Progress Health 2024 - Embracing Community

USD 428 expanding daycare services in 2024

• Facility Improvements to GBHS Memorial Stadium - New turf field and 8-lane track installed in summer/fall of 2023.

a middle school.

In 2024, Little Panthers Preschool will open at 1809 24th St. with an expanded capacity to serve up to 288 three and four year-old students with free preschool. This new facility will bring Helping Hands Preschool, Riley Preschool, and the

Little Panthers Preschool classrooms into one integrated program.

District Education Center and Barton County Special Services will also move to the new site, occupying the west end of the building at 1809 24th St.

Other highlights of 2023:

• 2023-2024 Enrollment was 2,845 and there were 656 staff Staff Numbers: 656

• 93% Graduation Rate at GBHS

• GBHS named an ALL-STAR High School for its support of Career & College Readiness

• GBHS Wrestling Lair - an added benefit of the property acquisition at 1809 24th St. included an exterior building formerly used as a health and wellness facility by CUNA Retirement Solutions. The fitness area, locker room, and adjacent storage space have been re-purposed as a dedicated wrestling facility for GBHS Wrestling and the Great Bend Youth Wrestling Program.

• Opening of the USD 428 Support Services building at 625 East 10th St. - New home to USD 428 Maintenance, Transportation, Grounds, and Central Kitchen. The expanded kitchen provides an opportunity for new menu items, more storage of products, and more made-from-scratch cooking.

• USD 428 continues to operate and enhance facilities without any bond debt. Recent projects to accomplish district and community priorities for expanded preschool, maintenance and transportation facility, and central kitchen upgrades have been completed out of capital outlay and with the ESSER ( Elementary

• Focusing on retaining top talent, 70.6% of the USD 428 budget is dedicated to salaries and employee benefits. The teaching staff has an average tenure of 10 years in USD 428.

• Beyond time in the classroom, USD 428 certified teachers invest time and resources in professional development, training, and additional college credits/ coursework.

- 24,779.5 - Professional Development Points - In

learning communities, and department/gradelevel collaboration.

United Way of Central Kansas and Reality U, Kid’s Ag Day, and Trophy Experience & MPIRE Realty.

Central Plains USD 112

CLAFLIN – The motto of Central Plains USD 112 is, “If you are positive, you’ll see opportunities instead of obstacles.”

Interim Superintendent Bill Lowry listed several accomplishments and projects for Central Plains Junior High and High School:

• New heating and air in the gym

• Formation of the Booster club

• Keyless entry in buildings

• Laser engraving and T-shirt businesses in the school

• Leadership class volunteers at nursing home and elementary school

and 4-year old preschool •Working on Community daycare

• Summer School

• Robotic after-school

• 5th Grade Starbase in Salina

• 6th Grade All-Stars program (Character Education)

Ellinwood Public Schools are an integral part of the community

USD 355 Ellinwood Public Schools is a progressive school district that focuses on the development of the whole child, Superintendent Ben Jacobs said. Individual attention is a priority in every program. The district maintains small class sizes at the elementary level and supports numerous elective and extra-curricular programs at the middle and high school level.

The school district is the largest employer in the community of Ellinwood, and it maintains educational and operational partnerships with the City of Ellinwood, Ellinwood Recreation Commission, Barton Community College, and local businesses that serve to benefit its students. The programs of USD 355 have experienced much success at the local, league, and state levels. Excellence is the standard by which USD

355 operates. A Class 2A district, USD 355 serves approximately 480 students.

There is 1:1 Technology in every building

Post-secondary programming includes Career and Technical Education Classes/ Internships and Dual-Credit College Classes. Social-Emotional programming is offered to support mental and emotional health.

Hoisington USD 431’s future looks bright

“The future is bright at USD 431 Hoisington Schools!” said Superintendent Patrick Crowdis.

“It is really hard to narrow down the great things taking place at USD 431. There are so many little individual stories, that add up to a great community, and great school district.” He shared a couple of highlights from the past nine months

• A major project was completed with the replacement of the turf football field.

• During the spring of 2023 and through the summer, USD 431 developed a Strategic Plan. This was made possible through a collaborative effort of community members, USD 431 Board of Education Members, and district teachers and administration.

• In the Spring of 2023, USD 431 was also fully

accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education through the KESA (Kansas Education Systems Accreditation) process. “This was also a collaborative effort with our district administration, teachers and staff, working hard to accomplish goals to improve relationships and rigor in USD 431,” Crowdis said.

• During the football season of 2023, Hoisington High School’s team made it to the 2A State Championship game. Community, alumni and

relatives showed up for a snowy football game over the Thanksgiving weekend. HHS fell to Nemaha Central in that game.

All of the Hoisington school buildings continue to help students in areas of need academically, socially and emotionally, Crowdis noted. Through a partnership with the Hoisington Dispatch and Meyer Enterprises, the community is helping to provide materials for each of the buildings’ community closets. These items hygiene, personal

care, snack items and laundry items that are available to students and families who need them.

USD 431 schools are looking forward to many positive things in the future, including a partnership with Great Bend Economic Development to open a Hoisington daycare facility; updates to the KSDE graduation requirements; and continued and new partnerships with Barton Community College both on the HHS campus and on the Barton campus.

Annual mammogram catches Great Bend woman’s breast cancer early

Today, Kathy Drake is living life to the fullest, thanks to her diligence in getting an annual mammogram. In early November 2022, Kathy’s yearly mammogram at The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus showed a small tumor. Less than a week later, a diagnostic ultrasound confirmed the tumor.

Just before Thanksgiving, she had a biopsy and a week after that, her primary care team, Charles Keener, MD, and Gina Westhoff, PA, confirmed her tumor was cancerous. With that difficult start to the holiday season, Kathy started looking at her treatment options.

“I had no signs or symptoms and even at my first appointment with my primary care provider after the screening mammogram, we couldn’t feel it,” Kathy says. “Without the initial mammogram and followup ultrasound that led to a biopsy, we wouldn’t have known about the cancer.”

Because imaging showed only a single, small tumor, Kathy planned to have a lumpectomy. However, in January, in preparation for her surgery, an MRI with contrast showed a second tumor in the same breast. This new information caused Kathy to reevaluate her plans.

“We just survive whatever is in front of us,” Kathy says. “We make all the decisions we have to make, lumpectomy

or mastectomy, reconstruction or not. How bad is chemo or radiation if you have to have it?”

She chose to have a double mastectomy to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Just a little more than 2 months after her initial mammogram, Kathy was scheduled for surgery.

A good support system

Kathy’s breast surgeon and plastic surgeon are in Wichita, which meant additional travel for surgery-related

appointments. She had multiple procedures after her mastectomy for reconstruction, all of them 2 hours away in Wichita.

Despite the challenges of so much travel, Kathy received immense support from her communities in Great Bend, including her church, neighbors and even women she didn’t know well. The help she received eased some of her anxieties.

“It’s scary, but don’t panic,” she says. “Make

sure you have a good support system with your family, friends and doctors.”

One of Kathy’s biggest supporters – besides her husband, Dave – along her cancer journey was her daughter, Ami. She was with Kathy at nearly all her appointments.

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Continued from page 1

“She probably was as nervous and scared as I was,” Kathy says, “but it wouldn’t have been the same without her there. She was a big help, asking questions and writing it all down – things I couldn’t remember and would forget what the doctors said.”

Kathy’s other advice? If you don’t have a daughter,

find a girlfriend to go to appointments with you. She says a woman can understand a little better what you’re going through. And, she says, talking to other women who have also had breast cancer is so important. “I’ve had a couple of girlfriends with breast cancer and relied on them for information,” says Kathy. “When you talk to all these people who have been down this road, it takes away your fears. It helps so much to know what they’ve been through and that you’re not alone.”

‘Be diligent in your healthcare’

Now that Kathy has completed her treatments, she can look back over

the past 11 months and recognize the strength she received from those around her. She also is vocal about women being diligent in their

mammograms are key,” she says. “I do self-exams and never felt anything, so be sure to keep up with self-exams and your annual mammogram.”

She’s sharing her story so more women will be aware that breast cancer could happen to them

“It’s important to talk about it and get it out there. Sharing stories like this helps,” Kathy says. “I certainly don’t have all the answers and there’s a lot I don’t understand. But my early detection was so nd yourself in a similar situation, Kathy says that you can’t be afraid to ask for help.

e prayers of my family and friends were powerful and I had never experienced that before. It was palpable and I could feel it,” she says. “After surgery, all the meals that were brought in, the visits, texts to say, ‘I’m thinking of you,’ I can’t express how important it all was. I’m so blessed for how it all turned out. I had no complications at all.”

Annual screening mammograms are recommended for all women beginning at age 40. If there is a family history of breast cancer, your physician or primary care provider will provide guidance about when to start annual screenings.

To schedule your mammogram, call The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus at 620-791-6205.

About The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus

The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus is part of the premier academic health system providing a full range of care for the region and the state of Kansas. Other health system facilities are located in the Kansas City area and Topeka. The health system includes The University of Kansas Physicians, the largest multispecialty physician group in the region, and is affiliated with the University of Kansas Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Health

Professions, and their leadingedge research projects. Services range from routine primary care to multispecialty care for complex conditions. The health system receives no state or local appropriations, instead relying on operating revenue, bonding authority and philanthropy. For more information, visit KansasHealthSystem.com. For information specific to Great Bend Campus, visit KansasHealthSystem. com/GreatBend.

Club 1 Fitness celebrates 50 years

Club 1 Fitness, located at 3806 Broadway Ave., is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

In 1974, Martin Casey, an immigrant, had a vision for the Great Bend area. He wanted to provide a healthy lifestyle for the whole family under one roof, and so he founded The Spa Health Club.

Then in 1977 he added the tennis and racquetball courts and it became Town & Country Racquet Club.

In 2007, it became Club 1 Fitness.

Now, 50 years later, his daughter, Caron Zager, carries on his legacy as owner of the gym.

“There have been many changes throughout the years, but the vision remains the same,” Zager said. “We are always looking for new ways to invest in our facility and provide more amenities for our members.”

The mission of Club 1 Fitness is still to provide its members and the community with the best health and fitness facility for the entire family so that everyone can enjoy the wealth of a healthy lifestyle.

Club 1 Fitness is the only gym in the area to offer an indoor heated swimming pool, therapeutic whirlpool, dry sauna, and eucalyptus steam room. It is also the only fitness facility with free childcare while you work out for children ages 2 months to 10 years of age, for family memberships. Indoor

tennis and pickleball courts and racquetball courts also separate Club 1

from its competitors, along with free group fitness classes offered in a variety of settings at different times throughout the week.

Sunflower Massage, LLC

Owner and Licensed Massage Therapist

Sandra Burton has over 24 years of experience in massage, She offers an integrated approach to custom massage sessions with a range of techniques, including Swedish, targeted deep tissue, trigger point therapy, and fascia lengthening. Her clients, some of who have been with her for her entire career, have praised the quality of touch and focused attention they receive during each session.

“Massage is not just an occasional treat. It is an effective way to help the body relax and repair itself,” Burton said.

Sandy is available for 30-minute, 60-minute, and 90-minute massage appointments with a variety of techniques and

focused on, or that are hurting.

At every appointment, clients enjoy a relaxing and quiet environment

clients really “sink in” and get the most out of every appointment.

Members can enjoy everything from Zumba and yoga to cycling to kick boxing and senior conditioning, all free of charge with a membership. Personal trainers are available to help members stay committed to their fitness goals, each specializing in different areas. The Refuel Zone ers protein shakes and energizing teas.

Starting next week is the annual Battle of the Bulge six-week competition. This is a fun way to get fit, win prizes and keep motivated along the way. It begins Feb. 22 and ends April 4, giving participants enough time to see real results but not long enough to lose steam. This competition is open to Club 1 Fitness members AND nonmembers. Register using the convenient online form at club1fitness.net or stop by Club 1 Fitness.

Gym hours are 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m.

Sunday Kid Zone hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 4-8 p.m. Monday through ursday, and 8 a.m. to noon Friday.

Club 1 Fitness offers a variety of membership options. Stop by, visit the website club1fitness.net or call 620-792-1366. Club 1 Fitness is also on Facebook and Instagram.

Sunflower Massage is located in Great Bend and is open by appointment

only. To book a session, call 512-773-6927 or visit sunflowermassagellc.com.

RILEY BRUNGARDT Great Bend Tribune

Club 1 Fitness owner Caron Zager, right, and Manager Chris Berger.

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PC Health Department works to serve, protect health

LARNED – The Pawnee County Health Department works to protect the health of its rural population.

Cheryl Hoberect, Pawnee County Health Department director, said the mission is accomplished by preventing the spread of disease and injury; protecting rural populations against environmental hazards; promoting and encouraging positive health behaviors; responding to disasters and assuring the quality and accessibility of services to consumers.

“Public health agencies work to address chronic disease and health disparities within the populations they serve,” Hoberecht said. “They have many local representatives who assist in the support and execution of programs that provide assistance, education and services to our local population.”

“Each health

department is different,” Hoberecht noted. Programs and services may include immunizations, screening for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, BMIs, pregnancy, and

COVID testing through the use of lab fairs and other promotional events. The department offers treatment for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and STDs. They offer

Iron Therapy Training

a

while wanting to to

With this in mind, Iron Therapy Training has developed a program that

maternal and child health services and implement information for the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) food program.

Other clinical services include school-based clinics, oral health services, home healthcare and foreign travel consultations. They help identify and connect additional support for families who have children with mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders. Promotional activities include motor vehicle safety with their own car seat technician; smoking cessation with referrals to PCPs or the KANQUIT program and increase

entities including schools and daycares; and environmental health services; childhood immunizations, teen services and pregnancy support or prevention. Outreach and enrollment for medical insurance and collection of unwanted or expired pharmaceuticals are also included.

Emergency preparedness

“Pawnee Conty Health Department plays a key role in emergency preparedness and response,” Hoberect noted. Roles include: coordinating, planning and response efforts across partners in the community;

system in the U.S. works by strengthening the technical, scientific, managerial and leadership competencies of the public health workforce through education, training, and consultation services,” Hoberect said.

There are 10 regional PHTCs that focuses on a specific topic. Those topics include: Public health preparedness; health disparities, equity and social health determinants; informatics and health information technology; infectious disease, environmental public health; behavioral health; diabetes; cancer, nutrition, physical activity and

serve their clients and provide

They have been

Brookdale Senior Living

Bryce Wells, the new Medicare Specialist at Mitchell K. Haney and Associates in Great Bend, helps clients navigate the complexities of Medicare enrollment. Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people who are 65 or older. Wells noted a few things people need to know about Medicare:

Enrollment Periods:

There are specific periods to sign up for Medicare, like the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), Special Enrollment Period (SEP), and General Enrollment Period (GEP). Bryce can guide clients through these periods to avoid penalties. The IEP is the seven-month period that begins three months before the month someone turn 65, includes the month they turn 65, and ends three months after the month they turn 65. It’s typically recommended to sign up during this period to avoid any penalties.

Choosing Plans:

Deciding between Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) and Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) depends

Coverage Needs: Evaluate prescription drug needs. If it is necessary to take medications regularly, clients may benefit from a Medicare Part D plan, which offers stand-alone prescription drug coverage. If a more comprehensive plan is wanted that includes prescription drug coverage along with other benefits, such as vision, dental, and hearing, clients might consider a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). Bryce can provide personalized guidance based on these needs.

Options: In addition to Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, clients may want to consider other coverages like Medigap, dental, vision, hearing, long-term care, home health care, and travel health insurance for comprehensive coverage. It’s essential to carefully

and preferences and explore all available coverage options to ensure the client has the comprehensive coverage that meets their individual needs. Consulting with a Medicare Specialist or an insurance agent can help people navigate their options and make

additional coverage beyond basic Medicare.

People turning 65 should consider whether they need to apply for Medicare, even if they aren’t applying for monthly retirement benefits. If they have already started receiving retirement benefits, they

will be automatically enrolled in Medicare when they turn 65. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) is free for most people, and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) requires a monthly premium. Generally, if people have not already started receiving retirement benefits, they will want to sign up for Medicare three months before turning age 65. This is unless they have group health coverage through a current employer.

Wells said “I’m extremely happy to be in Great Bend, helping people navigate the complexities of Medicare. I can help them understand their options, and enroll them in appropriate coverage. Healthcare is an important aspect of people’s lives, particularly as they age.”

Bryce is part of the Haney family team, his in-laws Shawn and Mitch Haney, wife Kaci Wells, and brother-in law Chance Haney, offering comprehensive employee benefit solutions, and health and life insurance options. They are located at 701 McKinley, Great Bend, KS. and can be reached at 620-793-9190.

Somebody’s Auto Body Shop, continues its legacy of excellence in Automobile Body Repairing & Painting.

Over 18 years ago Somebody’s opened their doors with a passion for automobiles and a commitment to quality service, Somebody’s Auto Body Shop has become a trusted shop for

Superior Essex has forged a path by meeting and exceeding the wire and cable requirements for the automotive, industrial, commercial, residential, energy, and communication markets for over 90 years.

Founded in 1930, Superior Essex has experienced many merges and changes that have

individuals seeking top-notch automotive solutions. Specializing in Automobile Body Repairing & Painting, the skilled team at Somebody’s Auto Body Shop is equipped to handle a wide range of repair and paint needs, including hail work, and paintless dent repair.

“Our passion for automobiles extends

created the globally known company. In 2015, Superior Essex became the first communications cable manufacturer in the United States with a third-party certified Zero Waste to Landfill facility, courtesy of years of dedicated sustainability work at our plant in Hoisington.

beyond repairs; it’s about ensuring every vehicle that leaves our shop reflects our dedication to quality craftsmanship,” stated Rod Straub, owner at Somebody’s Auto Body Shop. Located at 1420 2nd Street in Great Bend, KS, Somebody’s Auto Body Shop operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Superior Essex is one of only nine companies in the United States to have achieved this certifi and we have since continued to earn it every subsequent year.

On Feb. 15, 2020, Superior Essex celebrated its 90th anniversary as a company while looking forward to another 90 years of innovation.

Larned Auto Parts - NAPA

In 1925, a group of independent auto parts sellers met in Detroit to form the National Automotive Parts Association. Their mission was simple:

Improve the distribution of auto parts to serve the people and businesses who increasingly relied on cars and trucks for their transportation needs.

Larned Auto PartsNAPA has been open for business since 1968 and has had only tow owners. Steve and Julie Erb purchased the store in 2010. Larned NAPA has a knowledgable staff with over 127 years of experience. In September of 2019, they added to their inventory to better serve our community.

Today, NAPA Auto Parts stores and Auto Care centers continue to connect professional

automotive technicians, at-home mechanics and everyday drivers with quality parts, aftermarket accessories and car care products to keep their vehicles and garage equipment performing safely and efficiently.

NAPA Auto Parts is your source for quality automotive parts for your car or truck. Let us use our knowledge to help

you find the right vehicle battery, brakes, filters, headlights, wipers and other parts needed to get your job done. We also stock tools, equipment and many other items for cars, heavy-duty trucks, boats, RVs and tractors. Order your parts online, drop by our location or call us at today. Online orders are available for instore or curbside pickup.

Barton County Health Department: Promoting wellness, ensuring public health

BY JUDY DURYEE

jduryee@gbtribune.com

The Barton County Health Department is dedicated to promoting wellness and ensuring public health for residents of Barton County.

According to Karen Winkelman Director of the Barton County Health Department, “one of our biggest missions is to make sure people understand we serve all of Barton County, not just one town.” With a commitment to excellence and a focus on community well-being, the Health Department offers a wide range of essential services to support the health and safety of all individuals in Barton County.

The Health Department provides prenatal care coordination, breastfeeding support, and education on maternal and child health topics to promote healthy pregnancies and birth outcomes.

Their Woman, Infant, and Children (WIC) program is celebrating 50 years. For infants and children up to 5 years, the program provides nutritious food. Inside the WIC program the Maternal Child Health program is designed to provide support to expectant mothers, breastfeeding moms and those postpartum. The support they give earned them recognition as a “Breastfeeding Friendly Local Health Department” by the

Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition.

The Health Department also offers confidential family planning services, including contraception counseling, reproductive health exams, and access to birth control methods. All ages have access to this program. Parental involvement is encouraged, but not required. They administer vaccinations to protect individuals of all ages against preventable diseases. No appointment is needed for immunizations. Any child under the age of 19 will be vaccinated regardless of their ability to pay. This

helps keep the community healthy and prevents outbreaks of diseases.

Another service the Health Department provides the county is monitoring and investigating communicable diseases, conducting disease surveillance, and implementing control measures to prevent the spread of illness.

The Health Department offers many educational programs and resources on a variety of health topics, including nutrition, physical activity, tobacco cessation, and chronic disease prevention. The popular Becoming a Mom

program is offered four times a year. They cover nutrition, labor, delivery and breastfeeding. They also collaborate with local agencies and organizations to develop and implement emergency preparedness plans, ensuring a coordinated response to public health emergencies and disasters.

“Our mission at the Barton County Health Department is to protect and promote the health and well-being of our community,” said Winkelman. “We are committed to providing accessible, high-quality services that address the unique health needs of

individuals and families in all of Barton County.”

everyone who visits their clinics - no matter what their age - can be assured that the information about their visit is confidential. They cannot discuss any information about any client without the client giving them permission to do so.

Questions they are frequently asked about is filing insurance paperwork and fees. The Health Department will file insurance for their clients but if a client does not have insurance there is a sliding scale fee for some services that adjusts according to the client’s

Sunflower Diversified Services

and Stafford counties. Their mission is “to advocate for, support, and teach clients with developmental delays and/or disabilities to reach their potential and achieve as much independence as they desire.”

Their passion is “to help people with developmental delays and/or disabilities to achieve whatever dreams their hearts desire while assuring them and their families that they have the right to do so.”

Services include early education, the Incredible Years Pre-school, case management, disability supports, Beautiful Minds Art Studio, Sunflower Recycling and Manufacturing, and general public transportation.

Sunflower Diversified

income.

The Barton County Health Department goes into the community with their programs and health information. Some of the events they participate in include the Development Fair held at the Great Bend Public Library, Cinco de Mayo at the Courthouse, activities at the Senior Center, Family Crisis Center event at the Zoo, USD 428 pre-enrollment, the Tribune’s Women’s Expo, and coming up April 27th the National Drug Take Back Day with the Barton County Sheriff ’s Office. According to Winkleman, “We have a Healthy Living Lab every day at the Health Department. If someone wants or needs to have their blood work numbers checked they can come in for lab work. We use Quest Lab and most results are back the next day. This service is cash pay. Some of the tests should be done after fasting, but clients can stop by or give us a call and we can discuss which lab testing they need.”

For more information about the services offered by the Barton County Health Department The office is located at 1300 Kansas Ave. in Great Bend, and can be reached at 620-793-1902. Their hours are Monday 9am5pm, Tuesday through Friday 8am- 5pm, although, they are open late on Thursday’s until 8 pm.

Services and Recycling is an important organization in Great Bend, Kansas. They help people with disabilities and their families in many ways. Here’s what they do:

Helping People Find Jobs: Sunflower Diversi-

fied Services helps people with disabilities learn job skills and find work in the community. They provide training and support to help them succeed in their jobs.

Taking Care of the Environment: Sunflower

Diversified Services also runs a recycling program. They collect things like paper, plastic, and glass to be recycled instead of thrown away. This helps keep our community clean and protects the environment.

Teaching Others: They also teach people in the community about the importance of including everyone, no matter their abilities. They work to make sure everyone feels welcome and valued.

Working Together: Sunflower Diversified Services partners with local businesses, schools, and other groups to make a bigger difference in our community. By working together, they can do even more to help people and the environment.

Always Trying to Im-

prove: Sunflower Diversified Services is always looking for ways to do better. They listen to feedback and try new things to make sure they are doing the best job they can.

Overall, Sunflower

Diversified Services and Recycling is a special part of our community. They help people, take care of the environment, and make our community a better place for everyone. The main office is located at 8823 4th St. and they can be reached at 620-7921321.

Ellinwood District Hospital, located in Ellinwood, Kansas, is a crucial healthcare provider serving the local community and surrounding areas. Ellinwood District Hospital is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare services to residents of Ellinwood and the surrounding rural areas. As a critical access hospital, it plays a vital role in ensuring that community members have access to essential medical care close to home. Ellinwood District Hospital is a 23-bed Critical Access Hospital with a 24/7 Emergency Room with 2 beds, providing inpatient acute care, skilled swing bed, and intermediate swing bed care and many outpatient services: physical and occupational therapy, a full service laboratory, and a full range of imaging services – traditional x-ray, CT, mobile mammography,

Ellinwood District Hospital offers emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation therapy, and more to meet the diverse needs of its patients. The staff at Ellinwood District Hospital prioritize patientcentered care, focusing on the individual needs and preferences of each patient as they strive to create a welcoming and compassionate environment. Beyond providing medical care, Ellinwood District Hospital actively engages with the local community through health education programs, wellness initiatives, and community events. They work to promote healthy lifestyles and empower individuals to take control of their health. Ellinwood District Hospital collaborates closely with other healthcare

care for patients. Despite its smaller size, Ellinwood District Hospital maintains a commitment to excellence in all aspects of its operations. From clinical care to administrative processes, the hospital prioritizes quality, safety, and efficiency to provide the best possible outcomes for patients. Overall, Ellinwood District Hospital is a vital asset to the community, providing essential healthcare services with a focus on compassion, collaboration, and excellence. Through its dedication to serving the needs of patients and engaging with the community, the hospital plays a vital role in promoting health and well-being in Ellinwood and beyond.For more information and updates, community members are encouraged to follow Ellinwood District Hospital

Ellinwood Clinic

DOT physicals, treatments for acute illnesses and injuries, and management for ongoing health conditions. The clinic is al-

ways accepting new patients and appointments can often be booked the same day. These dedicated providers can care for the whole family, at any age. They are located at 611 Main St. with office hours from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached at 620-564-3771.

The Ellinwood Hospital Foundation

The Ellinwood Hospital Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that focuses on improving the health of our communities through the programs and services at Ellinwood Hospital and Clinic. The Foundation is the fundraising arm of Hospital and Clinic, allowing the providers and staff to focus on patients, not funding. A new hospital and clinic is in the works. This

new facility will include 17 inpatient beds, 15 family care and specialist clinic exam and procedure rooms, 2 operating rooms, a 2-bed Emergency Room, 1 hospice patient room and family suite, and expanded space in physical therapy, lab, and imaging. All of this is packaged with improved patient care and experience in mind. The design of the project reflects community feedback

and in-depth, intense strategic planning with medical professionals, architects, engineers, contractors, city personnel, and employee input resulting in a comprehensive plan. Working together, we’ve developed a solid plan and we can move forward knowing that we are growth-minded, making sure that we are meeting the needs of our community now and into the future.

Ellinwood District Hospital Relocating

Ellinwood District Hospital is excited about relocating to a new site in order to better serve the community and enhance healthcare services. The hospital, currently located in Ellinwood, Kan., has been a cornerstone of the local healthcare system for many years. The decision to move to a new location reflects a commitment to growth, innovation, and providing the best possible care to patients. Some benefits of the relocation include: space constraints, cost savings, as well as visibility and accessibility. The existing hospital campus faced limitations in terms of available space for expansion and modernization. Moving to a new site allows for greater flexibility in planning and construction, ensuring that the hospital can meet the evolving needs of the community. By relocating to a new site, Ellinwood District Hospital expects to realize significant cost savings compared to renovating and expanding the existing facility. This includes savings related to addressing drainage issues, avoiding the need for tem-

This is an artist’s rendering of the future Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic facility.

of Park St and US 56 Hwy, the new site offers greater visibility and accessibility for patients and visitors. Magner said the hospital has known for quite some time that they had a visibility problem. “There are people who live in Ellinwood and the surrounding area that don’t know the hospital is here in Ellinwood,” he reflected. “And

help raise awareness of the hospital’s presence in the community and attract more patients seeking healthcare services.

The new facility will have modern benefits such as a modern infrastructure, enhanced patient experiences, and future growth. The new hospital facility will have expanded space for inpatient care, outpatient services, surgical pro-

Harvest America Corp.

Since its establishment in 1981, Harvest America Corporation has been dedicated to serving eligible individuals and families, farmworkers, non-English speakers, and households with limited access to services. As a community-based organization, Harvest America operates under the principle of community ownership, ensuring that the

voices and needs of the community are central to its mission and operations.

Harvest America recognizes the diverse needs within communities and has established councils in targeted areas. These councils play a vital role in identifying and addressing the needs of the less fortunate and their communities. They also provide essential

input for the leadership and direction of the organization. At its core, Harvest America is a bilingual, multicultural nonprofit organization committed to serving the community.

By providing essential services and support, Harvest America strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families in need.

patient-centered care, the new facility will prioritize comfort, convenience, and safety for patients and their families. The design of the hospital will reflect input from medical professionals, architects, engineers, and community members to create a welcoming and healing environment. Moving to a larger site will position Ellinwood

will provide ample space for additional services, specialties, and programs to meet the healthcare needs of the community for years to come. Construction on the new hospital site is expected to begin soon, with completion anticipated within 2.5 years. The project will be supported by USDA Community Development Programs

for short-term construction funding and longterm permanent financing needs. Magner reported about the project, “The plans are being finalized, the funding mechanisms are being organized, and the timeline is coming together. The hospital and clinic will be rolling out educational pieces and opportunities to ask questions in the next few months and encourage the community to watch the newspaper and the hospital’s Facebook page for more information.

Ellinwood District Hospital is grateful for the support and collaboration of the local community, city officials, and other stakeholders in making the relocation project possible. The hospital remains committed to serving the healthcare needs of Ellinwood and surrounding areas with dedication, compassion, and excellence.

For more information and updates, community members are encouraged to follow Ellinwood District Hospital on Facebook and stay tuned for announcements in local newspapers.

Grove Park Golf Course

precision golf from the longest tees, for a par of 32. With well-groomed fairways and greens this course is challenging for golfers at every level. The mature trees line narrow fairways, and the small greens are compact but challenging.

You might end up in one of the sand traps but there are no water hazards. This is a good walking course although, you can bring your own golf cart. Non- members can play the course by paying green fees. The Club has several golf tournaments scheduled throughout the year. You could enjoy playing in frigid temperatures during the Frostbite Open

on Superbowl Sunday, or sweat it out during the After-Harvest Festival tournament, or enjoy the ever changing Kansas weather during the Grove Park Invitational, Member-Guest tournament, or many others. A club house is available with snacks and drinks, it can also be rented out for private parties. You can contact them at 620-564-3123.

COURTESY ARTWORK