Double K Country

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.

On this edition of City Beat, we will talk with the City Manager of Nevada, Gary Edwards. Mr. Edwards will explain the city's cleanup efforts after the tornado ripped through Nevada on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Edwards will also give the current status of the city, along with any updates.

Conversation with Cottey College Athletic Director Maryann Mitts about the upcoming "Swinging for the Green" golf tournament. The tournament is a major fundraiser for the Cottey Athletic Department. Funds are used to help finance their athletic programs. Mitts talks about how to get involved.

On this edition of Update, I talked with Sarah Olson of Nevada High School about their golf fundraiser called "Swinging for St. Jude's'". Topics include when and where the event is being held, how to register, plus how the fundraiser came about. All Proceeds go to cancer research at St. Jude's Hospital.

In this edition of "Update" we talk with Vernon County Presiding Commissioner Joe Wilson about the latest happenings with the Vernon County Commission. Topics include a meeting with Nevada City officials, a conference call with FEMA, how ARPA distributions were used, Vernon County Commission Coffee and Conversations, and the Vernon County Spring Cleanup.

In this edition of "Update" we talk with Sheridan Garman-Neeman, the chief operations officer of New Growth, about funding freezes impacting New Growth and West Central Community Action Agency. Topics include the immediate impacts of the funding freezes, what programs from New Growth and West Central are being impacted, how the funding freezes are impacting the organizations' clients, why the general public should care and how people can show support.

In this edition of "City Beat" we talk with Nevada Mayor George Knox about the Nevada City Council meeting held Tuesday, March 18th and other happenings around Nevada. Topics include the next step for the City Square Development Project, A consent agenda for Nevada City Council, how work sessions have helped the Nevada City Council, an ordinance to raise the cost amount the City Purchasing Agent can approve and what to expect at the Mayor's Coffee being held Thursday, March 27th.

In this edition of "Update" we talk with Michelle Branham, Casey Campbell, Ella Heathman and Jayden Thankamani of Nevada High School's Renaissance Program about the upcoming 2025 Male Handsome Pageant being held at Nevada High School. Topics include what rounds of competition there will be, how many are in the pageant, how the winner will be decided, what funds raised from the event will be used for and how people can get tickets.

In this edition of "Update" we talk with Rachel Healy, an administrative coordinator with New Growth and Sydney Lee, a business counselor with New Growth's Women's Business Center, about New Growth and the Women's Business Center. Topics include services offered by the Women's Business Center, the main goals of New Growth and the Women's Business Center, how people can get started with New Growth and what events are coming up for New Growth.

Mike Harbit and Nevada (MO) Tiger basketball coach, Shaun Gray, put the wraps on the 2024-25 season with a review of the 21-7 season that ended in the Class 4 Sectionals.

Mike Harbit sits down for the final time this season with Nevada (MO) Lady Tiger basketball coach Blake Howarth.  They will review the season that just concluded in the semifinals of the Class 4 District 13 Tournament, but included a share of the Big 8 Conference championship.

The final wrestling segment of the season on "Tiger Talk" features both Nevada (MO) Tiger wrestling coach Spenser Daniels and Lady Tiger head coach Jerrod Alexander as they review their seasons with Steven Crosby.