Illnesses close Oswego schools
OSWEGO — USD 504 schools closed last Thursday and Friday due to an overwhelming number of student and staff illnesses, according to the Parsons Sun.
Almost 200 students and 25 faculty and staff members were absent, said Superintendent Mitch Shaw.
District buildings were scheduled to be “power-cleaned and sanitized” during the closures, Shaw said.
Most of the illnesses were from influenza, RSV and stomach flu, the Sun reported.
Neosho County commissioners reject request
ERIE — A request to close the Neosho County Health Department for one week so staff could attend a pandemic-related seminar in Alabama was denied, according to the Parsons Sun.
Neosho County Commissioners regarded the request by Teresa Starr, health department administrator, as excessive.
The health department provides services that people depend on, said Commission Chair Gail Klassen. Closing the facility for a full week “would be difficult on those we serve,” Klassen said.
After the commissioners’ decision, Starr said the training is available year-round and then asked if staff could attend the seminars in shifts. No decision was handed down, the Sun reported.
Santa heist crime solved
OSWEGO — A rural Parsons man made his way onto Santa’s naughty list as well as that of law enforcement’s after he was caught stealing a life-sized Santa, according to the Parsons Sun.
Kyle Kirk, 32, of rural Parsons, was arrested Saturday in connection with the theft of the Santa, valued at $3,000, from Oswego’s Riverside Park, according to The Sun.
Labette County gives generous raises
OSWEGO — Labette County hourly employees are due to receive 17% raises and salaried employees 25% raises beginning the first of the year, according to the Parsons Sun.
