Category Archives: Area News

Area News, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Tri-Valley Developmental Services, Sept. 3

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Chamber Coffee

Thursday, September 3rd
8am
@ Tri-Valley Developmental Services
4305 Campbell Drive

We hope to see you there!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to attend this week’s Chamber Coffee hosted by Tri-Valley Developmental Services. 4305 Campbell Dr. on Thursday, September 3rd, at 8 a.m.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, along with a door prize drawing.

Tri-Valley Developmental Services empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, and participate fully in their communities. Through residential, employment, day, case management, and horticultural services, Tri-Valley helps individuals build independence, pursue meaningful opportunities, and feel a sense of belonging.

Representatives will also share information about upcoming events supporting their programs, including the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Fall Golf Classic on September 12th, garden mum preorders with pickup September 21st through 25th, and the Autumn Plant Sale on September 26th. The plant sale will feature mums, winter pansies, ornamental cabbage, houseplants, garden items, and décor.

For more information about Chamber Coffees or other Chamber events, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

Tri-Valley Developmental Services

Tri-Valley Developmental Services

Tri-Valley Developmental Services

Tri-Valley Developmental Services

Tri-Valley Developmental Services Facebook Page

Greenhouse at Tri-Valley Facebook Page

Area News

U.S. 69 survey to begin today, Aug. 31, in Crawford County

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Kansas Department of Transportation - Southeast District Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aug. 28, 2026

Contact: Ray Nolting | 620-902-6433

U.S. 69 survey to begin Aug. 31 in Crawford County

Beginning Monday, Aug. 31, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin a survey on 11 miles of U.S. 69 in Crawford County to gather information necessary for the design of proposed intersection improvements.

The survey of U.S. 69 will look at multiple intersections on the corridor: East 510th Avenue, East 520th Avenue, East 530th Avenue, Centennial Drive, South Olive Street, K-126/Fourth Street, West 20th Street, Atkinson Road, the Frontenac corridor and East 610th Street.

Survey activities will include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the corridor. A member of the survey crew will contact property owners or tenants for permission to enter private property.

KDOT expects this survey to be completed by early March 2027.

Ernie Cantu, Survey Project Manager for PEC, will oversee this survey. For questions, please contact KDOT Public Information Officer Ray Nolting at (620) 902-6433.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert, follow posted signs and refrain from hand-held mobile device use in all active work zones. For current road conditions, visit kandrive.gov or call 511. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/projects/southeast-kansas-projects.

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Area News, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Fall Town-Wide Garage Sale Set for Sept. 11–12

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Fall Town-Wide Garage Sale Scheduled for September 11–12

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites residents to participate in the Fall Town-Wide Garage Sale, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 11–12.

Community members are encouraged to register their garage sales to be included on the official garage sale map for a fee of $12. The map helps shoppers easily locate participating sales throughout Fort Scott and is distributed throughout the community prior to the event.

Local businesses and organizations also have the opportunity to promote their products and services by purchasing a business card-size display advertisement on the official map for $35. Advertising space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Garage sale registrations and advertising reservations may be completed in person at the Chamber office, online through the Chamber’s website, or by calling the Chamber office to register by credit/debit card or Venmo.

The deadline to register a garage sale or reserve advertising space is 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 8.

Printed copies of the official garage sale map will be available beginning at 12 p.m. Thursday, September 10, at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce office and participating local businesses. The map will also be available online through the Chamber’s website and Facebook page.

For more information, to register a garage sale, or to reserve advertising space, contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 or visit fortscott.com.

Fort Scott's Fall Town-Wide Garage Sale Flyer – September 11–12, 2026

Area News, Church news

GriefShare Weekly Support Group at Community Christian Church

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Are you grieving a loss? Find hope and healing after the death of a loved one by joining GriefShare, a weekly grief support group meeting at Community Christian Church in Fort Scott.

When: Tuesdays, 6–8 p.m., August 25 – November 17

Where: Community Christian Church, 1919 S. Horton St., Fort Scott, KS 66701

Contact: Jon Bailes — [email protected] | 620-224-3437

Register: griefshare.org/findagroup

Area News, Health Care

Nevada Hospital Recieves Sleep Lab Accrediation

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NRMC Achieves Sleep Services Accreditation With ACHC

 

Nevada, MO Nevada Regional Medical Center proudly announces that the Respiratory Therapy Department has renewed its accreditation through Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for Sleep Lab services upon successfully passing the accreditation survey on June 9, 2026.

 

This achievement recognizes the hard work, clinical excellence, and attention to patient safety demonstrated by the NRMC Respiratory Therapy and Sleep Lab teams.  The accreditation recognizes NRMC’s dedication and commitment to providing high-quality sleep care services, including home sleep testing and in-lab services, in accordance with nationally recognized standards.

 

“Sleep accreditation validates the quality of care our team delivers every day,” noted Andrea Miller, RRT, Respiratory Therapy Manager.  “It confirms that our processes, technology and patient care meet the rigorous national benchmarks.”

 

“Having accredited sleep services available locally at NRMC allows patients to receive timely diagnosis and treatment close to home, which makes a real difference for individuals and families in our community.”

 

Sleep disorders can have significant negative health impacts including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression, obesity, and more. Symptoms of a sleep disorder include snoring, breaks and pauses in breathing while sleeping, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, the urge to move legs or uncomfortable feeling in the legs at night, excessive sleepiness during the day, and reduction in concentration, memory, and attention.

 

If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, please make an appointment to discuss this with your primary care provider, who can recommend appropriate sleep testing at NRMC.

 

For more information about sleep studies and respiratory therapy services, please visit www.nrmchealth.com/sleep-center, or contact us at (417) 667-3355 ext. 3183.

 

 

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Area News, Health Care

Freeman Acquires Pinamonti Wellness Center

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Freeman Health System Announces Acquisition of Pinamonti Wellness Center  

 

 

JOPLIN, Mo. — Freeman Health System is pleased to announce the acquisition of Pinamonti Wellness Center, a respected community-focused fitness and wellness facility known for its commitment to performance, longevity, and whole-person health.

The center is located at 1014 Mt. Carmel Way, Pittsburg, KS.

 

This strategic investment represents a significant step forward in Freeman’s ongoing commitment to expand access to high-quality orthopedic care, rehabilitation, and preventive wellness services across the region. By integrating Pinamonti Wellness Center into its care network, Freeman is strengthening its ability to support patients across the full continuum of musculoskeletal health, from injury prevention and recovery to long-term performance and well-being.

 

“This is a meaningful opportunity to bring together two strong programs with a shared focus on patient outcomes and whole-person health,” said Mick Ward, Director of Professional Support for Freeman Health System. “Together, we are enhancing access to services that help patients stay active, recover more fully, and live healthier lives, close to home.”

 

Located in a modern, state-of-the-art facility, Pinamonti Wellness Center will complement Freeman’s growing Orthopedic Medicine program by offering expanded programming, stronger integration between clinical care and wellness services, and access to leading physicians and care teams.

 

Freeman Health System also looks forward to supporting the Center’s long-term growth by investing in resources and programming that strengthens community health and empowers individuals to lead more active, healthier lives.

 

“At Freeman, we believe care should extend beyond the walls of a hospital,” Renee Denton, MO/KS Market President for Freeman Health System added. “This partnership allows us to meet people where they are, supporting movement, recovery, and wellness in ways that improve outcomes and enhance quality of life.”

 

The acquisition reflects Freeman’s continued focus on expanding access, strengthening communities, and delivering high-quality care where patients need it most.

 

 

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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System is a not-for-profit health system serving communities across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas through a network of hospitals, physician clinics, outpatient locations, and specialty services. The system includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, and the Freeman Health System facilities in Bentonville, Springdale, Willow Creek, and Siloam Springs. Freeman Health System also operates Ozark Center—the region’s largest provider of behavioral health services, and offers comprehensive cancer, cardiology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, and women’s and children’s services. The system is supported by more than 7,000 employees and is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit Freeman Health System.

 

 

    

#YourHealthIsWhyWeCare

 

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Hosts Annual Spring Fundraiser, Boardwalk BBQ

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Submitted photo.

A crowd of 172 attended the 2026 Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation annual spring fundraiser on Friday, May 1st.  Doors at the SEK Impact Center opened at 5:30 pm.  Décor was provided by Lisa Wolverton of Hitch and Hoedown Rentals.  Approximately $15,000 was raised during the evening from stretch, silent, and live auctions.  Following last year’s successful appearance, Robbie Bell once again provided entertainment throughout the evening.

Attendees were treated to a delicious meal of barbecue chicken, pulled pork, potato salad, baked beans, lettuce salad, and roll furnished by Mark Hall.  Dessert was cobbler, provided by Brenda Harrison of Sassy Chef’s.  Neosho County Community College students helped serve the meal.  Door prizes were courtesy of the TVDS greenhouse in Fort Scott and Jennifer Deitsch State Farm.

As in year’s past, the live auction was the highlight of the evening.  Dave Petersen served as auctioneer and did a fantastic job.  For 2026, our featured trips were courtesy of Monarch Cement and included a trip for two to Nashville and a trip for two to San Antonio.  Other items auctioned off include:  a Breckenridge CO vacation package courtesy of Home Savings Bank; a Branson MO vacation package courtesy of Community National Bank; a full-size recliner courtesy of Ruddick’s Furniture in Fort Scott; and Dinner for 10 courtesy of Brenda Harrison.  Thank you to the local merchants that provided gift baskets for both the silent and stretch auctions.  Thank you to Larry Holman for serving as the evening’s photographer.  The pictures are amazing.

Submitted photo.

All money raised from the evening will go towards the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation projects.  Since 2001, the Foundation has built six homes and acquired nine additional homes and a duplex.  The houses are located in our communities of Buffalo, Chanute, Fort Scott, Humboldt, Iola, Moline, and Neodesha.  These houses are home to 92 of our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by Tri-Valley Developmental Services.

“The evening was fantastic”, said Bill Fiscus, CEO. “The food, drawings and conversation were phenomenal.  Thank you to everyone who attended.  We hope you had an enjoyable evening and look forward to seeing you all in 2027.”

A big thank you goes to the evening’s sponsors.  Promenade Level:  Monarch Cement Company

Colonnade Level: Acrisure; Cardinal Drug Store & Gifts; Community National Bank – Chanute; Hofer & Hofer & Associates; Larry Holman; IMA; Dave Peterson Auction Services; and Smith Law Office, LLC

Esplanade Level: Ash Grove; Hitch & Hoedown; and Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips, CPA

Arcade Level: Bank of Commerce; CASA of the 31st Judicial District; Cheney Witt Chapel; LeRoy Coop; Mertz Tax Service; SEK COOP; and Shields Motor Company

 

 

Area News, Fort Scott, Youth

Raj Gugnani, Fort Scott High School Senior, Elected Attorney General At Kansas Boys State

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from left: State Treasurer Baron Rodvold; Lieutenant Governor Beckett Romain; Governor Bo Barkley; Attorney General Raj Gugnani; and Secretary of State Jackson Roberts. Submitted photo.

 

 

June 2, 2025 — Bo Barkley, a resident of McPherson, Kan., and a senior-to-be at McPherson High School, has been elected governor of the 2026 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas. The announcement was made this evening during the Kansas Boys State evening retreat at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

 

Barkley, the Kansas Boys State Federalist Party governor candidate, and his lieutenant governor running mate, Beckett Romain, a resident of Wichita, Kan., and a junior-to-be at Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, won the election over the Nationalist Party governor candidate Burklee Jackson, a resident of Concordia, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Concordia High School and his lieutenant governor running mate, Alexander Caldwell, a resident of Overland Park, Kan., and a senior-to-be at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

 

Election results for other state offices:

(Name, Party, Hometown, High School – all cities/high schools in Kansas unless noted; all are seniors-to-be)

  • Secretary of State — Jackson Roberts, Nationalist, Spring Hill, senior-to-be at Spring Hill High School, defeated Keaden Yim, Federalist, Lenexa, senior-to-be at Olathe Northwest High School.
  • Attorney General — Raj Gugnani, Federalist, Fort Scott, senior-to-be at Fort Scott High School, defeated Jace Daugherty, Nationalist, Andover, senior-to-be at Andover High School.
  • State Treasurer — Baron Rodvold, Federalist, Wichita, senior-to-be at Derby High School, defeated Alex Ray, Nationalist, Winfield, senior-to-be at Winfield High School.

 

Kansas Boys State Governor Barkley will give his inaugural address tomorrow (Wednesday, June 3) at 8 p.m. at K-State’s McCain Auditorium. The event will conclude with the Kansas Boys State band, chorus and talent show.

 

Wednesday evening’s festivities kickoff at 7:30 p.m. with a flag retirement ceremony at the World War II Memorial in front of McCain Auditorium. The event is an observance of the proper respect for the American flag and how unserviceable flags are properly disposed. The honor guard from the American Legion Pearce-Keller Post No.17 in Manhattan will present the ceremony. Dr. John Lindholm, a 1949 KSU graduate who provided the dog tags as a model for the “Tags of Honor” sculpture at the World War II Memorial, was a longtime Kansas Boys State staff member as a Legionnaire advisor before passing away in January 2020. Both events on Wednesday night are open to the public.

 

High school students from across the State of Kansas are participating in the 2026 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, which started on Sunday (May 31) and ends Saturday, June 6, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This is the program’s 34th consecutive session at KSU and 88th overall. The Kansas Boys State program includes students who have just completed their junior year of high school (will be seniors in the fall) and sophomore year of high school (will be juniors in the fall).

 

The objective of the ALBSK is to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Kansas Boys State provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

 

— #KSBoysState —

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

 

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.

 

Area News

Freeman Health System Completes Acquisition of Northwest Health, Expands Regional Care  

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Joplin, Mo. – Freeman Health System today announced it has completed its acquisition of Northwest Health in Northwest Arkansas following the close of its purchase agreement with a subsidiary of Community Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CYH). The system’s care network now includes Freeman Health System – Bentonville Medical Center, Freeman Health System – Springdale Medical Center, Freeman Health System – Willow Creek Medical Center, and Freeman Health System – Siloam Springs Medical Center, along with associated outpatient centers, physician practices and a workforce of approximately 2,200 dedicated employees.

 

“Welcoming Northwest Health into the Freeman network supports our commitment to long-term growth and enhances our ability to provide compassionate, coordinated care across a broader regional footprint,” said Matthew Fry, President and CEO of Freeman Health System. “Northwest Health’s hospitals and care teams bring tremendous strength to our organization, and together, we’re elevating care delivery, expanding access to essential services, and investing in the health of the people and communities who rely on us every day.”

 

The acquisition marks Freeman Health System’s first expansion into Arkansas and reflects the organization’s Freeman Forward strategy to increase access to high-quality, community-focused care while advancing clinical collaboration, operational excellence, and innovation across the Four-State region. The announcement follows several recent growth initiatives across the system, including the opening of Freeman Fort Scott Hospital late last year.

 

“As one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S., Northwest Arkansas sits at the center of powerful economic forces, with leading retail, food, and logistics companies driving sustained population growth,” Fry added. “We owe it to these communities—both new and longtime residents—to ensure access to high-quality healthcare that keeps pace with growth and reflects the care people expect and deserve.”

 

While teams from both organizations continue immediate-term integration efforts, long-term goals for the newly expanded system include:

  • Addressing a growing need for behavioral healthcare in Northwest Arkansas by expanding specialized mental health and substance use services
  • Empowering local teams to enhance care delivery and sustain community-focused services
  • Increasing access to maternal care
  • Expanding specialty care services, including cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics
  • Strengthening recruitment and retention efforts to educate, train, and hire the next generation of providers

 

Northwest Health patients will continue to have access to care and valued providers at the facilities they know and trust, now backed by the strength and resources of the region’s largest local healthcare provider. There will be no changes to the insurance plans accepted at the facilities or practices. Naming updates will continue to be shared in the coming months, and the community can expect ongoing updates.

 

For more information, visit freemanhealthnw.com.

 

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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System is a not-for-profit health system serving communities across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas through a network of hospitals, physician clinics, outpatient locations, and specialty services. The system includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, and the Freeman Health System facilities in Bentonville, Springdale, Willow Creek, and Siloam Springs. Freeman Health System also operates Ozark Center – the region’s largest provider of behavioral health services, and offers comprehensive cancer, cardiology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, and women’s and children’s services. The system is supported by more than 7,000 employees and is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit Freeman Health Syste

 

 

    

 

Area News, Health Care

Nevada Regional Medical Center Receives Healthcare Accreditation

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Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality seal

Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) was recently surveyed by the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality (CIHQ) and has successfully met the requirements for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating compliance with CIHQ Standards and the Conditions of Participation by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

NRMC was subjected to a rigorous onsite assessment May 19, 2026. The CIHQ team toured the hospital, reviewed medical records, observed care practices, and interviewed staff and patients.  The purpose of the survey, to obtain a Stroke Ready Hospital designation, has been in process since early 2026.  The Emergency Department team of physicians and nurses have been preparing for several months to ensure a successful outcome.  Acute Stroke Ready Hospitals can provide the specialized treatment for patients experiencing stroke symptoms.  Stroke program coordinator Melissa Gould, BSN, RN notes, “NRMC has been providing this level of care for some time, however, achieving this special designation at the state level will allow our local EMS crews to deliver patients here rather than traveling to the next closest facility to provide this time critical intervention.  When it comes to stroke care – time is brain.  Our goal is to provide our patients with rapid evaluation and administration of clot busting therapies to ensure the best possible recovery outcomes.”

“CIHQ’ goal is to partner with hospitals to improve the care provided in our communities,” states Richard Curtis, Chief Executive Officer of CIHQ. “CIHQ is proud to recognize Nevada Regional Medical Center for achieving accreditation and reflects NRMC’s commitment to safety and quality patient care.”

NRMC will submit this accreditation to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ Time Critical Diagnosis System to apply for designation as a Level III Stroke Center.

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Area News, Health Care

Freeman Health System Appoints Renee Denton as Market President    

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Joplin, Mo. — Freeman Health System announced today the appointment of Renee Denton as Market President for the Missouri/Kansas market, effective May 18.

 

Denton brings more than 38 years of combined clinical and operational hospital experience to the role and has served Freeman Health System for 17 years, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of Rural Hospitals. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated steady, mission‑driven leadership and a strong commitment to quality care, team development, and the communities Freeman serves.

 

“Renee is a trusted and respected leader within Freeman Health System,” said Matt Fry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freeman Health System. “Her deep understanding of our organization, her background as a nurse, and her collaborative leadership style make her uniquely positioned to support system alignment and guide our continued progress across the region.”

 

As Market President, Denton will focus on strengthening alignment across Freeman’s Missouri and Kansas operations, supporting leaders and teams, and advancing the health system’s strategic priorities.

 

“I am honored to step into this role and continue serving Freeman Health System and our communities,” Denton said. “I’m proud of the work our teams do each day and look forward to building upon that work together.”

Freeman Health System is a locally owned, not‑for‑profit health system serving more than 400,000 people across the four‑state region, offering comprehensive care in local communities.

 

 

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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., and Ozark Center—the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services—as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics, and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.

 

Area News, Health Care

Michael Herr Named VP Market COO at Freeman Health System

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Michael Herr
Michael Herr. Submitted photo.

Joplin, Mo. — Freeman Health System is pleased to announce the addition of Michael Herr as Vice President, Market Chief Operating Officer for the MO/KS market.

Herr is an experienced Chief Operating Officer with a demonstrated history of leadership in the hospital and health care industry. He brings strong expertise in analytics, operations, management, and healthcare improvement, along with advanced knowledge of healthcare systems and the regional landscape Freeman serves. He holds a Master of Business Administration in Health/Health Care Administration and Management from the University of Texas at Tyler.

“We are excited to welcome Michael to Freeman Health System,” said Matt Fry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freeman Health System. “His leadership experience, regional understanding, and commitment to operational excellence will be instrumental as we continue strengthening care and access for our communities.”

Herr will officially join the Freeman team on Monday, May 18.