News

Warden defends her role as administrator

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

Seward County commissioners and staff have been receiving much criticism in the last two months following a 3-2 vote after the Sept. 15 public hearing to raise the county’s mill levy by double digits.

Much of that criticism has focused on Administrator April Warden, and she, along with the commission, attempted to answer some of the concerns of county residents at the commission’s Nov. 3 meeting.

The concerns were addressed during Warden’s administration comments and the commissioner’s comments near the end of the meeting.

First and foremost, Warden agreed with many, saying the county needs to have as much accurate information as possible, and that information needs to come without preconceptions of how courts and agencies defines it.

SWMC updates commissioners on hospitalist program

ROBERT PIERCE

• Leader & Times

Southwest Medical Center CEO Amber Williams updated Seward County commissioners about what is happening at the board’s Nov. 3 meeting.

In September, Williams said the hospital moved to an outsource company to manage its hospitalist program.

“We did that for several reasons, number one being the cost savings,” she said. “They were bringing the model down to what we thought it should be, which is one hospitalist and one physician assistant instead of the three and three.”

This, Williams said, will help SWMC meet best practices and continuity of care.

Cool temperatures lead to one question: Are you ready for flu season?

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Cooler weather is coming through the area, which means people can be more susceptible to the flu and other respiratory illnesses.

With that in mind, the Seward County Health Department (SCHD) is advising people to make sure and get their flu shot.

“We've had the flu vaccine available since the middle of September, and that's when we started giving them. The CDC recommends everyone six months old and older get vaccinated every season, especially since there are many flu viruses, which are always changing,” SCHD Registered Nurse Evelyn Aragon said. “We don't do the nasal mist, but we do offer the Fluzone in both regular and high-dose shots. Each year brings a new vaccine to protect against the strains most likely to cause particular hardship, and even if the vaccine doesn't 100 percent match the strain, it will still provide some protection. It's better to be protected during this season and come in and get your flu vaccine – the flu can be super contagious and spreads especially when the weather is cooler. The flu can strike anyone, but it's definitely more dangerous for some people, including infants and younger children, senior citizens 65 years old and older, those who are pregnant, and people who have certain other health conditions or are otherwise immunocompromised.”

Angry Red News staff offers mini photo shoot sessions to help student battling cancer

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Those looking to get some nice photos taken while supporting a local student will soon have just that chance.

The Liberal High School Angry Red News staff will be hosting a fall minis photography sessions fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the LHS East Campus commons area. Cost is $20 (cash only) per session, which includes five to 10 edited images, and all proceeds will be going to an LHS student currently battling cancer. The fundraiser is open to the entire community.

Angry Red News staff members Alannah Thomas and Evelyn Sandoval and advisor Brent Lansden said the idea for the fundraiser came together rather quickly.

Join WKCF in nationwide celebration to recognize local impact of community foundations

Western Kansas Community Foundation

GARDEN CITY – Western Kansas Community Foundation (WKCF) will join in a nationwide celebration, Nov. 12-18, to recognize the increasingly important role that community foundations play in strengthening localities and mitigating social issues like food insecurity, or strengthening vital community resources related to health, education and social services.

For more than a century, philanthropic institutions have served as a trusted partner and resource whose effect can be seen in the lives of millions and in the vibrant neighborhoods that continue to thrive through their mission-driven work. During this annual celebration, community foundations convene to share and reflect on the stories of impact from their recent work.