News

A retired Chillicothe Police Department sergeant, John Valbracht enjoys restoring old vehicles. But when John, 70, was alone working on an old trailer, a routine task turned dangerous.  

"It was a nice day, and my goal was to put a new tongue and fuel tank on this trailer, but when the tongue broke off in my hand, it changed my plans," John says.  

John was unloading an old trailer he’d hauled home on another trailer when the weight shifted unexpectedly at the top of the ramp.  

It’s hard to believe we’re already so deep into 2025—and somehow, the holidays are here. Ready or not.

After 17 years working as a dietitian, the most common thing I tell my patients when discussing the holidays is, “Thankfully they come, and thankfully they go.”  

If you’re like me, I do well most months of the year in staying on track with my health and fitness goals. Better yet, I’ve noticed my habits becoming more habitual as I age. Even so, I’m reminded how hard it can be to get back into a comfortable routine after the holiday derailments each December.

Halloween came early to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City with handmade costumes for the little ones.

Parents got to pick out a special costume for their baby to celebrate this milestone, and a photographer snapped photos of them dressed as ketchup, mustard, relish, Mario and Princess Peach, a bumble bee, and more. The crocheted costumes were handmade by Saint Luke's Information Associate in the NICU, Easton Thomas.

CHILLICOTHE, Mo. (Oct. 24, 2025) — Lacey Reeter, a pharmacy technician at Hedrick Medical Center, was honored as the hospital's Employee of the Quarter for third quarter of 2025. Catherine Hamilton, administrator, presented the award to Reeter at a ceremony held in her honor.

The Employee of the Quarter Award recognizes an employee who provides exemplary service, goes above and beyond to support colleagues, or assists and comforts patients and their families.

A high-tech training tool is revolutionizing how medical teams prepare for obstetric emergencies.

At Saint Luke's Hospital, a simulation lab outfitted with a realistic birthing mannequin is helping staff train for real-life birth complications, according to Madeline Goodman, Clinical Education Specialist at Saint Luke’s.

Chillicothe, Missouri – Hedrick Medical Center, in partnership with Livingston County Health Center, will host an Aging in Place event focused on fall prevention. The Fall Prevention Fair will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m.–noon in The Gardens at Hedrick Medical Center.