Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Butler Student of the Month Zoie Umstattd

 


Ellett Memorial Hospital recognizes Kayla Orear


Happy Healthcare HR Week to EMH Director of Human Resources, Kayla Orear! Healthcare is an industry where hiring, retaining, and developing employees can be a huge challenge. As such, the importance of the HR function can’t be overstated! Healthcare Human Resources professionals have all the responsibilities of their peers in other industries plus many specific to healthcare, including managing high turnover rates, providing support for employees' mental and physical health, and monitoring certification compliance. Healthcare HR professionals help their organizations maintain a well-functioning workforce by managing recruitment, training, compliance, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and retention, all while prioritizing patient care and employee well-being.
Happy Healthcare HR Week Kayla! We're appreciate everything you do!

Courtesy Ellett Memorial Hospita

 

Harrisonville schools extends contract with Josh Chastain

In a unanimous decision at the February meeting, the Harrisonville Schools Board of Education extended the contract for Josh Chastain, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, through the 2027-28 school year following their annual evaluation of the superintendent.

Board Doug Meyer said, “Dr. Chastain continues to be a strong leader for our district. The Board evaluation reflects progress in all areas and we anticipate continuation of this progress and improvement going forward.”
In his second year in Harrisonville, the Board approved a new strategic plan which will guide the district’s work through 2029. The strategic plan development was led by Superintendent Chastain and he now leads the efforts to carry out the goals and strategies of the plan. The overall goal areas include Community Partnerships, Early Childhood Education, Quality Staff, Safety, Student Achievement, Technology, and Well-Being.
With the guidance of our newly crafted strategic plan, the district is undergoing a period of exciting and transformative enhancements. Dr. Chastain is collaborating closely with our community to expand early childhood opportunities at the Early Childhood Center, setting the stage for key changes across our schools. As part of this initiative, kindergarten will transition to the elementary school, while third grade will move to the McEowen building. These adjustments create the opportunity for full-day preschool for both three- and four-year-olds, with before- and after-school care options available for families.
In partnership with the Board of Education, the district is also preparing for a future no-tax-levy-increase bond issue. This critical initiative will build upon the progress made through the 2019 bond issue, addressing much-needed updates and ensuring that our facilities are equipped to support the evolving needs of our programs and activities in alignment with the district’s strategic goals.
Superintendent Chastain expressed, “I am deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our Board and community. Our district remains unwavering in our commitment to academic excellence and providing valuable opportunities for all students. The initiatives we are undertaking today will ensure that Harrisonville Schools continues to be the best place to serve our students and their futures.”
Dr. Chastain is a member of the Harrisonville Kiwanis Club and serves as the president of the Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
The board has not determined a salary increase for 2025-26. The Board of Education will first determine what it is able to provide the faculty and staff of Harrisonville Schools, and then will set his salary at that time.
Chastain is married to Jennifer, a principal in the Raymore-Peculiar School District, and they have three daughters, Aubrey, Catie, and Ashley.

Courtesy Harrisonville Schools

Bates County Memorial Hospital Names Mandy Brockman, RN, as March Employee of the Month


Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) is proud to recognize Mandy Brockman, RN, from the Surgery Department, as the March Employee of the Month.

Mandy has been a valued team member at BCMH for 18 years, taking on various roles in the Surgery Department, including circulating nurse and surgery scheduler. Known for her friendly demeanor and dedication to patient care, Mandy embodies the hospital’s commitment to excellence.

 A coworker who nominated Mandy shared:

"Mandy has not met a stranger—she is always engaging and friendly with everyone she meets. Even through personal challenges, she continues to provide outstanding care, making patients feel important and valued. She is so deserving of this award!"

 Mandy’s unwavering dedication to her patients and colleagues makes her an essential part of the BCMH team. The hospital is proud to honor her for her hard work, compassion, and commitment to making a difference.

 For more information about BCMH updates, visit https://bcmhospital.com/news/



 

Butler sophomore places well in Fleet Reserve Association essay contest

 


Butler Sophomore Sam Henderson earned third place in the FRA (Fleet Reserve Association) Americanism Essay contest by answering the question, "What Does Service to America Mean?"

Job well done!

Courtesy Butler High School

Obituary - John Edward Brockman

John Edward Brockman, age 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Nevada on Sunday, March 9, 2025, Missouri with his children by his side. John was born on October 21, 1944 to Otto and Lena (Neighbors) Brockman in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

     John was united in marriage to the love of his life, Sharon Kay Aldredge, on June 29, 1963 and to this union three children were born. John loved his family with all of his heart and soul.

     John briefly served in the US Navy and received a medical discharge. He retired from the Nevada School District in 2008 after 25 years of employment as the Supervisor of the Maintenance Department. He was a member of the Nevada Eagles. His greatest joy in life was his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

     John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sharon of 56 years;  sister, Kathy Hanson, sister, Phyllis Delong, and brother, Jerry Brockman. He is survived by his three children, Sheryl Raines of Nevada, Shelly Hastings of East Lynne, Jeff Brockman (Becky) of Nevada; five grandchildren, Chelsie Poe (Kyle), Briana Wiley, Colton Hardy, Tyler Hardy (Tayten), Austin Hastings (Emilie); eight great-grandchildren, Bentley, Tinley, Lyric, Nova, Cammy, Rhettlyn, Layne, and River.

     Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Lorne Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park in Nevada. The family will receive friends from 9:30 -10:30 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Obituary - Luann Kay Noss

Luann Kay Noss, 70, of Adrian, Missouri, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, at her home. 

A full obituary will be posted when it becomes available.

Courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home

Sherwood students headed to State


Congratulations to Mrs. Braun and our Sherwood Choir. Last week, they performed in various groups and won multiple awards!

Results
Exemplary Ratings - Moving on to State!!
-Raymond Novotny
-SAB Sextet (Raymond Novotny, Andrew Baldwin, Lorelei Robbins, MJ Smothermon, Grace Vincent, and Hannah Toombs)
-Chamber Ensemble (Emilie Gabehart, Sarah Horvatic, Kyera Howell, Luna Miller, Andrew Baldwin, and Luke Turner)
-Miscellaneous Ensemble (Moss Boles, Hannah Toombs, Nevaeh Howell, Rilea Madigan, and Raymond Novotny)
Outstanding Ratings
-Rilea Madigan
-Andrew Baldwin
-Kyera Howell
-Hannah Toombs
-Sarah Horvatic
-Lorelei Robbins
-Girls Ensemble (McKenzie Clayborn, Violet Niemerg, Emily Cumpton, Kyera Howell, and Nevaeh Howell)
-SSA Sextet (Lorelei Robbins, Grace Vincent, MJ Smothermon, Luna Miller, Rilea Madigan, and Sarah Horvatic)
Satisfactory Rating
-Nevaeh Howell

Courtesy Sherwood Schools

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