Vernon County committee declines two opioid-prevention grant applications, invites library to clarify proposal

The Vernon County Opioid Prevention and Steering Committee on Sept. 11, 2024, voted to decline two grant applications tied to opioid-prevention activities and asked one applicant to return with more detail.

Committee members said the Kickapoo Counseling application lacked sufficient budget and scope detail and overlapped services already funded in the county. Jill Bender, Vernon County Human Services Director, urged care to avoid duplicating peer-support programs already operating in jails and asked to be included in any revisions; she recommended a memorandum of understanding to define roles. The committee noted a conflict of interest after Linzi Gronning disclosed employment with Kickapoo Counseling; Cassandra Hanan, Vernon County administrative coordinator, reminded Gronning she must refrain from comment or voting. Grants Manager Amy Oliver said the application form’s Exhibit E was not clearly available when Kickapoo applied but is now posted on the county website. Kristina Reser-Jaynes moved to decline the application; Mary Henry seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

The committee also declined an application from LaFarge Church, citing concerns about using public grant funds for a religious organization, questions about the qualifications of those providing counseling, liability for transporting clients and unclear media/outreach plans. Members flagged a potential overlap with drug-court services. Dr. Duane Koons moved to decline while encouraging the church to resubmit with fuller budget, media, materials and scope details; Kristina Reser-Jaynes seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Separately, members asked for more detail from McIntosh Memorial Library. Cassandra Hanan and Dr. Koons said some elements of the library’s proposal might be handled by public-health staff; the group asked the library to clarify whether trainings would be mental-health first aid, what books or materials would be purchased, and other program details. Dr. Koons moved to invite the library to the next meeting to address those questions; Reser-Jaynes seconded and the motion was approved unanimously.

Next steps: McIntosh Memorial Library will be invited to present at the committee’s Oct. 9 meeting. Applicants who were declined were encouraged to revise proposals with clearer budgets, scopes of work and, where applicable, formal agreements with county staff to avoid duplication.