By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

With Great Bend High School’s facilities, Activities Director David
Meter knew USD 428 could handle more fans attending sporting events than what
was permitted by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA).
KSHSAA made the decision in December to limit attendance to two parents or
guardians per participant. 

Reevaluating the spectator limits this week, the KSHSAA Board
of Directors upped the restrictions to a maximum of four spectators per
participant. &nbsp; 
"It does not say anything about parents or guardians this time," said Meter. "It just says four spectators per participant. Participants being players, coaches, cheerleaders and dance." 
Meter says Great Bend administration and Western Athletic Conference members
are going to discuss the changes to make sure everyone is on the same page for
the remainder of the winter season.

GBHS has screened those attending games
with temperature checks, making sure they have a mask and whether their name is
listed as a parent or guardian. With any four spectators allowed per participant now,
the approach will be easier for schools across the state. 
"We will count the roster, coaches, managers, cheerleaders, dancers and pep band members," said Meter. "Once we get a number, we will multiply that by four to see how many people will be allowed in that night." 
The proposal was approved by a vote of 46 in favor and 27 opposed. The change
will take effect Jan. 29. Local school districts may choose to
have stricter limitations based on seating and local health department
guidelines. Meter says Garden City High School still plans on keeping attendance
to two spectators per participant.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

"I am just thankful that we are going to have more people get to come to our games."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611259657823.png" alt="Up to four spectators per participant will be allowed at high school sporting events beginning Jan. 29, 2021." />
 <figcaption>Up to four spectators per participant will be allowed at high school sporting events beginning Jan. 29, 2021.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostWith Great Bend High School’s facilities, Activities Director David
Meter knew USD 428 could handle more fans attending sporting events than what
was permitted by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA).
KSHSAA made the decision in December to limit attendance to two parents or
guardians per participant. Reevaluating the spectator limits this week, the KSHSAA Board
of Directors upped the restrictions to a maximum of four spectators per
participant. &nbsp; 
"It does not say anything about parents or guardians this time," said Meter. "It just says four spectators per participant. Participants being players, coaches, cheerleaders and dance." 
Meter says Great Bend administration and Western Athletic Conference members
are going to discuss the changes to make sure everyone is on the same page for
the remainder of the winter season. GBHS has screened those attending games
with temperature checks, making sure they have a mask and whether their name is
listed as a parent or guardian. With any four spectators allowed per participant now,
the approach will be easier for schools across the state. 
"We will count the roster, coaches, managers, cheerleaders, dancers and pep band members," said Meter. "Once we get a number, we will multiply that by four to see how many people will be allowed in that night." 
The proposal was approved by a vote of 46 in favor and 27 opposed. The change
will take effect Jan. 29. Local school districts may choose to
have stricter limitations based on seating and local health department
guidelines. Meter says Garden City High School still plans on keeping attendance
to two spectators per participant.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"I am just thankful that we are going to have more people get to come to our games."

Great Bend High School ready to take on more fans at games

Hear this week's County Edition show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Barton County Administrator Phil Hathcock and Health Director Karen Winkelman that aired Jan. 21, 2021.

The County Edition program airs every Thursday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's County Edition show with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Barton County Administrator Phil Hathcock and Health Director Karen Winkelman that aired Jan. 21, 2021.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/n01xqcoq/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The County Edition program airs every Thursday at 11:05 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎧County Edition: Phil Hathcock & Karen Winkelman

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University president Tisa Mason.

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: FHSU president Tisa Mason" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/3tweb-f85140?from=pb6admin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&auto=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Helvetica&skin=3&pfauth="></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Fort Hays State University president Tisa Mason.

🎤Forward Ever: FHSU president Tisa Mason

The Barton Community College Theatre Department will hold auditions by appointment only for its spring production of “Words and What We Do with Them,” a collection of six plays by David Ives. Virtual auditions will be held from noon to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom and in-person auditions from 4-9 p.m., on Jan. 23 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. 

All roles and technical positions will be cast. Anyone 16 and over is invited to audition and can be cast in more than one role. Those auditioning must contact Theatre Director Miller James at millerj@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9205 to set up an appointment. Once an appointment is set up an email will be sent with reading materials to be performed during the audition. 

Rehearsals will begin Jan. 25 and will run from 6-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Tickets can be purchased through bartonccc.booktix.com and an announcement will be made when tickets are available. Showings are as follows:

Showtimes for the production for in-person shows with masks and social distancing will be March 19 at 7:30 p.m., March 20 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and March 21 at 2 p.m.

Live-stream shows via BookTix Pass will be available March 19 at 7:30 p.m., March 20 at 7:30 p.m. and March 21 at 2 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611245366456.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Barton Community College Theatre Department will hold auditions by appointment only for its spring production of “Words and What We Do with Them,” a collection of six plays by David Ives. Virtual auditions will be held from noon to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom and in-person auditions from 4-9 p.m., on Jan. 23 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. All roles and technical positions will be cast. Anyone 16 and over is invited to audition and can be cast in more than one role. Those auditioning must contact Theatre Director Miller James at millerj@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9205 to set up an appointment. Once an appointment is set up an email will be sent with reading materials to be performed during the audition. Rehearsals will begin Jan. 25 and will run from 6-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Tickets can be purchased through bartonccc.booktix.com and an announcement will be made when tickets are available. Showings are as follows:Showtimes for the production for in-person shows with masks and social distancing will be March 19 at 7:30 p.m., March 20 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and March 21 at 2 p.m.Live-stream shows via BookTix Pass will be available March 19 at 7:30 p.m., March 20 at 7:30 p.m. and March 21 at 2 p.m.

Barton Theatre holding virtual and in-person auditions for spring production

Barton County coronavirus update: 67 active cases

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE </a>to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Great Bend Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. 

﻿Funeral homes and families can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:matt.althouse@eagleradio.net" target="_blank">matt.althouse@eagleradio.net</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569336839553.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/category/obituaries" target="_blank">HERE </a>to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.Great Bend Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. ﻿Funeral homes and families can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:matt.althouse@eagleradio.net" target="_blank">matt.althouse@eagleradio.net</a>.

Recent Obituaries 

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (1/21) 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 4:48 a.m. an accident was reported in the 200 block of NW 130 Avenue in
Albert. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 2:24 p.m. a narcotics violation was reported at Morton Street &amp; Pawnee
Road. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 2:27 p.m. the K-9 was used at Morton &amp; Pawnee. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (1/21) 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 2:24 p.m. a narcotics violation was reported at Morton &amp; Pawnee. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 3:16 p.m. an accident was reported at 2027 Morton Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 4:31 p.m. theft of money from the store was reported by Walmart, 3503 10th
Street. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 4:50 p.m. a report of an unknown subject entering into his residence and
taking items at 1120 9th Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592405093656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (1/21) 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 4:48 a.m. an accident was reported in the 200 block of NW 130 Avenue in
Albert. 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 2:24 p.m. a narcotics violation was reported at Morton Street &amp; Pawnee
Road. 
 
K-9 Use / Call Out 
 
At 2:27 p.m. the K-9 was used at Morton &amp; Pawnee. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (1/21) 
 
Narcotics Violation 
 
At 2:24 p.m. a narcotics violation was reported at Morton &amp; Pawnee. 
 
Non-Injury Accident 
 
At 3:16 p.m. an accident was reported at 2027 Morton Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 4:31 p.m. theft of money from the store was reported by Walmart, 3503 10th
Street. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 4:50 p.m. a report of an unknown subject entering into his residence and
taking items at 1120 9th Street.

Cop Shop (1/21)

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. East wind 8 to 10 mph.

Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. East southeast wind around 10 mph.

Saturday Patchy drizzle after 2 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. South southeast wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Saturday Night Patchy drizzle before 1 am, then a slight chance of rain after 1 am. Cloudy, with a low around 32. South wind 7 to 14 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday A slight chance of rain before 7 am, then a slight chance of rain after 1 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. North wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday Night A chance of rain and snow before 8 pm, then snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday Snow likely, possibly mixing with freezing rain after 12 pm, then gradually ending. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Tuesday A chance of snow after 7 am, mixing with rain after 4 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday Night A chance of rain and snow before 7 pm, then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday A chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of rain. Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611324171725.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. East wind 8 to 10 mph.Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. East southeast wind around 10 mph.Saturday Patchy drizzle after 2 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. South southeast wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Saturday Night Patchy drizzle before 1 am, then a slight chance of rain after 1 am. Cloudy, with a low around 32. South wind 7 to 14 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Sunday A slight chance of rain before 7 am, then a slight chance of rain after 1 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. North wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Sunday Night A chance of rain and snow before 8 pm, then snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Chance of precipitation is 70%.Monday Snow likely, possibly mixing with freezing rain after 12 pm, then gradually ending. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 33. Chance of precipitation is 70%.Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19.Tuesday A chance of snow after 7 am, mixing with rain after 4 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Chance of precipitation is 30%.Tuesday Night A chance of rain and snow before 7 pm, then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 30%.Wednesday A chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Chance of precipitation is 30%.Wednesday Night A 20 percent chance of rain. Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Friday Weather

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety and lodging program will offer monthly online webinars on food safety issues beginning Monday, January 25, 2021. The free webinar series will cover a variety of food safety issues that are of interest to food business operators, managers and workers.

Each 30-minute webinar will consist of a presentation by food safety and lodging inspectors from across the state, followed by an opportunity for participants to ask questions of the presenters and other KDA-FSL staff. These webinars are an outreach of the Food Protection Task Force, which serves to expand the knowledge base of the food and feed industry in Kansas. The FPTF creates connections and relationships which foster collaboration when developing materials and strategies for intervention, prevention and response to foodborne illness.

The first six months of the webinar series have been scheduled. Each presentation will take place at 3:00 p.m. CST.

January 25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remote Food Safety Inspections During COVID-19

February 22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Choosing the Right Practice: Cooling and Reheating of Foods

March 29&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Food Safety on the Go: Food Trucks, Trailers, Tents and Carts

April 26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Staying Ahead of the Game: What Food Service Managers Need to Know

May 24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dealing With Pests in a Food Establishment

June 28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Limiting the Spread of Germs: How Employees Can Make a Difference

Registration for the January and February online webinars is now open. Register on the KDA Food Protection Task Force page at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FFPTF&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ckda-news_core%40list.da.ks.gov%7Cc487b601329a4ceb1a5d08d8bc912512%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637466679223653080%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=WtZAkzyab46c%2FSuFApE%2FVH%2FC491mMQsmDfqK6bLmcLY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/FPTF</a>. There is no cost to participate, but you must register to receive the login access information.

For more information about the webinar series or about food safety in Kansas, contact the KDA food safety and lodging program at&nbsp;785-564-6767&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov" target="_blank">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

This webinar series serves to support KDA’s mission, which includes a commitment to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth and helping to ensure a safe food supply, promoting public health and safety, and providing consumer protection.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605208576931.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety and lodging program will offer monthly online webinars on food safety issues beginning Monday, January 25, 2021. The free webinar series will cover a variety of food safety issues that are of interest to food business operators, managers and workers.Each 30-minute webinar will consist of a presentation by food safety and lodging inspectors from across the state, followed by an opportunity for participants to ask questions of the presenters and other KDA-FSL staff. These webinars are an outreach of the Food Protection Task Force, which serves to expand the knowledge base of the food and feed industry in Kansas. The FPTF creates connections and relationships which foster collaboration when developing materials and strategies for intervention, prevention and response to foodborne illness.The first six months of the webinar series have been scheduled. Each presentation will take place at 3:00 p.m. CST.January 25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Remote Food Safety Inspections During COVID-19February 22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Choosing the Right Practice: Cooling and Reheating of FoodsMarch 29&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Food Safety on the Go: Food Trucks, Trailers, Tents and CartsApril 26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Staying Ahead of the Game: What Food Service Managers Need to KnowMay 24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dealing With Pests in a Food EstablishmentJune 28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Limiting the Spread of Germs: How Employees Can Make a DifferenceRegistration for the January and February online webinars is now open. Register on the KDA Food Protection Task Force page at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agriculture.ks.gov%2FFPTF&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ckda-news_core%40list.da.ks.gov%7Cc487b601329a4ceb1a5d08d8bc912512%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637466679223653080%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=WtZAkzyab46c%2FSuFApE%2FVH%2FC491mMQsmDfqK6bLmcLY%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">www.agriculture.ks.gov/FPTF</a>. There is no cost to participate, but you must register to receive the login access information. For more information about the webinar series or about food safety in Kansas, contact the KDA food safety and lodging program at&nbsp;785-564-6767&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kda.fsl@ks.gov" target="_blank">kda.fsl@ks.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This webinar series serves to support KDA’s mission, which includes a commitment to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth and helping to ensure a safe food supply, promoting public health and safety, and providing consumer protection.

KDA offers food safety webinar series in 2021

BOOKED: Christopher Ketch on GBPD for Battery D.V. Bond set at $2,000.

BOOKED: Savanna Bradshaw on BTDC for Served Sentence from 1/21/21 at 5:30 pm until 1/23/21 at 5:30 pm.&nbsp;

BOOKED: Matthew Glandclair on HMC for Serve Sentence from 1/21/21 at 7 pm until 1/23/21 at 7 pm.&nbsp;

BOOKED: Phyllis Hartle on GBPD for No Proof of Insurance, Possession of Methamphetamine, and No Drug Tax Stamp. Bond set at $10,000 C/S.&nbsp;

RELEASED: Christopher Ketch on GBPD for Battery D.V. $2,000 Bond Posted.&nbsp;

RELEASED: Travis Ploutz to Ellis County on Ellis County Charges.

RELEASED: Vanessa Armstrong on BTDC for Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp. $50,000&nbsp; Bond Posted.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577973411213.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BOOKED: Christopher Ketch on GBPD for Battery D.V. Bond set at $2,000.BOOKED: Savanna Bradshaw on BTDC for Served Sentence from 1/21/21 at 5:30 pm until 1/23/21 at 5:30 pm.&nbsp;BOOKED: Matthew Glandclair on HMC for Serve Sentence from 1/21/21 at 7 pm until 1/23/21 at 7 pm.&nbsp;BOOKED: Phyllis Hartle on GBPD for No Proof of Insurance, Possession of Methamphetamine, and No Drug Tax Stamp. Bond set at $10,000 C/S.&nbsp;RELEASED: Christopher Ketch on GBPD for Battery D.V. $2,000 Bond Posted.&nbsp;RELEASED: Travis Ploutz to Ellis County on Ellis County Charges.RELEASED: Vanessa Armstrong on BTDC for Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp. $50,000&nbsp; Bond Posted.&nbsp;

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (1/21)

By AMY RICKER Great Bend Post

In gratitude to USD 428 School Board members, January has been designated as School Board Recognition Month. In honor of the critical role school board members play in serving the district's students and community, Eagle radio will be featuring school board members during January.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Deanna&nbsp;Essmiller&nbsp;began her term on the USD 428 school board in January of 2019, but she wasn't new to the school district's inner workings. She started and ended her teaching career at Eisenhower Elementary School, where she taught 6th grade for all but one year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"My first year was in 5th grade, and it was a split class. I then moved up to 6th grade with that large class because there was an opening in the building. I just became the permanent 6th-grade teacher," explained&nbsp;Essmiller.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

After retiring, she took a break from schooling and settled into her new lifestyle until it occurred to her that she was needed back in the district.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I loved teaching and working with kids. I just really enjoy kids. My own children were educated in USD 428, and they had a wonderful education. After several years of being out of education and dealing with some things in my family, I had a calling in my heart that the board was the best place to serve. I just want the district to be the best it can be for our students," says&nbsp;Essmiller.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The first two years on the board have not been boring ones for&nbsp;Essmiller. The first year, she worked on the bond issue, which came to a vote by mail-in ballot in September, which ultimately failed to pass. In her second year, the bond was reworked and scheduled to be on the April 28, 2020, ballot. But once the pandemic hit, the school board unanimously voted to postpone the bond election for the time being.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

With the exception of COVID and the bond issue, another critical issue that&nbsp;Essmiller&nbsp;says the district is facing is the hiring and retaining of good teachers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It's a challenge. Several years ago, many students went to college to become teachers, and that has changed. There just isn't the pool to select from out there, and it's become pretty competitive to recruit teachers. Now we have to offer things to get them to come whereas before, you had all kinds of applicants, and you had to choose the very best of the best."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Essmiller&nbsp;feels that the top reason that fewer students are pursuing a teaching degree is because of the lower salary, despite needing a degree to lead a classroom. The second reason is that over the years, the profession has simply become a challenging one for a variety of reasons.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

One of USD 428's most outstanding achievements, in&nbsp;Essmiller's&nbsp;opinion, was keeping the school district operating during the 20-21 school year during the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It has taken a lot to work with the number of differing opinions about what the right thing is to do. Whether we are remote, in-person, wear masks, not wearing masks, how far apart the social distancing should be. There have been a lot of differing opinions about what our parents want. I am very proud of our district, administration, staff, and especially our teachers. They have stepped up and done whatever was asked of them and worked hard and taught with all the restrictions put in place. I'm just so proud of them."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Another district topic that has been explored recently by the school board is a virtual school.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I am not against a virtual school. I have had concerns and spoke about that at the last board meeting. It isn't the virtual school in itself that I'm concerned about. I favor that for those who need it and where it is the only choice for their student. My concern is to monitor that those students are using it for the purpose intended and not because a student just doesn't want to sit in the classroom. As a parent and a grandparent, I see the huge value of learning how to adapt to doing the things you may not like, and being in school provides that important social and emotional wellness. School is where they learn how to interact and compromise. I just don't want to leave anyone out that doesn't want to be left out. Again, I am in favor of a virtual school as long as it has guidelines and it's monitored to make sure it's being used under the right conditions. For example, if a child has a health condition," explained&nbsp;Essmiller.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

When it comes to being on the school board,&nbsp;Essmiller&nbsp;says an essential skill is the ability to listen. She says it's imperative to listen to all sides and remember that it's not just your own opinion that matters. Board members must be able to represent all sides of an issue in the community.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

So,&nbsp;what gives&nbsp;Essmiller&nbsp;the most joy being back in the education system?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I love watching my former students as teachers here in the district. When they come to board meetings or present something, it makes me so proud. I am just so proud of our own and my own former students. When you are a teacher, you see your students as "your kids." I really enjoy seeing them step up and being the leaders in our district. It's really cool."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611247843100.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By AMY RICKER Great Bend PostIn gratitude to USD 428 School Board members, January has been designated as School Board Recognition Month. In honor of the critical role school board members play in serving the district's students and community, Eagle radio will be featuring school board members during January.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deanna&nbsp;Essmiller&nbsp;began her term on the USD 428 school board in January of 2019, but she wasn't new to the school district's inner workings. She started and ended her teaching career at Eisenhower Elementary School, where she taught 6th grade for all but one year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"My first year was in 5th grade, and it was a split class. I then moved up to 6th grade with that large class because there was an opening in the building. I just became the permanent 6th-grade teacher," explained&nbsp;Essmiller.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After retiring, she took a break from schooling and settled into her new lifestyle until it occurred to her that she was needed back in the district.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I loved teaching and working with kids. I just really enjoy kids. My own children were educated in USD 428, and they had a wonderful education. After several years of being out of education and dealing with some things in my family, I had a calling in my heart that the board was the best place to serve. I just want the district to be the best it can be for our students," says&nbsp;Essmiller.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The first two years on the board have not been boring ones for&nbsp;Essmiller. The first year, she worked on the bond issue, which came to a vote by mail-in ballot in September, which ultimately failed to pass. In her second year, the bond was reworked and scheduled to be on the April 28, 2020, ballot. But once the pandemic hit, the school board unanimously voted to postpone the bond election for the time being.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With the exception of COVID and the bond issue, another critical issue that&nbsp;Essmiller&nbsp;says the district is facing is the hiring and retaining of good teachers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's a challenge. Several years ago, many students went to college to become teachers, and that has changed. There just isn't the pool to select from out there, and it's become pretty competitive to recruit teachers. Now we have to offer things to get them to come whereas before, you had all kinds of applicants, and you had to choose the very best of the best."&nbsp;&nbsp;Essmiller&nbsp;feels that the top reason that fewer students are pursuing a teaching degree is because of the lower salary, despite needing a degree to lead a classroom. The second reason is that over the years, the profession has simply become a challenging one for a variety of reasons.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One of USD 428's most outstanding achievements, in&nbsp;Essmiller's&nbsp;opinion, was keeping the school district operating during the 20-21 school year during the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It has taken a lot to work with the number of differing opinions about what the right thing is to do. Whether we are remote, in-person, wear masks, not wearing masks, how far apart the social distancing should be. There have been a lot of differing opinions about what our parents want. I am very proud of our district, administration, staff, and especially our teachers. They have stepped up and done whatever was asked of them and worked hard and taught with all the restrictions put in place. I'm just so proud of them."&nbsp;&nbsp;Another district topic that has been explored recently by the school board is a virtual school.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I am not against a virtual school. I have had concerns and spoke about that at the last board meeting. It isn't the virtual school in itself that I'm concerned about. I favor that for those who need it and where it is the only choice for their student. My concern is to monitor that those students are using it for the purpose intended and not because a student just doesn't want to sit in the classroom. As a parent and a grandparent, I see the huge value of learning how to adapt to doing the things you may not like, and being in school provides that important social and emotional wellness. School is where they learn how to interact and compromise. I just don't want to leave anyone out that doesn't want to be left out. Again, I am in favor of a virtual school as long as it has guidelines and it's monitored to make sure it's being used under the right conditions. For example, if a child has a health condition," explained&nbsp;Essmiller.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When it comes to being on the school board,&nbsp;Essmiller&nbsp;says an essential skill is the ability to listen. She says it's imperative to listen to all sides and remember that it's not just your own opinion that matters. Board members must be able to represent all sides of an issue in the community.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So,&nbsp;what gives&nbsp;Essmiller&nbsp;the most joy being back in the education system?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I love watching my former students as teachers here in the district. When they come to board meetings or present something, it makes me so proud. I am just so proud of our own and my own former students. When you are a teacher, you see your students as "your kids." I really enjoy seeing them step up and being the leaders in our district. It's really cool."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

USD 428 School Board Recognition Month: Deanna Essmiller 

PAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Thursday in Pawnee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Mazda CX9 driven by Gabriel Reed Cowell, 26, Oxford, Mississippi, was westbound on K19 at 80th Avenue.

The vehicle traveled left of center into the eastbound lane. The Mazda and a 1999 Peterbilt semi driven by Mike Lynn Miller, 37, Stafford, collided. The Mazda rolled into the north ditch and came to rest on its roof.

EMS transported Cowell to Wesley Medical Center. Miller was not injured and not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

PAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Thursday in Pawnee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Mazda CX9 driven by Gabriel Reed Cowell, 26, Oxford, Mississippi, was westbound on K19 at 80th Avenue.The vehicle traveled left of center into the eastbound lane. The Mazda and a 1999 Peterbilt semi driven by Mike Lynn Miller, 37, Stafford, collided. The Mazda rolled into the north ditch and came to rest on its roof.EMS transported Cowell to Wesley Medical Center. Miller was not injured and not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Man hospitalized after Pawnee Co. crash with a semi

Barton County is in Phase 2 of the Vaccination process against COVID-19. The county health department will have a drive-thru vaccination clinic on Friday, Jan. 22 beginning at 4 p.m. at the Barton County Fairgrounds Expo III building.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Barton County Health Director Karen Winkleman says they received 300 vaccinations for the clinic. The Health Department didn't receive much advance notice when or how many vaccines would arrive, but that aspect has gotten better.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Winkleman says the first doses being given this afternoon are from Moderna, and the second dose will be scheduled in four weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We provide you with the four-week date, and you can come in up to four days early for that vaccine. You have a four-day grace period. Anytime that date that it's due or after it can be administered, so it does not have to be on the exact four-week date," explains Winkleman.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

County Administrator Phil Hathcock says the vaccines arrive by Fed Ex.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"That's a little bit of a funny story because we are all anxious to get more vaccine. We get a notification that it's getting shipped by Fed Ex. Whenever it arrives, I rush over and try to get the vaccine before Karen. It's a little joke. The Fed Ex Driver immediately drops the box and runs because we all swarm the box," chuckles Hathcock. "The vaccine is very exciting for everyone at the Health Department because it signifies that we can do something positive to help end this pandemic."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The drive-thru clinic will start at 4 p.m. at the fairgrounds, and vaccinations are on a first-come, first-serve basis for those who are eligible based on Phase 2 Guidelines established by the KDHE. Vaccine consent forms can be downloaded at bartoncounty.org under the COVI-19 tab.&nbsp;Winkleman says they are doing their best to keep everyone informed of future vaccination clinics as more doses are received and will release information through the media.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608305721933.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By AMY RICKER Great Bend PostBarton County is in Phase 2 of the Vaccination process against COVID-19. The county health department will have a drive-thru vaccination clinic on Friday, Jan. 22 beginning at 4 p.m. at the Barton County Fairgrounds Expo III building.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Barton County Health Director Karen Winkleman says they received 300 vaccinations for the clinic. The Health Department didn't receive much advance notice when or how many vaccines would arrive, but that aspect has gotten better.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Winkleman says the first doses being given this afternoon are from Moderna, and the second dose will be scheduled in four weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We provide you with the four-week date, and you can come in up to four days early for that vaccine. You have a four-day grace period. Anytime that date that it's due or after it can be administered, so it does not have to be on the exact four-week date," explains Winkleman.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;County Administrator Phil Hathcock says the vaccines arrive by Fed Ex.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That's a little bit of a funny story because we are all anxious to get more vaccine. We get a notification that it's getting shipped by Fed Ex. Whenever it arrives, I rush over and try to get the vaccine before Karen. It's a little joke. The Fed Ex Driver immediately drops the box and runs because we all swarm the box," chuckles Hathcock. "The vaccine is very exciting for everyone at the Health Department because it signifies that we can do something positive to help end this pandemic."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The drive-thru clinic will start at 4 p.m. at the fairgrounds, and vaccinations are on a first-come, first-serve basis for those who are eligible based on Phase 2 Guidelines established by the KDHE. Vaccine consent forms can be downloaded at bartoncounty.org under the COVI-19 tab.&nbsp;Winkleman says they are doing their best to keep everyone informed of future vaccination clinics as more doses are received and will release information through the media.&nbsp;

Barton County anxiously awaits more COVID-19 vaccinations 

Do you know of a good story of a person, business or
organization working to make the Barton County area better or a little brighter? Maybe an unsung hero? 
 
Share your stories to the “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/246044026597234">Tell Me Something Good! Barton County</a>” Facebook page.
You can also email your ideas to <a href="mailto:cole.reif@eagleradio.net">cole.reif@eagleradio.net</a>
or <a href="mailto:amy.ricker@eagleradio.net">amy.ricker@eagleradio.net</a>. 
 
Share the positivity with Eagle Communications! 
 
Eagle Communications reserves all rights on selection of stories submitted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602683232309.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Do you know of a good story of a person, business or
organization working to make the Barton County area better or a little brighter? Maybe an unsung hero? 
 
Share your stories to the “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/246044026597234">Tell Me Something Good! Barton County</a>” Facebook page.
You can also email your ideas to <a href="mailto:cole.reif@eagleradio.net">cole.reif@eagleradio.net</a>
or <a href="mailto:amy.ricker@eagleradio.net">amy.ricker@eagleradio.net</a>. 
 
Share the positivity with Eagle Communications! 
 
Eagle Communications reserves all rights on selection of stories submitted.

Tell me something good! Barton County

From U.S. Senator Jerry Moran's Office...

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – today congratulated President Joseph R. Biden on his inauguration as the 46th President of the United States and urged the new president to work with Congress on behalf of our nation’s veterans.

“As you well know from your own family’s experience, there is no greater calling in government than to honor the service of the men and women who volunteered to keep us free,”&nbsp;wrote Sen. Moran. “The job of your nominee to be Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Denis McDonough, is a significant one. VA is in the midst of the greatest transformational change since the end of World War II, a change occurring during the worst pandemic in over 100 years. As he and I briefly discussed, passing laws is the easy part. Faithful execution of those laws is what will ultimately improve the lives of veterans in Kansas and all across the country.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Caring for our nation’s veterans has always been a unifying force during my time in Congress,”&nbsp;continued Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“It is my great hope that it will continue to be under your presidency.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The full letter can be found below.

I write to congratulate you on your inauguration as the 46th President of the United States. I look forward to working with you and your Administration, particularly as it relates to caring for those who have served our nation in uniform. As you well know from your own family’s experience, there is no greater calling in government than to honor the service of the men and women who volunteered to keep us free. The presence of young men and women from all around the country providing security in and around the Capitol complex for your inauguration is a somber reminder of their sacrifice and our obligation to them.

As Chairman and soon-to-be Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I want to make you aware of not only the key accomplishments that have been made over the last several years for veterans, but also the challenges ahead. The job of your nominee to be Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Denis McDonough, is a significant one. VA is in the midst of the greatest transformational change since the end of World War II, a change occurring during the worst pandemic in over 100 years. As he and I briefly discussed, passing laws is the easy part. Faithful execution of those laws is what will ultimately improve the lives of veterans in Kansas and all across the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Access to health care, particularly for veterans in rural states like Kansas, has been one of my foremost priorities as a member of Congress. The issue of access came to a head after the nationwide wait-time scandal in 2014 when veterans died while waiting for care. That scandal culminated in a temporary program of choice for veterans under President Obama, and then enactment of the bipartisan&nbsp;MISSION Act of 2018. MISSION gave veterans the permanent choice to utilize community providers for their health care when it made sense for them and NOT when it was convenient for VA bureaucrats. Rather than hours-long drives or interminable waits for a VA appointment, veterans now can access a network of community providers under certain reasonable circumstances. VA provides excellent health care, but MISSION provided veterans with a long overdue remedy to the reality that VA facilities in many states are far from where they live, don’t provide the specific care they need, or simply don’t have the capacity to offer a timely appointment. I ask you to build on this common-sense notion that it’s the veteran who should be at the center of their health care decisions.&nbsp;

The MISSION Act also expanded VA’s program of comprehensive caregiver assistance to family caregivers of veterans who served prior to September 11, 2001. Put simply, family caregivers give veterans yet another choice. Rather than be cared for in a nursing home they can have a loved one care for them in the comfort of their homes. This program makes that choice easier, but the expansion has only been in effect for four months. Again, I ask that you prioritize implementation of this law for our veterans and build on its promise for veterans in need of caregiver assistance.&nbsp;

My highest priority during my first year as Chairman was veterans’ mental health and suicide. Our bipartisan effort on this front culminated in enactment of the&nbsp;Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act. A core provision of that Act recognizes the reality that of the 20 veterans who commit suicide each day (on average) only 6 recently accessed VA health care prior to their deaths. To reach the 70 percent of veterans whom VA has no contact with, the Hannon Act authorizes VA to grant funds to specialized community organizations which are better positioned to reach veterans in crisis where VA cannot. This important law will be implemented during your Administration and its success could be the difference between life and death.

Mr. President, I have only touched on a few of the important items facing our veterans. We, of course, have much more to do. Reducing disability claims and appeals backlogs, adding flexibility to the GI Bill and orienting it towards successful employment outcomes for veterans, improving transition assistance for those leaving the military, helping veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service, continuing to make VA more welcoming to women veterans, modernizing VA’s aging infrastructure, holding VA employees accountable for their performance, and fulfilling the promise of an integrated electronic health record – these are but a few of the other major issues for which your Administration will be accountable. You have my pledge to be a partner in that effort.

Once again,&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;on your inauguration, and thank you for your commitment to our nation’s veterans. Caring for our nation’s veterans has always been a unifying force during my time in Congress. It is my great hope that it will continue to be under your presidency.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

From U.S. Senator Jerry Moran's Office...WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – today congratulated President Joseph R. Biden on his inauguration as the 46th President of the United States and urged the new president to work with Congress on behalf of our nation’s veterans.“As you well know from your own family’s experience, there is no greater calling in government than to honor the service of the men and women who volunteered to keep us free,”&nbsp;wrote Sen. Moran. “The job of your nominee to be Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Denis McDonough, is a significant one. VA is in the midst of the greatest transformational change since the end of World War II, a change occurring during the worst pandemic in over 100 years. As he and I briefly discussed, passing laws is the easy part. Faithful execution of those laws is what will ultimately improve the lives of veterans in Kansas and all across the country.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Caring for our nation’s veterans has always been a unifying force during my time in Congress,”&nbsp;continued Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“It is my great hope that it will continue to be under your presidency.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The full letter can be found below.Dear Mr. President,I write to congratulate you on your inauguration as the 46th President of the United States. I look forward to working with you and your Administration, particularly as it relates to caring for those who have served our nation in uniform. As you well know from your own family’s experience, there is no greater calling in government than to honor the service of the men and women who volunteered to keep us free. The presence of young men and women from all around the country providing security in and around the Capitol complex for your inauguration is a somber reminder of their sacrifice and our obligation to them.As Chairman and soon-to-be Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I want to make you aware of not only the key accomplishments that have been made over the last several years for veterans, but also the challenges ahead. The job of your nominee to be Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Denis McDonough, is a significant one. VA is in the midst of the greatest transformational change since the end of World War II, a change occurring during the worst pandemic in over 100 years. As he and I briefly discussed, passing laws is the easy part. Faithful execution of those laws is what will ultimately improve the lives of veterans in Kansas and all across the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Access to health care, particularly for veterans in rural states like Kansas, has been one of my foremost priorities as a member of Congress. The issue of access came to a head after the nationwide wait-time scandal in 2014 when veterans died while waiting for care. That scandal culminated in a temporary program of choice for veterans under President Obama, and then enactment of the bipartisan&nbsp;MISSION Act of 2018. MISSION gave veterans the permanent choice to utilize community providers for their health care when it made sense for them and NOT when it was convenient for VA bureaucrats. Rather than hours-long drives or interminable waits for a VA appointment, veterans now can access a network of community providers under certain reasonable circumstances. VA provides excellent health care, but MISSION provided veterans with a long overdue remedy to the reality that VA facilities in many states are far from where they live, don’t provide the specific care they need, or simply don’t have the capacity to offer a timely appointment. I ask you to build on this common-sense notion that it’s the veteran who should be at the center of their health care decisions.&nbsp;The MISSION Act also expanded VA’s program of comprehensive caregiver assistance to family caregivers of veterans who served prior to September 11, 2001. Put simply, family caregivers give veterans yet another choice. Rather than be cared for in a nursing home they can have a loved one care for them in the comfort of their homes. This program makes that choice easier, but the expansion has only been in effect for four months. Again, I ask that you prioritize implementation of this law for our veterans and build on its promise for veterans in need of caregiver assistance.&nbsp;My highest priority during my first year as Chairman was veterans’ mental health and suicide. Our bipartisan effort on this front culminated in enactment of the&nbsp;Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act. A core provision of that Act recognizes the reality that of the 20 veterans who commit suicide each day (on average) only 6 recently accessed VA health care prior to their deaths. To reach the 70 percent of veterans whom VA has no contact with, the Hannon Act authorizes VA to grant funds to specialized community organizations which are better positioned to reach veterans in crisis where VA cannot. This important law will be implemented during your Administration and its success could be the difference between life and death.Mr. President, I have only touched on a few of the important items facing our veterans. We, of course, have much more to do. Reducing disability claims and appeals backlogs, adding flexibility to the GI Bill and orienting it towards successful employment outcomes for veterans, improving transition assistance for those leaving the military, helping veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service, continuing to make VA more welcoming to women veterans, modernizing VA’s aging infrastructure, holding VA employees accountable for their performance, and fulfilling the promise of an integrated electronic health record – these are but a few of the other major issues for which your Administration will be accountable. You have my pledge to be a partner in that effort.Once again,&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;on your inauguration, and thank you for your commitment to our nation’s veterans. Caring for our nation’s veterans has always been a unifying force during my time in Congress. It is my great hope that it will continue to be under your presidency.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Moran urges President to work with Congress to improve lives of veterans

Dr. Eric Foley will bring a wealth of experience in music education and a devotion to his craft to the Director of Choral Activities position at Barton Community College. He will teach vocal students, conduct choirs and ensembles and help direct musicals, among other responsibilities. He will work at the college as an adjunct faculty member through the spring semester and will begin full time in the fall.

One of his first projects will be leading the Central Kansas Community Choir (CKCC) on April 11, which is open to community members who would like to participate. The first rehearsal is Jan. 25 and those interested should contact Angel Morgan at (620) 792-9391 or morgana@bartonccc.edu. More can be found at bartonccc.edu/news/central-kansas-community-choir-21.

Foley grew up with music, learning to play piano at the age of five. Both of his parents, while not technically trained musicians, were very musically inclined.

“When was music not a part of my life?” he said. “I would go to sing at festivals and participate in small ensembles and solos. I would go to summer music camps. Music was a big part of my life growing up.”

The hobby became something more over time, which ultimately led to his pursuit of music as a career.

“You start to see how well you can do it; try to improve on your own skills and improve your ability,” he said. “That kept me going. Then, there was a certain enjoyment that went along with it, which I enjoyed sharing with other people too, and that’s why music education became my career.”

He has since taught at the high school and middle school levels for 14 years, and in higher education at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Corban University. He eventually worked his way to the department chair position at both institutions.

Most recently, he has been teaching at Lyons High School just down the highway from Barton. He said he is excited to teach in higher education once again and in particular is ready to work on the musical theatre productions and work with the larger groups like the Central Kansas Community Choir, the Barton Orchestra and the smaller ensembles.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to working with collegiate students again,” he said. “And, I look forward to seeing what I can build out of what’s been at Barton before and make it a place where we

can help students be engaged in music. It's a camaraderie thing; the community that happens inside a community. That’s what I love about what I do, to build that community. I want to make the program at Barton a special place.”

Foley said the COVID-19 pandemic has made the work of a choral director far more challenging, but also more important.

“Many find (music) is both an emotional and psychological outlet and provides a healthy way to stay grounded,” he said. “Distance has become the biggest challenge, trying to find ways to connect and keep an ensemble engaged when you’re looking at six feet apart with masks. Faced, bodies and clarity make it more difficult for the ensemble to share information. I'm working to find different ways to do what we were doing before, but have the same quality of performance and engagement with the audience and ensemble members.”

Foley said he is excited about his first Barton concerts, which will take place in the fall semester, but the journey getting them ready to perform is just as rewarding as the final product.

“My favorite part about directing is watching the ensemble come together for a common goal and to see the emotional engagement in each one of those members in what’s going on during the performance,” he said. “The performance is a lot of fun but it’s not the only part. Sometimes it’s the performance inside the rehearsal that’s just as engaging, if not more so, where the connections to the music for the ensemble members becomes stronger.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611241005453.jpeg" alt="Dr. Eric Foley, Director of Choral Activities at Barton Community College" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Eric Foley, Director of Choral Activities at Barton Community College</figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Brandon SteinertDr. Eric Foley will bring a wealth of experience in music education and a devotion to his craft to the Director of Choral Activities position at Barton Community College. He will teach vocal students, conduct choirs and ensembles and help direct musicals, among other responsibilities. He will work at the college as an adjunct faculty member through the spring semester and will begin full time in the fall.One of his first projects will be leading the Central Kansas Community Choir (CKCC) on April 11, which is open to community members who would like to participate. The first rehearsal is Jan. 25 and those interested should contact Angel Morgan at (620) 792-9391 or morgana@bartonccc.edu. More can be found at bartonccc.edu/news/central-kansas-community-choir-21.Foley grew up with music, learning to play piano at the age of five. Both of his parents, while not technically trained musicians, were very musically inclined.“When was music not a part of my life?” he said. “I would go to sing at festivals and participate in small ensembles and solos. I would go to summer music camps. Music was a big part of my life growing up.”The hobby became something more over time, which ultimately led to his pursuit of music as a career.“You start to see how well you can do it; try to improve on your own skills and improve your ability,” he said. “That kept me going. Then, there was a certain enjoyment that went along with it, which I enjoyed sharing with other people too, and that’s why music education became my career.”He has since taught at the high school and middle school levels for 14 years, and in higher education at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Corban University. He eventually worked his way to the department chair position at both institutions.Most recently, he has been teaching at Lyons High School just down the highway from Barton. He said he is excited to teach in higher education once again and in particular is ready to work on the musical theatre productions and work with the larger groups like the Central Kansas Community Choir, the Barton Orchestra and the smaller ensembles.“I’m looking forward to getting back to working with collegiate students again,” he said. “And, I look forward to seeing what I can build out of what’s been at Barton before and make it a place where wecan help students be engaged in music. It's a camaraderie thing; the community that happens inside a community. That’s what I love about what I do, to build that community. I want to make the program at Barton a special place.”Foley said the COVID-19 pandemic has made the work of a choral director far more challenging, but also more important.“Many find (music) is both an emotional and psychological outlet and provides a healthy way to stay grounded,” he said. “Distance has become the biggest challenge, trying to find ways to connect and keep an ensemble engaged when you’re looking at six feet apart with masks. Faced, bodies and clarity make it more difficult for the ensemble to share information. I'm working to find different ways to do what we were doing before, but have the same quality of performance and engagement with the audience and ensemble members.”Foley said he is excited about his first Barton concerts, which will take place in the fall semester, but the journey getting them ready to perform is just as rewarding as the final product.“My favorite part about directing is watching the ensemble come together for a common goal and to see the emotional engagement in each one of those members in what’s going on during the performance,” he said. “The performance is a lot of fun but it’s not the only part. Sometimes it’s the performance inside the rehearsal that’s just as engaging, if not more so, where the connections to the music for the ensemble members becomes stronger.”

New Choral Director brings lifetime of love for music to Barton Community College

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Leaders of six state universities in Kansas will have more flexibility in deciding to suspend or fire employees, including tenured faculty, under a temporary policy approved by the Kansas Board of Regents.

The regents said Thursday that the new policy, which will be in effect until Dec. 31, 2022, was necessary because of costs associated with the coronavirus pandemic, a reduction in state funding and declining enrollment. Last week, Gov. Laura Kelly released a budget that included a $27 million cut for higher education.

The board gave CEOs of the universities 45 days to create frameworks they would use to determine whether to suspend, dismiss or fire employees. The frameworks could include factors such as performance evaluations, productivity, low enrollment or reduction in revenues for departments and schools.

Aleksander Sternfeld-Dunn, a Wichita State University associate professor representing the Council of Faculty Senate Presidents, told the regents the new policy essentially suspends tenure and will damage faculty morale, “which is already struggling under the pressures of teaching during the pandemic.”

“We also believe it will open up universities to potential abuses of power and could lead to numerous lawsuits around discrimination and harassment,” he said. “We believe that the policy as stated is really using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, and we think there are far more positive ways to go about managing financial difficulties.”

Under the policy, an employee will have the right to appeal a decision by a CEO affecting their employment, with the burden of proof on the employee. After the CEO responds to the appeal, the state’s Office of Administrative Hearings would have a hearing and make a final decision.

The board would reverse a CEO’s decision only if it was inconsistent with the university’s decision-making framework, was the result of bias or discrimination or was “otherwise unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious.”

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Leaders of six state universities in Kansas will have more flexibility in deciding to suspend or fire employees, including tenured faculty, under a temporary policy approved by the Kansas Board of Regents.The regents said Thursday that the new policy, which will be in effect until Dec. 31, 2022, was necessary because of costs associated with the coronavirus pandemic, a reduction in state funding and declining enrollment. Last week, Gov. Laura Kelly released a budget that included a $27 million cut for higher education.The board gave CEOs of the universities 45 days to create frameworks they would use to determine whether to suspend, dismiss or fire employees. The frameworks could include factors such as performance evaluations, productivity, low enrollment or reduction in revenues for departments and schools.Aleksander Sternfeld-Dunn, a Wichita State University associate professor representing the Council of Faculty Senate Presidents, told the regents the new policy essentially suspends tenure and will damage faculty morale, “which is already struggling under the pressures of teaching during the pandemic.”“We also believe it will open up universities to potential abuses of power and could lead to numerous lawsuits around discrimination and harassment,” he said. “We believe that the policy as stated is really using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, and we think there are far more positive ways to go about managing financial difficulties.”Under the policy, an employee will have the right to appeal a decision by a CEO affecting their employment, with the burden of proof on the employee. After the CEO responds to the appeal, the state’s Office of Administrative Hearings would have a hearing and make a final decision.The board would reverse a CEO’s decision only if it was inconsistent with the university’s decision-making framework, was the result of bias or discrimination or was “otherwise unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious.”

Regents give university CEOs more power to fire employees

Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Great Bend Public Lands Director Scott Keeler that aired Jan. 20, 2021.

The City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596658271505.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hear this week's City Edition episode with Eagle Radio's Steve Webster and Great Bend Public Lands Director Scott Keeler that aired Jan. 20, 2021.<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/qcbxgs5o/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>The City Edition program airs every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. on 1590 KVGB &amp; 95.5 FM.&nbsp;

🎙City Edition: Public Lands Director Scott Keeler

Wheatland Electric’s 2020 Cram the Van season has raised the equivalent of 32,206 pounds of food for 11 area food banks across our service territory, more than any year since its inception in 2014.&nbsp;

Since its inaugural season and including this year’s totals, Wheatland Electric has facilitated the collection of more than 63 tons (127,733 pounds) of food donations, thanks to the generosity of the members and communities we serve. To date, all donations have been delivered to the local food banks in the communities in which they were donated.&nbsp;

For the fourth year, the Hiss-Sherman Wealth Management Group sponsored the Great Bend School Competition from October 12-16, 2020. Through collaboration with USD 428 schools, Central Kansas Christian Academy, and Holy Family Elementary, the students brought in over 4,500 pounds of food during this week-long competition.

Central Kansas Christian Academy claimed first place again this year and received $500 for their efforts in collecting an average of over 18 pounds of food donations per student. Jefferson Elementary School received $300 for their second-place victory. Riley Elementary School took third place and received $200. Additionally this year, Hiss-Sherman Wealth Management gave $100 to the six other schools (Eisenhower Elementary School, Park Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, Great Bend Middle School, Great Bend High School, and Holy Family Elementary School) who participated in the challenge.&nbsp;

Due to the special challenges surrounding the ongoing pandemic, Wheatland Electric held six donation drive-ins during the months of October and November to facilitate the collection of both cash and can donations from members in exchange for a pre-packaged hamburger or hot-dog meal.&nbsp;

Thanks to these donations, additional online donations, and proceeds collected from the second annual Co-Ops Cares Charity Golf Tournament, held Aug. 28, 2020, at Mariah Hills Golf Course in Dodge City, Wheatland Electric has delivered the equivalent of 16 tons of food to 11 local food banks within our southwest and southcentral service territory.&nbsp;

These area food banks include the following: Ministerial Alliance in Scott City; Wichita County Food Bank in Leoti; Greeley County Food Pantry in Tribune; Hamilton County Food Pantry in Syracuse; Horns for Hope c/o USD 363 in Holcomb; Emmaus House and Genesis Family Health in Finney County; Community Food Bank of Barton County in Great Bend; Harper Mission Mart in Harper; and the United Methodist Food Pantry and Caldwell Food Bank in Caldwell.&nbsp;

Watch a video of our 2020 Cram the Van donations and deliveries at&nbsp;<a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=775219&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;destination=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FVFPcR8PRH-0&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=d10098aaf3f1b18c6c05d37f2a37114bea4cda624fc2d736270b9486469e53ef" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/VFPcR8PRH-0</a>. For more information about Cram the Van, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=775219&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.weci.net%2Fcram-van-food-drive&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=879029dc8d0f08cc9969ff58ce25eaeb0faf9fbb12096bf0e5606fbd071596af" target="_blank">https://www.weci.net/cram-van-food-drive</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611240112692.jpeg" alt="Regan Reif (right), Member Services and Key Accounts Manager, and Matt Hiss of Hiss Sherman Wealth Management Group (left), present a $500 check to students and staff of Central Kansas Christian Academy in Great Bend." />
 <figcaption>Regan Reif (right), Member Services and Key Accounts Manager, and Matt Hiss of Hiss Sherman Wealth Management Group (left), present a $500 check to students and staff of Central Kansas Christian Academy in Great Bend.</figcaption>
 </figure>Wheatland Electric’s 2020 Cram the Van season has raised the equivalent of 32,206 pounds of food for 11 area food banks across our service territory, more than any year since its inception in 2014.&nbsp;Since its inaugural season and including this year’s totals, Wheatland Electric has facilitated the collection of more than 63 tons (127,733 pounds) of food donations, thanks to the generosity of the members and communities we serve. To date, all donations have been delivered to the local food banks in the communities in which they were donated.&nbsp;For the fourth year, the Hiss-Sherman Wealth Management Group sponsored the Great Bend School Competition from October 12-16, 2020. Through collaboration with USD 428 schools, Central Kansas Christian Academy, and Holy Family Elementary, the students brought in over 4,500 pounds of food during this week-long competition.Central Kansas Christian Academy claimed first place again this year and received $500 for their efforts in collecting an average of over 18 pounds of food donations per student. Jefferson Elementary School received $300 for their second-place victory. Riley Elementary School took third place and received $200. Additionally this year, Hiss-Sherman Wealth Management gave $100 to the six other schools (Eisenhower Elementary School, Park Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, Great Bend Middle School, Great Bend High School, and Holy Family Elementary School) who participated in the challenge.&nbsp;Due to the special challenges surrounding the ongoing pandemic, Wheatland Electric held six donation drive-ins during the months of October and November to facilitate the collection of both cash and can donations from members in exchange for a pre-packaged hamburger or hot-dog meal.&nbsp;Thanks to these donations, additional online donations, and proceeds collected from the second annual Co-Ops Cares Charity Golf Tournament, held Aug. 28, 2020, at Mariah Hills Golf Course in Dodge City, Wheatland Electric has delivered the equivalent of 16 tons of food to 11 local food banks within our southwest and southcentral service territory.&nbsp;These area food banks include the following: Ministerial Alliance in Scott City; Wichita County Food Bank in Leoti; Greeley County Food Pantry in Tribune; Hamilton County Food Pantry in Syracuse; Horns for Hope c/o USD 363 in Holcomb; Emmaus House and Genesis Family Health in Finney County; Community Food Bank of Barton County in Great Bend; Harper Mission Mart in Harper; and the United Methodist Food Pantry and Caldwell Food Bank in Caldwell.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Caldwell – 2,055 lbs.</li><li>Conway Springs – 2,672 lbs.</li><li>Finney County –3,394 lbs.</li><li>Great Bend – 7,590 lbs.</li><li>Harper – 2,152 lbs.</li><li>Holcomb – 1,927 lbs.</li><li>Leoti – 3,096 lbs.</li><li>Scott City – 4,045 lbs.&nbsp;</li><li>Syracuse – 2,679 lbs.&nbsp;</li><li>Tribune – 2,596 lbs.&nbsp;</li><li>Total: 32,206</li>
 </ul>Watch a video of our 2020 Cram the Van donations and deliveries at&nbsp;<a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=775219&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;destination=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FVFPcR8PRH-0&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=d10098aaf3f1b18c6c05d37f2a37114bea4cda624fc2d736270b9486469e53ef" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/VFPcR8PRH-0</a>. For more information about Cram the Van, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33470319&amp;msgid=775219&amp;act=JQEP&amp;c=116427&amp;destination=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.weci.net%2Fcram-van-food-drive&amp;cf=5504&amp;v=879029dc8d0f08cc9969ff58ce25eaeb0faf9fbb12096bf0e5606fbd071596af" target="_blank">https://www.weci.net/cram-van-food-drive</a>.&nbsp;

Cram the Van 2020 collects record-breaking 16 tons of food

By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension District

Kansas Corn is partnering with K-State Research and Extension to offer winter learning sessions for Kansas corn farmers. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Kansas Corn Management Schools will be held virtually in a series of three webinars. Each webinar will start at 7 p.m. and include two presentations with a question-and-answer session. Participants will have the opportunity to hear the latest research and production information and hear updates on markets and corn policy issues. These sessions are free for farmers to attend.

&nbsp;“Despite today’s current challenges with COVID, participating online provides an opportunity for corn farmers to learn the latest research findings on key topics and what challenges to watch out for in agronomy, markets, and policy,” said Kansas Corn V.P. of Market Development and Policy Josh Roe.

The webinars are offered at free for growers thanks to support from premier sponsor Pioneer Seeds, and supporting sponsor Compass Minerals. Participants are asked to pre-register online to receive the information and links to the webinar.

Get more information and register online at <a href="https://kscorn.com/cornschool/">kscorn.com/cornschool</a> or by phone by calling Kansas Corn at 785-410-5009.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611249366992.jpeg" alt="Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy K-State Research &amp; Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By STACY CAMPBELL Cottonwood Extension DistrictKansas Corn is partnering with K-State Research and Extension to offer winter learning sessions for Kansas corn farmers. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Kansas Corn Management Schools will be held virtually in a series of three webinars. Each webinar will start at 7 p.m. and include two presentations with a question-and-answer session. Participants will have the opportunity to hear the latest research and production information and hear updates on markets and corn policy issues. These sessions are free for farmers to attend.Webinar dates and presentations:<ul>
 <li>Thursday, January 21, 2021&nbsp;</li><li>Nutrient Management Considerations for Corn in 2021, Dr. Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, K-State</li><li>Management Practices in Corn, Dr. Ignacio Ciampitti, K-State</li><li>Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021&nbsp;</li><li>Weed Control, Dr. Sara Lancaster, K-State</li><li>Planter Technology—Lessons Learned for Corn, Dr. Ajay Sharda, K-State</li><li>Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021&nbsp;</li><li>Markets and Futures Prices, Dr. Dan O’Brien, K-State</li><li>KCGA Policy Achievements and Ambitions – Josh Roe, Kansas Corn</li>
 </ul>&nbsp;“Despite today’s current challenges with COVID, participating online provides an opportunity for corn farmers to learn the latest research findings on key topics and what challenges to watch out for in agronomy, markets, and policy,” said Kansas Corn V.P. of Market Development and Policy Josh Roe.The webinars are offered at free for growers thanks to support from premier sponsor Pioneer Seeds, and supporting sponsor Compass Minerals. Participants are asked to pre-register online to receive the information and links to the webinar.Get more information and register online at <a href="https://kscorn.com/cornschool/">kscorn.com/cornschool</a> or by phone by calling Kansas Corn at 785-410-5009.

2021 Kansas Corn School webinar series begins

From U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall's Office...

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. issued the following statement regarding President Joe Biden’s inaugural address. The Senator attended the Inauguration with his wife Laina.

“Today, my wife Laina and I joined all Americans to witness the Constitutional transition of power to President Joe Biden,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall. “It is important that both sides of the political spectrum continue to lower the national temperature and recognize opportunities for common good. I have hope that we can work with the new Administration on behalf of Kansas as we tackle extremely pressing issues facing our nation including: getting the COVID-19 vaccine into the arms of everyone who wants and needs it, boosting job recovery, and opening businesses and our economy back up to the historic levels we saw before the pandemic.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611239376618.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall's Office...Yesterday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. issued the following statement regarding President Joe Biden’s inaugural address. The Senator attended the Inauguration with his wife Laina.“Today, my wife Laina and I joined all Americans to witness the Constitutional transition of power to President Joe Biden,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall. “It is important that both sides of the political spectrum continue to lower the national temperature and recognize opportunities for common good. I have hope that we can work with the new Administration on behalf of Kansas as we tackle extremely pressing issues facing our nation including: getting the COVID-19 vaccine into the arms of everyone who wants and needs it, boosting job recovery, and opening businesses and our economy back up to the historic levels we saw before the pandemic.”

Senator Marshall statement on President Biden’s inaugural address

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (1/20) 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 1:09 a.m. a traffic arrest was made at 500 S. Main Street in Hoisington. 
 
Burglary / In Progress 
 
At 7:44 a.m. a burglary was reported at 1209 Adams Street. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (1/20) 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 5:51 a.m. a report of seeing someone in her vehicle and then noticing her
wallet was missing from the console was made at 2809 Forest Avenue. Total loss
of $40. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 6:02 a.m. Tamara Hopkins was eastbound on 10th Street and struck
a curb, sign and then a street light. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 6:43 a.m. items stolen from his vehicle was reported at 2701 Lakin Avenue. 
 
Burglary / In Progress 
 
At 7:44 a.m. a burglary was reported at 1209 Adams Street. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 9:31 a.m. a fire in the kitchen was reported at 717 Coolidge Street 20. GBFD
responded. 
 
Theft 
 
At 9:48 a.m. theft of a chainsaw was reported at 1649 K-96 Highway. 
 
Burglary / In Progress 
 
At 11:42 a.m. a report of someone trying to get into his back door was made at
1210 Morton Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 2:30 p.m. Walmart, 3503 10th Street, reported a theft of money
from the store. NTA was signed. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 3:56 p.m. an accident was reported at 807 10th Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 5:36 p.m. theft of a security camera was reported at 1411 18th
Street. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 7:19 p.m. a report of a low hanging wire was made in the 1400 block of
Broadway. Utility company was notified.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592405093656.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office Incident Log (1/20) 
 
Traffic Arrest 
 
At 1:09 a.m. a traffic arrest was made at 500 S. Main Street in Hoisington. 
 
Burglary / In Progress 
 
At 7:44 a.m. a burglary was reported at 1209 Adams Street. 
 
Great Bend Police Department Incident
Log (1/20) 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 5:51 a.m. a report of seeing someone in her vehicle and then noticing her
wallet was missing from the console was made at 2809 Forest Avenue. Total loss
of $40. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 6:02 a.m. Tamara Hopkins was eastbound on 10th Street and struck
a curb, sign and then a street light. 
 
Burglary / Not in Progress 
 
At 6:43 a.m. items stolen from his vehicle was reported at 2701 Lakin Avenue. 
 
Burglary / In Progress 
 
At 7:44 a.m. a burglary was reported at 1209 Adams Street. 
 
Structure Fire 
 
At 9:31 a.m. a fire in the kitchen was reported at 717 Coolidge Street 20. GBFD
responded. 
 
Theft 
 
At 9:48 a.m. theft of a chainsaw was reported at 1649 K-96 Highway. 
 
Burglary / In Progress 
 
At 11:42 a.m. a report of someone trying to get into his back door was made at
1210 Morton Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 2:30 p.m. Walmart, 3503 10th Street, reported a theft of money
from the store. NTA was signed. 
 
Injury Accident 
 
At 3:56 p.m. an accident was reported at 807 10th Street. 
 
Theft 
 
At 5:36 p.m. theft of a security camera was reported at 1411 18th
Street. 
 
Utility Problems 
 
At 7:19 p.m. a report of a low hanging wire was made in the 1400 block of
Broadway. Utility company was notified.

Cop Shop (1/20)

Today Sunny, with a high near 57. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. Northeast wind 7 to 10 mph.

Friday Sunny, with a high near 43. East southeast wind 6 to 10 mph.

Friday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 26. East wind 8 to 11 mph.

Saturday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Breezy, with a south wind of 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of rain after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Sunday A 20 percent chance of rain after 12 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46.

Sunday Night A chance of rain before 7 pm, then a chance of rain and snow between 7 pm and 8 pm, then a chance of snow after 8 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Monday A 40 percent chance of snow before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 37.

Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.

Tuesday A slight chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 36. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday Night A 30 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Wednesday A slight chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 39. Chance of precipitation is 20%.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611237650359.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Today Sunny, with a high near 57. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon.Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. Northeast wind 7 to 10 mph.Friday Sunny, with a high near 43. East southeast wind 6 to 10 mph.Friday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 26. East wind 8 to 11 mph.Saturday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46. Breezy, with a south wind of 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of rain after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.Sunday A 20 percent chance of rain after 12 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46.Sunday Night A chance of rain before 7 pm, then a chance of rain and snow between 7 pm and 8 pm, then a chance of snow after 8 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. Chance of precipitation is 40%.Monday A 40 percent chance of snow before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 37.Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20.Tuesday A slight chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 36. Chance of precipitation is 20%.Tuesday Night A 30 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22.Wednesday A slight chance of rain and snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 39. Chance of precipitation is 20%.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's Weather

BOOKED: Gavyn Lohr on BTDC for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $2,500 C/S. Also HMC for DWS, Speeding, No Proof of Insurance and Unlawful Use of Driver's License. Bond set at $2,500 C/S.&nbsp;

BOOKED: Eligus Ricketts on SCMC for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $500. Booked on SCMC for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $695. Booked on SCMC for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $500. Booked on SCMC for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $358.&nbsp;

BOOKED: Hunter Ward on BTDC for two counts of Burglary. Bond set at $20,000. Also on BTDC for Distribution of Methamphetamine. Bond set at $50,000.&nbsp;

RELEASED: Nicholas Ney on GBMC for DUI, Disregard Traffic Signal and Bond. $1,000 Bond Posted.&nbsp;

RELEASED: Gavyn Lohr&nbsp;on BTDC for Failure to Appear. $2,500 Bond Posted. Also HMC for DWS, Speeding, No Proof of Insurance and Unlawful Use of Driver's License. $2,500 Bond Posted.&nbsp;

RELEASED: Bethany Oxford for Domestic Battery on 18 Hour OR Bond.&nbsp;

RELEASED: Wayne Hunter on BTDC for Distribution of Opiate Opium Narcotic, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Use of Weapon and Possession of Marijuana. $100,000 Bond Posted.&nbsp;

RELEASED: Robert Hunt on BTDC for Distribution within 1,000 ft of a School, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia, Driving While Suspended and No Proof of Insurance. Released by County Attorney on $100,000 Bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1577973411213.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BOOKED: Gavyn Lohr on BTDC for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $2,500 C/S. Also HMC for DWS, Speeding, No Proof of Insurance and Unlawful Use of Driver's License. Bond set at $2,500 C/S.&nbsp;BOOKED: Eligus Ricketts on SCMC for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $500. Booked on SCMC for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $695. Booked on SCMC for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $500. Booked on SCMC for Failure to Appear. Bond set at $358.&nbsp;BOOKED: Hunter Ward on BTDC for two counts of Burglary. Bond set at $20,000. Also on BTDC for Distribution of Methamphetamine. Bond set at $50,000.&nbsp;RELEASED: Nicholas Ney on GBMC for DUI, Disregard Traffic Signal and Bond. $1,000 Bond Posted.&nbsp;RELEASED: Gavyn Lohr&nbsp;on BTDC for Failure to Appear. $2,500 Bond Posted. Also HMC for DWS, Speeding, No Proof of Insurance and Unlawful Use of Driver's License. $2,500 Bond Posted.&nbsp;RELEASED: Bethany Oxford for Domestic Battery on 18 Hour OR Bond.&nbsp;RELEASED: Wayne Hunter on BTDC for Distribution of Opiate Opium Narcotic, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Criminal Use of Weapon and Possession of Marijuana. $100,000 Bond Posted.&nbsp;RELEASED: Robert Hunt on BTDC for Distribution within 1,000 ft of a School, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia, Driving While Suspended and No Proof of Insurance. Released by County Attorney on $100,000 Bond.&nbsp;

Barton County Sheriff's Booking Activity (1/20)

Barton County has received a limited number of COVID 19 vaccine doses (300) and will conduct a drive through vaccination clinic:

Friday, January 22, 2021 4 P.M. Barton County Fairgrounds Expo III Building

Barton County has received a limited number of COVID 19 vaccine doses (300) and will conduct a drive through vaccination clinic:Friday, January 22, 2021 4 P.M. Barton County Fairgrounds Expo III BuildingEligible participants are based on KDHE guidance to vaccinate persons aged 65+, congregate settings and high-contact critical workers as outlined in Phase 2 of the Governor’s plan and only those individuals will be included in this event. Due to the limited number of vaccine doses Barton County has received, it is likely the event will end before 7 P.M. Barton County anticipates receiving more vaccines in the near future and will continue to host additional drive through clinics as soon as possible.It is not required, however, to expedite your vaccination, eligible persons may visit www.bartoncounty.org to download and complete the vaccine consent form found under the COVID 19 tab.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610732509572.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>