Photo Courtesy of Ryan Duey
Clay County Medical Center CEO Austin Gillard met with the Board to provide an update on hospital projects and operations. He reported that the Riley Family Physicians project is progressing well and will move inside later this month. CCMC is remodeling its Physical Therapy Department to expand capacity, and the Cardiac Rehab area will receive new paint, flooring, and windows. Linda Bott will join Linn Family Physicians as a Nurse Practitioner, while Dr. Timothy Penner plans to retire at the end of 2026. A new physician has been hired to start that September. Gillard also said a professional black mold test on the former Advena Nursing Home came back negative, despite prior claims that led to its closure and relocation of residents. The facility will remain closed, and CCMC will research options for the property.
The Board also approved a $1,179.19 invoice from JP Electric for courthouse drainage project work.
Highway Administrator Bobby Shomper reported that his department worked on road repairs, hauled rock, and transported equipment for repairs last week. The bridge box on Utah Road is complete and will open to traffic this week, while flooring for another bridge on Utah Road will be poured on Friday. Shomper also presented asphalt quotes for 10.6 miles of work next year. These figures will help plan the 2026 budget.
EMS Director Alec Trembath shared that a local resident praised the EMS team for their professionalism during a recent emergency. The department achieved a milestone week with no corrections needed on run reports. Staff participated in the downtown Trunk & Treat event, and AEMT students are gaining experience through ride-alongs and extra shifts.
Emergency Manager Jim Bogart reported he is researching possible AED grants after several local businesses expressed interest. He is updating inventory in the Salamander system and will attend a Rapid Tag ID Workshop in Ottawa County. A new key card security system has been installed at the ESA building, with minor software issues still being resolved.
County Health Director Dana Rickley said the department administered 522 flu shots and 167 COVID-19 vaccines in October. Clay County Ylink will host a state youth conference with about 220 attendees. The Board approved two employees to attend training in Salina. Rickley also announced that Blue Cross Blue Shield invited the department to serve as a lead agency for a five-year Pathway Grant addressing health-related social needs, which the Board unanimously approved.
Sheriff Alan Benninga presented and received approval for an officer to attend training in Hutchinson.
Landfill Director Rhonda Carroll met with the Board to discuss issues raised by KDHE regarding her Post Closure Fund reports, which she has filed for the past 10 years without problems. The Board asked her to investigate and report back. Propane bids for 4,000 gallons were reviewed: Sapp Bros, Propane Central, and Hoovers Inc. The Board unanimously accepted Hoovers’ low bid. Carroll also received approval for Bruna Implement to repair the landfill’s skid steer.
Kathryn Doster-Tipsword of Grow Clay County received permission to place Santa’s House on the Courthouse Square for the upcoming Christmas Festival.
