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KANSASWORKS Hosts Manufacturing and Aerospace Job Fair
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.
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Freeman Health System In Fort Scott Issues Board Appointments
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.
Keyhole Officially Closes: Building is For Sale
Keyhole Youth Ministries is officially closed.
“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 Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Feb. 26
West Bourbon Elementary School – Uniontown Kindergarten Roundup Coming in March
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.
To set up a time for screening and assessment, please call the school at 620-224-2350, option 1, or visit https://tinyurl.com/2025WBEK-Roundup.
On March 5 KCC Holds Hearings On Evergy’s Request to Recover Costs
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.
Care to Share Hosts Chamber Coffee on February 27
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Artmaking & Design for Social Impact Professional Development Session Is February 26
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Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Arts Exhibit is in March
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Emmerson Cattle Co. Bull Sale Is This Weekend
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Obituary of Hubert Thomas
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.