Stories from Saturday, August 1, 2015

A week after approving repairs to the south parking lot retaining wall, Bourbon County Commissioners took steps Tuesday to do further courthouse renovation. Commissioners met with local historian Arnold Schofield, who has been helping the county locate historical funding sources. He reported attending the Heritage Trust Fund Grant workshop held July 22 in Topeka...

There is optimism about Mercy Hospital Fort Scott's future, according to President Reta Baker. Baker said she anticipates continuing to provide all current services and looking for opportunities to add services at the local hospital. "We don't anticipate any significant or drastic changes for the community," Baker said. "We will be responsive to the changes that impact health care, just like everybody will have to be."...

For Wilma Leach, it's time to step down. Leach, the director of Mother to Mother Ministry of Bourbon County since its beginning in 1998, recently announced that she is retiring effective Aug. 31. The nonprofit organization, which helps mothers and families facing various needs, may have to cease operations if a replacement for Leach is not found...

Norma Jean Campbell, 82, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Thursday Morning, July 30, 2015. She was born May 5, 1933 in Fort Scott, Kan., the daughter of Lester (Pete) and Marion Dudley. During high school, Norma was worldly advisor to the Rainbow Girls, president of FHA, member of the Methodist Youth Fellowship and received a pin for not missing a Sunday for 18 years, and was drum majorette for the band while also editing the band newspaper "The Stinger." She taught swimming lessons and cashiered at the Whitesides' Grocery Store on Market Square. ...

Ruby M. Kutina, age 88, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Friday, July 31, 2015, at Fort Scott Manor. She was born June 4, 1927, in Ellis, Kan., the daughter of Henry Kutina and Stella Parsons Kutina. Ruby had made her home with the Tri-Valley for many years and also assisted in their workshop until moving to the nursing home. In earlier years, she enjoyed dancing...