On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Jessica Phelan, assistant professor in the Fort Hays State University Department of Health and Human Performance about numerous health benefits of vegetables in our diets.&nbsp;

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post reporter Becky Kiser speaks with Jessica Phelan, assistant professor in the Fort Hays State University Department of Health and Human Performance about numerous health benefits of vegetables in our diets.&nbsp;<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Vegetables. Love 'em or hate 'em, they're great for you." allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8c6x7-178070f-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎙 Post Podcast: Vegetables. Love 'em or hate 'em, they're great for you

By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/12/20/kansas-faces-constitutional-crisis-with-rural-attorney-shortage-supreme-court-justice-says/?emci=90c2989c-44bf-ef11-88ce-0022482a93af&amp;emdi=5cf0ff54-82bf-ef11-88ce-0022482a93af&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Supreme Court Justice K.J. Wall said Friday the state is “approaching a constitutional crisis” with a shortage of attorneys in rural areas, and that “equity and justice” are at&nbsp; stake.

Wall spoke at a news conference in Concordia as a committee tasked with studying the crisis over the past two years&nbsp;<a href="https://kscourts.gov/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/court%20administration/Rural-Justice-Initiative/Kansas-Rural-Justice-Initiative-Committee-Final-Report.pdf" target="_blank">unveiled a report</a>&nbsp;that offers recommendations for attracting more attorneys to practice in rural areas. The report also presents stark data: Outside of the state’s five most-populous counties, just 21% of active attorneys serve 45% of the state’s population.

One-third of the attorneys in those 100 rural counties are over the age of 60.

“The problem is serious, and it is not going to get better without intervention and affirmative action,” Wall said.

Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert established the Rural Justice Initiative Committee on Dec. 1, 2022. The&nbsp;<a href="https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts/Court-Administration/Committees/Kansas-Rural-Justice-Initiative-Committee" target="_blank">35-member committee</a>&nbsp;included judges, legislators, attorneys, educators, business leaders, and organizations that serve victims of sexual or domestic violence.

Luckert said at Friday’s news conference that she formed the committee after hearing from judges who said they couldn’t find attorneys who were qualified or willing to take cases, from attorneys who wanted to retire but didn’t want to leave their communities without legal help, and from local governments that struggled to hire a city or county attorney.

She said “we knew we had a crisis,” but she wanted to know “how pervasive” it was.

“I think we found that it was even worse than we thought it would be,” Luckert said.

Data from the committee’s 84-page report shows 1,401 attorneys work in rural Kansas counties, where more than 1.3 million people live. In comparison, there are more Kansas attorneys working in Kansas City, Missouri.

Two Kansas counties — Wichita and Hodgeman, in west-central Kansas — have no attorneys at all. Seven more have no attorneys under the age of 60.

In 47 counties, there is less than one attorney per 1,000 people.

“Rural judges struggle to find attorneys in cases where the right to counsel is guaranteed by constitution or statute — cases where a person’s very liberty or right to parent their child is at stake,” the report found. “Attorneys are turning away potential clients each week because they cannot meet the demand in their communities.”

The report said barriers for attorneys working in rural areas include the balance between staggering student loan debt and lower incomes, a lack of business skills, and challenges of finding child care, housing, health care and reliable Wi-Fi.

The report makes 10 recommendations for addressing the problem. They include establishing programs to pay tuition or repay student loans for attorneys who attend law school in Kansas and practice in a rural part of the state.

Other proposals include developing a professional organization for rural attorneys to collaborate on recruitment and retention, supporting outreach efforts for K-12 students in rural Kansas, working with the Kansas Department of Commerce and Office of Rural Prosperity to help attorneys manage their businesses, and establishing a standing committee to monitor the results.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734965559039.png" alt="Kansas Supreme Court Justice K.J. Wall takes the oath of office on Jan. 9, 2023. Wall says the problem of not having enough attorneys in rural counties won’t get better without intervention.&nbsp; Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Supreme Court Justice K.J. Wall takes the oath of office on Jan. 9, 2023. Wall says the problem of not having enough attorneys in rural counties won’t get better without intervention.&nbsp; Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/12/20/kansas-faces-constitutional-crisis-with-rural-attorney-shortage-supreme-court-justice-says/?emci=90c2989c-44bf-ef11-88ce-0022482a93af&amp;emdi=5cf0ff54-82bf-ef11-88ce-0022482a93af&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a> TOPEKA — Kansas Supreme Court Justice K.J. Wall said Friday the state is “approaching a constitutional crisis” with a shortage of attorneys in rural areas, and that “equity and justice” are at&nbsp; stake.Wall spoke at a news conference in Concordia as a committee tasked with studying the crisis over the past two years&nbsp;<a href="https://kscourts.gov/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/court%20administration/Rural-Justice-Initiative/Kansas-Rural-Justice-Initiative-Committee-Final-Report.pdf" target="_blank">unveiled a report</a>&nbsp;that offers recommendations for attracting more attorneys to practice in rural areas. The report also presents stark data: Outside of the state’s five most-populous counties, just 21% of active attorneys serve 45% of the state’s population.One-third of the attorneys in those 100 rural counties are over the age of 60.“The problem is serious, and it is not going to get better without intervention and affirmative action,” Wall said.Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert established the Rural Justice Initiative Committee on Dec. 1, 2022. The&nbsp;<a href="https://kscourts.gov/About-the-Courts/Court-Administration/Committees/Kansas-Rural-Justice-Initiative-Committee" target="_blank">35-member committee</a>&nbsp;included judges, legislators, attorneys, educators, business leaders, and organizations that serve victims of sexual or domestic violence.Western Kansas members include:<ul>
 <li>District Judge Tom Drees, 23rd Judicial District </li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Senator Elaine Bowers, District 36 </li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Representative Tory Marie Blew, District 112 </li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Ashley D. Comeau, attorney, Plainville </li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Aaron Cunningham, attorney, Hays </li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Charles Peckham, attorney, Atwood</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Wendy Rohleder-Sook, assistant professor of political science and director of pre-law and legal studies, Fort Hays State University, Hays </li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Brien Stockman, attorney and Dane G. Hansen Foundation Trustee, Logan </li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Etta L. Walker, attorney, Sharon Springs</li>
 </ul>Luckert said at Friday’s news conference that she formed the committee after hearing from judges who said they couldn’t find attorneys who were qualified or willing to take cases, from attorneys who wanted to retire but didn’t want to leave their communities without legal help, and from local governments that struggled to hire a city or county attorney.She said “we knew we had a crisis,” but she wanted to know “how pervasive” it was.“I think we found that it was even worse than we thought it would be,” Luckert said.Data from the committee’s 84-page report shows 1,401 attorneys work in rural Kansas counties, where more than 1.3 million people live. In comparison, there are more Kansas attorneys working in Kansas City, Missouri.Two Kansas counties — Wichita and Hodgeman, in west-central Kansas — have no attorneys at all. Seven more have no attorneys under the age of 60.In 47 counties, there is less than one attorney per 1,000 people.“Rural judges struggle to find attorneys in cases where the right to counsel is guaranteed by constitution or statute — cases where a person’s very liberty or right to parent their child is at stake,” the report found. “Attorneys are turning away potential clients each week because they cannot meet the demand in their communities.”The report said barriers for attorneys working in rural areas include the balance between staggering student loan debt and lower incomes, a lack of business skills, and challenges of finding child care, housing, health care and reliable Wi-Fi.The report makes 10 recommendations for addressing the problem. They include establishing programs to pay tuition or repay student loans for attorneys who attend law school in Kansas and practice in a rural part of the state.Other proposals include developing a professional organization for rural attorneys to collaborate on recruitment and retention, supporting outreach efforts for K-12 students in rural Kansas, working with the Kansas Department of Commerce and Office of Rural Prosperity to help attorneys manage their businesses, and establishing a standing committee to monitor the results.

Kansas faces ‘constitutional crisis’ with rural attorney shortage

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Spending New Year's Day in jail is no way to begin 2025. Driving under the influence may result in a suspended driver's license and higher insurance premiums. It can also ruin lives. Director of Promotions Becca Fletcher said that's why Eagle Media is again partnering with the Great Bend Police Department for the New Year's Eve Taxi.

"On New Year's Eve, give them a call from 6 p.m. until 3 a.m. at (620) 639-8294," Fletcher said. "All you have to do is make a $10 donation. An officer from the Great Bend Police Department will pick you up and drive you home. The great thing is, the proceeds benefit the Kids' Christmas Gift Fund."

A $10 donation, per person, is still much cheaper than paying fines and fees associated with a DUI arrest. The taxi will drop residents off anywhere in Barton County.

The New Year's Eve Taxi is sponsored, in part, by Miller's Plastic, Miller's Warehouse,  Nex-Tech Wireless, and Hazmat Response. All you have to do is call (620) 639-TAXI. That's (620) 639-8294.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703854383356.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostSpending New Year's Day in jail is no way to begin 2025. Driving under the influence may result in a suspended driver's license and higher insurance premiums. It can also ruin lives. Director of Promotions Becca Fletcher said that's why Eagle Media is again partnering with the Great Bend Police Department for the New Year's Eve Taxi."On New Year's Eve, give them a call from 6 p.m. until 3 a.m. at (620) 639-8294," Fletcher said. "All you have to do is make a $10 donation. An officer from the Great Bend Police Department will pick you up and drive you home. The great thing is, the proceeds benefit the Kids' Christmas Gift Fund."A $10 donation, per person, is still much cheaper than paying fines and fees associated with a DUI arrest. The taxi will drop residents off anywhere in Barton County.The New Year's Eve Taxi is sponsored, in part, by Miller's Plastic, Miller's Warehouse, Nex-Tech Wireless, and Hazmat Response. All you have to do is call (620) 639-TAXI. That's (620) 639-8294.

Eagle Media, GB Police Dept. again offering New Year's Eve Taxi

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

From a small dream to 20 years of sweet success, Agustine's Bakery has baked its way into the hearts and stomachs of Hays.

The bakery, 1305 Main St., celebrated 20 years on Dec. 1, giving gratitude to their customers and surrounding communities for their life-changing support.

The local business began in 2003. Chad and Holly Augustine founded it, as Holly transitioned from social work and Chad's exit from another bakery after it closed.

"We wouldn't be here if everybody didn't patronize us," Holly said. "I do think we have some of the best customers."

Holly said it took several years to build a customer base, during which they navigated challenges such as balancing work with raising three children and weathering recessions.

"Everybody says that you should be OK if you can survive the first five to seven years. By then, you've already made the majority of the mistakes that you're going to make and figure out what's best for business," she said.

After the business Chad worked at was sold, customers began reaching out to him for baked goods, inspiring the idea for Augustine's Bakery.

"I decided to go back to school, and everybody started calling," Chad said. "They knew I worked there and asked us to make cakes and cookies. A couple of months later, we found this building."

While Holly continued her previous job, Chad focused on getting the bakery ready with the help of family members.

Holly helped in the bakery after finishing her full-time shift but eventually left her position to fully support Chad, who had been running the shop alone.

"We decided this wasn't going to work, and if this was what we really wanted, we needed to go 100%," Holly said.

The pair worked tirelessly, often dividing responsibilities between baking, decorating and engaging with customers at the front counter.

Augustine's Bakery showed resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, staying open while adapting to the challenges.

The bakery closed its lobby for dine-in seating but stayed open for walk-in customers and introduced a temporary delivery service to meet customer needs and stability.

"We did not struggle during COVID because we didn't allow it to happen to us," Holly said.

Although demand for birthday cakes and other large-order items declined during the pandemic, strong community support kept the bakery afloat.

Nowadays, Chad will likely greet customers at the counter while Holly decorates cakes and other baked goods in the back.

"Customers do get confused when I'm up here. They're like, 'Where's Chad?'" Holly said.

The bakery’s shelves are typically filled with breakfast rolls, pastries, burritos, cookies, brownies, cupcakes and cakes, though these items tend to sell out quickly.

"If you want something, you should probably call, and then we'll pull it right off the shelf, and you can come in," Holly said.

Because custom cakes and cookies are personalized, they must be ordered in advance, either by phone or through Facebook messages.

Augustine’s Bakery caters to events like weddings, business meeting meals, special occasions and holidays.

Their three daughters helped in the bakery when they were younger and have since pursued careers in radiology and law.

Chad and Holly said they run the bakery seven days a week, dedicating their closed days to preparing for the week ahead.

"We never work less than a 12-hour day. We're on our feet from 6 a.m. till 10 p.m. some days. It takes a lot to do this," Holly said.

In 20 years, the only times both owners were gone from the bakery were for their daughters' graduations.

Recognizing the physical and mental demands, the pair admitted another 20 years of running the bakery is unlikely, but they remain dedicated to their work.

Chad said that since 2003, every business on the bakery's block has changed with one exception.

"Every business is different except us, which shows you how hard it is to keep a business going for 20 years," he said.

Augustine’s Bakery has earned several achievements, such as being voted Hays Reader’s Choice Best Bakery from 2007 to 2020 and being featured multiple times in Taste of Home Magazine as the Best Bakery in Kansas.

Augustine Bakery is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays. It is closed on Christmas Eve.

You can visit their website <a href="http://www.augustinesbakery.com/index.html">here</a> and follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/AUGUSTINES-BAKERY-100063601359796/">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734549645790.jpeg" alt="The front entrance of Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The front entrance of Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostFrom a small dream to 20 years of sweet success, Agustine's Bakery has baked its way into the hearts and stomachs of Hays.The bakery, 1305 Main St., celebrated 20 years on Dec. 1, giving gratitude to their customers and surrounding communities for their life-changing support.The local business began in 2003. Chad and Holly Augustine founded it, as Holly transitioned from social work and Chad's exit from another bakery after it closed."We wouldn't be here if everybody didn't patronize us," Holly said. "I do think we have some of the best customers."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734549701706.jpeg" alt="Owners of Augustine's Bakery in Hays, Chad and Holly Augustine. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Owners of Augustine's Bakery in Hays, Chad and Holly Augustine. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Holly said it took several years to build a customer base, during which they navigated challenges such as balancing work with raising three children and weathering recessions."Everybody says that you should be OK if you can survive the first five to seven years. By then, you've already made the majority of the mistakes that you're going to make and figure out what's best for business," she said.After the business Chad worked at was sold, customers began reaching out to him for baked goods, inspiring the idea for Augustine's Bakery."I decided to go back to school, and everybody started calling," Chad said. "They knew I worked there and asked us to make cakes and cookies. A couple of months later, we found this building."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734549787563.jpeg" alt="The front counter of&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The front counter of&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>While Holly continued her previous job, Chad focused on getting the bakery ready with the help of family members.Holly helped in the bakery after finishing her full-time shift but eventually left her position to fully support Chad, who had been running the shop alone."We decided this wasn't going to work, and if this was what we really wanted, we needed to go 100%," Holly said.The pair worked tirelessly, often dividing responsibilities between baking, decorating and engaging with customers at the front counter.Augustine's Bakery showed resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, staying open while adapting to the challenges.The bakery closed its lobby for dine-in seating but stayed open for walk-in customers and introduced a temporary delivery service to meet customer needs and stability.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734549841785.jpeg" alt="The seating area of&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The seating area of&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734550422050.jpeg" alt="Freshly made German kuchen from&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Freshly made German kuchen from&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734550260410.jpeg" alt="Cake pops and popular red velvet cake roll with cream cheese filling.&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Cake pops and popular red velvet cake roll with cream cheese filling.&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"We did not struggle during COVID because we didn't allow it to happen to us," Holly said.Although demand for birthday cakes and other large-order items declined during the pandemic, strong community support kept the bakery afloat.Nowadays, Chad will likely greet customers at the counter while Holly decorates cakes and other baked goods in the back."Customers do get confused when I'm up here. They're like, 'Where's Chad?'" Holly said.The bakery’s shelves are typically filled with breakfast rolls, pastries, burritos, cookies, brownies, cupcakes and cakes, though these items tend to sell out quickly.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734549903272.jpeg" alt="Christmas cookies on display at&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Christmas cookies on display at&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734549959467.jpeg" alt="Peanut butter, snickerdoodle and white chocolate macadamia nut cookies at&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Peanut butter, snickerdoodle and white chocolate macadamia nut cookies at&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734549992488.jpeg" alt="Raspberry cream cheese croissant at&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Raspberry cream cheese croissant at&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>"If you want something, you should probably call, and then we'll pull it right off the shelf, and you can come in," Holly said.Because custom cakes and cookies are personalized, they must be ordered in advance, either by phone or through Facebook messages.Augustine’s Bakery caters to events like weddings, business meeting meals, special occasions and holidays.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734550054525.jpeg" alt="White chocolate peppermint cheesecake at&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>White chocolate peppermint cheesecake at&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Their three daughters helped in the bakery when they were younger and have since pursued careers in radiology and law.Chad and Holly said they run the bakery seven days a week, dedicating their closed days to preparing for the week ahead."We never work less than a 12-hour day. We're on our feet from 6 a.m. till 10 p.m. some days. It takes a lot to do this," Holly said.In 20 years, the only times both owners were gone from the bakery were for their daughters' graduations.Recognizing the physical and mental demands, the pair admitted another 20 years of running the bakery is unlikely, but they remain dedicated to their work.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734550475520.jpeg" alt="A workbench for cake decorating in the backroom of&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>A workbench for cake decorating in the backroom of&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Chad said that since 2003, every business on the bakery's block has changed with one exception."Every business is different except us, which shows you how hard it is to keep a business going for 20 years," he said.Augustine’s Bakery has earned several achievements, such as being voted Hays Reader’s Choice Best Bakery from 2007 to 2020 and being featured multiple times in Taste of Home Magazine as the Best Bakery in Kansas.Augustine Bakery is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays. It is closed on Christmas Eve.You can visit their website <a href="http://www.augustinesbakery.com/index.html">here</a> and follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/AUGUSTINES-BAKERY-100063601359796/">Facebook</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734550524917.jpeg" alt="Pumpkin nut and banana nut lemon poppyseed bread at&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Pumpkin nut and banana nut lemon poppyseed bread at&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734550564332.jpeg" alt="Candied mixed nuts at&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Candied mixed nuts at&nbsp;Augustine's Bakery in Hays. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>

Augustine Bakery celebrates 20 years of delicious flavors in Hays

Eagle Media in Great Bend produces the Great Bend Post Podcast, available wherever you consume your podcasts. Hear past shows, interviews and meetings from local guests in the Barton County area. Make sure to follow the Post Podcast to receive notifications of new episodes.

View Great Bend Post Podcast on Apple Podcasts <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/great-bend-post-podcast/id1693657426">HERE</a>. View Great Bend Post Podcast on Spotify <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4E0Vv03Pfyf9n37kFV4n5b">HERE</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722361372574.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle Media in Great Bend produces the Great Bend Post Podcast, available wherever you consume your podcasts. Hear past shows, interviews and meetings from local guests in the Barton County area. Make sure to follow the Post Podcast to receive notifications of new episodes.<div><iframe title="Great Bend Post Podcast" allowtransparency="true" height="315" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:315px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=exg2z-fe3d77-pbblog-playlist&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&order=episodic&limit=10&filter=all&ss=a713390a017602015775e868a2cf26b0&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>View Great Bend Post Podcast on Apple Podcasts <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/great-bend-post-podcast/id1693657426">HERE</a>. View Great Bend Post Podcast on Spotify <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4E0Vv03Pfyf9n37kFV4n5b">HERE</a>.

🎙Follow the Great Bend Post Podcast

12/23 BOOKED: Brandon Crooks on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $738 cash only.

RELEASED: Joshua Mesecher on Barton County District Court case, after time served.

RELEASED: Penifer Salinas on KDOC Parole Warrant, after warrant withdrawn.

RELEASED: Alexis Hernandez on Barton County District Court warrant, on $2,500 OR bond.

RELEASED: Ismael Dominguez III on Two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Failure to Appear, by order of the court.

RELEASED: John&nbsp; Carl, Jr. on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, on 48-hour OR bond.

12/24 BOOKED: Adrian Flores on two Barton County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, bonds set at $2,500 C/S and no bond.

RELEASED: Trevin Behnke on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $153 cash bond.

12/25 BOOKED: Michael Moore on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Interference with LEO, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

RELEASED: Michael Moore on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Interference with LEO, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606242247715.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>12/23 BOOKED: Brandon Crooks on Barton County District Court warrant for Probation Violation, bond set at $738 cash only.RELEASED: Joshua Mesecher on Barton County District Court case, after time served.RELEASED: Penifer Salinas on KDOC Parole Warrant, after warrant withdrawn.RELEASED: Alexis Hernandez on Barton County District Court warrant, on $2,500 OR bond.RELEASED: Ismael Dominguez III on Two Great Bend Municipal Court warrants for Failure to Appear, by order of the court.RELEASED: John&nbsp; Carl, Jr. on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Trespass, on 48-hour OR bond.12/24 BOOKED: Adrian Flores on two Barton County District Court warrants for Failure to Appear, bonds set at $2,500 C/S and no bond.RELEASED: Trevin Behnke on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $153 cash bond.12/25 BOOKED: Michael Moore on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Interference with LEO, bond set at $1,000 C/S.RELEASED: Michael Moore on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Interference with LEO, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (12/23 - 12/25)

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

At the Dec. 16 meeting, the Great Bend City Council
voted against adopting regulations for potential solar development within the
three-mile zoning jurisdiction of Great Bend. As of now, there are no
guidelines specific for creating solar energy conservation systems.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a0b5b9d0-8241-4d2f-ae5d-89c47833dc6e">RELATED STORY: Great Bend council votes to have no specific solar regulations</a>

Jolene
Biggs was one of four councilmembers that voted no toward adopting the solar
regulations.


"The one argument that has stuck with me is a landowner that lives east of town said all of his neighbors have leased ground to Acciona Energy...if that should happen," said Biggs. "Of course we're not looking at Acciona. We're just looking at setting up guidelines. But looking out that window, I certainly would not want to look at that. I will be voting no for those reasons."

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/7ea8e83e-de1e-4d7f-9d1c-ae3cb25b73ff">RELATED STORY: Great Bend council presented details on solar farm impact</a>

The Great Bend Planning Commission developed the regulations that included a
minimum of 1,000-foot setback for any solar development from the property line
of a tract with a residence. 

Alan Moeder was one of three councilmembers that
voted in favor of adopting the regulations.


"I see the pros and cons of both sides, but the person paying property taxes on their land has the right to do with their land what they want," said Moeder. "At this point, you can go on the internet and find pros and cons of both of them. Who knows what is right or wrong? I will be voting yes."

A conditional use permit still needs to be filed for anyone interested in
building solar panels within Great Bend’s zoning jurisdiction, and council
approval is needed. As of now, if that permit is granted, there are no specific
solar guidelines regulating the production of the development.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAt the Dec. 16 meeting, the Great Bend City Council
voted against adopting regulations for potential solar development within the
three-mile zoning jurisdiction of Great Bend. As of now, there are no
guidelines specific for creating solar energy conservation systems.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a0b5b9d0-8241-4d2f-ae5d-89c47833dc6e">RELATED STORY: Great Bend council votes to have no specific solar regulations</a>Jolene
Biggs was one of four councilmembers that voted no toward adopting the solar
regulations.
"The one argument that has stuck with me is a landowner that lives east of town said all of his neighbors have leased ground to Acciona Energy...if that should happen," said Biggs. "Of course we're not looking at Acciona. We're just looking at setting up guidelines. But looking out that window, I certainly would not want to look at that. I will be voting no for those reasons."<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/7ea8e83e-de1e-4d7f-9d1c-ae3cb25b73ff">RELATED STORY: Great Bend council presented details on solar farm impact</a>The Great Bend Planning Commission developed the regulations that included a
minimum of 1,000-foot setback for any solar development from the property line
of a tract with a residence. Alan Moeder was one of three councilmembers that
voted in favor of adopting the regulations.
"I see the pros and cons of both sides, but the person paying property taxes on their land has the right to do with their land what they want," said Moeder. "At this point, you can go on the internet and find pros and cons of both of them. Who knows what is right or wrong? I will be voting yes."A conditional use permit still needs to be filed for anyone interested in
building solar panels within Great Bend’s zoning jurisdiction, and council
approval is needed. As of now, if that permit is granted, there are no specific
solar guidelines regulating the production of the development.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend council with mixed feelings on solar regulations

Great Bend's Cheyenne/Quivira Ducks Unlimited Chapter recently held its annual youth hunt at Crosby Wild Game Adventures. District Chair Jerry Ney said a dozen young hunters age 12-16 participated in this year's event with support from their parents and mentors.

"We did a European-style shoot," Ney said. "We had a good turnout and a good success rate. The kids all got to take home about five birds apiece."

This year's youth hunt was sponsored by Cheyenne/Quivira Ducks Unlimited, Devin McMillen, and Wally Eldridge. Beyond the sport of hunting, Ney said the youth hunts serve a larger purpose.

"This is very important," he said. "This keeps the younger generation interested in hunting and conservation."

Cheyenne/Quivira Chapter 007 hosts the second-largest Ducks Unlimited fundraiser in the state each year. Only the Overland Park chapter raises more money that the Great Bend chapter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734984381250.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGreat Bend's Cheyenne/Quivira Ducks Unlimited Chapter recently held its annual youth hunt at Crosby Wild Game Adventures. District Chair Jerry Ney said a dozen young hunters age 12-16 participated in this year's event with support from their parents and mentors."We did a European-style shoot," Ney said. "We had a good turnout and a good success rate. The kids all got to take home about five birds apiece."This year's youth hunt was sponsored by Cheyenne/Quivira Ducks Unlimited, Devin McMillen, and Wally Eldridge. Beyond the sport of hunting, Ney said the youth hunts serve a larger purpose."This is very important," he said. "This keeps the younger generation interested in hunting and conservation."Cheyenne/Quivira Chapter 007 hosts the second-largest Ducks Unlimited fundraiser in the state each year. Only the Overland Park chapter raises more money that the Great Bend chapter.

Great Bend Ducks Unlimited chapter hosts dozen youth in special hunt

Today Patchy drizzle before 10 a.m. Areas of dense fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 45. Light and variable wind becoming south-southeast around 6 mph in the morning. Tonight Areas of dense fog. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Friday A 20 percent chance of showers. Areas of dense fog before noon. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the morning.

Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. South-southwest wind around 6 mph.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Northwest wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Monday Sunny, with a high near 59. Breezy.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 44.

Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.

New Year's Day Sunny, with a high near 44.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today Patchy drizzle before 10 a.m. Areas of dense fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 45. Light and variable wind becoming south-southeast around 6 mph in the morning. Tonight Areas of dense fog. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.Friday A 20 percent chance of showers. Areas of dense fog before noon. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the morning.Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. South-southwest wind around 6 mph.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. Northwest wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.Monday Sunny, with a high near 59. Breezy.Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 27.Tuesday Sunny, with a high near 44.Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.New Year's Day Sunny, with a high near 44.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thursday's weather

The Honorable Steve Johnson, who has served the 20th Judicial District as District Judge, Division II, for the past 12 years, has announced his retirement. The 20th Judicial District includes Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, Russell and Stafford counties.

Judge Johnson took the bench on Jan. 13, 2013. His current term ends on Jan. 13, 2025, and he did not run for re-election. He served in the capacity of Chief Judge from January 2021 through December of 2023. While serving as district judge, he had the honor of sitting with the Kansas Supreme Court on two different occasions. He also served on a panel with the Kansas Court of Appeals.

Johnson grew up on a small farm in Gove County and graduated from Healy High School and Fort Hays State University. He went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from the Washburn University School of Law. Prior to his time as judge, he was in private practice in Great Bend from 1985 to 2012 with Greg Bauer and Charles Pike.

Johnson expressed great appreciation for the opportunity to serve these communities as judge for this district and indicated he will certainly miss the job that he has enjoyed so much. Further, he will miss the people he has worked with on a day-to-day basis. However, he is looking forward to retirement. He and his wife, Jil, have been married for 43 years and their children, Lyndsee and Mitch, both live in Kansas City. His retirement plans include seeing more of his family and friends, traveling, and many other activities and hobbies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734984824524.png" alt="The Hon. Steve Johnson" />
 <figcaption>The Hon. Steve Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>The Honorable Steve Johnson, who has served the 20th Judicial District as District Judge, Division II, for the past 12 years, has announced his retirement. The 20th Judicial District includes Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, Russell and Stafford counties.Judge Johnson took the bench on Jan. 13, 2013. His current term ends on Jan. 13, 2025, and he did not run for re-election. He served in the capacity of Chief Judge from January 2021 through December of 2023. While serving as district judge, he had the honor of sitting with the Kansas Supreme Court on two different occasions. He also served on a panel with the Kansas Court of Appeals.Johnson grew up on a small farm in Gove County and graduated from Healy High School and Fort Hays State University. He went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from the Washburn University School of Law. Prior to his time as judge, he was in private practice in Great Bend from 1985 to 2012 with Greg Bauer and Charles Pike.Johnson expressed great appreciation for the opportunity to serve these communities as judge for this district and indicated he will certainly miss the job that he has enjoyed so much. Further, he will miss the people he has worked with on a day-to-day basis. However, he is looking forward to retirement. He and his wife, Jil, have been married for 43 years and their children, Lyndsee and Mitch, both live in Kansas City. His retirement plans include seeing more of his family and friends, traveling, and many other activities and hobbies.

Hon. Steve Johnson set to retire after 12 years on bench in 20th Judicial District

From the Kansas Wetlands Education Center...

 WILD - Winter Tracks - Dec. 26 - 10 a.m.

 Drop-in STEM - Winter Trees - December 27 - 1-3:30 p.m.

Get your winter break wiggles out and join us for two days of activities.  On Thursday, Dec. 26 at 10 a.m. come learn more about the animals behind common tracks and make a plaster track ornament to take home. On Friday, Dec. 27, come-and-go from 1-3:30 p.m. and explore the wonders of winter trees through hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math activities.

Science - Mistletoe - Decoration or Parasite? - discover the fascinating world of mistletoe.  Why do people kiss under it, shotguns are sometimes used for harvesting, and their berries can explode, ejecting seeds up to 60 mph.

Technology - Create your own spinning Christmas tree to take home!  The simple electronics of this project will wow your kids until they go back to school.  In a bonus technology station, we'll explore our Cheyenne Bottoms Chronolog, following a time-lapse of one particular tree in the marsh.

Engineering - Use a hammer, wood, nails, wheels, and axles to construct the classic truck carrying a tree.  

Math - Learn how to measure the height and diameter of a tree and understand how much lumber can be harvested. Take home STEM kit - Continue the learning fun at home!  Get a special STEM kit to grow your own crystal tree over your winter break!



<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735056156529.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>From the Kansas Wetlands Education Center... WILD - Winter Tracks - Dec. 26 - 10 a.m. Drop-in STEM - Winter Trees - December 27 - 1-3:30 p.m.Get your winter break wiggles out and join us for two days of activities. On Thursday, Dec. 26 at 10 a.m. come learn more about the animals behind common tracks and make a plaster track ornament to take home. On Friday, Dec. 27, come-and-go from 1-3:30 p.m. and explore the wonders of winter trees through hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math activities.Science - Mistletoe - Decoration or Parasite? - discover the fascinating world of mistletoe. Why do people kiss under it, shotguns are sometimes used for harvesting, and their berries can explode, ejecting seeds up to 60 mph.Technology - Create your own spinning Christmas tree to take home! The simple electronics of this project will wow your kids until they go back to school. In a bonus technology station, we'll explore our Cheyenne Bottoms Chronolog, following a time-lapse of one particular tree in the marsh.Engineering - Use a hammer, wood, nails, wheels, and axles to construct the classic truck carrying a tree. Math - Learn how to measure the height and diameter of a tree and understand how much lumber can be harvested. Take home STEM kit - Continue the learning fun at home! Get a special STEM kit to grow your own crystal tree over your winter break!

Kansas Wetlands offering STEM classes for children after Christmas

On Dec. 18, the Great Bend Police Department, along with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #23, participated in our annual Cops and Kids shopping event at Walmart in Great Bend.

<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a85c6d75-34a7-48e4-ace7-f45f1da775c5">RELATED STORY: Great Bend adding funds for "Shop with a Cop" this Christmas</a>

The officers were able to shop with approximately 50 children, who each got a gift card and were able to select what they wanted to buy for Christmas. The police officers were able to provide the families of the children with a gift card to help purchase some groceries as well. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735054733377.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>On Dec. 18, the Great Bend Police Department, along with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #23, participated in our annual Cops and Kids shopping event at Walmart in Great Bend.<a href="https://greatbendpost.com/posts/a85c6d75-34a7-48e4-ace7-f45f1da775c5">RELATED STORY: Great Bend adding funds for "Shop with a Cop" this Christmas</a>The officers were able to shop with approximately 50 children, who each got a gift card and were able to select what they wanted to buy for Christmas. The police officers were able to provide the families of the children with a gift card to help purchase some groceries as well.

Another successful 'Shop with a Cop' event in Great Bend

Christmas mornings are filled with anticipation. Everyone looks forward to unwrapping presents.&nbsp;And in the spirit of giving, there are gifts for all.&nbsp;

Democracy confers gifts as well, offering nearly every voter something.&nbsp;As election day draws near, voters eagerly await results.&nbsp; They hope to see their favorite choices prevail.&nbsp;Many will not.&nbsp;But it’s likely that most voters will end up supporting at least one or more successful candidates. For example, voters that supported a&nbsp; losing presidential candidate can still find success with their House or Senate choices. Or a voter’s mayoral pick may lose but state House and school board selections win. 

Consider this year’s elections. Republicans scored several high profile victories: They took back the White House, the Senate, and secured a majority in House of Representatives.&nbsp;Trump’s popular vote percentage was the highest of his three campaigns and the first time in 20 years a Republican&nbsp;won&nbsp;the popular vote. And in a&nbsp;shift&nbsp;not seen since 1980, the Republican presidential candidate gained in every state – compared to the previous election.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Still, Democrats were not left empty-handed. They flipped several House seats in California and New York, cutting the Republican majority to its smallest size since the beginning of Great Depression. Moreover, in four swing states that Trump carried – Arizona, Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin – the Senate Democrat won. Keeping these seats significantly reduces the chances of Republicans overcoming a Democrat filibuster.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Democrats also experienced several&nbsp;historic&nbsp;victories. Delaware’s Sarah McBride will be the first openly transgender member of the U.S. Congress; Andy Kim of New Jersey will be the first Korean Senator and Maryland’s Angela Alsobrooks and Delaware’s Lisa Blunt will be the first pair of Black women to sit in the Senate at the same time.&nbsp; Closer to home, Democrat Sharice Davids recorded yet another victory in the 3rd&nbsp;congressional district. This marks the fourth straight election where she comfortably beat the Republican opposition.

A majority of Johnson County voters again supported a Democrat for president;&nbsp; the second time in over 100 years. Riley, Shawnee, Douglas, and Wyandotte counties joined Johnson County in voting for Harris. In addition, Johnson County elected its first Democrat sheriff in nearly a century –&nbsp;Byron Roberson, strengthening the county’s identity as an emerging Democrat stronghold.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Not to be outdone, Kansas Republicans&nbsp;maintained&nbsp;their supermajorities in the House and Senate, prevailing in nearly&nbsp;all contests&nbsp;that were considered crucial to the power struggle in Topeka. And Republican Derek Schmidt defeated Democrat Nancy Boyda to represent the 2nd&nbsp;Congressional District, joining the state’s two other congressional Republican winners.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Most voters will thus be part of a winning coalition, whether it be for the office of president, state legislator, county clerk, city council, or the local water board. That matters.&nbsp;Research&nbsp;shows that when people vote for a winner, they are more satisfied with elections and more supportive of the way things work.&nbsp;

Elections are not zero-sum events.&nbsp;There’s an abundance available, though some voters will certainly win more than others.&nbsp; If you’re still feeling like you got a lump of coal, be patient –&nbsp; there’s an excellent chance that the next electoral cycle will make your wishes come true.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="Submitted for Insight Kansas by Mark R. Joslyn, University of Kansas&nbsp;Department of Political Science" />
 <figcaption>Submitted for Insight Kansas by Mark R. Joslyn, University of Kansas&nbsp;Department of Political Science</figcaption>
 </figure>Christmas mornings are filled with anticipation. Everyone looks forward to unwrapping presents.&nbsp;And in the spirit of giving, there are gifts for all.&nbsp;Democracy confers gifts as well, offering nearly every voter something.&nbsp;As election day draws near, voters eagerly await results.&nbsp; They hope to see their favorite choices prevail.&nbsp;Many will not.&nbsp;But it’s likely that most voters will end up supporting at least one or more successful candidates. For example, voters that supported a&nbsp; losing presidential candidate can still find success with their House or Senate choices. Or a voter’s mayoral pick may lose but state House and school board selections win. Consider this year’s elections. Republicans scored several high profile victories: They took back the White House, the Senate, and secured a majority in House of Representatives.&nbsp;Trump’s popular vote percentage was the highest of his three campaigns and the first time in 20 years a Republican&nbsp;won&nbsp;the popular vote. And in a&nbsp;shift&nbsp;not seen since 1980, the Republican presidential candidate gained in every state – compared to the previous election.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Still, Democrats were not left empty-handed. They flipped several House seats in California and New York, cutting the Republican majority to its smallest size since the beginning of Great Depression. Moreover, in four swing states that Trump carried – Arizona, Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin – the Senate Democrat won. Keeping these seats significantly reduces the chances of Republicans overcoming a Democrat filibuster.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Democrats also experienced several&nbsp;historic&nbsp;victories. Delaware’s Sarah McBride will be the first openly transgender member of the U.S. Congress; Andy Kim of New Jersey will be the first Korean Senator and Maryland’s Angela Alsobrooks and Delaware’s Lisa Blunt will be the first pair of Black women to sit in the Senate at the same time.&nbsp; Closer to home, Democrat Sharice Davids recorded yet another victory in the 3rd&nbsp;congressional district. This marks the fourth straight election where she comfortably beat the Republican opposition.A majority of Johnson County voters again supported a Democrat for president;&nbsp; the second time in over 100 years. Riley, Shawnee, Douglas, and Wyandotte counties joined Johnson County in voting for Harris. In addition, Johnson County elected its first Democrat sheriff in nearly a century –&nbsp;Byron Roberson, strengthening the county’s identity as an emerging Democrat stronghold.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Not to be outdone, Kansas Republicans&nbsp;maintained&nbsp;their supermajorities in the House and Senate, prevailing in nearly&nbsp;all contests&nbsp;that were considered crucial to the power struggle in Topeka. And Republican Derek Schmidt defeated Democrat Nancy Boyda to represent the 2nd&nbsp;Congressional District, joining the state’s two other congressional Republican winners.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Most voters will thus be part of a winning coalition, whether it be for the office of president, state legislator, county clerk, city council, or the local water board. That matters.&nbsp;Research&nbsp;shows that when people vote for a winner, they are more satisfied with elections and more supportive of the way things work.&nbsp;Elections are not zero-sum events.&nbsp;There’s an abundance available, though some voters will certainly win more than others.&nbsp; If you’re still feeling like you got a lump of coal, be patient –&nbsp; there’s an excellent chance that the next electoral cycle will make your wishes come true.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Insight Kansas: Unwrapping the electoral season

Back in April, Central Kansas Community Corrections Director Brooke Haulmark was just a few months into her new position when she had to outline CKCC's goals for the upcoming 2025 fiscal year. Goal number one for the first quarter that began in July was completing assessments for at least 90 percent of new clients within 30 days of their assignment to CKCC by the court. As she approaches her first anniversary on the job after the New Year, Haulmark is happy to report a 97 percent success rate.

"These are standardized assessments that are done for prison population, parole, and community corrections," she said. "It helps to set that foundation of where the individual has some needs that need to be addressed, and where can we focus programming to ensure they are successful and don't ever come back on supervision once they're done."

Haulmark said the organization that serves five counties in the 20th Judicial District was more than 200 assessments behind when she took over the position. She said timeliness of the assessments is important for several reasons, including building on any momentum a client has to make changes following sentencing.

"If you wait longer than 30 or 45 days, that momentum to handle business fades away," she said. "We have to stay on top of doing those assessments. Case management is do the assessment, get them with their programming,  do check-ins with them. If you don't have the assessment, you don't even know what their risk areas are. It is the foundational piece of case management."

Haulmark credits peer-to-peer accountability and tips from Patrick Lencioni's "The Five Dysfunctions as a Team" in meeting the goal. The other two goals set in April include developing a case plan for 90 percent of high-risk offenders within 45 days and having 90 percent of those high-risk offenders entered into a statewide database within 60 days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718203561091.jpeg" alt="Central Kansas Community Corrections Director Brooke Haulmark" />
 <figcaption>Central Kansas Community Corrections Director Brooke Haulmark</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostBack in April, Central Kansas Community Corrections Director Brooke Haulmark was just a few months into her new position when she had to outline CKCC's goals for the upcoming 2025 fiscal year. Goal number one for the first quarter that began in July was completing assessments for at least 90 percent of new clients within 30 days of their assignment to CKCC by the court. As she approaches her first anniversary on the job after the New Year, Haulmark is happy to report a 97 percent success rate."These are standardized assessments that are done for prison population, parole, and community corrections," she said. "It helps to set that foundation of where the individual has some needs that need to be addressed, and where can we focus programming to ensure they are successful and don't ever come back on supervision once they're done."Haulmark said the organization that serves five counties in the 20th Judicial District was more than 200 assessments behind when she took over the position. She said timeliness of the assessments is important for several reasons, including building on any momentum a client has to make changes following sentencing."If you wait longer than 30 or 45 days, that momentum to handle business fades away," she said. "We have to stay on top of doing those assessments. Case management is do the assessment, get them with their programming, do check-ins with them. If you don't have the assessment, you don't even know what their risk areas are. It is the foundational piece of case management."Haulmark credits peer-to-peer accountability and tips from Patrick Lencioni's "The Five Dysfunctions as a Team" in meeting the goal. The other two goals set in April include developing a case plan for 90 percent of high-risk offenders within 45 days and having 90 percent of those high-risk offenders entered into a statewide database within 60 days.

Central KS Community Corrections making headway on goals for 2025

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Just in time for Christmas, Barton County Historical Society Board Member Justin Engleman joined Mike Hesher on 1590 KVGB/95.5 FM's Pages in Time program on Monday, Dec. 23. Engleman read Letters to Santa from past editions of the Great Bend Tribune, some as old as 1909.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722361372574.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Just in time for Christmas, Barton County Historical Society Board Member Justin Engleman joined Mike Hesher on 1590 KVGB/95.5 FM's Pages in Time program on Monday, Dec. 23. Engleman read Letters to Santa from past editions of the Great Bend Tribune, some as old as 1909.<div><iframe title="Pages in Time - Barton County Historical Society Christmas Past 2024" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=e3v3d-178099e-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=f6f6f6&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=60a0c8" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

Post Podcast: Pages in Time - Letters to Santa 

Merry Christmas from Eagle Media and Great Bend Post!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671739351431.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Merry Christmas from Eagle Media and Great Bend Post!

Ah, Christmas! Time once again to connect present to past and share family traditions and stories. Lifetime collections of ornaments and décor combined with treasured recipes trigger memories that fill humans with longing for lost loved ones and friends and the richness they added. Every ornament I have links me to people and activities from long ago.

Setting out tiny, hand-carved egg cups that hold one red Santa and one black Santa bring Lawrence Weigel to mind. During my first years of teaching decades ago, a local resident encouraged me to invite Mr. Weigel to share stories of Volga German customs with my classes. The man possessed a wealth of information about traditions unique to this area. His stories about Christkind and Belznicklos enthralled those high school English students.

While many youngsters in Ellis County descended from Volga German settlers, few families maintained customs brought from the old country. Lawrence captured our attention as he explained how each area village in Ellis and Rush Counties represented a specific town with dialects and cultures originating hundreds of years ago in Germany before that first migration to Russia’s Volga River Region.

He explained that before WW II when automobile access made travel easier from one town to another encouraging cultures to blend, traditions and customs changed little. Following a later migration to Kansas, these families still practiced customs like their forebearers brought from Germany to Russia three hundred years earlier.

I taught young adults, and Lawrence Weigel’s stories about Christkind and Belznicklos moved teens to their seats edge. Out of nearly 130 students he spoke to each year, less than a handful had heard of characters integral to their great-grandparents’ and grandparents’ lives. Though I have a Volga German grandmother, I’d never heard these stories either.

According to our speaker, Christkind appeared in association with St. Nicholas’s Day on December 6th. A blonde youth dressed in blue and white passed outside windows where a child looking out might catch this apparition revealing a doll or carved wooden toy. Of course, this inspired prayers as well as the hope that good kids might receive the displayed object for Christmas.

Christkind’s opposite was Belznicklos whom I’ve also heard called the Black Santa. Mr. Weigel shared that during his childhood, this character scared the tar out of naughty kids. Someone clanking chains and dressed in dark clothing--perhaps a buffalo hide coat, wearing a mask, carrying a whip and a sack large enough to hold a youngster--noisily appeared to recount miscreant’s bad behaviors. Unbeknownst to targeted kiddoes, parents previously reported offenses to this creature. Lawrence shared accounts of him grabbing particularly badly behaved children, stuffing them in his bag, and carrying them onto the prairie. Watching student faces as they considered this fate let me see wheels turning in the heads of listeners who realized they’d find themselves inside Belnicklos’ sack. Lawrence explained at the end of his tale that this form of behavior modification caused more than one child to change his or her ways.

All good things end, and Lawrence Weigel took his engaging renditions of local customs with him when he passed. Thinking now of loved ones sitting around holiday tables makes me hope that someone in every family passes on their stories to fascinated listeners. Perhaps another class of students one day will listen to those tales while sitting on the edges of chairs, letting imaginations run wild.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734975212828.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINAh, Christmas! Time once again to connect present to past and share family traditions and stories. Lifetime collections of ornaments and décor combined with treasured recipes trigger memories that fill humans with longing for lost loved ones and friends and the richness they added. Every ornament I have links me to people and activities from long ago.Setting out tiny, hand-carved egg cups that hold one red Santa and one black Santa bring Lawrence Weigel to mind. During my first years of teaching decades ago, a local resident encouraged me to invite Mr. Weigel to share stories of Volga German customs with my classes. The man possessed a wealth of information about traditions unique to this area. His stories about Christkind and Belznicklos enthralled those high school English students.While many youngsters in Ellis County descended from Volga German settlers, few families maintained customs brought from the old country. Lawrence captured our attention as he explained how each area village in Ellis and Rush Counties represented a specific town with dialects and cultures originating hundreds of years ago in Germany before that first migration to Russia’s Volga River Region.He explained that before WW II when automobile access made travel easier from one town to another encouraging cultures to blend, traditions and customs changed little. Following a later migration to Kansas, these families still practiced customs like their forebearers brought from Germany to Russia three hundred years earlier.I taught young adults, and Lawrence Weigel’s stories about Christkind and Belznicklos moved teens to their seats edge. Out of nearly 130 students he spoke to each year, less than a handful had heard of characters integral to their great-grandparents’ and grandparents’ lives. Though I have a Volga German grandmother, I’d never heard these stories either.According to our speaker, Christkind appeared in association with St. Nicholas’s Day on December 6th. A blonde youth dressed in blue and white passed outside windows where a child looking out might catch this apparition revealing a doll or carved wooden toy. Of course, this inspired prayers as well as the hope that good kids might receive the displayed object for Christmas.Christkind’s opposite was Belznicklos whom I’ve also heard called the Black Santa. Mr. Weigel shared that during his childhood, this character scared the tar out of naughty kids. Someone clanking chains and dressed in dark clothing--perhaps a buffalo hide coat, wearing a mask, carrying a whip and a sack large enough to hold a youngster--noisily appeared to recount miscreant’s bad behaviors. Unbeknownst to targeted kiddoes, parents previously reported offenses to this creature. Lawrence shared accounts of him grabbing particularly badly behaved children, stuffing them in his bag, and carrying them onto the prairie. Watching student faces as they considered this fate let me see wheels turning in the heads of listeners who realized they’d find themselves inside Belnicklos’ sack. Lawrence explained at the end of his tale that this form of behavior modification caused more than one child to change his or her ways.All good things end, and Lawrence Weigel took his engaging renditions of local customs with him when he passed. Thinking now of loved ones sitting around holiday tables makes me hope that someone in every family passes on their stories to fascinated listeners. Perhaps another class of students one day will listen to those tales while sitting on the edges of chairs, letting imaginations run wild.

MADORIN: Remembering Lawrence Weigel this Christmas

In the spirit of the season, the Gifting Forward Foundation has brought festive cheer by gifting $1,000 each day to 12 local organizations, delivering $12,000 in support to those making a difference in the community.

The Gifting Forward Foundation, established in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, was created with the mission to empower individuals to support the causes that are most meaningful to them. Since its inception, the Foundation has grown to over half a million dollars in assets and over ten million dollars pledged—now entering a new chapter in its mission to “gift it forward.”

Over the last 12 business days, the Foundation revealed a new nonprofit recipient each day. 

The selected organizations include: USD 428 Education Foundation, CKCA School, Holy Family School, Barton County Community College Foundation, CASA, Kans for Kids, Core Communities, 1st Christian Church Refuge Building Fund, Dream Center, Family Crisis Center, Sunflower Diversified, and GB Alive.

“We are beyond thrilled to support these organizations that are integral to making a positive difference in our community,” said Dena Hiss, Co-Founder of the Gifting Forward Foundation. “This campaign is just one small way we can say ‘thank you’ for their hard work and dedication. It is so heartwarming to witness the collective impact these organizations are making, and it fills us with joy to be able to gift forward during the holiday season.”

The daily winners were revealed on local radio and through the Gifting Forward Foundation's Facebook page. From education and youth programs to crisis centers and community services, the campaign has spotlighted a diverse group of nonprofits.

“We are incredibly grateful for the Gifting Forward Foundation’s generosity,” said Kylee Graves, Executive Director at Family Crisis Center. “This donation will allow us to expand our reach and continue providing vital services to those families and individuals who need them most.”

As the Foundation continues to grow and expand its mission, it remains dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to give freely, without restrictions, to the causes that matter most, fostering a stronger, more supportive community.&nbsp;

For more information about the Gifting Forward Foundation and its mission, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.gifting-forward.org/">www.gifting-forward.org</a>&nbsp;or follow them on Facebook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735052216161.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>In the spirit of the season, the Gifting Forward Foundation has brought festive cheer by gifting $1,000 each day to 12 local organizations, delivering $12,000 in support to those making a difference in the community.The Gifting Forward Foundation, established in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, was created with the mission to empower individuals to support the causes that are most meaningful to them. Since its inception, the Foundation has grown to over half a million dollars in assets and over ten million dollars pledged—now entering a new chapter in its mission to “gift it forward.”Over the last 12 business days, the Foundation revealed a new nonprofit recipient each day. The selected organizations include: USD 428 Education Foundation, CKCA School, Holy Family School, Barton County Community College Foundation, CASA, Kans for Kids, Core Communities, 1st Christian Church Refuge Building Fund, Dream Center, Family Crisis Center, Sunflower Diversified, and GB Alive.“We are beyond thrilled to support these organizations that are integral to making a positive difference in our community,” said Dena Hiss, Co-Founder of the Gifting Forward Foundation. “This campaign is just one small way we can say ‘thank you’ for their hard work and dedication. It is so heartwarming to witness the collective impact these organizations are making, and it fills us with joy to be able to gift forward during the holiday season.”The daily winners were revealed on local radio and through the Gifting Forward Foundation's Facebook page. From education and youth programs to crisis centers and community services, the campaign has spotlighted a diverse group of nonprofits.“We are incredibly grateful for the Gifting Forward Foundation’s generosity,” said Kylee Graves, Executive Director at Family Crisis Center. “This donation will allow us to expand our reach and continue providing vital services to those families and individuals who need them most.”As the Foundation continues to grow and expand its mission, it remains dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to give freely, without restrictions, to the causes that matter most, fostering a stronger, more supportive community.&nbsp;For more information about the Gifting Forward Foundation and its mission, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.gifting-forward.org/">www.gifting-forward.org</a>&nbsp;or follow them on Facebook.

Gifting Forward spreads holiday cheer with $12,000 donation campaign

Farms face daily decisions about their operations including new equipment and crops, pricing and risk management strategies. Kansas State University’s Agricultural Economics Department offers its Finances and the Farm online course to help producers develop strong financial skills to make informed decisions that impact the farm's bottom line.

“The need to manage farm financials may be greater than ever before because of historically high input costs and lower commodity prices, creating uncertain profitability margins,” K-State extension farm economist Robin Reid said. “The Finances and the Farm online class provides education for managing financial risk of the farm business; focusing on good recordkeeping as the foundation, using those records to develop financial statements, conducting benchmarking and performance analysis on those statements, and then using that information to make management decisions.”

The course covers seven lessons: Recordkeeping, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Enterprise Budgeting, Cash Flow, Managing Family Living Expenses, and Goal Setting. During the course, participants will:

· Understand the structure of a balance sheet, income statement, enterprise budgets, and cash flow

· Use a case farm to complete quizzes to check understanding and practice using these financial statements in a real-world setting

· Two case farms available: Row Crops and Beef Cattle, and Vegetable, Egg and Honeybee Farm

· Be prepared to use financial management techniques for their own operation

· Learn how to make changes to avoid financial difficulties

Taught by Reid and K-State farm analyst LaVell Winsor, the course was first launched in 2021. It has been recently updated to provide a more interactive learning experience for participants.

Participants watch short videos, go through an interactive review of the content, do an interactive activity, and then work through a quiz where they are inputting numbers into a financial statement and doing performance analysis, so they are able to apply what they are learning in the videos. Participants are also then given resources such as paper sheets and Excel documents to develop financial statements for their own operations. The course is self-paced, which means participants can take up to six months to complete the material, though it is recommended that participants make a schedule to complete it in 2-4 weeks.

“This course is designed with the learner in mind, with the convenience of completing this course at their own pace, from their home or office,” Winsor said.

The cost is $100 (education only), or $300 if the participant wishes to receive Farm Service Agency borrower’s training financial credit. It is approved for participants to receive FSA Borrower’s Training Financial Credits for Kansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Coursework will be graded, and a certificate will be provided upon successful completion of the final exam. Registration is available online https://www.agmanager.info/events/finances-and-farm-online-class

Previous participants have appreciated the breadth of information learned from the program.

“The class was able to offer a fairly wide variety of options for most operations on how to manage finances. I felt that all the information was communicated accurately and clearly,” a previous participant said. Another said, “This was so good. Having not owned a farm for a decade, and now going through approval to finally find a smaller farm, I only wish I had known about this course prior to completing my USDA paperwork and financials. It is that imperative, and the $300 cost is nominal compared to the amount of information received, the resources and reference, and of course the templates provided. I am thoroughly impressed and so thankful this program is out there!” 

More information is also available by contacting Reid by email, robinreid@ksu.edu, or 785-532-0964.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681266655144.jpeg" alt="written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Stacy Campbell - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>Farms face daily decisions about their operations including new equipment and crops, pricing and risk management strategies. Kansas State University’s Agricultural Economics Department offers its Finances and the Farm online course to help producers develop strong financial skills to make informed decisions that impact the farm's bottom line.“The need to manage farm financials may be greater than ever before because of historically high input costs and lower commodity prices, creating uncertain profitability margins,” K-State extension farm economist Robin Reid said. “The Finances and the Farm online class provides education for managing financial risk of the farm business; focusing on good recordkeeping as the foundation, using those records to develop financial statements, conducting benchmarking and performance analysis on those statements, and then using that information to make management decisions.”The course covers seven lessons: Recordkeeping, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Enterprise Budgeting, Cash Flow, Managing Family Living Expenses, and Goal Setting. During the course, participants will:· Understand the structure of a balance sheet, income statement, enterprise budgets, and cash flow· Use a case farm to complete quizzes to check understanding and practice using these financial statements in a real-world setting· Two case farms available: Row Crops and Beef Cattle, and Vegetable, Egg and Honeybee Farm· Be prepared to use financial management techniques for their own operation· Set goals for their operation· Learn how to make changes to avoid financial difficultiesTaught by Reid and K-State farm analyst LaVell Winsor, the course was first launched in 2021. It has been recently updated to provide a more interactive learning experience for participants.Participants watch short videos, go through an interactive review of the content, do an interactive activity, and then work through a quiz where they are inputting numbers into a financial statement and doing performance analysis, so they are able to apply what they are learning in the videos. Participants are also then given resources such as paper sheets and Excel documents to develop financial statements for their own operations. The course is self-paced, which means participants can take up to six months to complete the material, though it is recommended that participants make a schedule to complete it in 2-4 weeks.“This course is designed with the learner in mind, with the convenience of completing this course at their own pace, from their home or office,” Winsor said.The cost is $100 (education only), or $300 if the participant wishes to receive Farm Service Agency borrower’s training financial credit. It is approved for participants to receive FSA Borrower’s Training Financial Credits for Kansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Coursework will be graded, and a certificate will be provided upon successful completion of the final exam. Registration is available online https://www.agmanager.info/events/finances-and-farm-online-classPrevious participants have appreciated the breadth of information learned from the program.“The class was able to offer a fairly wide variety of options for most operations on how to manage finances. I felt that all the information was communicated accurately and clearly,” a previous participant said. Another said, “This was so good. Having not owned a farm for a decade, and now going through approval to finally find a smaller farm, I only wish I had known about this course prior to completing my USDA paperwork and financials. It is that imperative, and the $300 cost is nominal compared to the amount of information received, the resources and reference, and of course the templates provided. I am thoroughly impressed and so thankful this program is out there!” More information is also available by contacting Reid by email, robinreid@ksu.edu, or 785-532-0964.

CAMPBELL: Online financial and farm management course for farmers

Did you know December is the peak time for home fires involving candles and holiday decorations? The American Red Cross offers simple steps to help make sure your holiday decorations aren’t the cause of a home fire during the holidays.

HOLIDAY LIGHTING&nbsp;Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.

TREE SAFETY&nbsp;If you are leaning toward a real tree, pick one with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.

CANDLES AND HOME FIRES&nbsp;While candles are pretty and some smell good, they also cause home fires. Remember, a candle is an open flame ─ it can easily ignite anything that can burn. Think about using flameless candles ─ they look and smell like real candles.

Did you know December is the peak time for home fires involving candles and holiday decorations? The American Red Cross offers simple steps to help make sure your holiday decorations aren’t the cause of a home fire during the holidays.HOLIDAY LIGHTING&nbsp;Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.<ul>
 <li>Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Check to make sure you have the right lights for where you are decorating.</li><li>Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.</li><li>Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands you can safely connect.</li><li>Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.</li>
 </ul>TREE SAFETY&nbsp;If you are leaning toward a real tree, pick one with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.<ul>
 <li>Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.</li><li>Add water to the tree every day.</li><li>Never use lit candles to decorate the tree and always turn off the tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.</li><li>If buying an artificial tree, look for a fire-resistant label. When putting it up, keep it away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>CANDLES AND HOME FIRES&nbsp;While candles are pretty and some smell good, they also cause home fires. Remember, a candle is an open flame ─ it can easily ignite anything that can burn. Think about using flameless candles ─ they look and smell like real candles.<ul>
 <li>Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.</li><li>Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.</li><li>Keep candles at least 1 foot away from anything that can burn.</li><li>Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily. Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.</li><li>Light candles carefully.</li><li>Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.</li><li>Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.</li>
 </ul>Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. In addition to testing your alarms once a month, change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it. Also check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they need to be replaced because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday season.

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