Kansas Klips

Doctor files lawsuit against HaysMed; seeks to continue practicing in western Kansas

HAYS—Dr. Jerod Grove has sued HaysMed in U.S. District Court to stop the hospital from enforcing a non-compete clause that he says prevents him from practicing medicine in western Kansas. Grove, a general surgeon, resigned from the hospital on November 12th. HaysMed has employed him for nine years. Grove has signed a contract with Greeley Health to practice at Tribune Medical Center in Tribune, Kansas. The hospital administration indicated they were under a board directive to enforce Grove’s non-compete clause, prohibiting him from practicing at Tribune Medical Center and most of western Kansas. The non-compete stipulates Grove can’t practice medicine within 110 miles of the City of Hays and within 30 miles of any direction for the city limits of any other city or town where the physician performs on behalf of the hospital for two years. Grove’s attorney argues in the lawsuit that the non-compete interferes with Grove’s ability to make a living, constitutes HaysMed operating a monopoly, and creates a healthcare access issue in western Kansas, where Grove is only one of ten general surgeons in the region. Grove is seeking an injunction to allow him to continue practicing medicine in Tribune while the lawsuit is being resolved. He is also requesting unspecified damages to be determined at trial. No dates for hearings had been set at the time of the post. (Hays Post)

Wife of county commissioner-elect accused of electioneering

SEDGWICK COUNTY—On Tuesday afternoon, November 19th, the State v. Meghan Blubaugh was e-filed in Sedgwick County District Court, according to a Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office statement. The Complaint alleges one count of electioneering in violation of K.S.A.25-2430 (a)(1)(A)(d), a class A misdemeanor, alleged to have occurred on October 29th, 2024 and includes “wearing, displaying or distributing materials that clearly identify a candidate and influence voters at a polling place.” According to the district attorney’s office, Meghan Blubaugh is scheduled to make a first appearance in court on December 17th. Republican Jeff Blubaugh won the race for the District 2 seat on the commission against incumbent Sedgwick County Commissioner Sarah Lopez. (Hays Post)

20,000 chickens in Kansas barn at time of propane explosion

HARVEY COUNTY—Newton Fire crews were on the scene of a large chicken barn fire in the 1400 Block of N West Road after an explosion was reported on Thursday afternoon, November 21st, according to a social media report from Newton Fire and EMS. Water tenders from surrounding communities responded by providing water for firefighting operations. Authorities said a propane explosion caused the fire. One person in the chicken barn at the time of the explosion was not injured. Unfortunately, the barn was at or near capacity with 20,000 chickens. The entire structure collapsed. Fire crews remained on the scene throughout the afternoon and evening. (Hays Post)