Double K Country

On today's City Beat, I am talking with Nevada City Manager Gary Edwards. We will be going over all the stories in the City's August Newsletter. We will talk about the new, high-tech planning tools used by the Building Inspection Department. We will find out how the City Survey is going. We will discuss the Updated Budget Calendar and its timeline. There will be information on recent FEMA meetings with the CIty of Nevada. Finally, we will go over the year-to-date sales-related taxes. If you would like your own copy of the City's monthly newsletter, call Nevada City Hall at 417-448-5115.

Nevada R-5 Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Tyson Beshore, visits with Mike Harbit before the start of the 2025-26 school year.  Dr. Beshore covers funding issues, flooding issues in district buildings caused by spring rains, Senate Bill 68 which bans cell phone usage by students during the school day and other topics.

Today on Update, I am talking with Perry Fowler, President of the 121st Sheldon Old Settler's Picnic. This year's picnic is Thursday, August 14th through Saturday, August 16th in Sheldon, Missouri. Perry talks about all the fun activities during this 3-day festival. We also discuss the history behind the Old Settler's Picnic and how to get more information.

Nevada Regional Medical Center Interim CEO joins Mike Harbit for a discussion on the impact of the new federal budget on rural health care.  McCormick talks about the bill's impact on rural health care and what they will need to do in the future.  This program originally aired on Wednesday, July 30th on 97.5 FM, KNMO.

Today on Update, I am talking with Jodi Lavin-Tompkins, Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with adces.org. That stands for Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. Jodi will define diabetes and how it affects your body. She will talk about risk factors and what you can do to lower your glucose levels. Finally, we will discuss how diabetics need to be extra careful in excessive heat by drinking extra water.

Today on Update, I will be talking with Trooper Anthony Calderon of the Kansas Highway Patrol. Kansas traffic deaths are up 30% from last year. Trooper Calderon will explain why there are more fatalities this year. He says it is due to more motorists looking at screens, instead of paying attention to the road. He also says impaired driving has contributed to the 207 deaths already this year in Kansas. Driving impaired can be due to drugs, alcohol or lack of sleep. Finally, Trooper Calderon will tell us how to be good, defensive drivers in the midst of inattentive motorists.

On today's City Beat, I will be talking with Mary Wilson, Executive Assistant to City Management for the City of Nevada. We will be discussing the City's budget process. Mary will explain that the budget process will take five to six months to complete. Mary says this year's budget process will differ from last year. We will also talk about the importance of a city's budget. Mary will define a capital improvement budget and explain the size of Nevada's budget. Finally, we will get information on where listeners can find out more about the City's budget.

Today on Update, I am talking with Karen Irwin, Secretary of the 82nd Annual Hume Fair and Rodeo. The Fair and Rodeo is happening Monday, July 28th through Saturday, August 2nd. Karen talks about all the interesting contests going on at the event like goat roping, draft horse pull, Kiddie Pedal Pull, Hume Olympics, wild horse race and even a washer tournament. There will be a Rodeo on Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 pm. For more information, please check out their social media pages.

Today on Update, I am talking with Abigail Dutoit, Breastfeeding Care Counselor with the Barton-Dade County WIC Office. Abigail will be discussing two events  happening during Breastfeeding Week, which is the first week in August. The first Carnival event is scheduled for Friday, August 1st, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Lamar First Christian Church Gym, 1208 Walnut Street. The second event is happening on Wednesday, August 6th, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Mainstreet Baptist Church Gym in Greenfield, 513 Crestview Drive. For more information, please call 417-262-2394.

Today on Update, I am talking with Beth Stewart, Vice President with the Nevada MO Mainstreet Alliance. We will discuss the Alliance's current project which is the Caboose at Earp Park. The restoration process is ready to begin because Beth says they have the funding. The restoration will involve painting the caboose red and putting a vinyl decal on it that says "Missouri Pacific Railroad". We will also talk about the future of the Nevada MO Mainstreet Alliance.

Today on Update, I will be talking with Kalli Gober, Marketing and Communications Director for On My Own in Nevada. Kalli will be talking about their ADA Festival on Friday, July 25th, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, at their place of business, 428 East Highland Avenue. The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law 35 years ago and On My Own's Festival will be commemorating this date with an indoor and outdoor festival.

Today on City Beat, I will be talking with Gary Edwards, City Manager of Nevada. We will be talking about the newsletter that Edwards puts out on the first of each month. In this month's newsletter there are several interesting issues. We will discuss the audits that the City is completing, to get caught up. Edwards will talk about the new storm sirens for Nevada, as well as the new radio system for Nevada's Police, Fire and EMT. We will also discuss the budget process that begins in August and a survey that will be sent out later this year.

Today on Update, I am talking with Tina Joy Cochran, the new Economic Development Director for Nevada and Vernon County. Tina will talk about her role in seeing the City of Nevada and Vernon County prosper economically. She will also discuss how crucial Economic Development is for a community. Tina wants to make it easy for businesses to come to Vernon County. Finally, she will talk about how she got into business coaching to begin with. Tina has a Masters is in Organizational Development. Tina Joy Cochran can be reached at her office at 115 East Cherry Street in Nevada or you can email her at this address: director@BuildVCMO.com.

Today on Update, I will be talking with Lindsay Madison, CEO of Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce. Lindsay will be discussing several events coming up in the City of Fort Scott, Kansas. The first is a Downtown Meet and Greet happening Tuesday, July 8th. There will also be a Let's Flamingo Shopping event July 11th and 12th. Finally we will talk about their 31st Annual Chamber Golf Championship, happening on July 25th. For more information, visit FortScott.com.

Mike Harbit visits with Jason McCormick who is the Chief Restructuring Officer at Nevada Regional Medical Center.  Mr. McCormick has also now added the title of Interim CEO and he talks about the additional responsibilities.  The program originally aired on Wednesday, July 2nd on 97.5 FM, "Double K Country" in Nevada, MO.

Today on Update, I am talking with Jenny Gayman, Vernon County Fair Board Member. We will be discussing the 2025 Vernon County Youth Fair that is happening Monday, July 7th through Saturday, July 12th. Jenny will talk about all the youth projects at the fair. There will be everything from livestock to food to sewing. Plus there is an on-site diner and KNEM/KNMO will be broadcasting live from the Vernon County Youth Fair!

Today I will be talking to Natalea Haber, President of Rich Hill's 4th of July Committee, the organization that puts on Rich Hill's "Famous for the Fourth" celebration each year. Since 1881, the town of Rich Hill has been putting on one of the most popular Independence Day events in America. From a record-breaking pie contest to a huge fireworks show to this year's headliner musical guest, Phil Vassar--come experience "Independence Day the Rich Hill Way"! Natalea will go over, in detail, all the events that are happening from Wednesday, July 2nd to Saturday, July 5th. Don't miss this big slice of Americana pie!

Today on City Beat, I am talking with Nevada Police Chief Casey Crain. We will be discussing the Nevada Animal Shelter. The Chief will talk about the current status of the animal shelter and what's being done to fix the flood damage incurred from Spring storms. Chief Crain will report on the current condition of the shelter's animals. Finally, we'll talk about how the animal shelter may be closed to visitors, but is still open to pet adoption.

Today on Update, I will be chatting with Samie McCullough. Samie is the Senior Associate Director for the Osage Prairie YMCA, 500 West Highland Avenue in Nevada. We will start out talking about the Grocery Grabs Program that provides lunch, dinner and snacks to children in our area during the summer. We will also discuss the Y's relationship with the YMCA in Pittsburg, Kansas. Finally, we will highlight all the programs and facilities the Osage Prairie YMCA has to offer.

Today on Update, I will be talking with Jaclyn Carroll, Business Services Director for New Growth. New Growth connects farm and non-farm businesses to resources that help Missouri rural communities thrive. The organization serves 16 counties in West Central Missouri and 2 counties in Kansas. Jaclyn talks about New Growth's Women's Business Center, their Micro Loan Program and the Heartland Regional Food Business Center. Finally, Jaclyn will discuss their website. It is newgrowthmo.org.

On today's Update program, I am talking with the Presiding Commissioner of Vernon County, Joe Wilson. Joe will discuss all the activities that are going on in Vernon County this summer. Topics include a new radio communication system for first responders, senior tax relief sign-ups and working with SEMA. Joe also talks about the Vernon County Fair.

Today on Update, I am talking to Dr. Russell Kemm form Cedar County Memorial Health. June is Men's Health Month and Dr. Kemm will be talking about the importance of men having regular checkups and early detection screenings. We will discuss some of the special health concerns that men face. These include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Finally, we will try to understand why men are more reluctant than women to seek health care.

Today we are talking with Bill Denman, the Treasurer for the City of Nevada. Bill will be talking about the main sources of tax revenue for Nevada. Bill will discuss how these taxes are performing, especially the Sales Tax and Property Tax. Finally, Bill will tell us if the City's Use Tax is performing above or below expectations.

Today on Update, I will be talking with Brent Mendenhall. Brent is the Master of Ceremonies for the 2025 Bushwhacker Dog Show Contest happening on Saturday, June 14th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Franklin P. Norman Community Center's North Gymnasium, 200 North Ash Street. Come enjoy dog races, category judging and prizes! Plus, there's no entry fee and there are free goody bags for the dogs. We will also discuss the two musical bands that will be performing that Saturday Night. They are Mountain Highway and Midwest Thick.

On today's Update program, I have a very special guest. It's Representative Dane Diehl, member of the Missouri House of Representatives, representing the 125th District, which includes Bates, Vernon, and Cedar Counties. Rep. Diehl will be talking about the state's most recent legislative session. We will touch on push and pull between Kansas and Missouri to acquire the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. Rep. Diehl will discuss legislation that directly affects Vernon County. Diehl will talk about his opinion of Governor Keyhoe and what bills were most important this past session. Finally, we'll find out how to contact Representative Diehl with any issues you may have.

Today on Update, I will be speaking with Mark Bergmann of the Bourbon County Community Theatre. The Theatre is producing a melodrama titled "Beauty and the Bull: Or Chaos in Fort Scott". The show is written by Mark Bergmann and the performance happens during Fort Scott's Good Ol' Days, June 6th and 7th at 123 South Main Street in Fort Scott, Kansas. We will talk about the tradition of melodramas in Fort Scott. Mark will even sing a song from the upcoming show!

On this Update Program, I am talking with Mike Brown who is the Flag Chairman for the Rotary Club of Nevada. Mike is the Flag Chairman and he discusses his club's Flag Project. He explains that for $40, a rotarian will come to your house five mornings a year to install a flag and then remove it that evening. Those days are Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day.

On today's City Beat, I am talking with Sharon Baker, Human Resources Director for the City of Nevada. Sharon and I will be discussing the pay study that is underway at Nevada City Hall. Sharon explains why the study is necessary to attract quality employees to the City. We will also touch on what it's like to be a Human Resources Director. Finally, we will mention how often the city does a study to determine which insurance companies is uses for employee health benefits.

On today's Update program, I am talking with Kalli Gober, Marketing and Community Relations Director for On My Own in Nevada. On My Own is an organization that helps people in our area take care of themselves when they need help. Kalli will be talking about the upcoming Craft Fair on June 7th. We will also discuss how On My Own is always in need of new caregivers. Finally, we will talk about how you can help out On My Own, either by volunteering or by monetary donation.

Today, on Update, I am speaking with the Pastor of First Christian Church in Nevada, Jeff Robinson. He is accompanied by Elder Greg Barneburg. We will be discussing the dedication of their new worship building at 2247 North Osage Boulevard on June 1st. We will also talk about the fire that destroyed their old church at the corner of Austin and Washington Streets. Finally, we will mention new events happening with First Christian Church in Nevada.

Today I am talking with Carl Brenner, Park Ranger for Fort Scott National Historic Site in Fort Scott, Kansas. Carl will be discussing upcoming events at the Fort. There will be 8,500 flags placed on the site for the "Symbols of Sacrifice" Field of Honor Friday morning, May 23rd and will stay in place through Memorial Day week. There will also be a guest speaker on Saturday, May 24th. Dr. Michelle M. Martin is known for her "Sisters in Sorrow: Kansas Women's Sacrifices for Freedom". Carl and I will also talk about the Fort itself and why its important to visit this national site, right in our own backyard.

Today on City Beat, I am talking with Joe Tipper, Water Treatment Plant Manager for the City of Nevada. Joe will talk about renovations coming to the water treatment plant, as well as costs and timelines. Joe will also discuss his work to achieve grant money for the project. We will talk about what happens to well water at the plant, how the water is treated and eventually makes it to your faucet.

Today I will be talking with two guests from the West Central Missouri Community Action Agency. They are Amy Anderson, Housing Assistance Program Chief Officer, and Mendy Neider, Housing Assistance Director. They will be discussing the Housing Choice Voucher Program that helps underprivileged people bridge the gap between their rental cost and what they can afford to pay. We will talk about how the program works and how their screening process benefits landlords. We will also discuss what you can do to help their very rewarding cause.

In this edition of Update, I talk with Dr. Stephanie Niles, President of Cottey College in Nevada. We will talk about the college in general, including the history of its beautiful campus buildings. I will then ask about the status of the international students at Cottey. Finally, we will discuss Cottey's Commencement Weekend, starting on Friday, May 16th with a Blue and Yellow Dinner and a "Capping" in the main hall. The actual graduation will take place on Saturday, May 17th at 10:00 am in the Center for the Arts Auditorium. The event will be live-streamed. 

Today we talk with the Director of the Nevada Animal Shelter, Lori Baldwin. Lori will be discussing the upcoming Low Cost Vaccine Clinic on Saturday, May 10th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Marmaduke Park Community Building, 600 West Highland Avenue in Nevada. We will also talk about the importance of spaying and neutering your pets and making sure they are on heartworm prevention medicine and flea and tick prevention medicine. Lori Baldwin will also tell us how easy and affordable it is to adopt an animal from the Nevada Animal Shelter.

On today's edition of Update, you will hear from Vernon County Sheriff, Mike Buehler. We will be talking about the sheriff's first 100 days in office. Topics include drug enforcement, inter-agency collaboration and emergency response. Sheriff Buehler will also talk about the importance of ongoing community service and having a good relationship with the media.

On today's City Beat, you'll hear from newly-elected Mayor of Nevada, Carol Branham. Carol will be talking about what is on the agenda for the Work Session scheduled for Wednesday, April 30th at 7 pm at the City Council Chambers, 120 South Ash Street in Nevada. Mayor Branham will discuss storm sirens, small homes in Nevada and the position of a new Nevada-Vernon County Economic Development Director. Carol will also talk about a potential business incentive at the City Airport and the bow-hunting issue. All these topics will be considered at the planned Work Session.

On today's edition of Update, I am talking to Dr. Ganga Fernando. She is the treasurer for the Nevada Band Boosters and a professor of Chemistry at Cottey College. Dr. Fernando will be talking about the Nevada Band Boosters Pickleball Tournament happening on Friday and Saturday, May 2nd and 3rd. All proceeds will benefit the Nevada Band Boosters and go toward the band's trip to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Ganga talks about the beginner clinic taking place on Friday at 5:00 pm, where you can learn to play pickleball for $10. She will also discuss the actual tournament taking place on Friday at 5:30 pm at the Nevada High School's Aux gym. The tournament will continue on Saturday at 1:00 pm. Registration is $20.

In today's Update Program on 97.5 FM, Double K Country, I'll be talking with Tina Cochran Joy, the President of the Nevada Main Street Alliance. Tina will be talking about their first ever Small Town Business Days, happening Saturday and Sunday, May 9th and 10th. She'll discuss the agenda for both days and how it's a great way for new entrepreneurs to establish a successful business in Nevada.

On today's Update program, I am talking to Will Tollerton, Museum Coordinator of the Bushwhacker Museum in Nevada. Will will talk about "History LIVE on the Square" happening May 2nd and May 3rd. This is a guided tour through downtown Nevada's historic square. The tour begins and ends at the Bushwhacker Museum. Will also gives us a preview of the annual Bushwhacker Days happening this summer.

Nevada Regional Medical Center CRO Jason McCormick is back on the program to talk about the ongoing turnaround efforts at the city hospital financially.  Along with talking about achievements and what still needs to be done, McCormick talks about why there is a need to move NRMC to a "hospital district" and what that means for residents.

In this edition of Update, I am talking with Cindy Brown, Director of Public Information at Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri. Cindy will talk about their 3-day used book sale at the end of April. The Friends of the Library will be selling old books from April 22nd through April 24th.  Cindy will also talk about what's going on at the Nevada campus of Crowder College. Finally, Cindy discusses the graduation of Nevada nursing students.

In this edition of Update, I am talking with Jessica Sloniker, Director of the Nevada-Vernon County Chamber of Commerce. Jessica talks about their Golf Tournament fundraiser happening on Saturday, May 3rd. Registration deadline is Friday, April 25th. We also discuss the upcoming Bushwhacker Days inJune. Finally, Jessica talks about why it's important for a Vernon County business to become a member of the Nevada-Vernon County Chamber of Commerce.

In this edition of City Beat, I talk with Richard Brockman, Parks and Rec Director for the City of Nevada. Richard will talk about a new way to anonymously inform the city of any vandalism at city parks. We will discuss the repainting of the Caboose at Earp Park. There will be a rededication ceremony for Earp Park on May 3rd. Richard says the Tot Lot at Spring Street will be removed, temporarily, and repainted. Finally, there will be an update about the dredging at Walton Lake.

In this edition of Update, we will be talking with Debra Vickers, the Public Relations Director for the West Central Missouri Community Action Agency. Debra will be talking about how their agency helps low-income people in West Central Missouri. She will also talk about her agency's relationship with the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. Debra talks about how all the Federal employees of LIHEAP have been fired. However, she says they will still be funded and able to help underprivileged people until September of 2025. Debra will also discuss how you can get involved and help out those in need.

On today's edition of your Update program, I'll be talking with Vernon County Presiding Commissioner Joe Wilson. Joe will be talking about the big cleanup day that happened on Saturday, April 12th. Joe will also discuss the Nevada/Vernon County cleanup day happening this Saturday, April 26th. Finally, Joe will talk about their new Business Manager, Eric Summer.

On today's Update program I talked to two people from the Nevada/Vernon County Community Foundation. You will hear from President Greg Hoffman and Coordinator Amy Bishop. Greg will talk about how the foundation was able to get a new pickleball and basketball court in Nevada. Amy will describe their latest project is to help out those affected by last week's storm. Greg explains the foundation's purpose. Finally, Amy explains how easy it is to donate to the foundation to help those in need.

Nevada Regional Medical Center Foundation Director, Jennifer Eaton, joins us on the "Pride Report" to discuss the upcoming Foundation golf tournament set for Friday, May 9th in Nevada.  She discusses the purpose behind the tournament and to be involved in the tournament and/or in sponsorship opportunities.

On this edition of Update you will hear from Diana Morse and Donell Willey, two of the actors in the Fox Theater's presentation of "A Death of a Salesman". The Community Council on the Performing Arts in Nevada is presenting Arthur Miller's play from April 10th through the 13th at the Fox Playhouse, 110 South Main Street in Nevada. This episode describes the play, its main motif and an unusual way of presenting the 2nd half of the show.

On this edition of Update, we talk with Vernon County Clerk Adrienne Lee. Election Day is Tuesday, April 8th. Adrienne will talk about what's on the ballot and how important it is to get out to vote. She will also let you know where you can vote and what you need to bring with you to the voting booth.