Stories from Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Change is in the air of Southwind Extension District Bourbon County Office. On June 2, Chris Petty, 36, joins the staff as the Livestock Production and Forage Management Extension agent. He is the second agent to join the Southwind District Extension in the past few weeks...

The situation currently facing Mercy Hospital is one that is not unique to Fort Scott, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott President Reta Baker said Monday. Hospitals across Kansas and the nation - including Mercy Hospital Fort Scott - are concerned with sustainability of health care for the future. Mercy officials said they are dealing with the costs of operations and health care, as well as other factors that are causing officials to look at making changes in the foreseeable future...

Former Fort Scott Community College baseball player John Means was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 11th round of the Major League Baseball draft on Saturday. Means pitched one season at FSCC and compiled a 6-0 record. He had a 0.88 ERA while striking out 36 hitters in 31 2/3 innings. He only allowed 14 hits while limiting opposing batters to a .131 batting average. Means earned 1st Team All-Region Honors, according to FSCC information...

and Miller Architects discussed three potential school bond package options during the regular USD 234 Board of Education meeting Monday night. Jackson outlined the top three choices a school bond steering committee will likely recommend to the board later this month at a special meeting. All three options include a "baseline foundation" of maintenance, mechanical, and structural repairs...