Double K Country

Nevada Regional Medical Center Interim CEO, Jason McCormick, was on the program to give an end of year update on the Nevada (MO) city hospital.  Among the topics were recent community meetings to answer questions from the public and give information on the proposed Hospital District that is proposed for the April, 2026 Municipal Election ballot.

Thomas English talks with a guest from the Officer of the Treasurer for Vernon County about senior tax benefits. The guest is Vernon County Treasurer and Collector Brent Banes. He discusses Senate Bill 190 and how that affects senior's taxes for the upcoming year. He also discusses the documentation needed and how to apply for the tax benefits. Other topics include the continued implementation of the tax benefits in each individual county.

Thomas English talks with a guest from Build Vernon County about their selection for the Heartland Rural Innovators Initiative and their first board meeting. The guest is Vernon County economic development director Tina Cochran. She discusses how the initiative will be used for future projects and how it can grow Vernon County. She also discusses the first board meeting with community leaders and representatives. Other topics include her adjustment to her new role and the future goals of Build Vernon County. 

Thomas English talks with Nevada Police Lieutenant Amber Williamson and Code Enforcement Officer Ryann Best about code enforcement in the city. They discuss what things are and aren't cited, how the process of flagging an item occurs and how residents can avoid it. They also detail the best ways to report a nuisance or violation and how to contact the correct people. 

Thomas English talks with guests from the Nevada Parks and Recreation Department about the upcoming Lights at the Lake opening. The guests are Parks and Rec director Richard Brockman and Parks maintenance supervisor Eric Cameron. They discuss the process of planning and setting up the lights display throughout the year. They also highlight the changes to this year's display and the opening ceremony with the lighting of the Mayor's Christmas tree. 

Thomas English talks with a guest from the West Central Missouri Community Action Agency to discuss their Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program for the winter. The guest is WCMCAA public relations director Debbie Vickers. In this program, she discusses the various options for payment of energy bills through the WCMCAA's LIHEAP program. She also discusses their upcoming home weatherization program and who is eligible. Other topic include donations that can be made to help families in need of a heat source this winter. 

Mike Harbit and Nevada (MO) Tiger head football coach Wes Beachler get together one final time for the 2025 high school football season.  They will review the 28-25 loss to Warrensburg in the Class 4 District 7 Championship game while also taking a look back at the season as well as a peek into the future of Tiger football.

Nevada (MO) Regional Medical Center Foundation Director, Jennifer Eaton, joins Mike Harbit to talk about the "Tree of Shining Memories" during the upcoming holiday season.It's an opportunity for individuals in the area to remember loved ones during the holiday season with a naming ceremony to be held Friday, December 5th at NRMC.Jennifer talks about how the proceeds are used by the Foundation for the benefit of the hospital and how people can make sure they're loved ones are included.

Thomas English talks with guests apart of the organizing group for the City Square Development in downtown Nevada. The guests are Nevada Community Foundation president Greg Hoffman and Nevada Main Street Alliance president Beth Stewart. They provide an update on the design renderings of the pocket park and features that have been added or removed. They also discuss the cost and timeline for the project as well as how it aligns with the future of the downtown Square. Other topics include fundraising needs and the impact on the community.

Thomas English talks with guests from the African Children's Choir to discuss thier upcoming concert in Nevada. The guests are instructors and former choir members Daniel Tamale and Michael Nsimbe. In this program, they discuss the origins of the choir and the experiences they had as choir members. They also talk about how the program changes children's lives and what spectators can expect in the performance. 

Mike Harbit sits down for his weekly discussion with Nevada (MO) Tiger head football coach Wes Beachler.  They talk about the Class 4 District 7 semifinal win over Pleasant Hill and preview the upcoming District Championship game at Warrensburg on Friday, November 14th, 2025.

Thomas English talks with Nevada City Manager Gary Edwards about various happenings in the city of Nevada. Topics include the construction of the City Square development project and the improvements to the water treatment plant. Other topics discussed are new housing additions in the community and an update on the progress for the aquatic center. 

Thomas English talks with guests from the Nevada Scholar Bowl program to talk about their upcoming Bingo Night fundraiser. The guests are Scholar Bowl coach Bryan Townsend and team members Nolan Deweese and Ethan Copsey. In this program, they provide an overview of what Scholar Bowl is and when they compete. They also discuss the Bingo Night event and how the community can get involved. Other topics include the origins of the program and the Bingo Night. 

Thomas English talks with a guest from the U.S. Small Business Administration to talk about disaster loans and individual assistance residents can receive. The guest is Raenada Mason, a public information officer in the SBA's Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. In this program she discusses the disaster loans that the SBA provides and details the interest rates and monetary amounts available. She also discusses eligible property, loan requirements as well as refinancing and funding mitigation.  

Nevada Regional Medical Center Interim CEO, Jason McCormick, joins Mike Harbit to give an update on the latest at the Nevada (MO) city hospital.  McCormick also provides information on community education sessions on the proposed Hospital District for the hospital.  He talked about the changes and benefits that would bring to the hospital as well as upcoming sessions they community can attend to learn more.

Thomas English talks with a guest from the Cedar County Memorial Hospital to talk about Medicare enrollment. The guest is Natalie Eberhard, the marketing coordinator for CCMH. In this program, she provides an overview of the Medicare and Medicare advantage plans. She also explains how to enroll, the differences between plans and the benefits they provide. 

Thomas English talks with a guest from the American Legion Post 2 to discuss the upcoming Veterans' Day Parade. The guest is Troy Shankel, the American Legion Post 2 Commander. He talks about the preparation for the upcoming parade and how people can get involved. He also discusses how the community can support the American Legion. Lastly, he discusses other ways the community can show their gratitude on Veterans' Day. 

Mike Harbit sits down once again with Nevada (MO) Tiger head football coach Wes Beachler for their weekly visit.  Discussion will center on the thrilling 21-19 win over Pleasant Hill to wrap up the regular season and the start of Class 4 District 7 play Friday, October 31st against the Southeast Knights of Kansas City.

Thomas English talks with Nevada Fire Chief Taylor McKlintic about the recent happenings in the city of Nevada. We discuss the new storm siren system that has now been completed. Other topics include the repurposing of the old sirens, the potential purchase of a new engine or tanker and the potential for more personnel. Finally, we discuss the celebration of First Responder's Day and Halloween. 

Thomas English talks 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 talk about the various programs that the WCMCAA provides and how the community can use these programs. Other topics include how the waitlist works and the benefits that come with it. 

Thomas English talks with four guests from the NRTC Business Program. They are Amber Jenkins, a Business Program Instructor and Business Program students Anna, Marley and Ella. They talk about their upcoming event, the Fall Extravaganza. Amber discusses the Business Program and how the event started while the students discuss the details of the event including the talent and comedy show and the haunted trail. Other topics include their favorite parts of the event and what they learned in the process. 

Mike Harbit has his weekly visit with Nevada (MO) Tiger head football coach Wes Beachler as they review the contest at Mt. Vernon and preview the regular season finale against the Pleasant Hill Roosters.  Also on the program will be Nevada volleyball coach Morgan Sanderson as the Lady Tigers prepare for the start of Class 3 District 13 action as the #1 seed.

Dr. John Fox from Nevada Regional Medical Center was on the program to talk about Hand, Foot, Mouth disease that is very contagious and most common in children younger than 5 years of age.  Dr. Fox talked about the symptoms to watch out for, where it's most commonly contacted and how to help prevent it.

Thomas English talks with a guest from the Wreaths Across America organization. The guest is Janie Conroy, the Vernon County Wreaths Across America Representative. She talks about the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Fort Scott National Cemetery in December. She also discusses the new theme for the year for the organization as well as how the community can get involved and what it means to her and the other families of fallen soldiers. Other topics include the payment process of the wreaths and the deadlines involved. 

Mike Harbit talks with Cottey College President Dr. Stefanie Niles about the college's recent high ranking in the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings in the Midwest Region. They discuss the upcoming international trip for students in the spring and other topics related to Cottey College. 

Nevada (MO) Tiger head football coach Wes Beachler joins Mike Harbit to talk about the past week's contest with the Cassville Wildcats and preview the upcoming action at Mt. Vernon against the Mountaineers.  

Mike Harbit talks with Cottey College Athletic Director Maryann Mitts about the college's upcoming Comets 5k & Family Run. They discuss the growth of Cottey athletics and the new facilities in use. Other discussions include the public service efforts of Cottey student-athletes in the community and much more. 

Mike Harbit visits with Vernon County presiding commissioner Joe Wilson about the upcoming Vernon County fall clean-up day scheduled for Saturday, October 18th. They discuss what can and cannot be brought to the event for disposal. Also, a discussion on ongoing talks with FEMA about the spring tornado and flood damage in Vernon County and its townships. 

Nevada (MO) Tiger head football coach Wes Beachler has his weekly visit with Mike Harbit.  They review the 27-7 "Silver Tiger" win over the Lamar Tigers and preview the upcoming Big 8 matchup with the Cassville Wildcats.

As it is "Breast Cancer Awareness Month", Nevada Regional Medical Center COO, Holly Bush, and Marketing Director, Jennifer Eaton were on the program to talk about the need for women to schedule their annual mammogram.  They talk about who should get the mammogram and what are the risk factors.  They also talked about how to schedule an appointment.

Vernon County United Way board president Shelby Lightwine appeared on the program to discuss their upcoming Oktoberfest celebration. Oktoberfest is used as a fundraiser for the fifteen agencies they support with funding. The agencies are all local, serving Nevada and Vernon County residents. Oktoberfest is a carnival-type event bringing people out to the Vernon County Fairgrounds. 

Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Jessica Sloniker, was on the program to discuss the upcoming "Fall Festival".  The event is being held at the Vernon County Fairgrounds alongside the United Way's "Oktoberfest", a car show and the Farmer's Market on Saturday, October 11th at the Vernon County Fairgrounds in Nevada, MO.  Sloniker talks about the collaborative effort between the organizations and what to expect when attending.

Nevada (MO) Tiger head football coach Wes Beachler joined Mike Harbit for their weekly discussion.  There will be a review of the win at East Newton and a preview of the upcoming "Silver Tiger" game at home Friday, October 3rd against the Lamar Tigers.  The program originally aired on Sunny 99.9/AM 1240 in Nevada, MO.

Mike Harbit is joined by cast members from the Community Council on the Performing Arts production of "Murder On the Nile" that will be presented October 2-5 at the Fox Playhouse in Nevada, MO.

Greg Hoffman and Amy Bishop joined us to talk about the Nevada/Vernon County Community Foundation.  Now in it's fifth year, the foundation has provided thousands of dollars for local projects that are voted on by the "PHIL" members who donate to the group.  The money is pooled to be able to provide assets for various projects in Nevada and Vernon County.

Vernon County Extension Youth Program Associate, Thabena Bower, joined us to talk about the upcoming Annual 4-H Week that starts Sunday, October 5th.  She also talked about the annual BBQ Fundraiser that is the biggest fundraiser of the year for 4-H in Vernon County.  Thabena also talked about the strong 4-H program in Vernon County and their recent Expo.

The weekly program features Nevada (MO) Tiger head football coach Wes Beachler sitting down with Mike Harbit to talk about the win over McDonald County and to preview the upcoming Big 8 Conference matchup at East Newton.

Nevada Regional Medical Center Interim CEO Jason McCormick talks about the continued financial turnaround for the community hospital.  McCormick talks about how they have gotten where they are now and what needs to be in the future to have the hospital experience continued financial stability.

Bailey Cliffman from the Bronaugh Community Club joins us to talk about the upcoming 76th Annual Bronaugh Fall Festival set for Saturday, September 27th.  She'll talk about the Family Fun Night set for Friday night, September 26th as well as run through the daylong events for the annual festival in the southwest Vernon County town.

"The Big Serve" organizer Lynda Jones is on the program to talk about this year's event on Saturday, September 27th.  It's an annual event that sends volunteers out into Nevada (MO) and Vernon County working together on a variety of projects for others.  This includes brush pickup, mowing, painting, yard work, minor repairs, etc.  Lynda discusses the origins of the program and how to be involved.

Mike Harbit has a pair of guests on this week's program that aired originally on Sunny 99.9 in Nevada, MO.  Nevada head football coach Wes Beachler has his weekly visit talking about the loss at Seneca and then previewing the matchup against McDonald County.  Also on the program is first year NHS volleyball head coach Morgan Sanderson who's Lady Tigers are off to a 10-2 start.

Nevada Fire Chief, Taylor McKlintic joins Mike Harbit to discuss the arrival of the new tornado sirens for the city of Nevada to replace the older siren system.  At a cost of about $300,000, Chief McKlintic talked about what the new system will provide in terms of upgrades and protection.  The installation process is expected to begin in October.

Today on Update, I am talking with  Laurie L. Kedigh, Home Enrichment Director with the West Central Missouri Action Agency. We will be discussing weatherization for homes before winter sets in. Laurie will talk about how their agency can help those who meet certain financial parameters.

Today on Update, I will be talking with John Larson, Campus Director for Crowder College in Nevada. John will be promoting their 30th Anniversary on October 8th. We will also discuss all the different programs that are available at Crowder College. There are six satellite campuses at Crowder, with Nevada being one of them.

Mike Harbit has his weekly visit with Nevada (MO) Tiger football coach Wes Beachler.  They review the 49-0 win over the Aurora Houn' Dawgs.  They will also preview the matchup against the Seneca Indians in another Big 8 clash.  Nevada is ranked #7 in Class 4 while Seneca is the #1 ranked team in Class 3.

Nevada (MO) native, and Nevada High School graduate, Dr. Colby Smith has returned home to join the staff at Nevada Regional Medical Center.  Dr. Smith talks about what led him into the medical field and what led him back to his hometown.

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.