Category Archives: Area News

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

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

Leave a comment
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.”

###

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

Leave a comment
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.”

###

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

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

 

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

1 Comment

 

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.

###

Area News, Food

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

Leave a comment

 

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

Leave a comment

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.

###

I70 WB Closure 10.30.25

This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For information about obtaining an alternative format, email the KDOT Division of Communications, or phone 785-296-3585 (Voice)/Hearing Impaired – 711.

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.

This service is provided to you at no charge by Kansas Department of Transportation.
Area News, Health Care

NRMC IV Infusion Services Gives Patient Hope & Vision

Leave a comment

 

When Kathy began experiencing pain and issues with her eye, she was referred to a specialist in Arkansas.  She was diagnosed with Graves’ eye disease, an autoimmune condition that attacks the tissues behind the eye, causing pain and inflammation.  Kathy’s case was severe enough that she was losing her vision.  When the specialist told her that she needed infusions to treat the condition and that it needed to be done in Arkansas, Kathy advocated for herself and spoke with her primary care provider, Teresa Reed, FNP-C.  Ms. Reed worked with Pharmacy Director, Jodee Mashek, Pharm.D. to ensure that Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) could purchase and infuse the needed medication.

Kathy is the 1st patient with Graves’ and thyroid eye disease to receive the Tepezza infusion treatment here at NRMC.  She will receive the infusion every 3 weeks, for a total of 8 infusions.  Kathy has received 2 infusions thus far and has already noticed a great improvement.  She has been able to discontinue some pain medication and notes the treatments have stabilized her vision.  Without the infusions, she would most likely lose her eyesight.

Kathy works in the Specialty Clinic at NRMC processing incoming physician referrals and takes great pride in getting patients in quickly and advocating for patient care.  She stated “I love NRMC & have had nothing but great experiences here in my healthcare journey.  I encourage other patients to ask questions of their care providers when care is needed to see what options are available in order to stay close to home.”

To learn more about the infusion services offered at NRMC, call 417-448-3693.  A provider referral is required.

###

About Nevada Regional Medical Center
NRMC is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital providing comprehensive health care services.  Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties including ear, nose & throat, family practice, general surgery, gynecology, internal medicine, orthopedics, pain management, pediatrics, psychiatry and wound care services. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in cardiology, dermatology, neurology, podiatry, pulmonology and urology.

NRMC is centrally located between Kansas City and Joplin along the I-49 corridor.

Area News

Feedlot and Dairy Operations Incentives For Water Efficiency Available

Leave a comment

MANHATTAN, Kansas —The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Conservation (KDA–DOC) is pleased to announce the availability of funds in the form of cost share assistance and incentive payments to assist commercial feedlots and dairy operations with livestock water efficiency technology. The Kansas Livestock Water Efficiency Project is part of the state’s ongoing effort to encourage water conservation and to seek solutions for water challenges in the state.

This initiative is designed to enhance and/or upgrade current large-scale livestock watering systems in commercial feedlots and dairies by providing cost share assistance for practices such as upgrading to high efficiency livestock waterers, water controls, and water recycling systems.

KDA–DOC will accept applications from October 15, 2025, to the close of business November 14, 2025. Equipment purchases and subscriptions made before application approval by KDA–DOC are not eligible for this initiative. Eligible applicants must hold a current livestock water right with the state of Kansas.

Funding is provided through appropriation from the State Water Plan Fund and the program is administered by KDA–DOC in consultation with the State Conservation Commission.

Applications for this livestock water efficiency cost share funding must be made through KDA–DOC. Find more information about the project including the application and more details about funding eligibility at www.agriculture.ks.gov/DOCLivestockWater or email Jake Dooling at [email protected].

###

Area News, Government, Kansas

Add Your Voice to Regional Transportation Priorities On Oct. 7

Leave a comment

LOCAL CONSULT TUESDAY
This is the information on the Local Consult meeting in Pittsburg, Kansas on Oct. 7, 2025.

Local Consult meeting in Pittsburg Oct. 7 to focus on regional transportation priorities

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is seeking input from the public on regional transportation priorities at Local Consult meetings across the state in October.

“For people in communities from Paola to Pittsburg, Chanute and the surrounding area, Local Consult is a fantastic opportunity to let us know their priorities for the Kansas transportation system,” said KDOT District 4 engineer Darrin Petrowsky. “I always find it encouraging when people come together to share what’s important, and I’m looking forward to the discussion on October 7.”

People in southeast Kansas (KDOT District 4) are invited to participate –

PITTSBURG – 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Oct. 7:

Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium, 503 N Pine St.

Attendees will also hear about transportation investments being made in their area and learn about various grant funding programs available through KDOT.

People can attend other upcoming regional Local Consult meetings set for –

WICHITA – 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Oct. 8: Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 E. 29th St. N (metro area).

TOPEKA – 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Oct. 9: Maner Conference Centre, 1720 SW Western Ave.

PRATT – 1 to 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13: Pratt Community College – Benson Education Center, 348 NE Sr 61 (south central Kansas, District 5).

LIBERAL – 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Oct. 14: Seward County Activity Center, 810 Stadium Rd. (southwest Kansas, District 6).

COLBY – 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Oct 15: City Limits Convention Center, 2227 S. Range Ave. (northwest Kansas, District 3).

KANSAS CITY – 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21: Great Wolf Lodge, 10401 Cabela Dr. (metro area).

SALINA – 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Oct. 23: Tony’s Pizza Events Center, 800 The Midway (north central Kansas, District 2).

 

STATEWIDE VIRTUAL MEETING: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 28: Please register in advance – visit Local Consult | Kansas Department Of Transportation to attend the virtual meeting.

Local Consult meetings occur every two years to provide Kansans opportunities to ask questions and speak with local, state and federal officials about transportation needs across the state.

 

To email for more information, click here