Grant County Needs EMTs, Classes Begin In January

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Grant County Emergency Medical Services is ready for the next generation of Emergency Medical Technicians to take the reins and serve the community.

EMS Director Jeff Baier and the current generation of EMTs played host to the Weekly Grant County Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Coffee” on Friday, and Baier said he would be holding an EMS training class beginning in January in the hopes of bringing in new recruits.

EMS hosted an informational meeting December 14, for those who are interested in taking the class.

“The class will start on January 6 (2025) and be Mondays and Thursdays,” Baier said. “We need the help, we’re running out of people. Some of us are getting old enough where we’re not going to be around much longer, so we need some younger people to get started.”

The classes will take place Mondays and Thursday’s from 6-10 p.m. at the EMS building, Oklahoma and Missouri. The five-month course ends in May and will end with a test to become an EMT.

“The way we do it here is anybody who takes the class, we apply for a grant which the state of Kansas will pay for the class,” Baier said.

The only requirement is that upon completion of the class and certification, new EMTs are required to work for Grant County EMS for a certain number of hours per month for one year to pay back the grant. New EMTs can work evenings or weekends to work off the 20-hour per month requirement.

“If you don’t work the 20 hours per month and you fail to meet all the requirements, the state of Kansas will send you a bill for the grant,” Baier added. “And if that doesn’t happen then they’ll start taking it out of your taxes if you get tax income money back.”

Chamber director Marita Hauser then spoke about upcoming local events:

νGrant County Senior Center is partnering with Friendship Meals to provide access to affordable meals for the aging community. By donating to their meal program, the community can help provide meals to those in need within the community. Donations can be mailed to the Grant County Senior Center, 117 East Grant in Ulysses, payable to Friendship Meals.

νGrant County Library is continuing the Coats for Kids program and donations of winter coats, hats, jackets and gloves are being accepted at the library. The items can be gently used and must be freshly laundered.

νMain Street Blaze takes place from 7-9 p.m., December 19 on Main Street at the gazebo and will feature entertainment and the drawing for the Hometown Holiday Shopper winner.

νGrant County Recreation’s Grinch Christmas Crunch will be from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., December 23, at 815 North Missouri for kids seconds through fifth grade. Christmas brunch Grinch style will be followed by a movie and a take home surprise. Wear your pajamas and bring something comfortable to sit on.  The cost is $12 per kid and sign up deadline is December 20 (tomorrow).