Area News, Business, Government, Kansas

Gamechangers and Champions Event

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Kansas Innovation Partners Gather for Gamechangers and Champions Event

TOPEKA – The Kansas Office of Innovation served as a convening partner last week for the Gamechangers and Champions event, held in Wichita, which brought together a diverse set of partners to support entrepreneurship and innovative startup development in Kansas. The 2025 Gamechangers and Champions was co-presented by NXTUS, a Wichita-based catalyst for the startup ecosystem.

“By bringing together startups, angel investors and ecosystem champions from across Kansas, we are creating a space where groundbreaking ideas can take root, partnerships can spark, and the future of our state’s innovation ecosystem can be shaped,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This collaboration with NXTUS reflects our enduring commitment to empowering local startups, cultivating collaboration and fostering a culture of innovation that drives economic growth and opportunity for all Kansans.”

In addition to professional development and networking, Kansas startups competed in the Bracket Bash for Innovators and Angels — a startup pitch competition — where entrepreneurs had the opportunity to showcase their businesses, gain exposure to investors, and compete for funding that could propel their ventures forward. A $20,000 grand prize was delivered to pitch competition winner, Andrew Marquez with VU Scholarships of Roeland Park. And, selected by a vote of the more than 200 attendees, Matt Williams with Noonan brought home the “Fan’s Choice” award, which carried a $2,500 prize.

“Most Kansans have no idea the breadth and quality of entrepreneurs who are building tomorrow’s great businesses right here in Kansas,” President and CEO of NXTUS Mary Beth Jarvis said. “We’re changing that, thanks to the support from the Kansas Department of Commerce, Barton School of Business at WSU and the dozens of other sponsors. For the first time ever, we’ll collide state-wide innovators – these gamechangers for our economy – with their champions – the investors and supporters who are lifting them up as they build companies around breakthroughs in every industry.”

In addition to the pitch competition that initially included 74 companies, Gamechangers and Champions 2025 featured a variety of engaging activities, including:

  • Opening Networking Session with Startup Grind and WIBA, sponsored by IMA
  • Startup Grind Fireside Chat with Graham Krizek, CEO of Voltage Cloud, presented by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • Expert-led breakout tracks – Focused educational sessions for both startups and investors, supported by the Greater Wichita Partnership, Lange Capital and Kansas State University
  • Business & Basketball Lounge – Thanks to Network Kansas’ eGrowth Ventures, attendees had access to networking sessions, complimentary headshots, and the NCAA Tournament games
  • Keynote remarks, sponsored by Koch, from Kevin Lockett – Former K-State and Kansas City Chiefs player and longtime entrepreneur, who now manages the investment firm Fulcrum Global Capital

The event successfully created a space for innovation, collaboration and the celebration of Kansas’ growing startup ecosystem.

“The Gamechangers and Champions event was a true celebration of the diverse innovators building disruptive startups right here in Kansas,” Commerce Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer Romaine Redman said. “Congratulations to Andrew Marquez and VU Scholarships on winning this year’s pitch competition as they march on toward many future successes. We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors for making this celebration possible and to the city of Wichita for warmly welcoming innovators, investors and ecosystem partners from across the state.”

About NXTUS:

NXTUS Inc. helps entrepreneurs grow companies of significance. The organization works to connect startup founders with community resources, capital and customers. NXTUS manages NXTSTAGE programs, which are aimed at connecting startups to mature businesses and regional partners looking to become customers for their innovations and to help accelerate the pace of innovation and startup growth in the region, as well as Accelerate Venture Partners, a fast-growing regional angel investor syndicate.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Opinion

Rumble Sticks Are Lifesavers by Carolyn Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom

By Carolyn Tucker

Rumble Strips are Lifesavers

 

The implementation of highway centerline and shoulder-line rumble strips have proven to be an excellent idea. This road-safety feature helps prevent drivers from running off the road and reduces head-on accidents. I’ve occasionally been annoyed by rumble strips while digging in my purse for my lip balm but, honestly, I’m very thankful for them. The loud noise and vibration alerts inattentive drivers of lane drifting. The rumble strips were partly designed for distracted drivers guilty of looking at a flock of wild turkeys, a herd of cattle, a tractor for sale, or a big field of soybeans.

 

During one winter late afternoon, a dear couple invited me to go with them to supper. I asked them if they were sure about driving out of town since it was starting to spit snow. The husband, John, assured me we could go anywhere since he drove a 4×4 truck. His  wife, Chick, agreed that we should go out for a nice meal together. So, I donned my knee-high leather boots and long down coat and away we went. The further we drove, the heavier it snowed. But no worries. We arrived at the restaurant safe and sound, enjoyed the good food and good company, and then loaded into the truck and headed west.

 

The sky was as black as an ace of spades and 54 Highway was totally covered in several inches of fast-falling snow. Unless we were meeting a vehicle and could benefit from its  headlights, it was impossible to determine where the road was. Since John couldn’t see where the centerline was, he would drive closer to the shoulder line and hit those rumble strips. Well, Chick didn’t want to linger too long too close to the ditch, so every few minutes she would say, “To the left. Go to the left.” This scenario was repeated over and over until we hit the city limits of Fort Scott. Being a widow, I found this husband-wife interaction to be very normal and quite entertaining. Neither one lost their cool, and it took both of them working together as a team to get us home in one piece.

 

Those shoulder-line rumble strips warned us of impending danger. It reminds me of how God tenderly warns mankind of danger. God doesn’t want anyone to go down a wrong and precarious dark road. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 NKJV).

 

Jesus taught that the lives of Christ followers actually light up the world. “Your lives light up the world. Let others see your light from a distance, for how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, it’s placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light. So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others…” (Matthew 5:14-16 TPT). If God impresses you to do so, don’t be afraid to shine some light on family or friends when you see them beginning to wander off the shoulder.

 

Believers can serve as human rumble strips for those we love. And, hopefully, should we ever be headed toward the ditch someone will love us enough to gently bring us back to the center line. It works both ways — and must always be done in love.

 

The Key: Love others, shine your light, and be ready to rumble!

Government

Derek Schmidt, U.S. House Representative Newsletter

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Rep. Derek Schmidt's header image

Friends,

 

I was back home this week, crisscrossing the district visiting businesses, schools, and many of the Kansans I’m blessed to represent. On the legislative side of things, I joined an effort to repeal an unnecessary and costly tax on our family farms and businesses.

 

Here are the highlights from a great week back home in eastern Kansas:

Supporting Local Businesses

I was in southeast Kansas on Tuesday, where I visited Progressive Products, Inc (PPI).

PPI has been providing good paying jobs and bolstering our southeast Kansas economy for nearly 45 years! The pneumatic conveying systems components they manufacture are used in factories, grain handling facilities, chemical plants, and other installations across the country and around the world. These components – which allow the rapid and efficient transportation of bulk dry solids during production and refining processes – are a critical part of our country’s food production process.

I also visited PPI’s sister company, Apex Stages, the 2nd largest hydraulic stage manufacturer in North America. Both companies operate out of facilities in Pittsburg.

 

Following my visit to PPI, I paid a impromptu visit to the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce. Staying connected with Kansas business leaders is critical to ensuring I’m doing my job to support our local economy at the federal level.

From high prices to overbearing federal regulations, the past few years have been hard on our businesses. That’s why I’m working hard every day to fight inflation, roll back these arcane rules, and provide Kansans with a government and an economy that works for them, not against them.

Repealing the Death Tax

When a family is grieving the death of a loved one, the last thing they need is a knock on the door from the IRS. Unfortunately, this situation plays out far too often for our farmers and ranchers because of the “Death Tax,” an unfair and costly fee on the transfer of property, land, and other assets from a deceased family member to heirs of family farms and small businesses.

 

Family farms and small businesses are the lifeblood of our food supply and economy. In fact, families operate 95% of the the 1.9 million farms in the United States and account for 90% of our country’s total agricultural production value. Congress should be doing everything in our power to promote longevity and continuity for these family farms and businesses rather than using taxes to discourage multi-generational ownership. This is why I joined more than 170 of my colleagues to cosponsor the Death Tax Repeal Act.

 

This legislation has the support of more than 170 of my colleagues and more than 230 organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, Agricultural Retailers Association, and National Federation of Independent Business. Senator John Thune has introduced companion legislation in the Senate, so I’m hopeful we can get this bill passed quickly and remove more of big government’s overreach into Americans’ lives.

Supporting Kansas Colleges

On Wednesday, I headed to Hillsboro to tour Tabor College.

Since 1908, Tabor has been providing quality higher education opportunities to our Kansas community. Thank you to the gracious faculty and staff who showed me around the beautiful campus! Our community is lucky to have you.

 

Like many Americans, I believe education is an issue best handled at the state and local levels. There’s been a lot in the news about the Department of Education this week as President Trump signed an order to begin moving its services to different government agencies. As I’ve said before and will say again, I’m 100% supportive of eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse in our federal government while ensuring programs Kansans rely on are preserved and strengthened.

 

Our nation’s education system is still dealing with the devastating pandemic loss of learning. We are the strongest country with the biggest economy in the world. There’s no reason our students should be lagging behind those in other nations. I’m hopeful these changes will refocus our education system on setting our students up for success rather than indoctrinating them with political agendas.

Supporting States’ Protection of their Citizens

Under the Biden administration, illegal aliens, drugs, and all manner of contraband flowed freely into our country. Left with nowhere to turn, states began taking matters into their own hands, passing laws to protect their citizens from the Biden border crisis. Instead of taking action to secure the borders, the Biden administration instead sued the states who passed laws allowing illegal aliens to be charged for entering the country unlawfully.

 

As attorney general, I argued and won Kansas v. Garcia at the United States Supreme Court. This case – which originated from three illegal aliens appealing their state convictions of identity theft on the grounds that their convictions were the result of lying on federal tax forms – reaffirmed states’ ability to enforce state identity theft laws against illegal aliens. I believe it’s beyond ridiculous for the federal government to spend time and taxpayer money fighting states trying to protect their citizens and stop illegal immigration.

 

Thankfully, the Trump administration moved to dismiss two Biden era lawsuits that sought to block states’ enforcement of laws aimed at combatting illegal immigration. Though the lawsuits have been dropped, the fight isn’t over. I believe Congress should fix federal law to ensure states have a proper role in securing our borders so no future president can simultaneously surrender our borders and prevent states from standing in the gap, which is why I intend to introduce legislation in the near future to do just that.

We’ll be back in Washington this week as we continue working to codify many of the policies that have begun to reverse the damages of the last four years. We have a real opportunity to make lasting, positive change in our country. I for one don’t plan to waste it.

As always, my office is here to serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Be sure to also follow me on social media at the links below for timely updates from my office.

It’s an incredible honor to represent our Second Congressional District in Congress!

Sincerely,

Derek Schmidt

Member of Congress

Washington D.C. Office
1223 Longworth

House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

Topeka Office

3550 SW 5th St.

Suite B

Topeka, KS 66606

Pittsburg Office

402 North Broadway St.

Suite B

Pittsburg, KS  66762
 

Obituary

Obituary of Alice Walker

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Alice A. Walker – After living a full and adventurous life of ninety-six years, Alice Walker of rural Blue Mound passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Alice Amy Frazier was born in Kingston, NY, on September 3, 1928, to Olen and Eleanor (Griffes) Frazier. She first began her lifelong learning in New York City, where her leadership and feisty nature showed early. Home for Alice, though, was growing up in New Paltz, NY, where her father was a university professor and the mountains were at her backdoor. There, she became an accomplished pianist and flutist, earned the highest award possible in Girl Scouts, and was an active member of the Dutch Reformed Church. Her love of travel developed from family vacations throughout the East and summers spent in Kansas with her grandparents.

Alice began college at Texas Women’s University before graduating from Emporia State University with a Library Science degree as well as a double major in English and Social Science in Secondary Education. She later acquired an elementary degree as well, so she could teach PK-12. She was an honor student, played in the orchestra, marched with the band, and worked at the university library. Alice began her career as a librarian in Missouri. Her love of reading and books led to her being a Governor’s Appointee to the Southeast Kansas Regional Library Board and serving on the William Allen White Book Selection Committee, on the Kansas State Reading Circle Selection Committee, and as the DAR State Librarian. Although she never intended to teach, she actually taught a total of thirty-two years at Centerville, Kincaid High School, and Crest Unified School District.

A life of surprises awaited her when the city girl from New York met her future husband, Howard, a Kansas farmer, on the steps of a church one summer. They were married on February 5, 1950, and celebrated fifty-six years of happiness. They truly approached life as a team. Together they raised their two children through college, bought three farms, designed and built a house themselves, operated an income tax business for forty-five years, were 4-H Club and project leaders, hosted foreign-exchange students, and were active members of the Blue Mound Federated Church and then, later, Ordained Elders of the Presbyterian Church in Garnett until it closed. One of the greatest gifts that they gave John and Alicia, their children, was traveling to all the forty-eight continental states as well as Canada and Mexico during the summers.

Alice became a superb seamstress, a grand champion recipe winner in national contests, a test cook for Betty Crocker for thirteen years and Farm Journal for six years, 4-H County Day judge, church pianist and organist, author of three genealogical books on family history, contributing writer for Heritage Quest, and a dedicated regent of the Four Winds DAR Chapter in Garnett. With DAR, Alice also served as President of the Kansas State Officers Club and President of the National State Vice Regents Club.

She loved to cook for others and do historical research. Because of her wealth of knowledge, she was an early version of the internet for anyone who sought her help or advice. Three of Alice’s biggest joys were serving as the 35th State Regent of Kansas DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), being inducted into the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame at Dodge City, and earning the title of Fellow of the American College of Genealogists as a certified genealogist.

Alice was able to live on the farm alone until ninety-five with the company of her dog, Honey B, the help of her farm renters – Kevin Whitcomb and Melvin Holloman, and the faithful Centerville Community Church that she had come to value so much. After a bad fall, her final year was spent at Moran Manor, where she was treated like family.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Steve Frazier; son-in-law, Dale Jackson; daughter-in-law, Peggy Walker; and grandson by marriage, Zachery Wisely; but the most profound loss was when Howard, her true love and soulmate, died in 2006.

She leaves behind a legacy with two children, John H. Walker of McFarland and Alicia A. Jackson of Uniontown, along with their families, including six grandchildren – Mary (Brad) Finney of Eskridge; Julie (Kenny) Ten Eyk of McFarland; Jubal (Wendy) Walker of Edmond, OK; Gretchen Magee of Gravette, AR, Meaghan (Matt) Russell of Redfield, and Caitlin (Clayton) Nading of Fort Scott. She was Grandma-Great to twelve: Virginia and Jonathon Walker; Candace (Chris) Davis; Amiee (Ryan) Runyon; Tyler Ten Eyk; Keagan, Layton, Preston, and Jocelyn Magee, and Brayden, Kohlton, and Aubrynn Russell. Her great-great grandchildren are Reever and Rook Davis as well as Luna and Damon Runyon.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Howard & Alice Walker Scholarship at Emporia State University and left in care of the funeral home.

K-State Extension

Good Mental Health is Ageless

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Tara Soloman-Smith, Family and Wellness Agent, Sunflower District of Kansas State University’s Extension Office. Submitted photo.

You are not alone if you have ever had more than ‘just the blues’ sometime in your life.  According to Mental Health America, one-in-five American Adults have one or more mental health conditions, with 50% meeting the criteria of a condition sometime in their life.  Mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being.  So much of what we do physically impacts us mentally –it’s important to pay attention to both.

Let’s focus on how a healthy lifestyle will help prevent the onset or worsening of mental health conditions, as well as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other chronic health problems! Eating healthy foods, managing stress, exercising, and getting enough sleep can go a long way in making you both physically and mentally healthy.  To find the right balance to benefit both the mind and body, let’s tackle the sensational ‘S’ items from this list:  Sleep and managing Stress.

Quality Slumber

Sleep plays a role in all aspects of our life and overall health. Getting a good night’s sleep is important to take on daily responsibilities.  Adults should have 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.  Here are just a few tips for a good night’s sleep:

 

  • Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—including weekends.
  • Get outside! Getting natural sunlight during the day helps to maintain your body’s sleep-wake cycle.
  • Limit caffeine to the morning. The effects of caffeine can take 8 hours to wear off.
  • If you can’t fall asleep for more than 20 minutes after going to bed, get up and do something calming until you feel sleepy.
  • Get rid of anything in your bedroom that might distract you from sleep, like noises or bright lights. The light from screens can confuse your body’s internal clock.

 

Reduce the Impact of Stress

Stress can make even day-to-day life difficult. Research shows that stress is closely linked to high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity. It also shows that people who feel depressed or chronically stressed may have a greater risk of physical illnesses.

 

  • Be realistic: You may be taking on more responsibility than you can or should handle for yourself or your family.
  • No one is perfect: Shed the “superman/superwoman” urge for yourself and others.
  • One thing at a time: For people under tension or stress, day-to-day workload can sometimes seem unbearable. Multi-tasking actually often leads to more stress.
  • Exercise: Regular exercise is a popular way to relieve stress.
  • Explore a hobby: Take a break from your worries by doing something you enjoy. Whether it’s gardening, painting, doing puzzles or playing games, schedule time to indulge your interests.

 

No matter where you happen to be on our own personal journey to health and wellness, looking at your overall health every day – both physically and mentally – can go a long way in ensuring that you focus on your fitness and future!

Southwind Extension District can help, have your heard about our OWL (Older Wiser Livelier) Hour?  Full details https://bit.ly/4iHKR27.  For more information contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], 620-244-3826.

 

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

Ten Cases of Measles In Kansas Are Reported

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Per the Kansas Dept. Of Health & Environment: “As of March 21, 2025, Kansas is reporting 10 measles cases in Grant, Morton, and Stevens counties, with no hospitalizations or deaths reported. The CDC is also reporting increases in measles with 378 cases nationwide across 15 jurisdictions. Due to measles’ highly contagious nature, additional cases are expected, especially among unvaccinated individuals in Kansas and nearby areas. The KDHE advises healthcare providers to promptly report suspected cases and to submit specimens to the Kansas Health and Environment Laboratory for testing. KDHE is providing new vaccine recommendations for those in outbreak-affected areas.”
If you live in or near the counties listed and have questions about your measles immunity, please contact your local health department.

There are no known cases of measles in Allen, Anderson, Bourbon or Woodson Counties at this time.

Submitted from Becky Johnson, Administrator/Southeast Kansas Local Health Officer

 

Bourbon County

Filling the District 3 Commissioner Seat

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The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.

A letter of resignation was submitted to Bourbon County by Leroy Kruger on Tuesday, March 18,  and forwarded to the Kansas Governor’s Office.

According to Jennifer Hawkins, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk, the Bourbon County Republican Party has 21 days from the day they receive the notice of vacancy from the Governor’s Office to appoint someone to the seat. The Republican Party will post notice of the vacancy and hold a special meeting where interested individuals will attend, and an appointment will be made. The Republican Party will certify their appointment with the Governor’s Office who will then approve the appointment and issue a certificate of office to the new appointee.

 

“I am still notifying precinct men and women and waiting on official notice from the secretary of state’s office,” said Kaety Bowers, chair of the Bourbon County Republican party.

She expects to receive that notice early next week. Once notice is received, the party will release an official statement that the position is open. A convention will follow with open interviews to ask questions of any interested candidates. Then the Republican precinct men and women will vote for their candidate of choice.

“The Republican party men and women are ready and confident in our ability to do so,” said Bower.

The individual appointed will not be able to conduct business as a County Commissioner until they receive their certificate from the Governor’s Office.

Hawkins has been keeping a file of resignations for the past two years, and remembers other resignations of commissioners during her 11 years of working for the county. Most recently, Nelson Blythe, 1st District Commissioner, resigned 4-1-2024 and Brandon Whisenhunt was appointed to fill the vacant seat.

Lynne Oharah, 1st District Commissioner, resigned 7-13-2022 and Nelson Blythe was appointed to fill the vacant seat. Nick Ruhl, 3rd District Commissioner, resigned 8-26-2020 and Clifton Beth was appointed to fill his vacant seat.

Area News, Health Care

NRMC obtains Hospital Accreditation

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Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality seal

NRMC obtains Hospital Accreditation

Hospitals that participate in the Medicare program must be in compliance with the Conditions of Participation by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). 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. They have been NRMC’s deeming authority for 12 years.

NRMC was subjected to a rigorous unannounced onsite assessment February 4-6, 2025. The CIHQ team toured the hospital, reviewed medical records, observed care practices, and interviewed staff and patients. The hospital is surveyed every three years & NRMC team members spent months preparing for their arrival.

 

“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.”  When asked what this means for patients at Nevada Regional Medical Center, Chief Operating Officer Holly Bush noted “the goal of the survey process for hospitals is to continue to improve the care provided in our community.  This recognition reflects NRMC’s commitment to safety and quality patient care.”

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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.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Opinion, Youth

Letter to the Editor: Christa Horn

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The Difference One Voice Can Make

When seven-year-old Mia entered the foster care system, she carried everything she owned in a single trash bag. But what weighed heavier than her few belongings was the loneliness and confusion of being shuffled between homes, schools, and strangers — all while missing the mother who could no longer care for her.

In the middle of court dates and caseworkers changing every few months, there was one person who stayed: her CASA volunteer, Linda.

Linda wasn’t paid. She didn’t work for the system. But she was there, just for Mia.

At first, Mia didn’t say much. But Linda showed up, week after week — reading books, listening, sitting quietly with her when words felt too hard. Slowly, Mia opened up. Linda learned Mia loved to draw and dreamed of becoming an artist. She noticed Mia struggled in school, not because she wasn’t bright, but because the moves had caused her to fall behind.

At court hearings, where decisions about Mia’s life were made by adults in suits, it was Linda’s report that said, “This is what Mia needs.”

Because of Linda’s advocacy, Mia got extra tutoring and art supplies that helped her express feelings she couldn’t yet say out loud. Linda advocated Mia stay in a stable foster home that nurtured Mia’s creativity and let her be a kid again.

And two years later, when a forever family came forward — one who loved Mia’s big imagination and gentle heart — Linda stood beside her in the courtroom as the adoption was finalized.

Today, Mia is thriving. She still keeps in touch with Linda. Sometimes they talk about art projects, sometimes life. But Mia never forgets that when her world felt uncertain, one steady, caring voice made all the difference.

Not a caseworker. Not a judge.
Just Linda.
Her CASA.

Learn how you can become a “Linda” to a child here in Bourbon County.  Call Christa at 620-215-2769 or email [email protected].

 

Bourbon County Local News