By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Hold, secure, lockdown, evacuate, and shelter. Those five words were discussed as part of the Great Bend school district's new security protocol during Monday's USD 428 Board of Education meeting. Assistant Superintendent John Popp said the Standard Response Protocol will provide clarity.

"I think these give a much clearer picture to parents and to first responders about what we are doing and where our kids are, and help kids understand what level of concern they should have."

A crucial piece of the protocol is removing the use of the word "lockdown" except in the most threatening of situations. In past years, "lockdown and continue to teach" may have referenced a medical emergency in the hallway. Students were moved into classrooms to help protect the privacy of the student experiencing the medical condition. This year, "lockdown" will mean much more.

"'Lockdown' in this protocol means there is a danger inside the building," Popp said. "It might be an intruder or an armed intruder, but there is something that is happening inside the building that requires a complete lockdown."

The protocol breaks down behavior expected from students and adults in each level of response. Each incident will be communicated throughout the building, and serious incidents will immediately be communicated to parents.

A "hold" will be used to clear the hallways of people, but business inside the building will otherwise continue as usual. "Secure" will also mean business as usual inside the building, but no one will be allowed to enter or leave the building.&nbsp;

"If there's a 'secure,' there might be a danger, but you coming to the building will not be helpful because we're not letting your kid out, and we're not letting you in," said Popp. "If you come to the building and there is something dangerous outside, you're just putting yourself in harm's way, potentially, so stay away."

A "lockdown" denotes an active threat inside the building and requires students and staff to get behind a closed door, turn out the lights, and stay out of sight from anyone peering through the door.

"In all the active shooter scenarios in the United States, not one shooter has breached a locked classroom door," Popp said. "Never. They talked about how they are solid-core doors. They are industrial, commercial-grade frames. The locks are commercial grade."

The other two responses are "evacuate," which would typically be used in a fire, and "shelter," which could be used in a tornado. The goal, Popp said, is to keep students safe and buy time to allow first responders to arrive.

"Seventy percent of shooting-type scenarios are done in five minutes or less," he said. "And 90 percent are done in 10 minutes or less. What they talked about is getting all the kids behind a locked classroom door, turn the lights off, and hide out of visible range of the windows. If you're there for 5-10 minutes, you will survive almost any type of situation that has happened in the United States."

USD 428 revises security protocol ahead of 2025-26 school year

Homeowners who are looking for ways to promote healthy, growing trees in their yard are well-advised to remember this axiom: A ring is a tree’s best friend.

Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini said a mulch ring is a circular border surrounding the base of a tree. When planting a new tree, she recommends including a mulch ring that covers the soil beneath the tree canopy.

“One benefit of using a mulch ring around trees in a lawn area is to prevent maintenance equipment from coming too close and damaging the trunk,” she said. “Also, plants grown directly beneath the tree canopy compete for water and nutrients, so a mulch ring keeps that soil covered without creating competition for the tree.”

Domenghini suggests using organic mulch, “for the same reasons it is selected for planter beds,” she said. Those reasons include conserving and extending available water, protecting from soil erosion, and reducing competition by suppressing weeds.

“The mulch ring around trees in a lawn should be at least 3-6 feet in diameter depending on the overall size of the tree,” Domenghini said. “Ideally, the mulch ring should extend to the drip line of the tree, which means the ground beneath the entire canopy of the tree should be covered.”

The mulch ring should include a 4-6 inch diameter circle of bare soil at the center so that mulch is not right up next to the trunk, to prevent rotting. The mulch should be 2-4 inches deep and re-applied annually.

“If mulch is applied too deep (more than four inches), the mulch can actually restrict oxygen from the soil and negatively affect the tree’s root development,” Domenghini said.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910.

K-State Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: Several benefits to using mulch around trees

USD 428 is pleased to announce Karl McCulley as the district’s new substitute liaison, a role dedicated to recruiting substitute teachers and ensuring they are well-supported for success in the classroom.

This newly created position will provide opportunities for additional training and mentoring of substitutes, while also increasing communication and feedback between substitutes, building administrators, and teachers — all with the goal of supporting student learning.

McCulley has served USD 428 and Great Bend Middle School as a classroom teacher for 27 years. His first-hand knowledge of teaching and classroom management, combined with his approachable and positive demeanor, will serve him well in this new role.

“Substitutes play a vital role in making sure learning continues day by day,” McCulley said. “We see substitutes who want to give back to their community while making some extra income, as well as those who find substitute teaching to be a rewarding and flexible career choice. My goal is to help every substitute feel confident, prepared, and valued in their work.”

Khris Thexton, USD 428 Superintendent, shared his enthusiasm for the appointment. “Mr. McCulley’s experience in the classroom, his friendliness, and his positive outlook make him a great fit for this role. We know he will strengthen our substitute program and help create an even better experience for those who step in to support our students and staff.”

For anyone interested in learning more about substitute teaching in USD 428, please visit www.greatbendschools.net/sub428 or contact Karl McCulley at 620-793-1500.

USD 428 Great Bend welcomes Karl McCulley as substitute liaison

Booked in Stout, Kyle on Barton County District Court case #25-1325 for possession of Methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond set at $10,000.00 cash or surety.

Released Weber, Lia on Barton County District warrant #8T2024CR0018 for Failure to Appear after being taken to Treatment facility.

Booked Blake, William H. on Barton County District Court case # 8T2023CR0046 for Serve Sentence, set for 10 days from August 11,2025 @ 0900 thru August 2l*. ,2025 @ 0900. Bond set at NO BOND.

Booked in Carcamo, Elane on Barton County District Court case # 25-815 for No Drivers License , Expired Tags, and No Insurance. Bond is set at $1,000.00 cash/surety.

Released Timothy c Chism to the Wilson county sheriffs office on warrants w12025cR0113, wu025cR0090, w12024cR0174, and W12024CR0196.. Also released on Barton County District Court warrant # 8T2023CR0101 with a $10,000.00 OR bond.

Booked in Robinson, Blake R. on Barton County District Court case# 8T2024CR0286 for Probation Violation. Bond is set at $663.00 cash only.

Released Robinson, Blake R. on Barton County District court warrant # 8T2024CR0286 for Probation Violation. Bonded by posting a cash bond of $663.00.

Booked in Orr, Timothy K. D. on Barton County District Court case # 25-816 for Aggravated Battery, with a bond set at $75,000.00 cash/surety.

Booked in Martinez, leffrey S. on Barton County District Court case # 25-816 for Aggravated Battery . Bond is set at $75,000.00 cash/surety.

Booked in Stout, Kyle E. in on Barton County District Court warrant# BT2024CR0439 for Contempt of Court, Indirect with a bond set at NO BOND; also booked on Barton County District Court warrant # 8T2025CR0239 for Contempt of Court, Indirect, with a bond set at NO BOND.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (8/11)

Crude futures prices fall in seven consecutive trading sessions to two-month lows.&nbsp; NYMEX crude settles Thursday at $63.88 per barrel, down nearly half a dollar on the day and the first closing price below $64 since June 5. After some ups and downs the near-month contract ended the day on Friday unchanged at $63.88. a weekly loss of $3.45 per barrel.

Drooping prices in McPherson mirror those in London and New York. Kansas Common crude at CHS starts the week at $54.25 per barrel, after plummeting three dollars since the first of the month.

Kansas regulators okayed three new drilling permits in eastern Kansas and seven west of Wichita. That's 440 new drilling locations so far this year, compared to over 600 last year at this time.

Independent Oil and Gas Service reports new well-completions in Ellis, Stafford, and Finney County out of 11 in Western Kansas last week. Year-to-date, statewide, operators have completed 741 wells in Kansas compared to 791 a year ago.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is up one rig west of Wichita at ten active rigs and unchanged in eastern Kansas, also with ten rigs. The statewide tally is up 67% from a month ago, but down 33% from a year ago. Operators are rigging up for a new spud in Stafford County. Drilling continued Friday on a lease in Ellis County and three in Gove County.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes is down one rig at 539, dropping one gas rig but adding one oil rig. Oklahoma adds two active rigs, Texas is down two and New Mexico is down one.US crude production in May increased by 24-thousand barrels a day, topping 13.4 million daily barrels for a third consecutive month. The Energy Information Administration reports Kansas production of 69-thousand barrels a day. That's down two thousand barrels from April, and eight percent lower than in May of last year, but it matches the statewide average so far year. Output in Texas increased slightly to 5.7 million barrels a day, surpassing the next 12 states combined.

The US added 200,000 barrels to the Strategic Petroleum Reserves, where stockpiles now stand at 403 million barrels. Since refill operations resumed in April of last year, the Energy Department has added 38 million barrels at markdowns of $20 to $30 from the $95 a barrel we sold it for three years ago.

The government says commercial crude inventories dropped by three million barrels, and are about six percent below the five year seasonal average.US crude production drops for the fifth time in six weeks.&nbsp; The Energy Information Administration reports output last week dropped below 13.3 million barrels a day for only the second time this year. Cumulative output so far this year is up two percent from a year ago, and remains above 13.4 million barrels a day.

Despite a spike in crude exports, and declining imports, the US remains a net crude importer, with imports surpassing exports by 2.6 million barrels a day. Crude exports vaulted 620,000 daily barrels or 23% to 3.3 million barrels per day.&nbsp; Crude imports dropped by 174,000 barrels to six million barrels a day.

ConocoPhillips is selling assets in the Anadarko basin of Oklahoma for $1.3 BILLION. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year. The company announced increased production but lower earnings due to lower commodity prices. It's average realized price for crude oil during the first six months of the year was $45.77 per barrel, which is down 19 percent from a year earlier.&nbsp; Pumping nearly 2.4 million barrels of crude oil per day led to net earnings of two billion dollars.

Russia's crude-oil exports are dropping, but remain relatively high, and the government says their markets have shifted. With News from the Oil Patch...From 2020 to 2024, Russia oil exports averaged five million barrels a day. That's down to 4.3 million as of June. The Energy Information Administration says Europe got 51% of Russia’s exports in 2020. That's down to 11 percent today, with most of that going to Turkey. The decline in Europe was offset by increases in Asia and the Pacific Islands, rising from 41% of Russia's sales five years ago to 81% now. China and India imported nearly five million barrels a day in the last year and a half. Prompting the Administration to announce new tariffs against both.

How hot was it was it?&nbsp; Hot enough to set new records for electricity demand...twice.&nbsp; EIA reports record high demand for electricity on July 28 and then again the next day: 745,000 megawatts. The government forecasts annual demand for electricity will rise by two percent this year, and again next year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Crude prices crater

USD 428 BOE Meeting Agenda Aug. 11, 2025 1809 24th Street Great Bend&nbsp;

1. CALL TO ORDER 1.1 Roll Call 1.2 Adoption of Agenda 1.3 Recognition of Visitors 1.4 Request to Speak Reminder · Persons may present ideas or concerns regarding USD 428. The Board will take no action at this meeting. Such items will be referred to the appropriate administrator(s) for future information and researched and reported back to the Board at a later meeting. Personalities and behavior of employees are not to be presented during this period but are to be reported to the employee’s immediate supervisor. The president shall determine the amount of time to be spent for citizen participation. 1.5 Citizen’s Open Forum

2. PRESENTATIONS · Acapella Washington, DC Trip, 2026 GBHS Choir Director Susan Stambaugh will present information regarding the Washington, DC trip for Acapella students during the 2026 Spring Break. More information will be provided, and the Board will be asked for approval of the out-of-state trip.

· Director’s Report Each month, a district director will present department updates to board members.

Cody Schmidt, Director of Grounds and Transportation, will provide a report to board members at this meeting.

3. COMMUNICATIONS &nbsp;Board Members’ Comments · USD 428 Education Foundation · Written Communications / Correspondence

&nbsp;4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. District Needs Assessment The administration will share information gathered from individual building needs assessments.

5. NEW BUSINESS A. 2025-2026 Revenue Neutral Rate Review The administration will provide updated details of the Revenue Neutral Rate process.

B. Approval to Publish Notice to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate The administration recommends that the BOE approve GB Tribune's publication of the 2025-2026 Notice to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate.

C. 2025-2026 USD 428 Budget Review The administration will provide updated details of the district’s proposed 2025-2026 budget.

D. Approval to Publish Budget The administration recommends that the BOE approve GB Tribune's publication of the 2025-2026 budget as presented.

E. Financial Audit (Refer to Mr. Popp) (Attachment 5.E) Mr. Popp will discuss the financial audit engagement letter for the audit of the regulatory basis financial statement and disclosures, which collectively comprise the basic financial statement of USD 428 for the year ended June 30, 2025.

6. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF CURRICULUM INSTRUCTION REPORT A. Professional Development Outline for 2025-2026 Mrs. Blevins will share an outline and discuss goals for USD 428 professional development for the 2025-2026 school year.

B. Summary of 2024-2025 Professional Development Council (PDC) The USD 428 Professional Development Council (PDC) is a group of teachers and administrators who, by law, are required to meet regularly, develop a five-year plan, track points, approve Individual Development Plans, and establish and evaluate professional development opportunities. Mrs. Blevins will go over the details of the report.

Total certified employee IPDPs on file: 274

C. Curriculum Adoption Focus for 2024-2025

Mrs. Blevins will update the the Board on the curriculum adoption efforts for the 2025-2026 school year.

D. Curriculum Meetings § Curriculum Steering Committee: Next meeting- 8/12/25 § Professional Development Council (PDC): Next meeting- 8/11/25

7. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS REPORT A. District Safety Committee The new Emergency Operations Plan includes the implementation of the SRP (Standard Response Protocol). The SRP uses specific vocabulary for five basic responses to any given situation. The District Safety Committee will coordinate district-wide training on the SRP.

B. Capital Outlay Plan Mr. Popp will present anticipated Capital Outlay expenditures for the upcoming year.

C. Project Updates Board members and the administration will discuss updates on the following projects. · GBHS- boiler update, gymnasium paint refresh · GBMS- camera install, entry concrete, gymnasium floor refinish · Eisenhower Elementary – U-Drive, playground swing replacement, GBRC basketball court addition

D. Front Door Lease Information Mr. Popp will discuss the lease details for space at the City of Great Bend’s Front Door, a possible relocation option for the PTRC if the west areas of Washington School are demolished.

8. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT A. USD 428 Athletic Physicals Update B. Enrollment Update C. Student Transfer Request Report D. Summer Lunch Program Update E. Board Governance Document F. Personnel Update Mr. Thexton will discuss a list of personnel details summarizing current personnel changes this school year.

70 position changes § 8 Retirements § 28 Resignations § 16 Transfers § 30 new-to-district hires § 3 position reductions (technology coaches) § 13 not fully licensed staff § 0 positions added § 2 Yet to be filled: GBHS- English, Journalism/Audio Video

G. KASB Annual Conference on November 14-16, 2025, Wichita, Ks

10. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of BOE Meeting Minutes [July 14, 2025] B. Bills and Financial Reports C. Personnel Report

11. UPCOMING MEETING DATES · First Day of School: August 14, 2025, for K-6, GBMS Grade 7, and GBHS Grade 9 · First Day of School: August 15, 2025, for Grades 8,10, 11, and 12 · BOE Luncheon Meeting: Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Lincoln Elementary School · BOE Regular Meeting: The next BOE regular monthly meeting is scheduled for September 8, 2025, at the District Education Center.

USD 428 Board of Education meeting agenda (Aug. 11)

Booked in Fuzell, Clinton W. on Barton County District Court case # 8T2023CR0405 for Serve Sentence. Serve Sentence from Friday August 8th,2025 @1000 hours thru Sunday August 10th,2025 .Bond set at NO BOND.

Released Reeves, Tracy C. on Barton County District Court warrant #8T2024CR0222 for Probation Violation by Order of the Court.

Released Knoblauch, Caden M. on Barton County District Court warrant # 8T2022CR0055 for Probation Violation, #8T2023CR0268 for Probation Violation &amp; #8T2024CR0178 for Probation Violation, by Order of the Court.

Booked Thiessen, Eric T. on a hold for Kansas Department of Corrections. bond set at NO BOND.

Released Vancura, Lauren M. on Barton County District Court warrant #BT2024CR0250 for Contempt of Court; Indirect, after being granted a $10,000.00 O.R. bond through Judge Beran.

Booked Chism, Timothy C. on Wilson County District Court warrant # W12024CR000174 for Failure to Appear with bond set at NO BOND, Wilson County District Court # W12024CR000196 for Failure to Appear with a bond set at NO BOND, wilson County.

District Court warrant # W12025CR000090 for Failure to Appear with a bond set at NO BOND, and Wilson County District Court warrant #W12025CR000113 for Failure to Appear with a bond set at NO BOND.

Booked in Balanzar-Leyva, Martin Jr on Barton County District Court Warrant #8T2023CR0216 for Serve Sentence, bond set at NO BOND.

Booked Simental Avila, Fidel on Barton County District Court case #25-807 for Illegal Transportation of Liquor; bond set at $500.00 Cash or Surety.

Released Simental Avila, Fidel on Barton County District Court case #25-807 for Illegal Transportation of Liquor after posting a $500.00 Cash Bond.

Barton County Sheriff's Office Booking activity (8/8)

Tax transparency is not cheap. In 2021, the Kansas Legislature passed revenue neutral laws that prompted notification to taxpayers of any taxing entity that planned to collect more in property taxes in the previous year. Barton County residents began seeing those notices in their mailboxes late last week.

For the upcoming 2026 year, the Barton County Clerk's office mailed out more than 19,000 pieces of mail pertaining to revenue neutral rates at a cost of $17,212. For some counties, like Sedgwick, the costs easily exceed $100,000. While the state reimburses counties for the costs, taxpayer dollars are still used to mail the notices. County clerks receive taxable information from all taxing entities in their county and submit that information to the state  but otherwise have no responsibility on tax matters.

For a fifth consecutive year, Barton County as a taxing entity remains revenue neutral. That means all county office budgets will not require more property tax money than in the previous year.

Revenue-neutral notices received in the mail are not a guarantee of increased property taxes, but are merely an estimate of taxes bases on last year's mill levy and overall property valuations. The intent of the notices is to inform taxpayers of upcoming budget meetings for those taxing entities that are planning to collect more property tax dollars for their 2026 budgets versus what they collected for their 2025 budgets.

Citizens with questions or concerns are encouraged to reach out to each taxing entity listed on the notice, or attend the budget meeting listed in the notice.

Barton Co. residents receiving revenue neutral notices for upcoming budgets

You have an opportunity today to become the final instant finalist in the Reef Blue Summer Giveaway. It's presented by Ehler Chevrolet, INA Alert, Equity Bank and Kelly's Garden Sense.

Sign up today at Memorial Art Company, 2115 10th St., Great Bend. You can register from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Find official contest rules, daily registration locations, instant finalist day calendar and more&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/faa73a97-4e3c-405e-b18d-9148ea926a10">HERE</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Reef Blue Summer - Sign up today at Memorial Art Company

Eagle Media Center - 12th &amp; Baker: 2.20 3-miles North of Alexander-Charles Austin: .55 North of Albert-Steve Schneider:&nbsp;.55 Quail Creek Great Bend-Kevyn Soupiset:&nbsp;1.47 North of Susank-Don Mai :&nbsp;1.84 West of Great Bend, North of Larned-Gerald Oetken: .50 Seward Metroplex-Richard Devine: 4.10 Sound of Rush Center-Marvin Schneider: .88 Bissell's Point-Phil G: 1.90 American Plains Coop test plot West 10th-Jeff Mauler: 1.19 West side of Great Bend-Juan Yureva: NA BTI South of Great Bend: NA Panning Ranch-2 miles East of Ellinwood-Joan Panning:&nbsp;2.61 South Hoisington-London Reif: 2.60 C4 Ag Solutions Pawnee Rock-Lance Crosby: 1.65 North Larned City-Garet Fitzpatrick: 3.70 West of Larned-Gary Wagner:&nbsp;2.50 North of Hollyrood-Andrew: 1.14 Lacrosse Livestock-Ryan Zeltwinger:&nbsp;.60 South of Great Bend Cemetery-Deb Koch: 2.00 Claflin-Jere Buehler: 1.70 24th and Jackson Great Bend-Darin Hall: 1.57 5-miles South of Albert-Joey Bahr: .65 Walnut Bowl Great Bend-Mike: .86 North Washington near JUCO Rd-Shannon Towns: NA Other rainfall amounts reported NW Ellinwood-Glen Hertel: 2.00 North Hoisington: 1:80 10th and Patton Road Great Bend: 1.56 Lake Barton-Egg Lady: 2.55 4 miles North of Lacrosse: .40 Broadway and Tyler Great Bend: 1.87 Marmie Ford Great Bend: 1.99

Weekend rainfall totals

Preliminary data released last September at the National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Conference and Expo in Orlando, Fla., revealed the lineup of the usual suspects in workplace safety violations, as ranked by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

“These come as no surprise,” said Bree Husted, Fuller Industries Inc.’s environmental, health and safety assistant. “These show up on the list every year and that is why we drill on safety regularly.”

Fall protection remained the most frequently cited standard by the OSHA for the 14th consecutive year. The annual list of top 10 violations shows little change from previous years, signaling ongoing opportunities for workplace safety improvements.

The consistent nature of the top 10 list underscores the importance of addressing all fundamental safety hazards at the longtime Great Bend, Kan.-based commercial cleaning maker, Husted said. “We continue to implement the necessary efforts to reduce these common violations to prevent fines for sure, but more importantly to protect our employees and keep them out of harm’s way.”

The preliminary OSHA top 10 most frequently cited standards for fiscal year 2024 are:

1. Fall protection – general requirements (6,307 violations) Precautions against falls are critical, even at heights as low as four feet, she said. Fuller selects proper fall protection for each employee and regularly inspects all equipment. Guardrail systems, safety net systems, and personal fall arrest systems offer vital protection.

2. Hazard communication (2,888 violations) Workplaces must warn all personnel, including employees, contractors, temporary staff, and visitors, about hazardous chemicals, Husted said. Fuller continues to update and implement and maintain written hazard communication programs&nbsp; detailing how they manage warning labels, safety data sheets (SDSs), employee training, and other OSHA requirements.

3. Ladders (2,573 violations): Safe ladder use is paramount, she said. A frequently violated OSHA requirement mandates that ladders not extending at least three feet above an upper landing surface must be secured to a rigid support and equipped with a grab rail or other grasping device.

4. Respiratory protection (2,470 violations): Respiratory protection programs serve as a crucial defense against hazardous airborne contaminants. Fuller provides medical evaluations to determine employees' ability to use respirators and ensure fit-testing before initial use, when switching brands or models, and at least annually thereafter.

5. Lockout/tagout (2,443 violations): Husted said employees servicing or maintaining machinery face serious harm if hazardous energy is not properly controlled. Documented procedures to shut down, isolate, block, and secure machines, along with specific steps for placing, removing, and transferring lockout/tagout devices, are essential.

6. Powered industrial trucks (2,248 violations): Workers operating or near forklifts and other industrial vehicles are exposed to significant hazards. Safe operation is critical, so Fuller continually certifies operators and makes sure they have the needed training and are evaluated per OSHA requirements. Certified operators need refresher training and evaluation at least once a year.

7. Fall protection – training requirements (2,050 violations): “When employees may be exposed to fall hazards, it is vital to train them to recognize these hazards and follow procedures to minimize them,” Husted said. Fuller maintains written certification records including employee names, training dates, and signatures of trainers or employers.

8. Scaffolding (1,873 violations): Scaffolding must be designed, constructed, maintained, inspected, and used in compliance with OSHA regulations. Workers on scaffolding must be protected from falling to lower levels, often requiring guardrail systems and, for some types, personal fall arrest systems.

9. Personal protective and lifesaving equipment – eye and face protection (1,814 violations): “Anyone on Fuller’s production floor, whether or not they are operating machinery, must wear safety glasses,” Husted said, noting the importance the company places on this. OSHA mandates eye and face protection when employees are exposed to hazards such as flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, and light radiation.

10. Machine guarding (1,541 violations): Employees operating or working near certain machinery require protection from associated hazards, she said. So, close attention is paid to machines with rotating or reciprocating motions, pinch or shear points, and those that generate chips, debris,&nbsp; splashes, sparks, or sprays.

About Fuller Industries Inc. Based in Great Bend, Kan., with a rich heritage dating back over a century to the Fuller Brush Man, Fuller Industries is a leading American manufacturer of industrial products, including cleaning chemicals and supplies, as well as brooms, mops, brushes and more. Fuller serves manufacturing, commercial, institutional and agricultural clients across the Western Hemisphere. Call 620-792-1711 or visit Fullerindustriesinc.com.

Fuller: Great Bend manufacturer takes every chance to focus on safety

100.7 Eagle Country, B104.3 The Point, Hits 106.9, 1590 KVGB AM/95.5 FM and Eldridge Fencing present the Eldridge Fencing Jingle Showdown!

Each week, listeners will hear two different Eldridge Fencing commercials—one featuring Billy and one featuring Wally—each trying to sing the best jingle.

The goal? Bragging rights.
The winner? That’s up to YOU.

The grand prize winner will be announced Monday, July 28th at 7 PM

So who’s got your vote—Wally or Billy?
Cast your vote in-store!&nbsp;

Eldridge Fencing - 80 E. 10th St., Great Bend

Eldridge Fencing Jingle Showdown 

Daily Registration Locations:&nbsp; - Ehler Chevrolet - INA Alert - Equity Bank - Kelly's Garden Sense - Reborn Renovations &amp; Disaster Services - Jimlo Glass - Center for Counseling - T&amp;L Fireworks - GB Tires - Fireworks for Less (Windshields for Less)&nbsp; - Boone's Maytag - Eldridge Fencing - Westside Market/ UPS Store - Nex-Tech Wireless - Cornerstone Automotive - Straub's Powersports - Great Bend Appliance Furniture and Sleep Source - Nex-Tech - Hoisington Veterinary Hospital - Z's Liquormart - Odin Store - Memorial Art Company - Big Bend Custom Engraving (Inside Magna Dry)&nbsp; - GB Car Care - Farley Machine Works - Barton County Health Department

LIMIT ONE ENTRY PER PERSON PER DAY PER SPONSOR LOCATION

1. Complete entry in full. Please Print. Must Be Present To Enter.

2. The “Reef Blue Summer” promotion is open to all Kansas residents at least 21 years of age except employees of Eagle Communication, Hull Broadcasting, I.N.A. Alert, Equity Bank, Kelly's Garden Sense, and Ehler Chevrolet and their spouse/companion. Employees of other participating businesses and their families may enter; however, they may not register at their place of employment.

3. Listen to Eagle Radio Stations KVGB FM - “B104.3 The Point”...KHOK FM “100.7 Eagle Country”...KVGB “1590 AM/95.5FM”...and Hull Broadcasting Station KBGL FM “Hits 106.9” for details. Find the latest contest information and appearance calendar at GreatBendPost.com

4. Finalists for this promotion will be qualified from in-store registrations...and during special “Reef Blue Summer” Instant Finalist Days. Only one finalist per household may qualify. No purchase necessary to win.

5. Prize in non-transferable. Winner is responsible for all applicable taxes.

6. Signing this entry form allows Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting to use your name, likeness, image, character or voice for promotional purposes.

7. No sponsor or their affiliates assume any liability in connection with this giveaway.

8. Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting reserve the right to disqualify any entry for violation of contest rules. The decision of Eagle Radio of Great Bend and Hull Broadcasting is final.

Reef Blue Summer

Medical Park Pharmacy, Mayo Money Management, Hazmat Response, Protective Equipment Testing Lab, R&amp;R Roofing, Freedom Claims Management, Inc., Rosencrantz-Bemis Water Well Company, Stone Sand Company/Stone Waste Management, Miller Plastics/Miller Warehouse, Nex-Tech Wireless, USD #431 Hoisington, Great Bend Redi Mix, Heavy Duty Diesel &amp; Auto, USD #428 Great Bend

Make a Difference Contest 

The&nbsp;AP Top 25 college football poll&nbsp;preseason rankings are now. Texas took the No. 1 spot for the first time in an opening poll, narrowly edging out Penn State by just five points in the closest preseason vote since 1998. Defending champion Ohio State ranked No. 3.

A tradition since 1936, no organization has been ranking teams and naming a major college football national champion&nbsp;longer than the AP&nbsp;— and now you can follow live updates before and after the poll drops.

1. Why Texas? The Longhorns don’t have a major mandate for the No. 1 ranking, but they’ve been on an upward trajectory since going 5-7 in 2021. They’ve won 25 of their last 30 games and reached two straight CFP semifinals. With undisputed starting quarterback Arch Manning at the helm,&nbsp;“Arch Mania” is at a fever pitch.

2. Who decides the rankings? The Top 25 voters are over 60 journalists covering college football&nbsp;for AP-member news organizations. They’re urged to base their votes on head-to-head results, not reputation, preseason speculation or regional bias.

3. When does the 2025 season start? The wait is almost over. Opening weekend begins Saturday, Aug. 23.

Iowa, USC and Utah streaks come to an end

Several streaks ended with the release of the 2025 preseason poll.

Iowa was left unranked in the preseason Top 25 for the first time in two years. USC’s run ended after five years and Utah’s ended after six consecutive preseason poll appearances.

It’s a far fall for Utah, which ranked No. 12 in last year’s preseason survey. USC came in at No. 23 and Iowa at No. 25 in the 2024 preseason.

Every Top 25 voter has&nbsp;their own workflow&nbsp;to stay on top of how teams are doing across the country, from online outlets and results to highlights, fan boards and team and NCAA stats.

The general guidance from the AP is that votes should be based on performance, not reputation. The company urges voters to avoid regional bias and “homerism,” and to pay attention to head-to-head results. The AP also supports voters who decide to make significant changes from week to week if they feel those changes are warranted.

Boise State is the sole non-Power Four team to make the preseason poll, clocking in at No. 25.

The Broncos come off a strong 2024 campaign, going undefeated in conference play and 12-2 overall.

Ashton Jeanty moving on to the pros is a major loss for the Broncos. The do-it-all running back led all Division I running backs, with 2,601 rushing yards. That’s nearly 1,000 yards more than ASU’s Cam Skattebo, who rushed for 1,711 yards.

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty on stage during the 2025 draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Adam Hunger/AP Content Services for the NFL)

Maddux Madsen returns at quarterback after a strong 2024, throwing for 3,018 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions. Boise State travels to the University of South Florida to open the season on Thursday, Aug. 28.

Aggies earn seventh straight preseason poll appearance

Texas A&amp;M came in at No. 19, marking the Aggies’ seventh straight appearance on the AP preseason poll. They finished ninth in the SEC last year and are one of 10 SEC teams to make the preseason poll.

Quarterback Marcel Reed is preparing to take full control of the offense after gradually surpassing Connor Weigman on the depth chart during the 2024 season.

Texas A&amp;M quarterback Marcel Reed, right, is pressured out of the pocket by the Texas defense during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

Reed completed 61.3 percent of passes for 1,864 yards and 15 touchdowns. The dual-threat signal-caller added 547 yards and seven touchdowns on foot.

The Aggies open the season at home against UTSA.

SMU broke into the preseason Top 25 for the first time in 40 years, landing at No. 16.

The Mustangs last appeared on the list in 1985, earning the No. 3 spot. It’s been a long drought for SMU, but an 11-3 overall record, undefeated conference record and playoff berth have drawn attention to the team.

SMU opens the season against East Texas A&amp;M on Aug. 30 before meeting No. 4 Clemson in mid-October and No. 10 Miami two weeks later.

A fan in stands holds a sigh during the first half of an NCAA college football game between California and SMU Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Illinois sneakily crept up in Big Ten contention last season and finished fifth in the conference.

Quarterback Luke Altmyer’s limited turnovers to start the season helped the team gain confidence and earn a crucial overtime win against Nebraska. They have the gift of consistency this year as Altmyer returns for a final season.

The Fighting Illini turned heads last season and it’s reflected in the preseason poll. Illinois came in at No. 12 – the program’s first Top 25 preseason appearance since 2008 and the highest since 1990.

What days and times will the AP Top 25 be updated?

The AP Top 25 is released at 2 p.m. ET on most Sundays during the season.

The preseason poll is earlier (today!), and the first regular-season poll is always the Tuesday after Labor Day. The final poll is sent the day after the national championship game in January.

The 2025 college football season gets off to a hot start Week 1.

Three top 10 matchups are set for opening weekend: No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State, No. 9 LSU at No. 4 Clemson and No. 6 Notre Dame and No. 10 Miami.

It’s a rare occurrence for three top 10 teams to square off during a week without conference championships or bowl games. It has only happened three times before: Week 11 of 2017, Week 5 of 2016 and Week 8 of 2002.

Arizona State’s highest rank since 1998

Coach Kenny Dillingham has brought new life to a once-overlooked Arizona State program.

Dillingham took over coming off a 3-9 season and in the past two years has transformed it into a championship-caliber team.

Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham, center, celebrates with his team after their win in the Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game against Iowa State, in Arlington, Texas, Saturday Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

The Sun Devils topped the Big 12 with an 11-3 overall record and 7-2 conference record in 2024, earning a first-round bye in the College Football Playoffs. They fell to Texas in a hard-fought overtime Peach Bowl battle.

Following an exciting season, the Sun Devils earned their second Top 25 preseason poll ranking in the past five seasons and their highest opening rank since 1998.

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer leads his team onto the field before Alabama’s A-Day NCAA college football scrimmage, Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Alabama debuts at its lowest preseason rank since 2008, coming in at No. 8.

And there’s little patience for a program with such storied excellence to have trouble navigating the waters under second-year coach Kalen DeBoer. The Tide finished sixth in the SEC last season, with a 9-4 overall record and 5-3 conference record – a devasting result for fans.

Finishing short of the College Football Playoff was a dagger for a program that prides itself in being one of the very best. This year, DeBoer and the Tide hope to re-emerge as a top threat.

No. 6 Notre Dame hopes to keep momentum rolling

After an impressive season culminating in a hard-fought 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the national championship, Notre Dame ranks sixth in the AP Top 25 preseason poll.

It’s the program’s highest opening rank since 2022, when the Fighting Irish came in at No. 5. Notre Dame has been a frontrunner in recent years, earning a spot in the early Top 25 for the past eight seasons and coming in among the top 10 for six of the past seven preseason polls.

With quarterback Riley Leonard off to the pros and Steve Angeli transferring to Syracuse, South Bend has been home to a quarterback competition between CJ Carr and Kenny Minchey.

Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr (13) throws during NCAA college football practice in South Bend, Ind., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey (8) throws during NCAA college football practice in South Bend, Ind., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Week 1 won’t necessarily be a walk in the park for the Fighting Irish. They’ll travel to No. 10 Miami for a night game on Aug. 30.

Clemson, led by early Heisman favorite Cade Klubnik, came in at No. 4 and received four first place votes.

It’s Clemson’s 14th-straight appearance in the preseason Top 25 and the program’s highest opening rank since coming in at No. 4 in 2022.

The team will be tested right away with a home-opener against a competitive LSU team. It’ll be a showdown between two of the top quarterbacks this season: Klubnik and Garrett Nussmeier.

The Tigers finished second in the ACC in 2024 with a 10-4 overall record and 7-1 conference record.

The second-ranked Nittany Lions are not only six points from No. 1, but they are 75 points ahead of the Buckeyes in what might be considered a slight to the reigning national champs.

The two teams last met on Nov. 2 and the Buckeyes came out on top with a 20-13 victory. Penn State will have Drew Allar back under center for what some consider a light schedule ahead of a late September matchup against Oregon.

Roughly a year after their last meeting, the Nittany Lions travel to Ohio State for a Nov. 1 showdown this year. The Buckeyes — in the preseason top five for the ninth straight year — will have a new look, with only five starters back on offense and three on defense.

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