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[Message clipped] View entire message
What’s Happening in Fort Scott Sept. 5 Edition
…
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran Shows Support with Visit to Freeman Fort Scott Hospital
Stately Visit
FORT SCOTT, Kan. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan) paid an impromptu visit to Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. Friday morning, roughly 24 hours after the facility’s long-awaited public opening in Fort Scott.
Calling the facility “impressive,” Moran – the long-time advocate for rural health care in Kansas – was given a brief tour of the six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care hospital by Freeman’s Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals Renee Denton and Anita Walden, Chief Administrative Officer at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc.
“There was this email about ‘something exciting happened in Fort Scott today,” Moran said, following a plane flight from Washington D.C. He immediately reached out to Freeman officials, asking if he could visit the new hospital.
During its first full day of operation, Freeman Health System’s newest hospital recorded seven patients at the ED, including one patient in need of immediate cardiac intervention that was sent urgently to Freeman Hospital West in Joplin.
Moran learned details about the hospital while shaking hands with Freeman nurses and the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Mark Brown, inside the emergency department.
“I’m here to see what you do on day two,” the Senator said. “I appreciate your passion, and I wish you all the best.”
Making certain Kansas residents have easy access to affordable, quality health care has been one of the Senator’s core beliefs. He has spoken extensively in the past about the challenges facing rural hospitals in Kansas, citing the closure of facilities across the Sunflower state. He’s publicly supported Freeman’s efforts to reopen the city’s emergency department and establish the 10-bed acute medical center for Fort Scott and Bourbon County residents to utilize.
During his visit, Moran pledged to help expedite the process concerning the hospital’s upcoming credentialing survey conducted by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officials.
“His desire to be on site day two not only shows his support, but his continued commitment was evident with his offer to assist however he can to expedite the CMS survey process to receive our CMS certification,” Denton said, adding that he also has penned a letter of support in favor of the Freeman Fort Scott hospital to CMS officials. “That will be our final hurdle.”
Moran also pledged to look into the time-consuming process Missouri-based Freeman physicians must undergo to receive their required licensure to practice medicine in Kansas.
Having worked closely with Moran, via email and Zoom meetings, for many months, “I can tell you he is very passionate about affordable healthcare and making sure all rural communities have access to it,” Walden said.
For more information about Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. – located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. – and the services offered, visit freemanhealth.com.
###
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. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, 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.
What Does a Frozen Chicken Have to do with Trust? by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
If you ever have had your trust in someone broken, chances are the wound of betrayal took some time to heal. Repairing the damage will not be done overnight.
I know two individuals who had their companies stolen from them by underhanded co-owners; both ended up claiming bankruptcy. Some of my friends have caught their spouses in adulterous relationships. Death, they say, would have been better. Recently, I sat with a friend who shared that she caught her employees stealing from her. When she confronted them, they lied about it.
Our three sons are in the restaurant business. Jeff, the eldest, runs them. When they first started out, Jeff was warned by other owners in the dining business about how easy it is to have inventory stolen. It took Jeff little time to find out just how true that was. When Debbie, my friend in Mazatlán, Mexico, bought a restaurant, she was shocked at how much of her inventory ended up in employees’ car trunks. Only when a parking lot security guard told her what he saw late at night did she have reason to fire her workers.
Debbie’s friend Lisa, another restaurant owner, told Debbie that she had a chicken disappear every day for a year. When she finally realized that her head chef left work every night with his chef’s hat on, she demanded he remove it. Sure enough, there sat a frozen chicken, resting atop his head.
Whom do you trust? My daughter-in-law Kira is a flight instructor in the Colorado mountains. A couple of months ago, she was teaching an older gentleman how to fly. Part of the instruction is that the pilot has to stall the plane mid-air and then bring the plane out of the stall (one of several reasons I have no desire to get my pilot’s license). Kira teaches her students the proper technique, but this man failed to do what he had been taught. Kira had to take over to prevent a crash. The gentleman seemed unbothered and later said that he trusted that if something went wrong, Kira would make it right. Fortunately for him, she did.
If we’re going to trust, that person needs to earn our trust.
My daily Bible reading is in the book of Job. We all know him as the man who lost everything…except his nagging wife and three, know-it-all friends. Job questions God, imploring Him to explain why this has happened to him. In Job 29, he reminds God (and his “friends”) that he is a good man. He has helped the poor, the fatherless, the widow, the blind and the lame, and now they all have turned against him. God remains silent, even when Job’s buddies remind him how he obviously has done something to irritate God.
For 38 chapters, we read the verbal tug-of-war, and then God speaks. He doesn’t answer “why” Job was asked to endure what he did. He simply reminds Job of Who He is, of what He is capable of doing, and how no one should contend with him. In chapter 42, God admonishes the three friends for their lack of trust in Him and reminds them that Job has remained faithful.
God does not need to answer us when we question His ways. He has a greater plan and purpose that we may never understand. When I am tempted to ask the “Why” questions, I need instead to trust that His ways are not my ways. They are far greater than anything I can imagine.
Rom 11:34-36 is confirmation: “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.
People will fail us, but God never will.
Ad: What FSCC Offers
Looking for a college that gives you options? At Fort Scott Community College, students can choose from associate degrees in Arts, Science, Applied Science, and General Studies, along with a variety of certificates that lead straight to rewarding careers. Whether you’re interested in healthcare fields like Certified Medication Aide, Nurse Aide, EMT, Home Health Aide, Manicuring, or Phlebotomy, or want to take on a technical challenge with certificates in Ag Technology (John Deere), Construction, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Environmental Water Tech, Farm & Ranch Management, Harley-Davidson Technology, Heavy Equipment Operation, HVAC, Masonry, or Welding we’ve got you covered!
But college isn’t just about the classroom. FSCC offers plenty of ways to get involved through music and performance opportunities (band, choir, theater), student clubs and organizations (like Collegiate Farm Bureau, Phi Theta Kappa, SkillsUSA, STEAM Club, FSCC Media Team, and more), and even competitive judging teams in livestock and meat.
If athletics is more your thing, FSCC is home to intercollegiate sports for both men and women. Compete in basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, rodeo, track & field, or cross country, all while building friendships and representing the Greyhounds.
And the best part? We’re still growing. New programs, degrees, certifications, and athletic opportunities are on the horizon! There’s never been a better time to join FSCC!
Fort Scott Community College; where opportunity meets possibility.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Sept. 5
Agenda Packet for the Uniontown City Council on Sept. 9
The Uniontown City Council agenda for Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. at City Hall
ROLL CALL: ___ Jess Ervin ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Savannah Pritchett
___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Appoint city clerk and administer oath of office.
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Sally Johnson – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
- Minutes of August 12, 2025- 2026 Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting and August 14, 2025 Special Meeting
- August Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & September Accounts Payables
- Resolution 2025-0909-01 waiving the requirements of K.S.A. 75-1120a(a)
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Park Food Truck Outlets
Clerk Report:
Possible office hour changes
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilman Kelly –
Councilwoman Pemberton –
Councilwoman Pritchett –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
SEED Grant –
FEMA Flooding–
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by _____________, Second by __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.
ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________
Res 2025-0909-01 Audit Waiver for 2025
Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission Meeting on Sept. 2
CITY OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes of September 2, 2025 Regular Meeting
A regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting was streamed live on YouTube.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM. Roll call was taken. Commissioners Kathryn Salsbury, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, and Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Tim Van Hoecke.
In Attendance – Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/City Engineer-Earles Engineering & Inspections, Inc., Leroy Kruger/Codes Enforcement, Lisa Dillon/Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator, Lisa Lewis/City Clerk, Michael Hoyt, Jack Welch, Zac Crumby, Patrick Barnes/Olsson, Diane Striler, Anne Dare, and Harold Martin.
VAN HOECKE led the Pledge of Allegiance and WELLS said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, the Citizens, our Government and City officials.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION: WELLS moved to approve the amended agenda with the addition of Ben Hart/BakerTilly/Appearances and the removal of Item D/New Business/Action Items – purchase of the skid steer. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consent Agenda
– Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1391-A – Expense Approval Report – Payment Dates of August 13, 2025 – August 26, 2025 – $1,554,438.30
– Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of August 19, 2025
– Request to Pay – Invoice No. 527851 – Olsson – Project No. 024-06580 – FSK RSA Grading and Runway Lighting Project – AIP Project No. 3-20-0022-024/025-2025 – Design and Bidding (services rendered through February 1, 2025) – $41,850.00
– Approval of Resolution No. 20-2025 A RESOLUTION TO SUBMIT TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY, THE PROPOSITION OF LEVYING ONE-HALF PERCENT (0.5%) RETAILERS’ SALES TAX IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Public Comment
Harold Martin requested permission to comment during the discussion on the sale of lake lots which was granted.
Appearances
Zac Crumby – Request for Temporary Street Closure – Motorcycle Benefit Ride for KRI/Ride 4 Kids – September 13, 2025 – National to W. Oak from Wall St. – 3:00PM – 11:30PM – Last stop at Sharky’s.
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve the Temporary Street Closure for the ride for kids event from 3PM to 11:30PM on September 13, 2025 . WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Jack Welch – CHAMPS (H.O.T.) Heart of Texas Football Bowl
Welch, Founder and CEO of America’s Drug Free Productions, requested City sponsorship for the December 6th CHAMPS bowl game, a 501(c)(3) event promoting awareness on alcohol, drugs, bullying, and suicide. He seeks $30,000 in funding to cover team lodging and a banquet, though $20,000 would cover the game alone without the banquet. Ticket sales support future events. The game typically features a top Texas team against one from Kansas, Mississippi, or Arizona, though it would be canceled in case of bad weather. Welch will host the event at Frary Field.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to host the CHAMPS Heart of Texas Football Bowl with the City of Fort Scott with a donation to help cover those costs including the banquet of $30,000.00 out of the Special Alcohol/Drug Fund. OLSON seconded. VAN HOECKE, OLSON, and SALSBURY voted yes. WELLS and DANCER voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 3-2.
Ben Hart/Baker Tilly was available for Commissioners’ questions in preparation of the public hearing for the budget scheduled for September 16, 2025, including a 0.8 mill decrease.
New Business
Public Hearing:
Consideration of Resolution No. 21-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 102 N. BARBEE – L. Kruger
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
KRUGER gave a history of the structure as it pertains to code violations and Code’s Enforcement.
He stated the owner was unresponsive to outreach attempts, and the property is delinquent on
taxes. There we no other public comments.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 21-2025 a resolution directing the removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 102 N. Barbee. OLSON seconded.
DANCER, SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE and OLSON voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Consideration of Resolution No. 22-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 602 S. BARBEE – L. Kruger
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
KRUGER requested the item be tabled for another time because a gentleman has a contract with a realtor to buy the property. There we no other public comments.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to table the public hearing for 602 S. Barbee for (90) days. WELLS seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Resolution No. 23-2025 A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE AT 505 CLARK – L. Kruger
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to open the public hearing. OLSON seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
KRUGER gave a history of the structure as it pertains to code violations and Code’s Enforcement. He stated the owner was contacted and expressed no interest in fixing the property.
No public comments.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to close the public hearing. DANCER seconded.
MOTION: DANCER moved to approve Resolution No. 23-2025 a resolution directing the removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 505 Clark. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Action Items:
Consideration of Olsson proposal to perform the design and bidding phase services for KDOT-KAIP (Project No. AV-2026-16) – Olsson Project No. 025-04135 – Patrick Barnes/Olsson
BARNES presented the proposal from Olson to design and perform bidding services for taxiway lighting at the Fort Scott Municipal Airport was presented. The project is funded by a KDOT grant with a 90/10 split. He was present to answer questions.
MOTION: WELLS moved to allow Olsson to move forward. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Overview of MIH Grant Application as it relates to the proposal advertised for qualified residential developers (Applications due September 20, 2025) – L. Dillon
DILLON appeared to request permission to apply the MIH grant along with the Kansas Housing Investor
Tax Credit (KHITC). She stated that a Request for Proposals has been advertised and approximately (4) developers are interested. The grant being sought is $650,000, with approximately 10% allocated for down
payment assistance for moderate-income housing.
MOTION: WELLS moved to give permission to go after the MIH and KHITC grants. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Discussion of the Sale of Lake Lots – L. Dillon
DILLON stated that an individual had inquired about purchasing lake lots and wanted to know the process. Discussion was had about the remaining that were still open and owned by the City, and the previous sales. The Commission concluded that the topic and process needed to be discussed and reevaluated in the future.
MARTIN commented that he was encouraged that the Commission was taking a cautious approach on making the decision for further sales of lake lots. He expressed his concern about the health of the lake and recommended that they consider doing a bathymetric survey, environmental impact study and regular water quality testing. He also expressed concern about the sewer system and lift station at the lake regarding its ability to manage an increase of residents. He has brought these items to the City’s attention several times in the past.
Discussion was had on encroachment on City property and improvements at the lake.
MATKIN left the meeting at 7:01PM and returned at 7:03PM.
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to table the lake lot discussion until another time in the future, based on our previous procedures of selling lake lots, or until such matter is brought up again. DANCER seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Resolution No. 24-2025 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AUTHORIZING THE REDEMPTION AND PAYMENT OF ITS TAXABLE INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS, SERIES A, 2014 AND SERIES B, 2014 (SLEEP INN AND SUITES HOTEL PROJECT) AND THE SALE AND CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY TO FS HOSPITALITY GROUP, LLC
MOTION: OLSON moved to approve Resolution No. 24-2025. VAN HOECKE seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Consideration of Chip Seal Payment
MOTION: VAN HOECKE moved to accept the offer from Bettis for the Chip Seal payment at the reduced rate of $201,000.00 Olsson. DANCER seconded. DANCER, SALSBURY, VAN HOECKE and OLSON voted yes. WELLS voted no.
MOTION CARRIED 4-1.
Consideration of 99-Year Land Lease Agreement – M. Wells
MOTION: WELLS moved to table the discussion until September 16, 2025. SALSBURY seconded.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
Reports and Comments
CITY ENGINEER
– E. National Project Update
– Davis Lift Station
CITY ATTORNEY – Observation on American Legion representative for the car show, thorough and appreciative.
FARMER left the meeting 7:13PM and returned at 7:15PM
CITY MANAGER
– Franchise fees with Evergy – agreement expires February 2026
– Milling of Lee Circle Drive and Crescent Drive
– Curb and guttering work on Eddy Street
– 100th Year Celebration of Memorial Hall, Friday, Sept. 5 – 11:30AM
– Organizational chart for DANCER coming this week
– Memorial Hall renovation scope of work to come
ACTION: MATKIN will provide a Scope of Work for Memorial Hall project for bond consideration by September 16, 2025, meeting.
COMMISSIONER WELLS
– Additional activities on Skubitz Plaza
– Concerns about Lake Patrol and camping area improvements
– Evergy franchise agreement
– Bettis Asphalt
– Memorial Hall in combination with Library expansion for bond
COMMISSIONER OLSON
– Comments regarding city events and Commission is doing a good job
COMMISSIONER SALSBURY – No comments
COMMISSIONER DANCER
– Moody building status
– Revisit food truck ordinance September 16, 2025
– Sidewalk improvement in downtown district (mostly south side)
– Budget reports feedback to come Monday, September 8, 2025
ACTION: CITY CLERK to put food truck ordinance on September 16, 2025. MATKIN will look for SALSBURY’S submitted suggestions for the ordinance.
ACTION: DANCER will talk with MATKIN regarding the budget reports he is requesting.
COMMISSIONER VAN HOECKE
– Response to comments made by WELLS
Adjourn
MOTION: OLSON moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:36PM. DANCER seconded.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2025, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:36PM.
Submitted by Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk
Bourbon County Receives $1M For Bridge Project on Jayhawk Rd.
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Obituary of Charlotte Elaine Lucas
Charlotte Elaine Lucas, age 77, a long-time resident of Humboldt, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott, Kansas. She was born June 15, 1948, the daughter of Gerald Lee Stephens, Sr. and Evelyn Nadine York Stevens. Charlotte grew up in Humboldt and graduated from Humboldt High School. She was united in marriage to Lewis William “Bill” Lucas on April 25, 1981. Charlotte worked as a CNA and CMA at the nursing home in Humboldt for many years. She had been an active member of the First Baptist Church of Humboldt. Charlotte loved her grandchildren dearly and always wanted to spend time with them or hear about their activities. She also enjoyed spending time with her friend group known as the “Golden Girls.” She could often be found socializing at the senior citizens center or visiting the Humboldt Library. She also never missed Humboldt’s annual Bibelesta Parade.
Survivors include a daughter, Karon Schnichels (Troy) of Linn Valley, Kansas; ten grandchildren, Brandi Robertson, Heather Hillis, Megan Sherbon, Courtney Miller, Kyle Schnichels, Zayne Schnichels, Madgelene Harper, Eric Lee Lucas, Sarha McCormick, and Heath Lucas; twenty-eight great-grandchildren and twelve great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a daughter-in-law, Mandy Lucas, a sister-in-law, Lorraine Stephens and a nephew, Simon Stephens. Charlotte was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, on December 28, 2017. She was also preceded in death by a son, Eric Lucas, a daughter, Melody Lucas, a brother, Gerald Stephens, Jr. a grandson, Earnest Lucas and a great-granddaughter, Oaklynn.
Pastor Jerry Neeley will conduct funeral services at 10:00 A.M. Monday, September 8th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to Tri-Valley Developmental Center 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.
KS August Tax Collections Above Estimate
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Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Opens Following Successful Kansas Licensure Survey
Up and Running
FORT SCOTT, Kan. – As of 9:00 am Thursday, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. is open for business.
The official opening follows the successful completion of the Kansas Licensure Survey. This milestone marks a significant step forward in Freeman’s mission to expand access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare throughout Southeast Kansas.
“This has been an exciting, and very long journey with many working diligently to support the reopening of this hospital! The overwhelming support and positive response from the community has been humbling and we are so honored to join the Fort Scott community and reopen a hospital and emergency department for the Bourbon County residents, assuring they have access to inpatient and emergency care,” said Renee Denton, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals.
The last time Fort Scott residents enjoyed access to a full-service, hometown-based hospital was 2018, which has forced local residents to seek medical treatment in communities 30-plus minutes away.
“We are thrilled to open our doors in Fort Scott and begin serving this vibrant community,” said Matt Fry, Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and tireless efforts of community stakeholders and our entire team. We are deeply proud to bring Freeman’s standard of care to the people of Southeast Kansas.”
Freeman officials first announced the six-bed emergency department and 10-bed acute care hospital – located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. – to a crowd of nearly 150 local residents in June 2024.
“We had a staff huddle this morning and I told them, ‘It’s a great day to open a hospital,’” said Anita Walden, Chief Administrative Officer at Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. “Today is the culmination of 14 months in the making, and it’s been a lot of hard work by a lot of people to make today even possible. Of course, the support from the citizens of this community and from Bourbon County has been overwhelming.
“Our success will be dependent on the community utilizing the services of our hospital,” she added.
Freeman officials were notified Wednesday evening that the hospital had successfully passed the Kansas licensure survey. The survey is a rigorous process that ensures hospitals meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and patient care. Passing this survey affirms Freeman’s readiness to provide exceptional healthcare services in Fort Scott — and reflects the strength of the organization’s culture and commitment to excellence. Now, attention turns to passing a credentialing survey conducted by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officials.
Freeman Fort Scott Hospital offers a range of services designed to meet the needs of the local community, with a focus on accessibility, innovation, and personalized care. The opening represents not only a physical expansion, but also a cultural one — reinforcing Freeman’s values of compassion, collaboration, and community investment.
Freeman Health System extends its heartfelt thanks to every team and community member who contributed to this achievement. Their dedication and teamwork made this moment possible — and their continued efforts will shape the future of healthcare in the region.
For more information about Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc. and the services offered, visit freemanhealth.com.
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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 2025, 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. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, 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.
Fort Scott Freeman Hospital and Emergency Department Opens Today
At the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee this morning, Fort Scott Freeman Hospital Board members Lindsay Madison and Don Doherty announced they had received notice that the hospital and emergency department, long-awaited by the community, is open today. The hospital is located at 401 Woodland Hills, the former Mercy Hospital building.
More information will be provided as it becomes available from Freeman Hospital staff.