Entertainment, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Fort Scott Kicks Off Summer Activities This Saturday

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The Gathering Place was completed in 2023.

The City of Fort Scott is sponsoring a free community event this Saturday, May 18 from 1 to 10 p.m. called Hello Summer Luau 2024.

The splash pad will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Fort Scott Farmers Market is under the pavilion from 8 a.m. to noon.

The Fort Scott Sensory Park and Splash Pad is on North National Avenue;.

Starting at 1 p.m. there will be vendors for hot dogs, kettle corn, pork rinds and lemonade. Face painting and hair tinsel will be available.

Free goodie bags will be given to the first 100 kids attending.

In the evening, live music will feature Vinyl Revival and Surfin USA two Kansas City bands.

“The purpose of this event is to have the community come together and be able to kick off summer 2024,” Payton Coyan, the City of Fort Scott Director of Human Resources, said.

Payton Coyan. Submitted photo

“We are excited to host the Hello Summer Luau to strengthen our community bonds. These events help develop a sense of belonging, community, and friendship! This event will be an alcohol and drug-free event. The whole event will be free for all individuals! We hope to see everyone in Downtown Fort Scott to kick off SUMMER 2024!”

The event will be at the Gathering Square in Downtown Fort Scott, on North National Avenue, south the Marmaton River Bridge

The Fort Scott Splash Pad opened in 2023.

“ The City of Fort Scott is so excited to invite everyone to kick off summer with a splash bash at the splashpad on May 18th, 2024,” she said. “The Farmers Market will kick it off that morning and then there will be over 15 vendors that have face painting, hair tinsel, ice cream, lemonade, snacks and we will also have special guest Sparky the Fire Dog. The City of Fort Scott will have gift bags for the first 100 kiddos and then Surfin’ USA and Vinyl Revival will be highlighting the evening from 6:30PM to 10:00PM. All Hit 103.9 will be there with live coverage, and is our platinum advertisement sponsor for this city-wide event. Come join the fun on May 18th, at the Splashpad in Downtown Fort Scott.”

“If we have inclement weather it will be moved to Memorial Hall,: Coyan said. “However, according to the weather forecast, we look like we are going to have great weather!”

Coyan and Mary Wyatt, the city’s Planning, Housing, and Community Development Director, are facilitating the event.

This is being paid for by the city’s  Fund 206 – Special Alcohol and Drugs (Prevention). This fund can only be utilized when Alcohol and Drugs are not allowed to be sold in the event space.

Mary Wyatt. Submitted photo.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Sylvia Woodall

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Sylvia Ellen Woodall, age 85, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2024, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott.  She was born April 30, 1939, in Pleasanton, Kansas, the daughter of John Emery Henderson and Mary Olive Wilcox Henderson.  Sylvia graduated from the Pleasanton High School.  She married David Allen Woodall on January 31, 1960, in Miami, Oklahoma.  Sylvia was a devoted wife and mother.  She enjoyed cooking and sewing and caring for her family.

 

Survivors include her three children, Beverly Rast (Walter) of Coolidge, Arizona, Robert Woodall of Branchville, South Carolina and John Woodall of Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Also surviving are seventeen grandchildren and thirty-seven great-grandchildren.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband, David on December 1, 2016.  She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Crosby, a son, David Nolen Woodall, a great-grandson, Lance Haley, Jr., a brother, Emery Henderson and a sister, Frances Campbell.

 

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Thursday, May 16th at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Friends and family will meet at the cemetery.  Following services, the family will have a time of visitation at the Carriage House, 301 S. Main St.

The family will also  receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Sylvia Woodall Memorial Fund 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.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee Hosted by Shead Farm On May 16

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Join us for Chamber Coffee!

Thursday, May 16th, 8am
Hosted by Shead Farm

2468 Cavalry Road
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Shead Farm, 2468 Cavalry Road, on Thursday, May 16th at 8am. Coffee, juice, and refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing. It will take you about 15-20 minutes to get there from Fort Scott, so we suggest you leave town by 7:40am! Go South on 69 Highway to Cavalry Road, turn east and follow the signs.

Shead Farm is hosting their 4th Annual Shead Farm Homestead Festival THIS Saturday from 10am-6pm. There will be music, children’s activities, farm tours, farm store and vendor booths, and a food court. A wonderful outing that ALL ages will enjoy! Admission: single ticket – $5 or family pass $25 (5+ members).

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.

Click here for their Facebook page!

Click here for their Website!
Thank you to our Chamber Champion members

shown below…
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce

231 E. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-223-3566

fortscott.com
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Ascension Via Christi, Health Care

Via Christi Cybersecurity Event Update

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Via Christi Cybersecurity Event Update

National Update

Ascension previously reported that it experienced a ransomware attack that has caused disruptions to patient care in its network. Our priority remains on providing safe patient care. Ascension, with the support of leading cybersecurity experts, worked around the clock over the weekend to respond to the ransomware incident affecting our systems. We are focused on restoring systems safely. We are making progress, however, it will take time to return to normal operations. As systems and services come back online, we will share those updates so that our patients and communities can plan accordingly. We have established a dedicated website to share any updates we have across our system. We will be expanding the site this week to provide updates related to healthcare services as they relate to specific regions.

We encourage anyone seeking information surrounding the incident or with questions about the operational status of Ascension facilities to visit this page for the latest updates – https://about.ascension.org/cybersecurity-event.

Via Christi Update

All Ascension Via Christi hospitals, physician offices, and care sites across Kansas remain open and operational. Despite the challenges posed by the recent ransomware incident, patient safety continues to be our utmost priority. Our dedicated doctors, nurses, and care teams are demonstrating incredible thoughtfulness and resilience as we use manual and paper based systems during the ongoing disruption to normal systems.

We thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this unexpected situation. Rest assured, our commitment to the health and safety of our community remains our highest priority.

 

Can I go to my doctor’s appointment?

Ascension Via Christi Medical Partners doctor’s offices and care sites are operating with normal business hours, and all scheduled appointments are proceeding as planned.

Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays. To help expedite processes, patients should bring notes on symptoms and a list of current medications, including prescription numbers or bottles. In the event that appointments need to be rescheduled, an Ascension associate will contact patients directly.

Can I get my prescription filled?

Ascension Rx retail pharmacies in Kansas cannot fill your prescription at this time. If a prescription was filled prior to May 8, 2024, and is awaiting pickup, that is available for the patient. If a patient needs a refill, they need to contact their prescriber and get a new prescription sent to a pharmacy outside of Ascension Rx.

 

Is Via Christi Immediate Care on Murdock open?

At this time, the Via Christi Immediate Care on Murdock is fully operating. Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation and care at certain centers, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays.

 

Are Ascension’s emergency rooms open?

All Via Christi emergency rooms remain open. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911, and local emergency services will transport you to the most appropriate hospital emergency room.

Can I still have my surgery?

Patients with upcoming scheduled elective surgeries should plan to arrive as planned unless otherwise notified. Should any rescheduling be necessary, a member of our care team will contact you directly.

Due to the transition to manual systems for patient documentation, patients may encounter longer than usual wait times and some delays. To help expedite processes, patients should bring notes on symptoms and a list of current medications, including prescription numbers or bottles.

Will I be able to get my diagnostic imaging, other tests, and treatments?

Imaging, testing, and treatment are being offered at this time. Patients may experience delays, we are grateful for your patience. Should any rescheduling be necessary, a member of our care team will contact you directly.

Commitment to Quality Care:
Our care teams are well versed on dynamic situations and are appropriately trained to maintain high quality care during downtime. Our leadership, physicians, care teams, and associates are working tirelessly to ensure patient care continues with minimal to no interruption. We appreciate our community’s patience and understanding.

 

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About Via Christi

In Kansas, Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 134 other sites of care and employs more than 6,400 associates. In FY2023, Via Christi provided more than $65 million in community benefit programs. In FY2023, Via Christi provided $2.3 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Via Christi includes more than 150,000 associates and 40,000 aligned providers. Via Christ is sponsored by Ascension, a national health system that operates more than 2,600 sites of care – including 139 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Via Christi is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Visit www.ascension.org.

 

Bourbon County, Elections

Today Is The Day For Healthcare Sales Tax Question To Be Decided

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Vote Here sign at the Bourbon County Courthouse.

People who have been wanting to make their voices heard on a sales tax to establish and operate emergency healthcare in our community will soon have their chance.

The Bourbon County Commission election is today, May 14 for voters to decide.

“It was suggested months ago to put the matter of a healthcare sales tax on the ballot when the subject of subsidizing an emergency room, due to  Ascension Via Christi closing the emergency room, was first announced,” said Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins.

To view the press release of the closure:

December 20: Ascension Via Christi Closes Emergency Department in Fort Scott

Bourbon County Clerk Jennifer Hawkins. Submitted photo.

At the March 11, 2024 meeting of the Bourbon County Commission, Commissioner Clifton Beth made a motion to approve a community vote on the idea.

Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth. Submitted photo.

“The original question asked for a one-half cent sales tax, but Clifton made a motion to approve the question changing it to a one-quarter cent sales tax and it was approved by all three Commissioners,” Hawkins said. “The purpose of the sales tax is to be used as needed for the establishment and operation of an Emergency Department in Bourbon County.”

 

 

Here is the wording of the question that will be asked of Bourbon County residents:

Shall the following be adopted?

 

Bourbon County shall adopt a one-quarter cent retail sales tax effective October 1, 2024, and continuing for 5 years. Said tax shall be used as needed for establishment and operation of an Emergency Department in Bourbon County. Upon termination, remaining tax funds shall be used for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and/or property tax reduction as determined by the Bourbon County Commissioners.

 

              Yes

              No

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Fort Scott Police Department

Stolen Vehicle Pulled From Fort Scott Lake on May 11

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The vehicle pulled from Fort Scott Lake on May 11, 2024. Submitted by Wilma Cagle.

The Fort Scott Police Department was dispatched to Fort Scott Lake on Indian Road on Saturday morning.

“On Saturday, May 11, we had an individual using a fish finder call and say he believed he saw a vehicle underwater with sonar,” Lt. Caleb Bell, with the FSPD said.

The vehicle was located approximately 50 feet south of the dam and 20 feet deep in the water, he said.

“We called the Overland Park Dive Team with the Overland Park Police Department and they came down and dove and advised there was a vehicle,” he said. “There were no people in the vehicle. It was stolen in 2013.”

The vehicle is a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder, a Sport Utility Vehicle.

The stolen vehicle. Photo submitted by Lt. Caleb Bell.

“We’ve made contact with the owners,” Bell said. “They don’t live here anymore. The case of the stolen vehicle was from 2013 and it is an ongoing investigation.”

“We got dispatched at 10:45 a.m. and the investigation was finished by 5:59 p.m.,” he said.

Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the event.

 

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Gene Davis

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Gene Valgene Davis, age 92, resident of Fort Scott, KS passed away Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Medicalodge of Fort Scott.  He was born March 28, 1932, in Arcadia, KS, the son of Charley and Chloe Totman Davis.  He married Patricia Ann Edgar on November 10, 1952, in Huntsville, AR.  She preceded him in death on December 15, 2012.  Gene worked for the Frisco Railroad, KG&E, Safeway, and finally KDOT, retiring in 1994.  He loved spending time with his family and treasured his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

 

Survivors include 3 daughters, Connie Peterson (Dallas), Lindsborg, KS, Linda DeMott (Gary), Fort Scott, KS, and Carol Graham (John), Parker, CO; a sister, Betty Christian, Wichita, KS; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.

His son Gary Davis passed away the day following on May 10, 2024

 

 

Rev. Dallas Peterson and Rev. Gary DeMott will conduct graveside services at 2:00 PM Friday, May 17th, at the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM Friday until leaving for the cemetery at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Headstone/Monument Cleaning Added to Services Provided by Influx Services

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Jake Province. Submitted photo.

Jake Provice started Influx Services a little over two and a half years ago.

“We serve Fort Scott, Joplin, and the surrounding areas,” he said.
“We provide professional exterior cleaning services, and specialize in house washing, window cleaning, and gutter cleaning. We use the ‘softwash’  process…which uses low-pressure and algicides to safely clean your home, without the risk of damage that comes with traditional pressure washing.”
“At Influx Services we are excited to publicly announce our professional headstone and monument cleaning services, available in Fort Scott, Joplin, and the surrounding areas,” he said. ” We use a specially designed, national cemetery-approved product and gentle cleaning methods to clean headstones and other stone monuments safely and effectively, without the risk of damage or deterioration that can come with other cleaning techniques.”
Before and after photos of headstone cleaning by InFlux Services. Submitted photo.
“The headstone cleaning is a new service,” he said. “I’ve been doing work at Evergreen Cemetery, but this would be the first time publicly announcing it. We use a specialized cleaning product and method that is historically used to clean national cemeteries and the white house.”
“Those interested in our headstone and monument cleaning services and/or our other exterior cleaning services such as house washing, window cleaning, and gutter cleaning, please give us a call or text at (620) 407-3008, or email us at influxservicescontact@gmail.com!”

He takes calls from 9 am to 9 pm seven days a week.

Entertainment, Exercise, Food, Fort Scott

Par Tee Girls At Woodland Hills May 15

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Sending on behalf of Chamber Member
Diane Striler – Par Tee Girls…

Come join us for good food, drinks, and community fellowship! Brickstreet BBQ will be serving food while the club house will be serving the drinks!

Wednesday, May 15th

5:30-9:00pm

Pulled Pork or Chicken Sandwiches: $7

Pulled Pork or Chicken Nachos: $11

Sides (Baked Beans, Coleslaw, Potato Salad): $3

Carry out available
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Bourbon County, Elections

Bourbon County Democrats Kick-Off Get Out The Vote

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What: Bourbon County Democrats’ GOTV (Get out the Vote) kickoff begins with an orientation by Kansas Democrats State Leadership team.
Where: Zimmerman Hall (in basement) of the First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford St., Fort Scott.
When: Sunday, May 19 th , 2024, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Please call or text 620 215 1505 for more information or to rsvp.
 This is for training for our county volunteers, anyone concerned about the upcoming election and willing to help get out the vote.
 Some of our county’s field plans will be discussed and the reasoning behind it.
 Discussion of issues and how to talk about them with others.
 This training isn’t just for people going door to door. It’s for people who will volunteer in any way they can or wish.
Please call or text 620 215 1505 for more information.

Bourbon County Local News