Missouri's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point in September 2023, increasing to 2.9 percent from the revised August 2023 rate of 2.8 percent.
Read MoreThe Clay County Public Health Center announces a contract continuance to provide WIC services for federal fiscal year 2024 has been signed with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Read MoreThe Clay County Public Health Center Board of Trustees has formally selected Darrell Meinke as director of public health for Clay County effective January 1st, 2024. Meinke will serve as the director after Gary E. Zaborac announced his retirement at the end of 2023 following 20 years of highly dedicated service to Clay County.
The Clay County Public Health Center Board of Trustees has formally selected Darrell Meinke as director of public health for Clay County
Meinke grew up in Kearney, MO and other than attending the University of Missouri for his undergraduate degree has been a lifelong resident of the northland. He began his public health career at the Kansas City Health Department and for the last 18 years has been working at Clay County Public Health Center in a variety of roles.
“The board and I are extremely pleased with the selection,” Kathy Ellermeier Clay County Public Health Center board chair said. “Darrell is a skilled public health leader and has demonstrated his long-term commitment to CCPHC and to the community. We have a great amount of trust that he will continue the high standards of CCPHC while working to achieve our strategic goals and address community health priorities across the county.”
Meinke has served as Deputy Director since 2019 and previously served as Division Director of Administration, Section Chief of Operations and Director of Human Resources among other roles. Throughout his career, he has helped lead Clay County Public Health Center’s Community Health Assessment, Community Health Improvement Plan and Accreditation efforts. He also continues to serve on the Behavioral Health Task force for the Northland Health Alliance.
“Working in public health has always been very rewarding,” Meinke said. “I’m honored to continue working alongside such an incredible and dedicated group of public health professionals. It’s exciting to think about all the things we can achieve that will continue to make Clay County one of the healthiest places to live in Missouri.”
Meinkes’ education includes a master’s degree in public health through Purdue University and a bachelor’s degree in human environmental science from the University of Missouri. He is also currently a member of multiple public health associations including the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Missouri Public Health Association, Metropolitan Official Health Agencies of the Kansas City Area, Northland Health Alliance and Missouri Center for Public Health Excellence where he serves on multiple committees.
After years of severe back pain, Jonathan Riggs was diagnosed with an Arachnoid cyst which is entwined with his spinal cord. Doctors attempted to repair the leak between the spinal cord and the cyst. During the surgery nerves were damaged in the spinal cord, leaving Jonathan paralyzed on his entire left side.
His family and the Kearney community are coming together to financially help ongoing needs and increasing medical expenses.
Jonathan Riggs was diagnosed with an Arachnoid cyst which is entwined with his spinal cord
Jonathan will require an intensive rehabilitation period at this point it is unknown how long, or if he will fully recover function of his body.
His family and the community are putting together a benefit spaghetti dinner fundraiser for his expenses. The fundraiser will take place on Saturday, November 4th, from 5 to 7:30 pm. It will be located at the Trinity Lutheran church, 1715 S Jefferson St. in Kearney. There will be a silent auction during the event.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4 to 10 years, and children under four years are free. Donations can also be made on Jonathan's GoFundMe.com page. Search for Jonathan Riggs Medical Expenses. If you would like more information or have questions, call Carol at 816-405-8082.
All Kearney School District residents are encouraged to participate in the school system's 2023 Annual Survey.
This year's survey is open now at www.ksdr1.net/annualsurvey and will remain active until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3.
results will be compiled and analyzed by our district administration and then shared with the Board of Education
“Responsive Leadership & Community Engagement is one of the four central pillars of KSD's 2022-2027 Strategic Plan,” states a district press release. “The district must facilitate stakeholder engagement and empower student voices if we are going to achieve our mission to provide exemplary educational experiences in a safe and supportive learning environment.”
Stakeholder responses to the 2023 KSD Annual Survey will help the district reach that destination. This survey is an opportunity to gather valuable feedback and insights from students, parents/guardians, employees and community members.
The data and comments collected by the survey provide critical guidance for district and school leaders. It's one of the most important ways they track progress towards achieving the goals created by our stakeholders during the strategic planning process.
All survey submissions will be kept anonymous. The results will be compiled and analyzed by our district administration and then shared with the Board of Education and stakeholders. An executive summary with key insights will be posted this winter on the school district website.
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