Photo Courtesy of Ryan Duey
Austin Gillard, CEO of CCMC, updated the Board on recent Medical Center developments. Renovations at Riley Family Physicians are complete, adding 1,700 square feet to accommodate patient growth. CCMC will perform five total knee replacements in Clay Center in January, expanding local services. Clay Center Family Physicians also saw an increase of 2,200 patients in 2025 compared to 2024. For 2026, the Hospital Board plans to focus on necessary repairs rather than pursuing major projects.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, updated the Board on weekly activities, including road grading, hauling dirt and rock, bridge plank replacements, and equipment repairs. Two new blades are expected to arrive soon, and three older pickups will be listed on Purplewave. After reviewing vehicle bids, the Board approved the purchase of two Ford single-cab pickups from Glavan Ford of Clay Center, citing local service advantages. Roadside mowing and maintenance will begin this week.
The Board also approved abatements 2025A07-2025A10 totaling approximately $1,200.
EMS Director Alec Trembath reported 1,033 emergency runs in 2025. The department will hold a quarterly meeting to plan future projects and is discussing expanded coverage for the Miltonvale area, with additional EMTs interested in joining the PRN roster.
Jim Bogart, Emergency Manager, updated the Board and discussed whether PRN staff are required to attend mandatory mental health training in February; the Board felt that the PRN staff should. The 2026 Emergency Management budget was reviewed. Plans were also discussed to convert a blue trailer into an emergency response trailer.
The Board unanimously approved the 2025 Departmental Inventory for Clay County.
Sheriff Alan Benninga reported that Clay County will temporarily house three female inmates from Cloud County at a contracted rate of $40 per day.
Landfill Director Rhonda Carroll provided an update on projected income from recent rate changes. The Board also discussed needed dump truck repairs. Carroll was directed to proceed with getting the truck fixed.
