PARSONS, KS— If you are headed to celebrate the official opening of the Frisco Trail on Tuesday, make it a point to stop in and check out all that the Parsons Farmer’s Market has to offer. At the Parsons Farmers Market, you’ll not only have your choice of the finest greens and a wide variety of products, but you will also support local growers as you find your favorite fruits and vegetables and handmade craft items. Read more

Parsons will play a small role in introducing future fisherman to the sport once again as the Tourism Bureau, the Recreation Department and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks host the second annual Kids Fishing Derby at Tolen Creek Park. The kid’s derby will be held July 31, with a 7 a.m. check-in followed by the derby, which will end at 10:30 a.m.

See this week’s Labette Avenue for the entire story.

Jodi Schmidt has signed a five-year contract to become the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Labette Health in Parsons.
Schmidt, who is currently Vice President/Chief Development officer of Hays Medical Center, a 205-bed hospital in Hays, Kan., will begin her new duties in Parsons Aug. 23. Read more

The Parsons Chamber of Commerce’s new director, Rhonda Oestreicher (Ace-try-er) will be available to meet and greet residents at a booth set up in the northeast corner of Forest Park this weekend during the Fourth of July celebration. The location will be set up during the musical event being held in Forest Park and the chamber hopes that residents walking from the Seaton Family Pavilion to the fireworks display will stop by to meet the new executive director. Read more

Parsons, Ks – Thanks to engineering magic performed by Jerry Tibbets, both KLKC AM & FM were back on the air by mid Thursday afternoon.

However, live broadcasting is not quite ready to resume because fans being used to eliminate moisture in the building are so noisy.  Read more

Parsons, Ks – Tornado sirens blowing in Parsons early Wednesday morning were reportedly caused by a malfunction according to the Police Department, however, something blew through town resulting in extensive damage to KLKC Radio Station at 1812 Main and Jock’s Nitch Sporting Goods at 1814 Main.

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Full closure of the Parsons State Hospital came closer to reality on Tuesday when Gov. Mark Parkinson announced it should begin steps at reducing its population.
In a letter to Rochelle Chronister, chair of the Facilities Closure and Realignment Commission, Parkinson said he was aware that serving the individuals at the Parsons facility can lead to a better quality of life, but he has concluded that it is not feasible to use the Parsons State Hospital as a site where residents of another closed facility might be consolidated. Read more

Labette County lost a native son in his fight for freedom with the U.S. Army last Saturday.
Pentagon sources said E4 Daniel Cox, who was raised in Parsons, died in Afghanistan as he fulfilled his duties with the 10th Mountain Division.
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