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County appoints new members to mental health board

By JOSHUA AMES
Courier Reporter

The Cowley County Commission voted to appoint three new members to the Cowley County Mental Health Board of Directors at its regular meeting Tuesday.

Commissioners voted unanimously to accept Winfield resident and Calmar Inc. business leader Ron Malawy, Burden resident and Central USD 462 Superintendent Marian Hedges and Oxford resident and William Newton Hospital registered nurse Melanie Burnett to the board for three-year terms, which expire Dec. 31, 2011.

Cowley County Mental Health Director Linda Young said she is happy with the appointees and has faith that they will perform their duties to the fullest.

"The board interviewed these individuals, and we're very pleased to have them serve on the board of directors," Young said.

The appointments went into effect Tuesday.

Other business:

* The commission approved a request from Winfield Area Emergency Medical Services Col. Dale Wasson and Major Justin Waite to authorize the use of their privately owned vehicles as designated staff vehicles. Wasson's 2003 Dodge 2500 pickup and 1995 Crown Victoria will be used, along with Waite's 2003 Dodge 1500 pickup.

* The commission approved a request from Cowley County Emergency Management to use a $3,778 grant from the Kansas Division of Emergency Management to send an unidentified area police officer to a hazardous material technician training course in Pueblo, Colo.