.
Commissioner Samuel Tran gave an update on the bitcoin mining noise issue that the commission has been discussing for several weeks. He was at a meeting with the owners of the generator and legal counsel on the property where the generator is housed. Some citizens were nearby, but not allowed on the property.
He said the decibel reading was 58 dB at the gate, which is lower than earlier reported readings. “It was noticeably quieter,” Tran said, than on his previous visits. He asked if the generator was operating at a full load. He was told it was.
Commissioner David Beerbower said that the sheriff’s department reported to him that during subsequent checks after the meeting, the volume “went back up.”
Tran said he spoke to the county’s legal counsel about the noise resolution at some length. He has no issues with creating a resolution, but questions whether or not it’s enforceable. It should be enforced by a planning committee. He expressed concern that the commission is at risk of passing a watered-down resolution that may come across as way too broad and capricious in its fines or penalties.
Beerbower said he was continuing to work on the resolution, but sees the planning commission getting involved to repeal or amend it as needed. He said a noise resolution is needed now, and the planning commission has a lot on its plate at this time.
