Alva Review-Courier -

FORT SCOTT, Kan. (AP) — Sisters of Mercy, a Catholic women's organization founded in Ireland in the 19th century, began providing health care in southeast Kansas with its establishment of the original 10-bed hospital in Fort Scott in 1886. One century and three decades later, by then officially managed by Mercy Health Foundation, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott had expanded to a 46-bed acute care facility serving not only Fort Scott but surrounding areas as well.

Then, late last year, Mercy announced the hospital would be closing at the beginning of February. For many in the community, the news was...