Stories from Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Mary Blankenship, a beacon of light and love, born in Fort Scott, Kan., on June 23, 1952, was called to her eternal home on Aug. 27, 2025. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to so many throughout her 73 years of life. Mary spent her entire life in the tight-knit community of Fort Scott. ...

Edward Lee Ramsey, age 60, went to meet his Lord and Savior on Aug. 28, 2025. Ed was born in Independence, Mo., on May 2,1965.He was the beloved son of Leonard Roscoe Ramsey and Mary Louise Ramsey and nephew of Martha Ann Gentry. He was the proud and loving father to Garrett and Rebecca Ramsey, Tanner Ramsey, and Yheana Josol...

Kenneth Bradley Hart, age 88, of rural Garland, quietly slipped away on Aug. 30, 2025 at his home. Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. ...

Bourbon County Commissioners have tabled discussion on a 90-day extension for Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., related to billing for Medicare and Medicaid. During a special meeting Friday, commissioners discussed amending an agreement with Freeman that would provide an extension for the hospital until Dec. 3 regarding approval of a waiver concerning billing for Medicare and Medicaid insurance. They ultimately agreed to table discussion until their next meeting...

The Fort Scott Commission on Tuesday voted to put funds toward an effort to host a college football bowl game in December. After a presentation by Dr. Jack Welch, president of Fort Scott Community College and founder of the Communities Helping Americans Mature, Progress and Succeed (CHAMPS) program, commissioners passed by a 3-2 vote a motion by Mayor Tim VanHoecke for the city to host the CHAMPS Heart of Texas Bowl and provide a donation of $30,000 from the city’s drug and alcohol fund to help cover the costs of a banquet for the participating teams.. ...