Author Topic: Tipton / Meadowlark Academy in Kansas closed (Read 9979 times)

Oscar · « **on:** October 03, 2011, 10:05:23 AM »

The good news will result in an update on the Fornits Wiki in short time.

Impact of Tipton Academy Closing
by Mike Schrant - KDNS/KZDY, August 15th, 2011

It’s been a couple of weeks since the Tipton Academy closed its doors… the result of a strange set of in house actions that precipitated a 3-county investigation and a probe by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Mitchell County Attorney Mark Noah, who worked closely with a KDHE investigator, called the situation “shameful” and said he would have prosecuted if he could have found a statute to fit the circumstances of the unique case.

The impact on the community of Tipton and the Waconda USD 272 School District is now just coming to light.

272 Superintendent Jeff Travis said it will take 3-years for the impact of the 22-lost students to be fully felt by the school district.

It appears the City of Tipton will be able to take the building back over which Tipton Mayor Adrian Arnoldy says puts the City back to square one.

Arnoldy said the city spent 2-years the last time it went looking for a tenant. In the meantime, that doesn’t bring back the local jobs and medical benefits lost when the Academy closed or the local purchases made by the Academy.

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Tipton Academy Closes It's Doors
KVSV Radio

Here's the latest on the Tipton Academy according to Miranda Myrick Communications Director for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. According to KDHE's Bureau of Child Care and Health Facilities. The last child under the care and custody of the Tipton Academy was delivered to his parents last Friday July 22nd around Noon.

The Facility surrendered it's license to one of the KDHE Child Care field staff and closed it's doors that same day last Friday July 22. The website for Tipton Academy was removed as requested by KDHE.

With the surrender of the license no enforcement can be commenced. The name of the owner has been flagged in the event he applies for any kind of license in the future.

That word from Miranda Myrick Communications Director for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

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Last Student at Tipton Academy
by Mike Schrant - KDNS/KZDY, July 25th, 2011

Hanging by its last student – that was the status of the troubled Tipton Academy last Friday afternoon.

Mitchell County Attorney Mark Noah said all but one of the 17-young men who had been housed at the Tipton Academy has been returned to their parents.

A spokesperson for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment earlier in the week said once all the students have been returned to their parents, the Tipton Academy would voluntarily close.

KDHE does not have the power to prosecute anyone in this bizarre case that started just over a week ago with what has been described as “an incident at Wilson Lake.” Any prosecution will be up to the County Attorneys in the 3-counties involved in the investigation. Noah said he is looking at the pertinent statutes to see what kinds of laws apply.

One last note, the status of the disturbing You Tube video of young men burning a Tipton Academy banner that popped up last week Monday. It was no longer posted on You Tube as of last Friday evening.

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Soap Opera Closing of the Tipton Academy
by Mike Schrant - KDNS/KZDY, July 20th, 2011

The Tipton Academy, contrary to a popular rumor, has not been shut down – yet. The end appears to be near however judging from a video that was posted on You Tube today. It shows several young men unfurling a Tipton Academy banner on a sidewalk, dousing it with gasoline and then lighting it on fire.

The video, entitled – We Celebrate the Closing of the Tipton Academy with a Good Ol’ Banner Burning, runs about a minute and a half and was generously laced with obscene references.

Mitchell County Attorney Mark Noah says an incident this past weekend triggered an investigation that since it started, has been trying to sort through an avalanche of allegations moving the case well beyond the community of Tipton.

Noah said the immediate concern is the welfare and disposition of the boys still at the Academy.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has taken the lead in the multi-jurisdictional investigation which also includes the Jewell County Attorney’s Office, the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department and the SRS.

Noah said, “For the time being the Tipton Academy remains open.” The Tipton Academy is owned and operated by its parent company in Utah under the direction of company CEO Kevin Richey.

As for the myriad of rumors surrounding the bizarre case, in particular reports of the old school building in Jewell being sold, Noah said he was not at liberty to comment at this time. A check with the Jewell County Register of Deeds Office shows that the City of Jewell still owns the property that was deeded over to them when the school district disorganized 2-years ago.

Noah did say more information would be made available to the public as the investigation progresses.

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Pile of Dead Kids · « **Reply #1 on:** October 03, 2011, 12:36:21 PM »

"We Celebrate the Closing of the Tipton Academy with a Good Ol’ Banner Burning"

It must have been taken down or something, because I can't find this video anywhere.

Ursus · « **Reply #2 on:** October 03, 2011, 12:46:57 PM »

From Tipton Academy's website, a blank page containing only the words:

Thanks for visiting our site, Tipton Academy is now closed if you are looking for a program for a troubled teen please give us a call, we work with several different programs across the country. 800 610 8810[/list]

Ursus · « **Reply #3 on:** October 03, 2011, 01:48:54 PM »

From Oscar's first listed (and most recently published) article above, "Impact of Tipton Academy Closing" (by Mike Schrant; August 15th, 2011; KDNS/KZDY):

[/size]
Here's an article from just four years ago, back when the community thought they had finally resolved their economic woes:

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Jewell County Record
May 24, 2007

Moran to recognize Tipton

Congressman Jerry Moran announced he will recognize the citizens of Tipton with his "Building Better Communities" award for continuing efforts to sustain and revitalize their community May 29.

This small community of 250 people has come together to keep vital services in their town, as well as creating new opportunities for area residents. In the summer of 2003, the parents and students of Tipton were faced with the consolidation of their elementary school with other area schools, leaving the students with up to a 20 mile bus rides and the town with one less way to attract and retain businesses and families.

"Our parents faced the prospect of their children being enrolled in three different schools in three different towns," said Mayor Adrian Arnoldy. "Losing our elementary school was not an option because we knew that as schools leave communities, so go the communities themselves."

In response, Tipton residents came together to create the Tipton Christian School in less than two months. The private K-6 facility was constructed entirely with volunteer labor and funded through private donations. The other local school, the Tipton Catholic Junior-Senior High School, has been in operation since 1919.

The community then utilized the closed elementary school building to start Tipton Academy. The Academy focuses on placing troubled boys in a positive environment through community involvement. Youth at the Academy were active in constructing the kitchen and eating area of the newly completed Tipton Community Center.

Tipton has also maintained an active business community, including companies like Great Plains Manufacturing, which recently doubled the size of the manufacturing plant where they produce agricultural equipment, and Hollenrich Construction, which is expanding their Tipton-based operation.

"Tipton residents have shown character and determination and demonstrated the high value they place on family, friends and neighbors," Moran said. "The way Tipton residents came together and formed the elementary school is just one example of how this community stands up against the issues plaguing rural America."

The recognition ceremony for the citizens of Tipton will begin at 6 p.m. May 29 at the Tipton Community Center.

# # #

Ursus · « **Reply #4 on:** October 03, 2011, 02:36:08 PM »

Reviews of Tipton Academy from TroubledTeens.net...

LOL. I just HAD to include the descriptive preamble. I'm not sure if concocting that prose was farmed out as a alternative for the spamming contingent, but it sure reads like it was generated via translating software.

Fwiw, the first three reviews also read like they were generated by that same software! All the more contrast to the final four reviews, which sound quite authentic...

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

Tipton Academy

URL: http://www.tiptonacademy.com/[/list]
Customer rating: 2 out of 5

Types of Services Offered

Review Based on Parents / Consultants Voting
Tipton Academy is a residential center, only for boys ages 12-17. It is situated away from the bid city life to a secure environment where there is no typical disturbance, staying focused at the aim. The school provides the fine treatment to the troubled boys in United States aiming to bring the life of your child back on track. They build the structure and skill of the student, helps in decision-making and group interaction, and provides caring staffs to perform all these activities. The philosophy of the center is to create a climate of mutual respect between adults and youths.

The website gives the message that the school have successful story of its strength-based approach. It reinforces on the growth of positive resources and abilities of a young person. The Academy manipulates different ways to identify and utilize the strengths of the youth as well as their parents that positively effects the growth of the child behaviorally, emotionally, socially and mentally. It uses logical and natural ways to help teaching students learn healthy. The motive of this boarding school is to make parents relief from their struggling teen boys by providing them positive peer culture.

Students at the Academy are evaluated based on their potential and grade and are assigned class accordingly. Students have the provision to complete their course work online with the assistance of qualified teachers. The teachers let the students to complete their work on their own pace so that they do not get discouraged and hence give up the work. They deal with the problems like anger, drugs and alcohol, depression, disrespectful, lying, stealing, lack of control, negative peer, unpredictable behavior and family conflicts. The teachers look after the needs of each individual so that each student understands himself and become positive member of his family and society.

Useful Links and Pages Starting

About Us: This is the first link that tells about the academy, who are they, their approaches and the mission.

Academics: The link which describes the pattern of the courses they offer to the students.

Students: When you click on the link, you will come to know they provide help and support to what type of child.

Contact Info

http://www.tiptonacademy.com/
City: Tipton
State: Kansas
Country: USA[/list]
Tipton Academy is Placed in these Categories

Number of Tipton Academy Reviews: 6

Name: Nevia Star Rating: 4

Above mentioned Boarding School proved beneficial for my son as previously he was not good in his studies as well as not showing any interests in sports activities also.But after coming out of school he is now studying in one of the reputed college and he is now physically fit.Name: Tahlia Star Rating: 2

This academy is helpful for those teenagers who are not on the right track.This organization is helpful to resolve teen problems such as: Depression, Drug and Alcohol, Anger and many more. This academy is helpful to teach them their responsibilities and try to make good relationship with their parents.Name: Levis Star Rating: 3

This academy provides various effective and efficient programs that are helpful to resolve the problems of struggling teens.It also organize several programs which include counseling programs that are helpful for both kids and their parents.Name: Alan Smith Star Rating: 1

Contrary to what their website states, Tipton Academy is one of the worst places a parent could send their child. The counseling programs they say they offer do not exist, if sent here your child will spend his days watching Television or sitting around after school. Another cause for concern is the violence that takes place in their facility children are constantly victims of assault from their peers and when it's brought to the attention of the directors and program staff nothing is done. Tipton Academy is also currently under investigation by the ASPCA for a series of animal abuse cases, a student recently beat his dog so badly that it was sent to the vet with a broken hip and leg this can be confirmed with Solomon Valley Vet Hospital in Beloit, KS. The final thing that parents should know about this school is, on their website they state they have a clean record with the state of Kansas. The school and two of their current staff members are currently under investigation by the state of Kansas in regards to child welfare issues. I again urge you please deeply consider your choice to send your children to this program, the offer no help and will only teach your child how to manipulate their way out of situations.Name: Melanie Parsons Star Rating: 1

Tipton academy is NOT a place you want to send your child. This place does not offer any type of drug/alcohol counseling for teens and also had a non-licensed counselor acting as a counselor/physician that tore my husband and son's relationship completely apart. We currently have had other extreme issues which we may have a pending lawsuit since our attorney has laid out the damages Tipton acadamy has caused.Name: unknown Star Rating: 1

My Son went to Tipton Academy and came out a worse addicted then before he went in. This place is basically a holding cell for your son. All they do is play xbox, eat and sleep. They have school but it is always blocked or one excuss after another. If you try and call to speak with someone no one answers the phone. They go through staff like crazy and according to my son the owner is never on campus and pushed his employee's to their limits. I feel this place was a waste of my money and wish it would get shut down! I feel sorry for the kids that are still going here.Name: Bradley Star Rating: 1

I went to tipton academy 4 year ago.If it is anything like it was back they you should never send your kids there.Staff turn over is bad,I was their for 7 months and like 9 people where fired are quit.

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Ursus · « **Reply #5 on:** October 04, 2011, 02:15:21 PM »

Here's another article from this past July... I'm curious as to what that incident at Wilson Lake in Russell County, occurring in mid-month, was all about.

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NewsCenter — A Service Of Dierking Communications, Inc.
Jul 20, 2011

Tipton Academy Investigation, More Questions

More questions than answers right now in an ongoing investigation involving the Tipton Academy.

A conversation today with Miranda Myrick – Kansas Department of Health and Environment Communications Director – has confirmed that the residential facility for minors in Tipton will be closing soon. However, that does not appear to be the end of the legal woes attached to what has become a multi-jurisdictional investigation involving KDHE and 3-local counties.

Myrick said, "A KDHE investigator is on the scene and the situation there is stable and the children are safe." She also said the owner of the facility has indicated to KDHE that the facility will be closed as soon as all of the children are reunited with their parents. "In its information gathering stage", that's how Myrick characterized the investigation at this point.

Yesterday Mitchell County Attorney Mark Noah said the latest information he had was that 11-of the Academy's 17-students were still housed at the facility waiting to be reunited with parents.

The investigation began with what has been described as an incident that took place last Saturday at Wilson Lake in Russell County.

In addition, KDHE's Myrick said the investigation has revealed that children were removed from the Academy by Academy staff and taken to Jewell County. She also said the children were subsequently returned to the Academy in Tipton.

Jewell County Attorney Darrell Miller confirmed that inquiries were made to the City of Jewell regarding the use of the old Jewell School Building. Miller also said he was not aware of who these people were or what group they may have represented.

In terms of the ongoing investigation, Miller said, "The only way my office would become involved is if someone had applied for a facility license from KDHE."

A disturbing You Tube video posted yesterday was the first public indication that something had gone terribly wrong at the Tipton Academy.

Copyright © 2011 NewsCenter

heretik · « **Reply #6 on:** October 04, 2011, 06:49:57 PM »

It is always a great moment in time when a program closes. It means we are one more program closer to eradicating this abusive institutions. :tup:

Che Gookin · « **Reply #7 on:** October 04, 2011, 08:55:23 PM »

I haven't been to a good ol' banner burning in awhile.

:twofinger:

Eat it programmies.

Ursus · « **Reply #8 on:** October 05, 2011, 12:35:00 AM »

Ah, well... Easy come, easy go. I'm afraid it's too late for our participation. From Craigslist:

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Tipton Academy Garage Sale (Tipton Kansas)

Date: 2011-09-08, 3:41PM CDT
Reply to: sale-vk9ce-2577416607@craigslist.org

Tipton Academy will be holding a garage sale on all remaining items. Everything must be sold, no reasonable offer refused! Saturday Sept 10th from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Bring Cash...... Books, games, furniture, t shirts, appliances, cleaning supplies, computers, computer parts, rolling lockable computer server cabinet, computer desks, student desks, office chairs, waiting room chairs, lockers, teachers tables, printers, pictures, plastic totes, fans, vacuums, lights, extension cords, fire extinguishers, rubber floor mats, mops, brooms, folding tables, pianos, office dividers, Dr.'s examination table, blankets, pillows, sheets, shoes, etc. etc.

• Location: Tipton Kansas
• it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

PostingID: 2577416607

Copyright © 2011 craigslist, inc.

ThePinkFloyd · « **Reply #9 on:** February 14, 2012, 04:19:17 AM »

WEEEELLL...I MAY or MAY NOT have attended the last days of the academy and well..I also may or may not have been the one behind the camera for that video on youtube. WHO KNOWS?!?

But if I WAS...I would Imagine it was quite fun!! Perhaps the best part of my stay there.
In regards to the "incident at the lake" What happened was, 3 of the higher ranking students who were more trusted by the staff wandered off and tried to swim out to an island. One of the 3 was not that great of a swimmer and started to panic half way there. The other 2 ended up having to flag down a boat to help the third back to shore. It was all quite dramatic.
In any case, I thank you all In your participation in getting me out of there and back home. I Sincerely Thank You! :notworthy:

Oscar · « **Reply #10 on:** February 14, 2012, 09:06:00 AM »

I found this local story about the swimming incident:

Tipton Academy, Final Word
Dierking Communications, Inc. d.b.a. KD Country 94 & Z-96.3 The Lake, Ootober 10, 2011

The Autumn 2011 issue of the Tipton Times came out last week and it contained a powerful story which is likely the definitive word on the tragic closing of the Tipton Academy.

Editor Fred Smith’s story reads like an obituary for the troubled boys home that operated for 6-years in the tiny western Mitchell County community.

In the story Smith documents the financial plight of the Tipton Academy owners Kevin and Kaye Richey of St. George, Utah.

Smith also castigated staff members who were involved in several incidents that got the Tipton Academy on the Kansas State Department of Health and Environment “radar screen”.

Smith specifically sights the staff members that, “Took Tipton Academy youth to Wilson Lake; several unsupervised boys swam in the lake, and one almost drowned.”

Also, “Kevin Richey said that former employees decided to start their own troubled boys school in Jewell without a license.”

Smith goes on, “Ten of the boys were removed from the Academy and transported to Jewell to the school. An investigation in Jewell County returned the boys to the Tipton Academy.”

Eventually the Richey’s voluntarily shut down the Tipton Academy during an investigation of the facility by KDHE.

At this point it appears the Tipton community will eventually get the old school building back.

One additional piece of information to report… I have it on good authority that one of the former Tipton Academy employees involved in the summer of 2011 disaster is reportedly looking at an old nursing home in Lucas as a possible sight for a new school for troubled boys. We’ll keep you informed.

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The youtube incident was mentioned here:

Last Student at Tipton Academy
Dierking Communications, Inc. d.b.a. KD Country 94 & Z-96.3 The Lake, July 25, 2011

Hanging by its last student – that was the status of the troubled Tipton Academy last Friday afternoon.

Mitchell County Attorney Mark Noah said all but one of the 17-young men who had been housed at the Tipton Academy has been returned to their parents.

A spokesperson for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment earlier in the week said once all the students have been returned to their parents, the Tipton Academy would voluntarily close.

KDHE does not have the power to prosecute anyone in this bizarre case that started just over a week ago with what has been described as “an incident at Wilson Lake.” Any prosecution will be up to the County Attorneys in the 3-counties involved in the investigation. Noah said he is looking at the pertinent statutes to see what kinds of laws apply.

One last note, the status of the disturbing You Tube video of young men burning a Tipton Academy banner that popped up last week Monday. It was no longer posted on You Tube as of last Friday evening.

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