Double K Country

Today on Update, I will be talking with Dr. Landon Adams. He is the Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment at Cottey College. Dr. Adams will first talk about Cottey's new outdoor concert series in their amphitheater. There is a new initiative in enrollment called the "Dream Big, Stay Close" program. This provides full tuition coverage to eligible women from several Southwest Missouri counties who enroll as full-time students and qualify for the full Federal Pell Grant and the Missouri Access Grant. Dr. Adams will wrap up with news of an upcoming theater production and what's happening with holiday activities.

Today on Update, I will be talking with Raye Swopes, Board Member of the Walker Community Betterment Association. We will be talking about the 155th Walker Fun Days happening on Friday and Saturday, September 12th and 13th. This year's theme is "Summer Knights" reflecting the mascot for Northeast Vernon County R-I School District. Raye will discuss all the family fun games and contests happening during this 2-day event. For more information, call Ray Swopes at 417-321-3752 or check out their social media pages.

Mike Harbit has his weekly conversation with Nevada (MO) Tiger head football coach Wes Beachler.  They discuss the season opening 63-34 win at Monett and preview the home opener Friday, September 5th against the Aurora Houn' Dawgs.

Today on City Beat, I will be talking with Nevada City Manager Gary Edwards. We will discuss several items in this month's newsletter. These include the Fiscal Year 2026 Budge Process, the City's first Comprehensive Plan since 1984 and an update on the storm sirens. We will also talk about the firm that was chosen for the 2024 audit of the city and, finally, what's going on with the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Calendar. If you would like to get signed up for the City of Nevada's monthly newsletter, please call 417-448-5101.

Today on Update, I am talking with Heather Haddix, President of Schell City Community Betterment. We will be talking about the Schell City Fall Festival happening September 5th and 6th. Heather will tell us all about the plethora of activities scheduled for the 154th Annual Shell City Fall Festival. For more information, check out the social media pages of Schell City Community Betterment.

Today on Update, I am talking with Jessica Sloniker, Director of the Nevada Vernon County Chamber of Commerce. Jessica will be talking about the Chamber's first-ever Golf Tournament on Friday, September 5th at the Frank E Peters Golf Course. We will find out that Octoberfest and the Fall Festival have combined into one event on October Saturday, October 11th at the Vernon County Fairgrounds. Finally, we will talk about Holiday Open Houses where you can shop locally and make up your own gift list for your loved ones this Christmas season. The Nevada Vernon County Chamber of Commerce is located at 225 West Austin Boulevard. Their website is nevada-mo.com and their phone number is  417-667-5300.

The first Nevada (MO) "Tiger Talk" program of the season features the initial weekly visit between Mike Harbit and Nevada head football coach Wes Beachler as the Tigers prepare for their season opener at the Monett Cubs.  Also on the program is an interview with Athletic Director David Hawks.Due to a technical glitch, the first half of the program did not make the air on the live program.  We apologize for that issue.  That segment can be heard in its entirety on this podcast.

Today on Update, I am talking with Dr. Stephanie Niles, President of Cottey College in Nevada. Dr. Niles will be highlighting several exciting changes to Cottey this Fall. First, they will be implementing a four-term academic year. Fall Semester consists of a two-week mini term, followed by a seven-week course. This schedule is repeated during the Spring Semester. Another change, coming to Cottey, is the introduction of online courses. Finally, there will be a new credit system where courses will now be worth four credits instead of three. For more information, visit cottey.edu.

Today on Update, I am talking with Patty Cantrell, Project Manager at New Growth, and Jennifer Caldwell, Southwest Missouri Community Leader for Missouri's Office of Childhood. We will be discussing the fact that Vernon and Cedar Counties are being called a "Childcare Desert" because there isn't enough available childcare for working parents. Patty and Jennifer say this is especially true for zero to 2-year-old children. We talk about how lack of childcare affects our local workforce and the economy of these two counties. Finally, we go over solutions to the child care problem we have in Vernon and Cedar counties. You can get more information at NewGrowthMo.org.

Today on City Beat, I am talking with Carol Branham, the Mayor of Nevada. We will be talking about her role as the new mayor of Nevada and how her civic life has changed. The Mayor says she is glad she does not work full-time, so she can devote her days to the City of Nevada. We will discuss hot topics like the Animal Shelter and the Pool. Carol mentions that the 2023 City Audit is almost finished, allowing the city to pursue pool renovations. We will also talk bout how the city council is fully engaged in their work, while maintaining individual opinions.

Today on Update, I am talking with Edwin Moore, one of the organizers of the Lamar Free Fair, the largest Free Fair in Missouri. Edwin will tell us how he and his brother, Terry, have been organizing the Lamar Free Fair for 58 years. This is the 82nd year of the Lamar Free Fair. It starts Saturday, August 16th and runs until Saturday, August 23rd. With free parking and admission, the Lamar Free Fair offers family-friendly fun and tradition. Edwin also discusses the history of the fair and all the events of this week-long event.

Today on Update, I will be talking with Christina Dedick, the Promotions Director for the Nevada Mainstreet Alliance. Christina will be discussing all the projects the alliance is involved with this autumn. One of their big projects is the painting of the caboose at Earp Park. If you would like to know more about the Nevada Mainstreet Alliance, please visit their website at nevadamomainstreet.com or check out their social media pages. You can also call 417-448-0025.

Nevada Regional Medical Center Physical Therapist Coordinator, Hannah Cramer, talks with Mike Harbit about new legislation that allows patients to visit a PT without a doctor referral.  Cramer also discusses the variety of services they provide.  The program originally aired on 97.5 FM, KNMO in Nevada, MO on August 13, 2025.

Today on Update, I will be chatting with Jim Liley, Vice President of the Western Missouri Beekeeper's Association. We will be talking about the Bee Festival coming up on Saturday, August 16th, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Nevada Vernon County Youth Fairgrounds, Centennial Hall and Pavilion. Jim knows all things about bees and beekeeping and he answers all the questions I have (and you might have) about bees. He'll even tell you how to cultivate your own bees and make your own honey and beeswax.

Today on Update, I will be talking with Jeanne Buehler. Jeanne is a veterinary assistant for Nevada Veterinary Clinic and owner of B.B. K9 School. Jeanne is also the owner of Franklin, a 68-pound, American Bully dog. Jeanne trained Franklin to be a human remains/cadaver dog. She talks about the training process and how Franklin became certified. We will also talk about her B.B. K9 school and how it can help your dog be better behaved.

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.