Category Archives: Area News

Area News

NRMC Foundation Tree of Shining Memories 

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Where Every Life is Extraordinary & Honored as Sacred

 

The holiday season is a time to take pause, come together, and create memories with those around us. The NRMC Foundation Tree of Shining Memories provides a unique opportunity for our community members to come together and honor the special people in their lives by participating in this annual tribute ceremony. By doing so, participants are also supporting a worthy cause that will strengthen the quality of healthcare services provided to the community by Nevada Regional Medical Center.

 

The Tree of Shining Memories program began in the early 2000’s as a way to benefit Hospice services.  It has continued through the Foundation for nearly twenty five years.  NRMC Foundation Director Jennifer Eaton said, “the holidays are a natural time to think about family and loved ones who are no longer with us.  The Tree of Shining Memories is a great way to honor their memory in a positive and meaningful way.”

The sparkling lights of the Tree of Shining Memories honor the memory of our loved ones as their legacy continues to shine.  Lights can be purchased from the NRMC Foundation for $10.  Registration forms are available at the hospital information desk, clinic lobbies, or can be printed off the hospital website at www.nrmchealth.com/tosm. The names will be displayed in the lobby of the hospital throughout the month of December.  Those received by Monday, December 15th will also be printed in the holiday edition of the Nevada Daily Mail Saturday, December 20th.

An evening of remembrance will take place on Friday, December 5th in the hospital lobby at 5:15 pm.  Eaton noted “family and friends are welcome to gather for this special naming and lighting ceremony.  We are moving this ceremony inside at the hospital this year so that attendees can appreciate this reading of solitude in a climate controlled environment and still have time to return to the square to enjoy the annual Christmas parade afterwards.”

EVENING OF REMEMBRANCE             

Friday, December 5th

              NRMC Main Lobby

              Reading to begin at 5:15 p.m.

 

For further information about the Tree of Shining Memories, call the NRMC Foundation at 417-448-3710.

 

 

Area News, Business

Voice Your Opinion on the Atmos Energy Rate Increase Request

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Kansas Corporation Commission to hold a public
hearing on Atmos Energy rate increase request

TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) will hold a public hearing on December 2nd to give Atmos Energy gas customers the opportunity to learn more about the company’s rate increase request, ask questions and make comments before the Commission. Atmos is requesting approval to increase rates by $19.1 million to recover costs already incurred by the company to support safe and reliable service for its Kansas customers.

If approved, the average residential bill would increase by 11.2%. For a residential customer with average usage, that equates to an increase of approximately $9.12 per month. Atmos is also proposing a rate increase for commercial, public authority, school, large industrial, and transportation customers.

The public hearing will be held at Regnier Hall Auditorium on the KU Edwards Campus located at 12610 S. Quivira Rd in Overland Park beginning at 6 p.m. To make the hearing accessible for Atmos customers across the state, a virtual option through Zoom is available, giving remote participants a chance to comment and ask questions as well. Zoom participants must register in advance on the KCC’s website  by noon on December 1. The hearings will also be broadcast live on the KCC’s YouTube channel and recorded for later viewing. Registration is not required to view on YouTube.

The Commission is accepting written comments through 5 p.m., January 20, 2026. Comments may be submitted on the KCC’s website, by mail to the Commission’s Office at 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604-4027 or by calling the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.

The Commission will issue an order on the application on or before March 24, 2026.

 

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Area News, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

CHC/SEK Names New Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer: Ashley Hopkins

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Ashley Hopkins. Submitted photo.

CHC/SEK Names Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer

PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is pleased to announce Ashley Hopkins has been named Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer.

Hopkins joined the CHC/SEK team in January 2023 as the Vice President of Human Resources. She has more than 10 years of experience in human resources and has served more than 19 years in the healthcare industry. Hopkins also currently serves as a STARS board member. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University and a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources from Pittsburg State University.

“During her tenure at CHC/SEK, Ashley has been instrumental in the complete reorganization of our human resources division,” said Krista Postai, CHC/SEK Chief Executive Officer. “She has spearheaded a variety of initiatives including improving recruitment and benefits, maximizing our payroll system, simplifying and tracking staff education, and increasing employee engagement.”

In her new role, Hopkins will continue to oversee the human resources division. Her new responsibilities will include serving on the CHC/SEK leadership team, participating in the Board of Directors meetings, and serving as coordinator of the Board’s personnel committee.

“Our staff is our greatest asset,” said Postai. “It is imperative we have HR in the room during all key organizational decisions.”

“I’m excited to expand my role within CHC/SEK. Growing with an organization that empowers HR to be more than just completing tasks and checking boxes is truly inspiring,” said Hopkins. “Our team remains focused on supporting employees at every stage of their careers as well as strengthening the culture that makes CHC/SEK such a special place to work. When we take better care of our employees, they can focus more on the quality, compassionate care they are known for.”

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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.

 

 

 

Area News, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Health Care

Brenda Stokes Named V.P of CHC/SEK Nursing and Quality

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Brenda Stokes. Submitted photo.

CHC/SEK Names Vice President of Nursing and Quality

PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is pleased to announce Brenda Stokes, RN, BSN, has been named Vice President of Nursing and Quality.

Stokes joined the CHC/SEK team in 2020 as the Vice President of Quality Improvement, overseeing quality initiatives and regulatory compliance. She has more than 18 years of experience in quality improvement and has served for more than 30 years in the healthcare industry working at local hospitals and nursing homes. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Pittsburg State University and is also a certified professional coder.

Under her leadership, CHC/SEK received several recognition badges from the Health Resources and Services Administration, acknowledging high performance in a variety of clinical areas. Stokes has also ensured CHC/SEK maintains its status as a National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home, a care model that centers around each patient and their individual needs.

“Brenda has continually demonstrated the ability to translate concept into reality and, as a result, CHC/SEK has earned national recognition in its management of chronic disease and in preventative health promotion,” said Krista Postai, CHC/SEK Chief Executive Officer. “She’s done an incredible job of integrating quality into our nursing operations, and we are extremely lucky to have her.”

In her new role, Stokes will lead the nursing team in addition to the quality department, ensuring quality care for the patients and communities CHC/SEK serves.

“I’m very excited to continue working with the Quality team and to take on this larger role within our clinical operations,” said Stokes. “We have a great nursing staff, and I look forward to supporting them in the incredible work they do every day.”

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About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) serves as a healthcare hub for communities in Kansas and Oklahoma. CHC/SEK delivers quality, integrated care to nearly 90,000 patients each year with a goal of improving health, sustaining rural communities, and providing purpose-driven work to 950 staff members. Beyond healthcare, CHC/SEK finds innovative ways to improve lives by focusing on education, housing, and transportation. Regardless of income or insurance status, CHC/SEK ensures everyone receives the care they need. For more information, visit chcsek.org.

 

 

 

Area News, Government

K-146 to be closed Nov. 18 east of Walnut

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K146 Walnut

K-146 to be closed Nov. 18 east of Walnut

WALNUT – K-146 east of Walnut will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 18, so a Kansas Department of Transportation crew can replace a drainage pipe under the highway.

The highway is expected to be closed just for the day, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., conditions permitting. The 24-inch pipe is located 4 miles west of the K-3 and K-146 junction in Crawford County. KDOT will close K-146 from the east city limits of Walnut to K-3.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.kandrive.gov, for more highway condition and construction details. For updates on construction projects in southeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/southeastnews.

 

Area News, Entertainment, History

Roosevelt Living History Performance in Pittsburg on November 20

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Step Back in Time with Teddy Roosevelt:

Stilwell Heritage and Education Foundation Presents Dinner with Teddy Roosevelt – November 20, 2025

Pittsburg, KS – The Stilwell Heritage and Education Foundation invites the community to an evening with America’s most dynamic president, Theodore Roosevelt, brought vividly to life through a captivating living-history performance on Wednesday, November 20, 2025, in the Timmons Ballroom at the Stilwell Hotel, 707 N. Broadway, Pittsburg, Kansas.

This engaging event features nationally recognized Teddy Roosevelt reenactor Joe Wiegand, who embodies the 26th president’s larger-than-life personality—his grit, humor, and vision that shaped a nation. Performing as Theodore Roosevelt, Wiegand will share stories from Roosevelt’s lifetime. From battling asthma and taking boxing lessons as a young boy to challenging special interests as President of the United States, Wiegand brings Theodore Roosevelt to life with energy, intelligence, and wit reminiscent of the original. Following a 45-minute presentation, he will take questions from the audience as Teddy Roosevelt.

“We’re thrilled to bring this kind of living history to Stilwell,” said Foundation President Lyndon Lawson. “It’s a chance for families, students, and history lovers to connect with the past in a way that feels alive and relevant today. It’s as if we are able to step back in time to when Teddy Roosevelt spoke at the Hotel Stilwell.”

Proceeds from the event will support the Stilwell Heritage and Education Foundation’s ongoing efforts to preserve the historic building, renovate the apartments for senior and low-income housing, and provide educational programming for the community.

Tickets are on sale now for $45.00 each (which includes dinner, drink, and dessert). Doors and the silent auction will open at 5:30 p.m. Meet-and-Greet tickets can be purchased for an additional $20.00; the VIP Meet-and-Greet will begin at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.givebutter.com/stilwelltrevent or by calling the Hotel Stilwell. Seating is limited, so advance purchase is strongly encouraged.

Join us for a night of inspiration, laughter, and history as President Roosevelt himself takes the stage and reminds us to “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

Event sponsored by Explore Crawford County, Pittsburg State University, and the Stilwell Heritage and Education Foundation.

Area News

Local Community Foundation Match Week is November 10-14

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FSACF’s Match Week 2025 is Almost Here!

The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) is expanding its annual Match Day event into Match Week, taking place from Monday, November 10 through Friday, November 14, 2025!

Match Week is an exciting fundraising campaign to help provide matching funds for community contributions to participating charitable funds. Match Week is a way your generosity can have an even greater impact in supporting our community by amplifying your donations. FSACF is offering $25,000 in matching funds this year!

“Match Week is one of my favorite times of the year because it really shows what our community can do when we come together,” said Becky Tourtillott, FSACF Board Chair. “Thanks to the generous support of the Patterson Family Foundation, every gift made adds up to something even bigger. We’re so grateful for their commitment to helping rural communities in Kansas grow and thrive. It’s a great reminder that when we all pitch in, good things happen right here at home.”

CACF charitable funds participating in Match Week this year:

  • Anna Faye Steele Memorial Fund
  • Care to Share Cancer Support Group
  • Pratt and Pauline Irby Endowment Fund
  • DuVall Family Memorial Endowment Fund
  • First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Fort Scott Endowment
  • Fort Lincoln School House Endowment Fund
  • Fort Scott Area Chamber Foundation
  • Fort Scott Area Community Foundation General Endowment Fund
  • Fort Scott Area Public Parks Endowment Fund
  • John Valentine and Patricia Jean Neff Health Care Fund
  • Robert Gordon Steele Memorial Fund
  • Shepherd Family Endowment Fund
  • Shirley Yeager’s Animal Friends Foundation Endowment

Donations are accepted online, in-person, or via mail during Match Week. Please visit FortScottGives.org to see a full list of funds and how to donate.

Area News

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEAST KANSAS ANNOUNCES WILL NORTON AS NEW DONOR ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

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The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is excited to announce the hiring of Will Norton as its new Donor Engagement Officer!

Will comes to CFSEK and its affiliates, the Columbus Area Community Foundation, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, and the Girard Area Community Foundation, with a passion for networking and a love of community. He will be leading CFSEK’s donor engagement efforts, which includes building relationships with donors and organizations to assist them with achieving their charitable goals.

“We are thrilled to welcome Will to the team,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “He is a great fit for this newly created position, which will help the Community Foundation provide better engagement and outreach across Southeast Kansas. The more connections we build, the more resources and funds we can provide back to our communities.”

A native of Dallas, but a graduate of Chanute High School, Will attended Pittsburg State University, receiving his undergraduate degree in fitness management and his master’s degree in physical education. He was also a Sigma Chi, where he later served as a chapter advisor. He most recently worked for Backyard Discovery as an account manager.

“I’ve been fortunate to meet a lot of great people in Southeast Kansas,” Will said, “and I am passionate about building relationships with people, so this is right up my alley!”

When Will is not working with donors, he can be found supporting his 3 kids at their school events, playing poker, being a singer in a band, or tinkering with cars.

When asked about his new position, Will had this to say, “I am so excited to get to do some good for this community, because I love this Southeast Kansas community we all get to call home!”

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas has awarded over $2.3 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2025 and has facilitated over $25 million in grants since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with a wide variety of charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.

 

Area News, History

CATO CELEBRATES ITS PIONEER HISTORY WITH CATO DAYS

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The annual Cato Day will be presented by the Cato Historical Preservation Association on Saturday, November 8th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Admission is free.

 

Cato, Kansas – The annual Cato Day will be held on Saturday, November 8th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Cato, Kansas.  This free event, organized by the Cato Historical Preservation Association to celebrate Cato’s pioneer heritage, begins with sign-in at 9 a.m.  Visitors are welcome to arrive any time, but we kindly ask that they sign our guest book.  The day’s activities will start at 9:30 with music and history presented by Matt Wells and friends in the historic Cato Christian Church.  At 10:30, a cavalry drill led by Matt Feild will be presented in the area behind the church, and at 10:45, in the “Old Stone School,” Anna Portwood Swank, Elizabeth Portwood Thompson, and Jamie Thompson will discuss the school’s history.  This will be followed by a historical re-enactment of the 1860 Settler Removal in front of the Pioneer Cabin at 11:30. At 12 noon, we will take an outdoor lunch break with musical entertainment by Jim Harris and the Players Circle.  Cowboy Stew, prepared by Shawn Pryer and the Mighty MO Chuck Wagon crew, will be available, with proceeds benefiting the preservation of Cato’s buildings and supporting educational events for local school children.  Shawn will demonstrate Chuck Wagon and Dutch oven cooking.  Throughout the day, presenters will show guests what life was like in the 1800s, and the Southeast Kansas Antique Tractor Club will display and demonstrate vintage tractors. At 12:30, there will be a raffle for a beautiful quilt donated by longtime member, Sue James of Texas.  The highlight of the event begins at 1 p.m. with a hayrack wagon ride, led by Joe Bournonville, to various local historical sites.  The hayrack ride and Cato Day will end at 3 p.m.  All times are approximate.

Booklets about the history of Cato and the Cherokee Neutral Land (present-day Crawford and Cherokee Counties) will be available for sale.  The Cato Store will also be selling other Cato-related merchandise, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more. Cash or check only.  Proceeds from the quilt raffle, “Cowboy Stew,” books, and merchandise support the preservation of Cato’s historic buildings and Cato Kids’ Day, which is held every year for local fourth and fifth-graders.

Cato is located in the northern part of Crawford County, off Hwy 69.  From Hwy 69, turn west on 720th Avenue, and follow the signs to Cato.  Directions can be found at http://catoschool.com/.  The Cato Historical Preservation Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the buildings and history of Cato and the surrounding area. These buildings include the “Old Stone School,” built in 1869; the Cato Christian Church, built in 1915; and a full-sized replica of a cabin the early settlers would have used in the 1860s. The “Old Stone School” is on the National Register of Historic Places.  A stone bridge, part of the “Old Wagon Road,” can also be seen on the property.  Cato is an open-air museum, and its buildings are only open to the public a few times a year, so don’t miss this unique opportunity to spend an afternoon of entertainment and enlightenment in historic Cato.

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Area News, Food

SEKAAA is Awarded Community Foundation Grant of SEK for 60+ Nutrition Program.

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The Community Foundation of SEK awarded a grant to SEKAAA 60+ Nutrition Program to purchase silverware, bowls, and drinking cups for dining participants. “The number of people coming to our meals sites have grown in the last year, and we added a meal site in Fort Scott, which caused the good problem of needing more tableware”, said Tabitha Torres, SEKAAA Nutrition Coordinator. “Our participants really like the upgrade. It enhances the dining experience.”

Individuals 60 and older can receive a meal at any of the SEKAAA meal sites that are located throughout the SEKAAA 9-county service area. Participants must call at least 24 hours prior and there is a requested donation of $2 per meal. Inability to pay does not prevent the person from receiving a meal. For more information about the SEKAAA 60+ Nutrition program people can call 620-431-2980 or go to www.sekaaa.com.

“It becomes so much more that getting a health meal,” Kathy Brennon, SEKAAA Executive Director, “they develop friendships and encourage each other.”

About SEKAAA
The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging is committed to improving the quality of life for older adults and their families through advocacy, education, and access to community resources. Serving 9 counties in Southeast Kansas, SEKAAA provides services that promote independence, dignity, and well-being.

Area News, Government

Interstate Highway 70 Closed Westbound In Topeka This Weekend

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Weekend closure scheduled on westbound I-70 in Topeka

Westbound I-70 will be closed through downtown Topeka this weekend while the Kansas Department of Transportation completes pavement patching on the Polk-Quincy Viaduct.

Conditions permitting, westbound I-70 will be closed between 10th Avenue and MacVicar Avenue starting at 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. The closure will be in place until work is complete, or no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2.

The 10th Avenue exit will be the last westbound exit open for motorists. Through traffic will follow signed detours and be routed south to I-470, or north to K-4 to U.S. 24 to U.S. 75. Drivers can use the local street detour: 10th Avenue to Topeka Boulevard to 6th Avenue to MacVicar Avenue to the westbound I-70 on-ramp.

The 1st Street on-ramp to westbound I-70 will remain open during the closure.

Additional I-70 closures may occur if more work is needed on the viaduct. If necessary, KDOT will work with the City of Topeka to schedule the closure and provide information when available.

Both directions of I-70 will stay reduced to one lane until construction of the viaduct’s replacement is complete. More information about the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project can be found at ksdot.gov/I-70-Polk-Quincy. 

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zones. For current road conditions, visit KanDrive.gov or call 511. For updates on highway projects in northeast Kansas, visit ksdot.gov/NortheastNews.

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I70 WB Closure 10.30.25

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