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Noble Health Announces Reopening a Hospital in Fort Scott
Fort Scott will get a new hospital.
The Fort Scott City Commission and the Bourbon County Commission signed a contract in July 2021 to facilitate Noble Health Corp’s feasibility study of reopening the former Mercy Hospital building as an acute care hospital.
Today, the decision was announced by Noble Health Corp. to move forward with the project.
Bourbon County, the City of Fort Scott, and other government officials and members of the community gathered in the McAuley Center at the former Mercy Hospital this morning to hear the announcement.
Rob Harrington, Bourbon County Rural Economic Development; Drew Solomon, Noble Health Corp.; Clifton Beth, Bourbon County Commissioner; Fort Scott Mayor Kevin Allen; Merrill Atwater, Noble Health; Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt; U.S. Senator Jerry Moran; and U.S. House of Representative Jake LaTurner all spoke at the event.
The facility will reopen as Noble Health Bourbon County Community Hospital.
Harrington said that approximately 100 jobs will be available in the new hospital and that a Request for Quote will go out in a couple of weeks for the first phase of the construction process.
The whole process could take a year to complete, he said.
The building is located at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. on Fort Scott’s south side, just west of Hwy.69.
Mercy Hospital closed its doors in December 2018, following declining patient numbers and shrinking reimbursement for services.
The building currently houses the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas clinic and the Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department. Fort Scott Community College has used the patient rooms on the west side of the facility for student housing for the last few years. On the ground level is I Am Rehab Physical Therapy and Fitness and a hair salon, Diamonds in the Marketplace.
“Ascension Via Christi will be staying for a longer period and is currently working out the details of a long-term lease with Noble,” Harrington said in a later email. “CHC’s lease will be expiring at their current location (December 2022), however, they will be continuing services at their new location at the old Price Chopper building after build-out. Also, CHC has been told that they have as long as they need to stay at their current location if the build-out takes longer than expected.”
Background of the Project
Noble Health Corp., Kansas City, announced on June 25, 2021, the contract for the study.
To view the Noble Health Corp. announcement:
Reopening An Acute Care Hospital In Fort Scott Being Explored by Noble Health
The city contributed $200,000, the county contributed $800,000 towards the feasibility study, according to the contract. The local government entities used American Rescue Plan money from the federal government for the project, according to Bourbon County Commissioner Clifton Beth.
The American Rescue Plan Act 2021 can be viewed at ARP Act SxS – as of 02.22.21.pdf (house.gov)
The feasibility study investigated the condition of title to the development property, the physical condition of the property, the zoning, the economic feasibility, and all matters relevant to the acquisition, usage, operation, valuation, and marketability of the property and the project, as the developer deemed appropriate
The county government agreed to contribute at least $2,000,000 to finance certain costs and expenses related to and associated with the project, according to the contract.
Continue reading Noble Health Announces Reopening a Hospital in Fort Scott
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Jan. 31
Talking, Walking, and Chewing Gum by Carolyn Tucker
Keys to the Kingdom
We’ve heard the colloquial expression, “She can’t walk and chew gum at the same time.“ There’s some truth to that because we’re not supposed to talk on the phone and drive at the same time. Blabbing is a huge distraction from whatever I’m trying to do. That’s why I don’t really want anyone in the kitchen while I’m fixing a meal — “I can’t think what I’m doing.” One time I was talking on the phone while walking briskly in my pasture (killing two birds with one stone). After the conversation ended, I walked to the house and suddenly realized my legs had turned to rubber and were completely worn out. I hadn’t the foggiest idea I‘d talked and walked for an hour!
We don’t know much about Enoch in the Old Testament, but his brief biography always inspires me. He was the great grandfather of Noah, and a prophet who preached to the unbelievers of his day about God‘s judgment to come. “Enoch lived 365 years, walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him” (Genesis 5:23,24 NLT). This particular Bible translation specifically mentions how Enoch lived — which was walking in “close fellowship with God.”
Enoch’s departure was a fading away, a ceasing to be here. Can you imagine the possibility of God saying: “You know what, Enoch, we‘ve walked so far today that we‘re closer to My house than yours. Why don‘t you just come home with Me?” Enoch was translated into God’s presence without experiencing death. He simply walked his race right through the pearly gates. I wonder what Enoch’s family thought when he didn’t come home for supper after his daily walk.
In 1963, J. S. Eastman composed the lyrics and music to the song, “I’m Nearer Home (Than I was Yesterday)” as recorded by the Happy Goodman Family. I wonder if Enoch‘s life could have inspired these words: “I’m nearer home than I was yesterday. I’m closer to God along the way. Each step I take, each prayer I pray, I’m nearer home than I was yesterday.” Enoch had persevering attention for God and was an excellent model of what it meant to draw close to God. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8 NKJV).
The New Testament records Enoch as a great example of faith: “It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying — ‘he disappeared, because God took him.‘ For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God‘” (Hebrews 11:5 NLT).
I’m grateful that God continues to work with me as I walk with Him. “I am confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in me will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6 NKJV). It’s comforting to know I’m a work in progress until my last breath. If believers keep walking in close fellowship with God, we’ll keep coming up higher and higher in our trust and obedience. And one amazing day we’ll find ourselves in the splendors of heaven with all the other heroes of faith.
The Key: Keep walking and talking with God and, when all is said and done, He’ll take you Home.
Obituary of Lois Reeder
Lois Marie Reeder, age 84, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Friday, January 28th, at the Via Christi Emergency Room, Ft. Scott.
She was born March 30, 1937, in Richards, MO, the daughter of Ross and Alvaretta Richmond Rowland.
She married Roy Reeder on September 26, 1961. He preceded her in death on November 30, 2016
. Lois worked most of her life on the family farm. She also worked at Key’s and Citizens National Bank in Ft. Scott, and later as a CNA at nursing homes in Uniontown and Moran until retirement.
She enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles and spending time with her grandchildren. Lois was a member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.
Survivors include a daughter, Annette Leighty and husband Jerry, Ft. Scott; 2 brothers, Raymond Rowland, Richards, MO, and Ronald Rowland, Springfield, MO; 2 sisters Louise Rowland and Loretta “Jopey” Erwin, both of Nevada, MO; 4 grandchildren, Rose Briggs, Christopher Lamb, Raven Paul, and Jake Leighty; 6 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by a sister, Loraine Deming, and her parents.
Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 10:30 Tuesday, February 1st, at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.
Burial will follow in the Deerfield Cemetery, Deerfield, MO.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 10:30 Tuesday prior, to the service at the Church.
Memorials are suggested to Grace Baptist Tabernacle and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Trust by Gregg Motley
The foundation of every business transaction is trust. I hire a contractor because I trust they will do a quality job, even when the work is below ground or behind a wall, and I cannot see it. We trust a bank to take care of our money. We believe an insurance company will honor our legitimate claims. When we open a package, we take it for granted that the food inside was prepared safely. When trust diminishes, more accountability is required to complete a business transaction, and the price increases.
During my 65 years of life, it seems as if a large quantity of trust has eroded from our culture. I do not know who or what to blame; is it the 24-hour news cycle, social media, or just the diminished character of our people? I would love to hear your views on the topic.
The precious commodity of trust was formerly one of the great benefits of living in the country versus the city; one knew their neighbors, acted in ways that benefited the community, and the consequences for violating trust were instant. In the city, an element of mistrust shadows every interaction because of the lack of familiarity; however, apparently, “familiarity does breed contempt.”
A tidal wave of mistrust has hit rural America, and we are paying the price. In the last twelve years, I have spoken to several people who moved to the country out of urban settings to find peace, community, and the trust that big cities naturally lack, and they have been sorely disappointed. Many people have headed back to the asphalt jungle.
I can draw only one conclusion: rural America is paying a much larger price for this negative megatrend than our cities. Americans are losing their faith and trust in the traditional values of small-town America. Without trust in Bourbon County, one just as well conduct business in the big city where less is expected.
We cannot change this megatrend, but we can change ourselves. How do we re-establish trust? The answers are basic and traditional:
- Be a person of your word.
- When you make a mistake, apologize.
- When a person errs and tries to correct it, forgive.
- If you are offended, go to that person, not the phone or social media.
- Be proactive in looking for ways to build community.
- Expect less from others and more from yourself.
- When you conduct a business transaction, give excellent value.
Economic development depends on the precious commodity of trust. At the heart of Bourbon County REDI is the drive to build trust in all areas of the Bourbon County geography, the business community, and the public sector. Without trust, we will not succeed. We believe that together, we can make a difference.
Call for Entries – Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Art Exhibit – 2022
The Bourbon County Arts Council announces its 30th Annual Fine Arts Competition and Exhibit, to be held at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, Thursday, March 10th, through Saturday, March 12th.
The mixed media 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 new themed category has been included; the theme this year is “The Eye of the Beholder”.
An artist may create a piece in any of the above media categories, as it relates to the theme.
Entry fees are $7.50 per piece for Bourbon County Arts Council members and $10.00 per piece for non-members. Artists may enter up to five pieces, but only three in any one category. Entry deadline and payment are due by March 4th, 2022.
Cash awards totaling greater than $3500.00 will be made, for Best of Show in 2D and 3D, First and Second Place winners in each category, and a Popular Vote winner.
Entry forms may be requested by calling Deb Anderson at 620-224-8650, Deb Halsey at (620)224-0684, or e-mailing [email protected].
PLEASE NOTE: We are no longer accepting pieces shipped to BCAC for entry into the exhibit.
The schedule for this year’s Exhibit is as follows:
Entry forms and payment, as stated above, are due by March 4th. No late entries will be accepted.
Artwork will be accepted at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on March 6th, between 1 and 4 pm.
Juror critique of the artwork will occur on March 9th; this is closed to artists and the public.
The BCAC will host a Chamber Coffee Thursday, March 10th at 8:00 am at the Ellis Center; artists are invited to attend.
The Exhibit will be open for public viewing on Thursday, March 10th and Friday, March 11th, from 12:00 pm until 7:00 pm, and on Saturday, March 12th, from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.
A reception, open to the public, will be held for participating artists and the Juror on Thursday evening, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
The Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center is located at 2108 Horton St., Fort Scott, Kansas.
FS Commission Agenda for Feb. 1
Minutes are unapproved until the 2/1/2022 meeting.
NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL
CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM
123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
FEBRUARY 1, 2022
6:00 P.M.
Call to Order
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Roll Call:
P. Allen J. Jones T. Van Hoecke M. Wells K. Allen
II. Flag Salute:
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Invocation: Led by: Sergeant Bill Downey, Fort Scott Police Department
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Consent Agenda:
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Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of January 18th, 2022 and special meeting of January 27th, 2022.
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Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1305-A totaling $241,893.82.
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Approval of Certificate of Substantial Completion – Union Lofts Alley
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Request to Pay #2 – Davis Structure & Development Corporation – $77,775.50 – Clarifier #1 Replacement
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Request to Pay – SAM, LLC – $5,889.00 – Manhole Inspections for GIS Mapping System
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Request to Pay – Nuss & Farmer – December legal fees – $1,727.00
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Public Comment:
(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)
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Old Business:
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Wage Study – Approval of Ordinance No. 3601 – Salary Ordinance
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Appearances: Alison Leach
Nedra Barr – Spyder Company
Frank Halsey – Kansas NICA Race
Rob Harrington – Neighborhood Revitalization Program
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Public Hearing: None
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New Business:
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Consideration of Resolution authorizing the Redemption and Payment of its Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2015-A (Bourbon County Assisted Living Project), and authorizing the City to Consent to the Assignment of certain documents in connection with its Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2015-B
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Discussion of R.F.Q. – City Attorney
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Discussion of R.F.Q. – City Engineer
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Review Letters of Interest for Land Bank Board
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Consideration of 2022 contract with Bourbon County R.E.D.I.
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Discussion of docks at Lake Fort Scott
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Consideration of demolition bids – 619 S. Ransom
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Consideration of survey of land by Bourbon County Landfill
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Consideration to purchase an asphalt emulsion storage tank
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Consideration to send out for bids – three waterline projects
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Consideration of water rate analysis
XII. Reports and Comments:
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City Manager Comments:
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Director Reports:
Codes Enforcement – Discussion of City fees
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Commissioners Reports and Comments:
D. City Attorney Reports and Comments:
XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)
IX. Adjournment:
Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for The Beauty Lounge Feb. 3
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Obituary of Kennedy Leihsing
Kennedy Ladine Leihsing, age 15, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at the Via Christi Emergency Room in Ft. Scott.
She was born March 27, 2006, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Winona Jolene Bosley and Scott Ryan Perkins, who was her daddy figure.
Kennedy was currently a sophomore at Fort Scott High School.
She will be remembered for her loving and outgoing personality. She enjoyed drawing, singing, sewing and doing crafts. She also liked to read books to her younger siblings and write poems. Kennedy loved her family and especially enjoyed going on outings with her “Pee-Paw”.
Kennedy loved watching Mack Evans and learning about Jesus. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and her family finds comfort in knowing that she is with Him in heaven.
Survivors include her mother, Winona Bosley, Scott Perkins and grandparents, David Bosley and Avis Leihsing Bosley all of Ft. Scott and siblings, Lance, Luke, Clayton, Tanner, Chandler, Jordan, Drake, Dillon, Trinity and Kendall. Also surviving are aunt and uncles, Chad and Sara Bosley and Steve Bosley and great-uncle and great-aunt, Eric and Iris Byrd.
She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Junior and Darlene Leihsing and great-great-grandmother, May Jones.
Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 2nd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Kennedy Leihsing 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.
Obituary of Robert Adams
Robert Dean Adams (Bob) age 76 of Fulton Ks went to be with the Lord on Jan 27, 2022. He was born May 6, 1945, in Fort Scott, Kansas to Ward and Josephine Wutke Adams.
He graduated from Fulton High School the class of 1963.
He married Arlene Swickard on May 24, 1964 at the Fulton United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of the home, Arlene and his children Laurie Daly (Max) and Daryl Adams (Misty) of Fulton, Kansas. Six grandchildren, Randall Daly (Morgan), Bryce Daly (Danyelle), Kelsey Adams (Mercedes Chaplin), Kayla, Nate, and Jacob Adams. Three great-granddaughters and one great-grandson on the way and two step-great-grandchildren. Also, surviving are brothers Bill Adams (Donna), Ed Adams (Carolyn), Jerry Adams (Judy), and many nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Ward and Josephine, and one sister Shirley White.
Bob lived and grew up on a farm west of Fulton. His first job off the farm was at Midwest Auto in Fort Scott. He then went to work at Western Ins. in 1964 in the supply department and then became an examiner. He moved the family to Southern Illinois in 1973 to be a field rep for Western Ins. In 1977 he returned to his homestead in Fulton to the love of farming with his Dad. They grew milo, wheat, corn, and soybeans. He loved farming and continued until he had to quit and retire because of MS in 1992.
He and Arlene sold the farm and moved into the town of Fulton where they still live. He became an avid woodworker repurposing old furniture into new again. He could build anything. Going to the wood show with his brothers became a cherished annual event for several years. He also enjoyed the great fishing trip to Canada he got to take one year with his brother-in-law and nephews.
Bobby A, as he was lovingly referred to by longtime family friends will be greatly missed. He was a kind and giving soul. He was a loving husband, father, granddad, and brother.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, January 31, 2022, at the Fulton United Methodist Church.
Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. Sunday afternoon at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to the Fulton United Methodist Church 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.
Bourbon County Coalition Meets Feb. 2
The regularly scheduled Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition General Membership meeting will be Wednesday, February 2, in the Conference Room at the Scottview Apartments, 315 S. Scott.
General Membership Meeting Agenda
February 2, 2022
- Welcome:
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Program: Tanya Cliffman with Warming Hearts.
- Open Forum:
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be March 2, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.