Stories from Tuesday, November 16, 2021

A “perfect storm” of events led to the collapse of Fort Scott Community College’s nearly-century old football program, according to FSCC President Alysia Johnston. Johnston released a written statement to media on Monday, and also spoke to the Tribune about the reasons behind the recent decision by college leaders to terminate the football program that has been in existence since 1923...

Bringing a hospital back to Bourbon County will be a long process, but the chief executive officer of the company contracted to conduct a feasibility study said Tuesday they are ready to move forward with the idea. Fort Scott city and Bourbon County officials met with officials from Noble Health of Kansas City, Mo., to get a glimpse of the feasibility study data. The county contracted with Noble Health to conduct a study to determine if opening a hospital in Bourbon County is feasible...

Ronald Lee Wadel, 72, Richards, Mo., passed away at KU Medical Center on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021 following an unexpected illness. Ron was born in Dodge City, Kan., on Nov. 20, 1948 to Frank and Anna Wadel. On Nov. 14, 1975 he was united in marriage with Deborah Kaye McDonald and she preceded him in death on June 13, 2016. He reconnected with childhood schoolmate Karen (Jamison) Cuendet. They were united in marriage on April 17, 2021 and she survives of the home...

Lifelong Fort Scott resident Maybelle Mertz, 100, passed away comfortably at her home on Nov. 15, 2021. Mrs. Mertz was born and was raised in Fort Scott. She was born on Feb. 6, 1921, the daughter of Harlan and Mabel (Hicks) Spencer. She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1939. She and Jim Mertz were married Jan. 20, 1945, at their home in rural Fort Scott, and he preceded her in death May 30, 1982...