Copyright 2025 by Koam News Now. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited. This material will not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
YATES CENTER (KOAM) in YATES CENTER, Kansas – Community Leaders held a press conference highlighting the heroic courage of YATES CENTER staff and first responders during a massive fire last Friday.
Leaders want to express how grateful they are for their community and rebuild a stronger, modern nursing home.
“I went out and said it was really smoky,” says Carly Stinnett, occupational therapy assistant at Yates Center Health and Rehabilitation.
Stinnett and her colleague Jocelyn Miller, an assistant physiotherapist, share the moment they first saw smoke.
“I saw everyone take action,” Miller said. “It seemed we had to go.”
“I see people in the office saying they're running into the car and going out,” Stinnett says.
That's exactly what they did, according to Johnny Akin, Woodson County Emergency Management Director. He says it appears the whole town was there to support them.
“Mutual aid comes from the periphery of the state,” Akin said.
If anyone wants to help, local leaders say they can send a check to Mission Health Communities at PO Box 265 in Yates Center, Kansas.
Akins says he is proud of his community.
“I am humbled by the selflessness of those who ran towards the fire,” says Atkin. “And pouring support near and far.”
An investigation is underway to see if there are any foul plays related to the fire.
Copyright 2025 by Koam News Now. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited. This material will not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
