The upcoming closing of Mercy Hospital Fort Scott was announced the same day Jody Hoener punched the clock for the first time as Bourbon County’s economic development director.
On Tuesday, commissioners said the announcement means the newly created economic development director position is more important than ever. “It’s a very sad day for Bourbon County with the closing of the Fort Scott hospital,” Commission Chairman Lynne Oharah said. “Our hearts go out to the employees that are affected because of this dramatic change in their lifestyles.
“It’s going to be up to the county and the city to move forward with a plan that will benefit Bourbon County. So we just have to take the news as we’ve got it and we’re going to have to move forward.”
“Out biggest nightmare was realized yesterday,” Second District Commissioner Jeff Fischer said. “There’s challenges ahead.”
(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)