Category Archives: Area News

COVID-19 Infiltrates Moore-Few Care Center

 

Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) has been supporting an investigation and response to an outbreak of COVID-19 at Moore-Few Care Center that began last week.

The first case was discovered through routine testing of the staff on Oct 20th. Since then 39 residents and 23 staff have tested positive. Family members of all residents have been contacted and close contacts identified and contacted as well.

The administration and staff of Moore-Few are working closely with federal and state health departments to contain the spread of the virus and are following all recommendations to protect every individual on the premises. Residents have been separated, with all COVID-19 positive cases moved to rooms in one wing of the building. Unless symptomatic, employees are being tested twice a week and residents are tested weekly. Visitation continues to be prohibited.

“This is a situation we take very seriously,” said Holly Bush, Chief Quality Officer at NRMC. “The health and well-being of our long-term care residents, and everyone in our health system, is our top priority. That is why we need everyone to follow the public health guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the people in our community who are vulnerable to severe illness from the virus.”

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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

Peerless Expands to Iola

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Peerless Products Expansion to Create Over 100 Jobs in Iola

~ Peerless Expansion Represents Largest Job Announcement in Allen County Since 1994~

IOLA – Governor Laura Kelly today celebrated the announcement of Peerless Products, Inc., purchasing a 150,000-square-foot facility in Iola to expand its production capability.

Peerless estimates the expansion will create 100 to 120 new full-time jobs in Iola over the next five years, with a capital investment of $10.35 million.

“Peerless is a fantastic, homegrown Kansas company with a long history in Fort Scott. I appreciate its leadership team recognizing all that Iola and the entire Southeast Kansas region has to offer, and for choosing to expand in Allen County,” Governor Kelly said. “With our engaged team at the Kansas Department of Commerce, my administration will continue to identify new and dynamic business opportunities, build relationships, and support further economic projects in Allen County and across our state.”

Governor Kelly joined Scheduling and Purchasing Manager for Peerless Products Josh Granere, Iola Mayor Jonathan Wells, Thrive Allen County President and CEO Lisse Regher, and Secretary of Commerce David Toland for today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Kansas-based Peerless produces high-performance architectural aluminum windows and doors for new construction, replacement and historical construction for high-rise and institutional buildings. The expansion of its operations will allow the company to begin to diversify its product line by moving into commercial windows.

“I’m honored to help celebrate a significant economic development win for our state—one that marks the beginning of a new chapter for Peerless Products and the workforce in Iola and Southeast Kansas,” Secretary Toland said. “Congratulations to Peerless and to our local partners on making this ambitious vision for growth a reality.”

“With our continued growth in Fort Scott, where we currently have 400 employees, we needed to find additional space for the creation and production of our new G800 product line that we believe will be a leader in commercial low-rise windows,” President of Peerless Products Coby Jones said. “We pride ourselves in being best in class, and we intend to continue and build upon that reputation in Iola.”

The State of Kansas, City of Iola and Allen County partnered to secure the Peerless expansion project, which is the largest job announcement in Allen County since 1994.

The below photos are available for media use:

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Peerless-1.jpg

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Peerless-2.jpg

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Peerless-3.jpg

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Peerless-4.jpg

All In for Kansas Kids 🌟 Weekly Update!

Update | October 24, 2020

Hello Early Childhood Partners,

New support is available for Kansas renters and landlords via the Kansas Eviction Protection Program. Find out more, including how to apply, in the email update below. And with Halloween one week away, please take a minute to share this Halloween COVID guidance from the Department of Health and Environment with your families to help them stay safe and have fun.

Stay safe and be well. 

NEW – Kansas Eviction Prevention Program!

Home has never been more important.

Our homes have always provided shelter, but in the midst of the COVID pandemic, home has become so much more. The economic impact of the pandemic has left many Kansans unemployed or underemployed, uncertain how they will pay rent. While moratoriums provide temporary protection from eviction, rent continues to accrue each month, leaving tenants unsure how they will pay arrears, and leaving landlords without monthly income to pay bills and manage maintenance and upkeep.

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) has worked closely with the Kelly administration, the Office of Recovery, and the Department of Children and Families to create the Kansas Eviction Prevention Program (KEPP). KEPP is designed to decrease evictions and increase housing stability by assisting landlords and tenants experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID pandemic.

Through the KEPP program:

  • Landlords and tenants apply for up to $5000 per household to pay delinquent rental payments dating as far back as April 1, 2020.
  • Payments will be made directly to the landlord, who must agree not to evict the household for nonpayment of rent for the months of KEPP assistance received.
  • Landlords must also agree to waive any late fees accrued during the months for which assistance is received.

Follow the step-by-step application guide or visit the KEPP web page for more information!

Congratulations LaToya Mothershed – Early Childhood Champion!

Congratulations to LaToya Mothershed for receiving the Kansas Children’s Champion Award at the Region VII Head Start virtual conference this week!

LaToya is the first Head Start parent to be receive this award.

This is the most recent in a long line of early childhood accomplishments for Latoya that includes: parent leader, KSHA board president-elect, and keynote speaker. The entire early childhood system is better because of the investment and energy of this amazing, trailblazing woman. Latoya, we are grateful and appreciative of your generosity and commitment to the children and families of Kansas. What a great wrap up to Head Start Awareness Month!

Register by THIS FRIDAY for the Kindergarten Readiness Summit

The Kansas Kindergarten Readiness Transition Summit will expand and support the implementation of the Head Start – public school collaboration work! The goal is to bring together teams of school districts and Head Start programs from at least 10 school districts in Kansas. This collaboration will help to sustain and improve gains children make during Head Start through building strong, effective relationships between Head Start and receiving schools.

CARES Act Funding for Technology and Remote Learning
Still Available!

Remote Learning Support – CARES Act funding is available to support programs addressing the current need for alternative care and education for families adversely impacted by remote learning situations (schools in hybrid or remote learning modes).
Click HERE for more information and to apply.

Applications are now open with proposals accepted on a rolling basis. Grants must be awarded AND expended by December 30, 2020. Find out more information about all funding available through the CARES Act for early childhood by visiting http://allinforkansaskids.org/.

Technology for Families Program – CARES Act funding to support connectivity, equipment, and devices to support virtual access for families receiving home visiting services. If you partner with a state agency to deliver one of  seven home visiting models  – you are eligible!

Click HERE to apply before October 30th! 

If you have already received funding, and have enrolled new families with need since your initial award, you are eligible to submit an additional request. If you have any questions, technical assistance is available at [email protected]

Grants and Consulting Help for Child Care Providers

Child Care Aware of Kansas is teaming up with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to offer Child Care Health Consultants (CCHC). These consultants are available to help child care programs analyze the results of a Self-Assessment and identify ways to reduce the spread of illnesses within the program. Participating child care programs may then be eligible for a health and safety grant. Check out the Child Care Health Consultation Pathway for an overview of the program.
Eligibility: Child care programs who are licensed by and in good standing with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to participate in the Child Care Health Consultant Network.

To get started, follow these steps:

  • Step One: Child Care Programs are asked to complete, to the extent possible, a Self-Assessment before scheduling a consultation with a Child Care Health Consultant.
  • Step Two: To schedule a coaching consultation, call or send an email to CCAKS.
  • Step Three: Child care programs that complete a Self-Assessment and receive a coaching consultation from a Child Care Health Consultant are eligible to apply for a health & safety grant.
  • Step Four: You will receive notification of grant decision from CCAKS.
For more information, please visit the Child Care Health Consultant Network website.

Early Childhood Resources 

Farm to Child Nutrition Program Sub Grants Available
Bringing the bounty of America’s farms into Child Nutrition Programs as a part of breakfast and lunch is one of the best ways we can ensure children are receiving nutritious and delicious meals at school or child care! 2020-2021 Farm to Child Nutrition Program Sub-Grant Applications are at www.kn-eat.org, Farm to School, What’s New.  Child Nutrition sponsors can apply now to improve access to local foods in Child Nutrition Programs and increase agricultural education opportunities.  Sub Grant applications are due on or before December 1, 2020.  Contact Barb Depew at [email protected] or 786-296-0062 if you have questions.

#Test4Lead
Childhood lead poisoning prevention is a priority for KDHE. Even at low levels, lead can cause irreversible damage to hearing, growth and development. View resources in Spanish and English on the KDHE website.

2021-2022 AmeriCorps Kansas funding
AmeriCorps Kansas assists programs to recruit, train and supervise AmeriCorps members meeting critical community needs. Grant applicants must design service activities for a team of members serving full- or part-time throughout the year or during the summer. Initial grant applications are due on December 4, 2020, and final applications are due on January 29, 2021. Visit https://kanserve.org/Grants-and-Funding/Apply-for-AmeriCorps-State-Grant for more information.

Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition
90% of Kansas families choose to breastfeed. The KBC has helped many child care providers achieve the “Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Provider” designation from Child Care Aware of Kansas. For evidence-based breastfeeding resources, visit the KBC’s Child Care page. For local help, click HERE for a directory of local breastfeeding coalitions. For general assistance, including grant ideas, budgets, data and more, contact Brenda Bandy, IBCLC.

Join us for our next Kansas Early Childhood
Systems-Building Webinar on Wednesday, November 4th, at 12pm.
Click to Register

Red Cross Volunteers Sought

American Red Cross
Red Cross disaster volunteer
Hi Billie Jo,

The Red Cross is powered by the generosity of our volunteers. Whether it’s supporting disaster response efforts for hurricanes and wildfires, or helping to maintain our nation’s blood supply, our communities need us more than ever. We need people like you! Please consider volunteering for one of our most-needed positions. We’ll train you and get you ready to make a huge difference in the lives of those who need us most.

Our Most-Needed Volunteer Opportunities Include:

Yes, I want to learn more about these positions!
Positions may vary by location.
If none of these volunteer opportunities interest you, take our short quiz to determine which volunteer opportunity is best for you.

Can’t volunteer right now?
The American Red Cross has an ongoing critical need for blood and platelet donations. Consider making an appointment to give blood or platelets at RedCrossBlood.org. A single blood donation can save up to three lives!

Thank you for all that you do!

Your Red Cross Volunteer Services Team

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New Grant Will Help Local Businesses With Internet Presence: Application Deadline Oct. 31

Kress Building, 17 S. Main, August 2020.

A local business resource center was brought to fruition because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“The idea of a business resource center being needed became abundantly clear around March or April,” Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Director said.  “Businesses were scrambling, trying to maintain or adapt as required, trying to keep their heads above water, all while attempting to navigate the very complex financial relief offered by the (U.S.)Small Business Administration and others.  Just raising awareness of the opportunities and making critical connections to financial institutions for relief became a full-time job, let alone helping owners fill out applications.”

Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Development Director. Submitted photo.

B-WERC Formed

The local program, called the Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center (B-WERC),  was funded through Kansas’ Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas program, which was from money dispursed through the U.S. Cares Act Relief, all of these COVID-19 related measures by the layers of government.

Its purpose is to address current and immediate COVID-19 Pandemic related needs to assist business, encourage economic activity, and address unemployment, according to Hoener.

“I realized that the solution of throwing money at the problem was a very short term fix,” Hoener said. ” Businesses need customers for long term sustainability. The value in an increased online presence was highlighted more than ever during this pandemic. Restaurants were developing online solutions for curbside or delivery services as they were forced to close down. Other retailers were developing online solutions to get their products in the hands of customers. Distance learning, telework, or telehealth became a forced reality.”

Partnerships

“Other partnerships and resources are available through the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Scott Community College,” she said. “The chamber will assist the county in coordinating and promoting. Fort Scott Community College will be offering community classes in B-WERC on social media and other skills. Classes will be hands-on with available laptops for each participant. Telework and distance learning stations will be available for community members who need access to high-speed internet.”

Fort Scott Community College.

 

“We will provide 20 qualified businesses free website building with expert assistance in value propositions and messaging critical to branding,” Hoener said.

 

A partnership with the Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University will assist businesses to obtain needed capital and provide business planning assistance for sustainability, Hoener said.

See the source image
Pittsburg State University.

 

“These incredibly valuable services, in addition to marketing or industry reports, will be readily available,” she said.  “This unique assistance will give businesses the needed help to build sustainable models.”

Entrepreneurs

“Many times communities who experience high unemployment rate will in turn see high entrepreneurship rates,” Hoener said. “For those  (who are) unemployed and have great ideas to start their own business, this will give them the tools and know-how to move forward successfully.”

Job-Seeking

“A job seeking service will also be available onsite through another partner, KansasWorks, two times a week,” she said.

Childcare, An Important Component

“Childcare centers and daycares have high standards to maintain licensures.  One requirement is to meet continuing education requirements. Although continued education for staff is clearly a need, it can create a burden on the facilities in scheduling, costs, and human resources.  It is estimated there are approximately 15 illegal daycare providers in our county.  Through our partner KansasWorks, B-WERC will be implementing a program that will offer to work with the childcare centers and daycares to meet credentialing requirements of continuing education hours.  A program will be implemented to incentivize illegal care to become legal.  Childcare is critical to keep our workforce working.” Hoener said.

The B-WERC office will be located on the second floor of the old Kress building at 17 S. Main in downtown Fort Scott. The office is expected to be open Nov. 2, according to Hoener.

The street-level floor of the building will house a grocery store.

The store owner, BAJA Investments, LLC, was also a recipient of the SPARK grant program. To see the story on that, click below:

New Grocery Store In Downtown Fort Scott Is Coming

Bourbon County Website Building and Marketing Grants Program Parameters

The grants will be scored and consequently awarded on a first come first serve basis to those that are eligible, according to Hoener. Applications will remain open until October 31, 2020. The grant will be awarded until 20 qualified businesses have been awarded.

Who Is Eligible

  • For businesses located within Bourbon County, priority will be given to those businesses with a physical location.
  • The business must currently have minimal (basic) to no online or website presence.
  • Grants are for businesses who have experienced business disruptions as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic and will benefit from an increased online presence through any or all of the following:
    • Increased foot traffic
    • Encouraging tourism activities
    • Enhance or enable online scheduling (i.e. curbside, delivery, hair appointments)
    • Enhance or enable online sales
    • Raise awareness of critical structures in the community (i.e. Food Access, Child Care, etc.)
  • The applicant must be willing to spend a minimum of 5-10 hours over the next several months working with The Bureau of Small Projects staff.
  • Non-profits are not eligible under this program
  • The County reserves the right to request additional documentation

How to Apply

Applications are online at Bourboncountyks.org/spark

Contact info:

Jody Hoener, Economic Development Director

620-215-5725

210 South National

Fort Scott, KS 66701

[email protected]

Once an application is submitted, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce President, Lindsay Madison, and Bourbon County Economic Development Director will review, Hoener said. The application will be scored to determine if the application meets minimum standards to qualify. A follow-up email will be sent to the applicant’s business.

Lindsay Madison, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. Submitted photo.

An application will only be considered once it is fully completed with all requested documentation required to support the requested funding.

Parameters

  • Grants applications will be open until October 31st.
  • Grants are awarded on a first come first serve basis to those who are eligible.
  • Grant Scoring Algorithm:

Grant Purpose: Website Building and Marketing Services for Business Impacted by the COVID 19 Pandemic

Points

Current Online Presence

 

Facebook Only

5

No Facebook or Website

5

A basic, static, webpage only

5

A dynamic web page currently exists

0

How Would an Online Presence Benefit the Applicant? (Check all that apply)

 

Increased foot traffic

5

Encourage tourism activities

5

Enhance or enable online scheduling

5

Enhance or enable online sales

5

Raise awareness of a public need such as food or childcare

5

Business Activities and Impact (Check all the Apply)

 

The business is a childcare center or daycare

5

Business sales a product that can be legally sold online

5

The business provides a service that scheduling can be done online

5

The business is located in Downtown Historic District

5

The Business encourages overnight stays

5

***Minimum score of 5 from each of the three categories is required to be determined eligible  

Process

  • A complete application must be submitted online.
  • Additional Information may be requested for clarification.
  • Economic Development Director and Chamber President will score the application and make the final determination of eligibility.
  • Economic Development Director will send congratulatory and introductory emails to The Bureau of Small Projects and the business contact.

Bourbon County: 14 Active COVID-19 Cases

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

October 5, 2020

Please call your local health department if you would like a further breakdown of cases.

Allen County

Current Active Cases 25
Total Hospitalizations 5-0 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 71
Total Cases Since Testing 97
Deaths 1

Anderson County

Current Active Cases 3
Total Hospitalizations 2-0 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 83
Total Cases Since Testing 86
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Active Cases 14
Total Hospitalizations 10- 0 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 195
Total Cases Since Testing 212
Deaths 3

Woodson County

Current Active Cases 3
Total Hospitalizations 2-0 in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 21
Total Cases Since Testing 24
Deaths 0

Timken Awards Grant to NRMC Foundation

Jennifer Wilson-Loving, HR Manager at The Timken Company in Fort Scott, KS hands a check off to Dana White, CFO, and Crystal Beshore, Outpatient Services Manager of Nevada Regional Medical Center.

 

The Timken Foundation of Canton recently approved a grant proposal from Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) Foundation to fund the purchase of a new endoscope sterilization system which will allow NRMC to double the number of scopes that may be performed on any given day.

The Timken grant amount of $45,000 will fund the majority of the project, which totals nearly $74,000. The project is being co-funded by the NRMC Auxiliary in the amount of $25,000.

In June of 2019, the hospital purchased a new high-tech endoscope system. The new sterilizer will not only increase the efficiency and speed of the sterilization process, but it will extend the life of the new equipment by reducing wear and tear as they are disinfected.

“We are very grateful for this investment into our endoscopy program,” said Dana White, CFO at NRMC. “This will help us to take the best care possible of our patients and improve workflow for our employees.”

NRMC Welcomes Dr. Seals to Full-Time Staff

Dr. Larry Seals. Submitted photo.

 

Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is happy to announce that gynecologist and obstetrician, Larry Seals, DO will become a full-time member of the hospital’s medical staff beginning September 27th. His clinic will be located on the second floor of the south tower at 800 S. Ash Street in Nevada, in the NRMC Professional Practice Clinic. Dr. Seals is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is licensed in both Kansas and Missouri.

With the closing of Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott at the end of 2018, Dr. Seals shifted the delivery of his patients’ babies to either NRMC or Via Christi in Pittsburg, Ks. Since January of 2019 Dr. Seals has been dividing his time between his practice at the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas and his procedural and newborn delivery work at NRMC. Going forward, all of Dr. Seals’ obstetric and gynecological services will be performed at NRMC.

“Dr. Seals has always received a lot of positive feedback from our staff, employees, and community,” said Steve Branstetter, Chief Executive Officer at NRMC. “He is well known for his excellent caring attitude for his patients. We are very excited about him making NRMC his home.”

Dr. Seals attended medical school at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine where he graduated in 1993, earning his doctorate. He completed a traditional rotating internship at Michiana Community Hospital in South Bend, Indiana in 1994 and an obstetrical and gynecology residency at Deaconess Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. in 1998.

Dr. Seals is accepting new patients and can be contacted at NRMC’s Professional Practice Clinic at 417-448-2121.

# # #

About Nevada Regional Medical Center

Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

Nevada Medical Center Welcomes Kately Erwin, Nurse Practitioner

NRMC Clinics Welcome Erwin, DNP

Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is pleased to welcome family nurse practitioner, Katelyn (Triplett) Erwin to Primary Care Center, located at 627 S. Ash in Nevada and at NowCare Clinic at 345 S. Barrett as needed.

A graduate of Nevada High School, Erwin earned her Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nursing at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Ks. In May of this year, she completed her Doctorate, also from PSU. For the past four years Erwin has worked part-time on the Medical/Surgical and Intensive Care Units at NRMC. Much of her clinical education hours were spent at NRMC alongside Dr. Amanda Turner, Dr. Jacqueline Youtsos, Sonja Albright, DNP, and Dr. Dan Barnes.

In primary care you see people through the lifespan,” says Erwin. “That’s what I like – that there’s a little bit of everything. I’ll be seeing OB patients prior to delivery and then their babies for their well-child visits, helping manage chronic conditions and making sure my patients stay healthy and out of the hospital.”

Recently married, Katelyn is a new stepmother to three children. She enjoys spending time with her family, including traveling and outdoor activities. Her favorite hobbies include refinishing old furniture as well and reading, although she laughingly says, she would prefer it not be a textbook.

Katelyn is a welcome addition to our clinics,” says Steve Branstetter, Chief Executive Officer at NRMC. “Having the extra health provider opens up possibilities for extending clinic hours which we know would benefit our community.”

To become an FNP, one must first pass the NCLEX-RN to become a licensed RN. During years spent as an RN, crucial experience is gained. From there, most FNP hopefuls will work toward a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in family practice, a post graduate degree specific to FNP preparation, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as Erwin did.

FNPs have advanced clinical training and possess a graduate-level education, qualifying them to diagnose and treat complex health conditions. They can perform a wide variety of duties that include but are not limited to development of treatment plans, education, and guidance for disease prevention and healthy living, health examinations, performing diagnostic tests and screenings, and prescribing medicine.

To schedule an appointment with Katelyn Erwin, call Nevada Regional Primary Care Center at (417) 448-3600 or visit the Patient Portal at www.nrmchealth.com.

# # #

About Nevada Regional Medical Center

Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

Local Woman Considers Rally for Awareness of Trafficking And Pornography

Tonya Cliffman, submitted photo.

Tonya Cliffman is a woman on a mission: human trafficking awareness.

She has organized an Awareness Rally of Human Trafficking and Child Pornography in Nevada, MO on September 19.

Cliffman is also considering a rally on the issue in Fort Scott this fall, if there is local interest.

 

Cliffman’s purpose is to bring the topic of human trafficking into everyday conversation, she said.

“Whether it’s in the car as they drive by the rally, or in the living room after reading an article about the event.  To start conversations between families, neighbors and friends.”

 

 

“Parents need to have open communication with their children, be involved with their children’s online activities and know what resources are available to them,” Cliffman said.  “Parents need to be empowered and comfortable having these conversations and knowing the vulnerabilities of the children.  For example, the techniques that a ‘groomer’ would use to build trust online with their child in a chat room.”

 

 

“I have five great-nieces, and three great-nephews,” said Cliffman, who is also a mother of a teenage daughter. “According to the Center for Disease Control, the statistics are one in four girls. So I’m sitting there looking at my nieces, and I thought ‘I am not willing to sacrifice a single one of them to trafficking or sexual abuse.’ When you really look at the odds, and see one of them could be affected, it was really overwhelming. I’m not satisfied with that.”

 

 

” I know of instances where there’s ‘sextortion,’” Cliffman said, referring to a minor exchanging sexually explicit pictures with an adult. “I know that some of our teenagers are out there having conversations with men. Because if you have a sad story, they’ll send you money. I think it’s a dangerous road to go down.”

 

People can get involved in the rally by joining the event and educating themselves with the organizations that have resources available in prevention of these abuses, she said.

People can learn to use the resources available from established organizations whose sole purpose and function is fighting these rising abuses.

 

Human trafficking is not something that happens in far off places.

 

There was a recent human trafficking incarceration in Bourbon County,  in July 2020, according to Captain Alvin Metcalf with the sheriff’s office.

“He was arrested in Kansas City and transported here,” Metcalf said.

“This was an investigation done by the Dept. of Homeland Security,” Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin said.  His office had no involvement in the investigation, he said.

 

 

“My cell is 417-321-2550 and my email is [email protected] or they can send a message through the Awareness Rally Event page,” Cliffman said.

http://Event link on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/310128863441718

 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Protect-the-Children-585461948802797

 

Pittsburg Youth Chorale Fall Enrollment Open


Area singers in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are invited to join Pittsburg Youth Chorale, directed by MJ Harper.

The purpose of this vocal ensemble is to further grow vocal abilities, musical knowledge, and choral repertoire.

Performers will prepare music for community events and music festivals. COVID guidelines will be observed.

Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 6-7PM at First United Methodist Church, 415 N. Pine, Pittsburg, KS and begin September 8th.

There is a fee of $25 per session (Sept-Dec/Jan-May) to cover the cost of music.

Scholarships are available.

To enroll, contact MJ Harper at 620-719-6633 or email [email protected], deadline September 8th.

NRMC Sleep Center Earns ACHC Accreditation

NRMC Sleep Center Staff with their most recent accreditation certificate. L-R: Andrea Miller, RT, Cardiopulmonary Supervisor at NRMC, and Amber Brundridge, RT. Submitted photo.

Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) proudly announces its approval of accreditation status by Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for the NRMC Sleep Center.

“Our Sleep Center provides a consistently high level of service for our area that is comparable to larger hospitals,” said Steve Branstetter, Chief Executive Officer at NRMC. “Since opening, our staff have worked hard to repeatedly earn this accreditation.”

Every two years the ACHC surveys the Sleep Center to determine whether or not NRMC demonstrates compliance with national standards. Accreditation by ACHC reflects an organization’s dedication and commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care.

“Our accreditation is proof of our commitment to providing the highest quality healthcare to our community,” says Andrea Miller, Cardiopulmonary Supervisor at NRMC. “Through accurate sleep monitoring, we are able to help our patients determine the specific sleep disorder they may have, and take corrective measures to drastically improve quality of life.”