Bourbon County officials said Tuesday they have moved beyond the fact-finding stage and now are in the planning phase of retaining an ambulance service.
On Oct. 1, Mercy announced it would close Mercy Hospital Fort Scott on Dec. 31, which means the county is now responsible for providing an ambulance service to its citizens.
Since then, Bourbon County Economic Development Director Jody Hoener, County Counselor Justin Meeks and Third District Commission Nick Ruhl have been researching options for an ambulance service. They said Tuesday they have been working with the city of Fort Scott about the issue.
(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)